Book Review – Never Desire a Duke

03 Friday Jan 2014

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Book Review, Lily Dalton, Never Desire a Duke, One Scandalous Season series

Time for another review.

*****

A Marriage Beyond Hope

Lady Sophia has long been estranged from her husband, Vane Barwick, the Duke of Claxton, whose rumored list of amorous conquests includes almost every beautiful woman of the ton. Yet a shocking encounter with him in a crowded ballroom-and a single touch-are all it takes to reawaken her furious passion for him. But how can she trust the man who crushed her dreams and took away the one thing she wanted most?

A Love Beyond Reason

Claxton has never forgiven himself for the youthful mistake that ruined his marriage to Sophia. Now, after nearly a year abroad, the reformed rogue vows to win back the only woman he’s ever truly loved. He’ll do whatever it takes to prove he can be the honorable husband she deserves-and the passionate lover she desires. As the snowdrifts deepen outside their ancestral home, can they rekindle the flame that burned so bright and find a new path to forever?

This is another one of those times when I think the blurb doesn’t quite give a good feeling for what the book is about – yes, Sophia and Vane have been estranged but it’s been less than a year and yes, his amorous history is part of their problem but it wasn’t really what broke them. Here’s my take – Sophia accidentally opens a letter to her husband that made it seem like he was cheating on her, she freaks out and, while rushing out of the house, slips on some ice and falls, causing a miscarriage. Both are heartbroken and instead of drawing closer in their grief, they pull apart and now there is such a distance between them that they may not be able to ever repair their marriage. They do get snowed in and the forced togetherness causes them to have to deal with their past and the possibility of a future together.

I’m not usually a fan of stories where people let their pride, misunderstandings and miscommunications to drag out their reconciliation but I think Dalton does a pretty good job. There are reasons for each of them to feel the way they do but both are too pig-headed (and scared) to work it out quickly and easily. Their journey back together is a good one and I found myself rooting for them to get it all straightened out. It was enjoyable getting to know both Vane and Sophia, and the secrets about why Vane is the way he is were intriguing. Dalton had me glued to the pages as Sophia got to know her husband all over again.

Never Desire a Duke is the first in the “One Scandalous Season” series, following Sophia and her sisters (and hopefully Vane’s brother, his cousin and Sophia’s friend Fox), and I’ll be keeping an eye out for the rest.

Book Review – Snowbound with the CEO

02 Thursday Jan 2014

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Book Review, Shannon Stacey, Snowbound with the CEO

Review time!

*****

Adrian Blackstone built a million-dollar business with hard work and determination—and by remaining professional at all times. Denying his longtime attraction to his beautiful executive assistant hasn’t been easy but it’s necessary. She’s indispensable, and he can’t stand the thought of losing her if things didn’t work out.

For more than a year, Rachel Carter has been quietly dreaming of all the ways she’ll never seduce her sexy, buttoned-up boss. She’s worked too hard to get where she is to cross that line, no matter how badly she’d like to act on her fantasies. But then a wicked snowstorm leaves them stranded in a romantic winter wonderland…

What begins as a single kiss and a few bad Santa jokes turns into a weekend full of breathless passion and hopes for something more. But with Monday comes a return to their complicated reality—and Adrian must prove that promises made are promises kept, especially at Christmastime.

Snowbound with the CEO is a delightful look at what happens when you mix business and pleasure. Even though it is a novella it manages to fit in a heartwarming story in a small holiday package. Adrian and Rachel are fantastic together – they have great chemistry and make a witty, charming couple. I loved seeing them finally give in to their desires and act on their attraction, and Stacey does a fantastic job of making it believable and realistic.

Then the weekend is over. Misunderstandings and miscommunications abound (of course), but Stacey brings it all back together beautifully. Part of me thinks that with their working relationship being so important to each of them, plus how organized and intelligent they both are, there would have been some kind of conversation about what happens next. But then I realize that when the heart’s involved the brain often goes on vacation. They both are more involved than they imagined they would be at the beginning of the weekend and neither wants to take the chance on ruining everything.

For a sweet look at two people who have to decide if they are willing to risk it all for a weekend of passion (with a twist on the sexy secretary fantasy thrown in to make it fun), Snowbound with the CEO is a must read for a snowy winter night. You’ll be wishing you were snowbound with Adrian too.

Book Review – Ashes

01 Wednesday Jan 2014

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Ashes, Book Review, Sarah Gilman

As promised, here’s my review of Ashes.

*****

Accidents happen for a reason…

Journalist Ambrosia Pellerin accepts an assignment involving the legendary phoenix, expecting, if nothing else, a little entertainment. Instead, she winds up pregnant—by a surprisingly human-looking firebird, Reece Bennu.

As the Phoenix prince, Reece is next in line to the throne and expected to marry a purebred royal. A common human such as Ambrosia is not in the cards. He swears, though, he’ll never be an absentee father.

As Ambrosia’s due date grows closer, so do the soon-to-be parents. But will their tentative love survive the prejudice of Reece’s grandmother, who will stop at nothing to tear the two apart?

I really enjoyed getting to know Reece and the world that he inhabits, plus meeting Ambrosia and following along as she gets to know his world too. Gilman does a great job of giving her readers something that will appeal to a large audience – you’ve got an accidental pregnancy between strangers, a rich and powerful family that doesn’t approve of their relationship, and then the supernatural world of phoenixes. It’s one that you need to be ok with the paranormal part to be able to truly enjoy it but the nice thing is that at its heart there is a more basic story too. It’s not all about the woo-woo world they live in, it also about two people falling in love and facing a choice of whether what they could have is worth fighting for.

Lovers of paranormal romances will find this a definitely treat. Phoenixes, people … that’s a new one for me, but I’m digging it. We’ve seen a lot of vampires and shape shifters but it is also fun to have something different and creatures that live among us undetected, who are hard to kill and have long lives but with definite weaknesses … the possibilities for stories are endless and there are some open ended threads in this one that hint at more (not gaping holes, but there are possibilities for on-going story lines). I’m excited to see what else Gilman comes up with.

Spotlight – Heart of the Incubus

31 Tuesday Dec 2013

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Demons of Infernum series, Heart of the Incubus, Rosalie Lario

Today we get to take a look at Rosalie Lario’s Heart of the Incubus!

*****

HEART OF THE INCUBUS

by: Rosalie Lario

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Tour Run Dates: 12/30-1/17

Blurb:

Biochemist Cresso Taylor lives the sort of lifestyle most men would envy—he has wealth, natural incubus charm, and more women than he can handle. But it’s not enough anymore. Not after meeting Genevieve Russell, the sexy scientist who works with him at Elcorp Laboratory. And she wants absolutely nothing to do with him.

After her fiancé broke her heart, Genevieve has had enough of womanizers. She’s determined to steer clear of sexy-as-sin Dr. Taylor, despite the fact that his incubus allure makes her want to rip his clothes off. But when a secret admirer’s affection turns to the macabre with threatening notes and grisly gifts, Cresso appoints himself her protector. As she and Cresso hunt her stalker, she discovers there’s a lot more to the sensual incubus than she ever imagined.

To win her heart, he’ll have to save her life.

Goodreads Amazon Barnes and Noble

*****

Author Bio:

Rosalie Lario is the award-winning, paranormal romance author of the Demons of Infernum and the Fallen Warriors series. Rosalie double majored in Anthropology and Classics as an undergraduate student, and briefly considered becoming an archaeologist before realizing they don’t actually live the life of Indiana Jones. So what was a classical geek armed with a lot of useless knowledge to do? Become a lawyer, of course!

After attending law school in Florida, she practiced real estate law for several years before finally admitting to herself that negotiating contracts wasn’t nearly as fun as dreaming up stories. She never imagined all the mythology she’d learned throughout her undergraduate education might actually come in handy, but it makes perfect fodder for the paranormal romance stories she now dreams up.

When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children in their home state of Florida.

Website Blog Twitter Facebook Goodreads Newsletter

*****

Giveaway Info:

3 Touch of the Angel Prize Packs (US Only)

Touch of the Angel (Int where Book Depository Ships)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb554234/

*****

Excerpt:

She cut off when she saw him. He’d donned a pair of black slacks and was in the process of pulling a burgundy sweater over his head. His damp hair curled around his strong, masculine neck, and the sight of his bare chest—of the hard planes and well-defined muscles of his pecs and abs—sent a bolt of pure lust racing through her body and into her loins. God, he was so gorgeous. Heart-stopping.

How the hell had she resisted him for so long?

Cresso tugged on his sweater and met her gaze. “No, thanks.”

Genevieve resisted the urge to drool while she eyed his outfit. “Are you going somewhere?”

“Yes, I have a few things to take care of. Don’t worry—you’ll be safe here. I’ll ask Taeg and Maya to look in on you.”

Something about the way he said that put her senses on alert. “Everything okay?”

“Fine,” he said in a clipped tone.

“You don’t sound fine.”

When she started toward him, he held out his hand. “Stay there.”

She paused, suddenly uncertain. Had she done something to upset him? “What’s wrong?”

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I’ve waited longer than I should. I need to go

“Go…feed,” she repeated numbly. He meant go have sex. With someone else. A sliver of

pain wrenched her stomach. She closed her arms around her waist. “Oh.”

Cresso reopened his eyes in time to see the pained expression she couldn’t quite manage to hide. Something bittersweet flashed across his face. “I can’t wait any longer. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“I understand.” Truly she did.

“Good.” His lips twisted into a half smile. “Left my shoes in the living room.”

When he headed for the doorway, she backed up so he could pass by her. But then it hit her. She couldn’t let him go.

“Cresso, wait.”

She reached out and grasped his arm, and he stopped midstride. The muscles in his arm went taut as he turned toward her. His jaw tight, he said, “Gen, please.”

Her stomach fluttered with nerves she had no chance of quelling. This was it, the moment of decision. Should she guard her heart and continue living her lonely life…or take a chance, even knowing what might go wrong?

Oh hell, there was no choice. Not really.

“Don’t go,” she whispered.

His eyes darkened and a muscle ticked in his jaw. “I have to feed.”

“Then”—she gave a nervous lick of her lips—“feed from me.”

His whole body went stiff. “Don’t tease me.”

Genevieve took a shaky breath. “I’m not.”

Cresso’s eyes widened and he slowly closed his hands over her arms. “Gen.” Her name sounded like a prayer on his lips.

She leaned into him. “Yes.”

*****

Tour Schedule:

12/30: Diane’s Book Blog – Spotlight

12/31: Romantic Reads and Such – Spotlight

1/2: Laurie’s Thoughts – Spotlight

1/6: Book Bliss – Guest blog/Spotlight

1/7: Gigi’s Book Blog – Review

1/8: Mark of the Stars – Guest blog

1/9: Trips Down Imagination’s Road – Review

1/12: A Little Bit of R&R

1/12: Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews – Spotlight

1/13: You Gotta Read – Spotlight

1/14: Inner Goddess – Guest Blog

1/16: In Shadows – Interview

1/17: Becky on Books – Review

Covet December Releases

30 Monday Dec 2013

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Ashes, Beg Me To Slay, Lisa Kessler, Sarah Gilman

Covets have all the sexiness, emotion, and happily ever after that readers have come to expect and love from Entangled. They are firmly grounded in the contemporary world, but each novel brings in supernatural twists, breaking the contemporary and paranormal rules, alike. To find out more about their titles, chat with authors, participate in special events, and to find out what books you’ll be coveting next, visit the Entangled website, follow them on Twitter, LIKE their Facebook page, and join the Book Club.

Today I’m happy to be featuring Covet’s December releases. And as a special bonus, Lisa Kessler is going to have a Facebook party today from 4 to 8 PM PST. Check it out here – https://www.facebook.com/events/655747377781974/.

Be sure to enter their great giveaways at the bottom of this post.

And one last thing, come back later this week because I’ll have a review of Ashes and lovers of paranormal romances will definitely find this one to be a treat.

Beg Me to Slay by Lisa Kessler

He’ll slay her demons, but it may cost her heart…

Four years ago Tegan Ashton was attacked. Determined never to be a victim again, she devotes her life to martial arts and self-defense. When her assailant returns to finish what he started, only one person can help her.

Gabe is a private investigator by day and demon slayer by night. After losing loved ones, he vows to defend people from a threat they don’t realize exists.

The relationship is supposed to be strictly business, but fighting demons together stirs up emotions they never expected. Turns out demon slaying is a breeze compared to facing their scarred pasts and even worse – hearts.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads

Ashes by Sarah Gilman

Journalist Ambrosia Pellerin accepts an assignment involving the legendary phoenix, expecting, if nothing else, a little entertainment. Instead, she winds up pregnant—by a surprisingly human-looking firebird, Reece Bennu.

As the Phoenix prince, Reece is next in line to the throne and expected to marry a purebred royal. A common human such as Ambrosia is not in the cards. He swears, though, he’ll never be an absentee father.

As Ambrosia’s due date grows closer, so do the soon-to-be parents. But will their tentative love survive the prejudice of Reece’s grandmother, who will stop at nothing to tear the two apart?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spotlight – Break Out

30 Monday Dec 2013

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Blood Hunter series, Break Out, Nina Croft

This morning we’re looking at Nina Croft’s book, Break Out.

Make sure you enter her cool contest. She’s giving away a $25 gift card and a cool necklace, but you have to check out each stop on the tour to get your Scavenger Hunt Quote. Contest link and links for all the tour stops can be found below.

*****

Break Out

Nina Croft

Genre: Accessible Sci-Fi

Tour Run Dates: 12/30-1/17

Break Out, book one of the Blood Hunter Series, is now on sale for a limited time. Get your copy for only $.99.

Blurb:

The year is 3048, Earth is no longer habitable, and man has fled to the stars where they’ve discovered the secret of immortality—Meridian. Unfortunately, the radioactive mineral is exorbitantly expensive and only available to a select few. A new class comprised of the super rich and immortal soon evolves. The Collective, as they’re called, rule the universe.

Two-thousand-year-old Ricardo Sanchez, vampire and rogue pilot of the space cruiser, El Cazador, can’t resist two things: gorgeous women and impossible jobs. When beautiful Skylar Rossaria approaches him to break a prisoner out of the Collective’s maximum security prison on Trakis One, Rico jumps at the chance. Being hunted by the Collective has never been so dangerous—or so fun.

Irreverent. Irresponsible. Insatiable. Who says immortals can’t have any fun?

Get your copy here!

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11829006-break-out

Amazon Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Break-Out-Blood-Hunter-Novel-ebook/dp/B0059IXO56

Barnes & Noble Buy Link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/break-out-nina-croft/1104075463?ean=9781620612279

Book Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTWHSXcHy7Q

*****

Excerpt:

“Mr. Sanchez—Rico—”

“Sit.”

Had she really thought his voice sounded like warm honey? That one word cut through the air like ice. She didn’t even have to think about it. She sat right down. Her lips were suddenly dry, and she ran the tip of her tongue over them.

“Is there a problem?” She decided that the squeak in her voice was quite allowable within the parameters of her character.

He strolled into the room, one hand resting on the laser pistol at his thigh, and came to a halt in front of her chair, far too close. He was tall. And broad. And menacing. She licked her lips again.

“Just a small one.”

“Well, I’m sure we can sort it out.” When Rico didn’t rush to agree with her, she decided to give the bimbo smile another try. Her dry lips stretched across her teeth in what she hoped would bring an answering smile from Rico.

He grinned, but for some reason it didn’t make Skylar feel any better at all. “Oh, I’m sure we can.” His smile broadened and the tip of one white fang showed briefly.

Skylar’s heart stopped. Then started again, so loudly she could hear the blood thundering in her veins.

Holy Meridian. What the hell was this guy?

Her mind flashed back to the rumors she’d heard about him, rumors she had ignored as too ludicrous to even consider. Just legends dredged up from the past.

She forced herself to take a deep breath. He could be any number of things. One rather large tooth did not mean he was a….

He reached up and slipped the shades from his eyes. His gaze locked with hers, and ice-cold prickles skittered down her spine. “Er—I just have to pop back to my shuttle for a moment.” She stumbled to her feet. “I forgot to—”

She closed her mouth as he continued to stare at her out of those crimson eyes. Who, or rather what, had eyes the color of blood?

He reached out a hand, placed one finger on her shoulder, and pushed her down. Closing her eyes, she tried to remember her training. What to do if caught. What to do if facing torture. Unfortunately, nothing was coming to mind.

Taking a few deep breaths, she pushed her fear to the back of her mind. She knew they wanted the money. She just had to hope that they wanted the money more than Rico wanted—

Again, her mind refused to finish the sentence. After all, she didn’t actually know what he wanted.

He licked his lips, ran his tongue over one sharp white fang, and stepped toward her.

Okay. She didn’t know, but her mind was doing a good job of guessing. Or a bad job.

She shook her head, took another deep breath, and sat up straight. “So,” she said and was proud of how normal her voice came out, “this problem… Are you going to tell me what it is, or are you just going to stand over me and drool?”

Scavenger hunt quote: “Is she dead?” Tannis asked. Rico frowned. “Of course she’s not dead. What do you take me for—some sort of monster?”

*****

Author Bio:

Nina Croft grew up in the north of England. After training as an accountant, she spent four years working as a volunteer in Zambia, which left her with a love of the sun and a dislike of nine-to-five work. She then spent a number of years mixing travel (whenever possible) with work (whenever necessary) but has now settled down to a life of writing and picking almonds on a remote farm in the mountains of southern Spain.

Nina’s writing mixes romance with elements of paranormal and science fiction.

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Goodreads Amazon Barnes and Noble

*****

Contest:

Nina is giving away a $25 Gift Card and this necklace. https://www.etsy.com/listing/162724085/glow-in-the-dark-space-locket-6-styles

Contest Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ZTU2MWEzNzQwNjU2YTNmNzMwOGE3ZjViYWI4OTFlOjI1/

*****

Tour Schedule:

12/30: Romancing the Dark Side

12/29: Book Bliss (R)

12/30: Romantic Reads and Such

1/1: Harlie’s Books

1/2: Book Reviews and More

1/6: Mark of the Stars

1/7: Becky on Books

1/7: Books to Get Lost In

1/8: Diane’s Book Blog

1/9: Lusty Penguin Reviews

1/10: Kayla’s Place

1/13: In Shadows

1/14: You Gotta Read Reviews

1/15: Laurie’s Thoughts

1/17: A Little Bit of R & R

Book Review – Conveniently His Princess

29 Sunday Dec 2013

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Conveniently His Princess, Married by Royal Decree series, Olivia Gates

Book review time!

*****

Only one thing stands between Aram Nazaryan and the high-powered position he craves: the proper wife. Although this billionaire would do anything to return to Zohayd, the desert kingdom he considers home, marrying Princess Kanza Aal Ajmaan is too high a price to pay. Or so he thinks—until he meets Kanza…and she turns his world upside down.

After claiming Kanza as his princess, everything falls into place. But then she learns the truth. She may have married for love, but his vows are tainted by ambition. Will doubt, betrayal and mistrust end this too-convenient union?

I think these romances with middle eastern heroes aren’t going to be for everyone – the men tend to have very specific ideas and are more dominant than some romances – but they are very popular with some. Personally, I liked it, so if you are into this kind of thing this is definitely a good choice. It is part of a series, so there are returning characters, but they play a small enough role that you can read this one as a stand alone novel.

And being a Harlequin Desire book, some of the prose tended to be a little more flowery than maybe some other romance novels – the hero and heroine make statements that some may find cheesy – but the plot was very interesting and I was quite satisfied with the resolution. Some of the sex scenes were a little florid too, but hot at the same time. Just prepare yourself for a more colorful writing style and you’ll be ok. The story is definitely worth reading as long as you are OK with the tone.

Sneak Peek – Summertime Dream

27 Friday Dec 2013

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Babette James, Summertime Dream

Today we’re taking a look at the new book by Babette James.

*****

Blurb:

The Fourth of July is over, but for these summer lovers the fireworks have just begun.

An unexpected inheritance brings business consultant Christopher Gordon from Los Angeles to quaint Falk’s Bend. He’s carved a week from his demanding schedule to list his great-grandparents’ house for sale and explore his roots. However, disturbing family secrets and the sweet temptation of writer Margie Olsson derail his plans, challenging him to seize the elusive dream missing from his hectic life— love.

A recent brush with death shook Margie’s life, but not her dreams and she’s ready to move forward. Only, standing up to her loving, over-protective family isn’t easy. Helping Christopher explore the derelict mansion and unravel his grandmother’s mysterious past should be a harmless fun taste of independence. But when her experimental summer fling ignites into unexpected love, how can her small town dreams work with his big city life?

*****

Authors Bio:

Babette James writes sweetly scorching contemporary romance and loves reading nail-biting tales with a satisfying happily ever after. When not dreaming up stories, she enjoys playing with new bread recipes and dabbling with paints. Babette is a member of New Jersey Romance Writers, where she has served on the Board. She is also a Pro member of Romance Writers of America, and the Celtic Hearts, and Contemporary Romance Chapters of RWA, and Liberty States Fiction Writers. As a teacher, she loves encouraging new readers and writers as they discover their growing abilities. Her class cheers when it’s time for their spelling test! Born in New Jersey and raised in Southern California, she’s had a life-long love of the desert and going down the shore. Babette now lives in New Jersey with her wonderfully patient husband and extremely spoiled cats.

Author of Sweetly Scorching Contemporary Romance

Website/ Twitter/ Facebook Fan Page/ Facebook/Amazon Author Page

Google Plus/ Goodreads/ Pinterest

*****

Excerpt:

Beautiful, isn’t it? I fell so in love with this place when I was little and dreamed I’d live in a house like this someday.” Margie laughed. “Of course, in my dreams it was bit less rundown.”

“I’d imagine so. Interested in buying?”

“Oh, if only I could, I would in an instant. I’m sure the property alone is worth far more than I can afford. It’s a huge piece of land. And the repairs and restoration…” Longing swelled. She sighed. Someone else would buy and live in her dream home.

Quiet fell between them for a while. Bees buzzed in the clover. Birds sang, chirped, and flitted. A hummingbird whizzed past. Two more ducks joined the first amid quiet bickering quacks. Dandelion fluff drifted by on an unfelt breeze.

A truck rattled down the lane, breaking the moment.

“Suppose we ought to head back…” Christopher turned, so close their arms brushed, but instead of retreating, he hesitated. Their eyes locked. Where dismay and frustration had filled his green eyes, want simmered. The heavy air electrified.

You need a change.

On a surge of bewildering crazy courage, she stretched up and kissed him. The brief brush of lips to lips left her shaken and her heart pounding, like she had just come up for air.

His eyes widened in his serious, craggy face.

No, oh, no. Blowing out an unsteady breath, she pressed a hand to her stomach. She’d carried her day’s adventure one impetuous step too far. Her heroines were the daring part of her. She’d never even kissed on a first date before, and this wasn’t even a date.

Before the apology fluttering in her mind could break free, he cupped her cheek and touched his mouth down on hers.

Book Review – Fighting Love

26 Thursday Dec 2013

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Abby Niles, Book Review, Fighting Love, Love to the Extreme series

We’ve seen a sneak peek of this one before here, but check out what I thought of it with my new review.

*****

Talk about kicking a fighter while he’s down.

Former Middleweight champion and confirmed bachelor Tommy “Lightning” Sparks has lost it all: his belt, his career, and now his home. After the devastating fire, he moves in with his drama-free best friend, Julie. One encounter changes everything and Julie is no longer the girl he’s spent his life protecting but a desirable woman he wants to take to his bed. Knowing his reputation, he’s determined to protect Julie more than ever—from himself.

Veterinarian Julie Rogers has been in love with Tommy since she was ten, but would love to get over the man. She’s quiet nights at home and a glass of wine. He’s clubbing all night and shots of tequila. As friends they work great. As a couple? No way in hell. She just can’t get her heart to agree. When she starts spending time with another fighter, the man who’s always treated her like a sister is suddenly not being very brotherly and enflames her body like never before.

Can two childhood friends make a relationship work, or will they lose everything because they stopped FIGHTING LOVE.

I loved LOVED loved Niles’s Extreme Love and I was very excited to hear that another “Love to the Extreme” novel was coming out … and Fighting Love didn’t disappoint. I laughed through a good portion of it and the ending brought tears to my eyes – and being able to elicit that much of a reaction definitely makes it a winner in my book.

If you’ve read Extreme Love, you’ll remember Tommy and his best friend, Julie. Her feelings for him were pointed out, as well as the fact that he was very clueless. But life’s thrown him a few curves and it’s going to throw him one more when suddenly the two are facing mutual feelings of a non-sibling variety. All of the delicious trouble that could come out of this kind of situation is there in Niles’s latest, and she delivers them with a beautifully deft hand.

In Extreme Love Niles gave readers a very Alpha male hero – one that I knew not everyone was going to like – but both Caitlyn and Dante appealed to me and she made them almost leap off the page. With Fighting Love she once again delivers. Her characters are absolutely engrossing – they come alive in amazing Technicolor glory, full of life and confusion, complication and hope. From the first page I felt every up and down as Tommy and Julie felt them. And, though very much a fighter (both in the cage and in life), Tommy isn’t quite the overt Alpha that Dante was, so I think that this one will appeal to a larger audience. (And the nice thing is you definitely don’t have to have read Extreme Love to be able to enjoy it.) But Niles didn’t skimp on the hot-factor, so prepare yourself for another scorcher.

And I’m all over the fact that she’s hinting at two upcoming heroes (Mac and Brody) so I’ll be anxiously waiting for their stories to make an appearance. Niles has definitely made a lifelong fan of me – her characters are just so compelling, her stories are fast-paced and well-developed, and her writing style is very addictive. I get giddy just knowing that she’s got something new coming out.

Book Review – Candlelight Christmas

24 Tuesday Dec 2013

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Book Review, Candlelight Christmas, Susan Wiggs, The Lakeshore Chronicles

For Christmas Eve, I want to share a wonderful holiday read. Check out my latest review.

*****

A single father who yearns to be a family man, Logan O’Donnell is determined to create the perfect Christmas for his son, Charlie. The entire O’Donnell clan arrives to spend the holidays in Avalon, a postcard-pretty town on the shores of Willow Lake, a place for the family to reconnect and rediscover the special gifts of the season.

One of the guests is a newcomer to Willow Lake—Darcy Fitzgerald. Sharp-witted, independent and intent on guarding her heart, she’s the last person Logan can see himself falling for. And Darcy is convinced that a relationship is the last thing she needs this Christmas.

Yet between the snowy silence of the winter woods, and toasty moments by a crackling fire, their two lonely hearts collide. The magic of the season brings them each a gift neither ever expected—a love to last a lifetime.

When I first discovered Susan Wiggs, I went through her “The Lakeshore Chronicles” series like it was candy. I just couldn’t put them down and went straight from one to another until I ran out of released books. That was shortly before Marrying Daisy Bellamy came out, which is the story of Logan’s ex … and I just couldn’t do it anymore. I started the book and I think that it just broke my heart. I felt so badly for Logan, who wanted to make a family so much, and I just couldn’t see it to the end – not that there is anything wrong with the book, both Julius and Daisy are fantastic. I just loved Logan so much, all of the difficulties he’d faced and how he wanted to make things work out, that it was hard for me to get through … which is a wordy way of telling you why I was BEYOND THRILLED to see this book come out.

Logan started out as such a messed up kid, a lot of pressure from his dad and a substance abuse problem led him to be a wild child … then he knocked up Daisy Bellamy. Once he decided to turn his life around, he did it whole-heartedly and he has definitely grown into a fantastic man and a wonderful father. I love seeing him with Charlie. They have a relaxed and hilarious relationship but Logan still knows how to be the grown-up. In Logan, Wiggs has given her readers a man who they can identify with – one who is flawed but strives to do the best he can. He’ll find a way into your heart and make himself at home.

Darcy is new but she’s just as much fun. Her love of life got a little crumpled after her divorce but she’s starting to get it back … and spending time with Logan and his family helps even more. I love these two together – they are fun, funny and I fell in love right along with them.

But the best part of any Wiggs book is that it isn’t just a romance. It is as much about the people around them, their friends and families, as it is about the couple. They aren’t perfect but they are definitely appealing and I had a great time getting to know new people and catching up with old friends. If you’ve never read one of “The Lakeshore Chronicles” books, you can definitely start right here (and those that have already picked up the book so they know what I’m saying). You’ll meet some of the characters from the previous stories (more than just Logan’s family) but you don’t have to know their history. At most, you’ll be tempted to start at the beginning and work your way through them all. I know I’m adding those two books I missed to my To Be Read file, because now that Logan finds his happy ending, I think I’ll be able to make it to the end.

Candlelight Christmas is the perfect choice for a holiday read, or any time of year. It’s an addictive, feel-good, happy-ending, give-you-the-warm-and-fuzzys story that should not be missed.