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Book Review – Parker’s Passion

29 Sunday Jun 2014

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Since I missed yesterday’s book review post due to a very lovely wedding (gotta love real-life romantic moments), I’ll have two up today.  First we’re starting out with another in the “Tryst Island” series, following Book 1: Rebound, Book 2: Dragonfly Kisses, Book 3: Smoking Holt, Book 4: Heart of Ash and Book 5: Devlin’s Dare.  I haven’t read them all but I do have reviews for Rebound and Smoking Holt.

*****

cover47791-mediumScarred by a long-ago crime of passion, Parker Rieth has dedicated himself to a cold, emotionless existence as a divorce lawyer. He is utterly unprepared for the effect Kaitlin Stringer has on his heart, mind and soul. Beautiful, ethereal and irresistible, she touches him in a way no other woman has. Though he has vowed to avoid her, he is drawn toward her.

Psychic healer Kaitlin is just what Parker needs to reconcile his past, to finally set old ghosts to rest, and to claim his destiny. Can he find the courage to step into Kaitlin’s embrace? Does she have what it takes to awaken his sleeping passion?

I’m really loving York’s Tryst Island series.  They are sexy, emotional and full of interesting characters.  As each of them fall in love, it leaves me both satisfied and looking forward to more stories.

Both Parker and Kaitlin have problems letting others in.  They were each scarred by a long ago event, but together they just might be able to learn to trust again.

I really enjoyed both of the characters. I wasn’t sure how I was going to react to Kaitlin’s psychic abilities but it works well in the story.  The way she’s able to provide comfort and hope to Parker is fantastic.  And he’s one of my favorite characters so far – troubled, honorable, and a little bit scared but willing to give in to his attraction to Kaitlin anyway.

There is also an interesting twist to this one – a bit of danger and intrigue, which is a little different than the ones I’ve read so far.  It isn’t all that involved but it does add a little more to an already great read.

Parker’s Passion (like all of the stories in the series) is scorching, sweet and addictive.  York is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors.

(Although, Parker’s Passion can stand on its own, it does have ties to the previous books in the series.  If you haven’t read them, don’t worry, it’s just kinda fun to see those stories from a different perspective.  Plus we see more of the friends who are sure to have a future story and I’m looking forward to each one.)

Book Review – One Sexy Ride

24 Tuesday Jun 2014

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Ya’ll Vivian Arend’s One Sexy Ride just came out and it is a definite TBR!

AND

** For one week only, book 1 in the series, ROCKY RIDE, is on sale for $0.99.**

(Please keep in mind that these are erotic romances so they do get extra HOT)

*****

cover48838-mediumHis goal is to stand firm

As the middle child in a big family, Len Thompson has found it easy to slip under the radar. His relationships outside the family-run garage tend to run a mile wide but only an inch deep as he keeps his heart, body and soul protected. But when the one woman he’s always wanted makes it known she’ll soon be leaving town, he can’t resist letting her into his carefully constructed fortress.

Her gift is rocking his world

Chasing her best friend’s big brother has both entertained and frustrated Janey for years. She’s not sure what triggered his change of heart, but hell, yeah, she’ll accept it. All of it. Every kiss, every touch, every bit of body-shaking pleasure. Working to meet her renovation deadline is suddenly not nearly as interesting as the mind-blowing escapades she’s enjoying with the big sexy mechanic.

When old fears threaten, Len must finally choose—face his past or let their future crumble.

While I haven’t read any of the Thompson & Sons or the Six Pack Ranch series, I have read Arend’s All Fired Up and enjoyed it a lot.  One Sexy Ride proves to be just as intriguing, although it deals more with family dynamic and long held fears.

I think the childhood friend/friend’s sibling is one of my favorite types of romances.  I love the shared history and the understanding that comes from two people knowing each other for years, even if they haven’t been seeing each other all that clearly.  For Janey, Len has always been the one she wanted but couldn’t have.  But now the frustrating man may be finally giving in to their attracting.

Len has reservations about giving his heart to anyone, especially Janey.  She’s the one woman who has the power to rip it to pieces and he’s not willing to give anyone that control.  But with Janey leaving, he thinks he can give in to his desire in the short term, knowing that there is an end date …

Len may be sexy as all get out and smart in most things, but he’s completely clueless when it comes to romance.  How many times have you seen the guy think that he can keep from getting too involved with the woman he wants?  And how many times does that actually work?  Yeah, same for Len.  But it is awesome watching him fall.  The ending is just as heartbreaking as you’d expect, but the HEA makes up for it in spades.

With sexy, silent Len and vivacious Janey creating sparks, life isn’t necessarily calm but it is a lot of fun.  And if the rest of Arend’s stories are anything like the two I’ve read so far, I definitely have found a new go-to author.  Emotionally complex, funny and sweet, but richly sexy, One Sexy Ride is full of color and passion and fun.  As a bonus, Len’s brothers are a complicated group and I can’t wait to see what Arend has in store for them.

(While set in the same world as the bestselling Six Pack Ranch series, the Thompson & Sons series stands alone.)

Book Review – Grimm Consequences

22 Sunday Jun 2014

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cover42520-mediumYou reap what you sow. . .

Saying Nate Grimm has a dark past is an understatement. Fortunately, no one’s bothered to look too closely at the Fairytale Management Authority’s lead detective and part-time Reaper. And that’s the way Nate wants to keep it. For after centuries of torment and loneliness, he’s finally found happiness with the hot and hard-charging love of his life, Tess “Red” Little.

Of course, his love for Tess is the reason there’s a posse of Reaper judges after him, led by a sadistic bastard acquainted with Nate from once upon a time. Now, Tess will pay the price for Nate’s transgressions unless Nate severs his ties to the transplanted Tales–and Tess–forever. His enemy has the advantage in speed, malice and brutality. But the Reapers have underestimated the depth of Nate’s love and devotion. And the fury of his wrath. . .

Grimm Consequences is a “Transplanted Tales” novella (coming in at just under 100 pages) falls in just after Red but before The Better to See You.  From Nate’s perspective and adding some of the details of his past and his relationship with Tess, it came about thanks to all of the people demanding more of Nate. . . and as sexy and complex as he is, it’s easy to see why everyone wants more.  (If you haven’t read at least Red, I’d suggest you do so before picking up Grimm Consequences.  The nice thing is that you don’t have to have read all three, just that first one, although I’m sure that you’ll be just as addicted as I am.)

Nate has some secretes he’s been keeping and unfortunately he can no longer keep them hidden.  Quite the mysterious character, the added insight into his past gives readers the added layers they’ve been looking for.  He’s come a long way from the man he was to the man he is and we find out just how far.  It’s raw and touching and I got to the end with an even bigger crush on him.

I really like the fact that Serine has an idea for her world and sticks to it.  She doesn’t seem to create new rules as she goes along just to make her world fit the plot that she has going.  Or if she does, she does it without making it seem obvious. Everything is logical, as much as it can be when dealing with magical creatures, and I appreciate that.  The surprises she gives her readers fit within the context of her stories and don’t feel like they are coming out of left field.

I’m always thrilled to get my hands on one of Serine’s stories.  They are wonderfully complicated but not convoluted, her paranormal world is fun with all of the make believe characters at her disposal, and those characters have wonderfully intricate and addictive lives.   Full of action, drama, and heartache, Grimm Consequences is the perfect companion to the “Transplanted Tales” series.

Book Review – Taming the Country Star

21 Saturday Jun 2014

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9781622661664He’ll do anything to win her heart. She’ll do anything to keep him away.

Country star Cole Grayson is in town, and Kylie Andrews is less than thrilled. As if months of changing the radio station and tearing down his posters weren’t bad enough, now she has to deal with a town of fans swarming toward the man who deceived her the year before. But when Kylie’s eyes meet Cole’s again, she can’t deny the electric chemistry that drew her to him the first time around.

Cole Grayson is on a mission. Ever since Kylie left him, he hasn’t been able to forget her sweet country smile. After writing a song just for her, he sets off for her hometown to prove he’s not the player she thinks he is. But as much as Cole can’t forget her, Kylie wonders if she can forgive him…

Kylie’s reaction to Cole’s fame (and her reluctance to get involved with him) are totally understandable.  Her family was torn apart and it could easily be blamed on her dad’s status as a rodeo star.  Or he could have just been one of those people who couldn’t commit.  I do wish we’d gotten a bit more about that history and what happened after he left the family.  You get the idea that there may have been more involved in the dynamic between her parents but it isn’t really explained in depth. Instead we focus on her and Cole, who are fantastic together, but since it does play a big part in her reaction to his fame I think that a little more detail might have helped.

Otherwise the book is great and Cole and Kylie together worked for me.  Cole is very level-headed for someone so much in the public eye.  He cares about the people he’s close to and works hard to woo Kylie back.  He’s smart, sexy and dedicated.  He’s already got his heart set on winning Kylie back and watching them try to date is a lot of fun.  Cole is dedicated to figuring out a way to make a relationship between them work and it says a lot about his feelings.  The ending is sweet and worked well with the rest of the story.  I loved watching these two get over their issues and move to their own happy ending.

Novella length, Taming the Country Star is another one that does a good job of being complete even in just around 100 pages.  I love that because when I get really involved in a story I don’t want to put it down and this lets me read it quickly and still feel satisfied at the end.  And this one definitely sucked me in and kept me turning pages to get to the HEA.

(I’ve seen some complaints online because this is in Entangled’s Bliss line and therefore all the sex scenes should be behind closed doors, but this one isn’t.  Personally I don’t care – as long as the romance is good, you can be as detailed (or not) as you want.  However I know that some people want a “clean” romance and they might be expecting something different from this line.  I know that my copy came with a disclaimer but I want to add an extra warning here just in case.)

Book Review – Debutantes Don’t Date

19 Thursday Jun 2014

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cover45815-mediumAt the stroke of midnight…

One minute Grace Lancaster is an overworked event manager organising 2013’s New Year’s Eve ball… The next she’s kissing a rather gorgeous man at the Regency themed party. Everyone’s entitled to an out-of-character New Year’s kiss, right? Except Jasper Mossman, Earl of Bingham, isn’t at a costume party – he’s a real-life gentleman from 1813…

And, it seems, kissing a man in Regency London has consequences!

What Grace considers normal behaviour scandalises Regency society and so far she’s provided the irrepressible gossips of the ton with a season’s worth of conversation! In a scramble to protect her reputation, as well as his own, Jasper insists that they marry for the sake of her honour. Marrying Mr Darcy might be a 21st century girl’s dream – but the reality is far from romantic. Corsets are uncomfortable, no running water is disastrous! Grace had always planned on falling in love before she got married, but when Jasper takes her in his arms she just might believe she’s finally found her very own Prince Charming.

I really liked the idea of a fish out of water with this time travelling romance … except we really didn’t get a lot of that.  Grace fit in a little too easily – she didn’t really struggle with the rules of society or the lack of modern amenities (two things that I think would really throw me for a loop).  Instead she makes friends, lands a fiance (although with quite a scandal to go along with it) and never even blinks at the way things are.  If she’d been a history buff or something, it might have worked but this seemed like a lost opportunity to me, even if it was just for a little extra humor.

If instead of time travelling she’d just been a foreigner to London, the story could have definitely worked.  I liked Grace, Jasper and their assorted friends and family.  The romance is sweet – love (or lust) at first sight that leads to an engagement, two people having to get to know each other, plus a little intrigue involving Jasper’s almost intended all combine to give readers a fun historical romance.

There are a couple of other loose ends that made the ending seem a little rushed to me – there is a character that pops up to play a big part in the story only to then disappear and the key to Grace’s time travelling is found out of the blue.  These were pretty big plot points that I don’t think were given proper attention.

So … if you take it as a historical romance Debutantes Don’t Date is wonderful.  The characters are engaging, the plot around their wedding is interesting, and I liked how their romance led to a happy ending.  It was just the parts around Grace being from the future that I’m not sure were handled as deftly as they could have been.  Overall though I definitely enjoyed it and would be happy to read more by O’Grady.

Book Review – An Accidental Affair

15 Sunday Jun 2014

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cover42908-mediumLondon’s ballrooms and bedrooms thrive on scandal and decadent pleasure and the summer of 1814 will be no exception for the Distinguished Rogues in Heather Boyd’s latest Regency romance.

Widowed beauty, Arabella Lawson, Lady Farnsworth, knows the value of independence after being trapped in a marriage that left her unfulfilled. Although she longs for a lover at last, she’s expected to chaperone her flirtatious niece during her first season. However, given the way the girl keeps disappearing every chance she gets, there is little hope of a good or speedy result. While searching for her charge yet again, she blunders into one of Lord Rothwell’s scandalous assignations. This time it’s Arabella’s turn to be on the receiving end of his hungry kisses, and she’s far from prepared to make the most of the opportunity.

 Gossip may paint Merrick Bishop, the Earl of Rothwell, as a notorious scoundrel when it comes to women, but this season his intentions are honorable. Duty bound to marry, he’s determined to discreetly court an open-minded bride and prove the gossipmongers wrong by being on his very best behavior… until in his frustration, he mistakenly kisses the wrong lady and discovers that everything about the encounter feels so very right. Merrick never once believed he had a chance with shy Arabella, and when the unthinkable happens, she turns to him not for an affair or hopes of marriage but for his friendship and protection from her own family.

Can a rogue with a reputation for breaking hearts convince a widow who only hopes for an affair that their feelings are not only the stirrings of desire but the beginnings of the deepest and truest love?

I found An Accidental Affair to be a historical romance treat – it is sweet and engaging and I could hardly put it down. There’s romantic drama and family drama and even some danger, but it’s all given in Boyd’s very deft hand so the flow makes it very easy to read.

Merrick has to be one of my favorites.  He’s a former rake but he reformed himself, he’s ready to settle down and just needs a wife.  His father’s past, mixed with his own wild oats, makes it a little harder for some to realize that he’s ready to marry. Plus he’s got some interesting skeletons in his household closet that might be a little hard for some ladies to accept.  But most importantly he’s smart and honest and caring.  He may be at odds with some of family but he’s made a life for himself that he’s very comfortable with and that he would do much to protect.  His dedication and big heart make him an appealing husband for the right woman.

Arabella is a great match for Merrick.  She too is protective and cares about people, fitting in well in Merrick’s home. Unfortunately her first marriage was not a happy one so she does not necessarily want to do it again.  Merrick’s patience though pays off.  There are some misunderstandings here and there but the characters react realistically and everything is resolved easily.

There is a bit of villainy in the story and I’m not sure how it plays into any of the other Distinguished Rogue books since this is my first, but it is tied up pretty well.   And even though I haven’t read any of the rest of the series, I don’t think I missed out on much.  There may be some cross-over, but I found An Accidental Affair to be a complete story on its own.

With An Accidental Affair, Boyd gives her readers a lovely story full of fantastic secondary characters and two addictive stars.  It’s a slow build to their HEA but it is a sweet one and I enjoyed every step of the way.

Book Review – The Changeup

14 Saturday Jun 2014

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Now that we are in the summer months, I thought it might be fun to look at another baseball book.

*****

cover40040-mediumAfter nine years of striking out in the dating department, Maddie Hamlin is throwing in the towel. But just as this mom resolves to remain single, she meets sweet and sexy pitching phenom Chase Patton at a family dinner. He’s perfect for her–aside from the fact he’s only twenty-two.

Chase knows he should be focusing on his rookie year with the Detroit Rockets, but he can’t stop thinking about Maddie. He doesn’t care that the beautiful school counselor is twelve years older, and he’s already lost his heart to her adorable daughter. When an incredible date leads to an incredible night of passion, he knows he never wants to let her go.

But dating in the media spotlight is a whole new ball game. Maddie quickly discovers that not everyone accepts their unconventional relationship and that finding love may mean losing everything else.

A couple of years ago my husband gave me On The Island as a gift and it quickly became one of my favorite books ever.  It was the first time I can remember reading a book about a woman with a significant age difference than her younger lover. Garvis handled it with style and with The Changeup Shaw does as well.

In OTI, TJ had aged because of the cancer he fought as well as being stranded for years on the deserted island.  I’m not sure what causes Chase to be an old soul but he definitely is … which helps with removing any ick factor from the story.  He’s hard-working, smart, caring and has an amazingly level head on his shoulders.  It is difficult for Maddie to get over the difference, but Chase is very determined.  Plus, he’s hot and kind and treats her and her daughter right, so he is very hard to resist.

When he finally gets her to agree to a trial date, it quickly heats up and she decides to just go for it.  But someone has other plans and their relationship is quickly threatened, along with her job and her daughter.  I’m not sure I understand exactly how this comes about, it seems a little convoluted and a little farfetched, but it definitely works with the story.  I do think that the ending glossed over these issues but it still made me happy.  I know this is the beginning of a series, and that the next story is the romance between Chase’s friend and Lynn’s friend, so maybe there will be more about it later.  Even if there isn’t, though, it wasn’t enough of an issue for me – I still thought the story was excellent and I had trouble putting it down until I finished it.

Don’t let the fact that Maddie is twelve years older than Chase decide whether you are going to give this book a go.  It’s well-written, with addictive characters and a sweet romance, and that perfect amount of baseball to make it a great pick for a summertime read.

Book Review – Burn for Me

13 Friday Jun 2014

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Got a yummy, sizzling, hottie read for you today … I love Brazen’s sexy books!

*****

BfM_500Burn for Me

by Lauren Blakely

She’s the one fire he can’t put out…

Jamie Lansing has had it bad for firefighter Smith Grayson for as long as they’ve been friends. Yes, he’s ridiculously charming and she mightstare a little too long at his abs, but his dirty-talking, rough-around-the-edges ways aren’t for her. Plus, she knows that as a serial dater, Smith isn’t the type to settle down. But then a terrible, fantastic, mind-blowing mistake leaves her body craving more than one night.

Smith Grayson has only ever had eyes for one woman in town—his best friend Jamie. But convincing her a relationship between them will work is next to impossible with her refusing to see beyond his past. But when she asks for a week of no-strings-attached sex to get him out of her system, Smith knows this is his one chance to prove he’s not just the man she needs in her bed, but the man she needs in her life.

I’ll start off with the only problem I had with this order – Jamie is concerned about Smith because he’s a “serial dater” but that definitely wasn’t shown in the book. He hasn’t had any long term relationships that she’s aware of, but she could only name a few people he dated in the years she’s known him. He’s been dedicated to his friendship with her so it isn’t like he doesn’t have it in him to stick. It just looks like he hasn’t found the right girl … or he has and she just doesn’t realize it is her.

OK, with that out of the way, the rest of the book was killer. The sex scenes between Jamie and Smith are scorching! So make sure you are ready for that before you pick up the book. He’s sexy and commanding and so very hot … did I mention sexy? He’s a giver in his personal and professional life. He cares about his community and friends, volunteering for different functions and dedicated to his job as a fire fighter. And he’s also a construction worker, running his own busienss – so we get two swoon-worthy, works-with-his-hands hotties in one sexy package.

Jamie’s hesitation about the differences between what she thinks she wants (someone polished) and who she does want (Smith) is understandable. Sometimes you get a picture in your head of your perfect guy and then someone comes along that just doesn’t fit that mold. I think that is a more believable reason (along with her fear of losing their friendship) for holding back, than Smith’s supposed past. It was totally fun watching her lose it over Smith in all his sexy glory, and when he sets his sights on seducing her into love it is a fan-yourself treat.

Burn For Me is novella length, but Blakely deftly gives readers complex and interesting characters with a well-defined plot. There were no loose ends and I didn’t feel like anything was rushed or slighted because of the length of the book.

I’m definitely looking forward to more books in this series. Blakely has an easy-to-read, engaging style and there are plenty of characters that could make for good reading.

Book Review – Catching Heat

12 Thursday Jun 2014

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cover41133-mediumLife has taught Angie DeMarco that all baseball players are womanizers, and her incredible one-night stand with sexy San Francisco Blaze back-up catcher J.T. Sawyer seemed to prove it. Determined not to give in to their sizzling chemistry a second time, she’s kept her distance ever since, focusing on her accounting job with the team. But now she’s laid off…and pregnant.

J.T. was hurt by Angie’s rejection, but with one more year with the Blaze, he has no time for love. He needs to spend the off season training hard so he can negotiate a better contract with a new team at the end of the year. But when Angie shows up on his doorstep, he’s overwhelmed by wanting to not just do right by her but pursue a relationship with her. Hoping for a second chance, he proposes.

Angie agrees to marry J.T. on one condition: the marriage will be purely a business arrangement. But as Angie spends time with him and his family, and J.T. neglects his training to spend time with her, what begins as a union in name only slowly grows into something more—something that looks a whole lot like love and friendship.

When I read The Winning Season I was super excited about the possibility of J T’s story and Packard doesn’t let me down.  Unlike the Matt & Kelly’s story, this one isn’t quite as angst ridden but it still packs an emotional punch.

J T has felt a connection for Angie from the first time he met her but she refuses to give him the time of day … until one fateful night that changed their lives.  J T was such a standup guy in TWS that I was hoping to see that continue and we do – he’s got a lot of heart and character, dependable, honest and hardworking.  He loves his family and was brought up with respect and love that he carries on to the rest of his life, regardless of the crazy world of baseball.  Angie on the other hand did not have such a solid upbringing and her parent’s history has led her to make assumptions about all ballplayers, including J T.  Once he gets her in his home though and makes her a part of his family, Angie quickly realizes her mistake.  The only problem is that because of their rocky start neither is sure of the other’s feelings.

I adore Packard’s writing style – it’s tight without a lot of unnecessary drama (which she could have easily done based on J T and Angie’s troubles) and it flows very smoothly.  I was so engaged I didn’t even notice how quickly I worked my way through Catching Heat and I was very sad to see it end, although very happy for J T and Angie.  He has three brothers though so I’m expecting to see more of the Sawyers and I’m super excited to see what Packard brings us.  Based on how much I’ve loved the two I’ve read, I’m sure I won’t be disappointed.

Book Review – The Scandalous Love of a Duke

11 Wednesday Jun 2014

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imageIsolated by life and choice, John Harding, the Duke of Pembroke, sees an angel in a pale mauve dress across a room and is drawn closer as lust grips firm and hard in his stomach.

The wheat-blonde hair escaping her dull dove-grey bonnet and caressing her neck lures his eyes to a spot he’d like to kiss.

She speaks with animation her hands moving. Then as if she senses his gaze the stranger turns and looks at him.

A rush of pain and longing spilled from Katherine’s heart into her limbs. It was so long since she’d seen John but her reaction was the same as it had been more than half-a-dozen years before. She loved him, secretly, without hope, but a chasm of years and status stood between them.

John has A LOT of baggage left over from his childhood. And since this is the first of Lark’s books that I’ve read, I’m not sure how much detail was provided for those issues in a previous book. I know that his mother’s story was told in The Illicit Love of a Courtesan and that some of the events of her life play a part in both this story and John’s troubles. I’m guessing that some of it is in her book, I’m just not sure how much.

Given that, and the fact that I’ve only read this one, I think that a little more about John’s treatment by his grandfather would have helped. There’s a lot about the “monster” his grandfather created and how John isn’t sure that he actually has feelings, some talk about beatings and such, but I would have really liked to have had more specifics. That sounds bad, I don’t want to know about his abuse but if it is going to play such a big role in his development then I would have liked to have more to go on so that I can get a better understanding of why he is the way he is.

But even without that, I was drawn to John and Katherine. Their relationship is proof that love knows no bounds – she’s loved him forever and she’s the only one that can remind John that he has a heart. He makes a lot of mistakes but they go back to his baggage (and one of the reasons I would have loved to have more on his childhood) and she’s amazingly forgiving. But once he finally lets himself go it has the promise of a beautiful future.