Book Review – Beautifully Decadent

22 Friday Jul 2016

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Beautifully Damaged series, Beautifully Decadent, Book Review, L.A. Fiore

Beautifully Decadent

Beautifully Damaged, #3

by L.A. Fiore

Avery Collins has just landed her dream job, pastry chef for the posh-Manhattan restaurant Clover. Her new boss, Trace Montgomery, even helped with securing her an affordable place to live: a beautifully restored carriage house owned by his friend, Rafe McKenzie—a man that makes her catch her breath and stirs her imagination. Trouble is, he’s involved with someone, his father is being released after 25 years in prison and Avery is just his tenant. Exploring the attraction that sizzles whenever they’re together would be the icing on the cake, but Avery knows all too well that you can’t have everything. Of course, what’s cake without icing?

Rafe McKenzie’s world shattered at nine when his father Liam—the only parent he knew—was arrested and convicted for armed robbery. Growing up in the system, Rafe managed to survive his childhood and now has a job he enjoys, a house he’s restoring and a tight circle of friends. He’s even working on reconciling with his dad, both eager to put the past in the past.

Happy for the income a tenant would bring, Rafe agrees to rent his carriage house to Clover’s new pastry chef. When Avery Collins pulls up his drive, she’s not at all what he’s expecting. Funny, sexy and as sweet as her desserts, it doesn’t take long for things between them to heat up. Just when it seems as if they’ll have their cake and eat it too, the past comes back with deadly intent leaving Rafe to figure out who’s pulling the strings before his world shatters again.

Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

(Surprising no one, I have to admit that this is the first in this series that I’ve read but it can easily stand on its own. It looks like previous heroes & heroines make an appearance and there are some allusions to their stories, but it doesn’t detract from this one. I’ve just got more books to put in my extremely high TBR pile 🙂)

I don’t know if having read the other stories if I’d have a better understanding of Rafe but I found him to be surprisingly well adjusted for a man whose dad went to jail and therefore he found himself in foster care at just 9 years old. Since Trace & Lucien knew him then and there is talk about the wonderfulness of Sister Anne at the home they lived in I’m thinking the answer is probably. The friendship between the guys, and by association their women, is deep and helps ground them all. I would have liked to have seen that in the other stories because I think that it would only help fill in the nuances of them all. As he is here, Rafe’s assured, hard-working, dedicated to his loved ones, and while he not commitment-phobic, he’s also not exactly looking for true love. Then he meets Avery.

She has got to be one of my favorite female characters. She’s spunky, warm, friendly and has a habit of doing stupid things in front of Rafe. But her sunny personality is one of those things that just draws you to her and the fact that she screws up occasionally makes her that much more adorable. I could easily see myself trying to be friends with her 🙂

The trouble that they find themselves in doesn’t overshadow the rest of the book but does help to bring in an additional layer to display the kind of people this group is. They pull together in time of need and it highlights the high points of their characters & the bond amongst them.

While the romance happens quickly, I don’t feel like it is rushed. The interactions between the two and the chemistry that Fiore creates for them work really well to establish a believable relationship. The danger portion also adds that little extra something to their story that helps keep things exciting … not that you need it with a hottie like Rafe and a personality as big as Avery’s.

Book Review – Ultimate Courage

21 Thursday Jul 2016

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Book Review, Piper J. Drake, True Heroes series, Ultimate Courage

Hot military heroes, the women who love them, and the devoted dogs that always have their backs. ULTIMATE COURAGE is the second book in a high adrenaline contemporary suspense series from Piper J. Drake published by Forever Romance. Fans of D.D. Ayres K-9 Rescue series and Cindy Gerard’s One Eyed Jacks, will love this action packed romantic suspense series.

*****

Ultimate Courage

True Heroes #2

by Piper J. Drake

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: July 26, 2016

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing- Forever

Print Length: 336 pages

Format: Digital and Mass Market Paperback

Blurb:

LOVE IS AN ACT OF BRAVERY

Retired Navy SEAL Alex Rojas is putting his life back together, one piece at a time. Being a single dad to his young daughter and working at Hope’s Crossing Kennels to help rehab a former guard dog, he struggles every day to control his PTSD. But when Elisa Hall shows up, on the run and way too cautious, she unleashes his every protective instinct.

Elisa’s past never stays in her rearview mirror for long, and she refuses to put anyone else in danger. But with Alex guarding her so fiercely yet looking at her so tenderly, she’s never felt safer . . . or more terrified that the secrets she keeps could put countless people in grave peril. The only way for both to fully escape their demons will take the ultimate act of courage: letting go and learning to trust each other.

Get More information at: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Also in this series:

Extreme Honor: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

*****

Excerpt:

Beautiful blue-gray eyes met his briefly before the woman dropped her own gaze to focus on someplace lower on his face, like his nose or mouth. Subtle. Most people would probably not even notice the way she avoided direct eye contact.

But then again, not many people made eye contact a challenge the way he and his colleagues did. It wasn’t on purpose, really; more of a common quirk in their personalities.

Funny, he hadn’t expected to see her again. Okay, maybe he’d been hoping to find her at Revolution MMA for those self-defense classes he’d recommended. But here she was. A weird tingle jolted through his chest.

This woman was about as non-aggressive as possible without cowering outright. Despite her upright posture, her hands hung at her sides in a loose, non-defensive position. Her left wrist was covered in a brace and it was easy to see she held something in her right hand. She was far enough back on the landing to easily drop down a step or two without having to back up more than a few inches.

But the mannerisms didn’t fit her energy, the straightness of her shoulders, or the set of her jaw. Whoever this woman was, she’d developed habits. She wasn’t a mouse by nature. He wouldn’t be as irritated to see these behaviors if these things came naturally to her.

Who had forced her to assume those mannerisms to survive?

“Mr. Rojas.” Her voice was steady.

Another sign of her being more than what she seemed, as far as he was concerned. The timbre was almost soothing, and he realized he’d balled his hands into fists. Well, shit. He let his hands loosen.

She presented the object she held in her right hand. “I think your daughter left this behind at the ER last night. I hope you don’t mind, but the logo for the kennels was on the inside label, so I googled the address.”

Slowly—because he didn’t want her to snatch her hand back—he took the glove from her. “Thanks.”

“The hospital lost and found was overflowing, and I wanted to make sure Boom got her glove back,” the woman continued, then bit her lip. “And I wanted to be sure to thank you.” Her cheeks took on a fascinating pale pink blush.

Caught by surprise, Rojas raised his eyebrows. “Me?”

Maybe his tone had been the right encouragement, because she looked up again, her gaze meeting his, and the chemistry shocked him right down to his toes, hitting every vital organ—including his balls—along the way.

Blue-gray, cool as a calm day out on the water, her gaze held his. “You were very kind last night, and I didn’t thank you then. I try to thank the kind people I meet. So thank you.”

Rojas cleared his throat. “You’re welcome.”

He didn’t know what else to say. He’d only given her some ice, a cup of coffee, and a card about the martial arts center. Boom had a good sense for people, and when she’d said the woman needed the referral for the self-defense classes, he’d been inclined to agree.

She broke their eye contact, and he felt the loss as if someone had broken the circuit on an electrical current. “I should be going now.”

“Wait.” He didn’t know what made him ask her to. But she paused, balanced on the balls of her feet at the edge of the landing. He was sure if he didn’t catch her now she’d be gone for good. “I didn’t get your name.”

“Oh.” She turned to face him. Another sign that she’d learned caution but she wasn’t afraid by nature. She was open. A people person. Or at least more of one than he was. “Elisa Hall.”

*****

Review:

I loved Extreme Honor and was super excited to know more about Alex. And Drake didn’t disappoint … until the end of the book. I’m going to give some potentially major spoilers so stop reading now if you don’t want to know.

Last warning.

OK, so Elisa is running from something and she’s lucky enough to be taken in by the Hope’s Crossing crew. If you read Extreme Honor then you know what a group of serious bad-asses those guys are. All three of them are strong, smart and brave. Being the men that they are you know that they have a few hang-ups, they’ve lived and fought very hard, so they’ve seen and done things that leave some scars. And Alex isn’t any different. He’s battling some PTSD but he’s trying to keep it together for his daughter, who he isn’t afraid to show he loves with everything he is. And she’s a pretty kickin’ kid because of it. She’s saucy and quick and fun; a definitely highlight of the story.

When he runs across Elisa it is very clear that she’s trying to escape from something but his work with the dogs has taught him patience and insight. Offering her a job helps her get her feet under her and hopefully some time so she can figure out what to do. And maybe Alex can figure out what he can do to help. But the man she’s running from is powerful, connected and smart, which makes Elisa afraid to stay for too long or let anyone get too close. Alex (and Boom & Souze) is hard to resist so she finds herself getting involved and letting him in.

Up to this point, everything is going great and he’s showing what a fantastic hero he is. **Spoilers** She’s understandably wary but slowly both are making progress to trusting each other and letting their attraction turn into more … until Alex completely does a 180 and punks out. A “friend” from Elisa’s past makes an appearance, says a few things that push Alex’s buttons, and he walks away. Granted Elisa hasn’t shared everything about her past, but enough for him to know that leaving her alone is a VERY bad idea. But he does it anyway, which of course means she’s vulnerable to be taken by the man she’s trying to escape. *sigh* Why?!? I know that he’s feeling like maybe he’s been had but he’s smart & experienced enough that I would have expected him to pull out and regroup but not leaver her there alone and unprotected with someone from her past who magically has found her all the way across the country. When she’s been on the run for a long time and obviously scared of being found. Ugh! I can see where it works for the plot to have her alone but surely there was another way? Because I lost a lot of respect for him at that moment. And she just forgives him afterward. I’d be so beyond pissed!

If you made it this far I’ll say that you may be more understanding of his position than I was. I kinda get where Drake was going and can almost understand but I feel like these guys should be more than average. I’m giving the book 3.5 stars because about 90% of it is fantastic, as good as Extreme Honor, but the ending just killed it for me. I’m looking forward to giving the next book a go because I’m hoping that this was just a one off thing.

*****

Author Info:

Piper J. Drake (or “PJ”) began her writing career as “PJ Schnyder” writing sci-fi & paranormal romance and steampunk. She has recently received the FF&P PRISM award for her work as well as the NJRW Golden Leaf award and Parsec award.

Now, PJ is exploring the complexity of romantic suspense, incorporating her interests in mixed martial arts and the military into her writing.

*****

Book Review – Change of Heart

20 Wednesday Jul 2016

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Book Review, Change of Heart, Claire Boston, The Flanagan Sisters series

Change of Heart

The Flanagan Sisters Series

by Claire Boston

Software billionaire Carly Flanagan has an abundance of everything except time.

With everyone wanting a piece of her, or more accurately, her money, she spends her days trying to live up to her company’s motto of Community, Sharing, Support. Having always been so focused on responsibility, success and supporting those less fortunate than her, Carly’s forgotten to consider what she wants for herself in life – until she meets Evan.

Evan Hayes is an artist and free spirit, and when they meet at a local art exhibition, he is immediately intrigued by Carly. He sees through her public persona, realizing she is not the person she portrays. Evan’s the type of man who doesn’t have a lot, but is perfectly comfortable with who he is. A man who knows what he wants – and he wants Carly.

Carly is sure Evan wants something else from her. Everyone does. All Evan is asking is the chance to get to know her, but will Carly let him in? Or will a lifetime of protecting herself prove too hard to overcome?

I’ve read quite a few of Boston’s books and I’ve loved every one of them. The funny thing is I forget how much until I crack one open and find myself sucked in. So I think I just need to quit even reading the blurbs and pick up anything with her name on the cover 🙂

We got to know Carly just a little bit in Break the Rules and I was very curious to find out more about this Flanagan. She seemed like a bit of a contradiction – I couldn’t decide if she was reserved or uppity or just busy. Turned out she was a bit shy and a lot busy.

She’s super gifted with coding and she’s big about giving back to the community. A refugee as a child she’s intimately familiar with their plight and works with her family to help others like her. She’s also working with other developers in the community that need a leg up. She had someone who showed her the ropes and it made all the difference so she wants to be that person to others. And because she feels like she’s been given so much, she finds it hard to say no when people ask her for things. Add in all that she’s responsible for as head of her company and she has very little time for herself.

Then she meets Evan at an art event (one of those things she had a hard time saying no to) and she’s drawn to him … but heartbreak in her past has made her gun-shy when it comes to men.

Evan is doing whatever he can to make a living as an artist. An exhibit of up-and-coming artists introduces him to Carly and he’s drawn to the sexy, strong woman. While it seems like it might be a little hard to break thru her walls, a little perseverance pays off and soon they are spending time together, when they can with all of her obligations. Talented but not flighty like you’d expect an artist to be, Evan proves that he sees Carly as no one else has, easily fitting in. Which has her evaluating her life and what she wants from it. And him.

I love these two together. How they have a rhythm that works and how they complement each other so well – the fresh perspective that he brings to her life and the support that she brings to his, making two independent lives work without either of them losing who they are. I can’t wait to see what Boston has for the next Flanagan!

Book Review – A Man of Honor

18 Monday Jul 2016

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A Man of Honor, Book Review, Kingston Family series, Miranda Liasson

A Man of Honor

Kingston Family series

by Miranda Liasson

Former Army Captain and venture capitalist Preston Guthrie has always had a thing for Cat Kingston, but he never felt like he could date his best friend’s sister. Plus, he’s a wrong-side-of-the-tracks guy and she’s a white-picket-fence kind of woman. Yet when they met again just before he was deployed, sparks flew. A fire ignited. And the heat was hot. For the first time, he thought a relationship with her might be possible…until an injury in the war changed everything…

Journalist Cat Kingston had a rough couple of years, surviving a broken engagement and the loss of her job. But connecting with Preston last fall seemed right. They shared steamy Skype sessions while he was overseas—until he was wounded, and cut her off without explanation. Now he’s back in town to be the Best Man for her sister’s wedding…and she wants answers.

Preston’s struggling with a leg wound, but the war scarred him on the inside, too. When Cat pays him a surprise visit and her brother catches them in a compromising position, Preston tells him they’re dating. He’s not sure how he can spend the entire wedding week fake-dating her when the chemistry between them feels anything but…

I feel for Preston. He didn’t have a great childhood and his dad isn’t not a good person, which has created a fear in Preston that he could be the same. He’s somehow convinced himself that he’s no good for Cat and he’s trying to keep things neutral with her … but he’s finding it very difficult to keep away. They have a lot of history and an attraction that is difficult to ignore, which causes him to go hot and cold and confuses Cat to no end.

Cat knows that her warrior is a stand-up guy. She sees it all the time. She’s just not sure why he keeps pushing her away and she’s finding it very difficult to move on. And when she finds out some of the secrets he’s been hiding, she realizes that there is more going on and she just might be able to win her hero after all.

I think that with a lesser author the push-pull from Preston might have gotten annoying, but Liasson makes sure that we understand him every step of the way. We may not agree with his way of thinking but we at least know why he believes those things. And you can’t help but root for Cat to bring the tough guy down. It does take a while but he finally figures things out, giving readers are really great HEA.

Book Review – Falling Free

15 Friday Jul 2016

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Book Review, Falling Fast series, Falling Free, Tina Wainscott

Falling Free

A Falling Fast Novel

by Tina Wainscott

The bestselling author of Falling Hard (“An addicting read!”—Jen McLaughlin) returns to the racing hotspot of Chambliss, Florida, where the only thing faster than the cars on the track is the surge of chemistry in the stands.

Ever since she was a teenager, Grace Parnell has had one ambition: to prove her father’s innocence and overturn his prison sentence. That drive led her to become a tough, compassionate lawyer—until the case hits a heartbreaking end. Now Grace is adrift, with no idea how to rebuild her life. It’s certainly not the time to fall in love. But from the moment she meets Artemis Tanner, their instant connection is undeniable.

A motor-sports pioneer, Tanner has come to this little coastal town for the racetrack—but he’s staying for Grace. Even though the standoffish attorney seems determined to stay out of reach, Tanner doesn’t need a law degree to tell that their attraction is very, very mutual. As her visits to the track become more frequent, and as Tanner learns more about Grace’s troubled family, he starts to pry open the tiny cracks in her controlled demeanor. Hidden beneath, there’s an incredible passion waiting to be set free.

Returning readers will already know that there is more to Grace than what she shows the world but I hurt with her when she gets her heart broken at the beginning of this story. There’s so much to why she is the way she is and it is no wonder that she’s a little off-kilter. It shakes her world and has her rethinking so much, especially the handsome stranger she meets at a bar. And while it doesn’t work out so well, Wainscott delivers one of the best journeys ever as they meet again, become friends and then even more.

Tanner has some history of his own that has him keeping things light and not getting too settled in anywhere but seeing Grace again has him happy to be in the area for a little while. And the more time they spend together the more he’s evaluating if he might want to stay around for good. While his hang-ups aren’t as complex as Graces, and he seems to handle them easier, they still have quite the impact on him.

They are so much fun together – cute, funny, and just down-right adorable. Both have their difficult histories, which causes them to distance themselves from deeper relationships. But being so similar helps make it easier to face their troubles and own them.

Wainscott just keeps producing winners with her Falling Fast series. I wasn’t sure that I was going to like Grace – she sometimes came across as a little harsh in the other stories – but I have to admit she’s one of my favorite heroine’s from any author. And Tanner is absolutely a definite for anyone’s book boyfriend list.

(While this is part of a series, it can stand on its own. Wainscott does a great job of developing characters and plot so that you can start right here & be good.)

Book Review – Beauty and the Highland Beast

14 Thursday Jul 2016

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Beauty and the Highland Beast, Book Review, Highland Fairy Tale series, Lecia Cornwall

Beauty and the Highland Beast

A Highland Fairy Tale

by Lecia Cornwall

Powerful and dangerous highlander Dair Sinclair was once the favored son of his clan, The Sinclairs of Carraig Brigh. With Dair at the helm, Sinclair ships circled the globe bringing home incredible fortune. Until one deadly mission when Daire is captured, tortured and is unable to save his young cousin. He returns home breaking under the weight of his guilt and becomes known as the Madman of Carraig Brigh.

When a pagan healer predicts that only a virgin bride can heal his son’s body and mind, Daire’s father sets off to find the perfect wife for his son. At the castle of the fearsome McLeods, he meets lovely and kind Fia MacLeod.

Although Daire does his best to frighten Fia, she sees the man underneath the damage and uses her charm and special gifts to heal his mind and heart. Will Daire let Fia love him or is he cursed with madness forever?

We actually pick up the story after Daire is brought home, broken in mind, body and spirit. And there is a lot more going on than what the blurb suggests – full of mystery, suspense, danger and romance, it is quite a compelling package 🙂

I have to say that Fia is much more forgiving that I ever would be. There’s some evil afoot and she’s caught in the middle of it, fear and accusations from being turned her way. I don’t know that I would be as quick to be OK once everything is cleared up but maybe she’s just a better person than I am 🙂 She is definitely a better person than a lot people she meets – smart, inquisitive, and caring. While she may be a little strange, she’s comfortable in her skin thanks to the love of her family, and at heart she only wants to help the wounded. And that includes Daire.

He survived absolutely horrible experiences that left a lot of scars both inside and out. For a man raised to be responsible for those in his care, the torture that he experienced isn’t nearly as crushing as surviving after not being able to save his men and cousin. While we don’t meet him until afterward, as he is slowly brought out of his shell by Fia (and she hears stories of the man he was before), we get an idea of the devilishly handsome and charming rake he was. While he wasn’t a bad person before, maybe a little too full of himself, he’s definitely changed into a more serious one by his experiences. Cornwall does a great job of making him into a man who looks deeper into the world around him. It helps him to be more open to the quirky Fia and be charmed by her uniqueness.

I’m not sure what I expected but I definitely got something more, a page turner that pulled me in from the prologue and made it difficult to put down. I usually avoid Scottish historicals that go this far back, but I am very glad that I picked this one to read. With unusual characters and a multi-layered plot, Cornwall’s writing shines. I’m definitely adding her to my author watch list to see what other goodies she brings!

Book Review – Marry Me at Christmas

13 Wednesday Jul 2016

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Book Review, Fool's Gold series, Marry Me at Christmas, Susan Mallery

Marry Me at Christmas

Fool’s Gold series

by Susan Mallery

Wish upon a Christmas star with New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery’s sparkling Fool’s Gold romance!

To bridal boutique owner Madeline Krug, organizing a Christmas wedding sounds like a joy—until she finds out she’ll be working closely with the gorgeous brother of the bride, movie star Jonny Blaze. How will a small-town girl like her keep from falling for the world’s sexiest guy? Especially with mistletoe lurking around every corner!

Jonny came to Fool’s Gold looking for normal, not for love. Happily-ever-after only happens in the movies. Still, nothing about this quirky town is quite what he expected, and “ordinary” Madeline is the most extraordinary woman he’s ever met. Refreshingly honest, disarmingly sweet. Achingly beautiful.

Planning the perfect wedding leads to candlelit dinners and strolls through snow-covered streets. And Madeline finds Jonny in real life even more captivating than her celebrity crush. But will the action star be brave enough to risk his heart and step into the role of a lifetime?

I’ve missed a few of the Fool’s Gold books over the last year or so (which is actually sad because I LOVE this series and have never read a bad one). I don’t know why I’ve fallen behind but I’m slowly trying to make up for it … which is why we have a Christmas story 6 months late 🙂

While this is a holiday story, other than the snow and the occasional reference to holiday decorations, the plot could be any time of year. It focuses on Madeline, who has a huge crush on movie star Jonny Blaze … and finds herself working closely with him to plan his sister’s wedding. I’m not sure any of us would handle ourselves with as much grace in that situation! But it doesn’t take her long to get over being tongue-tied and star struck, discovering that he’s actually a normal man under it all. A good guy who loves his sister, wants to be treated like a normal person, and is afraid of saying I love you.

Props to Mallery for shaking things up a little and not making Jonny run for it when he starts to fall, regardless of his hangups. He’s got some fears, thanks to losses in his life, but he handles it like a man. And anytime there is any kind of freak out with either of them it is resolved quickly and without a lot of drama, which is refreshing in contemporary romances.

With Mallery’s books I always think “just one more chapter” which turns into one more and one more and then an hour has gone by. Here it is so easy to get caught up in getting to know these two characters, learning their motivations, and falling in love with both of them as they fall in love with each other.

(If you’re like me and missed a few stories or if you are new to Fool’s Gold, don’t be afraid to pick up this story because like most of this series it can stand on its own. And you definitely won’t mind getting to know the sexy, grounded, good-hearted action star and the small town girl who steals his heart.)

Book Review – The Family Man

12 Tuesday Jul 2016

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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

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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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

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.)