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

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

Like That Endless Cambria Sky

Main Street Merchants series

by Linda Seed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Review – Winning the Billionaire

05 Tuesday Jul 2016

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

Winning the Billionaire

A Seattle Bachelors Novel

by JM Stewart

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Review – Under an Adirondack Sky

04 Monday Jul 2016

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

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

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

*****

Under an Adirondack Sky

A Walsh Family Story

by Karen Rock

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming (July 1, 2016)

Blurb:

Can he juggle everything…including her?

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

Harlequin | Barnes & Noble| Amazon| Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

Read the first three chapters on Wattpad!

*****

Review:

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

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

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

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

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

*****

Author Info:

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

Connect with Karen

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

*****

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Book Review – The Billionaire Bachelor

01 Friday Jul 2016

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

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

*****

The Billionaire Bachelor

Billionaire Bad Boys series

by Jessica Lemmon

On Sale: June 28, 2016

Publisher: Forever

Formats: Mass Market & eBook

Price: $5.99 USD

Add to Goodreads

Blurb:

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

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

THE FULL BILLIONAIRE BAD BOYS SERIES

The Billionaire Bachelor, #1

The Billionaire Next Door, #2

The Bastard Billionaire, #3

Series Page on Goodreads

*****

Excerpt:

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

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

There was a life lesson in there.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Mom. What’s going on?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Financial difficulties?

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

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

And there had to be a way to undo it.

*****

Review:

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

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

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

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

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

*****

Author Info:

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

FOLLOW FOREVER ONLINE

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*****

Giveaway:

Win your own copy of the book

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*****

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Book Review – Lily’s List

30 Thursday Jun 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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

Lily’s List

Summersville Secrets, Book 3

by N. J. Walters

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

Ready to explore her fantasies . . .

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

Desperate to show her so much more . . .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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