Book Review – 50 Acts of Kindness

28 Tuesday Jul 2015

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50 Acts of Kindness, Book Review, Ellyn Oaksmith

We saw this book a little earlier this summer but I finally got to read it … and it was a lot of fun!

*****

50 Acts of Kindness

by Ellyn Oaksmith

Being overly kind isn’t in Kylie Harrow’s nature. This has never been more evident than when Kylie vents her frustrations to an innocent employee—and the whole scene is posted online, tanking her career and earning her the dubious distinction of “World’s Worst Boss.” But when she flees home to the South, Kylie finds her childhood home has changed. The high school quarterback is now the hot and handsome sheriff. Her mother has turned her home into a nudist colony. And worst of all, having heard about her daughter’s exploits, her mother won’t let her in the door until Kylie completes fifty kind acts in fifty days. The task seems easy enough at first—and may even help repair her media image—but it quickly turns into a hilarious quest that leads Kylie down a bumpy road filled with new challenges. What started as a gimmick to save her career evolves into a mission to save a spunky old woman and her little dog from homelessness. As Kylie learns about the nature of kindness, she finds the path to happiness and, for the first time ever, maybe even love.

I am actually a little surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I expected something light hearted, but not a lot of depth … and I was only half right. While it’s a humorous read, Oaksmith manages to deliver a good amount of growth for Kylie as she learns what it truly means to be kind and help someone by giving them what they really need.

The characters are what makes this book so great – from her mom who opened a B&B for nudists (without telling her), to the sexy sheriff who keeps finding her in the least flattering situations, to her best friend the gay hairdresser who embraces the cliché. Not to mention Margaret and her ugly mutt, who are the catalyst for Kylie becoming a better person. You’ll find at least one of them speaks to you and has you coming back for more. Well, and Kylie herself who just can’t keep out of trouble …

I am also a bit surprised at how Kylie somehow manages to get herself into so many messes but it is a romantic comedy – just sit back, giggle and go with the flow 🙂

Book Review – The Closer You Come

26 Sunday Jul 2015

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Book Review, Gena Showalter, The Closer You Come, the original heartbreakers series

The Closer You Come

The original heartbreakers series

by Gena Showalter

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter shines in this Original Heartbreakers tale, featuring a man haunted by memories and the vulnerable girl he will do anything to protect.

Tortured by a violent past, ex-con Jase Hollister is looking to start over in a small town. The rugged bachelor suffering from PTSD longs for peace and quiet, always keeping his women at a distance—and his heart encased in stone.

Brook Lynn Dillon is a down on her luck waitress determined to avoid the man every woman in town wants—including her sister. The last thing she needs is his kind of trouble. But his every glance makes her burn…and her resistance is melting fast.

The two agree to a one-time fling, not expecting to be forever branded. Now, no matter how hard they try, they can’t keep their hands off each other. But when a secret from Jase’s past comes to light, they’ll have to face a cold, hard truth: it’s more than Jase’s freedom on the line, it’s their hearts.

My heart absolutely breaks for these people – none of them have had it easy. Luckily they have found each other and with a lot of love & understanding, they may finally be able to find the family and HEA that they need.

Brook Lynn has spent a lot of years mothering her sister and trying to keep it all together. Unfortunately, she’s not had a lot of help. Meeting Jase (with her sister naked in his bed … yeah, that’s going to be uncomfortable) has them butting heads and creating sparks. But Brook Lynn isn’t looking for a fixer-upper in a man and there is no doubt that Jase needs some help.

Jase is dealing with A LOT of issues. He’s spent almost a decade in prison and that leaves many scars, both inside and out. Fresh to Strawberry Valley, he’s looking to keep his head down and find some peace. Falling into bed with Jessie Kay early on brings a lot of complications he doesn’t need … especially an attraction to her sassy sister. But more time spent with Brook Lynn tempts him with things that he didn’t think he could have. He just has to decide if he’s willing to try for them.

With The Closer You Come, Showalter delivers complex characters and an emotional storyline guaranteed to bring you laughter and tears. And with two more guys needing to come to peace with their past, the next books are guaranteed to be doozies as well.

Book Review – The CEO

25 Saturday Jul 2015

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Book Review, The CEO, The Millionaire Malones series, Victoria Purman

The CEO

The Millionaire Malones

by Victoria Purman

CEO Callum Malone has it all: power, Italian suits, a house on one of Sydney’s stunning beaches and a new life without a woman in it. Just the way he likes it, ever since his nasty divorce.

Landscaper Ava Gibson is in no position to turn down a job, even if it is for her despised ex-brother-in-law. But when resentment gives way to underlying attraction, Ava is finally forced to confront her truth… she’s falling for him.

Will Ava be able to keep her growing desire in check? Because the irresistible Cal doesn’t want her to…

I feel so bad for Ava. She not only has feelings for another woman’s man, but it is her own sister so she has to see them together all of the time. She copes the only way she knows how and hides it behind a façade of dislike. I just can’t imagine how she handled it for as long as she did.

When Cal makes Ava a job offer that she can’t pass up, the two spend time together and get to know one another better. And the more Ava sees of Cal, the more her long-held feelings grow. It also allows Cal to see the woman behind the mask she’s worn around him for so many years, showing him a woman that he finds very attractive. But there are so many hurdles for the two, considering their history. Are their feelings enough?

Purman deftly delivers detailed characters with a unique problem. I found it very difficult to put the book down, speeding thru the pages, hurrying to get to that HEA ending. And while I was a little curious how it would feel to be with your sister’s ex (as an only child I would think that Christmas dinner would be a little uncomfortable 🙂 ), I think that it was handled very tastefully here. Ava and Lulu have a chance to finally discuss what happened (on all sides) and for Ava to come to terms with her feelings for Cal. It helped make that HEA even more complete.

**This is the second in this series about three brothers, but (of course) I haven’t read the first. I don’t think that it really impacted anything so you are probably pretty safe starting here.**

Book Review – The Perfect Bargain

24 Friday Jul 2015

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

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Book Review, How to Marry a Highlander series, Jessa McAdams, Julia London, The Perfect Bargain

Now we have the perfect lighthearted and fun summer ready … about a man in a skirt 🙂

*****

The Perfect Bargain

How to Marry a Highlander # 1

by: Julia London writing as Jessa McAdams

Releasing June 30, 2015

Entangled: Lovestruck

Blurb:

American lass seeks brawny Scot…

As if being newly single isn’t brutal enough, Sloane Chatfield’s friends are getting obnoxious about setting her up. When Sloane insists she’s waiting for a certain sexy fictional Highlander to come along, her friends surprise her with a trip to Scotland to find her a new boyfriend. She’d rather have a root canal. But if she can find a Highland hunk to “break her heart” before her friends arrive…

In a remote Highland village, Galen Buchanan is struggling to keep the family pub afloat. Everything is falling apart, he’s running out of money, and now there’s an opinionated American lass parked at his best table, driving him mad. But then Sloane asks Galen to be her pretend Highland boyfriend…and offers him enough money to save the pub. It’s only for a few days, he figures. What’s the worst that could happen?

Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/06/the-perfect-bargain-how-to-marry.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25582923-the-perfect-bargain?from_search=true&search_version=service_impr

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

*****

Excerpt:

“I happen to be quite good at sizing people up, and you, lass, are spoiled. Donna take it personally—it’s an American thing,” he said casually, as if that were a foregone conclusion.

Now Sloane was indignant.“Watch yourself, Braveheart,” she said, poking him in the arm. “And anyway, how is that even remotely an American thing?”

“It’s the way Americans view the rest of the world,” he said. “Americans think the Loch Ness monster exists, and that we all live in the Highlands in a Braveheart movie. Or, you all read Trainspotting in school and think we’re all on drugs. You think Scots believe in unicorns and our national pastime is the caber toss, and our calendars are manly men in kilts holding kittens.”

“Is there really a calendar like that?” she asked, perking up. If there was, she’d be picking one up before she headed back to the States.

All she got in response to that was an I-told-you-so look.

*****

Review:

Someone described this book to me as a sweet and light hearted read, perfect for when you are tired of all the angst … and boy was she right. Now, I knew going in that this book would be great – I absolutely adore Julia London, doesn’t matter if it is contemporary or historical or even what name is on the cover  Her characters are gripping and the stories are always page-turners, and The Perfect Bargain is no different.

I was totally enthralled by Sloane and Galen as they bickered and sniped and slowly fell in love – because you know all of that snark was hiding things that involved the heart. A definite case of opposites attract, as they got to know each other more they started to realize (of course) that they have a lot more in common than they thought. And that what they believed about themselves and what they truly want may not be right.

I have to say that my only complaint is that the books focused on them and we really didn’t get a chance to get to know anyone else in the little village. I think that there was definitely a chance to show that small town Scottish quirkiness, but I’m hoping this is the start of a series so we can see that more down the road.

If you are looking for fun and romance, humor and heart, look no further. Once again London delivers all of that in spades and gives you a little of Highland flair … because who doesn’t love a man who speaks with a brogue and looks great in a kilt!

*****

Author Info:

Julia London is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular Cabot Sisters historical series, including The Trouble with Honor, The Devil Takes a Bride, and the The Scoundrel and the Debutante. She is also the author of several acclaimed contemporary romances, including The Cedar Springs series, and the recent Homecoming Ranch, Return to Homecoming Ranch, and The Perfect Homecoming. Julia has added a short contemporary series to her titles as well, including The Perfect Bargain, writing under the name Jessa McAdams.

Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a four time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

*****

Giveaway:

Grand Prize: $100.00 Amazon eGift Card.

Five Runners Up: #GOKILT Mug

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb55495572/

*****

Click on the banner below to see the rest of the tour

Book Review – The Prince’s Runaway Lover

17 Friday Jul 2015

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

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Book Review, Men of the Zodiac series, Robin Covington, The Prince's Runaway Lover

Yes, indeed …

And make sure you check out Robin’s playlist for the book at Spotify.

*****

The Prince’s Runaway Lover

by Robin Covington

Publication Date: July 14, 2015

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

Blurb:

Crown Prince Nicholas Lytton was never supposed to be ruler of Callanos. He was the “spare to the heir,” pursuing a decadent life of the rich and royal – extreme sports, physical pleasures, and glorious irresponsibility. Until his brother died. Now Nick is to be coronated king, and no one believes he’s ready. The best way to secure his crown is to do the unthinkable…find a queen.

While Isabel Reynolds works in the palace gardens, she has no desire to draw the attention of the way-too-flirty, would-be king. For she’s not the woman everyone thinks she is. Even if she wanted – or was tempted by – the promise of love, it would only end in disaster. Because while Isabel may be able to catch a king, her secrets would only destroy him…

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Hdvipa

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1J3hYVL

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1JSSIV9

B&N: http://bit.ly/1NMCpd3

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1KQSP4Z

iBooks: http://apple.co/1HMjA9P

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1flV7O5

*****

Excerpt:

He breathed a sigh of relief when the door closed behind her and turned to find Isabel watching him with an exasperated expression on her face. Nick walked over to her, cupping her face in his hands and kissing her. She resisted at first, stiff against him but he coaxed her response with nips of his teeth, soft swipes of his tongue along the seam of her lips. When she finally gave in an opened to him, it was the sweetest reward he’d ever earned.

“They can take my medals and the cover of the Wheaties box,” he said, pressing a last lingering kiss on the dimple to the right of her full lips. “That was so much better.”

“You’re being charming again,” she teased, her smile bursting through in spite of her obvious attempt to stay disgruntled with him. “Do they teach that in prince pre-school?”

“It’s actually a genetic thing. All of the delivery room nurses were wrapped around my finger.”

“You’re an ass,” she swatted at his chest and started to walk away but he pulled her back against him wrapping his arms around her waist.

“As long as I’m your ass,” he said, switching gears when she stiffened at his words. Isabel was not going to respond well to any attempt on his part to keep her around for any period of time. He’d read the memo but he had hard time agreeing to live by the terms with her. But if he had any chance to keep her here, he needed to play it whole lot cooler. “Temporarily your ass. Is that better?”

She nodded. “Better.”

“My flight leaves in an hour and a half so let’s get this tour underway.”

Isabel followed along, slipping her hand out of his when they left his office. Nick bit back a pang of regret but he knew she was right. The palace had ears, eyes, and the biggest mouth in the Mediterranean. The private tour would raise eyebrows but doing it hand-in-hand would guarantee him a spot on the front banner of TMZ.

“Will you be gone long? She asked as they entered the public wing of the palace.

“Are you going to miss me?”

“Not if you keep answering my questions with a question.”

“Are you always this grumpy after several orgasms?” She slid eyes wide with shock in his direction and he bit back a laugh. “Because if I have to step up my game, just say the word and I’ll get right on that self-improvement plan.”

She bit back her giggle by biting her lower lip between her teeth and punctuated her disgust with an eye roll.

“You are a ridiculous man.”

“You are absolutely correct…” He put his hand on the doorknobs for the ornate double doors and pushed them open to reveal a room full of glittering gems, crowns, scepters and assorted gem covered items in glass cases all around the room. “…but I hope that having my very own jewelry store might make up for it.”

Isabel gasped, her hands flying up to cover her mouth. He would never forget the look of pure delight on her face, no trace of her troubles and none of the secrets. She took a couple of steps into the room, lowered her hands and cut him a look that made his dick hard and his heart race.

“Can I try some of them on?”

He grinned. “I think that can be arranged.”

*****

Review:

According to Amazon, The Prince’s Runaway Lover is supposed to be almost 200 pages long, but it read like a much shorter story. I found myself just flying through it, which is a great sign. The plot is pretty simple and Covington does a great job of keeping things tight. There isn’t a whole lot of extra things thrown in – besides the romance, we have Nicky’s troubles with adjusting to being the new king and the political issues that brings. It all makes sense and ties together very well.

Nick is rich, gorgeous, confident and a Prince (now soon-to-be king), which all adds up to a man who gets what he wants when he wants it. And he wants Isabel … the girl doesn’t stand a chance. She resists but you know he’s going to win, mostly because she wants him to 🙂 With the death of his brother, he’s a little lost and that lets down his guard so that Isabel also gets to see the very appealing man under the crown.

I’m not sure why Nick is so surprised when everything goes wrong. He was the one pushing Isabel into getting involved (like the spoiled, sexy man that he is) and she told him all along that she had troubles that she couldn’t talk about. I did like that it was his mother who helped him get his head on straight and that had to be one of my favorite scenes in the entire book. Their heart-to-heart was just what was needed and adds something so very sweet to the story.

*****

Author Info:

Robin Covington loves to explore the theme of fooling around and falling in love in her sexy, bestselling books. When she’s not writing sexy, sizzling romance she’s collecting tasty man candy pics, hoarding red nail polish, indulging in a little comic book geek love, and obsessing over Dean Winchester. Don’t send chocolate . . . send eye candy!

Robin’s bestselling books have finaled in the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice, the Book Seller’s Best and the National Reader’s Choice Awards.

She lives in Maryland with her handsome husband, her two brilliant children (they get it from her, of course!), and her beloved furbabies.

Drop her a line at robin@robincovingtonromance. com – she always writes back.

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win a gift card so you can get your own copy 🙂

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5440a354454/

*****

July 13- KT Book Reviews– Excerpt

July 13- Nerd Girl Official– Excerpt

July 13- Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog– Spotlight

July 13- undercover book reviews– Spotlight

July 13- Musings of the Book-a-holic Fairies, Inc.– Excerpt / Spotlight / Playlist

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July 14- Whispered Thoughts– Review

July 14- Hiding Under The Sheets– Review / Excerpt / Playlist

July 14- Battery Operated Book Blog– Review / Excerpt

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July 15- Jacklynn Love’s Reading!!!– Excerpt / Playlist

July 15- Deal Sharing Aunt– Spotlight

July 15- Best Book Boyfriends– Excerpt / Spotlight / Spotlight

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July 16- A One-Click Addict’s Book Blog– Excerpt

July 16- Literature Litehouse– Excerpt / Spotlight

July 16- Sexy Vixen Reader– Excerpt / Playlist

July 16- Books by Migs– Review / Excerpt

July 16- Books and Warpaint– Review / Excerpt

July 16- Musings From An Addicted Reader– Review

July 16- Mignon Mykel : Reviews– Review / Excerpt / Playlist

July 16- Straight Shootin’ Book Reviews– Review / Excerpt

July 16- Wild and Dirty Book Blog– Review / Excerpt

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July 17- Obsessed by Books– Excerpt

July 17- Nose Stuck in a Book– Excerpt

July 17- Romantic Reads and Such– Excerpt

July 17- The Sassy Bookista– Review

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July 17- WiLoveBooks– Review

July 17- The Book Obsessed Momma– Review / Excerpt

July 17- Snarky Mom Reads…– Review

July 17- NightWolf Book Blog– Review

Book Review – Caught Up in the Touch

14 Tuesday Jul 2015

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Book Review, Caught Up in the Touch, Falcon Football Series, Laura Trentham

Caught Up in the Touch

Falcon Football series

by Laura Trentham

Jessica Montgomery has always lived by three simple rules: stay calm, stay professional, stay in control. Working tirelessly to make it into the executive ranks of her family’s business, her dream job of CFO is within reach-if she can convince one stubborn and sexy restaurateur to take her offer and manage Montgomery Industries’ flagship restaurant in Atlanta.

On the surface Logan Wilde is all good-old-boy charm and humor, but he can’t seem to outrun the hell-raising reputation of his high school years. Although he has thought about leaving his hometown in Falcon, Alabama, he has grown to love the town, his restaurant, and his part-time gig coaching the football team.

Jessica estimates it will take a week tops to get Logan Wilde’s signature on her generous offer, but their first meeting is anything but professional. Logan shreds Jessica’s control and unleashes a passion she didn’t know existed even as a deeper connection between them takes root. When her family’s manipulations threaten to tear them apart, Jessica has to decide whether her dream is really the CFO job or the man who has unselfishly offered his love.

I’ll be honest I didn’t think I’d like this one very much. There was a little preview of the first chapter in the back of Slow and Steady Rush and I just knew Jessica was going to be one of those women that I didn’t like. But I loved Logan enough that I was willing to take her on to get his story …. y’all that teaser didn’t do her justice AT ALL. She’s so wonderfully neurotic and I loved every single minute of this book!

Jessica has so many hang-ups thanks to her parents. She’s never really had a chance to be normal or even to be loved & supported like she needed. Except by her grandmother. And thanks to Logan, and a forced stay in Falcon, she’s starting to remember those wonderful summers and what it felt like to be cared for. It’s so very sweet to watch her come into herself and find her way.

And Logan … I knew I’d love that boy from the moment we met him in the first book and he doesn’t fail me. He’s caring and smart and giving. He’s also sexy as all get out and when he turns on that Southern charm with Jessica she has no hope. And neither do you 🙂

I love that Trentham brings her readers a journey piece to go with the romance. We get to watch them fall in love and grow and find a path that works for them both. It’s funny and touching and sexy and irresistible. And I can’t wait to see what she has in mind for the next story. We get some hints here and I just know it is going to be another sure-fire hit!

Book Review – The Strongest Steel

13 Monday Jul 2015

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Book Review, Scarlett Cole, Second Circle Tattoos series, The Strongest Steel

The Strongest Steel

Second Circle Tattoos series

by Scarlett Cole

First in a sexy new romantic suspense series centering about the people of Second Circle tattoo studio.

Harper Connelly never expected to find herself outside of a tattoo parlor at one in the morning, summoning the nerve to take back her past. She’s determined to forget her old life and is looking for an artist who can tattoo over the scars on her back.

Trent Andrews, local legend and owner of the Second Circle tattoo studio, has his own reasons for specializing in inking over scars. And in spite of her mysterious past and the difficult road ahead, he quickly realizes that Harper is funny, smart, and-under her ridiculously oversized clothing and SPF 100 sunscreen-totally hot. He’s happy to take on the challenge of designing a meaningful and deadly full-back tattoo for her.

But when cryptic messages start appearing on Harper’s phone, strange deliveries arrive at her door, and Second Circle is vandalized, Harper is convinced that her ex-boyfriend has tracked her down, and worse, that he knows about Trent. Running was the only thing that saved her last time, but now that she’s started to put down roots in Miami, she’ll have to decide if she can finally fight back instead.

Harper has a history that has left just as many scars on the outside as on the inside but she makes a fateful decision when she goes to Trent for a tattoo. He’s fantastic – patient, understanding and sexy as can be. As the two get to know each other, he helps her address more than just how she looks. He helps her learn how to let others close again, to realize that she’s got value, and that maybe she can do more than just survive. She’s fabulous in her own right – strong, caring and hot. She just needed a little help realizing how much strength she’s been hiding. I loved the care that Trent shows as he draws her out bit by bit and gets her to really look at herself in a new way.

Of course, things can’t go smoothly for them. Besides some angst stemming from their baggage – of course, he’s not perfect so he’s got some as well – they also have to deal with ghosts from Harper’s past coming back for a visit. It gets emotional as they deal with everything that life throws their way, but they handle it together (mostly, because where would the fun be if they didn’t have some downs to go with the ups?).

If this is what Cole can give readers on her first time out, I cannot wait to see what she delivers next … and next … and again in book 4.

Book Review – Hot SEAL

12 Sunday Jul 2015

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Book Review, Hostile Operations Team novel, Hot SEAL, Lynn Raye Harris

Hot SEAL

Hostile Operations Team series

by Lynn Raye Harris

Sex with the ex… It shouldn’t be this good the second time around.

Navy SEAL Dane “Viking” Erikson has sworn off women—or at least he’s sworn off one woman: DEA Agent Ivy McGill. His ex-wife.

But when they’re forced to work together on a critical military mission, Dane can’t help but notice how the one woman he shouldn’t want is the only one he can’t stop thinking about.

Ivy knows what it’s like to fall for a SEAL’s hard muscles and killer smile—and she knows what it’s like when everything falls apart. So why is she naked against a wall and begging Dane for more?

(Originally included in the SEALs of Summer 2: A Military Romance Superbundle box set, Hot SEAL will be available as a standalone novella by autumn 2015.)

I’ve never been shy about the fact that I absolutely LOVE the HOT series and Harris’s latest novella doesn’t disappoint. I will give a warning that this is a little bit of a variance from the previous stories though. It is loosely tied to the terrorist group from before but it centers around a South American drug cartel instead. Some of our favorite HOT members are involved but we are also given a new hero & heroine and their supporting cast.

However all the things that we love about the HOT series is here – the action is thrilling, the romance is steamy and the characters are interesting. If anything, I would have wanted this to be longer because I really would have liked to see more about these two. Their story is complete (and it is a humdinger – both the suspense portion and their very complicated relationship) but they are complex enough that I think they could have supported a full length story – especially Dane and his issues with his father. What we are given, though, is satisfying and I can’t wait to see where we go from here.

As much as this can stand on its own, since the majority of the action is centered around a different bad guy than the stories so far, there is enough going on here that it fits in with the continuing series. It won’t stop new readers from keeping up, but there are pieces that flow over from previous books. I also really like the idea of introducing a new subset team to HOT with the SEALs. It gives Harris a lot of material to work with for future stories.

Book Review – Right Next Door

11 Saturday Jul 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest

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AJ Pryor, Book Review, RIght Next Door

Happy Saturday …. y’all are going to love Damian!

*****

Right Next Door

by AJ Pryor

Blurb:

My fiancé is officially a married man. The only problem is that he isn’t married to me . . .

Addison Peacock has been stuck in the same seaside town her entire life. When her college boyfriend proposes the night before graduation, she can finally see the future she’d always dreamt about. But the sudden illness of her father causes her to put that future on hold, and her soon-to-be husband leaves, with nothing but a promise that one day he’ll return.

Now, five years later, he’s kept that promise. There’s only one problem . . . he’s already married. Crushed twice by the same man, Addison needs a distraction, someone to get her back on her feet and mend her broken heart. As luck would have it, Damian Walker has just moved in next door.

Having rebuilt his own life after a drunk driver stole his career, his heart . . . everything, Damian knows what it’s going to take to get Addison’s life back on track. But he’s not going to be anyone’s rebound. His life is complicated . . . there’s no room for one-night stands. Until Addison knows what she’s looking for, neighbors are all they’ll ever be.

One shared wall, two sun-kissed balconies, and a chance at love…a twist of fate. Could the possibility of a future be right next door?

Buy Links:

Amazon | BN| iBook | Kobo

*****

Review:

These two are just a whole bag of trouble. . . Damian is only interested in a long-term relationship but he has some secrets he’s holding onto with a death grip. Addison has had her heart trample on by her ex, but she’s having trouble letting him go. With the two living next to each other, and a lot of simmering attraction, you know that it is going to bubble over and cause all sorts of a big mess. And it is – for every step forward they make, they quickly find themselves two steps back. But Pryor does it very well, because at no time did I find myself annoyed or bored with them. Instead it is well-developed and engaging (although I do wonder how so much can go wrong for these two), with characters that make sense and are enjoyable to get to know.

There’s a lot of angst going on in this story so make sure you are ready for it – they really can’t catch a break. But it’s the good kind and I quickly found myself pulling for them to figure it out so they could get to their HEA. It isn’t an easy journey for them, and there is definitely a lot of heartbreak along the way, but I cheered for them when they finally got there and that’s a win in my book.

*****

Author Info:

A.J. Pryor lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two daughters. If not home writing, you can find her at the beach, the yoga studio or the soccer field with her girls. An avid reader of contemporary romance, new adult and young adult novels, her Kindle is always within reach. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

https://www.facebook.com/ AJPryorauthor?fref=ts

www.twitter.com/ajpryor1

www.ajpryor.com

*****

Giveaway:

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Book Review – Simmering Ice

08 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Atlantic City Hustlers series, Book Review, Simmering Ice, Susan Scott Shelley, Veronica Forand

Simmering Ice

an Atlantic City Hustlers novella

by Veronica Forand & Susan Scott Shelley

Physical therapist Annie Davidson is great at her job but unlucky when it comes to love. She’s just out of a bad relationship. A really bad relationship. All she can do is focus on work…that is until she runs into professional hockey player Alec O’Meara. She’s a touch insecure and doesn’t understand why he’s interested in her.

Despite being one of the biggest players on the team, right wing Alec O’Meara prefers finesse over force. After the tragic death of his wife, he likes to keep things loose on and off the ice. But the red-headed Annie challenges his beliefs and makes him think about taking their relationship to the net.

The passion and fun they share is addicting and makes them long for more. But her insecurities that she’s not good enough, and his anxiety over a long-term commitment will keep them apart, unless they can find a way to break through the defenses they’ve built around their hearts.

I have not been reading the Hustlers series and I have definitely been missing something great (I know, I know 🙂 ). These two are carrying so much – Annie has some serious esteem issues thanks to her parents and Alec is still working on getting over his wife’s death. But the connection between the two is unmistakable … and unavoidable. Once they meet, it is just a matter of time before they give in to the attraction.

I really liked both of these characters. They are flawed and real and not once did I want to smack them, which is saying something. There are definitely some rough patches, but that intense attraction (and some bad luck) puts them on a pretty fast time table and they really didn’t have a lot of time to figure out the other’s hot buttons. This lack of communication between the two causes a lot of their issues, but it works really well in the story. I’m with them every step and I totally see how they end up where they do.

Not having read Flirting On Ice, the first in the series, I’m not sure how this fits in, but I can say as a standalone that it works. I don’t think you’ll have any issues if this is your first meeting with the Hustlers, but you’ll probably be like me – ready for another go with the super-sexy hockey players.