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Book Review – The Billion Dollar Player

01 Thursday Jan 2015

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cover54338-mediumIn The Billion Dollar Player by Mandy Baxter, Jase Blackwell, starting tight end for the Dallas Cowboys, is a pro when it comes to football—and to women. Never one to shy away from a challenge, “Billion Dollar Blackwell” is finally able to get the cute waitress he’s had his eye on out for a little fun. But when their steamy encounters inspire Jase to play better than he ever has before, he has to wonder if this exciting woman is more than just a good luck charm…

Avery Lockhart doesn’t understand why a pro football player would want to go out with her. Incredibly wealthy and undeniably sexy, Jase Blackwell is everything she thinks she’s not. Getting a little closer to this enigmatic billionaire, however, proves too much for Avery to resist. But as their passion heats up, so does Jase’s game play, and soon, the rumors start to fly. Is Avery only being kept around to ease Jace’s pre-game superstitions? Or, like she believes, does their connection run deeper…?

(As you all know, I have this fantastic habit of joining a series in the middle but luckily this time it wasn’t a problem.)

The Billion Dollar Player is a short and fast read, perfect for those looking for a sports romance but who don’t have a lot of time.  This is definitely one of those stories where you want to smack the characters up the side of the head a couple of times and tell them that they need to talk to one another.  Jase worries a couple of times that Avery isn’t as good as she seems – that she’s into him for his money or fame instead of him as a person.  And Avery is afraid that Jase is ashamed of being seen with a poor, clumsy waitress instead of the Barbie lookalikes that he usually associates with. 

While Jase starts to value Avery for who she really is, she still has her doubts on why he would want to be with someone like her.  I can see where some would find it annoying but I thought it worked well.  You can see the drama coming a mile away but I think that Baxter does a good job in setting it up and giving her readers the HEA that Jase & Avery deserve. 

With her entertaining and fluid writing style, I’ll be keeping my eye out for more from Mandy Baxter.  And I’m definitely reading the rest of the Billionaire’s Club books – stories about Jase’s two brothers – fame and fortune, mixed with their troubled backgrounds, could lend to enjoyable difficulties on their path to happiness. 

Book Review – Flaming Hot

31 Wednesday Dec 2014

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cover53497-mediumBig and bold, strong and sexy, the firefighters of the Lanville, Texas, Volunteer Fire Department know how to turn up the heat. . .

Fiery

Sparks fly the moment Eve and Quade meet. Fear of heartbreak makes them wary but neither can deny the scorching waves of desire that leave them wanting so much more. . .

Flare

Paige wonders about Cort’s past but she can’t ignore the heat she feels inside every time he touches her. And things only get hotter when this sexy firefighter takes her to the heights of extreme carnal pleasure. . .

Flash

For years Kirk has kept a secret that not even his twin knows. But the arrival in town of a sexy newcomer turns up the heat and keeps the flames of passion burning all night long. . .

(This is the second book in The Firefighters of Lanville TX series – Please note: This book is an anthology and features three novellas, one of which is an M/M romance.)

A follow-up to LaFleur’s Smokin’ Hot anthology, Flaming Hot is just as sexy  …  and I do mean SEXY.  This is a very, very sizzling read but it also has a good amount of heart to go along with it.  And once again, Lafleur does a good job of keeping her stories short but complete.  The characters are detailed and engaging, their issues are fleshed out and believable, and the sex hot, hot, hot.

Now I will restate the previous note – there is a M/M romance and it is just as steamy as the others, so remember that if it isn’t your thing.  Since the stories do stand alone you can enjoy the others and be fine, but I found that romance just as sweet as the others so I would highly recommend reading the whole book.

Flaming Hot is the perfect steamy break for a busy day.  The stories stand alone but carry over between each other because they are part of the same volunteer fire department.  It’s nice to see characters and catch up but they don’t directly impact each other so the stories can be read in any order you want.

Book Review – Undefeated

26 Friday Dec 2014

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cover53777-mediumWelcome to Destiny Falls, New York, home of Bomb Squad—an ice hockey team full of rugged military heroes. The team’s battling a losing streak, but the season’s biggest game changer is one player’s second chance with the one who got away…

Yoga instructor Marlena Brodie is always up for a challenge, and her new job of snapping Bomb Squad out of their rut is definitely that, even though it means being in close contact with Liam McAllister, her high school crush gone bad. She can feel the damage pouring off of him—but also a wild and sexy strength that calls to her.

The Army turned Liam McAllister into a man, but as a combat medic, he saw far too much to ever be whole again. He’s not interested in the civilian world beyond his job as a carpenter, but he never stopped wondering what might have been with Marlena—and it isn’t long before she’s crashed through his carefully constructed walls. He longs for a new beginning with her, but to be the man she deserves, he’ll have to step out of his defensive zone and score the most important play of his life…

I am one of those people who love a good soldier romance.  There is something sweet about someone who has gone thru so much and sacrificed for others finding their special someone.  And something even more so when it is a damaged soldier and Cutler’s series is just full of them.

Some may be put out by Marlena’s new age beliefs, and they are pretty prevalent, but I actually like her as a person.  She isn’t overly preachy and her attitude of acceptance definitely helps her deal with Liam and his issues.  But the best part is that she has some problems of her own and Liam helps her deal with those as well.  I love the give and take here – it isn’t one sided with one person doing all the helping – it is nice to see that they can support each other.

But Liam definitely has the lion’s share of troubles.  Coming home with PTSD and learning to live as a civilian again has definitely taken its toll.  He’s strong but I do like the fact that he recognizes he needs help and is willing to do what is needed.  He is a bit of a jerk though so you have to be ready for some moments when you don’t like him very much, but seeing his situation from his perspective and getting Marlena’s take on it makes him a very sympathetic character. 

While this is the second book in the series, I once again joined in the middle and didn’t have any issues – Undefeated can definitely stand on its own.  But saying that, Cutler does a fantastic job of giving her readers a great set of secondary characters between Marlena’s friends and the rest of the Bomb Squad.  And although we don’t get a ton of time with them, the appearances they do make definitely has me ready for more stories.  There are a lot of paths that Cutler can go down with these guys and I’m looking forward to seeing what she chooses.

If you are looking for a hard-hitting and emotional read, Undefeated is the perfect choice.  There are times when it got difficult to keep going but the characters grabbed me so I couldn’t stop – I had to know how they got to their HEA. 

Book Review – Christmas in July

25 Thursday Dec 2014

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cover41034-mediumGrace Flaherty had given up hope of ever seeing her husband again. After all, it’d been over a year since he went missing in combat. So when he strides through the door of her bakery in downtown Christmas one sunny afternoon, she can hardly believe her eyes. But her happily-ever-after is going to take some effort – because Jack has no memory of his family.

All Jack Flaherty remembers about Christmas is that he couldn’t wait to leave town. Now he’s a local hero with a wife and son he doesn’t know. Even as he struggles to rekindle the romance with his wife, he knows in his heart what he wants: a second chance at love.

If you’ve been reading my reviews for a while I’m sure you are going to know what I’m going to say next – once again I’ve joined a series in the middle, but luckily once again it doesn’t matter.  Which is a good thing and a bad thing.  This story was so great and I didn’t feel like I missed anything by not having read the first one.  BUT the story was so great I’ve now got another story to add to my TBR pile because I’m dying to get my hands on the first book 🙂

The characters grabbed me right away – the first two chapters just knocked me off my feet and kept me going until the very end.  I was quite impressed with Mason because she could have easily made their issues overpowering or repetitive but she manages to keep it fresh and engaging page after page.  Together Jack and Grace are funny, sweet and sexy.  I love seeing their relationship and how they complement each other so well. 

The secondary characters are just as real and entertaining as the main couple.  Mason captures that small town feel so well – loving and supporting each other, occasionally fighting, but most importantly being there when needed.  And my favorite part … a town full of eccentric characters means that a ton of material to keep the good reads coming. 

With a fantastic group of people and an emotionally charged story, Christmas in July is an extremely addictive and enjoyable read.  Mason is going to be one of my go-to authors for a long time to come. 

Book Review – The Trouble with Harry

24 Wednesday Dec 2014

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cover43841-mediumYou think you’ve got troubles?

As a spy for the Crown, Lord Harry Rosse faced clever and dangerous adversaries—but it’s his five offspring who seem likely to send him to Bedlam. At his wits’ end, he’s advertised for a wife and found one, but perhaps he should have been a bit more forthcoming on certain points…

Wait till you meet Harry and Plum…

Frederica Pelham, affectionately known as Plum, spent years avoiding the scandals of her past, and is desperate for quiet security and a chance to make a family. What she finds is a titled husband and five little devils who seem bent on their own destruction, not to mention hers. And while all kinds of secrets are catching up with them, Plum knows the real trouble with Harry… is that he’s stolen her heart.

Like Noble Intentions, I actually have read The Trouble With Harry before and liked it enough to read it again.  Harry and Plum’s life is full of just as much zaniness and humor … but mostly importantly as much heart.

The first part of the book is spent getting to know Harry and Plum and then having them settle into life together.  There are a quite a few moments where a little more open communications would help a lot, but it isn’t one of those times where I just want to hit my head on the table because they are being so clueless.  Here, MacAlister does a great job of giving them reasons for the assumptions they make but as someone looking in you can see where they are going so wrong.  It fits well into the story though.  Then about half-way through a bit of a mystery starts to play a more important role, which adds that perfect balance of intrigue to an already delightful romance.

You definitely have to be in the mood for silliness because MacAlister tells a delightfully wacky tale but if that’s your thing, you are in for a treat.  Full of witty and fun dialogue, absurd and humorous situations, and a lot of heartwarming moments, mixed in with some suspense to keep you on your toes, The Trouble With Harry is a can’t miss.

Book Review – Breaking His Rules

22 Monday Dec 2014

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cover50480-mediumLosing fifty pounds is an incredible achievement. But for Melissa Atherton, progress doesn’t come with praise—a scathing comment from an evil cousin at a bridal shower threatens to crush her new self-esteem. Who will she bring to the upcoming wedding? Showing up without a date would be humiliating. It just isn’t an option.

Personal trainer Jake Sawyer was attracted to Melissa before she lost weight, but her progress has him floored. When she admits she plans to hire a male escort—and why—his heart all but breaks. Melissa’s come too far to be knocked down, especially by her own family. He’ll go as her date…and figure out a way to keep his hands to himself.

But when a steamy hotel room encounter takes them both by surprise, Jake balks. He’s sworn never to date one of his clients, not again. And Melissa can’t bear to be just friends with the man who treated her so tenderly, even if it was only for a weekend. Jake’s helped her see she’s strong enough to stand up for herself, but will she find the strength to pursue the only man who’s ever seen the real her?

I somehow missed the first book in Packard’s “Feel The Heat” series (and I just realized I missed a novella from last December as well) but the three that I’ve read have all been fantastic.  I started with The Winning Season which was fantastic and next came Catching Heat, another winner.  Now we get JT’s bother, Jake, and the awesomely sweet Melissa, both of whom made appearances in Catching Heat so if you read that story you knew their romance was coming … and I couldn’t wait!

I loved Jake and Melissa together.  They’ve developed a wonderful friendship over the last few months and it makes a naturally transition to something more.  Because of their shared history of being overweight, and having to deal with the public perception of it, they get each other (and have that special empathy for others) in a way that is very special.

I will say I had a little trouble with the ending – I kinda understood Jake’s reasoning but I’m not sure I quite got his change in attitude.  With everything else that happened in the book, you totally get where he’s coming from but he’s typically male if he thinks that it can work out the way he’s thinking it will.  Overall, though, it was a minor gripe and the rest of the story and the fantastic characters make up for it.

A warm and emotional look at two people moving cautiously from friends to more, and all of the problems that come with it, Breaking His Rules is a wonderful, feel-good read.  And just because it is part of a series doesn’t mean that you can’t start here.  Packard does a fantastic job of giving her returning readers that feeling of connection that they want, without alienating new readers.  She also gives us that tantalizing peak into the next story that will cause you to wait impatiently for the next book to release 🙂

Book Review – Dashing Through the Snow

19 Friday Dec 2014

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cover58219-mediumAs if plucked from the screen of a Hallmark movie, this short and light holiday novelette will warm your heart and put you in the Christmas spirit… And now with 10 bonus awesome Murphy’s Bakery recipes inside!

Wynn Murphy has been in love with Zane Anders since the day she laid eyes on him. But just when she begins to hope their casual relationship might turn into something more, a misunderstanding pushes her away.

At first sight, charming and handsome, ad executive, Zane Anders has been secretly infatuated with bake shop cutie, Wynn Murphy. This Christmas, he’s determined to tell her.

Join Wynn and Zane in this delightful holiday novelette as Zane goes dashing through the snow in an effort to capture Wynn’s heart.

**This is a clean romance and a short read at around 45 pages**

Dashing Through the Snow definitely could have been straight out of the Hallmark Channel – it’s super sweet and totally satisfying, just like Wynn’s desserts.  If you are looking for a quick (and clean) read this holiday season, this is definitely it.  

My only (very minor) complaint is that I think we could have gotten a little more about why Wynn felt inferior, which is one of the main roadblocks to them getting together, but as I said it is a minor one.  And with about 50 pages to tell the story, Rion did a fantastic job giving me that warm and squishy feeling I look for from a romance.  Her characters are very well developed and the story flows smoothly, especially given the size of the book.  I’ve read stories with 4 times the pages that didn’t feel as well put together.  I really hope that we get more from this little world because I totally want to see what trouble Wynn’s friend Gemma gets into when she finally falls in love!

So, take a little break from your shopping and wrapping and baking and pick up your own copy of Dashing Through the Snow.  You’ll find yourself rooting for these two thru their almost moments and near misses.  And as a totally cool bonus, you even get a handful of yummy recipes after Wynn and Zane finally get their act together. 

Book Review – Love in a Snow Storm

16 Tuesday Dec 2014

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cover57767-mediumBook #2 in the new Pine Harbour series from NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author Zoe York.

Never fall in love with your best friend’s little sister…

Contractor and army reservist Jake Foster fell in love with Dani Minelli when she was a colt-legged high school senior. He knew he was too old to even look at her, let alone touch.

Dani’s been trying to get his attention since returning to Pine Harbour a grown woman—and failing miserably at every turn.

This winter, everything is going to change. And when the snow stops falling, Jake and Dani won’t be able to hide from their attraction any longer.

(Yes, once again I joined a series after it started but luckily for me it didn’t matter 🙂  There was some mention to previous actions and I think we pick up basically where the first book left off, but enough information is provided that you can easily keep up.)

York does a fantastic job here with her characters.  Both are well developed and their confusion & hesitation is reasonable considering their history – they do a fantastic job addressing timing issues and romantic histories and what could happen when others find out how they feel.  They are such a great couple, with feelings based on a lot of years together.  I love how comfortable they are together and how their relationship develops so smoothly out of that.  

My only complaint is that Jake’s history in the military (and his last deployment) is glossed over.  There is talk about how it changed him but we don’t get the details and I think that might be a path that was missed.  Not having read the first book I’m not sure if this came up before but it seemed like a loose thread here.  With a lot of their friends and family in the same unit though it could come up again later so I guess I’ll just have to keep reading to find out 🙂

Sexy and sweet and funny, York packs a lot into Love in a Snow Storm – beautifully capturing small town life and the hardships that can come from falling in love in a little community.  She also gives us a great set of supporting characters, who not only add extra depth to the story but also wonderfully set up possible of future stories.    

Book Review – In Your Dreams

11 Thursday Dec 2014

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cover49857-mediumEveryone loves Jack Holland, but Emmaline Neal needs him. Her ex-fiancé is getting married in Malibu and, obviously, she can’t go to the wedding alone. In Manningsport, New York, tall, blond and gorgeous Jack Holland is practically a cottage industry when it comes to rescuing desperate women. He knows the drill, Em figures, so he won’t get the wrong idea.

What Jack needs is an excuse to leave town. Ever since rescuing four teenagers from a car wreck, he’s been hailed as a hero and the attention is making him itchy, especially since his too-pretty ex-wife is back, angling for a reunion. He’s always liked Emmaline. She needs a weekend date? No problem.

So when they wind up in bed together, Em chalks it up to red wine and chocolate cake, just one impulsive night not to be repeated. But Jack’s pushing for more, and if she lets down her guard, either she’ll get her heart crushed again, or discover that Jack’s worth more than just dreaming about.

I’ve skipped one or two of the Blue Heron novels but the ones I read I loved (looks like I only reviewed The Best Man).  And In Your Dreams was just as good – I found myself halfway thru it before I realized it.  It’s a fun read but also an addictive one so be prepared to spend a little alone time reading. 

This is the second Ugly Duckling story I’ve read lately – where the heroine isn’t like the girls the hero normally dates and isn’t a traditionally pretty girl – and both did a fantastic job.  Em is in a more masculine professional and isn’t the most feminine of people.  She doesn’t try that hard and enjoys playing hockey & being a cop … she can’t wait to taser someone 🙂  She’s also put up a few walls, not that she’ll admit it, after her last (and first) relationship ended badly.  But she’s also smart, funny and she’s got a big heart under her more point blank exterior. 

Jack is the guy you can count on to do the right thing.  But after a tragedy has given him some attention he doesn’t necessarily want – and a big case of PTSD that he’s not prepared to handle – having Em thrust into his life is definitely the distraction he needs.  But how can Em keep from falling in love with someone so perfect?  (Heck, I’m half in love with him!)  Especially knowing he isn’t interested in anything long term with someone like her.   

If you’ve never read one of Higgins books, you are definitely missing out.  You can start here but you’ll be asking Santa to bring you everything on her backlist.  Full of emotion and heart and just enough heat to keep things exciting, her books never fail to put a smile on my face and leave me with a happy heart. 

Book Review – Christmas with the Billionaire

10 Wednesday Dec 2014

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We took a look at this book already here and I’m SO happy to tell you what I think about it 🙂

Christmas with the Billionaire (2014)This sizzling, feel-good holiday novella introduces USA Today bestselling author Susan Stephens’ all-new Black-Heart series.

Fabulously wealthy entrepreneur Jason Kent hates Christmas.

What Jason wants, Jason gets—which means solitude over the holidays to give him chance plot his next mega-value business deal.

Content in his luxurious penthouse apartment Jason is not prepared for the arrival of the whirlwind of change and challenge that is Ms Kate Black.

Enter Kate—no-nonsense sheep farmer’s daughter from the North of England.

House-sitting for a member of the British aristocracy over the holidays, Kate refuses to sit back and do nothing when she learns that people in her block are going to be on their own over Christmas. Aided by the scruffy little yappy dog she has also taken on, Kate makes it her mission to bring everyone in her snooty building together.

Working flat out to throw the party of the year, Kate meets an unexpected obstacle in the form of a man who turns her sturdy bones to jelly. With her no nonsense attitude to sex, Kate soon finds that she is a lot more deeply involved than she had intended to become with a man whose appetite for life might match her own, but who travels on a very different track.

Christmas with the Billionaire is a quick read, fun and sweet, and full of holiday cheer.  Novella in length it is a good set up to the new world that Stephens in creating.  Mostly we spend time with just Jason and Kate but it does give a glimpse at possible future characters. 

Watching Jason and Kate create sparks off each other is oh-so-entertaining.  Seeming very different on the outside, as we get to know them we see that not only do they complement each other well but they also have much more in common than it seems.  Both are hard-working, caring and dedicated.  Jason feels a need to hide his heart whereas Kate shows things a whole lot more.  As they fall for each other they take readers along for a very enjoyable ride.    My only complaint might be that we weren’t given enough of Jason’s history, so that his falling for Kate would be a little more magical.  BUT I must say that I did so very much love the falling for part. 

Christmas with the Billionaire is a sugar-coated, full-of-sprinkles treat.