ARC Book review: Yours for Christmas (Fool's Gold #15.5) by Susan Mallery

Available October 28th 2014
eARC supplied by publisher through Netgalley

Step out of the winter chill and into the warmth of Fool's Gold, California, the charming small-town setting for a new holiday novella from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery

Famous former NFL stars don't date single working moms like Bailey Voss. She'll allow herself to daydream about Kenny Scott's muscles and killer smile, but wanting more would lead to post-holiday regret. Then Kenny volunteers to run a toy drive with Bailey, and she learns that he's not just hot…he's also generous, funny, nice. The whole package—tantalizingly out of reach.

The ache of past loss reminds Kenny why he needs to avoid getting too close to anyone. Especially to a gorgeous redhead and her adorable little girl. Mess it up, and he'd lose them both. Yet Kenny can only resist Bailey for so long. And as festive spirit spreads throughout the town, he's all wrapped up in Bailey's sweet, sexy kisses and determined to make this the first of many Christmases together…


Back to Fools Gold, California! In a new holiday novella we finally get to see what might happen between Bailey and Kenny. Kenny has been a bit of a enigma since he arrived in town. He was one of three former NFL stars now retired and running a PR firm with another friend. He comes across as this lovable guy but whenever it came down to kids he balked a bit. Apparently it's really hard to ignore cute little girls when they engage the heart because Kenny finds himself helping out Bailey's little girl. When Kenny finds himself helping out the annual toy drive with Bailey thanks to Mayor Marsha he's all in until he freaks out. This is a quick fast get to your heart strings story. Love and loss are a part of life and Kenny and Bailey have had to deal with both and that changes you. It's how you deal with it that matters. I have always loved Kenny and Bailey and while i loved this novella i had hope for a full novel. In any case though it was well done by Susan Mallery and i look forward to see what's in store for them in future books.


Find out more about the Fools Gold series and Susan Mallery here www.susanmallery.com

ARC Book review: A Match Made in Mystery (A Matchmaker Mystery #2) by J.B. Lynn

ARC book provided by author 
Available now!

Attorney Brady Stewart knows he’s in for a wild ride when psychic matchmaker Armani Vasquez tasks him with finding a Purple People Eater. 

His life becomes even more complicated when he meets Amy Winn, a woman crazy enough to take on a would-be mugger, and desperate enough to come looking for a mysterious inheritance. 

As Brady and Amy attempt to unravel the mystery behind the puzzling legacy, they can’t deny their mutual attraction despite the fact they live in different worlds. 

Difficult choices put their budding romance at risk as they juggle Amy’s desire to unlock the secrets of a father she never knew and Brady’s need to tread carefully in order to protect his career. 

Can they solve a mystery twenty  years in the making? Or will doing so ruin any chance at a future together? 

Brady Stewart doesn't know what to think when Armani Vasquez  tells him to find a Purple People Eater. What? Yes a Purple People Eater. Color him surprised when the opportunity comes up to ask such a question and someone actually knows what it is. Amy Winn not only knows what a Purple People Eater is she is also a good Samaritan when she saves a lady being mugged while standing in the rain trying to talk herself into going into a law office. Two things, she received a paper that might lead her either to her dad that she's never known and/or a possible inheritance and, the lady she saved is a big deal with the law firm. Said lady asks Brady to take care of her but that's not a problem for him. This as always is a fast moving exciting story. Whenever i pick up a JB Lynn book i know i am going to entertained. I'm going to be drawn into the story in the first chapter. Sometimes the first few sentences. The characters are always interesting and the story intriguing and a little different. I never know where she's going with the story. Sometimes i can't even venture a guess to the ending.I might even laugh a little ... or a lot. You might get the ending to  to the main story line but if it's a series like this one she just might just lay the ground work to  hook you into the next book too. I can't wait to find out who Armani might be helping find a love connection next!


Find out more about this book and other JB Lynn stories by checking out her website here www.jblynn.com

ARC Book review: Dr. Daddy's Perfect Christmas by Jules Bennett

Available now!
eARC supplied by publisher through the author

Mistletoe Baby

Pregnant and widowed. It wasn't quite how Nora Parker had planned to be ringing in the holidays this year. Though she was excited to meet her new baby, the last thing she'd expected was the return of Dr. Eli St. John the man who'd broken her heart years ago. Now he was back, filling in at his father's practice. He definitely wouldn't be staying in town. And she definitely shouldn't be looking forward to seeing him again!

Eli had left his small town for bigger adventures, assuming Nora would always be waiting. Now she was his best friend's widow, expecting a baby Eli wished was theirs. With the holidays approaching and his time in town dwindling, did he dare make one last effort to claim the Christmas gift he should have accepted years ago?


I wasn't really in the mood to read a Christmas related story when i started reading this book. I could only hope that i would get into it really quickly and sink into that holiday feeling we all hope for when it's that time of the year. Believe it or not that actually did happen. Eli St. John had to leave home and find his place in the world. He left behind his first love Nora Parker thinking that if it was meant to be she would be there for him when he came back. Unfortunately when he finally got the pull toward home his best friend and Nora were dating. He couldn't interfere if Nora was happy and he didn't want to hurt his best friend either. Finally forced back to care for his ailing father he's confronted with seeing Nora after barely making it through the door his first day back. This was complicated by the fact that his friend and Nora's husband was now dead. This book gave me one of those Harlequin TV movie vibes. Both Eli and Nora fight their feelings at first but it's a losing battle for both. When it looks like things are going well and they are really connecting secrets come out that ruin everything. This was a romance filled and happy story in places and gut wrenching and tearful in places as well. It really had it all and i really connected with the characters. A great way to spend a evening of reading.


Find out more about this book and Jules Bennett you can find it on her website here www.julesbennett.com

ARC Book review: Only (Holton Woods #2) by HelenKay Dimon

Available now!
eARC book provided by publisher through Netgally.



He’s a man who fixes difficult situations. She’s the one thing he can’t handle—and the one thing he can’t resist…

ONLY 

Sebastian Jameson negotiates for high-end clients who need problems taken care of quickly and discreetly. Accustomed to being in control, he’s still reeling from his ex-wife’s decision to write a tell-all about their private life, one that highlighted their bedroom activities. The fallout left Bast’s love life in chaos, making him a magnet for women who thrive on risky fantasies, and a pariah to all others.

Kyra Royer knows all about Bast’s reputation—and is intrigued enough to try to change him into a one-woman guy. But getting him into her bed will be a challenge. He’s known her brother for years, and her brother, with his rough past and sniper abilities, is not a man you cross. Kyra knows Bast thinks she’s off-limits, so she’ll have to get creative to make him hers.

As Kyra turns up the heat, Bast struggles to resist the sexy young woman’s considerable charms. But when Bast’s job turns from tricky to deadly, keeping Kyra nearby might be the only way to keep her alive—even if it means getting closer than he ever intended…


The Holton Woods series by HelenKay Dimon continues with Only as we move on to Sebastian Jameson Jarrett best friend from book one. He's this controlled sexy lawyer who seems like he has it all together except when Kyra Royer show up at the club his best friend owns. Kyra is 24 years old but a very hardened 24 because of the way she was brought up. She doesn't come from money the way Bast does and she doesn't had a high paying job either. She does know what she wants and she wants Bast.  Bast puts up a good fight to keep her at arms length but when he finally gives in things get hot quick.  This books isn't just a sexy romance there is also the edge of suspense and danger as well. Bast is handling a really difficult case which has the danger of someone getting hurt. Kyra also has her criminal father in the background trying to cause trouble which Bast knows nothing about. I think the relationship comes across as both Bast and Kyra as a little immature or at least for Bast a little scared maybe. He's had his previous marriage and personal life dragged through the media so he's allowed to be leery i guess. As the story grows though Bast figures out how to love again and Kyra matures in her first real relationship. There is also a secondary M/M romance that started in book one that's a little combustible. I want to say that you really need to start with book one or you might be a little lost on the relationships going on in this series.  Overall so far i am enjoying the series.

Find out more about the books and HelenKay Dimon here www.helenkaydimon.com

ARC Book review: The Christmas Wedding Ring (Triple Trouble) by Susan Mallery

eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley
Available now! Re-issue

Re-issue of Wedding Ring Promise - Originally published 1998.

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery returns with a classic story of destiny, desire and a little holiday magic! 

In her youth, Molly Anderson couldn't help crushing on gorgeous bad-boy Dylan Black? Even though he only had eyes for her older sister. When things didn't work out between them, he said goodbye to Molly as well, vowing they'd have a great adventure when she grew up. Years later, dumped by her fiance?Jjust before Christmas, she's finally ready to take Dylan up on his promise.

A guarded Dylan always had a weakness for Molly, and when she waltzes back into his life?grown-up and gorgeous?he's stunned. So why not whisk her away for some no-strings-attached fun?

Laughter-filled days and late-night kisses are changing Molly's life, for good. The only gift she truly wants now is Dylan's love, but when he discovers the secret she's been keeping, she may lose him again?this time forever. 


This  a classic Susan Mallery story revamped and re-released for the holidays. Molly was 14 years old when Dylan Black left town after her sister broke his heart and married someone else. Before leaving he made her a promise. He gave her the wedding ring meant for her sister and told her to come see him when she needed a adventure.  Years later A series of bad things happen to Molly in  one week. Finding that ring reminds her of Dylan and she looks him up and wants to take him up on that adventure. Dylan can't get over how grown up Molly is and even though he always felt affection for her he is suddenly feeling that at more. He proposes a trip where he decides where they go. Taking off on his motorcycle both Dylan and Molly feel lighter right away. Loved the idea of this story. Molly has some secrets and Dylan can only guess at what they are at first but slowly he wins her trust and she reveals everything. I liked this book but there are places you can feel it's dated and places where it seems to drag just a little. Still a over all enjoyable read set during the holidays but not necessarily about the holidays. A feel good read by the end!


Find out more about this book and Susan Mallery here www.susanmary.com

ARC Book review: One in a Million (Lucky Harbor #12) by Jill Shalvis

ARC ebook provided by publisher through Netgalley
Available Now!

As the brains behind wedding site TyingTheKnot.com, Callie sees it all: from the ring to the dress, the smiles . . . to the tears. It's that last part that keeps her single and not looking. Getting left at the altar will do that to a girl. But when Callie returns to her old hometown, she finds that her sweet high school crush is sexier than ever. And he makes it hard to remember why she's sworn off love . . .

Tanner is a deep-sea diver with a wild, adrenaline-junkie past—and now his teenage son is back in his life. How can Tanner be a role model when he's still paying for his own mistakes? It's hard enough that gorgeous Callie has appeared in town like a beautiful dream, challenging his best-laid plans to keep his heart on lock down. Though there's something about being around her again that makes him feel like he can be the man she—and his son—deserve. Little Lucky Harbor holds their past; can it hold a beautiful new future?

The last book in the Lucky Harbor series! Wow i can't believe this is the end. We go out with Tanner and Callie.  Tanner has always been about responsibility. Ever since his teenage girlfriend came up pregnant and even before he's been working at getting to a place where he is comfortable financially and making sure everyone he cared about is taken care of as well. He was doing well on his own when Callie shows up in his life. Callie was left at the alter and back in Lucky Harbor she comes face to face with her ex and his wife while at the same time dealing with her old high school crush at the same time. Tanner is of course that crush. Tanner and Callie have a place in my heart. Not only are they our last couple but for some reason they really clicked for me. When you add in Tanner teenage son and their interactions with him it kind of clinches things.Amazingly fun and romantic Jill Shalvis brings it home once again with her characters that are full of life and humor while also likable and down to earth. Amazing series from book one to done! 


Find out more about this book and series and Jill Shalvis here www.jillshalvis.com

ARC Book review: Twisted (Eternal Guardians #7) by Elisabeth Naughton

ARC ebook provided by publisher through Netgalley
Available now!

Nick –Leader of the half-breeds and the last true hero. He’s spent his life fighting a dark pull toward the gods. A pull he now knows is linked to his father Krónos and the Titan’s plan to escape from the Underworld.

But Nick’s hidden powers are coveted by more than just his father. Imprisoned by Hades, Nick battles every form of torture imaginable as the sadistic god schemes to break him. Only one thing is keeping him sane. One woman who gives him the strength to fight the relentless darkness. She has a dangerous plan of her own, though, and as Nick’s powers grow stronger, even she might not be enough to alter his destiny. 

As the fate of the world hangs in the balance, Nick’s allegiances are tested. And no one knows whether he will choose to fight for good or succumb to the sinister lure of evil. Not even him.

I never thought i would like a series of books like this. Yes there are hot sexy alpha men but that doesn't always equal a good book for everyone every time. I started this series late with a book somewhere in the middle. I liked it so much i went back to the beginning to start with book one. In this installment we finally get to Nick. Nick was always a bit of a mystery to me in this series. It took me a while to like him although he intrigued me from the first time i got to meet him. The more i read about him the more i liked him but now finally we get to the real nitty gritty that is Nick. He always came across as one tough kick ass guy but now we find out he has vulnerabilities like everyone else. Poor Nick has to share his soul mate with his brother which has been nothing but annoying and painful because although he gets all the emotions that go with it his brother is the one who has her heart. Now being held prisoner and being tortured he's stayed tough but it's a close thing. The woman who is tasked to deliver that torture might his salvation or his demise. Cynna is forced to torture Nick. She's made a deal with Hades she is pretty sure was a huge mistake so it's go with what he says or it all falls apart. As the days go by her resolve to keep at it slowly falling away. There is something about Nick that she is drawn too and it goes the same for Nick but neither one can let the other one know because for both it means showing that weakness. All i can say is this one really tore me up. The torture Nick is going through is hard to read about and even the things that Cynna has to endure. Once things get going you realize there are some deep dark secrets at play here as well. This is book really takes Nick and opens him up to expose so much of who he really is and Cynna who is a new character as well. You just want it to really work out for them because they deserve it so much. When it comes to this series that's true for each book though. You really need it to work out because the characters deserve it so much. Another amazing edition to the Eternal Guardians series by Elisabeth Naughton.


Find out more about this series and Elisabeth Naughton on her website here www.elisabethnaughton.com

ARC Book review:Rock Courtship (Rock Kiss #1.5) by Nalini Singh

Available Now!

eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley

What happens when the Gentleman of Rock decides to play dirty?

A drummer for the hottest rock band on the planet, David has a single, powerful weakness: Thea, the band's publicist and the woman who steals his breath away with her every move.

Only problem is, Thea doesn't date clients--or musicians. Emotionally scarred by a cheating ex, she's not about to risk her heart with a man who has groupies buzzing around him like flies. Even if his sexy smile ties her up in knots.

What she doesn't know is that David is a one-woman man...and he's madly in love with her. David's determined to prove he's worth the risk, and willing to court her, step by exquisite step. Thea's about to discover just how long and hard this handsome drummer can play.

This is a quick novella that actually runs at the same time as book one and involves the drummer of the band, David. He's known as a gentleman and dresses and acts like it most of the time. David has the hots for Thea.
Thea is the bands publicist and likes him too but she can never let him know it. is aloof and cool around him and the ice queen professional.  With a little help from Thea's sister  he slowly makes his way in and and Thea reluctantly starts to believe in him. Old hurts are hard to forget though and Thea struggles with being away from David when he's on tour with the band. I liked Thea and David and wish they had a longer story. David had to deal with a lot to get to where he is now and yet he stays grounded and finds a way to deal with life as a rock star. Thea on the other hand had a good life but a extremely bad experience made her cut that part of herself off. David put all his love into her though and it was fun to see their relationship being built. Loving this series so far and can't wait to find out what's next.


Find out more about this series and Nalini Singh here www.nalinisingh.com .