ARC Book review: Controlled Burn (Boston Fire #2) by Shannon Stacey

Available now!
eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley

Rick Gullotti lives the good life. He fights fires, dates beautiful women—though none long enough so they cast wistful glances at jewelry stores—and has great friends. And thanks to helping out the elderly couple who own his building, his rent is low. But when concerns about their health lead him to contact their only son, his life starts getting away from him.

Jessica Broussard has no interest in leaving sunny San Diego or her cushy corner office for Boston, but her father—who happens to be her boss—dispatches her to deal with the grandparents she's never met. She's unprepared for the frigid winter, loving relatives who aren't the monsters she's been led to believe, and the hot, scruffy firefighter who lives upstairs.

At first, Jessica is determined to get back to her comfortable life as quickly as possible. All she has to do is talk her grandparents into selling their monstrosity of a house and moving to a retirement community. But she underestimates Rick's dedication—and his considerable charm. Nobody's taking advantage of his friends on his watch, even if that makes the tempting southern California girl with the long legs his adversary. Unfortunately for them both, the only thing more urgent than the matter at hand is their sizzling chemistry, and it's quickly becoming too strong to resist.

Book two in the Boston Fire series Shannon Stacey shows us just where the sizzle is! Rick Gullotti has been renting a apartment  on the top floor of a big house from a older couple who have become like family to him. He's enjoyed low rent while taking care of anything that needs to be done around the house. When the older man falls and gets hurt a woman claiming to be a granddaughter they didn't know they had shows up. Jessica Broussard finds herself at the grandparents home she's never met. Now she's determined to get to know them and help them if necessary. Unfortunately or fortunately Rick is already there helping and they have to decide if they can trust each other. Loved this one. Rick is a great guy but faced with Jessica and his feelings for her he's unsure of himself sometimes. Being vulnerable is hard for a guy and Rick is no exception. Jessica has only ever had her dad for family. Jesssica has no idea what family is and between her new found grandparents and Rick she likes the feelings she's experiencing. I liked the grandparents and Rick and Jessica were great together. Of course the firefighters and friends are a great addition to the story. The one thing missing for me at the end is Jessica's dad. There's no resolution there. He abandoned his parents years ago and was slowly inching his way to a reconciliation and then nothing. Hopefully we find out what happens in the next book. I'm definitely looking forward to book three.

Find out more about the Boston Fire series and Shannon Stacey here www.shannonstacey.com

ARC Book review: My Kind of Wonderful (Cedar Ridge #2) by Jill Shalvis

Available December 22nd 2015
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

UNEXPECTED AND UNDENIABLE...

Bailey Moore has an agenda: skiing in the Rockies, exploring castles in Europe, ballroom dancing in Argentina. Now that she has a second lease on life, she's determined not to miss a thing. What she doesn't realize is that item #1 comes with a six-foot-one ski god hot enough to melt a polar ice cap. She doesn't want to miss out on him either, but Hudson Kincaid isn't the type of guy to love and let go. And as gorgeous as Cedar Ridge is, she's not planning to stick around.

As head of ski patrol at his family's resort, Hud thinks he's seen it all. But never has he run into someone like Bailey. She might look delicate, but her attitude is all firecracker. And her infectious joy touches something deep within him that he's been missing far too long. Now he'll just have to convince Bailey to take a chance on her biggest adventure yet . . . something rare and all kinds of wonderful.

There is something about a Jill Shalvis book. I have never been disappointed and look forward to grinning and laughing before the end of chapter one. I think it happened within the first few chapters this time. Bailey Moore is finally living her life. After 10 years of being sick with the possibility of not surviving she's doing what she wants and finding out who she is. This leads her to Cedar Ridge to paint a mural at Kincaid's ski resort and .... Hudson Kindcaid. The man is there for everyone. Responsible to a fault even if he sacrifices what he needs for himself. Shalvis has a way of making you feel welcome in a series. Like you are part of the family of characters. I don't know know how she does it because you feel like you are right there in the book. This is one of those books and you feel yourself grinning and laughing out loud. Think  yup that sounds like Hud or that darn Aidan always a smart ass. If you want to be taken out of your own world for a little while and be a part of the one is this book and enjoy yourself start with this book. You can read it as a stand alone too. Great read from page one to THE END.

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

ARC Book review: A SEAL Forever (West Coast Navy SEALs #3) by Anne Elizabeth

Available now!
eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley

Even a hero needs someone to believe in him...

Parkour instructor Maura Maxwell has always denied her attraction for her bachelor neighbor because she's seen his revolving door of women and doesn't want to become another notch on his belt. But the man who rescues her from a sudden storm isn't the one she thinks she knows-he's Master Chief Declan Swifton of SEAL Team Five, and he literally sweeps Maura off her feet.

Just as his teasing and tenderness start to work their way into Maura's heart, Declan and his team are called in for a dangerous op in the Middle East. The man who returns is facing the toughest fight of his life, and he needs Maura by his side more than ever...

This is a new author for me. The cover caught my eye and the blurb my interest. Declan Swifton is Navy seal. One of the elite military and all around good guy. Maura Maxwell is his next door neighbor and they share a balcony. Kind of hard to avoid each other but Maura was managing just fine until she gets into trouble in the ocean just outside their door. Declan swims in to save her opening a chance for them to get to know each other.  It seems to be going well between the two until Declan is injured on a OP and disappears for a bit. I have to say first i liked the idea of this story. Parts of it I enjoyed a lot. I think the story could've been made shorter and went on to long though. I knew that Declan would get injured because of the blurb but i was not expecting what happened to him. I liked how he handled it but for some reading this it could be very upsetting. I loved Declan's teammates as well. Both Declan and Maura had challenges in their lives. Maura's earlier in life and her struggle helps Declan. She becomes his anchor. In the end it kinda had a fairy tale ending and that doesn't jive with the reality of soldiers getting severely injured in battle. It was a mixed bag for me. I enjoyed the story but this would not be a reread for me. 

Find out more about this story and  author Anne Elizabeth here www.anneelizabeth.net

ARC Book review: Fighting for Devlin (Lost Boys #1) by Jessica Lemmon

Available now!
eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley


Devlin Calvary makes his own luck. Orphaned as a young child, he was taken in by a crew of bookies and gamblers—and they became his family. They’re the reason Dev’s running a trendy bistro, living in a high rise, and enjoying the good life with a string of women who never ask for too much. Until, one night, he finds out how much it hurts to trust the wrong people.

Rena Lewis sticks to the straight and narrow, determined not to slip up again . . . like the terrible night of partying four years ago that ended in tragedy. A waitress at Oak & Sage, she knows that sleeping with her boss is not a smart move. But when Dev shows up on her doorstep, beat up and clearly shaken, Rena’s not about to turn him down . . . or kick him out of bed.

Dev reawakens something primal within her—a need to go wild. And Rena soon finds out that the heart she’d sealed away years ago still has the power to fight for love. 

I am still relatively new to Jessica Lemmon's work. I loved the cover for this book and the blurb so i wanted to give this new series a try. I was intrigued from the first page. Devlin is not your typical hero. It took a little bit for me to figure out he wasn't exactly put him on a pedestal hero. On the surface it seems like he could be until you dig deeper. Keep digging and you find he's not a bad guy either. Once he let's Rena in he's fighting what he thinks he is and what he could be. Rena is fighting her own internal battles yet opens her heart to the first guy in years who could also shatter it. Bad girl gone good gone bad again. An amazing story with strong characters. Intense but also kept me guessing what everyone's intentions really are. Definitely exciting to see what book two has in store for me. 

Find out more about this series and Jessica Lemmon here www.jessicalemmon.com

Audiobook review: Branded for You (Riding Tall #1) by Cheyenne McCray

Audiobook provided by author for review

Megan Wilder doesn’t think there’s a man in this world who could love her just the way she is. After meeting sexy Ryan McBride, she suspects he might just be the one to change her mind. 

With her family in danger of losing their restaurant and their home, a sudden illness has everything Megan thought was sure in her life crashing down around her. Finding out Ryan is the one responsible for threatening foreclosure shakes her very foundation.

Can Ryan and Megan succeed in overcoming their obstacles and fight for a love that was meant to be?

This was a new for me author so excited to listen to book and check out the narration. It started out strong with the two meeting and getting to know each other, but after a while i kept waiting for something to happen. Something a little exciting. It was kind of ho hum and ok, then wham! There's the first sex scene with Megan and Ryan. You would think the first time would be sweet. Instead it's hot and intense and a little bit of bondage and dirty talk. Wowee! It goes from contemporary romance speed to mild erotica. I can handle the hot sex scenes but this seemed to come out of the blue with how Ryan acts right up until this. I loved the two of them together and Ryan was this amazing guy.  Overall i thought there was a little to much description of things and i didn't care for the narrators female voices but the book was still enjoyable for me.

Find out more about this author and this series here www.cheyennemccray.com

ARC Book review: Rocky Mountain Shelter (Six Pack Ranch #8) by Vivian Arend

Available now!
ebook provided by author for review

Innocence and passion are an addictive mix...

The dark-haired stranger next door triggers every protective instinct Trevor Coleman never knew he had. From the moment Becky Hall literally falls into his arms, the last man standing of the Moonshine clan doesn't even attempt to resist sweet temptation. Becky is beautiful, mysterious and heartbreakingly vulnerable…and he's a goner.

To escape the hell she was trapped in, Becky left everything behind but her courage. And for once in her life, good people step up to make a difference. A helping hand, a new job…a very attentive and libido–stroking neighbour. Now a new future awaits, one that shockingly includes sexual pleasure instead of icy pain, and a sexy cowboy who’s more than eager to show her the ropes.

Becky’s sweet smiles and seductive innocence draw him in like nectar, and Trevor knows one taste will never be enough. But with secrets growing thicker than a bumper crop, changing a life will take more than a new ID and a cowboy’s good intentions.

It's gonna take sacrifice to break these chains.

Warning: boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl—all hell breaks loose. We’ve got a hero whose hands are tied in more ways than one. A heroine who wants to experience everything she's ever missed, and a family that needs to discover if its roots go deep enough to weather any storm.

I really love this series. Trevor Coleman has the biggest heart. He is constantly giving his truck away. Literally, he does! He's one of the last Coleman's still single and is the first person to offer help to someone in need. Along comes Becky Hall. Becky has some huge secrets and wants to be left alone but Trevor is attracted to her and intrigued and he slowly wittles his way into her life and her heart. I loved this one. Trevor is one of those guys that anyone would want as a friend. He also has a supportive family. So when Becky Hall shows up in a rental house on property he is trying to find out who is the owner of he get several surprises. Who Becky is, where she came from and who is the owner of the house and how it's connected to his family. Amazing story of love and patience and understanding. The only down spot for me was toward the ending. I was expecting more at the end. Something bigger. It just kind of ended with some things not settled. At least not for me. Overall though a really good read.

Find out more about this series and Vivian Arend here www.vivianarend.com

ARC Book review: Walk Through Fire (Chaos #4) by Kristen Ashley

Available now
eARC Provided by publisher by Netgalley

Millie Cross knows what it's like to burn for someone. She was young and wild and he was fierce and even wilder-a Chaos biker who made her heart pound. They fell in love at first sight and life was good, until she learned she couldn't be the woman he needed and made it so he had no choice but to walk away. Twenty years later, Millie's chance run-in with her old flame sparks a desire she just can't ignore. And this time, she won't let him ride off . . . 

Bad boy Logan "High" Judd has seen his share of troubles with the law. Yet it was a beautiful woman who broke him. After ending a loveless marriage, High is shocked when his true love walks back into his life. Millie is still gorgeous, but she's just a ghost of her former self. High's intrigued at the change, but her betrayal cut him deep-and he doesn't want to get burned again. As High sinks into meting out vengeance for Millie's betrayal, he'll break all over again when he realizes just how Millie walked through fire for her man.

I really loved Millie and Logan. In the beginning of the book the story is told of how they met interspersed with the what's happening now. It's painful to see how they went from so happy and perfect for each other to hurt, bitter and utterly destroyed. Logan is so cold and mean to Millie when she decides she has to tell him why she left him all those years ago. It was bad and then when his MC brothers get into it too it literally takes her to the edge.  Logan finally takes a long look into Millie, at Millie. Something is wrong. Then it comes out what really happened all those years ago. It totally breaks your heart as a reader imagining yourself as Millie. Once he figures out what is going on he has his work cut out getting back into Millie's heart and earn her trust again. While I enjoyed this book immensely I kept looking for a threat. There is a small one introduced a ways into the book but that kind of peters out until almost the end. I thought there would be more conflict from that source throughout the book. Overall though i really enjoyed the book from beginning to end.

Find out more about this series and Kristen Ashley here www.kristenashley.net

ARC Book review: Lucky Shot (The Montana Hamiltons #3) by B.J. Daniels

Available now
eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley

He's determined to uncover the truth behind a decades-old disappearance—even if it kills him...

When hotshot reporter Max Malone gets a rare shot of Buckmaster Hamilton with a blonde woman near Beartooth, Montana, he chases down one of the senator's daughters to verify that the woman is his supposedly long-dead first wife. But Kat Hamilton won't give him the time of day, let alone any information about her mother.

With his tousled blond hair, sexy stubble and an old straw cowboy hat topping off his long, lean frame, Kat can just tell Max isn't used to female sources denying him anything. But when her own life is put in jeopardy, it's Max who comes to her rescue. Seems someone is prepared to kill to keep the past in the past. Kat can't deny she needs Max to find out what happened to her mother, but will getting closer and closer to each other lead them to the truth... or to danger

 Max Malone is one of the best investigative reporters. On the hunt to figure out the secrets of  Buckmaster Hamilton's long thought dead first wife Max meets Kat Hamilton. Thinking to use her to find out something about her mother he finds he likes her. He's got his work cut out for him when Kat isn't a easy mark like he hoped.  Before long though they are working together to find out what might have happened all those years ago when Kat's mom disappeared. I like the two of these characters together but at times i felt a little lost a little bored. I was hoping this whole thing with Kat's mother would wrap up at the end of this book but instead your left hanging with doubts. It felt like it dragged on and went in circles. I think that this book is best read after reading the first two books in this series.

Find out more about this book and B.J. Daniels here www.bjdaniels.com

ARC Book review: Rendezvous in Point Reyes (West Coast Holiday #3) by Elisabeth Barrett

eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley
available now.

For shy, quiet Stella Flynn, love is an illusion. After a rough divorce, all she wants is to make a fresh start and get on with her life. Unfortunately, she spends all her waking hours working at her family’s Napa Valley winery alongside her ex, the assistant winemaker. Unable to bear the thought of spending another weekend surrounded by lovey-dovey couples, especially after suffering through a lonely holiday season, she escapes to Point Reyes to wallow. Little does she know that an old family friend has other plans …

Sexy, free-spirited Jason Roberts has secretly been in love with Stella for years. The problem? She’s his best friend’s younger sister, and Stella’s brother would kill him if he ever broke her heart. Besides, Jace is pretty sure that Stella thinks of him like another brother, not a lover. But then he notices the way she’s looking at him, and one perfect kiss changes everything.

Over a long, romantic weekend, Stella and Jace discover that seduction is a game that’s easy to lose … and that the path from friends to lovers is never as smooth as it seems.

This is one of those quick sexy afternoon reads. I inhaled it in one evening. Stella Flynn is struggling with grief over he failed marriage and looking to get away from her overprotective father and brother she takes a weekend vacation to Point Reyes. She rented a cottage and booked some meeting for work and then plans to wallow alone for once. Jason Roberts is her brother's best friend. He's been in love with her for a long time but kept it to himself. He's drawn to her but still tried to hold himself back but it doesn't last long. Love this book. Stella is awesome and once she finds out Jace wants her she debates changing their relationship but promises herself it will be ok is she treats it as a vacation fling. That doesn't work either. Love to see these two figure things out. Jason's past history with women is almost his downfall so he has to work hard to make Stella see he's the right man for her. 

Find out more here www.elisabethbarrett.com

ARC Book review: Line of Fire (Greenway Range #2) by HelenKay Dimon

Available now!
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

With his military career over and his ego bruised, Jason McAdams is ready to start over. As a founding partner in Greenway Range, his new life is everything he'd ever dared to dream about, but it also puts him in constant contact with the one woman he can't have: his best friend's little sister.

Molly Cain has loved Jason for as long as she can remember, and seeing him now—damaged and self-destructive—is a constant heartache. Watching him numbly work his way through woman after woman is damn near intolerable. Until one summer night changes everything.

After a rocky start, the sex is hot and naughty and all Molly knew it would be. And when he makes another pass at her, Molly doesn't say no. Or the many times after that, either. But Jason carries a secret—one that's kept him away from Molly for all these years, one that could ruin everything. He's been shot at and seen death, but letting the woman he loves find out the truth is the real worst-case scenario…

This one tossed me around a bit. Molly has loved Jason forever but Jason couldn't give in to his feelings and take her so he ignored her most of the time. He was also harboring a secret that could devastate her. Getting out of the service after being injured in a attack in a place it never should've happened. He's got tons of guilt over that but also over things that happened with Molly. Tons and tons and it's piled up and made it seem impossible to him to ever have her as more than a friend. He's going to try because if all he can has is friendship he wants it. Molly finally gives up. One to many betrayals by Jason for her. All the women she has seen him go through and marrying her best friend and ignoring her. Now he's trying to make it right and he's got his work cut out for him. Much as a ass as Jason has been i could not quite get up a lot of feeling of support for Molly. He's was at times cruel to her but as soon as the opportunity arises she uses him for sex and beats him over the head with everything he's done. She doesn't take the time to really figure out what he's going through. Her friends treat him like crap too. Marcus who is his brother who has his own love issues in this book is the only one truly there for him. Once the big secrets are revealed between them they finally start sorting through the mess their relationship has become. Great angsty story with a side story of Marcus and Will that started in the previous book.  Even with all Jason did i still loved him to pieces. 

Find out more about this book and HelenKay Dimon here www.helenkaydimon.com

ARC Book review : Hunks, Hammers and Happily Ever Afters by Jodi Redford, Cari Quinn, Cathy Clamp, Anna J. Stewart, Amie Stuart, Leah Braemel, Chudney Thomas

Available Nov 3rd 2015
eARC Provided by publisher through Author

An anthology of novellas about hunky blue collar, hammer wielding heroes and the women who tame them. Stories are by USA Today Bestselling Authors Cari Quinn, Cathy Clamp, and Anna J Stewart, and featuring authors Jodi Redford, Amie Stuart, Leah Braemel, and Chudney Thomas.

Get down and dirty with this sexy blue collar bundle featuring seven original contemporary romance novellas that range from sweet to sizzling.

KNOCKOUT – Cari Quinn
All Emerson Knapp wants…is everything he shouldn’t have. When all his secrets come to a head, the only question left is how much he’s willing to lose.

HOT SUMMER NIGHTS – Cathy Clamp
Sophie Green is smart, gorgeous, and good with her hands. Can Gabe convince her to make her stay at the Starlight Motel a permanent one?

MARKED FOR LOVE - Anna J. Stewart
Overworked pub manager Regan Murphy is about to have her hands full with Lantano Valley newcomer and tattoo artist Brodie Crawford: a sexy single father who is far too distracting. 
*this version of MARKED FOR LOVE is a spiced up version of the original sweet novella of the same title. Includes a never before published epilogue, available ONLY in this boxed set.

KNOTTY MAGIC – Jodi Redford
Hormones be damned, Tully Eastwood won’t succumb to her attraction for a sexy lumberjack—until she finds herself trapped overnight with him in the woods.

SHADY LADY – Amie Stuart
Free spirited, sexually adventurous Cherise Sinclare doesn’t need a forever kind of guy. . . until she finds one willing to fight for her.

UNASHAMED — Leah Braemel
Two sexy construction workers double Hayley O’Connell’s fun. But can they convince her the fun should last forever?

LOVE IN AN ELEVATOR – Chudney Thomas
Mica Lawson is a failure and a flake; at least according to her family. Then one stalled elevator, and a sexy repairman, change her life.

I only read Unashamed by Leah Braemel for review.

Leah Braemel shares a quick sexy story about 2 best friends who fall for the same women and each other. It's not all fun and games because each one of them have to decide if they can handle a relationship together and all have personal inner problems to navigate. Max and Noah have been friends forever. Hayley is a house flipper who walks into their lives and they fell in love from the first moment they see her. It takes two years of working together and being friends to get to get to the point where they ask Hayley out.  Fun sexy and at times a little heart wrenching and dramatic. A great evenings worth of reading and a fun story.

Find out more about Leah Braemel and her other work here www.leahbraemel.com

ARC Book review: Hot Holiday Nights (Play-by-Play #10.5) by Jaci Burton

Available now!
eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley

Victoria Baldwin is a successful sports agent who always puts work first—unless she’s on vacation. Then it’s all about play. On holiday in Hawaii over Christmas, she meets Alex McConnell, a successful young surfer on the islands for a surfing competition. She couldn’t think of a better vacation fling. But when she meets Ben Reynolds, Alex’s manager, she realizes she wants both men. This could be her hottest holiday ever, and the vacation that changes her life.

This holiday themed novella by Jaci Burton is part of her Play by Play series but you do not need to read the series to enjoy this and although it takes place during the holidays it's not really Christmasy. You can enjoy it during the holidays or any time of the year. Tori is a successful go get em sports agent who finally takes some time off to enjoy herself. She heads off to Hawaii and the beach for a Christmas vacation. She's not into relationships but somehow falls into one with not one guy but two. Alex is the young guy of the two if you call 35 young and Ben is in his 40's Alex is still rocking the competitive surfing scene and Ben a former surfer is his manager. It's fun to watch the three of them navigate a relationship. The sex scenes are more than a little hot and at times seem to dominate the story a little to much. LOVED Ben. Can't pinpoint why but i clicked right on to him. So for some fun super sexy reading this is a great little novella to do the job.

Find out more about this series and author Jaci Burton here www.jaciburton.com

ARC Book review: All I Need Is You (Loving You #2) by Wendy S. Marcus

Available Oct 6th 2015
eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley

As a dancer who creates mesmerizing visions onstage, Neve James is looking for the same kind of stability in her love life. Her pen pal, Rory McRoy, is on leave from deployment in Afghanistan, so she heads to Boston to surprise him. After corresponding for months as part of a “Support Our Troops” initiative—and exchanging dozens of “Read When You’re Alone” letters—Neve knows what Rory likes, and she intends to fulfill his every fantasy. But all they get are a few blissful moments together before they’re interrupted by a woman claiming to be Rory’s fiancée.

Rory has fallen hard for Neve’s letters. When he finally meets her in person, he has to have her, right then and there—until Neve takes off in a fit of anger. Forced to return to Afghanistan before he can fix things between them, Rory waits four agonizing months to prove that he’s not the man Neve thinks he is. But by the time he arrives in New York, she’s already made up her mind. Luckily, Rory never backs down from a challenge, and he’s prepared to put everything on the line for love.

This is one of those books where the heroine isn't the easiest person to love.She had to work on  getting my affection but she did.  I also have to say i have not read book one so i don't know if there was something in there to change how i would view the characters in this book. Neve James is a dancer, a short women with a lithe dancers body. Men adore her. She regretting some of her choices in that area but some old hookups won't let her go. Rory McRoy is her Army penpal. Home on leave when Neve surprises him. The surprise is on her when it appears he has a fiance. After numerous for your eye only letters she thought she knew him and now she thinks he's a liar. Rory has to go back to Afghanistan before he can get Neve to listen. When his tour is up and he gets out of the military he heads straight to Neve. I loved that the hero and the heroine are shorter in stature. Guys are almost always tall six feet or more in most romance books. Rory is a shorter guy but Neve is shorter still. I want to say that it's refreshing to see this. Rory and Neve both have some serious hang ups. Beating themselves up over their own issues while helping the other with theirs. It seems like maybe just maybe they might have a chance when Rory's one second of indecision blows the whole works. Now what? A sweet and sometimes very sexy read. You have to love Rory's family. They are loud but loving. It's been a while since i have read anything by Wendy S. Marcus but i remember now how much i enjoy her work. 

Find out more about this series here www.wendysmarcus.com

ARC Book review: Texas Hustle (Texas Montgomery Mavericks #6) by Cynthia D'Alba

Available Nov 24,2015

eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley


They’re different as night and day…but it’s the right time for love.

Texas Montgomery Mavericks, Book 6

Porchia Summers was born into a family who gave her everything except affection. She acted out until her parents sent her to Whispering Springs before their high-society friends found out about her arrest record.

She builds a good life in Texas, but then the old boyfriend who got her in trouble tracks her down. Desperate to find a way to keep her past and present separate, she places a bid at a bachelor auction on the one man who’ll get her out of town for a few days.

Darren Montgomery is thrilled when Porchia wins him and a week of camping with his entire family in a charity bachelor auction. He’s also curious. He’s been flirting with the town’s sweet, sexy baker for years. Sometimes she flirts back, but she’s never let things go further than that. Darren’s not complaining, but he wonders just what’s going on behind Porchia’s pretty eyes.

Texas Hustle is 6th in the Texas Montgomery Mavericks series. Porchia Summers has been hiding something from her friends for years. The towns baker is much liked by everyone around especially Darren Montgomery. Darren has had his eye on her for years she flirts but that's as far as he can seem to get her to go until a celebrity auction. When it looks like Darren might get won by a women whose been stalking him Porchia throws her paddle up for the win.  It couldn't come at a better time for Porchia since a bad part of her past rears up and threatens her livelihood and her reputation in town. Escaping with Darren and his family just might be the best idea. Darren has one weeks to show Porchia how good they could be together and to crack that shell around her. I loved the the interaction between the Montgomery family. Besides Porchia and Darren getting together there are other surprises to unearth in this story. I would have liked to see a little more conflict from the bad guy. He didn't seem to be much of a threat until the end. I wanted to kick Porchia's parents too. I found it a little hard to believe at the end they do a total 180. I was also glad to see Darren wasn't going to let himself be a doormat for Porchia while she decided what and who she was. It's one of those times when reading a book you want to yell to the heroine are you NUTS!!! Overall the book was enjoyable and the Montgomery clan as a whole are always a lot of fun to read about. 

Find out more about the series here www.cynthiadalba.com

Barefoot with a Stranger (Barefoot Bay Undercover #2) by Roxanne St. Claire

Available October 16th 2015
eARC Provided by publisher through author

Francesca Rossi might be the youngest in a long line of badass siblings, but this computer whiz would rather hack a database than pack a pistol for the family business in Barefoot Bay.  When an assignment forces her out of her comfort zone and into the field, Chessie decides to amp up the excitement quotient and has her first one night stand with a sexy stranger she’ll never see again.

Former CIA agent Malcolm Harris is fresh out of prison for a crime he didn’t commit, and knows the government is watching his every move, waiting for him to slip up.  But the only mistake he makes is to assume the sexy, sassy woman he seduces on the way to Barefoot Bay is a spy.  He learns too late that the beauty he’s bedded is really his best friend’s sister…and his undercover partner on a risky mission.

Chessie and Mal have to stay one step ahead of the CIA, navigate their way through a perilous country, and fight the insane chemistry that sizzles between them.  It doesn’t take long for this hacker and spy to discover the power of their unplanned partnership…and learn that falling in love might be the riskiest business of all.

I have got to say i was so glad when Roxanne St Claire found a way to give loyal fans the Rossi (Guardian Angelino's)  family back in her Barefoot Bay series. I am pretty sure most of her fans know who Gabe Rossi is. I was afraid that what she wrote about Gabe wouldn't live up to what fans thought he should be. Me included. This book has a lot about Gabe in it but he is not the main focus just yet. He's been slowly edging us all into the story of Gabe. This book involves another Rossi, Francesca.  On her way  from Boston to Florida to help Gabe when her flight is delayed she runs into  new ex-con Malcom Harris. Fresh out of prison.  He is also on his way to see Gabe but neither one knows they both know Gabe and are heading to the same place. Former CIA Malcom is suspicious of everyone and everything. He thinks Francesca is there to spy on him. Oh no when he finds out how really wrong he is. lol Gabe reveals a couple of secrets in this book and Malcom and Francesca are teamed up to go into Cuba to check some things out for him. It's cool to see Francesca (Chessie) figure out with some help from Malcom (Mal) that she is just as good being in the field as all her Rossi siblings. Mal is in a rock and hard place and doesn't see a real way out pf his situation but Chessie isn't a quitter and she fights for Mal. This time Roxanne throws us some of her well known romantic suspense writing abilities. Kind of took me back to her Guarduian Angelino and Bullet Catcher series. Some of my favorite all time books. Chessie has always been more of a background player in previous books she appeared in and i am so glad to see her fleshed out and we are able to see who she really is. Lord knows Malcome deserved to get something good in his life after all he has been through. Chessie fits the bill. Can't wait for Gabe's story which i believe is next up i n this series. Way to go Rocki!

Find about more about this series and the other series mentioned above check it out here www.roxannestclaire.com

ARC Book review: A Bad Boy for Christmas (Second Chance #3) by Jessica Lemmon

Available now!
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

'Tis the Season to Be Naughty 

Connor McClain knows what he wants. And after four harrowing years in Afghanistan, that's a quiet life in the lakeside town of Evergreen Cove. But coming home has land mines of its own-the most dangerous of them being long-legged bombshell Faith Garrett. Now getting her into his arms this holiday is going to require more than mistletoe . . . 

With a cheating ex behind her, all Faith wants is a relaxing holiday free from man drama. And even though every moment with gorgeous Connor is a sweet temptation, Faith is determined not to give in. But Jack Frost has other plans, and soon Faith and Connor are snowbound in a winter wonderland with only the sparks flying between them to keep them warm. As one hot kiss leads to another, they'll have to decide if they're ready to give each other the best gift of all-love. 

Jessica Lemmon brings the sexy to Christmas time in the form of Connor McClain. Faith is on a break from men but with something weird going on around her apartment Ex military and all around good guy Connor McClain insists on checking into it. When he ends up staying with Faith things start to get interesting. It was fun to watch Connor and Faith's relationship grow. Both Connor and Faith have personal issues to work out for themselves and in doing so working out where their relationship will go too. I loved how Connor's loud and loving family welcome Faith in and show her what a family should be like. Of course it was great to see the characters from past books in this series and find out how they are doing. Only sad part is when one of Connor's military friends dies. I didn't see that coming. Connor is one of my favorite characters in a book in a while. Big, bad and sexy with a giving and loyal heart. Can't wait to see what happens with Asher next!

Find out more about this series and Jessica Lemmon here www.jessicalemmon.com

ARC Book review: Rock Redemption (Rock Kiss #3) by Nalini Singh

Available now!
eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley

Kit Devigny could have loved rock guitarist Noah St. John. Their friendship burned with the promise of intense passion and searing tenderness…until the night Noah deliberately shattered her heart.

Noah knows he destroyed something precious the night he chose to betray Kit, but he’d rather she hate him than learn his darkest secret. All he has left is his music. It’s his saving grace, but it doesn’t silence the voices that keep him up at night. Chasing oblivion through endless one-night-stands, he earns a few hours’ sleep and his bad boy reputation.

When a media error sees Noah and Kit dubbed the new “it” couple, Kit discovers her chance at the role of a lifetime hinges on riding the media wave. Wanting—needing—to give Kit this, even if he can’t give her everything, Noah agrees to play the adoring boyfriend. Only the illusion is suddenly too real, too painful, too beautiful…and it may be too late for the redemption of Noah St. John.

I have really enjoyed this series. Noah has been a bit of mystery in the previous books. A bit dark and brooding, Noah has a big secret. Something so devastating for him he's never discussed it with anyone except Fox and only once. Kit met the the guys in Noah's band when they were new and she was a struggling actress working as a waitress. While she got along with all the guys there was something about Noah. When Kit starts to get to close to Noah he panics and does the unthinkable and destroys the friendship they have. Noah has some serious emotional baggage and has been living a life in hell for years. Surviving day to day while the world sees a bad boy rocker on the inside Noah was a shell. When Kit gives him a opening back into her life he takes it. For once because of Kit he'll do whatever it takes to not hurt her again.  While there were part of this i loved there were parts that were hard to read. Kit has to be strong to help Noah and Noah has to be strong to let Kit in and let go of the past. Can't wait for book four.

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

Book Review: The Duke and The Domina : Grayson : The Ruination of Grayson Danforth by Jenn LeBlanc

Available now!

He's poor. She's rich. 
He's a sub. She's a switch. 
It's not love. 
It's a marriage of kink-venience.

Grayson Locke Danforth, in his wildest of dreams, never expected two things. 

The first was to be recalled from India by Queen Victoria where he worked for the quiet purposes of the crown. He must now become the Duke of Warrick after the tragic deaths of his father and brothers. However, tragedy is entirely in the eyes of the beholder, and Grayson doesn’t want the title, or to return to what remains of his family. Grayson wants to remain invisible, an outcast, a man in exile for the way his body and mind behave and the secrets he needs to keep.

The second thing he never expected was to be forced into marriage to a woman from the twenty-first century. 

Lulu is no mere woman, however. She’s a switch who works as a professional Dominatrix—at least, she did. When she wakes up in a strange house, a strange world, a strange body, she isn't quite sure what to think and is certain she’s dreaming. She has less than a day to gain her bearings and make a decision that will dictate the rest of her life in this world—whether or not to marry this beautiful stranger. 

As Lulu and Grayson attempt to begin a life together, she discovers the true reason why this man is a stranger to his family. She can only hope she can persuade Grayson to accept who she is, and who he was born to be, before he forces her out of his life in order to maintain his well-kept secrets. 

Trust doesn’t come easily to either of them, but it’s the only thing they have. 

Grayson will have to give in to his need to submit in order to get his wife to open up and allow him to possess her fully in return. 

It’s a cautious dance between two people who have never known how to trust, or love.


THE BOOKS IN THE LORDS OF TIME SERIES: 

THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE : BOOK ONE in the Lords of Time Series

THE DUKE AND THE DOMINA : BOOK TWO in the Lords of Time Series

THE DUKE AND THE BARON : a Lords of Time companion novel


As you can see above there are two full books in this series. Both have illustrated versions and i have to say it is worth reading the illustrated versions but if that's not your think you can buy it without them as well. In The Duke and the Domina we see a few familiar characters from previous books. I find a lot of comfort in that. Grayson was introduced in book one and i loved him but there was a bit of mystery around him. Lulu is his fate and she is a 21st century girl who wakes up with a headache in a new world than the the one she has always known. This is partly a time travel book in that Lulu travels  back to the 1800's  London from current day in the United States. She wakes up in the arms of Grayson Locke Danforth or The Warrick. What i liked about this book is the chance to see characters from the previous book. There were many i grew to love. Grayson being one of them. He finds himself a solitary person by choice. He lets his friends and cousins in as much as he can but none are really close. He thinks he's different and he is from what is the norm of the time. When Lulu comes into his life there is something about her that calls to him yet scares him. She will either be everything he needs or the end of him. It's kind of a toss up for a while. Each has personal issues they have to deal with if they want to find happiness and love. I really enjoyed their journey getting there. Jenn LeBlanc is a excellent photographer and you can see her work on many book covers including her own. She's gone one step further with her books and has illustrated them through her own pictures. It's just one more personal touch added to a really great story. If you are a fan of Victorian romance and don't mind a erotic twist or two this is a great series. I have found myself deep into these books where it's easy to lose yourself.  Time well spent.

Read more about Jenn Le Blance and her books and photos on her website where you can also find various links to her her books as well. www.jennleblanc.com

ARC Book review:Marry Me at Christmas (Fool's Gold #19) by Susan Mallery

Available Sept. 29th 2015

eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley

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? 

Madeline Krug has had a celebrity crush on Jonny Blaze for ages. Now he's moved to Fool's Gold. At least he's going to be around til his next movie starts filming. While he's in town he needs help planning his baby sister's wedding. Madeline gets asked to help by the mayor and she can't say no even if she's not sure she can handle being around super star Jonny without making a fool of herself. Jonny is is looking for normal away from the media and the more he gets to know Madeline the more he feels a connection.  I really enjoyed this book. Considering it's just September i wasn't sure i could get into the Christmas spirit to enjoy the book. Somehow Susan Mallery made it happen for me though.  Jonny but he won me over fast. especially the way he handle the two elderly trouble makers in Fool's Gold. You'll have to read it to see what I'm talking about but it's going to be worth it. There are of course little surprises woven into the story through previous characters. A well rounded story that will definitely leave you with a smile on your face.

Find out more about the this book and Fool's Gold series here www.susanmallery.com

ARC Book review: Ryker (Cold Fury Hockey #4) by Sawyer Bennett

Available Sept. 8th 2015
eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley

The stakes have never been higher for Carolina Cold Fury goalie Ryker Evans. With his contract running out, he’s got a year left to prove he’s still at the top of his game. And since his wife left him, Ryker has been balancing life as a pro-hockey star and a single parent to two daughters. Management is waiting for him to screw up. The fans are ready to pounce. Everybody’s taking dirty shots—except for the fiery redhead whose faith in Ryker gives him a fresh start.

As the league’s only female general manager, Gray Brannon has learned not to mix business with pleasure. And yet even this tough, talented career woman can’t help breaking her own rules as she gives Ryker everything she’s got. She hopes their hot streak will last forever, but with Ryker’s conniving ex plotting to reclaim her man, the pressure’s on Gray to step up and save a tender new love before it’s too late.

I really enjoyed this book. Ryker is this amazing, amazing guy. When his wife cheated on him with a teammate he got traded to the Cold Fury and met Gray Brannon. Gray is the manager of the Cold Fury and is responsible for bringing Ryker on board. She is also the leagues only female general manager. He's taking care of his two young daughters while trying to keep his game winning streak going. Sparks fly between Ryker and Gray and while it's sizzling hot the pair have a problem. She's kind of his boss in a way so that's a conflict of interest and might get one or both of them fired. Ryker is this guy wanting to do the right thing for his young girls who are just adorable and he and Gray struggle with a relationship they are forced to keep a secret. It's not easy and it can't last this way for long. Struggling to figure out if Gray should resign or Ryker retire. It seems one of those two things have to happen. Slowly the secret of their relationship is coming out as more and more people know the decision on what to do about it creeps closer. While the sex scenes in this book are sizzling hot it's everything about Ryker and Gray outside of the bedroom that works for me. 
Can't wait to see what's next!

Find out more about this series and Sawyer Bennett here www.sawyerbennett.com