Friday, January 30, 2015

ARC book review: Rock Solid by Samantha Hunter


Available now!
eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley

Opposites ignite… 

Champion stock car driver Brody Palmer's bad-boy reputation has forced him into early retirement. What no one knows is that his "retirement" is actually a publicity stunt. All Brody has to do is clean up his act and settle down. Unfortunately, every single woman with a pulse is now gunning to become the new Mrs. Palmer.

Hannah Morgan needs to shake things up, and Brody is the best way to do just that. So they strike a deal—a fake relationship…with all of the sexy strings included! Brody gets his improved image, and Hannah gets a whole lot more of Brody's unpredictable wildness. Hot days, hotter nights—it's the perfect plan! Provided, of course, they don't do something to wreck it, like fall for each other…
 


Samantha Hunter is another new author for me. The cover caught my eye and then the blurb. I think a good cover is the best way to get a reader to take a look at what's on the inside. Racer Brody Palmer is a bad boy caught one to many times in naughty situations. Now he's out of racing for at least a year as he works on improving his image. His biggest sponsor is making him clean up his act and find someone to settle down with if possible. Hannah Morgan is tired of feeling like she is boring. After she is passed over for yet another promotion at work she throws caution out the window and quits. Now she is traveling and trying to work on a photo blog and work on her writing skills in hopes of putting a little excitement in her life and hopefully some money. When she sees Brody on the news she decides he could probably help her. They had a quick month long fling before and it was the only time she ever felt a little wreckless. Even though Brody tries to shake her off at first when he finds out she needs help he's all in and maybe they can help each  other. Loved this one. Brody and Hannah are both in the middle of some big life changes and watching them try to sort through them was fun and exciting. If your looking for a fun evening of reading this is a great book to do that.

Find out more about Samantha Hunter and her books here www.samanthahunter.com

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

ARC Book review: Rocky Retreat (Six Pack Ranch #7.5) by Vivian Arend



*Available January 2015 in the COWBOYS LAST ALL NIGHT box set. Solo release, February 17.
eARC provided by author for review

Finding white-hot love in a white-out...

Eight months ago, Lee Coleman met the woman of his dreams…then lost her to another man. He buried his disappointment by throwing himself into work on the family ranch, but when a winter storm leaves him stranded, Lee finds more than shelter in the rustic safety of a hunter’s cabin—he finds a second shot at love.

Rachel Malone's heart has been broken and stomped on by her cheating ex, and she’s determined to never fall in love again. But a rebound fling? Doesn’t sound like such a bad idea, especially when she’s snowed-in with a gorgeous, sweet-talking Coleman.

Despite their off-the-charts chemistry, Lee makes it clear he wants more than a temporary romp. In fact, he’s made it his mission to put a smile back on her face, even if it means taking it slow and resisting the scorching heat between them. This time around, he wants forever, while Rachel is positive that forever is a fool's dream.

Lee can’t wait to prove her wrong…


Rachel's world fell apart when she discovered the man she thought she loved cheated on her. Now all she wants to do is lick her wounds in peace. Having gone up the mountain to a rustic cabin she knew it would be cold and snowy but didn't expect a blizzard but that's what she got. On her way back to the cabin from the outhouse ( yes outhouse!) she suddenly sees a very large man coming her way. Lucky for her it's Lee Coleman whose snow mobile died and is now stranded with her. Lee has had a thing for Rachel for a long time but their age difference was always a problem for Rachel. Now he is determined to show her age is just a number and he is perfect for her. I always enjoy the stranded by a storm stories. Lee is 24 and Rachel is almost 10 years older. While she is attracted to Lee ,she is hung up on the age thing but Lee is determined to show her they make a great pair. I like how this didn't turn into a jump into bed thing right away. Lee shows his character and respect for Rachel which makes her think  being in a relationship with him more possible. Once they get rescued from the cabin though and have to deal with the real world things get harder but Lee doesn't give up. The Coleman family is always good for a great story with fun and laughter mixed with some sexy romance. Although this is a novella you get the feel of a full length story and i love the glimpse of the other Coleman's from previous books. If you haven't read this series you can start with this novella but i recommend starting at book one to get the whole Coleman effect. Rocky Retreat makes a great addition to the series.

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

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

ARC Book review: Lethal Consequences (Aegis Security #2) by Elisabeth Naughton



Available now!

eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley

Three months after rescuing Olivia Wolfe from danger, Aegis Security operative Landon Miller still can’t stop thinking about her, even though she’s off-limits in every way possible. Knowing he’s leaving Aegis and returning to the DIA soon, Landon decides it’s time for their flirty online relationship to end. But Olivia can’t stop thinking about Landon, either. On a whim, she takes a leave of absence from her teaching job to surprise him in Barcelona—and arrives to find a sexy redhead in his hotel room.

Things aren’t always what they seem, though. Landon’s would-be one-night stand is really a member of the Red Brotherhood, a terrorist group targeting Landon for information on a lethal bioweapon. And now Olivia is unwittingly ensnared in their deadly plot, too. Forget escaping emotionally unscathed; Olivia just wants to make it home alive. Yet to survive, she’ll have to put her trust in the very man who not only broke her heart, but whose lies now threaten both their lives.

In the second book in bestselling author Elisabeth Naughton’s popular Aegis series, heart-pounding suspense stirs up deliciously sizzling romance.

This is the second book in a series but i didn't read book one and had no trouble reading this one. That being said i would love to go back and read book one.  This picks up a few months after book one finishes. Landon Miller can't get his mind off of Olivia Wolfe the woman he rescued from kidnappers months before. He's been texting and calling under the guise of checking up on her but he knows he should stop. He's on the tail end of a mission for the Aegis  security firm he's been moonlighting with for a while. Determined to get Olivia off his mind he  intends to hooks up with a beautiful woman in the hotel bar. Two problems with this. Olivia decides to surprise him and shows up at his hotel room and the beautiful woman he meant to hook up with from the bar is not there to please him but to hurt him. Now he is running for his life with a mad as hell Olivia in tow. I have always been a big fan of romantic suspense and i don't seem to read enough of that genre lately so i was happy to find this book.  It has everything i like. Romance and the suspense with a strong hero who isn't perfect with a kick ass heroine that might get kicked down but gets right back up again. Once the action starts it's a hold on to your hats folks story! Fast paced, exciting and heart wrenching at times it reminded me why i like romantic suspense so much.


Find out more about Elisabeth Naughton and her books here www.elisabethnaughton.com

Monday, January 26, 2015

ARC Book review: The Fireman's Ready-Made Family (The St. Johns of Stonerock #2)If ty by Jules Bennett



Available now! 
eARC provided by author

THE HOMETOWN HERO'S MISSION

For days, burn unit nurse Marly Haskins has noticed a handsome firefighter sitting vigil at patients' bedsides. Chief Drake St. John's concern touches the single mother deeply. But despite the warmth in Drake's cobalt-blue eyes, tall, strong, powerful men only remind Marly of the abusive ex-husband on her trail and the dreams she's long since given up on.

With his own harrowing past, Drake recognizes that Marly is running scared. His life and career are about saving others from harm, but there's something about Marly that makes his protective instincts more & . Helping Marly and her daughter feel safe in Stonerock is his new mission one that might heal his own burned heart.


This book is part of a series but can stand on its own. The series is about 3 brothers and this is the second brother Drake's story. If you read Dr. Daddy's Perfect Christmas, book one in the series you met Drake. Drake lost his first wife who was pregnant in a horrible car accident and has struggled to find his way past the heartache and anguish since. He meets Marly Haskins in the burn unit at the local hospital where she is a nurse. Drake is the fire chief in town and is there to visit a little boy he rescued from a burning house. Right from the start the two feel an attraction to each other but Marly is in no position to trust a man.  Marly escaped an abusive husband that controlled her every move.  Now she's trying to get some kind of life for her and her young daughter when along comes Drake who stirs her but until he starts to show her that not all men are like her ex-husband that she can slowly start to trust. What i liked about this book is the both Drake and Marly have serious issues with trust for very different reasons but neither one gave up on life and trying again. They are both good people with strong character who are very generous with their time to give to people in need. If you love a feel good contemporary romance this is a excellent book and an enjoyable book that you can easily read in a evening. Not one thing not to love in this story. 

Find out more about Jules Bennett and her work here www.julesbennett.com

Friday, January 23, 2015

ARC Book review: Barefoot in Pearls (The Barefoot Bay Brides Trilogy #3) by Roxanne St. Claire



Available now!
eARC provided by author for honest review


As her two best friends settle into their happily ever afters, destination wedding designer Arielle Chandler is beginning to wonder if the promise of “The One” – one true love, meant only for her – is merely folklore passed down from her Native American grandmother. But when a mysterious man nearly mows her down on a hill overlooking Barefoot Bay, the legend of destined love suddenly feels very real. That is, until Ari learns of Luke McBain’s plans to demolish a piece of land she believes is sacred.

Luke isn’t proud of the fact that he spent ten years as a mercenary warrior, fighting battles for another country. With those dark days behind him, he’s focused on creating a new life instead of destroying others, so he’s moved to Barefoot Bay to launch a contracting business and build a house for an old friend. But when an enigmatic dark-eyed beauty steals his attention and stops his progress with her announcement that he is about to flatten a native burial ground, Luke has a new battle to fight.

While their immediate and potent attraction grows complicated, Luke and Ari discover the hills of Barefoot Bay could be hiding something far different – and even more valuable – than ancient art or graves. They are determined to discover the truth, but that will come at a cost. Will they risk their chance at once-in-a-lifetime love to uncover secrets that could change the landscape of Barefoot Bay forever?



This is the last book in the Barefoot Brides Trilogy. Finally Ari will get have happy ever after.  Arielle Chandler was always taught by her Native American grandmother that there is one person out there that is "The One". There are things that you will feel that will tell you when you find him. A little sad that her two best friends have found their happiness with great men, Ari wonders if it will happen for her. Not five seconds after thinking that she almost literally gets run over by him. Luke McBain is Gussie's long lost brother. In the last book they stumble upon each other in another country and now Luke is staying with Gussie. Getting to know his baby sister again and trying to make a go as a contractor in Barefoot Bay. Out for a run on the property he is going to be building a house on he stumbles into Ari. Both feel a shot of attraction at first touch when he helps her up off the sand. Luke is trying to come to grips with his past and holds that up as a barrier to his attraction to her. Ari can't help who she is and what she believes. Spending a lot of time with her Grandma Good bear she learned how to hone some of the Shaman skills grandma passed on to her. She uses her skills to help Luke and solve problems that come up on the property when weird and frightening things start happening. This was my favorite of the three in this trilogy. Luke feels he is to damaged and unworthy for love but Ari won't accept that and little by little he finds a hope. I love how these two interacted. It would seem Luke would be a man with a hardened heart but something about Ari gets past that hard shell around his heart.  Ari is this beautiful delicate soul and she gives Luke the trust to open up and let go of his demons. There is a suspense vibe to this book as well as a romance. The combination of the two is done so well that you really just want to keep turning pages to see how it ends. 

Find out more about author Roxanne St Claire and this series here www.roxannestclaire.com

Thursday, January 22, 2015

ARC Book review:Cowgirls Don't Cry (Red Dirt Royalty #1) by Silver James

Available Jan 5th 2015

eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

The wealthiest of enemies may seduce the ranch right out from under her! 

Cassidy Morgan wasn't raised a crybaby. So when her father dies and leaves the family ranch vulnerable to takeover by an Okie gazillionaire with a grudge, she doesn't shed a tear—she fights back. 

But Chance Barron, the son of said gazillionaire, is a too-sexy adversary. In fact, it isn't until Cassidy falls head over heels for the sexy cowboy-hat-wearing attorney that she even finds out he's the enemy. Now she needs a plucky plan to save her birthright. But Chance has another trick up his sleeve, putting family loyalties—and passion—to the ultimate test.

This is my first Silver James book and i am happy to say that i enjoyed it immensely. Initially like almost any book i read the blurb first attracted me. This series is about 4 brothers and Chance is the subject of this book. Even though the brothers seem pretty alpha so far they have pretty much let their father tell them what to do. Chance meets Cassidy at the airport in Chicago. Little do they know their chance encounter will lead to a whole lot more. Chance is kind of a playboy skirt chaser until he lays eyes on Cassidy. The more time they spends together the more Chance is torn about secrets he has and loyalty. He met Cassidy right when her her father passed away and she is torn up with guilt because she feels she always let her father down. Now there's a real possibility she might lose her father's ranch to a old enemy of his. Chance knows exactly what's going on but doesn't tell Cassidy until it's to late. This a great story about love, finding yourself, standing up for what's right and loyalty and forgiveness. Such a awesome story. Both the main characters have to struggle with what to do and making the right decision. Fun, exciting and emotional is how i would describe this story. Seems i might have found a new author to read and a new series. A win, win!


Find out more about Silver James and this series here www.silverjames.com 

Thursday, January 8, 2015

ARC Book review:Watch Me (Dark Obsession #1) by Cynthia Eden


Book available now!
eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley

Watch Me…The first book in New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Cynthia Eden’s sexy new romantic suspense series…DARK OBSESSION.

He was hired to protect her.

Watching gorgeous Gwen Hawthorne wasn’t a hard job—but it certainly was tempting. Chance Valentine had tried to keep his distance from the sexy socialite for years, but when her father hired him to keep watch on her—as a twenty-four, seven bodyguard—Chance knew his control was about to be pushed to the limit.

He’d never wanted another woman the way he desired her. Hot. Intense. Consuming. Being so close to Gwen, Chance knew that he wouldn’t be able to resist her. So he gave into his need, her need, and he took them both to the edge of a dark and consuming desire.

But Chance soon realizes that he isn’t the only one watching Gwen. Someone else is out there, a stalker who won’t rest until Gwen is destroyed. Every day, every moment…Gwen is in danger. And Chance knows that if he can’t unmask the stalker, then he may just lose the only woman he has ever loved.


Always love getting in on the beginning of a series. This is book one in the new Cynthia Eden Dark Obsession series. Watch me starts out with Chance Valentine  and his friends working at getting their new bodyguard business off the ground. When his past employer Will Hawthorne walks into his office telling Chance his daughter needs his protection.  He and Gwen used to be friends when something happened that ended anything they might have had then or now. He's taking the job but not for money but for Gwen. He's decided all bets are off where she is concerned. Now all he has to do is get her to trust him again and mend the hurt feeling all while figuring out who is stalking her. For me i liked this one. I didn't have to think to hard. All i had to do was enjoy the story. I liked the characters. i liked the suspense and i liked how the author put it all together. I like my suspense without to much gore and gross so this is perfect if you like the romance part most. Look forward to book 2 next month!

Find out more about the series and author Cynthia Eden on her website here www.cynthiaeden.com

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

ARC Book review: Carrying the Lost Heir's Child (The Barrington Trilogy #3) by Jules Bennett



Available now!
eARC provided by author.

"I'm pregnant." Two words that will rock one man's world forever. 

On location for a film about a horse-racing dynasty, Lily Beaumont is drawn into a sizzling affair with sexy stable hand Nash James. Now she has to trust him with the truth about their baby. 

Even though the undercover millionaire is on a mission against his hated rival, he won't walk away from Lily or their unborn child. It will mean coming clean about his true identity—and the decades-old secret that brought him to Kentucky horse country. But will the truth cost him the woman and family he now craves?


Lily and Nash have been carrying on a secret affair.  Lily has been starring in a movie on the estate that's owned by the man they are filming about. If you have read the previous 2 books in this series you are familiar with all that but for this story we focus on one of the stars and a seeming great guy who just happens to be a stable hand. Except he is not just a great guy and a stable hand. Nash James is not who he says he is. He's got other reasons for being there. Already fighting his feelings for Lily then then the one thing that comes out of her mouth that changes everything. "I'm pregnant"! Now he has to figure out how to keep her and keep his secrets. Oh my gosh! This is my fav of the three books. You can tell Nash( who isn't really Nash) is stuck. He wants to do the right thing but so much is going on in his head he can't quite sort through everything fast enough to keep up with what's happening in his life. It's not just Lily and the baby but the whole family there he has come to admire and maybe love. He's nursed his hard feeling long enough that it's hard to give that up and see what he might be losing if he doesn't. Great emotion great characters in this fast but thoroughly full story. If you like to be able to get your reading done in one evening and still get story enjoyment this one is for you!

Find out more about the book and the author Jules Bennett here. www.julesbennett.com



Tuesday, January 6, 2015

ARC Book review:Living A Beautiful War (Bantorus MC #8) by Debra Kayn



Available now!
eARC provided by publisher

Wild women, good times, and easy rides allow Ink to hide the emotional ties he has with Lilly, the daughter of the president of Bantorus Motorcycle Club. With two warnings to stay away from Lilly on his record, his addiction swings wildly out of control and he can no longer bury the past. Either he's going to lose his club or Lilly will break up her family, and that will destroy them both.

Lilly's forbidden love for Ink has survived her childhood straight to adulthood. The more she fights for both of them, the closer she comes to finding out what is keeping Ink from claiming her. This time, she wonders if it wouldn't be best to point her boots toward Pitnam and live the rest of her life knowing she'll never have the one man she loves.

With Silver Girls under Lilly's management, the Moroad MC taking favors from Bantorus, and the militia's orders skyrocketing, Ink's time is running out. He's living a beautiful war full of addictions, rules, and heartbreak, and the only one who can save him is Lilly.

—Each Bantorus MC novel features a new couple with their own happily ever after—


The last book in this series Debra Kayn wraps up this part or her lastest MC series with Ink and Lilly. Neither character started out in this series so we've seen them elsewhere but much younger back then. For fans of Ms.Kayn writing of course they have been waiting to see if these two will eventually end up together or not. In motorcycle club life Lilly and Ink are not permitted to be together as anything more than friends. They've been that for a long time and in recent years more. Lilly had a crush on him from her youth that simply never went away and grew into more. Considering club rules and the fact that Ink is quite a few years older than her. Seems like most times everyone is against them and then Lilly's parents show up. Everything comes to a head and lives will change one way or another. This might sound like a simple explanation but i assure it's not. Ink for me has been a mystery. Wasn't ever sure if i liked him but also men in this books are always a bit rough around the edges. It's the women who smooth them out. Watching as the layers are peeled back on Ink and seeing what Lilly does for him and how she gets him is great and how protective Ink is of her without holding her back is breathtaking. Loved the wrap up this series and seeing Rain is bittersweet because i remember him from the first book oh his series Breathing his Air. Hard to see him as a dad with a grown daughter. If you missed any of books in this series or are interested in starting there is plenty of time to get into it. If you want to see what's next there is another series starting soon branching off from this one. If you like the Motorcycle club type books you can't go wrong here. They each have a HEA so start at the beginning or not you should be satisfied.

Find out more about this series and others on Debra Kayn's website here www.debrakayn.com

Monday, January 5, 2015

ARC Book review: In Your Dreams (Blue Heron #4) by Kristan Higgins

Available now!
eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley

Emmaline Neal needs a date. Just a date—someone to help her get through her ex-fiancé's wedding without losing her mind. But pickings are slim in Manningsport, New York, population 715. In fact, there's really only one option: local heartthrob Jack Holland. Everyone loves Jack, and he won't get the wrong idea…. After all, Jack Holland would never actually be interested in a woman like Em. Especially not with his beautiful ex-wife creeping around, angling to reunite ever since he rescued a group of teens and became a local hero. 

But when the wedding festivities take an unexpectedly passionate turn, Em figures it was just one crazy night. Jack is too gorgeous, too popular, to ever end up with her. So why is she the one he can talk to about his deep, dark feelings? If Em is going to get her dream man, she'll have to start by believing in him…



I have read a handful on Kristan Higgins books and my experience is you have no idea what's coming. I mean there is no way to guess where the story is going. You could be pleasantly surprised or wonder if you should give up reading the book. My advice is to stick with it because by the last page you'll have changed your mine more than once. The characters in these books are always so different and interesting to me and it neat to see how they will be put together. Jack is this gorgeous guy who can pretty much have anything he wants. While it seems that yes he enjoys the attention he doesn't take it to a extreme and act like he's god's gift to women. He's quite down to earth and has his own emotional issues. He rescues a group of boys from drowning in a frozen lake and suffers guilt because one of the boys doesn't make it out completely unscathed. He also has a crazy ex-wife who shows back up stalking him. Then there is Emmaline. She's one tough cookie. She comes off to the townspeople as more tomboy because of her job as a EMT and a town cop but she has a heart of gold. She's been burned by love before pretty badly too and when her ex invites her to his wedding Jack Holland ever the hero comes to her rescue as a date. Even though things start out between them as easy going slowly they turn into something more.  Like i said you have to read one Kristan Higgins books to see what i mean but you really have no idea where things will go from page one. I always like to think that's a good thing as long and the your interest remains. You'll want to read another and another and another. 

Find out more about this series and Kristan Higgins here www.kristanhiggins.com