eARC Book review: The Hero (Sons of Texas #1) by Donna Grant

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eARC Provided by the publisher through Netgalley

THE HERO’S HOMECOMING

Owen Loughman is a highly-decorated Navy SEAL who has a thirst for action. But there’s one thing he hasn’t been able to forget – his high school sweetheart, Natalie. After over a decade away, Owen is returned home to the ranch in Texas for a dangerous new mission that puts him face-to-face with Natalie and an outside menace that threatens everything he holds dear. He’ll risk it all to keep Natalie safe – and win her heart. . . .

Natalie Dixon has had a lifetime of heartache since Owen was deployed. Fourteen years and one bad marriage later, she finds herself mixed up with the Loughman’s again. With her life on the line against an enemy she can’t fight alone, it’s Owen’s strong shoulders, smoldering eyes, and sensuous smile that she turns to. When danger closes in, she holds close to the only man she’s ever loved…

The first of a new series by Donna Grant. Three brothers in the military who have been disconnected from their father for years. Suddenly they are all brought home when their father disappears with secrets and their aunt and uncle are murdered on the family ranch. Suddenly they are caught up trying to find their dad and uncover secrets and learning more about each other than they knew.  Owen and Natalie were meant to be when they were kids then Owen graduated and headed into the Navy. Natalie eventually tried to move on but was never very successful. She swore off men but now Owen is back. Now they are thrown together to figure out what's going on with Owen's dad. Action packed this series starts off at a fast pace. We get introduced to everyone in this book and find out about Owen and Natalie and get a little of the other characters stories. Owen and Natalie are forced to work together and of course exam their feeling for each other along the way. I really liked the characters in this book and was excited to see where all the relationship would go. It started fast and exciting and was good most of the time although it did drag for me a few times. A good start to a new series. The heart of the story goes on from book to book but each book will have a brother and his significant other. Excited to see where the next book takes me!

Find out more about Donna Grant and this series here www.donnagrant.com

eARC Book review: James (7 Brides for 7 Brothers #6) by Roxanne St. Claire

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Running a billion-dollar hedge fund doesn’t leave a lot of time for fun in the sun, but that doesn’t bother James Brannigan. After spending his youth helping his widowed father raise six younger brothers, James took a cue from his workaholic dad and channeled all his energy into business. So when he learns that his father left him a tiny winery on the Amalfi Coast, he’s not thrilled. A trip to Italy is the last thing his busy schedule needs, but the winery has to go. Which means…he has to go to the winery.

Kyra Summers is the definition of a free-spirit. In her thirty years on earth, she’s never stayed in one place long enough to put down roots until she arrived in Positano and fell hard for the bold flavors, hot sun, warm people, and above all, the wonderful wine. Her job at a small, local winery is her first attempt to make a real home and the people who run the place start to become like family to her. Until the winery’s new owner, a devastatingly handsome, shockingly ruthless billionaire, arrives with plans to shut it all down. Kyra’s willing to do whatever it takes to save this place she loves—even if it means cozying up to a man who’s harder than granite and twice as cold.

But the Italian sunshine has a way of heating things up—with every fiery exchange, they strike sparks and draw irresistibly closer together. James is stunned by his attraction to a woman unlike any he’s met before, and Kyra discovers a simmering passion hidden behind his polished exterior. But passion won’t be enough to change James’s mind and his priorities, which is exactly why his late father sent him to Italy. Changing James is going to take a much bigger risk—it’s going to take love.

Book 6 of 7 about a group of brothers. James being the oldest is the most responsible. He follows in his dads footsteps as that's what he's always done. He took up for his mom when she passed away in a car accident when he and his brothers were just kids. He filled the gap as best he could and raised his younger brothers. Hi father passed away now too each of the boys received a inheritance of a sort. A envelope with something their father gave specifically to them. James gets a winery in Italy. When he goes there he gets knocked off his axis and everything he thought he knew when he finds himself with bubbly and spirited Kyra Summers. It's fun to watch James once ordered life fall to pieces and become something else. Something better even if he doesn't realize it. Both James and Kyra have things in common and some of those are not so good. There's something going on behind the romance if your not paying attention you might miss it like James did. Then it all comes crashing down on James and Kyra. A excellent read that can be read as a stand alone in the series.

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

eARC Book review: Beyond Surrender (Beyond #9) by Kit Rocha

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eARC Provided by publisher

She’s the heart of O’Kane liquor.

For years, Nessa has been focused on work. She keeps the whiskey—and the money—flowing, and life is sweet. Sure, she’s tired of being everyone’s baby sister, and she longs for a man who can stand up to her overprotective O’Kane brothers. But she never thought she’d meet him in the middle of a war.

He’s the brains of the revolution.

War is all Ryder knows. He was raised with one goal: to ensure the sectors’ successful rebellion against Eden. His father and his mentor both died for freedom, and nothing will stop him from securing their legacies with victory. He doesn’t have time for distractions—especially beautiful, impulsive ones like Nessa.

Opposites don’t just attract, they combust. Together, Nessa and Ryder have a chance for something more than the lives they’ve always known. But this is war—deadly, bloody war—and the only way to happily-ever-after is straight through Eden.

The final book in the bestselling, award-winning series...

She's the heart of O'Kane liquor.

He's the brains of the revolution.

They're facing a war that could end their world. Again.

On December 13th, the Beyond series comes to its climactic conclusion with Nessa and Ryder's story--and the final battle between the sectors and Eden.

Nessa and Ryder finally get their story. Nessa has been around for the entire Beyond series but she's always kind of hung out in the background but no more. She's the brains behind O'Kane liquor. Always protected by all the O'Kane's. A little sister to every guy in gang until Ryder shows up. Ryder does not look at her like a brother. Oh no. Ryder is all about war. It's was he was taught since he was a kid. Now it's time for that war he's been preparing for when the battle between the sectors and Eden heats up and things get deadly. This is a wrap up to the Beyond series. War has been inevitable since the beginning of the series and Kit Rocha has slowly been bring us to that while telling us stories about many of the O'Kane's. Ryder is this amazing guy who seems to be able to do anything but finding Nessa he finds out many things he didn't know. She brings out things in him he never realized were there. Nessa has always been protected by the O'Kane's but when war finally comes she's going to be facing some hard realities. Character's die in this book and some are hard to take when it happens. This book was action packed and fully emotional if you have been following the series. I found myself wondering on bated breath for who would not make it to the end. A plus writing from this author as always. This series is over but the author has promised this is not the end. A new series is starting in another sector next year. Gideon's Riders will be featured there but we are promised to see characters from Sector 4 still. Hang on for the ride!

Find out more about this series and Kit Rocha here www.kitrocha.com

eARC Book review: A Cowboy's Christmas Eve (Malloys of Montana #2.5) by R.C. Ryan

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eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

Silent Night, Snowy Night . . . Colin Malloy enjoys spending Christmas with his family at the Malloy ranch. But this holiday, what he really wants to do is to get closer to the alluring Dr. Anita Cross. So when a blizzard conspires to keep her from joining the Malloy family's festivities, neither snow, sleet, nor spun-out cars will prevent Colin from reaching her side. As the new doctor in town, Anita is wholeheartedly devoted to her patients. So when a little boy needs her on this snowy night, she doesn't hesitate to care for him and send him home in time to spend Christmas with his family. An evening with a certain sexy cowboy will have to wait-or so she thinks. When a breathless Colin Malloy shows up at her clinic, Anita finds her cold, lonely night quickly heating up. And no crisis or well-meaning relative will stop them from making this a Christmas to remember . . . 

I love Colin. He's kind of been in the background in the other books in this series. He gave up a lot to help care for his three nephews. Now that they are grown he's 40 and wondering if it's finally time for him to have a life to find love. Just so happens Dr. Anita Cross moved to town and he can't help himself around here. He's drawn to her. When a snowstorm keeps her at the clinic to care for patients he volunteers to pick her up and bring her to the ranch. The snowstorm isn't going to make it easy and instead he gets stuck with her in town with blizzard conditions and no power. Totally sigh worthy novella. You know a novella is good when you wish it was a longer. This one made me wish for more and more and more. More Colin and Anita. Hopefully it we will get to see more of their relationship in the next book in this series.  The Malloy's are such big and caring family that look out for everyone. A feel good Christmas story for sure!

Find out more about this series and R.C. Ryan here www.ryanlangan.com

eARC Book review: Luke (Malloys of Montana #2) by R.C. Ryan

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eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

Wild at Heart. . .

Wild. Reckless. Stubborn. That's Luke Malloy in a nutshell. The solitary life of a rancher and the untamed Montana wilderness make him feel alive-and nothing will ever change that. Not even being thrown from his horse and forced to accept a stranger's help. The fact that this stranger is a beautiful blonde with a passion for ranching that rivals his own doesn't hurt. But there's a secret she's hiding, and Luke won't rest until he uncovers it...

Ingrid Larsen doesn't need anyone's help. Not with managing her family's ranch. Not with raising her little sister. And certainly not with the mysterious incidents occurring on her property. When this too-sexy-for-his-own-good cowboy needs a place to recover, she hopes he'll be in and out in no time flat. But just as she's beginning to trust Luke's promise of protection, Ingrid's secret threatens to tear them apart.

Luke Malloy is the wild one of the Malloy brothers. He's always lived his life the way he wants and how he wants. Then he stumbles in to the life on Ingrid Larsen. Ingrid is struggling to keep her fathers ranch afloat after he passed away suddenly. After Ingrid helps him out Luke decides he wants to hang around her ranch and help her if he can. Love the Malloy clan. Luke is one of those guys who is always there for the underdog. Ingrid is a fighter though and she is made of some tough stuff. It was fun watching these two get close in between Luke's family and the drama around Ingrid's ranch troubles. The characters in this series make you wish you could be part of it all. Love how R.C. Ryan pulls you in and works her magic. Would everyone love to live on a fabulous sprawling ranch? This book makes you wish you could.

Find out more about this series and R.C. Ryan here www.ryanlangan.com

eARC Book review: Caught Up In You (The Monroes #2) by Jules Bennett

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eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

The Monroe brothers have their differences, but one project unites them: turning an antebellum mansion in their Haven, Georgia, hometown into a peaceful spa. It was the dream of their late sister—and it’s about to set off a major renovation in the life of middle brother Braxton… 
 
Braxton Monroe’s taking a break from teaching to do some strenuous work on a Civil War–era house, and feeling the strain in every rock-hard muscle. Good thing he has to interview massage therapists for the spa—even if it’s embarrassing to meet a job candidate in his boxers. Cora Buchanan has hands so talented—and a voice so sultry—he wants to hire her before he even lifts his head from the table. But he’s shocked to meet her outside the massage room—with her seeing-eye dog, Heidi the yellow lab.   
 
Cora has left her family—and fiancé—in Atlanta to make her way in this small town. All her parents’ money can’t restore her sight, but it’s up to her to restore her independence. Though she bristles at Braxton’s protectiveness, she too feels lingering effects from their intimate touch. Now that he’s her boss, it’s strictly hands-off….Until a secret she’s keeping destroys his fragile trust, and they must find the courage to knock down the walls between them.

This is one of those series you just know you're probably going to like because the family is a mishmash of people who make themselves into a family instead of being born into one. The Monroe brothers and their sister lost to them now were adopted and came from different backgrounds but with plenty of baggage. Now grown they are making their sisters dream come true but also working through those piles of baggage. Braxton has a tragic past that brought him eventually to the Monroe's. Now as a adult his nursing the ache of the women he thought he loved cheating on him. Then he meets the women who knocks him right on his butt. Cora is the new massage therapist for the spa with some surprises of her own. The first of which is she's blind. She's trying to prove to herself and her family she can take care of herself  when her family thinks she needs a keeper. It was fun watching these two find their way to each other. It was fun and and exciting but by no means easy. I love watching the brothers interact with each other and when you throw the women in this series into the mix there's a laugh of two as well. Even though the guys can be gruff you can see the love between them. Jules Bennett writes a wonderful series and i can't wait to see what happens with the last brother Liam. Coming soon!

Find out more about Jules Bennett and this series here www.julesbennett.com

eARC Book review: The Hitwoman Plays Chaperone (Confessions of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman #16) by J.B. Lynn

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eARC Provided by author 

Maggie Lee’s done a lot of questionable things that have made her question her own sanity. Chaperoning her niece’s class trip is one of them. 

Not only must she attempt to corral a bunch of energetic kids, but at the same time she has to argue with the talking lizard in her bra, avoid a mysterious doppelganger, and chase down runaway horses! 

And that’s just the beginning. 

With her relationships and alliances in flux, Maggie is uncertain of what her next steps should be. Caught between the family drama caused by the return of her sister, Darlene, and her own efforts to save an innocent boy, Maggie struggles to make the right decisions and protect lives that hang in the balance. 

Can Maggie navigate these latest landmines, or will relationships, or even a life, be lost?

JB Lynn knows just how to reel her readers in. Maggie Lee is one tough cookie but her cookie is always on brink on crumbling. She supposed to chaperone her nieces field trip but like everything with Maggie it's never that simple. On the edge of your seat most of the time when you read one of these books you never know where the author is going. There is simply nothing obvious about the plot. You can't see the twists and turns coming until they hit you. Keeping you guessing should be her tag line. Exciting and fun from beginning to end you are left waiting for the next books as soon as you read the last word. Amazing!

Find out more about this series and JB Lynn here www.jblynn.com

eARC Book review: Holiday with a Twist by Shannon Stacey

Available Nov 21 2016
eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley
After a messy breakup, Leigh Holloway is ready to start her life over. Until her parents put the family home on the market and call her back for one final, memory-making Christmas. The last thing she wants to do is deprive her mom of the perfect holiday, so she'll lie her way through the visit and worry about her future in the New Year. Too bad the only bar in town is owned by a guy she seriously wronged in high school. 

Leigh's best friend broke Croy Dawson's heart, and Croy knows it was Leigh's fault. They've never liked each other, but Croy isn't cruel: he'd never turn away a pretty woman in need of some family-Christmas fortification. He doesn't expect her to drink just enough candy-cane martinis to tell him her secrets—and he definitely doesn't expect to get caught up in her holiday madness. 

Despite the surprising love and laughter, Croy and Leigh can't escape the truth: he can't walk away from his family obligations and she has a life and career to reboot. But anything is possible if your holiday comes with a twist…

You know Shannon Stacey never disappoints. In this holiday novella Leigh Holloway comes home for Christmas. The last one in the house she grew up in.  Her family has a lot of upheaval going on so she doesn't want to tell them she broke it off with her fiance and quit her job in the city. Wouldn't you know it when she walks into the only bar in town there stands the guy who she kind of is the blame for screwing some stuff up for way back out of high school. Croy      (short for Croydon, love it) is mostly over it all. He lends her his ear and gets himself in deep pretty quickly with Leigh. Watching these two navigate the holidays and a possible relation is fun. Is she leaving or staying? What really happened all those years ago and at this point does it even matter? Of course it kinds of all goes to hell for a bit but they get it right in the end. One thing about novella's is the story has to move fast. There are only so many pages to get it all in. If you can do that still make the reader feel like they got a good story that's pretty great but still leaving them wanting more even better. That was this story did for me.

Find out more about Shannon Stacy here www,shannonstacey.com

eARC Book review: In Mistletoe by Tammy L. Bailey

Available Dec 2,2016
eARC Provided by author

At twenty-five, Grace Evans is steadily picking up the pieces of everyone else’s life. So, when her younger sister decides to turn into a runaway bride just four weeks before the wedding, Grace, drops everything to chase after her and bring her back home. Only, when the trail leads to Mistletoe, Washington, she finds herself at the mercy of the town’s most handsome and emotionally unavailable bachelor.

Ex-Army officer, Ayden McCabe, has three creeds in life: never make the first move, never fall in love, and never take anyone to Mistletoe’s Christmas Dance. Wanting nothing more than to keep his matchmaking sister from meddling in his personal life, he agrees to help Grace if she agrees to play his girlfriend. Too brunette and meek for his taste, Ayden believes Grace can’t tempt him enough to break any of his creeds. He could not be more wrong. 

This is a new author for me. I wasn't sure what to expect but liked the blurb so decided it was worth a try. Grace is used to being the person who solves her sister and her moms's problems, to being in charge. When her soon to be married sister disappears she heads to the last place they think she was to find her and bring her back. Ayden is one of those guys who is not looking for a forever girl. His sister is determined to find him a wife. When he strikes a deal with Grace to pretend they are together to get his sister off his back and help find her Grace's sister things get a little murky. Loved Ayden and Grace although Ayden took a long time getting over himself. The secondary characters move the story along and add some fun to the mix. Overall a good quick read. The people of the town of Mistletoe make the story come alive.The wrap up at the end with the special Christmas Eve dance was sweet. 

Find out more about this book and Tammy L Bailey here www.tammylbailey.com

eARC Book review: The 24 Days of Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

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eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley



Previously published in No Place Like Home and Jingle All The Way .

A holiday miracle to remember . . .

A matchbox advent calendar first brought Frank Rayner and Addie Hutton together. But that was years ago. Since then Addie has written herself out of her father’s will, gotten herself blacklisted as a reporter, and had her husband leave her for a younger woman. The only good decision she seems to have made is to move back home, even if Frank now owns that home and is renting the apartment over the garage to her. Not that she thinks there’s anything there. There’s no reason to get wrapped up in the holiday cheer. Because Christmas miracles are for the movies. Real life is about unexpected families—and the magic of true love—and could there be a happy ending after all?

This was a novella that has been published previously in two other books. I have never read it before and am a fan of Linda Lael Miller so i was interested in checking it out. It's a quick easy read at only 50 pages so you can definitely read it in one evening. This is a second chance romance. Frank and Addie were high school sweethearts and years later they both have had some difficult paths that lead them back to each other. This is a sweet story with some sad parts to overcome. Linda Lael Miller always has good characters and a way of putting you right in the story. Glad i got to read this one finally.

Find out more about Linda Lael Miller here www.lindalaelmiller.com/

eARC Book review: Wind River Wrangler (Wind River Valley #1) by Lindsay McKenna

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eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley

WIND RIVER VALLEY
 
First in a new series by the author of Night Hawk and Out Rider
 
Still waters run deep . . .
 
From the moment  Roan Taggart picked up the pretty redhead at the Jackson Hole airport, his training and experience told him she was spooked. She’s left New York City to visit the Wind River Ranch, where Roan is a wrangler, and just as he can pick up a horse’s mood, he can feel the tension coming off her body.  And that vulnerability is triggering all his protective instincts...
 
Shiloh Gallagher likes the gray-eyed cowboy’s dry humor—and the Special Forces background that lends him a stoic, powerful presence. But she’s been scarred by trauma and her mother’s murder . . . and knows a strong man can be dangerous. She came to wide-open Wyoming to flee a threat that’s left her unable to write her novels. Now, as she rides horses with Roan and helps him build an isolated cabin, she’s slowly letting down her guard. But danger has followed her west, and they won’t have a future together unless they defeat a killer from her past…

Shiloh Gallagher has a stalker. Whoever he is he has been slowly cutting her off from everything and terrorizing her. She has one place she can go to escape, a ranch in Wyoming to a dear of her mothers. Roan Taggert is a ranch hand and a former military operator. I really liked the blurb for this book and that's what made me want to read it. The cover is also a attention grabber. The idea for the book was really good.  I loved the two main characters. The story itself for me was riddle with problems. I don't know when i last skimmed a book as much as i did this one. So many details were repeated over and over again. Some of the dialogue was drawn out and over descriptive. I found myself not caring and just wanting to find a good section in the book. It was really close to a do not finish for me. This would have been a much shorter and better book if some of the extra stuff i just mentioned had been removed. It also seemed there should have been more secondary characters and the ones who were introduced weren't heard from for  pages and pages.  The owners of the ranch Maud who was Shiloh's moms good friend and her husband Steve were only sparsly spread through the book. Overall it just didn't work for me and there was so much potential here with the plot. The bad guy stalker was obvious and he was never looked into by Roan which he is portrayed at a protector of Shiloh and with his military experience he never checks it out. Not sure I will read this author again if her writing is all like this one.

Find out more about Lindsay McKenna here www.lindsaymckenna.com

eARC Book review: Holiday Baby Scandal (Mafia Moguls #3) by Jules Bennett

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eARC Provided by author through Publisher

'Tis the season…for an unexpected baby surprise… 

Taken in at a young age, Ryker Barrett owes the O'Shea family everything. Which means his "little sister" Laney is way off-limits…no matter how seductive the brunette beauty is! She's the one woman he can't have a casual fling with…so how in the hell did he end up in her bed? 

Laney knows the dangerous Ryker is the perfect man for her no matter how hard he resists. But when one night of unbridled passion leaves Laney pregnant with his child, she'll need a Christmas miracle to convince him that loving her won't destroy his place in her overprotective family.

Finally the last O'Shea is going to get her man. Even if the man in question is kind of her brother. What? Ok he's not really her brother but he did spend part of his childhood growing up with her brothers and her as the little sister he mostly ignored. Well she's not a little girl anymore. There are 10 years in age and a different family background between them but Laney and Ryker are attracted to each other. Ryker has been fighting it for years but with one slip up Laney ends up pregnant and that's when he starts to unravel. He still doesn't make it easy for her. Loved these two and the build up from previous books makes you salivate to finally see what happens when they do get together. Ryker thinks he owes everything to the O'Shea's for taking him on when he was 12 and he's done a lot for them. They've fully accepted him as part of the family but even still he thinks he isn't worthy of Laney. Love the push pull is takes to get him to see the light. There is a thread of suspense in this book and the series as they've been on search for missing scrolls and someone is hacking in their computers for the business. Enjoyable and thrilling read from cover to cover. A great evenings worth of reading.

Find out more about Jules Bennett and this series here www.julesbennett.com

eARC Book review: Hold Me (Cyclone #2) by Courtney Milan

Available October 25th 2016
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley


Jay na Thalang is a demanding, driven genius. He doesn’t know how to stop or even slow down. The instant he lays eyes on Maria Lopez, he knows that she is a sexy distraction he can’t afford. He’s done his best to keep her at arm’s length, and he’s succeeded beyond his wildest dreams.

Maria has always been cautious. Now that her once-tiny, apocalypse-centered blog is hitting the mainstream, she’s even more careful about preserving her online anonymity. She hasn’t sent so much as a picture to the commenter she’s interacted with for eighteen months—not even after emails, hour-long chats, and a friendship that is slowly turning into more. Maybe one day, they’ll meet and see what happens.

But unbeknownst to them both, Jay is Maria’s commenter. They’ve already met. They already hate each other. And two determined enemies are about to discover that they’ve been secretly falling in love…

This was a new author for me and i loved the blurb so i decided to give this book a try. I enjoyed the idea if the blog and the main characters not realizing they knew each other. It sounded like it would be a fun read. While i liked parts of story it never took off for me. The first chapter was kind of fun  and interesting then it was for me just to dark and serio
us. To much techy sciencey stuff that was just plain boring. While i get that the relationship between these two characters is intense and complicated it just made me feel sad. I didn't feel the connection between Jay and Maria unfortunately. I will say the book boasts a lot of diversity with the characters but it might have been a little to much for readers to digest.  The romance was just not there. It might work for someone else but for me it just made me feel conflicted and confused. 

Find out more about Courtney Milan here www.courtneymilan.com

eARC Book review: The Billionaire Next Door (Billionaire Bad Boys #2) by Jessica Lemmon

Available October 25, 2016
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

Can't Buy Me Love


It's Tag Crane's job to be the life of the party. Traveling from one exotic locale to another is just part of running the luxurious Crane Hotel empire. But even paradise isn't perfect. Devising a new business strategy is keeping Tag up at night-and so is the Great Dane barking at all hours in the apartment below his. To muzzle the problem, Tag charges downstairs . . . right into the most beautiful, blond distraction he's ever seen.


Dog-sitting by day, bartending by night. It's not exactly the life Rachel Foster dreamed of. But when Tag Crane rushes in, all mountain-man shoulders and obscenely sexy smile, needing her help for the Crane Hotels, it's a fantasy come true. What's the harm in a fun no-strings fling? Only a fool would give her heart to a billionaire player like Tag-until suddenly the one man who can't be caught is the one flirting with forever . . . 

This is the second book in this series and I LOVED book one and was in entranced with the other two brothers, although Eli was kept more of a mystery in the last book. Tag is this huge 6ft 4 inch guy with long elbow length hair. Are you picturing it yet? Lots of muscles and sexy as hell. Yeah now you got it i bet. Larger than life is what he is. Rachel Foster is his temporary neighbor while she babysits an acquaintances  Great Dane. Problem is the dog doesn't want to be alone and Tag is the owner of the building and the upstairs neighbor.  That means Tag's got to go and find out what's up. Rachel's recently been burned by a man she dated for 2 years. He hurt her emotionally but also professionally when he stole her promotion and she lost her job. Tag is a confirmed life time bachelor what could happen right? Loved watching these two be there for each other. They clicked for me as soon as they appeared on on the page together.  It was fun to watch Tag go from a playboy who wants nothing to do with a permanent attachment to a women to a man who wants it all. He of course blows it at one point only to finally have a epiphany. Rachel lost sense of self when her last relationship imploded taking her career with it. Lost and trying to find her way Tag is a beacon in the dark for her. He helps her find her way back to herself.  If  I had had enough awake time to read this book in one sitting i would have. Love these two and could not get enough of them. Looking forward to Eli's book next. Excerpt for that book at the end of this one. Be sure to read it!

Find out more about Jessica Lemmon here www.jessicalemmon.com

eARC Book review: Barefoot at Midnight (Barefoot Bay Timeless #3) by Roxanne St. Claire

eARC Provided by author
Available October 18th 2016

Lawson Monroe is a chef without a restaurant...until his friend and mentor makes a deathbed promise to leave Law the only dive bar on Mimosa Key. Law has big plans for the Toasted Pelican until he walks directly into the luscious body and gorgeous face of Libby Chesterfield and her outrageous claim that the bar and restaurant should come to her.

When Libby learned that the man who once owned the crappiest watering hole on the island was actually her biological father, she decided the least he owed her was his unclaimed business. The old man wasn't there for her when she and her brother were growing up in Barefoot Bay, but his legacy can help her build a new future when she transforms the property into Balance, a yoga studio. The only obstacle? Her father apparently named former bad boy and current sexy silver fox Law Monroe his heir.

Law never thought he'd want anything more than the chance to make a living cooking his food for the people of Barefoot Bay...but Libby arouses an irresistible hunger in him. Battling an attraction that sizzles hotter than one of Law's cast-iron skillets and uncovering long-buried secrets with more twists than one of Libby's yoga poses, they'll have to find a way to both get what they want...especially if what they really want is each other.

Book 3 in the Barefoot Bay Timeless series kicks off with Lawson Monroe still trying to find out who owns the Toasted Pelican. It's a bar he's supposed to have inherited but can't find the will he needs to prove it in court. He's been pecking around in the last 2 books looking and coming up empty. He's about to get a hell of a surprise about who owns it and and a jolt about his good friend who recently passed away. Something as simple as finding a will and claiming the restaurant/bar for his life's passion turns into a complicated mess. Twists and turns in the hunt for answers are abundant. Libby Chesterfield has been doubting her worth and her faith in men for years and finally gave them up. Law is not that easy to ignore though and when secrets come out he's the man for support. I love that this series focus's on men in my age group. There is life and romance after 4o and Roxanne St Claire does a great job showing us just how good it can be. There is so much baggage between Law and Libby is takes a lot for them to sort it all out and just when you think things are going to end well bamm that sneaky author throws a monkey wrench in the story and messes it all up. There's a HEA so don't worry about that. If you have read the previous 2 books in this trilogy you might think you know a thing or two about Law and Libby but you  really don't. Even if you have not read a book in this series i think you can pick this up and go with it. 

Find out more about Roxanne St Claire and her books here www.roxannestclaire.com

eARC Book review: Fighting For His Wife (Barefoot Bay Kindle World) by Jules Bennett

Availble now
eARC Provided by author

Bestselling Author Jules Bennett invites readers into Barefoot Bay where two special people are destined to find their happily ever after.

She is determined to save him…

Escaping to Barefoot Bay was the only way Cara Prescott knew to cope with the devastating news that could end her marriage. Maybe marrying after a whirlwind affair had been a mistake…at least, that’s the excuse she’s giving her husband to justify setting him free.

He is determined to save their marriage…

Former soldier Tucker Prescott has no clue what sent his wife running back to Barefoot Bay, but he’s not letting her go that easy. He’s never given up on anything and he certainly isn’t starting with the one person who completes him. Cara Prescott is about to discover that her husband is a stronger man than she ever knew…because he’s not about to let her carry this burden alone.

This is a quick little read that will only take a evening for ambitious readers to finish. A marriage gone wrong but only one person knows why. Tucker Prescott only received a note from his wife telling him she was leaving and no explanation. Not one to let go easily he knows where to find her in Barefoot Bay. Cara received some devastating news and right after was confronted with her husband's mother who never really approved of her. Dearest mother in law made everything worse. Cara loves Tucker and only wants the very best for him and decides she's not it. Tucker is bound and determined to find out what's got his wife scared and running. He isn't going to let the best thing to ever happened to him go. Loved Tucker! I mean who wouldn't want a man who always puts you first who is always thinking of you.  It's not that Cara doesn't do the same for him. Money and prestige mean nothing to her. Tucker's family has both. She's got a huge secret that she feels will change their lives. In many ways it could if they let it. While i think Cara drags things on a little long i can understand why she does. She doesn't want to let go and she's confused. Loved the HEA at the end and would love more Tuck and Cara!

Find out more about Jules Bennett here www.julesbennett.com

Find out more about Roxanne St Claire's Kindle Worlds Barefoot Bay here www.roxannestclaire.com

eARC Book review: Unlucky in Love (Whisper Creek #4) by Maggie McGinnis

Available October 10th 2016
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley


After Alexis Maguire’s wedding day comes and goes without a groom, she decides that it’s time for a change. Tired of being the dependable, steady—and apparently boring—one, Alexis hopes that a cross-country road trip will help her loosen up and find her inner sparkle. Her first stop is the Whisper Creek Ranch, where the hot wranglers are sure to bring out her inner party girl. The trouble is, she can’t stand pretending to be someone she’s not—especially around the cowboy who tempts her to stay put.
 
Gunnar Peterson has spent six months working at Whisper Creek, and he’s never been happier. Having grown up an army brat, he’s ready to put down roots, and the only thing missing is a woman to share his life with. When Alexis blows into town, Gunnar thinks he may have met his match, despite the wild-child facade he sees right through. But Alexis swears she won’t settle down anytime soon—so it’s up to Gunnar to convince her that what she’s looking for . . . is right here.

I have not read this author before and the cover and the blurb for this book caught my eye so i decided to give it a try. Alexis Maguire's track record with men has not been a good one. She thinks she's cursed. The last bust up came when her fiance leaves her 2 weeks before the wedding via a letter. Her sister Katie helps her come up with a game plan and she decides she's going to reinvent herself a little and become the fun and exciting one. Heading off to Whisper Creek to be the nurse there for the summer. Gunnar falls for her the minute he sees her. Forced to be a wanderer in his childhood he craves something permanent. He's a man with a plan for his future. He can totally see Alexis there if he can get her to see what a idiot her ex is. Nothing is easy for Alexis and just when she thinks she's finally found the right man a family emergency changes everything. I really enjoyed this book. It was a snap to read it flowed so well. Everyone on Whisper Creek is pretty fun and loving and a perfect place to live. Gunnar shows Alexis what love is and is her rock when she needs one. I will definitely want to read this author again and wish i had read the previous book in this series but it is not necessary to in order to read this book. A page turner if you enjoy sweet contemporary romance.

Find out more about Maggie McGinnis www.maggiemcginnis.com

eARC Book review:Rocky Mountain Devil (Six Pack Ranch #10) by Vivian Arend

eARC Provided by author
Available Sept 20th 2016

The sweetest part of temptation is giving in…

Raphael (Angel) Coleman and Laurel Sitko were thick as thieves throughout their school years. The unlikely friendship between the rancher’s son and the preacher’s daughter might have gone unnoticed by most, but their shared laughter and connection were the best parts of Rafe's life growing up. Now that she’s returned to Rocky, he’s eager to move from friend to something far more intimate.

After three years away, Laurel’s ready to start over with the gorgeous cowboy who’s always owned a piece of her heart. But when her college ex shows up in town, she’s got a lot more to deal with than expected, including one suddenly possessive cowboy determined to protect her even as he tutors her through every sexual lesson in the book.

Desire flares hotter and hotter through stolen moments and willing seduction. But when tragedy strikes, Rafe’s left on shaky ground, his biggest fear now a reality that could tear them apart and rip forever from their grasp.

Will the connection forged by time be strong enough to see them through to the other side?

Rafe and Laurel have been friends since the first day they met as kids. In trouble together more than a little often too. After being away from each other for three years Laurel comes back and the two decide it's time to see where their friendship might lead them. Only problem is Laurel comes back with secrets and a ex-boyfriend follows her too. The majority of this book is filled with Rafe and Laurel finding out if they can have a relationship that's more than just friends. Each is dealing with family issues and secrets and fears. It's a nice read until the last 20% when things get heated and secrets come out and fears become real. Then is sizzles! Rafe questions whether he's good enough for Laurel and Laurel finally deals with the past 3 years of her life. Love the Six Pack family and have enjoyed this series over the years since book one. Look forward to finding out Jessie's story next. Some of his secrets are revealed in this story to Rafe and it's going to be interesting for sure. 

Find out more about Vivian Arend and her books here www.vivianarend.com

eARC Book review: Honor Bound (The Montana Hamiltons #6) by B.J. Daniels

Available Oct 10th 2016
eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley

Protecting her life will mean betraying her trust  

Ainsley Hamilton has always been the responsible one of the family. As the oldest daughter of presidential candidate Buckmaster Hamilton, she's also a potential target. For months she's sensed someone following her. When an expedition to scout locations for a commercial takes a terrifying turn, she's rescued by a natural-born cowboy who tempts the good girl to finally let loose. 

Sawyer Nash knows just how reckless it is to fall for someone he's gone undercover to protect. Yet masquerading as an extra on set, he starts to see beneath Ainsley's controlled facade. And with the election—and a killer—drawing closer, Sawyer stands to lose not just his job and his life but the woman for whom he'd gladly risk both.

I have read one other book in this series. I didn't realize i did when i requested this book for review. I wish i would have. I'm sorry to say this book did not work for me. Ainsley is the oldest of the Hamilton kids which are all girls.  She's kind of a mess. Which isn't the biggest issue. Sawyer Nash is asked to asked to check on her and see if she's OK. She has a stalker issue and he's going to try and find out if there is one and catch the guy. I am going to say that the first chapter started off great. Exciting stuff happening in the first chapter. Well this is one of those books that gives you a glimpse of the end and then goes back weeks to what leads up to that end. Getting to that same point toward the end of the book was pure torture to read. That first chapter was the only thing that got me to finish reading the book.  It sounded so promising. There was just to much cheesy dialogue and things that were just to out there for me. Do authors or anyone call stolen goods "Loot" anymore? Would law enforcement call it that? The blurb makes this book sound like a really good read but unfortunately for me it was a dud. I really wanted to like it. 

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

ARC Book review: His Secret Baby Bombshell (Dynasties: The Newports #4) by Jules Bennett

Available October 4, 2016
eARC Provided by author through Publisher 

Expecting her rival's baby! 

Driven businesswoman Eve Winchester has big plans to take her father's Chicago real estate empire global. But when she ends up pregnant by her family's personal and professional nemesis, she's thrown into the shark tank of corporate intrigue. Now she's doing damage control as she falls even deeper for Graham Newport. 

Graham has never had such a heated, secret fling. But suddenly Eve is pregnant, and no strings attached turns into the ties that bind. Graham won't turn his back on what's his, but will family friction tear apart their fledgling affair?

I have not read the previous books in this series and that caused a bit of confusion for me at the beginning of this book. It took a bit to get into it once i figured out who everyone was. Eve and Graham are having a affair. Only problem is their families are huge rivals. There is some bad blood between the families but Eve and Graham can't seem to tamp out their attraction for each other. I loved watching Graham fall for Eve. He doesn't see what's going on and is almost too late to save things when he eventually screws things up. For whatever reason i really love Graham and Eve. I felt for Eve and her predicament. There are plenty of interesting secondary characters that play into this series as well and it's fun to find out little by little who they are as well. Left me wishing i had read the previous books in this series.

Find out more about Jules Bennett here www.julesbennett.com

ARC Book review: Perfect Rage (Unyielding #3) by Nashoda Rose

Available now
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

This is Connor's story.

Unstable.
Unpredictable.
Consumed by perfect rage.
I was fighting who I’d become and what I’d done.

There was nothing I cared about except her.
She was mine.
But I’d forgotten her—my shutterbug.
And I lost her. 

Until now.

I’d do anything to possess her again. 
Anything to keep her safe.
Protect her against my biggest opponent.

The monster. 

Me.

I got into this series late it seems for every book that came out. Book one definitely hooked me even though at parts i was horrified. I remember thinking oh no this is not for me. Then i kept reading. The series is pretty intense all the way through. Deep and emotional and scary and thrilling. If you followed along to book three you know who Connor is. He's talked about in book one and two and at times he's a sweet wonderful guy and other times a straight up terrifying killer. Since there isn't much of him until the end of book 2 it's hard to tell who Connor really is. Now in book three we get him and find out as he finds out who he is going to be. Alina was his love. After all they have been through that is the one thing he is still sure of. Problem is everything else. You spend the whole book feeling both their individual struggles. You can feel it. Even with everything we learn about Connor i loved him. There is something about him that stands out for me and i kept thinking, "Come on Connor fight". Alina had her own set of trauma's and neither her nor Connor were spared anything in this story. It's intense and the author puts you right there in the story with them. You can't beat that. So good. One of the best books and series i have read in a while. 

Find out more about Nashoda Rose here www.nashodarose.com

eARC Book review: Homecoming (Boys of Fall #3) by Shannon Stacey

Available August 30th 2016
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley


Sam Leavitt has returned home to Stewart Mills with one goal: to fill in for Coach McDonnell and lead the high school football team to the championship. He doesn’t have time for distractions or commitments—but he’s unable to resist falling for the sexy guidance counselor he shared a hot night with months ago. 

Jen Cooper knows what she’s looking for long-term, and it’s not Sam—even though the night they shared was explosive. Now, with Sam back in town and working by her side, picking up where they left off is too great a temptation to resist. But before long their fun fling is looking like a future together. And as the championship approaches, Sam is faced with a big decision that will either break them apart—or help them find their way home.

Somehow i missed this series. Just happened upon book three and i am glad i did. Sam is the final guy of three former football players that were once on a champion  high school team. Each has come back to their hometown and found love except Sam. Sam has been a little resistant. His past has taught him not to trust in love or relationships. Jen Cooper is going to change all that whether he wants her to or not. He doesn't see it coming. It was fun to watch these two stumble their way through a relationship they didn't realize they were having. Jen wants Sam to stay but Sam thinks he has to go. So many past situations play into the way Sam acts and you can see him struggle to make peace with all that while cautiously seeing where his fling with Jen is going. I loved the main characters and the secondaries in this story. Certainly makes me want to go back and get the two previous stories in this series. Shannon Stacey always seems to go a wonderful job with her contemporary stories and this one follows all her previous work. I always love the aha moment when that one stubborn character finally figures out they are in love! A Keeper!

Find out more about Shannon Stacey here www.shannonstacey.com

eARC Book review: Anywhere You Are (Return to Briarwood #3) by Elisabeth Barrett

Available Sept. 20th 2016
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

As the daughter of a music legend, Grace Davingham knows all too well what it’s like to be burned by the media’s glare. Now all she wants is to be left to do her painting and conservation work in peace, with no intention of returning to the spotlight. But after she sprains her ankle hiking and a handsome real-estate mogul comes to her rescue, Grace once again finds herself in the public eye.

Sexy, successful, and averse to any attachments, Marcus Colby thrives on rigid discipline in order to manage both his real-estate investment company and his personal life. Marc has no time for fun, and no patience for crazy. Which is why meeting Grace—and inheriting an enormous Great Dane who won’t listen to a word he says—has turned Marc’s carefully constructed world upside down.

Only when Grace and Marc square off over a local controversy do they realize how different they really are. But if opposites attract, their love is destined to bind them together—forever.

Opposites attract and there are no two people who are more opposite than Grace Davingham and Marcus Colby. Marcus is a uptight guy that plays most everything straight and narrow. Grace is a little bit crazy and definitely artistic and fun. Might be per dad is a famous rocker and her mom and model. Grace was introduced in a previous book but she was pretty secretive until now. She's come to a small town to escape the pressure of her family and their reality show and city life. She wants some peach and quiet without prying eyes and being burned by so called friends and a man she cared about she's done with all that. Then she meets Marc. Marc is one of the three men trying to save Briarwood from boredom and give it new life. To be honest there are some awesome silly moments in this book. Marc inherits this huge Great Dane and a house from his aunt who recently passed away. He can't handle the dog but Grace acts like he's the sweetest most wonderful dog every. She's the one who can handle the dog. The dog steals the show a time or two but brings Grace and Marc together too. There is some serious stuff to deal with of course and then there are the doubts. Really this is a well rounded story. I thought perhaps Marc and Grace were to opposite but love can make change worthwhile sometimes. This might have to be my favorite of the three books in the series. One of those books you just can't put down.

Find out more about Elisabeth Barrett here www.elisabethbarrett.com

ARC Book review: Landing the Air Marshal (Snowpocalypse #1) by Jennifer Blackwood

Available Sept. 12, 2016
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

It was meant to be a one-night stand. One wicked night with an irresistibly sexy passenger. That’s all Air Marshal Gage Michaels can afford--his career comes before everything else. Too bad the snowpocalpyse of the century has different plans for him and Abby Winters. Before the night's over, they find themselves snowed in at the most luxurious hotel in the city. 

Abby’s scouting job of a NYC penthouse should be quick, simple, and definitely shouldn’t include a sexy-as-hell man messing up the 3000 count sheets that will be featured in her company’s next blockbuster hit. Not when she’s up for a promotion that could skyrocket her entire career in the film industry. Still, she can't refuse what the weather gods so obviously want her to have. She'll give in, just this once. 

Leaving is tougher than either of them could have imagined. But they’re two people who have nothing in common, living on opposite coasts. There’s no way they can ever be together. Right?

I don't know if i have ever read a book about a one night stand that starts on a airplane before. That was what initially attracted me to this book as it was something for me that was not a typical  book for me. I also saw it on the home page of Goodreads.com reviewed by another reader.  Air Marshall Gage Michaels is leading a life with a job that is tough on relationships. After his last one ends in disaster he's done for now. He's too busy traveling with work and helping his sister raise her daughter. Then he meets Abby Winters on a plane while off duty and things get intense quickly. They connect pretty quick. Abby is trying to make her mark in a high pressure job and that means no fun until meeting Gage tempts her. Throwing caution to the wind they hook up. One night turns into more when  all flights are grounded and they are stuck after a snow storm. For me this book started out so good. I enjoyed the writing the characters and the plot. While it was still overall a very good read for me it kind of fizzled in the middle for a bit. There is only so much sex two people can have in a couple days. Much as i love a good sex scene too many is a turn off.  Many good emotional scenes through out but the meh parts let me down. The ending brought it back and it finished strong.

Find out more about  author Jennifer Blackwood here www.jenniferblackwood.com

Book review: Perfect Ruin (Unyielding #2) by Nashoda Rose

Available now
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

Kai

There is nothing I care about.
No attachments.
No connections. 
Outwardly, I’m a perfect gentleman.
Until my target sees my knife.
I fear nothing, not even death.
In my world, death is considered a privilege.
But my life comes with unbreakable cruel strings and 
when I met her, I should’ve walked away. 
I didn’t. 
I was too selfish.
And that sealed her fate.
Because one week with me led her into the hands of ruin.

London

We all have unique layers that make up who we are. 
What makes us vulnerable or strong.
What we fear and what excites us.
But peel back those layers and you’re left naked and exposed.
They did that to me. 
Each piece was slowly stripped away then burned.
I merely existed.
But there was one layer they overlooked.
The most important of them all—the tie to one man.
The man responsible for me being this way.
The man who found me.
And the killer who would do anything to protect me.

Book two in what i understand is a three book series. I stumbled upon book one in this series and knew i had to read it. I was floored by how dark and sexy it was. While there is a HEA for these couples they are hard fought for and never easy. Kai and London also travel a extremely difficult path to get theirs. The characters in this book thoroughly fleshed out that you feel you know them. They hurt and you hurt for them. Both Kai and London have strength although at times they don't think they do. They feed off each others strength. The dialogue is definitely swoon worthy at times but never cheesy. Heartbreaking and emotional Perfect Ruin us just that a story about two people whose lives have been ruined by others actions but still they are perfect together. An awesome read from page one til the end. In a word "Intense"!

Find out more about Nashosa Rose here www.nashodarose.com

If you hurry Book one and two are on sale for 99 cents each. See authors website above for details. Limited time sale.