eARC Book review: Silent Threat (Mission Recovery #1) by Dana Marton

Available Jan 2, 2018
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

A former Navy SEAL, Cole Makani Hunter has returned home from a disastrous black ops mission without his best friend, his hearing, or the use of his right arm. So when his ex–commanding officer assigns him to an undercover mission at a rehab center for vets to discover who leaked sensitive military information to an enemy, he’d rather be anywhere but there. Almost immediately, Cole finds himself at odds with Annie Murray—a peace-loving ecotherapist whose dream is to open an animal sanctuary out of her home. While the two seemingly have nothing in common, their spirited arguments soon fuel a passion for each other.

But just as things begin to heat up between therapist and patient, dangerous complications arise. So does the past—and a shocking revelation that puts Cole and everything he now holds dear in the path of a murderous traitor.

Romantic suspense was one of favorite genre's for years. I finally got a bit burned out on it. Not for lack of great romantic suspense books out there to read just needing a change of pace for a bit. I still read the occasion one but not like i used to.  Dana Marton gives us a great story with Silent Threat. One of my favorite things are military heros and heroines. Cole is a Navy Seal seriously injured in the line of duty. He's dealing with hearing loss and a right arm that is not fully functioning anymore. It doesn't stop him from being the bad ass he has always been. Even though he's suffering dealing with own injuries and coming to terms of what his life might be like now he still puts himself out there for others. Even when he really doesn't want to. Annie has a stalker. She knows who he is but really for me wasn't trying to hard to shake him off. Then stuff starts happening and she wonders if she hasn't got more than one. Cole and Annie clash from the beginning but no matter what happens keep getting drawn to each other. Annie is taking her own hits in her personal life but she's a giver at heart so nothing slows her down. I liked these characters. I became invested in them by the end of the book. Cole and Annie have/had so many obstacles in their lives and yet still try to be positive. Try to do what's right and try to be the best they can be and help others. The only thing i had issue with was the author using Cole's full name often. It seemed forced. It's used in the beginning to show his Hawaiian roots but it's not needed after that. I hope we get to see more of Cole and Annie in the follow up books in this series. I loved that the author added a epilogue at the end of the book. It was awesome to see what happens after THE END is written. I think Dana Marton might have brought me back to romantic suspense again!

Find out more about Dana Marton here www.danamarton.com

eARc Book review: Taming the Texan by Jules Bennett

eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley
Available January 2nd 2018

Stranded with a rich, rugged rancher...Single mom Alexa Rodriguez's first child-free vacation in years is supposed to be low-key. But then she meets brooding Texas rancher Hayes Elliott. Heir to an empire and suffering deep emotional pain, he tries to push her away--even as she craves his touch. And when a storm strands them together, their undeniable chemistry explodes. Now Alexa finds herself introducing Hayes to her precious son, imagining herself in Hayes's world and keeping secrets that could destroy everything...

This book in another in the Elliot brothers Rancher's Heir series. This time we finally find out how military vet Hayes is doing, He's been a bit of mystery until now. Alexa is supposed to be staying at the ranch B&B. After just getting there she decides she wants to go for a ride so she heads to the stables and runs into Hayes. He might be more of loner than anything else these days but he's still a gentleman so he agrees to take her out.  When a bad thunderstorm breaks out they find themselves at Hayes home where there is no place for either one to hide. I loved these two together. No matter how broken Hayes thinks he is he's still this great guy. He refuses to see it.  Being stuck with no place to go eventually leaves him no choice but to face his demons and letting Alexa in. I think one of the best parts of this book is when Hayes finally meets Alexa's little boy and it's like he's always been a part of his life. Enjoyable as a stand alone but better if you read the previous books first. Great weekend reading!

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

eARC Book review: After Hours (The Boardroom #1) by Lynda Aicher

eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley
Available January 22 2018


The Boardroom. After hours, it’s where Bay Area moguls indulge their fantasies. Ties are loosened. Inhibitions, too.

Assistant Avery Fast watched from a distance, mouth gaping, blood roaring wildly in her ears as she stared at the naked woman on the table before her. At executive Carson Taggert ordering a man to pleasure her. It made her feel guilty, embarrassed…and hot.

Carson watched and waited. Waited for Avery to notice him in the Boardroom. Waited for her to like what she saw. Waited to see what she’d do the next day. And the next. He couldn't let her go—not when she'd seen what goes on in the Boardroom. He couldn't stop thinking about the desire in her eyes, the flush on her cheeks, her obvious arousal.

Getting her to join was easy. But now Carson wants Avery all to himself.


This was a interesting read for me. It's been a while since i read an erotica that caught my attention like this. I don't believe i have read this author before either. Avery sees something in the boardroom of her office after work hours. Instead of running away she stays and watches until she's caught. What she sees excites and confuses her. Carson is seemingly a alpha type male and part of a sex group called The Boardroom. He's had a eye on Avery for a while then when she sees him telling a man what to do to a naked women in the boardroom he thinks he might have finally got a chance based on her reaction. There is some phenomenal sex scenes, some alpha male bossiness and rethinking of how both Carson and Avery see themselves. I loved both Avery and Carson. They just clicked for me. Carson thought he knew what he was doing with Avery but then something changes and suddenly things were not so simple and casual anymore. Then it all fell apart. Looking forward to seeing where this author goes next with this series.

Find out more about Lynda Aicher here www.lyndaaicher.com

eARC Book review: The Bad Boy Cowboy (Morgan Ranch #4) by Kate Pearce

Available December 26th 2017
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

Professional rodeo cowboy “HW” Morgan has finally achieved his dream of competing in the national rodeo finals—but his career has come at a price. His twin brother wants nothing to do with him and a string of hookups haven’t warmed his bed. He’s got to get his head on straight—and the only place to do that is at home, if his family will have him.
 
Samantha Kelly isn’t sure what she’s doing at a new dude ranch. The army veteran is barely back on her feet again, still struggling to rehab an injury. But she’s willing to give equine therapy a try, even though her riding instructor is bold, brash, and distractingly easy on the eyes. As she and HW warily try to work each other out, slowly and surely an unbreakable trust is built—one on which dreams can be built . . .

This is the 4th book in this series and i think my favorite. I'm not sure why other than I really liked HW and Sam and i really didn't care much for HW in previous books. HW is not a favorite among his family. He almost burned his bridges home when he finally figured out he was going down a bad path, He's decided he's done with the rodeo and wants in on the family business but no one takes him seriously. Samantha Kelly is a military vet with a prosthetic foot. She's been having a rough time getting her life on track after her devastating injury but is slowly finding her way. A friend recommends her to the Morgan's when they are looking for feedback on their new dude ranch. Hoping to get away from her family for a bit and get away she jumps at the chance. HW gets to teach her how to ride again and the two bang heads right from the get go. I loved these two. HW and Sam have to face some truths about themselves and their pasts while coping with their new paths in life. Some sweet and sad, heartbreaking moments in this book. Can't wait to see what happens on the Morgan's ranch next!

Find out more about Kate Pearce here www.katepearce.com 

eARC Book review: Best Man Under the Mistletoe (Texas Cattleman’s Club: Blackmail #12) by Jules Bennett

Available Dec 5th in paperback in ebook Dec 1st
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

Christmas wedding bells are ringing!

Everyone in Royal, Texas, now knows former special agent Gabe Walsh’s connection to the blackmailer terrorizing the town. And Gabe’s suddenly guilty by association. Worst thing is, Chelsea Hunt blames him for the compromising photos of her that everyone’s talking about. But since he and Chelsea are planning the Christmas wedding of their best friends, Gabe has many opportunities to show the sexy cowgirl just what a good guy he really is. And apparently he’s pretty convincing, because she soon winds up in his bed! But is this just a holiday fling or the real thing?

Gabe Walsh is fighting for his reputation and that of his security company after his only relative a uncle is found to have been the one terrorizing the town of Royal where he lives. The Uncle's dead now but he's left a mess in his wake that Gabe is trying to clean up. Chelsea Hunt is someone Gabe admires and likes and she was one of the biggest victim of his uncles. Gabe's attracted to her but he doesn't trust in love anymore after the last person he loved turned out to be a spy working against him in his former job with the FBI. Chelsea has her own demons when it comes to love and trust. Her mother walked out on the family and her dad died of a broken heart. When they decide to have a fling for a few weeks while helping to get their friends wedding together what could go wrong? They aren't relationship people right? I liked this story. It's a continuation of a series by other Harlequin desire authors. It's a little hard to get into without reading the other previous books but the basics are covered well enough on history to get the gist. Gabe and Chelsea are perfect for each other. I loved watching them get together and learn to trust again. It's a quick read with a little over 200 pages. Perfect for the hectic holidays when you need to get away from reality a bit and sink into a juicy romance. 

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

eARC Book review: Close Contact (Body Armor #3) by Lori Foster

eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley

Available 11/28/2017

There’s no resisting a desire like this…

MMA fighter Miles Dartman’s casual arrangement with personal shopper Maxi Nevar would be many men’s fantasy. She seeks him out, they have mindblowing sex, she leaves. Rinse, repeat. Yet lately, Miles wants more. And when Maxi requests his services via the Body Armor security agency, he’s ready to finally break through her defenses—and protect her day and night.

Receiving a large inheritance has brought chaos and uncertainty into Maxi’s life. Her ex has resurfaced, along with lots of former “friends,” and someone is making mysterious threats. Then there’s Miles, who doesn’t ask for anything…except her trust. Pleasure is easy. Now Maxi has to give her heart as well as her body…or risk losing a man who could be everything she needs.

Miles Dartman was a MMA fighter with a chance at a title and then he gave it up to go work at Body Armor with his friends.  He likes his new job and he's good at it. Then he meets Maxi Nevar and she rocks his world three times then disappears until she needs him. Maxi inherited her grandmothers farm and she decided to move it and take care of the place her grandmothers million and one cats.  Weird things keep happening and Maxi questions herself until she wakes up in the backyard a long way from her house in her nightgown and not sure how she got there. She know Miles is the person she needs.  

This was a huge hot for me. Lori Foster starts off the book with a bit of intrigue and suspense. I was hooked by the end of chapter one. I already loved the characters from the previous books and it's always fun to see them again. Miles is a alpha male but Maxi is tough as nails and wants to take care of herself. I really was not sure who the bad guy was until close to the end. The author did a great job of giving us a few suspects to choose from. It's one of those books you enjoy from cover to cover and flows so easily you find yourself at the end before you know it.

Find out more about Lori Foster and this series here www.lorifoster.com

eARC Book review: A Rancher's Heart (Heart Falls #1) by Vivian Arend

Available now!
eARC Provided by author


Caleb Stone is wearing too many hats and it’s making him crankier than usual. He’s a cowboy, a father, and the head of his large family—and has been since tragedy claimed his parents over ten years ago. The ranch is struggling, but it's the title of single dad that’s got him tangled up in knots. He needs a full-time, live-in nanny at the Silver Stone homestead in Heart Falls, Alberta, to help with his two little girls, but the woman about to arrive on his doorstep? Tantalizing, tempting, and trouble with capital T’s. 

Tamara Coleman doesn’t regret the choices that led to losing her job, but she definitely needs a fresh start. When a friend recommends her for a nanny position in a new town, she swears this time it’ll be different. No more acting on impulse—except sexy, gruff Caleb is exactly the kind of man who pushes all her buttons. And what’s more, it’s so much fun to push his in return. Sparks fly between Tamara and her gorgeous boss, but she can’t risk her position, and he doesn’t dare risk his heart. 

With two people fighting their true natures, something’s going to give. Luckily, there’s more than one way to capture a rancher’s heart. 

This is the first book in a Spinoff of the Six Pack Ranch series. Vivian Arend introduced us to some of the characters in this book in her last Six Pack book so if you read that series you got a heads up. If you didn't it's fine because you get a introduction to them all again. Caleb Stone is the head of his family. Not by choice. His parents were killed in a car accident years ago so he had to  raise his siblings. They are all grown and he has two little girls of his own now. Their mother and his ex-wife took off and has never looked back. This has left the two girls and Caleb with some pretty significant scars. Tamara Coleman was a nurse but after she was fired from her job for doing the right thing so she needs a new start.  Just so happens Caleb Stone needs a nanny for his two girls and so Tamara's new start begins on the Silver Stone ranch. The first paragraph made me laugh out loud which i thought was a good indicator this would be a good book. There's a lot of characters in this book but it's really not hard to keep track of who is who. Tamara has her hands full getting the girls to trust and believe in her and Caleb has his own set of issues. There are visits from Tamara's two sisters who did not get much book time in the Six Pack series so that was fun. Things don't really heat up til the last quarter of the book but when they do things move quickly. Once Caleb makes up his mind on what he wants he doesn't hesitate. There are some mini stories going on in this book which I hope are going to be full stories in future books. A excellent start to the series. 

Find out more about Vivian Arend here www.vivianarend.com

eARC Book review: Santa Paws is Coming to Town (A Dogfather Short Tail) (The Dogfather #3.5) by Roxanne St. Claire

Available now!
eARC provided by author.
This is a 50 page novella.

What could be more joyous than a Kilcannon Christmas? But for Daniel Kilcannon, the man they call “The Dogfather,” this holiday season is anything but happy. It’s been three years since he’s lost his wife and though his family is growing – thanks to his matchmaking efforts – he still dreads the day his dearly departed wife used to love so much. Determined to make Christmas Eve festive and fun, he puts his sadness aside for the family and pretends everything is normal…until it’s not. 

When a recently rescued puppy goes missing on Waterford Farm, all celebrations come to a halt. The entire family, from Gramma Finnie down to the youngest Kilcannon and their cousins, is enlisted on the search. Before they can continue the old Irish tradition of putting a candle in the window to welcome strangers, they must find little Jack Frost…and nothing short of a Christmas miracle can make that happen. 

The Dogfather Series 
Daniel Kilcannon is known as "The Dogfather" for a reason. It's not just his renowned skills as a veterinarian, his tremendous love of dogs, or the fact that he has turned his homestead in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains into a world class dog training and rescue facility. Ask his six grown children who run Waterford Farm for him, and they'll tell you that their father's nickname is due to his uncanny ability to pull a few strings to get what he wants. And what he wants is for his four sons and two daughters to find the kind of life-changing love he had with his dearly departed wife, Annie. This old dog has a few new tricks...and he'll use them all to see his pack all settled into their happily ever afters! 

If you've been reading the Dogfather series you'll enjoy this short little novella. It's a tiny glimpse at the Kilcannon family at Christmas. It has a little of everything in it. Some family history and visits with the couples already covered in previous books as they search for a new missing rescued puppy. Huge surprise for the family in the end. Great addition to the series and a enjoyable quick read. I enjoyed the follow up with some of the characters and bits of history. 

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

eARC Book review: Want It (Wolfshead Whiskey #2) by Elisabeth Barrett

Available now!
eARC Provided by the author

Brody Phelan has his hands full keeping the peace between his six brothers and cousins and managing the finances for Wolfshead, his family’s brewery and distillery. He’s gladly sacrificed his own happiness in order to help his family, but from the moment he sees feisty, curvy Juliette Costa he wants to claim her for his own. Too bad their clans are at war and Juliette sees him as the enemy.

Juliette wants one thing–to open up her own wine bar. Problem is she can’t get the project started while she’s constantly helping with her family’s business, dodging her relatives’ misguided efforts to fix her up, and cleaning up her brothers’ messes…which frequently involves some wheeling and dealing with the sexy, bearded CFO next door.

When their tentative alliance morphs into something deeper, things get complicated. Together, Brody and Juliette will have to decide whether they only want a business-with-benefits relationship…or whether they trust each other enough for something more.


Book 2 in the Wolfshead Whiskey series brings us Brody Phelen. The guy who fixes things and keeps the peace. Juliette Costa is the Italian girl who works next door and her family and Brody's are enemies. Problem is Brody is attracted to Juliette and even though she won't really admit it to Brody she is attracted to him too. I loved loved loved Brody! I liked Juliette as well but there was something about Brody. These two were amazing together. Both have some hurts in their hearts but they help each other through it. It's all going well til her family finds out. That's when everything crashes down for Juliette and Brody. Love the Phelan family. So far Brody is my favorite but each other them are so different and interesting. Elisabeth Barrett draws you in with the connections and secrets and loyalty the Phelan's have with each other. I believe you can read this as a stand alone but it if course is much better if you read book one first. Excited to see which one of the Phelan's are next. Don't miss out!

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

eARC Book review: The Christmas Cowboy Hero (Heart of Texas #1) by Donna Grant

Available now!
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

’Tis the season for ex-Navy SEAL Clayton East to come home for the holidays―even if the mood at home is anything but festive. His father is ill. The East Ranch is in financial trouble. And now it’s on Clayton, the prodigal son, to make sure his family doesn’t lose everything.

Headstrong Abby Harper is like a mother to her younger brothers, who she’s helped raise since she was a teenager. Keeping them in line is no small task while she’s also working toward her college degree. And now that one of her brothers has been arrested for stealing cattle at the East Ranch, Abby is at her wit’s end. But there is a silver lining: Clayton East. He believes in second chances, and is willing to give one to her brother this Christmas. Letting beautiful Abby―and the inescapable longing in his heart―off the hook, however, is a whole ’nother story. Could it be that the woman of this local hero’s dreams has been back at home all along? 

Clayton East left the military and instead of going home took a contract job protecting animals at a wild animal preserve. Until he gets a call from his mother because everything is a mess at home. Ready or not he's forced to go home and deal with the issues there and face his personal issues. Abby Harper has raised her two younger brothers since she was 18 years old when her mother abandoned them all. Now one of her brothers is mixed up with some bad people who stole Clayton's families cattle from the their ranch. Clayton takes one look at Abby at the police station and he's done in. I loved this story. Clayton is suffering from PTSD and not really dealing with it. Coming home means dealing with demons there and well meaning family. He doesn't want to go but it turns out it's the best thing he could have ever done. The more he's around Abby and her brothers the better. Not only does having Abby and her brothers help Clayton it helps his parents as well. Abby's dad passed away when she was young and her mom took off one night and left her and her younger brothers.  They have this amazing bond made stronger by being around Clayton and his family. Enjoyable read from beginning to end. 

Find out more about Donna Grant here www.donnagrant.com

ebook review: Own It (Wolfshead Whiskey) by Elisabeth Barrett

Available now!

Aidan Phelan has finally gained control over Wolfshead, his family’s craft brewery and distillery, but there’s one catch—his curvy firecracker of an ex-wife has also inherited a share. It was Aidan’s stubborn pride that destroyed their marriage to begin with, and now he has a daily reminder of that failure strutting around in sexy heels and pencil skirts. But he has bigger problems—namely establishing himself as CEO by successfully launching Wolfshead’s new whiskey without his family driving him insane.

Emma Crandall is shocked when she finds out she’s part-owner of Aidan’s family business, the company that drove a wedge between the two of them. Aidan offers to buy her out, but she’s not biting. She’s just started up a freelance marketing consulting business, and working with Wolfshead could open the door to bigger and better clients. Besides, it’s high time she proved to herself that she can handle her arrogant ex, even if he is big, bearded, and hot as hell.

Forced to work together, Aidan and Emma must confront their darkest fears and deepest desires. But owning Wolfshead comes with a price neither of them anticipated…their hearts. 

First in a new series it's always exciting to see the beginning. The Phelan's are a crazy but bunch of alpha males trying to run a craft brewery and distillery without killing each other. Aidan is the oldest of the bunch but just barely. He's definitely head alpha and wants everyone to know it. He gave up a promising career and a major league baseball player when his dad and his dad's twin brother were killed in a car accident to come home and help run the company. He constantly butted heads with his grandfather until he passed away. In his grandfather's will was one surprise he didn't expect. A share of the company going to his ex-wife Emma.  Emma decided to stick it out and be a part of the business. They of course butt heads as again Aidan is the head alpha and needs to have his way. You know i did not like Aidan much at all. He definitely had to grow on me and until he saw what he screwed up with Emma, TWICE, i didn't care for him one bit. Thanks god he saw the error of his ways. I'm like the other brothers and cousins and am interested to see who they will be. Book two releases in November. Can't wait to see what happens with Aidan's cousin Brody.

Find out more about this series and author Elisabeth Barrett here elisabethbarrett.com

eARC Book review: Adam (7 Brides for 7 Soldiers #2) by Roxanne St. Claire

Available October 31st 2017
eARC Provided by author

Adam Tucker is a man on a mission. After failing to save a troubled teen from drowning, Adam traded being a Coast Guard rescue swimmer for the dream of starting a youth adventure camp in his hometown. Adam is willing to do whatever it takes to help other kids navigate the deep, dangerous waters of adulthood. He’s even bet his twin brother that he can finish the transformation of a boathouse into camp living quarters before the summer season puts their watersports business in full swing. But when the key to winning that bet turns out to be an interior designer who is as enigmatic as she is gorgeous, things get complicated for Adam.

With its soaring mountains and rushing river, Eagle’s Ridge is the perfect place for Jadyn McAllister to stay “off the grid” until things settle down in Miami. No one from her old life would expect her to hide out in a small town, working for cash and keeping her real name—Jane—a secret, but that’s exactly what the FBI told her to do. They also told her to trust absolutely no one, which isn’t a problem until she meets Adam. From the first moment, sparks fly and temperatures rise every time they're together. She’s determined to keep him in the dark and at arm’s length, but the more time they spend together, the more she longs to trust him and hold him close all night long.

With her aura of secrets and her tough façade hiding a vulnerable sweetness, Jadyn calls out to the rescuer in Adam. But he learned the hard way that total honesty is the only way to live and he senses Jadyn is lying to him. But she knows the truth could risk more than her heart – it could cost her life. As the whitewater of danger swirls around them, it will take more than a strong swimmer to save them both…it will take love. 

The first Roxanne St Claire book i ever read was a romantic suspense. I was seriously hooked. This book takes me back to when i first fell in love with this author. The series is about 7  friends who have known each other since their time in detention in High School. All spent some time in the military. Adam and Zane Tucker are twin brothers who are running a adventure business together. Adam was a rescuer in the Coast Guard. After a rescue went bad he came home to help his brother and remodel his grandfather's boathouse for at risk kids. Jane (also known as Jayden) comes to Adam for the job of remodeling said houseboat. She's keeping some huge secrets and Adam can tell. Sparks fly immediately. I felt the click myself lol. Seriously Adam and Jane are fabulous together and Adam's family and friends are engaging and fun. There isn't a lot of suspense and action til the end but St. Claire knows how to bring it home.  This is a quick read and in my opinion you'll be hooked into the series by the end wanting to know what happens next.

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

eARC Book review: Beyond Forever (O'Kane for Life #2) by Kit Rocha

Available October 24th 2017
eARC Provided by author

Before they were the King and Queen… 

Six years before the Beyond series started, an ambitious bootlegger named Dallas O’Kane caught a very pretty thief named Lex with her hand in his safe. 

The rest is very sexy history. 

In Beyond Forever, follow Dallas and Lex through the turning points in their relationship, from the night he caught her trying to rob him, through his rise to successful bootlegger, to legend, to Sector Leader--with Lex always there, willing to give him the push he needs. 

Beyond Forever is a prequel novella that jumps through time to tell the story of the biggest moments in the formation of the O’Kanes and their King and Queen. It will be far more enjoyable if you’ve already read Beyond Control, and contains spoilers for the entire Beyond series. 

First you need to read the Beyond series to understand what's going on in this novella. It takes you back to before the beyond series begins and then after it's over. Dallas and Lex weren't always together. They had their own separate pasts until those pasts clashed together on one fateful night when Lex robbed Dallas of a fortune and then decided to give it back. This novella fills in the blanks on what happened with Dallas and Lex before the Beyond series started. Very eye opening to the fact that Dallas didn't always seem to know what he was doing. He wasn't always the bad ass he seemed to be. Lex truly made him who he was. A must read for those who had read the series.

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

eARC Book review: Nauti Angel (Nauti #9) by Lora Leigh

Available November 7th 2017
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

Angel Calloway isn't the girl next door. Known for being rude and cursing like a sailor on a bender, she's meaner than the two mercenaries she's followed since she was young. Needing anyone is not what she's about. Or so she thought--until she found the mother she was taken from so long ago, Chaya Mackay, wife to the notorious Natches Mackay.

One night with Angel and devilishly sexy Marine Reece Duquaine was hooked. She nearly blew his head off, and moments later, she blew his mind. He's been after her ever since, wrestling with a desire that fights to consume him. But now he has her in his sights--and is ready to take his shot. 
Unless someone else moves in for the kill first...

I have to confess I have not read every book in this series. I'm missing a few in the middle but i did read Natches and Chaya's book way back when it came out so i knew the history there before starting this one.  Angel is as tough as they come. Tougher than she should have to be. She thought she was abandoned by her mother when she was only three. Now 20 years later she is forced to lay it all out there shocking many. Once the cat is out of the bag though things get crazy when someone also seems to be trying to kidnap Bliss and kill Angel. This is a emotional book for pretty much all the characters. There's a lot of intense danger mixed in although nothing really actually happens until the very end were made to feel like something is imminent. There's a bit of a twist at the end that is actually pretty easy to see coming. Parts are very predictable and if the parties involved actually acted like adults considering the dangerous situation they were in things could've been figured out sooner. Angel kind of is made to have her feelings dismissed at the beginning and a better part of the book. This angered me because between her and Chaya she is still the child in this scenario.  Why should she forgive instantly after all the stuff she's gone through in the past twenty years? Somehow the book still worked for me over all.  If i overlooked the stuff that bothered me. I think it was Duke and Angel that made it for me. Angel is tough and she gives no quarter to anyone for being so. Duke is there for her backing her up in every way. Over all i enjoyed it.

Find out more about Lora Leigh and this series here www.loraleigh.com

eARC Book review: The Wicked Billionaire (Tate Brothers #2) by Jackie Ashenden

Available now!
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

The Tate Brothers were once orphans and they have been raised to do one thing only: protect what is theirs.

As a trained sniper and Navy SEAL, Lucas Tate found the courage to distance himself from the wealthy, wicked patriarch who adopted him. Instead, he’s devoted his life to the elite band of brothers from his unit. So when the widow of one of his former comrades finds herself in apparent danger, Lucas makes it his job to protect her against all enemies. . .and not let her out of his sights.

Grace Riley feels overwhelmed by Lucas's presence, but the cold-eyed marksman will do anything to keep her safe. Soon the special attention he pays her becomes a wild romantic distraction―one that troubles Grace, since Lucas was so close to her deceased husband. Still, how can she resist Lucas’s intense, ice-blue stare? All she knows is that a life without strong, passionate Lucas is one not worth living. Can Lucas can find a way to honor his former brother-in-arms by saving Grace. . .and loving her, too? 

This is the second book in this series. Book one was OK but the other brothers interested me so i decided to stick with it. Lucas Tate is cold. He went cold because of events in his life while growing up. Feelings became dangerous or so he thought. When he gets a letter from his deceased adoptive father telling him to protect Grace Riley he doesn't want to do it but feels he must. Grace was married to to a friend of his who got killed in the military but was doing something wrong. Having met Grace through him before he was unsettled by her. He refused to look to hard at it though. Now he's stuck with her for the duration. Until he can figure out what's really going on. I liked this one better but of course i wanted to kick Lucas' butt for hurting Grace. It was inevitable. He doesn't know what love it and Grace has her own twisted sense of love as well. It was fun to see them together once they finally let go for a bit. There's some sneaky peaks of the other two brothers and some surprises. Over all a good read.

Find out more about Jackie Ashenden here www.jackieashenden.com

eARC Book review: Hold Her Again by Shannon Stacey

Available now!
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

Ava Wright isn't happy to see her high school sweetheart rolling into their hometown a few weeks before Christmas. He's only come back to bury his estranged father, but there's no way she'll be able to avoid him. No one can: he's become a country-music superstar since going solo and leaving Ava behind. 

Jace Morrow grew up believing "money can't buy happiness" was something people said to make themselves feel better. But now he knows it's the truth: no matter how many number-one hits he has, he'll never recapture the magic of singing with Ava. Missing her—loving her—and living with making the wrong choice in life were what made him who he is. 

When Jace is roped into being part of the town's annual Christmas party, he only cares about earning Ava's forgiveness. And though Ava's heart has never healed, she loved Jace too much and for too long to shut him out when he's hurting. As they fall in love all over again, they're both faced with choices for their future…and this time Jace intends to make the right one. 

This a classic second chance story. Jace Morrow and Ava Wright were a young talented musical couple. They had hoped to one day hit it big in country music as a duo. Moving to St. Louis, Missouri they took a first step at getting that when Jace is offered a chance at mega success but without Ava. He takes it leaving Ava in the dust. Now several years later Jace's father dies bringing him back home for a funeral and a chance to see Ava. No real surprises in this story. Jace and Ava were both young when Jace left her but maturity has helped both see that mistakes were made on both their parts. Jace has to work and getting Ava back have no doubts there. It's a nice evening read you can sit back and enjoy with just enough angst and emotion to be enjoyable. 

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

eARC Book review:Hot Pursuit (Black Knights Inc. #11) by Julie Ann Walker

Available now!
eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley

He puts the hot...
Christian Watson, a former SAS officer and current BKI operator, never thought he would return to England after a terrible turn of events forced him to abandon his homeland. But now he's back on British soil where old enemies are determined to do him in. Fighting for his life is pretty much SOP for Christian. Doing it with the beautiful, bossy Emily Scott in tow is another matter entirely.

In hot pursuit.
Emily lost her coveted job at the CIA because of a colleague turned rogue, and now she has just one rule when it comes to men: they're for recreational purposes only. But when she and Christian are thrust into very close quarters while evading two mysterious men who want Christian dead, she can't help but question all her ideas about love and life lived on the edge. Battling the bad guys is hard enough, battling her feelings for Christian just might prove impossible.

Christian comes across as this cultured Englishman. Not a hair out of place, perfect clothes and a British accent. Emily is the office manager for BKI. She is a badass at running other people's lives while she ignores her own. They get on each other's nerves and are constantly sniping at each other until they are forced into close quarters situation when Christian's crazy past catches up with him. The two of them are on the run with 2 other BKI guys and a friend of Emily's. Things get intense quick. There is no room for secrets anymore with 2 bad guys and the press after them they need to get out of England and quick. Christian has been this big question mark for the past few books and what you see is not what you get. Emily has her own secrets and they've shaped her views on relationships. Christian hope he's up to the job of changing her mind. I loved these two sniping at each other and i loved watching them be there for each other. The other guys in this book are Angel, Ace and Rusty who is Emily's friend. There some intense stuff between Ace and Rusty and of course Angel is a huge ginormous mystery. I loved Angel back when he appeared in Boss and Becky's book and i still love him. His story has got to be intense with the hints we've gotten about his past. We know very little about Ace and Rusty is the new guy but they are explosive together. So much going on with the character's in this book but i feel it lacked a little of the action. Poor Christian had to work hard to reach Emily in the end and i think she was over the top a bit. Overall a satisfying book. Look forward to Angel's book and to see what happens with Ace and Rusty.

Find out more about this Julie Ann Walker and this series here www.julieannwalker.com

eARC Book review: Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas (Happy, Texas #2) by Carolyn Brown

Available September 26th 2017
eARC Provided by Publisher through Netgalley

Nash Lamont is a man about as solitary as they come. That's exactly why ranch life in middle-of-nowhere Happy, Texas suits him. So what the heck is he doing letting a beautiful widow and her three rambunctious children temporarily move in? Before he knows it, they're stringing Christmas lights and decorating the tree... and he's having the time of his life. But after everything he's been through, Nash knows this kind of happiness doesn't last.
Kasey Dawson thought she'd never get over the death of her husband. Nash, with his strong hands and infinite patience, is stirring something she hasn't felt in a long time. Kasey knows the sexy cowboy isn't telling her everything about this past, though. And she refuses to risk heartbreak all over again. But her kids have a plan of their own: Nothing will keep them from having a real family again-even if it takes a little help from Santa himself.

Nash Lamont is dealing with some serious PTSD. His grandmother sends him to his uncle's ranch to hopefully find his way back to himself. Kasey Dawson has been dealing with the death of her Army husband for 2 years. She moved back to her family ranch so that she could get help with her three kids and hopefully mend her broken heart. Then she meets Nash. Somehow falling off and ladder and getting a concussion lands him a chance to spend time with Kasey and her kids in his ranch home. The author mentions at the beginning of this book that this was a very emotional book for her to write. Within the first chapter you can see it's not a lie. Nash and Kasey had some serious hurdles to get to their HEA in this book. Not everyone in the family is on their side. There is of course some secrets as well. The kids give out most of the humor and fun in this story and i loved them all. I have to add that Adam McKay is Kasey's deceased husband and he is killed before this series began and somehow he still makes a heck of a impression in this book. This book was enjoyable. It made me laugh and it made me cry and it even made go download some music that's mentioned in the book. Read it and you'll see what i mean.

Find out more about Carolyn Brown and this series here www.carolynbrownbooks.com

eARC Book review: Promise Me Forever (Barefoot Bay Kindle World) by Jules Bennett

Available now!
eARC Provided by author

a Kindle World novella

Nobody likes a blind date…

Dance instructor Katie Foster embarks on a trip in Mimosa Key to oversee the renovations on her aunt’s historic home. All she expects is sun, sand, a little dance, and a few fruity cocktails. What she didn’t expect is coming face to face with her past. Roman Grant, all of the hopeful, passionate, devastating feelings from eight years ago come flooding back. But Katie is stronger. Smarter. She also has a secret—one, if Roman knew, that would end their affair before the next sunset.

Especially with an ex…

An out of town job in on a picturesque island promised long days of hard work followed by nights in paradise. Roman sure as hell doesn’t expect paradise to come in the form of his ex-wife. Katie looks great, feels better, and once he gets another taste of her lips, Roman knows he’ll do anything to win her back. Now that he’s working on her aunt’s home, this gives him the exact angle he needs.

But will this time lead to forever…

The more he pursues her, the farther Katie retreats. Roman succeeds in getting her into his bed, but there’s something she’s not telling him. There’s no way he’ll pass up a shot at a second chance with Katie. Once upon a time, he vowed to stay with her forever. It’s past time to make good on his promise.

I don't often hang out in the Kindle Worlds but they are often a lot of fun. All you need is a favorite series that has a Kindle World and read. Jules Bennett is delving into Roxanne St Claire's Kindle World with her Barefoot Bay series. Authors get to play in the world but make up their own story. These are easily stand alone stories. Promise Me Forever is a second chance story. Katie Foster is escaping to her aunts house for a bit while she wait to see if her new adventure is going to work out. A dance studio for children. Waiting to see is she'll get the loan she needs she agrees to oversee the renovations on her aunt's house. Roman Grant is the guy doing the work and surprise also Katie's ex-husband. They haven't seen each other in years but sparks fly between them anyway. Watching these two figure out if they can take another shot at forever was fun. I so loved Roman. You can read this in one evening and do nothing but sit back and enjoy!

Find out more about the Barefoot Bay Kindle world series and Jules Bennett and Roxanne St Claire here.

Roxanne St Claire www.roxannestclaire.com  
Jules Bennett www.julesbennett.com

eARC Book review: Demon Hunting with a Sexy Ex (Demon Hunting #5) by Lexi George

Available Sept. 19th 2017
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

Southern-fried demons. Hell-raising rednecks. And one killer ex-boyfriend...

This with is on fire

Cassandra Ferguson McKenna, aka the Witch of Devil River, has only one thing to say to her demon-hunting ex: We are never ever getting back together. Sure, Duncan Dalvhani may be the hottest thing this side of the Mason-Dixon line. He’s got a body to die for—which is hard to ignore when he skinny dips in her river every day—and swears he loves her. But as a demon hunter, Duncan is the sworn enemy of a demonoid sorceress like Cassandra. Give him another chance to break her heart? Witch, please. But when Cassandra is attacked by a werewolf, Duncan not only comes to her rescue, he helps her take on a band of magic-drunk moonshiners, fire-breathing demons, shifty shapeshifters, and a pet Sasquatch named Sugar. Welcome to Alabama. But when a portal opens up for even more hellaciousness, Cassandra has to admit that Duncan is slowly opening her heart—to a whole new world of unearthly delights...

This is the 5th installment of the Demon Hunting series.  This is not really a stand alone book so if you haven't read the previous books read at your own risk. Cassie and Duncan had a past. This went horribly wrong and Duncan said something really hurtful and crushed Cassie. Her brother's three children were in her care and died and she blamed herself. With all that she fled. Duncan came back 2 weeks later to find her gone and had been searching for her ever since. Even though they've both been back to Hannah they were never there at the same time til now. I liked seeing all the familiar characters from the previous books in this series and would love to have seen more of them. In the first few books there was so much comedy in them and there is some in this one but not like the first books and i missed that. I like the slang as well but at times in this book there was to much and it made it hard to understand what was trying to be said.  It's just not as good as the first books in the series but still a solid read. I love the quirkiness and the whole world and can't wait to see how the loose ends with some of the characters will play out in the next book. 

Find out more about this series and Lexi George here www.lexigeorge.com

eARC Book review: Second Chance Girl (Happily Inc. #2) by Susan Mallery

Available September 26th 2017
eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley

Mathias Mitchell's easy smile hides a world of hurt. After the worst kind of family betrayal, he moves to Happily Inc., California—the wedding destination town supplies a steady stream of bridesmaids, perfect for his "no promises, no pain" lifestyle. Yet he can't stop watching for his beautiful, elusive neighbor on the animal preserve behind their homes. 

Gamekeeper Carol Lund knows she's not special enough to attract an alpha male like Mathias, so his offer to help her adopt a herd for her lonely giraffe is surprising—and his determined seduction, even more so. But just as she finally welcomes him into her bed, his careless actions crush her heart. Will she give him a second chance to prove she'll always come first in his heart?

This is the second book in the Fools Gold spin off series. Luckily for Fool's Gold fans  we get to see some of those characters from that series. Three of the Mitchell brothers moved to Happily Inc from Fool's Gold. Nick got his story in book one and now it's Mathias' turn for a HEA. Mathias spent over 20 years thinking he was a twin. His dad blew that all apart when he announced that he had a affair and his mistress at the time was the mother of Ronan his twin. That broke the bond between the two brothers. Mathias is a glass artist like his two brothers and father but he gave up the fine glass work when his dad destroyed a piece of his finest work and told him it was crap. Now he makes dishes and vases. Carol is his neighbor and takes care of the animals at her families animal preserve. She thinks she's a plain jane and no where near in Mathias' league. These two start out as friends but are there for each other when they need it. There's also a side story with Carol's sister Violet that's sweet but quick. Much of the story is about helping Carol raise money for Millie her lone Giraffe at the preserve but also the relationship between the Mitchell brothers and their parents as they prepare for the oldest brother Del's wedding. There were some slow spots in this book but overall i really enjoyed it. If your looking for a good relaxing read with some funny bits this book will work for you.

Find out more about Susan Mallery and this series here www.susanmallery.com

eARC Book review: Chasing Christmas Eve (Heartbreaker Bay #4) by Jill Shalvis

Available Sept. 26th 2017
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

Meet cute...

Run for the hills—temporarily. That's Colbie Albright's plan when she flees New York for San Francisco. Wrangling her crazy family by day and writing a bestselling YA fantasy series by night has taken its toll. In short, Colbie's so over it that she's under it. She's also under the waters of a historic San Francisco fountain within an hour of arrival. Fortunately, the guy who fishes Colbie out has her looking forward to Christmas among strangers. But she's pretty sure Spencer Baldwin won't be a stranger for long.

Make merry...

Spence's commitment to hiding from the Ghosts of Relationships Past means he doesn't have to worry about the powerful—okay, crazy hot chemistry—he's got with Colbie. Just because she can laugh at anything, especially herself... just because she's gorgeous and a great listener just because she gets Spence immediately doesn't mean he won't be able to let Colbie go. Does it?

and hope for a miracle.

Now the clock's ticking for Colbie and Spence: Two weeks to cut loose. Two weeks to fall hard. Two weeks to figure out how to make this Christmas last a lifetime.


Jill Shalvis continues the Heartbreaker Bay series with Chasing Christmas Eve. Our favorite nerd finally get his story. Colbie Albright ran away from home. No she's not a kid and yes she really needed to. A series of not good events put Colbie in the position of being the boss of everyone in her family. Spencer Baldwin is the resident geek of the bunch that hangs out together in the Cow Hollow district where he lives and works in San Francisco. When Spence is responsible for knocking the newly arrived Colbie into the fountain in the courtyard of his building sparks fly.  There's a zip between the two as soon as Spence hauls Colbie out of the water. Spence is a great friend to every one of his posse but he's clearly been hurting and keeping it to himself.  He doesn't think there's a happy ending for him. He's tried before and it blew up in his face when he couldn't seem to pull back from his work to notice his girlfriend. Colbie has had to be the adult of her family even when she was a young kid. Her dad  left when she was six and her twin brothers were babies. She stepped up to help her mom and ended up having everything put on her shoulders. Now a successful YA author she finally has the money to help her family but they seems to depend on her for every little thing still. Her career is dangerously close to going off the rails even as she's at the pinnacle of her success.  With all this weighing on her shoulders she arrives in San Francisco and meets Spencer within a hour of arriving. Boom bangety bang and there are fireworks! It was fun watching these two together.  Of course Spencer's friends are there to add to the excitement. I love how Shalvis makes it feel like they are all a family. They may fuss and fight a bit but they still look out for each other and have no trouble adding Colbie into that mix. Want a book you can sit back and enjoy cover to cover? This is it. I don't think you need to read the other books in this series to enjoy this one either. 

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

eARC Book review: Deacon (Gideon’s Riders #2) by Kit Rocha

Available now!
eARC Provided by author

Ana has trained most of her life to achieve one goal: to prove that anything men can do, she can do better. Now she’s Sector One’s first female Rider, and being the best is the only way to ensure she won’t be its last. Distractions aren’t allowed--especially not her painful attraction to the reserved but demanding leader whose stern, grumpy demeanor has already gotten into her head.

Deacon has spent the last twenty years trying to atone for his past, but the blood he spilled as a mercenary and assassin will never wash away entirely. If his riders knew the extent of his sins, he’d lose their trust and respect. It’s easier to keep them all at arm’s length, especially Ana. But his newest recruit’s stubbornness is starting to crack his defenses.

And their sparring matches are driving him wild.

The passion sparking between them can’t be denied, but neither can the vengeance barreling toward Deacon. When his old squad comes back to punish him for his betrayal, Ana and the Riders are squarely in the line of fire. The only way to save his people may be to make the ultimate sacrifice. 

But first, he has to convince Ana not to follow him straight into hell.

Deacon is in charge of all the Riders and Ana is the first female Rider. That's a lot of stress right there. That's just the tip of the ice burg for these two. Deacon wasn't always a Rider and his past seems to be catching up with him quick fast and possible deadly. Ana has been training to be a Rider since she was little when her dad was a Rider and taught her everything he knew. With him gone she's on her own now and feels she always got to prove she belongs. The pressure from that as well as all the little girls who look up to her is a lot. Then there is Deacon. There's a lot of pressure in being the boss and dealing with everything that goes with it but keep your feeling remote is something that seems necessary until Ana.  Ana forces him open and once he's open his whole life changes. His secret past life comes out twenty years since it ended. The Riders all struggle with it but there is a greater risk. His past is coming back to kill him or is it? It sure seems like it. This story has some twists and turns. I loved Deacon and Ana together. They didn't seem to fight the attraction long in this story but their relationship as it was has been brewing for a while. So not as quick as it seems. The Riders have to think fast when their is a final showdown and decisions have to be made.  Kit Rocha delivers another great read. The pace was quick and steady and the story compelling. I'm ready to see what happens next!

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

eARC Book review: Arm Candy (Real Love #2) by Jessica Lemmon

Available Sept. 5th 2017
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

Davis: I’ve had my eye on Grace Buchanan for a while now. Unlike the bubbly blondes I usually date, the feisty, flame-haired bartender both intrigues and bewilders me. Something about Grace—the tattoos? the nose ring?—makes every part of me sit up and beg. There’s only one problem: She hates me. Trading insults and one-liners has become our M.O. But when Grace bets me that I can’t get a date with a non-blonde if my life depends on it, I’m determined to prove her wrong by landing the ultimate non-blonde: her.

Grace: I’m used to regulars hitting on me, and I’ve turned them all down, except for one: Davis Price. I like giving him a hard time, and he’s kind of cute in his suit and tie—if you’re into that kind of thing. Anyway, I don’t care how many blondes he takes home . . . until one of them sidles up to him in my bar. Nuh-uh. But after my little bet with Davis backfires, our first date lands us in the sack. So does the second. And the third. Neither of us wants more than the best sex of our lives. The trouble is, it’s not a question of what I want. It’s what I need. And what I need is Davis. 

Davis Price experienced the ultimate relationship disappointment. Left at the alter literally at the last second at a destination wedding. That could screw a guy up for life! Since then he's been serial dating and it's been 6 years. Grace Buchanan has been doing her own thing after her college degree job ate her up and spit  her out. Now she's a bartender and Davis just happens to be one of her regular customers. They seem to have a hate/hate relationship until Davis makes a dating bet. Once given a chance to know each other sparks fly between the two. It's a toss up with their messed up backgrounds who will walk out first. Grace's parents got a bitter divorce then her dad bailed on her. Davis not only had his runaway bride but his mom took off on him when his dad died. In the relationship stakes both have a lot working against them.  If only they can be brave. I loved this couple. Individually and together.  In the beginning i thought maybe Davis was going to be an ass and the flake in the relationship but he was a pleasant surprise.  All i can say is this is a must read book. The emotional stuff is gripping and the sexy scenes are hot. The slow but steady pace will suck you right in and deliver you to a fast and emotional ending.


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

eARC Book review: The Cowboy's Second-Chance Family (Return to Stonerock) by Jules Bennett

Available Sept 1st 2017
eARC Provided by author for review

Finding love twice in a lifetime 

When Lucy Brooks lost her husband, her dreams of a family went with him. Now her life is a busy balance of friends, work and the demands of her small ranch. When she meets handsome, brooding Noah Spencer, she recognizes the grief in his penetrating eyes. And yet she can't deny the feelings—and hope—that he has reawakened within her. 

All widower Noah has in life is his little daughter and a fresh start as Stonerock's newest police officer. Right now this cowboy needs to keep his life simple and his heart guarded. Yet he can't resist the instant pull of sweet, selfless Lucy. This could be a second chance at happily-ever-after…if they can both let go of the past. 


Jules Bennett tells a story of two people dealing with the hard path that is grief. Lucy Brooks lost her husband two years ago and with two of her friends started a support group for those who are dealing with similar things. It's to help her cope and help others deal too. In walks this sexy brooding cowboy at the latest meeting and Lucy is automatically drawn to him and the pain she sees in his eyes. Que a sigh. It's definitely worthy of one. Noah Spencer is new to Stonerock and looking to start over with his adorable little girl. Seems no matter where he turns there's Lucy. His wife passed away tragically 6 months earlier and he questions if he's ready for someone else. Seems no matter what the pair do they keep being drawn back together.  I loved this story. It's one of those books you can kick back and relax and read in a evening. You get into it and before you know it you've hit the last page. The characters are all fun and awesome and you want things to work out for everyone. Both Lucy and Noah struggle to find their way back to a path in life where things can be good again. It's enjoyable to watch them figure out they need each other to do that.

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