Review: Undaunted by Ronnie Douglas

Publish Date: September 15, 2015

Trade Paperback {p.352}

Genre: New Adult

Series: Knights in Black Leather #1

Source: Publisher

Aubrey Evans, Zion

Being fearless has never looked so good...

Aubrey Evans needs to get her life back on track after her father is indicted for embezzlement. All she has to do to hightail it out of small-town Tennessee is save up money for college tuition and steer clear of hard-muscled boys on motorcycles. Yet there's no ignoring someone like Zion. A knight in black leather, Zion looks like every bad idea she's been told to avoid, but she can't resist him. Whenever she's in trouble, he's there. Appealing as his rough exterior may be, it's the protective, principled man beneath who tempts her like crazy.

Zion knows Aubrey doesn't intend to stick around. She claims to want only friendship, but he senses there's a naughty girl hiding on the inside—one whose intense desires match his own. For now, he'll be patient and play by her rules. But he knows it's just a matter of time before he weakens her resolve.

As they join forces to figure out who's behind a local crime spree, it's clear that the danger goes deeper than Aubrey guessed. And when she needs someone tall, dark, and undaunted to keep her safe, Zion intends to be there—now and always.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. With that, I must say at times however, I did not like Aubrey. Who in their right mind does some of the things she did within the first couple of pages of the book with complete strangers. I almost gave up on this book with just that behavior alone. She definitely lost points with me with that behavior from that point on. I often wondered why Zion even bothered.

Zion I liked. His story or struggle with the MC is what kept me involved with the story. His chemistry with Aubrey was lacking in my opinion, and often felt forced for the sake of the story. I didn't buy what they were selling with "romance" between these two.

Zion's relationship with the MC president was also a head-scratcher. Yet another element to the story I could have done without. These guys are suppose to be all about brotherhood and having each other's back, but that whole situation with Zion and the MC was a complete and total mess. That was no kind of brotherhood in my opinion toward Zion from the MC or the other members surrounding the worst kept secret. Ellen and Dash, Aubrey's BFF and Zion's cousin, now that relationship seemed promising.

Review: Chained by Night by Larissa Ione

Publish Date: September 30, 2014

Mass Market Paperback {p.}

Genre: Paranormal

Series: MoonBound Clan Vampire #2

Source: Publisher

Aylin, Hunter

THE FUTURE OF HIS TRIBE Leader of the vampire clan MoonBound, Hunter will do what he must to save his people from extinction—or worse, a torturous eternity as vampire slaves and subjects of human experimentation.To keep his enemies at bay, he has agreed to mate a rival clan leader’s daughter in return for peace between the clans and an ally in the looming war with the humans.

THE LOVER OF HIS SOUL But survival comes at a price. First, Hunter must break an ancient curse by successfully negotiating three deadly tests. Then he must resist the searing passions of the gorgeous vampire warrior he despises but is bound to mate. Will Hunter stay true to his word? Or will he risk everything for the woman he really loves: the vampire seductress’s identical twin sister?

 

It took me some time to get into this story, and when I did, it seemed to drag on in parts a bit unnecessarily. With that said, I still enjoyed the majority of the book. I really liked the interaction between Aylin and Hunter. All her live she'd been below everyone else in the pecking order, but when she was with Hunter you would never know it. She spoke her mind with Hunter, without fear of reprimand.

The chemistry between the two of them pretty much began at first sight of each other. Even with that being the case, I never felt that their chemistry was forced. Hunter was a great leader for the clan in the aspect that everyone was equal, no one person was better than the other because of issues beyond their control. 

I am interested to see how the clan progresses, especially Nicole and Riker and Myne. Outside of Aylin and Hunter, they were the ones I became most invested in. Sam was also an interesting character. He was not at all what I was expecting. The overall series seems promising, but it's not one that I'll be impatiently waiting for.

Review: In Your Dreams by Kristan Higgins

Publish Date: September 30, 2014

Mass Market Paperback {p.469}

Genre: Contemporary

Series: Blue Heron #4

Source: Publisher

Emmaline Neal, Jack Holland
 

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

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

Another great read to add to my favorites list! I absolutely adored Emmaline. Her parents, not so much. Emmaline was one of those characters you just immediately connect with. Her struggles and emotions became your struggles and emotions. I just wanted all the success and happiness for her and detriment to all those who wronged her.

Jack on the other hand, we had our moments. At times I got extremely frustrated with Jack. I know he's known as the town's hero and greatest guy around, but when it came to his interaction with his ex-wife Hadley, I truly wanted him to grow a pair and tell her to kick bricks. He was just to nice for his own good. And most of the time it was to his own detriment.

Again I just loved Jack's family. They never seem to disappoint when it comes to keeping me entertained. Especially Goggy and Pru. This has turned into one fine series that I hope will be continuing.

Author Interview ~ Lori Foster, author of No Limits

A surprise inheritance reunites a mixed martial arts fighter with the woman he's never forgotten in the first in a smoldering new series from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster...

Cannon Colter is quintessential hero material: chiseled jawline, shredded body—the works. He's also the guy who rescued Yvette Sweeny from kidnappers, only to put an end to her romantic dreams. These days, she's older, smarter, determined to face whatever life throws her way. Even the prospect of sharing a house and business with Cannon.

Cannon knew Yvette wanted him three years ago. But she was young—and some things are worth waiting for. Thrown together by her grandfather's legacy, he realizes how deep Yvette's scars really go, and how much danger lurks in their quiet town. As pent-up desire explodes between them, protecting her becomes the only fight that matters. And he'll break all the rules to do it…

1. Can you tell us a little bit about your latest release, NO LIMITS?

This is Cannon’s story, a character that readers met in my last series, Love Undercover. From the second Cannon showed up on the page, I knew he’d get his own story. He’s that kind of guy, the guy who steps up and takes notice and gets a lot of notice in return. In NO LIMITS, Cannon reunites with Yvette, another character from the previous series. They parted under strained circumstances, with Cannon just heading into professional MMA and Yvette young and traumatized from a horrific threat. Cannon saved her then, but he was noble because of her age and what she’d been through. Now she’s older, more independent, and he’s ready to make up for lost time.

2. Can you also fill us in on the prequel to the series, HARD KNOCKS?

HARD KNOCKS gives readers a peek into the MMA world and the fighters who will have novels in the Ultimate series. You get to see the inside of Cannon’s gym, the set-up and what the guys do for the neighborhood, as well as the close relationships they share. It’s a short romance featuring Gage and Harper, two fun, strong people with a few romantic quirks to work out. It’s short and sexy and gives readers a taste for how the novels will be more about fighters in a romance than about fighters fighting in the cage.

3. How has your UFC obsession influenced the writing of NO LIMITS?

Well, I’ve gotten into the idea of picking silly fight names for the heroes. And from the fight names, I’ve come up with some “inspired” reasons for them. It also makes it easier to justify the guy being totally ripped – although not all fighters are. I’ve learned in actual fights the physical appearance can be deceiving. It’s more about heart and talent, training and speed, than how a guy looks. But naturally any hero I write about will be blessed with a six-pack and boulder shoulders.

4. What was it like getting inside the mind of a mixed martial arts fighter?

I’ve interviewed a few fighters over the years, chatted with others while getting promotional photos and during before and after “meet and greets” while at live events. Every single fighter I’ve met has been extremely nice, unassuming, dedicated to fans, and (though it sounds silly) very sweet. It took only a few questions to see how much they give to the sport they love, the discipline it takes to stay in training, and the confidence they gain from having extreme ability. Since I’ve never asked a fighter about his love life, that part of the story is pure imagination on my part. But then I only write good guys, and talented lovers.

5. What is your process for choosing names like Cannon Colter?

I’m a terrible cheat when it comes to names. More often than not I see a name on Facebook or Twitter that I like. I never, ever use a first and last name together, but I do pick and choose and mix and match. When I see a unique name, or a name that resonates with me, I grab it up. When I’m writing, I’m far less focused on names than I am on personality. Names for me are an afterthought, so stealing from my social media sites makes it easy.

6. What are Cannon and Yvette’s best physical traits?

Although Cannon is a fighter with a shredded bod, it’s more his smile and his eyes that get to Yvette. He has a very sincere smile, because he’s a very sincere guy. And when he looks at a person, it’s felt through and through.

For Yvette, she has long beautiful hair, but it’s more about the deceptive confidence she tries to exude that draws Cannon – that, and the way she looks at him like he’s a superhero. What guy could resist that?

7. What is the best scene (in your opinion) between Yvette and Cannon?

There’s a fun scene where Yvette is at the rec center (the gym) and the fighters start arguing. Cannon is irked, his buddies are irked, and Yvette thinks they might come to blows. She tries to put herself in the middle and sort of gets sandwiched between some pretty hot flesh. I smiled while writing it, so I hope readers smile when they read it.

The poor guys didn’t know what to think. They’re big, physical guys who don’t mind working out a few differences on the mat, but they’re also friends, and they’re fighters with a load of control often utilized in a fight. But with Yvette, they all want to be gentle – while struggling to figure her out.

8. What music did you listen to while writing NO LIMITS?

I have a long playlist of about 150 songs. Much of it is from KORN and Kid Rock and Marilyn Manson, but I’ve also really gotten into Disturbed, The Pretty Reckless, Papa Roach, Skillet and Puddle of Mud. Oh, and Cage the Elephant. I like loud, strong music that I can sing along with while I’m writing.

9. How is this series different from your previous works?

The Ultimate series is a different setting, different characters, different plots – and yet you still visit some of the characters from Love Undercover series since it remains in the same fictional city and state. In the last series the focus was on Rowdy’s bar and the police station. There are visits to the bar still, but much of the action takes place at Cannon’s rec center and in different houses owned by the characters.

The stories remain super-sexy, the guys remain alphas, the women remain smart and independent, and elements of suspense go throughout both series. But I hope each character has their own personality and for me, that’s where the differences should be most evident.

10. What character did you find yourself most drawn to, and why?

I love Armie Jacobson – and I’m pretty sure readers will too. He’s outrageous, too sexy, has effortless talent in the cage, and a wounded background that has influenced his life greatly. I love all the guys – Gage, Cannon, Denver, Stack... but Armie stands out.

11. Do you prefer writing about small town romance settings (like in NO LIMITS) or city settings?

I’m not sure I’ve ever written a large city setting. Smaller towns, always fictional, work best for me because I like the lack of anonymity in a small town. Everyone knows everyone, or has at least heard of everyone, and it can lead to some touching, and embarrassing, situations. I like the warmth of knowing your neighbors and caring about them. And I like the ease in creating the town.

12. Who would play Cannon and Yvette in a book-to-film adaptation?

Josh Duhamel, while a little too old, would make a fabulous Cannon! He’s big and gorgeous and built. I think he’d be perfect if NO LIMITS was ever made into a movie. For the heroine, Mila Kunis is beautiful and I can easily picture her as Yvette. They’d make a hot couple!

13. What are your five favorite verbs to use during a love scene?

Favorite verbs to use in a love scene... Only five, huh? Wow, that’s difficult. How about catch/caught, press, contract, nuzzle/nibble, lick/suck. I’m not sure I could write a full love scene without them.

14. Can you tell us about the process behind the cover artwork?

Ooooh, I LOVE getting new covers, it’s so exciting. The way it works is that I give my editor an idea of what the characters look like. Usually this means emailing her my own character sheets – notes I keep on the characters to detail (and help me remember) height, eye and hair color, body type, etc... I usually include any and all info like the car he/she drives, job description, age and any other pertinent information that I might need to recall from book to book.

My editor also asks for a synopsis, but since they usually start working on covers long before I know what the story is about, it’s a guessing game on my end. I know there’ll be a hunk, a heroine, some suspense, hot sex, lots of emotion, and a happy ending. The how and why is often not clear to me at that point.

Then the publisher has a meeting with the art department and they brainstorm cover ideas and come up with a concept that I get to see.

The concept is just an idea. It’ll show a model, but not THE model. It’ll show a pose, but not THE pose. I see where the placement of my name and the title will appear, along with any quotes.

Once that’s approved, the art department does a photo shoot and from those images they choose the one they like best. I weigh in with pleas of chest hair. Chest hair is always my #1 requirement if they show the model with his shirt off. To be clear, this is for new novels, not novellas or re-issues. For those they generally use stock art. It’s all very fun and I can honestly say I’ve loved the artwork so far.

15. If you were stranded on a desert island with one of your many characters, who would you choose and why?

Since I’m an enormous wimp and not at all heroic, I’d love to have Trace with me, from Trace of Fever. He’s bossy and take-charge and lethal. He knows what he’s doing, how to protect and how to survive. Plus I think he was pretty sexy.

If it needs to be a character from my current Ultimate series, I’d say Denver – for many of the same reasons. He’s far more autocratic than Cannon or Armie or Stack. He’s big, brawny, and when necessary he can be lethal. I’d feel safer with a real bad ass if I had to be stranded.

16. What was the most difficult part of the process when writing NO LIMITS?

My heart broke for Yvette. She’s one of more damaged heroines I’ve ever written (although there have been a few) and she struggled so hard for her independence. More than anything she wants Cannon, but because he’s so brave and strong she doesn’t feel quite worthy, and the stigma of being seen as a victim really hit her hard. I image something like that would be very, very difficult to overcome.

17. Have you written an outline for the NO LIMITS series or do you make it up as you go?

I totally make it up as I go along. Or I should say my characters make it up. I never try to figure things out in advance because as sure as I do, the characters will have a different idea and they’ll rebel, making it difficult to write until I give them their way. Fighting it is futile. But since they’re seldom wrong, it works for us. (And yes, I’m nuts. I don’t fight that either.)

Usually the characters will give me enough clues along the way to keep the writing flow steady. For instance, while I was writing NO LIMITS, Denver stepped up and talked about Cherry and made it clear his book needed to be next. Now while I’m writing HARD KNOCKS (Denver’s story) Stack is giving me nudges, saying, “Me next, me next. And I’m going after Vanity... whether she or I know it yet or not.” So that’s how I know Stack’s story will be after Denver’s.

Armie has said he wants to wait, stew on things a while, come to grips with his future... so I’m letting him get used to the idea of what is to come.

18. What was your go-to snack while writing NO LIMITS?

Goldfish cheese crackers and pretzels. Occasionally I drink Mountain Dew when I need more caffeine but I usually snack with Lipton Citrus Green Tea as my drink.

I also love baby carrots. And far too often I cave to the call of the Pringles can.

19. What’s your favorite part of the book?

There’s a fight scene in the book. Not a sporting match, but an angry, defensive, you-dared-touch-what-is-mine kind of aggression filled with rage and loss of control and an awakening of strong emotion. Call me barbaric but I love writing scenes like that. I love getting down to the basics of how love can affect a person, whether it’s in sex or fighting off danger or just showing vulnerability awareness. It’s the real stuff people are made of.

20. What are you working on next?

I’m writing Denver’s story right now, titled HOLDING STRONG. It’s due out in spring 2015 and I’m loving Denver and Cherry together – and them as a couple with the rest of the fighters around. It’s a very fun dynamic.

After that I’ll do another benefit novella for June 2015. It’ll be part of the Buckhorn family and all proceeds from sales of the book will go to a charity. I’m not yet sure which of the Buckhorn clan will be featured, but I’m sure it’ll all come to me in plenty of time.

And then I’ll jump into Stack’s story. He should be ready by then – which means I’ll also be ready. Luckily the characters keep me writing. In fact, if there were more hours in the day, I’m not sure they’d ever let me stop!

Review: Slow Seduction by Cecilia Tan

Publish Date: August 26, 2014

Trade Paperback {p.297}

Genre: Erotica

Series: Struck by Lightning #3

Source: Publisher

Karen Casper, James
 

James has finally pushed Karina beyond her limit--not her limit for kinky sex play, but for his extreme secrecy. She has had enough and breaks things off. But James won't give up on Karina and will do whatever it takes to get her back. He's ready to share his deepest, darkest secrets, but is Karina ready to hear them?

James offers Karina not only the truth but a place at his side... onstage. He wants Karina to star in his final musical production and enter his life and his world fully and completely. As the two work together, they rekindle the trust and love they'd lost. But James's world is full of deceit. When he is blackmailed by an unscrupulous music industry executive, James must give in to unreasonable demands or risk exposure of his and Karina's secret sex life.

Will Karina and James's love be strong enough to withstand the many obstacles being thrown their way?

This story was just too far-fetched for me to get behind. I never bought their relationship from day one because of how Karina went along with the commands of a complete stranger no questions asked. From that point on it was downhill for me. with that being said I just skimmed the remainder of the book one and completely skipped book two altogether.

The book seemed as though it was going to be a good read, but Karina's complete lack of self preservation turned me off from the beginning. It never seemed to come back from that for me. Book three was a complete did-not-finish for me.

Breathe by Kristen Ashley ~ Launch Day Blitz & Review

Publish Date: August 26, 2014

Mass Market Paperback {p.610}

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Colorado Mountain #4

Source: Publisher

Faye Goodknight, Chace Keaton
 

There's nothing like the first time...

In Carnal, Colorado, Faye Goodknight is the town's quiet, shy librarian. She may also be Carnal's last remaining virgin. For years, Faye has had a crush on Chace Keaton, but the gorgeous cop has always been unattainable. She's resigned to live contentedly with only her books for company-until Faye suddenly meets Chace alone in the woods...

Chace doesn't think he's the good guy everyone believes him to be. He's made a lot of choices he regrets, including denying his feelings for Faye. Through his choices, he's come to believe the pretty librarian is too good for him, but after their time in the woods, Chace realizes that she may be his last chance for redemption. Soon, their long simmering desires grow to a burning passion. Yet always casting a shadow over their happiness is Chace's dark past...

I was a bit unsure if I was going to like Chace because of the way he was behaving toward Faye in the first couple of chapters. I wasn't sure how they were going to make it as a couple with him referring to her by calling her "fat ass" in not in the Kim K kind of way. Chace couldn't possible do worse than that to her, right? Wrong. She truly stuck it out for him, because it steadily got worse before it got better.

I never really developed a true connection with either of Faye or Chace. Plus, there didn't really seem to be a connection between them either. Their story just seemed to drag on entirely too long, with nothing truly happening. I did like Faye's family; they were a delightful treat.

Yet again I found myself re-reading sentences in an effort to make heads or tails of them. I just don't understand why it seems so difficult to structure a sentence. I just gave up on the last third of the book or so. It was just too long-winded with very little plot.

 

 

 

About the author:

Kristen Ashley grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana, and has lived in Denver, Colorado, and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write. Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multigenerational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland, and Kristen grew up listening to the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon, and Whitesnake. Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music and love was a good way to grow up.  And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

 

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Review: Lady Luck by Kristen Ashley

Publish Date: July 29, 2014
Mass Market Paperback {p.528}
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Colorado Mountain #3
Source: Publisher
Lexie Berry, Ty Walker

Ty Walker was wrongly imprisoned and for the five years he was inside, he honed his plan so when he gets out, he has nothing but vengeance on his mind.

But then he walks straight to stylish, leggy, beautiful, goofy Lexie Berry and he suddenly has something else to think about. He knows within seconds he wants her and within days he can love her but with the filth that was flung at him clinging; he also knows he can’t have her.

Since birth, Lexie Berry has been Lady Luck’s favorite toy and because of that, Lexie is cautious. But within a day, she senses Ty is something special. With her luck, however, she can’t trust it. Then she finds out what was done to Ty and she’s willing to do anything to make it right.

Even what Ty will never forgive her for doing.

Ty clings to vengeance and Lexie goes all out to give him back the time he lost. But Ty is battling demons within and they’re up against dirty cops and criminals who will stop at nothing to sway Lady Luck against them. All Ty and Lexie have is hope Lady Luck will finally swing their way.

Overall this was a great read, but it was not without its flaws. The story-line kept me engaged because I wanted to know how it was all going to turn out. This small town in Colorado seemed to have a hate on for people with "color in them."

The constant vulgar way in which the male lead, Ty, and his friends referred to women grated on my nerves. I never understood why the female lead, Lexie, never seemed bother by this. Never once did she bat an eye at the terminology he continued to use whenever speaking about a woman.

The slang and run-on sentences tended to be a bit confusing. More than once I had to stop and slowly reread sentences out loud in an effort to make heads or tails of them. I know a lot of the horrible grammar was supposed to reflect how their usage of slang, but after a point it begins to be a bit too much. For the life of me, I cannot think of one person who talks like they did. It moved past the point of them using slang to the point of them appearing uneducated.

Other than that, I liked the characters. I became invested in their lives and the community. It's a series I hope to continue, but it does take some getting used to in regards to trying to muddle through all the slang.

Review: In Your Corner by Sarah Castille

Publish Date: July 1, 2014
Trade Paperback {p.295}
Genre: Erotica
Series: Redemption #2
Source: Publist
Amanda Westwood, Jake Donovan

He rules in the ring

Two years ago, Jake and Amanda were going hot and heavy. But when Jake wanted more, Amanda walked away. Jake immersed himself in mixed martial arts, living life on the edge. But that didn't dull the pain of Amanda's rejection-until a chance encounter throws them together.

A high-powered lawyer, Amanda was a no-strings-attached kind of girl. But two years after her breakup with Jake, she still hasn't found anyone who gets her heart pumping the way he did. And then he shows up in her boardroom, hot as sin and needing help...

But can he rule her heart?

Jake is darker, sexier, and impossible to resist. As their chemistry builds, Amanda's not sure if she can stay in control, or if she's finally willing to let him claim her body and soul.

Jake and Amanda didn't seem to have much chemistry going for them other than sexual. There just seemed to be a lot of back and forth between these two, to the point that I just gave up caring one way or the other. After their breakup two years prior, Jake hasn't gotten over her and she claims she hasn't gotten over him. You could never tell this by the way the act.

Jake was constantly jealous and Amanda kept doing stupid things to tick him off. I felt both characters had some growing to do. Without the help of the secondary characters, this book may have rated lower with me. Although, Amanda's parents were downright horrible.

Of course these two seemed to work out their drama just in time for their HEA.

Review: The Promise by Robyn Carr

Publish Date: June 24, 2014
Mass Market Paperback {p.363}
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publist
Peyton Lacoumette, Scott Grant

Scott Grant has a bustling family practice in the small Oregon community of Thunder Point. The town and its people have embraced the widowed doctor and father of two, his children are thriving, and Scott knows it's time to move on from his loss. But as the town's only doctor, the dating scene is awkward. That is, until a stunning physician's assistant applies for a job at his clinic.

Peyton Lacoumette considers herself entirely out of the dating scene. She's already been burned by a man with kids, and she's come to Thunder Point determined not to repeat past mistakes. When Scott offers her a job, at a much lower salary than she's used to, Peyton is surprisingly eager to accept…at least for now. She's willing to stay for a three-month trial period while she explores other options.

Scott and Peyton know the arrangement is temporary—it isn't enough time to build a real relationship, never mind anything with lasting commitment. But love can blossom faster than you think when the timing is right, and this short visit just might hold the promise of forever.

Even though Peyton isn't the usual type Scott goes for (blonde), he's immediately attracted to her, even when he's under the impression that men aren't her thing. With Scott believing this to be true, it gives them the opportunity to become good friends before anything else.

Peyton, having just gotten out of a relationship with a doctor with kids, would never have taken the job with Scott had she known he was a single father. With how all the townspeople love to talk, all they divulged to her was that Scott was a dedicated family man.

When Scott gets called away on an emergency with no babysitter in sight, Peyton wonders if she's finding herself falling back into the pattern of her previous relationship. It turns out not to be the case, because unlike her previous relationship, his kids adore Peyton. Both the kids and Peyton take an immediate like to one another. Not only do Scott's kids like Peyton, but the whole town of Thunder Point. The locals easily welcomed her into the fold, and treated her as a longtime friend.

Her relationship with Scott was not without its bumps. Of course her ex has to show to cause trouble. He wants Peyton back but feels he's justified in his behavior and treatment of her. Of course to the ex, everything he did was Peyton's fault and never his. This then causes the conflict between Peyton and Scott that every romance must have to keep the story interesting. Otherwise their journey would have been a little too perfect.

I enjoyed both characters together as well as on their own. I felt like I got to know Scott a whole lot more in this one than any of the previous installments. I got to see a brand new side of him other than the widower with two small children. Peyton was the perfect match for him; someone who is his equal and adores children. She was a woman of strong moral character; she stepped in and helped out a family when they needed her, even though they were just outright cruel to her for years. I would like to see what becomes of that family in Ms. Carr's future installments.

THE PROMISE is home-run hit from Ms. Carr. Whenever I'm in a reading slump, I know I can pick up a Robyn Carr novel and climb into a town of friends and family that I never tire of visiting.

Review: The Marriage Pact by Linda Lael Miller

Publish Date: May 27, 2014
Mass Market Paperback {p.384}
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publist
Hadleigh Stevens, Tripp Galloway

The women of Bliss County are ready to meet the men of their dreams! See how it all begins in this enthralling new series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller...

Ten years ago, Hadleigh Stevens was eighteen and this close to saying "I do," when Tripp Galloway interrupted her walk down the aisle. Now that she's recovered from her youthful mistake and Tripp's interference, Hadleigh and her single friends form a marriage pact. She doesn't expect Tripp to meddle with her new plan to find Mr. Right—or to discover that she's more attracted to him than ever!

Divorced and eager to reconnect with his cowboy roots, Tripp returns to Bliss County to save his ailing father's ranch. He's not looking for another wife—certainly not his best friend's little sister. But he's never been able to forget Hadleigh. And this time, if she ends up in his arms, he won't be walking away!

The premise of this book is what pulled me in. But I just couldn't get into the story line or the characters. There seemed to be very little interaction between Tripp and Hadleigh in the first half of the book. A good chunk of the book was one of the other thinking about or talking about the other, but not them together. Not much dialogue between each other.

I did find myself losing interest in this one, and had to put it down numerous times throughout reading it. I'm not sure if I was just getting bored with these characters or if the plot just seemed to recycled from previous Miller novels. It felt like a far cry from her McKettrick and Creed series, which I absolutely adore.

The ending felt wrapped up too quickly and neatly, that I felt like I had missed something along the way. This was not one of my favorites by this author, and I'm unsure if I'll continue on with this new series. If I do, I won't be in a hurry to do so.

Review: Tease by Sophie Jordan

Publish Date: May 27, 2014
Trade Paperback {p.320}
Genre: New Adult
Source: Publisher
Emerson, Shaw

What happens when a girl who always calls the shots meets a guy who's too wild for even her?

A born flirt and good-time party girl, Emerson has never had a problem finding a willing guy. She's always chosen her hookups carefully, and she's never broken her three cardinal rules:

Never let them see the real you.
Never fall in love.
Always leave them begging for more.

Then Shaw comes along. A hottie from the wrong side of the tracks, he's immune to her flirtatious banter and come-hither smile. After rescuing her from a disastrous night at a biker bar, he doesn't even try to take her to bed—he calls her a tease and sends her home instead. Unable to resist a challenge, or forget the sexy, dark-eyed, bad-boy biker, she vows to bring him to his knees.

But instead of making Shaw beg, Emerson finds herself craving him. For the first time in her life, she's throwing out her rule book. Suddenly, she's the one panting for a guy she can't control—a guy who won't settle for anything less than the real Emerson and who forces her to do things she's never imagined, including facing a past she thought she'd buried.

A guy who just might leave her wanting more...

I so wanted to love this book, because I loved FOREPLAY, but I just couldn't. Emerson just annoyed me throughout the bulk of the book. Which is disappointing, because I adored Shaw.

Shaw is the strong silent type. He tends to be able to read people very well, which is what Emerson needed. He and Reese are very similar in their strong, rock-solid character. At times I felt Shaw deserved better than Emerson, that he should be with someone more like her roommate Georgia.

Emerson had been through something traumatic in her past that lead her to put up this party girl facade that was not true and down right irritating at times. I'm just not a fan women how actively seek out the reputation of being loose or without sexual morals. And her treatment of Shaw didn't win her any points with me either. Some points throughout, I just wanted to give up on this book and wanted Shaw to give up on Emerson. I stuck with it because I wanted to see what was cause her bad behavior. I already had some ideas to what it was, but I stuck it out for confirmation. And for some reason, when I read what happened, it felt very familiar, like I had read this plot-line before.

Shaw, and Emerson's roommate Georgia, were by far my favorites in this installment. I'm hoping that Georgia's story will be much better than Emerson's.

Review: Searching for Perfect by Jennifer Probst

Publish Date: April 29, 2014
Trade Paperback {p.341}
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series:  Searching For #2
Source: Publisher
Kennedy Ashe, Nate Dunkle

The up-and-coming matchmaking agency Kinnections is the hottest thing to hit Verily, New York—just like Kennedy Ashe, social director for the service she owns with her two best girlfriends. A coach, consultant, and cheerleader rolled into one super-sizzling package, Kennedy creates dream dates, encourages singles to shine, and never refuses a challenge—not even Nate Ellison Raymond Dunkle, rocket scientist, nerd extraordinaire, and Kennedy’s newest client.

Kennedy vows to work her magic and transform this hot mess in a lab coat with a disastrous relationship track record into the most wanted man on the Verily dating scene. If only she could turn the wand on herself.

Though she radiates confidence and sex appeal, Kennedy harbors deep-seated insecurities from a tormented past and lifelong struggle with weight issues. When she realizes she and Nate are cut from the same cloth and might be perfect together, can Kennedy learn to let her heart lead the way? Or will her fears sentence her to the sidelines as Nate finds love—with someone else?

This book had me laughing from page one. Nate was absolutely "amazing." I think I may have liked Nate more than Kennedy. Nate is this brilliant aerospace engineer, but when it comes to people, he has absolutely no social skills. He doesn't says what's on his mind without sugarcoating it, which can be off-putting in the dating arena.

Kennedy had some major issues that I wasn't aware of from the previous book, so she hid it well. Whereas her friends, Gen and Arilyn, it is evident that they are going through something. Kennedy seemed so put together, I guess that's why I was surprised by her issues.

This was by far the funnier of the two books in the series. All the scenes of Nate's transformation from geek to chic, were a riot. I loved every minute of this book, of course except for Kennedy sabotaging her own happiness. This is a great series that pulls you in and you become attached to every single character. Even the supporting characters: Wolfe, Connor, Gen; I want to know more about them. Like Gen, she starts this series engaged, but something is amiss with that relationship. I'm excited to see how it plays out.

Definitely a series you should pick up if you are looking for a good laugh with your romance.

Review: Searching for Someday by Jennifer Probst

Publish Date: November 26, 2013
Trade Paperback {p.375}
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Searching For #1
Source: Publisher
Kate Seymour, Slade Montgomery

Kate has given up on love—at least for herself. She is both blessed and cursed with the ability to sense a romantic connection between two people—a gift that her family passed down for generations. When Kate launches her own matchmaking company, Kinnection, with her two best friends in a cozy New York town, she has to put aside her own romantic disasters to make her business a success.

But when a furious man stalks into her office and accuses her business of being a scam, Kate is given the ultimate challenge to prove herself. Slade puts himself in her hands and asks Kate to find him love. Enraged at his arrogance but stubbornly eager to prove herself, Kate agrees, dedicating herself to the journey of finding him love...only to find herself falling for him along the way.

I really enjoyed this, although it took a couple of chapters before it picked up for me. It started a little bland, but around chapter four or five is when it came alive for me. Kate and Slade both seemed to develop around then. It was a fun, flirty read that kept me enthralled from that point forward.

All the characters were well-written, well-rounded and had both strengths and flaws. I loved each and every one of them, including Robert, Kate's dog.

What I truly liked about Kate and Slade's relationship, is that although they had that instant connection and attraction, it wasn't instant love. They went through their share of rough patches trying to deny their connection to one another. The chase is what kept it interesting.

A couple of background characters, Genevieve and her twin sister Izzy, really caught my attention. I'm interested in seeing where their story is going to go. There was definitely something much deeper going on there.

Kate and her business partners have a great relationship and they kept me laughing. I did discover a few movies I need to add to my to-watch list while I anxiously await the next installment in the series.

Review: Twisted by Emma Chase

Publish Date: March 25, 2014
Trade Paperback {p.241}
Genre: New Adult
Source: Publisher
Katherine Brooks, Drew Evans

When spontaneous and carefree meets cautious and responsible, falling in love can get just a little Twisted

There are two kinds of people in this world: the ones who look first, and the ones who leap. I've always been more of a looker. A planner. Cautious. Then I met Drew Evans. He was so persistent. So sure of himself. He made it easy to leap with him.

Did you think Drew and I were going to ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after? So did I. But life is about choices, and Drew already made his. In fact, he tried to decide for the both of us; but you know that's not my style. So I came back to Greenville, to spend some time alone . . . sort of.

Because old habits die hard, and sometimes you have to go back to where you began before you can move ahead again.

Where to begin. This whole sh*t-storm could have been prevented if only Kate had not lied. I was never a fan of Drew from the last installment, and this one didn't change my mind about him. If anything, it just cemented that indeed he and Kate are perfect for one another. I must agree with Kate's ex-boyfriend in that both Kate and Drew need some serious therapy.

Drew has always been the spoiled, jealous type that throws a tantrum when he doesn't get his way, so I didn't understand why Kate would take the lying approach with him when she knows exactly how he is. On cue, he lashes out at her trying to hurt her as badly as he perceives she's hurt him. They have a somewhat destructive type of relationship. When the story started, I liked Kate and Drew was tolerable, but when the lies from Kate started, both characters seemed to take a turn for the worse. Kate's immediate forgiveness of Drew was a bit much in that, yes it was a misunderstanding, but his way of handling these things is not okay and it didn't seem to be properly addressed. So what's to say that the next time they have a misunderstanding, he won't becoming a complete as*hole every time?

With all that, I must admit I did enjoy this one more than TANGLED. That could be because this one had less Drew and more Kate. The characters are very vivid, funny and well-written, I just don't tend to like them as people. Which is difficult for me to understand because I love all the secondary characters. Matthew, Delores, Alex, Carol, Billy, Mackenzie, etc.; just not Drew and sometimes not Kate. The author writes some really strong characters, so much so that you're not on the fence with them. You either love them or hate them.

I am however looking forward to reading Delores and Matthew's story next. These two, I've loved from the start.

Review: Perfectly Broken by Prescott Lane

Publish Date: March 25, 2014
Kindle {p.293}
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Author
Peyton Mayfield, Reed Langston

Even after years of trauma therapy, Peyton still believes she’s broken. She has little desire to date or show off her natural beauty, content simply to hang out with her best friends and run her pie shop in New Orleans. But her world turns upside-down when a handsome architect and self-confessed player shows up in her shop and thinks she’s perfect, much more than the usual hook-up.

While Peyton does her best to resist his charms, believing she could never be enough for him, she can’t deny the obvious heat between them. With Reed determined to have her, Peyton must decide whether to continue to hide behind her apron and baggy clothes or take a chance and share her scars with Reed, a man with a playboy reputation and scars of his own -- a dark past he can’t possibly share with Peyton, not after learning the horrors she’s endured. But if they can find a way to trust each other, and themselves, they just might be able to heal, to save each other, to live perfectly broken together.

The story seemed to start a bit slow for me, and took some time to get into. It took some time for me to warm up to both Peyton and Reed. But the secondary characters, Dr. Lorraine, Quinn and her boyfriend Bret, were hits with me from the start. It's not that I disliked Reed and Peyton, I just felt that the time it took for her to finally agree to go out with him dragged on too long. But once they did get together, that's when the story came alive.

Peyton truly seemed to blossom into this great person when she got with Reed. I'm sure she had always been that person, just suppressed it until Reed came along and revived it. Together they seemed to bring out the best in one another. He helped her to trust, and to live again, where as before she was just merely existing.

On another note however, it sadden me to see what became of Peyton's twenty year friendship with Quinn's brother became by the end. I'm still on the fence about how feel about that whole ordeal.

The only time I ever had an issue with Reed was when he made his final break from his friend-with-benefits, Heather. Yes, she was a horrible person, but I just couldn't get behind the way he spoke to her. His vulgarity and blackmailing of her was too much like something his father would do. And Peyton's reaction to Reed not telling her about his father's past seemed to be more of an over reaction. It wasn't something Reed had done, but something his father had done. Plus, Peyton already knew that there was something off with Reed's relationship with his father, she just didn't have the full story.

The ending felt somewhat rushed, but overall, I enjoyed the story. Everything was neatly tied up some years down the road in the epilogue, but one thing I would have liked to seen in said epilogue was more about Quinn's brother. Other than that, it was definitely worth the read.

Review: Waiting on You by Kristan Higgins

Publish Date: March 25, 2014
Mass Market Paperback {p.457}
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publicist
Colleen O'Rourke, Lucas Campbell

Does being nobody's fool mean that you're nobody's love?

Colleen O'Rourke is in love with love... just not when it comes to herself. Most nights, she can be found behind the bar at the Manningsport, New York, tavern she owns with her twin brother, doling out romantic advice to the lovelorn, mixing martinis and staying more or less happily single. See, ten years ago, Lucas Campbell, her first love, broke her heart... an experience Colleen doesn't want to have again, thanks. Since then, she's been happy with a fling here and there, some elite-level flirting and playing matchmaker to her friends.

But a family emergency has brought Lucas back to town, handsome as ever and still the only man who's ever been able to crack her defenses. Seems like maybe they've got some unfinished business waiting for them—but to find out, Colleen has to let her guard down, or risk losing a second chance with the only man she's ever loved.

I loved both Colleen and Lucas,in the beginning of the book, although I was a tad bit upset with Colleen after reading their back-story. She was so upset with Lucas for breaking her heart, but in my opinion it wasn't Lucas who broke her heart but her father. Colleen just took it out on Lucas instead of her father. After seeing how Colleen treated Lucas and how she handled the situation of their breakup, I have to say I sided with Lucas 100%. Sure, he probably should have said something to Colleen, but I understand why he didn't. Colleen thought her dad hung the moon, and who wants to be responsible for telling her otherwise.

When it came to Ellen, Lucas just seemed like he had checked out of their relationship. His heart just wasn't in it. I liked Ellen, she seemed a wonderful person, but Lucas just didn't love her enough. Where at times Colleen came across as being cocky and full of herself to the point of being annoying.

Lucas' uncle Joe, I felt snubbed him in the end. Maybe it's just me, but I felt Joe could have, should have, done better by Lucas. As far as his cousin Bryce, didn't like him one bit. I never understood why everyone just loved him. Sure, he may have been nice to look at, but the bus stopped there. He was about as deep as a mud puddle. I so thought Paulie deserved someone better than him. Plus Colleen was constantly trying to get Paulie to be the one to change to snag Bryce when it should have been the other way around. Bryce was the one who needed some major growing up to do.

This book started out as though it was going to be a five-star read for me, but around the end when it came to light what Colleen had done, I lost all respect for her. Her actions dropped this book to about a 3 for me. I just couldn't get past what she did. Lucas was able to forgive her, which is great for her, but she was irredeemable for me. Maybe if her actions were revealed earlier in the story and she had a chance to make amends, instead of it being revealed in the chapter before the last, where there is no time to turn her character around, maybe I could have rebuilt my image of her. But as it stands, Colleen is not one of my favorites. I know the characters are supposed to be flawed, and still find love, but there should be time for the reader to repair that love of the character, or don't make their flaws so insurmountable. To me, Colleen turned out to be more like her father than expected.

Although I would have liked to have seen the author address whatever became of the guys from Colleen's prom night,overall it was a funny, quick paced read which is to be expected from Higgins. She never disappoints when it come to the humor in her novels.

I'm very much looking forward to seeing Colleen's brother Conner find love, as well as Faith and Honor's brother Jack. I can't wait to see which ladies will have these two men toeing the line.

Review: Four Friends by Robyn Carr

Publish Date: March 25, 2014
Trade Paperback {p.366}
Genre: Women's Fiction
Source: Publicist
Gerri Gilbert, Sonja Johanson, Andy Jamison, BJ Smith

Gerri can't decide what's more devastating: learning her rock-solid marriage has big cracks, or the anger she feels as she tries to repair the damage. Always the anchor for friends and her three angst-ridden teenagers, it's time to look carefully at herself. The journey for Gerri and her family is more than revealing—it's transforming.

Andy doesn't have a great track record with men, and she's come to believe that for her a lasting love is out of reach. When she finds herself attracted to her down-to-earth, ordinary contractor—a man without any of the qualities that usually appeal to her—she questions everything she thought she wanted in life.

Sonja's lifelong pursuit of balance is shattered when her husband declares he's through with her New Age nonsense and walks out. There's no herbal tonic or cleansing ritual that can restore her serenity—or her sanity.

Miraculously, it's BJ, the reserved newcomer to Mill Valley, who steps into their circle and changes everything. The woman with dark secrets opens up to her neighbors, and together they get each other back on track, stronger as individuals and unfaltering as friends.

The characters and their issues draw you in as a reader because they are real and relatable. I was drawn to some characters more than others, but I still wanted to know the outcome for all of them.

Of the four friends, I was most interested in Andy and her budding relationship with her carpenter. I instantly adored Bob, the carpenter. I didn't understand why everyone in their lives was finding it hard to believe that Andy would be involved with Bob, but I however immediately got her attraction to him. They got to know one another as friends before it became something physical. I must admit, Bob may have been my favorite character of the entire book.

Sonja, I was iffy about. But once her marriage blew up, I loved her. The Sonja after her marriages falls apart was stronger, more real than the Sonja before. I didn't like her husband George before nor after. He just seemed so uncaring about what Sonja was going through.

Gerri, I felt for what she was going through, but at times I felt she should be focused on her own issues instead of telling Andy what she needs to do. When she should have been nosing into anyone's business it should have been Sonja's but BJ had to pint out everything going wrong there to Gerri. That proved to me that Sonja was right in her assessment that Gerri and Andy are friends and just includes Sonja.

I truly did enjoy every minute of this book. Great story, great characters, my only issue was the characters excessive use of the word "gd." But it was not enough to deter me from the story.

Review: The Chance by Robyn Carr

Publish Date: February 25, 2014
Mass Market Paperback {p.347}
Genre: Contemporary
Series: Thunder Point #4
Source: Publicist
Laine Carrington, Eric Gentry

With its breathtaking vistas and down-to-earth people, Thunder Point is the perfect place for FBI agent Laine Carrington to recuperate from a gunshot wound and contemplate her future. The locals embraced Laine as one of their own after she risked her life to save a young girl from a dangerous cult. Knowing her wounds go beyond the physical, Laine hopes she'll fit in for a while and find her true self in a town that feels safe. She may even learn to open her heart to others, something an undercover agent has little time to indulge.

Eric Gentry is also new to Thunder Point. Although he's a man with a dark past, he's determined to put down roots and get to know the daughter he only recently discovered. When Laine and Eric meet, their attraction is obvious to everyone. But while the law enforcement agent and the reformed criminal want to make things work, their differences may run too deep… unless they take a chance on each other and find that deep and mysterious bond that belongs to those who choose love over fear.

Eric isn't who I would have thought to but Laine with, from reading the previous book. In my mind I had her with the town doctor, Scott Grant. But from Eric and Laine's first encounter, you could definitely feel the chemistry between them. I just wish there was more interaction between Laine and Eric's daughter Ashley since the two woman are a major part of his life.

Aside from the blossoming relationship between Eric and Laine, I loved seeing the repair of Laine's relationship with her father. It was a very heartbreaking thing to see. At time I felt like crying right along with them. Her father really didn't have an active role in her life other than to express his disapproval of her. But seeing how their relationship turned around when her father opened up to her was enough to make it a five-star read in and of itself.

Of course the town and the people played a large part of the story. I really latched on to the story of Justin and his brothers, and I'm excited to see what becomes of their story. I was a bit iffy about Eric's friend Al, but I'm hoping he'll end up being a great guy. He and Ray Anne could be so great together if the get out of their own way.

As always, I'm packing up and moving into another Robyn Carr book! :)

Review: Dash of Peril by Lori Foster

Publish Date: March 25, 2014
Kindle{p.384}
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Source: NetGalley
Series: Love Undercover #4

Margaret Peterson, Dashiel Riske

To bring down a sleazy abduction ring, Lieutenant Margaret "Margo" Peterson has set herself up as bait. But recruiting Dashiel Riske as her unofficial partner is a whole other kind of danger. Dash is 6'4" of laid-back masculine charm, a man who loves life—and women—to the limit. Until Margo is threatened, and he reveals a dark side that may just match her own.

Beneath Margo's tough facade is a slow-burning sexiness that drives Dash crazy. The only way to finish this case is to work together side by side…skin to skin. And as their mission takes a lethal turn, he'll have to prove he's all the man she needs—in all the ways that matter.

This book was extremely difficult for me to get into. I just never felt any connection whatsoever with Margo or Dash. Which is sad, because I liked Dash in the previous installments to the series. He was laid-back and fun-loving, but in this one, not so much. Dash seem to become a totally different character than before.

The story line failed to hold my interest. I'm not sure if I just wasn't in the mood, or if just gotten tired of it from the previous installments.

Margo's relationship with her family was the most interesting aspect of the story. Her family was just plain cold toward on another. I'm not sure if the coldness of Margo's family rubbed off on her and that's the reason I never felt a love connection between her and Dash or what. I just couldn't get behind them as a couple. It felt like they were the odd men out, so they just got thrown together.

Cannon was major character in this one as well, so I'm guessing his story will be next. The bits of what I say of him in this one suggests that it should be a good read.

Review: Come Home to Me by Brenda Novak

Publish Date: March 25, 2014
Kindle {p.416}
Genre: Romance
Series: Whiskey Creek #6
Source: NetGalley
Presley Christensen, Aaron Amos

Home is where her heart is...

When Presley Christensen returns to Whiskey Creek with her little boy after two years away, she has completely changed her life. She's made peace with her past and overcome the negative behavior that resulted from her difficult childhood. Now she's back in the small town that was the closest thing to home she ever knew the town where she can be with the sister who's her only family.

There's just one catch. Aaron Amos still lives in Whiskey Creek, at least until he moves to Placerville to open a branch of the Amos brothers' auto body shop. And no matter how hard she's tried, Presley hasn't been able to get over him. Seeing him again makes the longing so much worse. But she hopes she can get through the next few months, because she can't fall back into his arms or his bed. She's come too far to backslide now. And there's a secret she's been guarding a secret she'll do anything to protect.

I lost all respect for Cheyenne in this installment of the series. Which is sad, because her book was my favorite of the series. The plotting she was doing behind her husband's back was unacceptable. Sure, she thought it was for a good cause, but it was not the way to handle it. It was downright deceptive and manipulative. What she was doing was grounds for a divorce in my opinion because how can you stay married to someone who's that conniving and you can't trust? I just couldn't bring myself to get past all the lying to truly enjoy this book.

Presley and Aaron never seemed able to get it together. Of course at the very end, Aaron finally has it all figured out. There was no chemistry with Presley and Riley, but she and Aaron just seemed to incompatible outside of the bedroom. I still feel that the core group of friends are so hard up to find that special someone that they latch onto anyone. Riley never cared or noticed Presley before, when she needed someone the most, but now all of a sudden he's truly serious and in love with her? Doubtful.

In the end, I just never really felt any love connection between Presley and Aaron. He was just jealous all the time whenever she was with Riley, but jealousy doesn't equal love.