Don't Mess With Texas Christie Craig Series: Hotter in Texas #1 Publisher:Forever Publish Date: September 1, 2011
Kindle {p.297} Source: Publisher/Net Galley Genre: Contemporary
Nikki Hunt, Dallas O'Connor Challenge: 100+ Buy the Book:Amazon
Nikki Hunt thought her night couldn't get worse when her no-good, cheating ex ditched her at dinner, sticking her with the bill. Then she found his body stuffed in the trunk of her car and lost her two-hundred-dollar meal all over his three-thousand-dollar suit. Now not only is Nikki nearly broke, she's a murder suspect.
Former cop turned PI, Dallas O'Connor knows what it's like to be unjustly accused. But one look at the sexy-though skittish-suspect tells him she couldn't hurt anyone. The lead detective, Dallas's own brother, has the wrong woman and Dallas hopes a little late-night "undercover" work will help him prove it...
I always get a lot of laughs when I read a Christie Craig novel and this one was no exception. The entire cast of characters was great. There wasn’t any filler or unnecessary characters in this novel.
Dallas and Nikki both have issues when it comes to trust, for very understandable reasons. These two had great chemistry together, both in and out of the bedroom.
The secondary story of Tony, Dallas’ brother, and his wife LeAnn really pulls at your heartstrings. I loved both of these characters and was totally engrossed in the seeing their happily ever after play out. I would have loved to see a lot more of these two.
Nikki’s grandmother and her Ol’ Timers were another great source of entertainment. And I was so happy to see Dallas’ father join up with them. I look forward to continuing this series. I can hardly wait to see what happens next.
Hidden Summit Robyn Carr Series: Virgin River #17 Publisher:Mira Publish Date: December 27, 2011
Mass Market Paperback {p.347} Source: Publicist Genre: Contemporary
Leslie Petruso, Conner Danson Challenge: 100+ Buy the Book:Amazon
Sick of running into her cheery ex-husband and his new wife, Leslie Petruso accepts a job at the Virgin River branch of Haggerty Construction and takes the high road right out of town. Now she's got Paul Haggerty's business running like a well-oiled machine. In fact, things are so busy Paul jumps at the chance to hire an extra set of hands.
Just like Leslie, Conner Danson has been burned by love. But if Leslie was disappointed by her relationship going bad, Conner was decimated. He's got no time for women…although he spends an awful lot of time pretending not to notice Leslie. And she's pretty busy "ignoring" the chemistry between them.
According to Conner and Leslie, they have only one thing in common—they're done with love. But everyone in Virgin River can see that things are heating up at Haggerty Construction. And as far as Paul Haggerty can tell, the best thing he can do is hang on to his hard hat and watch the sparks fly!
This installment of the Virgin River series features two new residents of the town. Both of which came to Virgin River to escape past events in their lives. Conner who was an eye witness to a murder and Leslie who is trying to get away from her cheating ex and his new very pregnant wife.
The two of them find love when they were only looking for something casual. Even with them saying that, you could tell as the reader that they both had already started to develop feelings for one another.
As usual, Carr paints a beautiful picture of the town and the supporting cast of characters. We were also introduced to the female lead of the next installment, and re-introduced to the one for installment after that.
Hidden Summit also brought a little suspense along with the romance. Conner and Leslie had a nice, stable romance, which is good considering both of their ex-spouses were cheaters. But on the other hand it was a little too good, almost perfect, which is never the case in reality.
I enjoyed this installment and I loved catching up with the town residents. Although I enjoyed Conner and Leslie’s romance, I didn’t feel all that invested in or connected to them as I did with previous romances such as Colin and Jillian or Kelly and Lief.
Heartstrings and Diamond Rings Jane Graves Publisher: Forever Published: October 1, 2011
Kindle {p.448} Source: Publisher/Net Galley Genre: Contemporary
Alison Carter, Brandon Scott Challenge: 100+ Buy the Book:Amazon
HE'S THE MAN OF HER DREAMS . . .
In a world full of frogs, Alison Carter is determined to find her prince. Maybe her dating past is more Titanic than Love Boat, but she's seen enough happy marriages to know that true love is possible. No matter what, she won't give up on happily-ever-after. If she can't find Mr. Right, she'll simply hire someone who can.
SHE JUST DOESN'T KNOW IT YET
When Brandon Scott inherits a successful matchmaking business, he thinks his prayers have been answered. Set up a few lonely ladies, collect the fee, how hard can it be? No one needs to know he's not really a professional matchmaker-especially not his first client, the beautiful, spirited Alison. Soon he's falling for her-and her dreams of kids and carpools. But Alison is getting close to figuring out his secret, and if she learns he's deceived her too, she'll walk right out the door, taking Brandon's heart with her.
Alison has had a lot of bad luck when it comes to dating. Since she’s getting older and wants to eventually get married and have children, she turns to a professional matchmaker. Only he’s no professional.
I found this book to offer a lot of good laughs and a cute love match between Alison and Brandon. All the men Alison was matched with offered a great deal of entertainment. I even loved the secondary romance of Alison’s father.
Both Alison and Brandon were likable characters, but the romance between them was a very slow starter. Their romance took place really late in the book. Even though, that does not stop you from becoming engaged in their story and the outcome of Alison’s hunt for a husband.
Small Town Christmas Jill Shalvis, Hope Ramsay, Katie Lane Series: Lucky Harbor #2.5; Last Chance #2.5 ; Deep in the Heart of Texas #2.5 Publisher:Grand Central Publishing Published: November 1, 2011
Kindle {p.136} Source: Publisher/Net Galley Genre: Contemporary
Sandy Jansen, Logan Perrish; Annie Roberts, Matthew Jasper; Samantha Henderson, Ethan Miller Challenge: 100+ Buy the Book:Amazon
Kissing Santa Claus
NASCAR driver Logan Perrish returns to Lucky Harbor, Washington, with love in his heart and a ring in his pocket. But can Sandy Jansen forget the past and give him a second chance? Or will Logan be spending another Christmas alone?
I'll Be Home for Christmas
After ignoring the advice of Miz Miriam Randall, local matchmaker, Annie Roberts expects another hum drum holiday in Last Chance, South Carolina. But when a stray cat arrives in the arms of Army sergeant Matt Jasper, a calico named Holly just may be the best matchmaker of all.
O Little Town of Bramble
All Ethan Miller wants for Christmas is to celebrate in Bramble, Texas, with family and friends. But when his childhood neighbor, Samantha Henderson, comes home for the holiday, Ethan realizes that the girl-next-door could be the girl of his dreams.
Kissing Santa Claus Jill Shalvis
I loved Logan in The Sweetest Thing and I loved him even more this time around. Logan has made mistakes in the past but you can see he’s truly a changed man. He and Sandy were such a great fit that you really wanted them to get their happy ever after. The two of them are very hot together. Another thing I loved about Logan is his relationship with his ex-wife. I think it speaks highly of man who is truly able to be friends with his ex-wife.
I’ll Be Home for Christmas Hope Ramsay
I really enjoyed this novella in the sense of it being a heartwarming tale. This addition was a bit more on the sweet side with a touch of sad. Annie takes in Matthew, a man recently out of the service, for the holidays and it was love at first sight; at least for him. But from the start, Matt seemed to be exactly what Annie needed.
O Little Town of Bramble Katie Lane
This is a Christmas story that will keep you laughing. The town is putting on a live nativity scene that goes totally wrong in so many ways. I loved the Bramble townspeople. The romance between Sam and Ethan was sweet and enduring. They started out as best friend who fell in love and that only made their story all the sweeter.
Head Over Heels Jill Shalvis Series: Lucky Harbor #3 Publisher:Forever Publish Date: December 1, 2011
Mass Market Paperback {p.328} Source: Publisher Genre: Contemporary
Chloe Traeger, Sawyer Thompson Challenge: 100+ Buy the Book:Amazon
Breaking rules and breaking hearts
Free-spirited Chloe lives life on the edge. Unlike her soon-to-be married sisters, she isn't ready to settle into a quiet life running their family's newly renovated inn. But soon her love of trouble--and trouble with love-draws the attention of the very stern, very sexy sheriff who'd like nothing better than to tame her wild ways.
Suddenly Chloe can't take a misstep without the sheriff hot on her heels. His rugged swagger and his enigmatic smile are enough to make a girl beg to be handcuffed. For the first time, instead of avoiding the law, Chloe dreams of surrender. Can this rebel find a way to keep the peace with the straitlaced sheriff? Or will Chloe's colorful past keep her from a love that lasts . . . and the safe haven she truly wants in a town called Lucky Harbor?
Oh how I loved Chloe and her asthma that keeps her slightly breathless and sexless!
Chloe and Sawyer have been dancing around one another for some time now. So I was super excited to see how it would play out. I wasn’t disappointed. The two of them had major chemistry in and out of the bedroom. They complemented each other so well. They had me constantly laughing at some of the antics; especially their time in the shower.
Of course her sisters and their beaus made appearances. At times I did get a little frustrated with Chloe’s sisters for constantly preaching “change” to her when I felt she was perfect as is. But not frustrated enough to dislike them because I knew it was coming from a good place.
With this installment it was more than just the budding relationship between Chloe and Sawyer, it was also the strengthening of the relationship between the sisters. This was just a great mix of everything– sweet, sexy, and fun! I can hardly wait to get my hands on the next Lucky Harbor novel!
You are on a lot of readers automatic buy list. Which authors are on your list?
I’m a book ‘ho so this is a tough question as it’s constantly evolving. I read everything, from mystery to romance to the cereal box in front of me in the morning. But some of my faves are Robyn Carr, Susan Anderson, Rachel Gibson, Janet Evanovich, JD Robb …
Is there any additional info you would like to share with your readers about what’s next for you and your books?
I’m finishing up another Lucky Harbor trilogy for next summer; June, July and August. Look for At Last, Lucky In Love, and Forever And A Day!
WANT TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK?
{December 9 - 23, 2011}
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Bad Boys Do Victoria Dahl Series: Donovan Brothers Brewery #2 Publisher:HQN Publish Date: September 27, 2011
Mass Market Paperback {p.377} Source: Personal Library Genre: Contemporary
Olivia Bishop, Jamie Donovan Challenge: 100+ Buy the Book:Amazon
Olivia Bishop is no fun. That's what her ex-husband said. And that's what her smart bob and glasses imply. So with her trademark determination, Olivia sets out to remake her life. She's going to spend time with her girlfriends and not throw it all away for some man. But when an outing with her book club leads her to a brewery taproom, the dark-haired beauty realizes that trouble—in the form of sexy Jamie Donovan—may be too tempting to avoid.
Jamie Donovan doesn't mean to be bad. Sure, the wild streak in his wicked green eyes has lured the ladies before. Now it's time to grow up. He's even ready for a serious romance. But how can that be when Olivia, the only right woman he has ever met, already has him pegged as wrong?
This time around I enjoyed Jamie so much more than last. But with that comes me disliking Eric. Jamie came across as irresponsible in the last installment, but in his effort to change, his brother Eric refused to let go of the past.
Olivia and Jamie’s relationship started out as “fun,” but quickly became so much more. With her marriage ending because of her husband’s infidelity, serious is not what she’s looking for.
These two had great chemistry together. They were great apart as well. Olivia and her book club members are a perfect example of that. They provided me with some great entertainment.
Jamie managed a complete 180 in this novel. I got to see a whole new side of Jamie I didn’t know existed. And I ha e to say, I loved it.
When Grace Sheridan returns to Los Angeles to become a working actor, it's a second shot at a life-long dream. With some help from her best friend and agent, that dream could become a reality, but at thirty-three, has Grace missed her chance at the big time? Will an unexpected sizzling romance with the entertainment industry's newest 'it' boy shine an uncomfortable spotlight on her life?
Alice Clayton spins a playful and erotic May to December romance in this, her debut novel. Clayton's funny, borderline neurotic heroine is perfect in her imperfections, and the off the charts sexual chemistry between her and her charming, yet blissfully unaware leading man are the true heart of The Unidentified Redhead. With laugh out loud dialogue and a super steamy romance that will get your heart racing, sneaking around in L.A. and dodging the Paparazzi has never been so fun.
The Unidentified Redhead was just okay for me. Nothing really grabbed me about this book or Jack and Grace. I so wanted to love this book after reading such great reviews about it, but I couldn’t.
The two of them had some steamy sex and funny banter, but that’s about all. I really couldn’t get into this one or connect with any of the characters.
The overall aspect of the May-December relationship was a great idea. But when the story ended, I felt like these two were still complete strangers to me.
Until There Was You Kristan Higgins Publisher:HQN Publish Date: October 25, 2011
Mass Market Paperback {p.410} Source: Publicist Genre: Contemporary
Cordelia "Posey" Osterhagen, Liam Murphy Challenge: 100+ Buy the Book:Amazon
Posey Osterhagen can't complain. She owns a successful architectural salvaging company, she's surrounded by her lovable, if off-center, family and she has a boyfriend—sort of. Still, something's missing. Something tall, brooding and criminally good-looking…something like Liam Murphy.
When Posey was sixteen, the bad boy of Bellsford, New Hampshire, broke her heart. But now he's back, sending Posey's traitorous schoolgirl heart into overdrive once again. She should be giving him a wide berth, but it seems fate has other ideas...
Posey’s first love/crush re-enters her life and all those feelings being to resurface. She had a crush on Liam, unbeknownst to him, and he said some pretty hurtful things about her as a teen. But apparently that didn’t damper her feelings for him now that he’s back.
Posey was this partly insecure girl whose insecurities seemed to stem from her being adopted and Liam’s comments about her all those years ago. Posey seemed to suffer from body image issues that I would gladly trade places with her for. I would love for my doctor to tell me to eat ice cream everyday to gain weight.
Liam is this bad boy gone good, or semi-good, that has developed a case of OCD. He spent most of his time locking doors, washing his hands, and living in fear. But his love and devotion to his daughter is what endeared him to me. That makes everything else seem minor.
Posey and Liam’s love re-connection had a few bumps along the way. One of the main ones was Liam’s refusal to be in any kind of serious relationship beyond them hooking up when his daughter was out. Or him using Posey as a cover to spy on his daughter.
Oh how my heart broke when Posey’s elderly friend Vivian left her that note. I loved Posey’s little circle of friends. Kate, Jon, Henry, and especially the goings on between Mac and Elise.
Another great read from Higgins. I have yet to meet a Higgins book that I didn’t like.
Stunned by the discovery that her lux lifestyle was funded by crime, runaway trophy wife Lacey Bradford is desperate to escape from her ex's criminal cronies and start a new life, so she heads west to find an old love.
But rugged rancher Chase Caldwell has changed, hardened by bitterness and loss. The last thing he's looking for is romance with the first woman who broke his heart...
This book is not quite what I was expecting. Lacey needs the help of an old friend from high school, whom she knew had major feelings for and she didn't return them. That right there made me think I wasn't going to be a fan of Lacey's because I thought she was just going to be out to use Chase. It was nice to see I was wrong.
Lacey and I had our ups and downs. At times I liked her, and at others I didn't. with Chase, I enjoyed him throughout. Chase was a great character. Strong, loyal and protective of those he loves. One of my favorite characters though was Annie. Chase's niece Annie, was a major bright spot in this novel.
Chase and Lacey seemed to genuinely care for each other in the end. At first I felt maybe Chase cared more for her than she did for him. The romance between these two was okay but not all that memorable.
Good Girls Don't Victoria Dahl Series: Donovan Brothers Brewery #1 Publisher:HQN Publish Date: August 30, 2011
Mass Market Paperback {p.376} Source: Personal Library Genre: Contemporary Characters: Tessa Donovan, Luke Asher Challenge: 100+ Buy the Book:Amazon
Too much of a good thing...
With her long ponytail and sparkling green eyes, Tessa Donovan looks more like the girl next door than a businesswoman—or a heartbreaker. Which may explain why Detective Luke Asher barely notices her when he arrives to investigate a break–in at her family's brewery. He's got his own problems—starting with the fact that his partner, Simone, is pregnant and everyone thinks he's the father.
Tessa has her hands full, too. Her brother's playboy ways may be threatening the business, and the tension could tear her tight–knit family apart. In fact, the only thing that could unite the Donovan boys is seeing a man come after their "baby" sister. Especially a man like Luke Asher. But Tessa sees past the rumors to the man beneath. He's not who people think he is—and neither is she.
I didn’t like Tessa’s brother Jamie at all in this one. He was so quick to believe the worst about Luke but would get upset about his brother Eric doing that very thing to him. The difference being that with Jamie, believing the worst of him was warranted and 99% of the time correct. He was very immature and irresponsible that I couldn’t summon up an inkling of like for him. I hope he is redeemed in his book.
Tessa annoyed me at times with her constant need to fix Jamie’s problems and hide things from Eric. I felt that if Tessa would let Jamie catch heat for his actions, maybe he would grow up and become a man. If she had been upfront about a lot of this stuff instead of trying to sweep it under the rug, the majority of it could have been avoided.
Luke on the other hand, I truly loved. Dahl did a great job of writing this tortured, misunderstood hero. He wasn’t perfect, but he was very close to it. Another great read to add to your keeper shelf.
Only Yours Susan Mallery Series: Fool's Gold #5 Publisher:HQN Publish Date: August 30, 2011
Mass Market Paperback {p.384} Source: Personal Library Genre: Contemporary Characters: Montana Hendrix, Simon Bradley Challenge: 100+ Buy the Book:Amazon
Montana Hendrix has found her calling—working with therapy dogs. With a career she loves in a hometown she adores, she's finally ready to look for her own happily ever after. Could one of her dogs help her find Mr. Right… or maybe Dr. Right?
Surgeon Simon Bradley prefers the sterility of the hospital to the messiness of real life, especially when real life includes an accident-prone mutt and a woman whose kisses make him want what he knows he can't have. Scarred since childhood, he avoids emotional entanglement by moving from place to place to heal children who need his skillful touch. Can his growing feelings for Montana lead him to find a home in Fool's Gold, or will he walk away, taking her broken heart with him?
I don’t think I really “felt the love” with Simon and Montana.
Although Simon and Montana seemed to genuinely enjoy each other, he still came across to me as reserved. I don’t think I ever formed any connection with him throughout the book. By the end of the book, I didn’t know Simon any better than I did at page one. Their love story didn’t draw me in and hold my attention like the previous books in this series.
Simon isn’t who I would have thought Montana would end up falling for. I’m not sure who I pictured her with, but Simon wasn’t it. But in the end, he was who she needed.
I love this series and the residents of Fool’s Gold, even though I didn’t really enjoy Simon and Montana’s story. I loved catching up with all the other residents and seeing a glimpse of the whole Max and Denise situation. I can’t wait to see that story unfold. And see what else is in store for Fool’s Gold.
You won't believe what's happened. My son Tulane has come back home! You remember Tulane? He'd set out to find fame and fortune in the big, wide world outside of Last Chance, and I'm mighty proud. But that's not the half of it-Tulane isn't only back, he's brought a young lady with him.
Now Sarah-she does PR for Tulane's stock-car team-she's from Boston, but she's just about the sweetest girl you could meet. I think she's meant to keep Tulane out of trouble after that story in the papers, but he doesn't want to talk about it. Anyhow, the Ladies Auxiliary can't wait to start matchmaking and introduce Sarah to our Reverend Ellis. But mark my words, Sarah is tired of being a good girl. And no one is better at breaking the rules and raising Cain than my son...
Listen to me going on and keeping customeres waiting. I best get back to work, but you come round again. The Cut 'n' Curl's got hot rollers, free coffee, and the best gossip in town.
Fun Facts:
Hope's mother-in-law was really good at expressing her disdain just by raising one eyebrow. Hope's husband always referred to this expression as Mother's look. One time Hope tried to give one of her kids this look and the kid looked right back, shook his head, and informed her that her LOOK was inferior. "Mom," he said, "You look like you've got gas pains." This sassy comeback found its way into the opening scene of HOME AT LAST CHANCE.
Hope is a big fan of the singer-songwriter David Wilcox. Wilcox's song, "Language of the Heart," is the one she plays every time she needs to write a love scene. The song is all about how what people say in words is different than what their bodies say when they are making love. Nothing could be more true of Sarah and Tulane in HOME AT LAST CHANCE.
About the Author Hope Ramsay was born in New York and grew up on the North Shore of Long Island, but every summer Momma would pack her off under the care of Aunt Annie to go visiting with relatives in the midlands of South Carolina. Her extended family includes its share of colorful aunts and uncles, as well as cousins by the dozens, who provide the fodder for the characters you’ll find in Last Chance, South Carolina. Hope earned a BA in Political Science from the University of Buffalo, and has had various jobs working as a Congressional aide, a lobbyist, a public relations consultant, and a meeting planner. Read more...
My Review:
Sarah is a prissy, uptight woman who is looking to let her hair down. Tulane is just the man to help her with that.
This book is filled with off-beat, quirky characters. It's entertaining and kept me laughing along the way. I loved Tulane's niece, Haley. She was always eavesdropping just a little too hard and getting her information a bit confused. But she kept me laughing.
Tulane and Sarah were well written and developed. I just was unable to connect with them and their relationship. However, I did enjoy all the family interaction. I'm always a fan of romances that involve the family to see how significant others get along with them.
Home at Last Chance is a nice read for those looking for a Southern romace with a few laughs along the way.
What if you can go home again?
Ten years and two hundred miles. That's what separates Andi Powell from quiet, secluded Emerald Lake-and that's exactly how she likes it. But now her job brings her back to the hometown she's tried so hard to forget . . . and to Nate Duncan, the man she's never been able to.
Nate once looked at Andi with love in his eyes. But that was before she left him in the dust to pursue her big-city dreams. Now he's the town's ruggedly handsome mayor with the power to break Andi's career like she broke his heart. As the two clash over the future of Emerald Lake, the sparks that fly between them rekindle a passion neither of them can deny.
Andi may have left town looking for the life she thought she wanted. But could everything she needs have been in Emerald Lake all along?
Fun Facts:
Before writing romance novels, Bella was a professional musician. Now, instead of writing and playing music, she listens to it all day as she writes. While writing Home Sweet Home, she was inspired by such songs as "The Gallery" by Joni Mitchell, the Sound of Music soundtrack, and Taylor Swift's latest album (particularly "Back to December" and "Last Kiss").
At one point, Andi and Nate (the heroine and hero) are looking up at the clouds in the sky and Nate starts pointing out shapes that look like people and things, rather than just clouds. This was entirely inspired by Bella's husband, who sat with her on the end of the dock one day and showed her the magic of the sky. The very next day she wrote that scene.
About the Author Bella Riley has always been a writer. Songs came first, and then nonfiction books, but as soon as she started her first romance novel, she knew she'd found her perfect career. Since selling her first book in 2003 (under the name Bella Andre), Bella has written more than twenty "empowered stories enveloped in heady romance" (Publishers Weekly). Read more...
My Review:
This was a heartwarming tale of one's journey home.
Andi never felt like she fit in or belonged in Emerald Lake, but she finds herself returning there for a big project she's working on. To see this project become a reality, she's going to need the help of the town mayor, who just so happens to be the love she left behind.
This story draws you in from the start with the beautiful backdrop and interesting townspeople. Not only do you fall in love with Nate and Andi, but everyone in Emerald Lake. Riley does an amazing job of painting a town you'd love to visit and wish you were lucky enjoy to live.
The love Andi and Nate shared was evident from the start. As a reader you can't help but to hang onto every word to see how these two are going to work it out.
The ending isn't what I expected. That isn't to say I didn't like the ending, because I did. That is to say I enjoyed it more because it wasn't predictable.
If you're a fan of Debbie Macomber's Blossom Street series, you'll definitely love Emerald Lake. An amazing start to this series and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
The Sweetest Thing Jill Shalvis Series: Lucky Harbor #2 Publisher:Forever Publish Date: March 28, 2011
Mass Market Paperback {p.348} Source: Personal Library Genre: Contemporary Characters: Tara Daniels, Ford Walker Challenge: Summer Romance Buy the Book:Amazon
Two Men Are One Too Many . . .
Tara has a thousand good reasons not to return to the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. Yet with her life doing a major crash-and-burn, anywhere away from her unfulfilled dreams and sexy ex-husband will do. As Tara helps her two sisters get their newly renovated inn up and running, she finally has a chance to get things under control and come up with a new plan for her life.
But a certain tanned, green-eyed sailor has his own ideas, such as keeping Tara hot, bothered . . . and in his bed. And when her ex wants Tara back, three is a crowd she can't control-especially when her deepest secret reappears out of the blue. Now Tara must confront her past and discover what she really wants. If she's lucky, she might just find that everything her heart desires is right here in Lucky Harbor.
I must say that I enjoyed this addition to the trilogy way more than Simply Irresistible. I am so glad that I did not give up on the trilogy. I enjoyed the Steel Magnolia and the Wild Child so much in book one, that I had to read their stories. As a reader, I felt more invested and connected to Ford and Tara than I had with Jax and Maddie.
The characters were well developed and relatable. The whole aspect of a small town and all the gossip was dead on.
The addition of Tara's ex-husband, Logan, was a nice twist to shake things up with her and Ford. I was always laughing when Ford and Logan got together. It would be nice to see him stick around Lucky Harbor.
As always,I loved Chloe! I'm so looking forward to her and Sawyer. You can practically feel the heat between these two in this installment, so they are sure to set the pages on fire in their own book.
Merciless Diana Palmer Publisher: HQN Publish Date: June 21, 2011
Audio Book {7 hrs} Source: Public Library Genre: Western Characters: Joceline Perry, Jon Blackhawk Challenge: 100+, Whisper Stories Buy the Book:Amazon
Tall, dark and eligible? That’s all that matters to the women of Jacobsville when it comes to handsome and aloof FBI agent Jon Blackhawk. But if it were up to him, he would never settle down. Luckily, Jon has the best gatekeeper: his efficient and reliable assistant, Joceline Perry. Without her help, he’d be at the mercy of husband hunters — but the more he comes to rely on her, the more he notices how invaluable she really is....
While Joceline can’t deny that her boss is attractive, as a single mother with responsibilities she’s determined to be professional. But when Jon is accosted by a criminal seeking revenge, she comes to his aid — fueling the spark that is growing between them.
As the attempts on Jon’s life increase, Joceline stands by his side. But when the smoke clears, will the man who avoided love realize that all he ever needed was right there all along?
This is the first time I do believe I've ever read a Diana Palmer novel were the lead male was not a jerk to his lady.
Jon was a very likable character throughout the and not just at the end when he got the girl. He even managed to stay that way when he found out about something Joceline had been keeping secret. Not once do I recall Jon saying one mean, degrading thing toward Joceline. I wondered if I was truly reading Diana Palmer.
The storyline was very good and kept me enthralled. I managed to get sucked into the characters lives, even Jon's mother.
Upon introduction of the bad guy in this one, I knew something was off about this person. So I knew from the start who it was, I just didn't know why.
Jon and Joceline managed to workout their problems without any fuss, which was truly refreshing.
Read by Phil Gigante
Duration: 7 hours Brilliance Audio
Rating: A
I always enjoy narrations by Phil. You can't go wrong when he's narrating.
Amazon
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