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: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Publish Date: July 31, 2012
Hardcover {p.392}
Genre: Young Adult
Source: Personal Library
Echo Emerson, Noah Hutchins

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with freaky scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.

But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

I loved this book from page one. It has won a spot among my top 3 favorite YA novels. I really enjoyed how the book rotated between Noah and Echo with each chapter. It allowed a better understanding of each of the characters. Plus, this way both Noah and Echo were the "main" characters, not just Echo who happened to be involved with a guy who too had issues. This way both of their story-lines took center-stage. Both of them just broke my heart with the things they were going through.

The issues Echo had with her father and stepmother were truly difficult, and in my opinion Echo wasn't being had enough on those two. I know right, a teen whose not causing the parents enough grief. I was so pissed with them, I felt she would have been totally justified in acting out against them. Oh how I hated her stepmother on sight. She and Echo's ex-BFF, Grace, ran a tight race of which did I hate most. I never really changed my opinion of those two even though Echo seemed to be okay with them. Lila and Noah's friend Isaiah, were really the only secondary characters that I did like.

Noah and his brothers broke my heart. The way they loved and depended on one another choked me up at times. I was happy with the decision Noah made regarding them. And Mrs. Collins, AMAZING! If only there were more adults like her in the school system. She worked wonders with both Echo and Noah.

This was truly one of the best YA novels I've read in a really long time. Pushing the Limits has earned a spot in my top 3 favorite YA novels.

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: Fallen Too Far by Abbli Glines

Publish Date: December 14, 2012
Kindle {p.300}
Genre: New Adult
Series: Rosemary Beach #1
Source: Personal Library
Blaire Wynn, Rush Finley

To want what you’re not supposed to have…

She is only nineteen.

She is his new stepfather’s daughter.

She is still naïve and innocent due to spending the last three years taking care of her sick mother.

But for twenty-four year old Rush Finlay, she is the only thing that has ever been off limits. His famous father’s guilt money, his mother’s desperation to win his love, and his charm are the three reasons he has never been told no.

Blaire Wynn left her small farmhouse in Alabama, after her mother passed away, to move in with her father and his new wife in their sprawling beach house along the Florida gulf coast. She isn’t prepared for the lifestyle change and she knows she’ll never fit into this world. Then there is her sexy stepbrother who her father leaves her with for the summer while he runs off to Paris with his wife. Rush is as spoiled as he is gorgeous. He is also getting under her skin. She knows he is anything but good for her and that he’ll never be faithful to anyone. He is jaded and has secrets Blaire knows she may never uncover but even knowing all of that…

Blaire just may have fallen too far.

Rush, Rush, Rush. I was stumped as to how the author was going to turn this character around. He started out as this womanizer with no morals, so I didn't know how he could be leading man material. I found that I was more into the characters Grant, Rush's brother, and Woods, the country club playboy. You could see Rush's struggle with his attraction to Blaire.

I don't know how she did it, but I fell in love with this book and its screwed up characters. I'm still screaming, "Why Rush, why!?! Why didn't you say something before?"

All that classist behavior that was oh so prevalent at the country club, felt reminiscent of Kellermans, the country club from Dirty Dancing. These little country club snobs really grated on my nerves.

Blaire father was an complete deadbeat. Hated him before he showed up, and still hated him after. I don't know how you spend you life with someone you claim to love and have children with and can't even be bothered to attend their funeral, or extend condolences to your child for their loss. I don't care if they were divorced at the time of his ex-wife's death, they still had a daughter who was terribly in need of a parent having just lost her mother. There was no redeeming him to me. The thing I couldn't understand, is why ANYONE would want him after that.

The only person I may hate more than Abe, Blaire's father, is Nan, Rush's sister. Although Rush's mother Georgiana is giving Nan a run for her money in that race. Blaire is a bigger person than I there at the end with Nan, 'cause I would have did it.

Best believe, I will be continuing on with this series. I have to see who the lucky lady is that will capture my love interest, Woods.

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: Faithful by Kelly Elliott

Publish Date: August 13, 2013
Audio Book {12 hrs 44 mins}
Genre: New Adult
Series: Wanted #3
Source: Public Library
Heather Lambert, Joshua Hayes

No matter how faithful love can be…it takes only one moment to change it all.

After Heather Lambert’s parents died in a tragic car accident her senior year of high school, she refuses to let anyone into her heart for fear of being hurt again. Focusing only on school to follow her dreams of becoming an elementary school teacher, the last thing Heather intends to do is fall in love with Josh Hayes.

Josh knows the moment he lays eyes on Heather that she is the one he’s been waiting for. During months of obstacles and denied feelings, he is rejected by her time and time again. When he finally wins her love, Josh and Heather start planning their future together…until Heather receives one bit of news she never wanted to hear again.

There has been a car accident.

Josh wakes up with no memory of Heather, and his ex-girlfriend, Victoria, is his nurse. Heather must decide if she’ll risk being hurt again and fight for the one man she loves with all her heart.

Will Josh remember Heather when she needs him the most? Or will Victoria take advantage of this opportunity, pushing Heather away from Josh for good?

AMAZING!! I just wish I had know this was book #3 in a series before I read it! :(

These Texas boys sure love to say "Motherf***er." Being from Texas, I have to admit, I know quite a few guys (and some girls too) who love to throw that word around. I loved everyone in this story; I even loved to hate Victoria. I even loved all the music. If you are a music lover, then this book is a wet dream for you. The playlist is to die for!

Josh at times I wanted to hit upside his head. How could he be that dense when it came to girls hitting on him? The thing that stuck out, or shocked me most about this book was that the female characters aren't even 21 yet. WTF? Married with multiple kids and not even of legal drinking age?!? This can't be Austin, TX but Boondocks, TX.

The dynamic between all the couples was great. It felt more like that of family than that of friends. I was totally drawn into the story of Jessica and Scott. To me, their story along with that of Brad and Amanda, stole the show. The whole gang seemed to a loyal, loving group and I can hardly wait to see where they all go from here. But first, I need to go back and read the first two installments.

Read by Arika Rapson and Nelson Hobbs

Duration: 12 hours 44 minutes

Tantor Media

Narration: B

The accents took a bit getting used to. Upon first starting this audio book I didn't think I was going to make it through it because of the narrators Texas twang. I found that I kept questioning if I sound like that when I speak. But once I got used to it, it sounded like any other narrator.

Review: Loving Cara by Kristen Proby

Publish Date: January 21, 2014
Mass Market Paperback {p.328}
Genre: Contemporary
Series: Love Under the Big Sky #1
Source: Publisher
Cara Donovan, Josh King

In this new Love Under the Big Sky series from a USA TODAY bestselling author, Cara agrees to tutor her former classmate's nephew—and learns some lessons in love!

Josh King is an expert at running his family’s multi-million dollar ranch in Montana. (And all that outside manual labor has done wonders for sculpting his six-foot-three body, too.) But as sure footed as he is when it comes to the ranch, Josh doesn’t know anything about how to deal with an adolescent boy—so when his twelve-year-old nephew, Seth, is dropped off on his doorstep, looking scared and acting surly as hell, Josh knows he needs help in straightening him out.

Cara Donovan loves her quiet life as a teacher in her sleepy hometown, so she jumps at the chance to make a little money over the summer as a tutor. But when she learns she’ll be teaching Josh King’s nephew, Cara’s sweet summer job gets a little bit hotter. Cara tries to focus all her attention on tutoring Seth, but Josh proves to be a delicious distraction, while Josh’s memories of the shy girl he once teased in high school are nothing like the beautiful woman he’s facing now. Can he persuade her that there’s more between them than a summer fling?

Cara was this plain, curly haired girl in high school that guys never noticed. Now as an adult, Josh has finally taken notice of her, but so have other men. This really brings out Josh's alpha male side. Cara sees Josh as walking perfection and doesn't understand why he'd be interested in her. But when these two get together, they set the sheets on fire.

I was drawn into this book from the first page. Josh and Cara had a very loving, playful type of relationship. It wasn't always about the sex. This two were able to interact outside of the bedroom as well, which is refreshing to read. There was none of that insta-love that I find hard to choke down. The attraction was instant, but that's how it happens for the bulk of us. These two were real from the start. The obstacles thrown their way weren't so huge that they were insurmountable, but they also weren't so petty that they were pointless.

I loved not only Cara and Josh, but all the characters in the book. I am so hoping that this is an actual series and not just a trilogy, because the background characters and the town are just that great. I loved Ty and Zack, and was intrigued by the small snippets of Sam, the town paramedic.

As if I wasn't already fiending for the next installment, I made the mistake of reading the snippet of Seducing Lauren at the back of the book, and now I have to wait until AUGUST to read it. Ugh! In the meantime, I will have to scour the shelves to find any and all of her previous books to hold me over until August.

Review: Foreplay by Sophie Jordan

Publish Date: November 5, 2013
Trade Paperback {p.294}
Genre: New Adult
Series: The Ivy Chronicles #1
Source: Publisher
Pepper, Reece Mulvaney

Before she goes after the life she’s always wanted, she’s about to find the one she needs.

Pepper has been hopelessly in love with her best friend’s brother, Hunter, for like ever. He’s the key to everything she’s always craved: security, stability, family. But she needs Hunter to notice her as more than just a friend. Even though she’s kissed exactly one guy, she has just the plan to go from novice to rock star in the bedroom—take a few pointers from someone who knows what he’s doing.

Her college roommates have the perfect teacher in mind. But bartender Reece is nothing like the player Pepper expects. Yes, he’s beyond gorgeous, but he’s also dangerous, deep—with a troubled past. Soon what started as lessons in attraction are turning both their worlds around, and showing just what can happen when you go past foreplay and get to what’s real…

From the moment I picked up this book, I couldn't put it down. I connected with Pepper when it came to her shyness with the opposite sex. It was like reading my own story in that aspect.

I really enjoyed both characters on their own as well as together. Although at times, Pepper and I had our moments, there wasn't a single moment I wasn't feeling Reece. Throughout the entire story he remained a stand-up, truly likable character. Reece is by far one of my favorite New Adult males.

Pepper and her fixation on Hunter, her best friend's brother, was the only sticking point for me. I felt that she knew she was thinking about Reece more than she was Hunter now, but she still refused to let it go and commit to Reece. I guess the author had to continue with that to provide a bit of conflict.

The overall pace of the story was great, which meant I was never bored and was counting down the minutes until I could pick it back up again. (silly things like my having to go work got in the way of my reading) Pepper's honesty and Reece's mystery kept me completely enthralled with them.

Foreplay was such an entertaining, wonderfully written story, that after reading this book, I will definitely have to add Sophie Jordan to my automatic buy list.

Review: The Best Man by Kristan Higgins

Publish Date: February 26, 2013
Mass Market Paperback {p. 432}
Genre: Contemporary
Series: Blue Heron #1
Source: Publisher
Faith Holland, Levi Cooper

Sometimes the best man is the one you least expect… Faith Holland left her hometown after being jilted at the altar. Now a little older and wiser, she's ready to return to the Blue Heron Winery, her family's vineyard, to confront the ghosts of her past, and maybe enjoy a glass of red. After all, there's some great scenery there….

Like Levi Cooper, the local police chief—and best friend of her former fiancé. There's a lot about Levi that Faith never noticed, and it's not just those deep green eyes. The only catch is she's having a hard time forgetting that he helped ruin her wedding all those years ago. If she can find a minute amidst all her family drama to stop and smell the rosé, she just might find a reason to stay at Blue Heron, and finish that walk down the aisle.

Faith has finally returned home after years away in San Francisco after being jilted at the altar. Upon her return, she gets herself in some pretty comical situations trying to avoid seeing Jeremy, the man she almost married. And of course they have to be witnessed by the person she hates most, Levi Cooper.

The Best Man is a non-stop laugh fest. Faith is highly entertaining. And of course what good romance doesn’t have a handsome brooding male; in this case, Levi. The two of them didn’t seem to get along well in the beginning, but once that changed they couldn’t stay out of each other’s bed.

Of course everything wasn’t rosy, they had their issues. One was being Levi’s lack of communicating. Even with that, they were still great together.

The secondary characters were also amazing. Faith and Levi had a great set of people around them. Not one character, other than Levi’s father, did I not love.

Review: The Wanderer by Robyn Carr

Publish Date: March 26, 2013
Mass Market Paperback {p. 384}
Genre: Contemporary
Series: Thunder Point #1
Source: Publisher
Sarah Dupre, Hank Cooper

Nestled on the Oregon coast is a small town of rocky beaches and rugged charm. Locals love the land's unspoiled beauty. Developers see it as a potential gold mine. When newcomer Hank Cooper learns he's been left an old friend's entire beachfront property, he finds himself with a community's destiny in his hands.

Cooper has never been a man to settle in one place, and Thunder Point was supposed to be just another quick stop. But Cooper finds himself getting involved with the town. And with Sarah Dupre, a woman as complicated as she is beautiful.

With the whole town watching for his next move, Cooper has to choose between his old life and a place full of new possibilities. A place that just might be home.

I was so excited and hesitant when I learned of the new series by Robyn. My thinking was, how can it anywhere near as good as Virgin River when it’s already perfect. But Thunder Point is just as perfect. Robyn is one of the few authors I’ve come across who manages to make the town feel like one of the lead characters along with the hero and heroine. I always love and dread reading Virgin River series because I always finish the book wanting to pack my bags and move there. That’s when the disappointment sets in, when I remember it’s not a real place.

Thunder Point, to me, is the younger crowd version of Virgin River. The high school crowd played just as much of an important role as the adult crowd. Thunder Point added the excitement of Friday night lights to the small, close-knit seaside town. I immediately fell in love with the town Robyn created with words that came to life in my imagination.

Cooper and his relationship with Sarah’s brother Landon was a major highlight for me. I’m glad Robyn chose to develop their relationship first before developing Cooper’s relationship with Sarah.

Review: Double Time by Olivia Cunning

Double Time
Olivia Cunning
Series: Sinners on Tour #3
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Publish Date: October 1, 2012
Trade Paperback {p. 399}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Erotica, Menage
Reagan Elliot, Trey Mills, Ethan Conner
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

Trey Mills, the notoriously sexy Sinners rhythm guitarist, gives up his bisexual lifestyle and is swept into a hot, heady romance with Reagan Elliot, a female rock star sensation. But when Trey encounters Reagan's sexy bisexual roommate, Ethan Conner, he can no longer deny who he is or what he wants. Reagan heartily agrees to a solution that opens up a hot new world of sexual experience--and love--with the two men she wants the most.

Reagan and Trey seemed to be instantly connect it on so many levels aside from the physical. Girls usually eat up Trey’s BS like it's the gospel, but not Reagan. She goes toe to toe with him and that’s exactly what he needs.

But for Trey, Reagan is not enough for him. He loves her, but there is a whole other side to him that he has yet to reveal to her. Once he does reveal that side of himself, it only makes their relationship stronger. That's when Ethan enters the picture, and adds a whole new dimension to things.

Reagan and I had our moments. I really liked her for the most part, but that there were sometimes I didn't. Like the times when Trey was sharing some deep emotional things with her and she'd laugh thinking he was joking. I just thought that with her loving him so much, she could tell the difference between him being serious and joking. Plus I didn't care for how she wasn’t a treating Ethan as an equal among them. Ethan was a welcome addition to the relationship, but I don't feel like I really got to know him on a deeper level. What I did know of him I did like. But who I was totally enamored with was Trey's brother, Dare. I really hope he gets his own story.

I do believe this may be the hottest addition to the Sinner's series, and if you've read the previous installments that's saying a lot. The Sinners series is definitely a series you'll want to collect.

Review: Spring Fever by Mary Kay Andrews

 

Spring Fever
Mary Kay Andrews
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publish Date: June 5, 2012
Hardcover {p.402}
Source: Public Library
Genre: Contemporary
Annajane Hudgens, Mason Bayless
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

Annajane Hudgens truly believes she is over her ex-husband, Mason Bayless. They’ve been divorced for four years, she’s engaged to a new, terrific guy, and she’s ready to leave the small town where she and Mason had so much history. She is so over Mason that she has absolutely no problem attending his wedding to the beautiful, intelligent, delightful Celia. But when fate intervenes and the wedding is called to a halt as the bride is literally walking down the aisle, Annajane begins to realize that maybe she’s been given a second chance. Maybe everything happens for a reason. And maybe, just maybe, she wants Mason back.

But there are secrets afoot in this small southern town. On the peaceful surface of Hideaway Lake, Annajane discovers that the past is never really gone. Even if there are people determined to keep Annajane from getting what she wants, happiness might be hers for the taking, and the life she once had with Mason in this sleepy lake town might be in her future.

I've always been a fan of Andrews since I first discovered her, and Spring Fever was no exception.

Annajane and Mason are still very much in love with each other although they've been divorced for quite some time. Both of them are now engaged to other people. Mason's fiancee is a scheming gold digger and Annajane's fiancee seems to be a bit of a slacker hippie type. Mason was the typical southern gentleman who does the right thing despite the fact that it may not best for him. He and Annajane try to ignore the attraction between with little success.

The real show stealer was Sophie, Mason's five-year old daughter. She was so adorable, you couldn't help but love her to pieces. I liked how the author incorporate tidbits from their past to show them falling in love and their marriage falling apart. To me that provided me with a better connection with both characters.

The story provided just enough twists and turns that I didn't see coming, but not twists that were so far out there that they were unbelievable. These are characters I would love to see the author revisit in the future.

Review: Big Sky Country by Linda Lael Miller

Big Sky Country
Linda Lael Miller
Series: Big Sky #1
Publisher: HQN
Publish Date: May 29, 2012
Mass Market Paperback {p.384}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Contemporary, Western
Joslyn Kirk, Slade Barlow
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

The illegitimate son of a wealthy rancher, Sheriff Slade Barlow grew up in a trailer hitched to the Curly-Burly hair salon his mother runs. He was never acknowledged by his father…until now. Suddenly, Slade has inherited half of Whisper Creek Ranch, one of the most prosperous in Parable, Montana. That doesn't sit well with his half brother, Hutch, who grew up with all the rights of a Carmody—including the affections of Joslyn Kirk, homecoming queen, rodeo queen, beauty queen, whom Slade has never forgotten.

But Joslyn is barely holding her head up these days as she works to pay back everyone her crooked stepfather cheated. With a town to protect, plus a rebellious teenage stepdaughter, Slade has his hands full. But someone has to convince Joslyn that she's responsible only for her own actions—such as her effect on this lawman's guarded heart.

Joslyn returns to Parable after many years to try to make amends for something her stepfather did. Slade has just come into an inheritance that he was never expecting. The two of them grew up together in Parable but in to separate worlds there.

As always Miller writes a very hot cowboy. Slade and Joslyn have a lot of cute and funny encounters before they got together. The romance was a bit slower to start than with other Miller novels. You can clearly see the chemistry between the two of them, but they never acted on it until the very end. Even with that being the case, the overall story definitely kept me engaged.

Shea, Slade’s stepdaughter, was always talking up a storm. This girl never stopped talking. Opal, Slade’s housekeeper, was another delightful surprise. She was like a mother to everyone she encountered.

This is the start to another great cowboy series to rival the McKettrick’s and the Creed’s. Slade and his half-brother Hutch make for some very interesting reading.

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Review: The Danger That is Damion by Lisa Renee Jones

The Danger That is Damion
Lisa Renee Jones
Series: Zodius #3
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Publish Date: May 1, 2012
Mass Market Paperback {p.323}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Paranormal; Suspense
Lara Martin, Damion Browne
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

The diabolical General Powell created Kayla Martin, a beautiful super-soldier, to help him destroy his valiant enemies. But when Kayla is pitted against the renegade Damion Browne, she discovers that not only is her life in danger, but her heart as well. Enemies soon swarm around Kayla and she must trust the dangerous Damion to embrace her as his ally. As they struggle to defeat a madman, their trust in each other becomes the only chance they have to find peace...and love.

I was totally engrossed in this storyline from page one. Both Lara and Damion were very well-written characters with great chemistry. I loved their interplay.

Lara, who has no memory of her past, is attracted to and quickly falling for Damion, her sworn enemy. The two of them are not only trying to uncover her past but keep her alive. They tended to butt heads a lot but you could still see they really cared about one another.

The love scenes were just as hot as the action. Talk about no dull moments in this one. Even the background characters brought their own bit of something to the table. Of the background characters, I really loved Chale and Jenna. Jenna worked at Powell's lab and Chale was Damion's partner. I'm hoping that Jenna will be "redeemed" and matched with Chale.

The previous life-bonds from the past two books made appearances. I'm still a fan of Michael and Cassandra. I remain cautious of how Dorian, Adma's son is going to fit into the Renegades. I'm hoping he'll end up being a good guy.

I am so looking forward to the next installment. Hopefully it'll be Chale's.

#Giveaway & Review: Somebody to Love by Kristan Higgins

Somebody to Love
Kristan Higgins
Publisher: HQN
Publish Date: April 24, 2012
Mass Market Paperback {p.425}
Source: Publicist
Genre: Contemporary
Parker Welles, James Cahill
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

After her father loses the family fortune in an insider-trading scheme, single mom Parker Welles is faced with some hard decisions. First order of business: go to Gideon's Cove, Maine, to sell the only thing she now owns—a decrepit house in need of some serious flipping. When her father's wingman, James Cahill, asks to go with her, she's not thrilled -- …even if he is fairly gorgeous and knows his way around a toolbox.

Having to fend for herself financially for the first time in her life, Parker signs on as a florist's assistant and starts to find out who she really is. Maybe James isn't the glib lawyer she always thought he was. And maybe the house isn't the only thing that needs a little TLC….

Parker and James may have seemed like an unlikely pair, but they were perfect together. Parker was uncertain about getting involved with James because of their age difference and the fact that she saw him as her father's "minion," because he was her father's lawyer.

James was a bit uncomfortable with being around Parker's young son Nicky, so I was unsure of how that would affect their relationship. Once I got to know about his background, it became clear as to why he was uncomfortable around children. But I did love his relationship with Parker's father Harry. I was happy to see James had some sort of father-type relationship since his own father wanted nothing to do with him.

The ending was perfect. With Parker and her father making a decent start at trying to mend their relationship. And of the budding one between James and Nicky. I loved their last scene together in the book.

The fact that this book brought couples from previous books in the mix and we got to see how they were progressing was an added bonus. I hope that Higgins decides to revisit Parker and James in the future as well.

WANT TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK?

{April 23 - May 7, 2012}

• Only residents of the U.S. are eligible to win
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Author Interview, Review & #Giveaway: Jill Shalvis, author of Head Over Heels

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!

Facebook | Twitter | Website
Describe Head Over Heels in three words.

Sexy hot fun

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}

• Only residents of the U.S. and Canada are eligible to win
• No P.O. Boxes please
• Giveaway copies will be sent directly to winners from the publisher
• 3 Winners will be randomly selected using random.org and contacted via email
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To enter:

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*Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for providing the prize!

Review: Already Home by Susan Mallery

Already Home
Susan Mallery
Publisher: Mira
Published: April 29, 2011
Audio Book {11hrs}
Source: Public Library
Genre: Women's Fiction
Jenna Stevens
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

After nearly a decade as a sous-chef in a trendy eatery, Jenna is desperate for a change. She's supported her ex-husband's dreams for so long that she can't even remember her own. Until she sees a for-lease sign near her parents' home and envisions her very own cooking store.

Her crash course in business is aided by a streetwise store manager and Jenna's adoptive mother. But just as she's gaining a foothold in her new life, in walk her birth parents—aging hippies on a quest to reconnect with their firstborn.

Now Jenna must figure out how to reconcile the free-spirited Serenity and Tom with her traditional parents, deal with her feelings for a new love interest and decide what to do about her ex's latest outrageous request. In the end, Jenna will find that there is no perfect family, only the people we love...

Whenever I read Susan Mallery, I know I’m getting a great romance. But with Already Home, I got something more. With this I got to witness the dynamic relationship between women.

Jenna has come home to heal from a divorce, only to be blindsided by meeting her biological parents. Witnessing Jenna and her biological mother Serenity build their relationship was a heartwarming yet heart wrenching sight. I was so happy and impressed by Jenna’s adoptive mom Beth, with how she encouraged Jenna and Serenity’s relationship. That to me showed Beth to be strong of character.

When I wasn’t totally absorbed in Jenna, Serenity, and Beth’s story, I was absorbed in Violet’s. Violet, the manager of Jenna’s store, had her own difficult story to tell. I loved Violet! She struggled much of the book to find love and acceptance. Most of her issue seemed to stem from her belief that she didn’t deserve it.

Jenna’s newly discovered brother, Dragon, was another character I loved. He made me wish I had a brother. :) He was just the right mix of funny, strength, compassion, and love of family.

When I wasn’t laughing along with this family, I was crying with them. That is what I loved about this book. It drew me in, like I was a member of the family facing this journey right along with them.

I now have to get a copy of this book for my keeper shelf since my copy was from the public library. This is one I definitely recommend for reading again and again.

Read by Teri Clark Linden
Duration: 11 hours
Brilliance Audio

Narration: B+

The narrator took a little getting used to at first. It took me a while to warm up to her, but once I did I enjoyed the book.

Review: Lethal by Sandra Brown

Lethal
Sandra Brown
Publisher: Grand Central
Published: September 20, 2011
Hardcover {p.472}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Suspense
Honor Gillette, Lee Coburn
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

When her four year old daughter informs her a sick man is in their yard, Honor Gillette rushes out to help him. But that "sick" man turns out to be Lee Coburn, the man accused of murdering seven people the night before. Dangerous, desperate, and armed, he promises Honor that she and her daughter won't be hurt as long as she does everything he asks. She has no choice but to accept him at his word.

But Honor soon discovers that even those close to her can't be trusted. Coburn claims that her beloved late husband possessed something extremely valuable that places Honor and her daughter in grave danger. Coburn is there to retrieve it -- at any cost. From FBI offices in Washington, D.C., to a rundown shrimp boat in coastal Louisiana, Coburn and Honor run for their lives from the very people sworn to protect them, and unravel a web of corruption and depravity that threatens not only them, but the fabric of our society.

Honor tries to help an injured man lying on her lawn when he pulls a gun on her and takes her and her 4yr old daughter hostage.

Oh how I loved this story! With that being said, I didn’t love the ending. If I didn’t enjoy ALL the characters so much, I would have counted this one a 4 ½ because of the incomplete ending.

I was constantly trying to figure out the bad guy and trusting no one throughout the entire book. I did suspect the person that turned out to be the actual Bookkeeper as the villain, but I was going back and forth between that one and another.

Honor and Coburn had a great dynamic from the start. She was strong and capable, not some damsel who was in constant need of saving. One of the things I loved most about her is that not one time throughout this book do I recall yelling at her “That’s so stupid. Why are you doing that?”

I enjoyed how the story took on different viewpoints of the secondary characters. I really got emerged in Tori and Bonnell’s story as well as Diego and Isabel’s. I was emotional about both.

The only thing about this book I didn’t love is once again the end. I was flipping pages thinking maybe my copy was missing a few pages there at the end. You have to draw your own conclusions as to what happens with Lee and Honor, and I didn’t really care for that. But this book did leave me wanting more and hoping for some kind of sequel.

Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Lola and the Boy Next Door
Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton
Publish Date: September 29, 2011
Hardcover {p.354}
Source: Public Library
Genre: Young Adult
Lola Nolan, Cricket Bell
Challenge: 100+, YA Romance
Buy the Book: Amazon

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

I loved Cricket! He was quirky and charming in a way all of his own. Not the same fun-loving charm of Etienne, but none the less engaging.
And as always, Perkins manages to paint such descriptive detail of the city, that it feels like one of the lead characters.

Lola and Cricket were the perfect match for one another. Even their style complimented each other. Although at times I did feel as if Lola’s boyfriend Max had a point about Lola and her costumes. I was always wondering who she was going to be today.

The addition of Anna and Etienne was a very welcome surprise. I knew that they would be in this one, but I didn’t know they would be in it so much. They’re still my favorite. I also loved Lola’s BFF Lindsey. She was the perfect side-kick to Lola.

Lola and the Boy Next Door was a very fun, heartwarming read. Of course there were a few tearjerker moments (happy tears), but more laughs than tears.