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 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: 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.

Review: After the Storm by Maya Banks

Publish Date: January 7, 2014
Mass Market Paperback {p.392}
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: KGI #8
Source: Personal Library
Eve, Donovan Kelly

The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business.

Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.

Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t…

Over the years, Donovan Kelly has fought relentlessly for justice, women and children always holding a special place in his heart. Working side by side with his brothers, Donovan has witnessed firsthand the toll it’s taken—physically, mentally, and emotionally—on his loved ones, and the innocent lives caught in the crossfire. What he never expects is for his next mission to happen right on his home turf—or for it to take a very personal turn.

Picturesque Kentucky Lake is the perfect place for a soul in search of safe harbor. A beautiful stranger has arrived—desperate, breathless, and on the run from a dark past closing in on her and the younger siblings she has vowed to protect. Donovan must now draw on every resource at his disposal—if he wants to save a woman and the children who may prove to be his destiny.

This installment of KGI featured an insta-love relationship. At least on the part of Donovan, the male lead. Only in a Maya Banks novel do you find it's the man that's head over heels upon first sight, and already planning the wedding.

KGI is an elite group that go out on missions and pretty much save the day. This installment of the series I think is the first one in which there is no mission. Yes, at the very end they had to go recover Eve, but they didn't really. Someone else did it for them and KGI pretty much just followed that person. Not really sure if you should call this romantic suspense since there was very little suspense.

Not only did Donovan fall for her and believe every word from her, but so did his family. No questions asked of Eve. No one thought to check and see if her story truly checked out or anything. Donovan's constant declaration that Eve, Cammie and Travis were "his" was over the top. That read more like a shape-shifter paranormal read than that of a contemporary setting.

I liked Donovan and I liked Eve and her family. I just would have preferred that the relationship between all of them developed over time instead of upon their first couple of interactions.

Review: Whiteout & Rescued by Laura Harner

The immediate sex had by these three I didn't find very believable. There didn't seem to be any working up to it. They'd had a crush on Christina for years and then all of sudden they finally work up the nerve to act during a snowstorm?

The whole rapid progression of Cade and Carter's feelings for one another was also unrealistic. I'm not sure if I overlooked what finally got them to act on their feelings or if the author never addressed it. Either why, it was way too quickly. I didn't feel the chemistry or any kind of connection with these three.

I really enjoyed this one from the start. The chemistry between the three of them was immediately felt. The overall story was deeper than sex just for the sake of sex, which is always a plus. I only wish the story was longer so that it would have allowed for their relationship to fully develop.

I did think that Elizabeth seemed to get of her abuse rather quickly, which threw some wrenches into the overall believability of the story. Other than that, this is a good read for those looking for a bi-ménage.

Review: Black and Blue by Gena Showalter

Publish Date: October 22, 2013
Mass Market Paperback {p.387}
Genre: Paranormal
Series: Otherworld Assassin #2
Source: Personal Library
Evangeline Black, Corbin Blue

He is every woman’s fantasy

Corbin Blue is a man of many talents. One of the most powerful otherworlders ever born, he is wealthy, a professional football star, and a legend in the bedroom. But only a select few know he is also a black ops agent…and there is no better killer. When he and his crew are attacked and separated, he’s forced to turn to his boss’s daughter for help—a woman with even more secrets than Blue.

She becomes his only obsession…

Evangeline Black has always been wary, guarded. No man has ever breeched her walls. Until Blue. He has never been denied something he wants, and now, he’s decided he wants her. As he sweeps her into his double life of seduction, intrigue, and danger, he helps her see beyond the darkness of her own past. But as an enemy closes in, Blue will have to let Evie go to keep her safe—even though he'd rather die than live without her…

This story started out slow and I never really got into. Blue and Evie had some very funny moments together, but I never truly connected with either one of them. It was a struggle just to finish it.

Evie constantly berated Blue for being a "man-whore" but in the same time wanted to be one of his long list of many. Beyond their connection of Michael, Evie's father and Blue's boss, they have absolutely nothing in common. They had sex a couple of times and the rest of the story was just page fillers.

The communication, or speech, between the two main characters was very reminiscent of that of my junior high cousins. "Amazeballs" "Gorge" "Snugs" Very troubling for the speech of the future. Not the best I've read from this author.

Review: Theirs to Keep by Maya Banks

Publish Date: October 22, 2012
Trade Paperback {p.229}
Genre: Erotica, Ménage
Series: Tangled Hearts #1
Source: Personal Library
Elle, Merrick Sullivan, Cade Walker

When Cade Walker and Merrick Sullivan find Elle hiding in the cabinet of a gun store, they know they can’t just walk away from the fragile woman with no memory of who she is or who tried to kill her. Merrick is training for the title shot in the heavyweight division as a mixed martial artist and can’t afford distractions, but neither can he turn his back on the woman who tugs at his heartstrings.

Elle feels safe with her two protectors, and the longer she spends with them, the more she realizes that she has no desire to remember her past. Not when it could compromise her future with Cade and Merrick.

Cade has his own set of concerns when it comes to Elle, and it quickly becomes clear to the two men that for the first time in their friendship, a woman is coming between them. But what if they just kept her there? Between them. Where she belongs.

Absolute disappointment.

I've never really been a fan of the whole insta-love, but this one was a bit much. When they first lay eyes on her, their in love. Another major disappointment was the ménage. There was truly no point in it, because the story focused on Merrick and Elle. Cade was just a hanger on with no real purpose to the overall story. That was sad; I felt so bad for him because I didn't feel the love for him from Elle.

There was no true chemistry between any of them, but the author majorly favored Merrick of the two men. The fact that not one of them was even a little bit curious as to who this woman was before trying to rush her down the aisle was totally ludicrous. It never occurred to them that this woman could already be married or could be someone's mother!?! Craziness! It was like they found a lost puppy and claimed it for their own.

I'm a huge Maya Banks fan, as I pre-ordered this book just because it was her, but after reading it, I'm regretting that decision. It was a poor rehash of Colters'. I loved Colters' Woman, but this wasn't the best. With that being said, the characters weren't horrible people, they just had no chemistry between them. And poor Cade, he had no point whatsoever.

Review: Bared to You by Sylvia Day

Publish Date: June 12, 2012
Trade Paperback {p.334}
Genre: Erotica
Series: Bared to You #1
Source: Personal Library
Eva Trammell, Gideon Cross

Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness… He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I’d never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily… Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other’s most private wounds…and desires. The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart...

I was so excited to read this series because I heard such great things about it. If this first installment is any indication, I hope it gets better from here.

Eva's constant running away from situations become entirely too much. Yes, she acknowledged that she did run when situations became to much instead of dealing with them, but she did nothing to try and correct it. And that simple fact is why I quickly became bored with the whole story.

Both Eva and Gideon had messed up childhoods. We find out Eva's story early on in their relationship, but Gideon never truly shared the extent of his. We received glimpses of what may have happened and were left to draw our own conclusions.

They were both extremely jealous people who didn't have much going on with each other outside of sex. I never really warmed to Eva, her whole wishy-washy personality made it very difficult. Gideon was okay, I found that I kept reading hoping that the mystery of him would be uncovered.

Most likely I will be continuing on with the series because I already bought all three books before reading the first one. Although I won't be in a major hurry to do so.

Review: Three to Ride & Two to Love by Sophie Oak

I really enjoyed the twins, but I felt Rachel should have been honest with at least Max upfront since she claimed to be in love with them. With love should come at least some trust, but the fact that she still withheld important information made me question her love.

Other than that issue, I enjoyed this read. I'll continue the series to see what happens with the town residents. They seem like a great bunch of people.

This one, not so much. I was not able to recover any kind of like for Callie after her stunt at the biker bar. She just had a lot of TSTL moments. I never warmed up to Nate. He was not an endearing character whatsoever. The overall relationship would have been fine without him.

This menage was definitely one of those where one party is truly not needed.

Review: Run to You by Rachel Gibson

Publish Date: September 24, 2013
Kindle {p. 384}
Genre: Contemporary
Series: Lovett, Texas #4
Source: Publisher
Estella Immaculata Leon-Hollowell, Beau Junger

Rachel Gibson, New York Times bestselling author of Rescue Me, returns to Texas for the second of her Military Men series, with the tale of what happens when a tough guy meets his match--and falls harder than a ton of red-hot bricks. . .

From Rachel Gibson, New York Times bestselling author of Rescue Me, comes her latest sexy contemporary novel, featuring a hot Navy SEAL and a woman on the run

The story was too fast-paced to form any real connection with the characters. Both Stella and Beau felt like very flat, one-dimensional characters that didn't have any depth.

Stella and Beau had a very short timeframe of knowing each other, but ended up falling in love with each other. No, that's not unheard of, but them falling in love in the amount of time it takes one to drive from Florida to Texas is a bit of a stretch. And by the end, they're talking marriage when they haven't even been on a single date.

I truly wanted to like this book, but other than a few entertaining moments between Beau and his brother Blake, and Beau and his flashbang, I just wasn't feeling it. Which is disappointing because I loved her Writer Friends series.

Review: Love Overdue by Pamela Morsi

Publish Date: August 27, 2013
Kindle {p. 432}
Genre: Contemporary
Source: Publisher
Dorothy Jarrow, Scott Sanderson

Meet Dorothy Jarrow: devotedly unsexy librarian

Buttoned-up book lover DJ is all sensible shoes, drab skirts and studious glasses. After an ill-advised spring-break-fueled fling left her mortified, she's committed to her prim and proper look. When she's hired by a rural library in middle-of-nowhere Kansas, she finally has the lifestyle to match-and she can't wait to get her admin on.

But it's clear from day one that the small-town library is more interested in circulating rumors than books. DJ has to organize her unloved library, win over oddball employees and avoid her flamboyant landlady's attempts to set her up with the town pharmacist. Especially that last part-because it turns out handsome Scott Sanderson is her old vacation fling! She is not sure whether to be relieved or offended when he doesn't seem to recognize her. But with every meeting, DJ finds herself secretly wondering what it would be like to take off her glasses, unpin her bun and reveal the inner vixen she's been hiding from everyone-including herself.

The premise of the book is what drew me in. It sounded like such a fun read, but sadly it was not. It had some great moments, but they were few and far between with a whole lot of dull for the in-between. Most of the book I ended up skimming. I enjoyed DJ and Scott and all the townspeople, but it was a bit too bland.

The story took entirely to long to get off the ground. Scott and DJ had very little interaction in the start. When the did start to interact, the book was almost over. And the ending was horrendous. It was so abrupt that I literally was scrolling back pages (I read this on my iPad) to make sure I hadn't skipped any pages. I figured maybe the digital arc accidently omitted the end pages, but no that's just how the book ends. I must say, it was a good way to go out.

Maybe if the book had spent more time on the relationship building of DJ and Scott and less of the townspeople, I would have enjoyed it more. But with the way it ended, Love Overdue lost even more points with me.

Review: The Officer and the Secret by Jeanette Murray

Publish Date:  July 2, 2013
Mass Market Paperback {p. 345}
Series: Semper Fi #3
Genre: Contemporary
Source: Publisher
Veronica Gibson, Dwayne Robertson

After a rougher than expected deployment, Captain Dwayne Robertson craves the sense of normalcy that his friends can bring him. But when he returns home, there's an unexpected, but pleasant, twist in the mix—Veronica Gibson. As he struggles to adjust to daily life again, Dwayne craves Veronica and the peace she brings him. But Veronica isn't without faults. Dwayne hates lies, and Veronica's entire past is a well-guarded mystery. When the completely unexpected happens, they both realize it's time to lay their cards on the table and hope they're ready for love.

Dwayne returns from his latest deployment suffering from PTSD. At first it appears that no one but Veronica notices his behavior. But as the story progresses he admits he's suffering and seeks help.

The story of Veronica and Dwayne naturally picks up because the "romance" started in the previous book in the series via Skype. Veronica I liked more so in this installment than the previous ones. They had a nice, sweet romance to start, nothing fireworks hot, but nice all the same. Until Dwayne became a jerk.

Sure, he'd been duped in the past, but I thought he knew Veronica a bit better then girl who'd previously duped him. His behavior toward Veronica turned me off to him. Of course they made up in the end and was able to move on together, but I as the reader was unable to get past it and lost all interest in Dwayne.

Review: Rush by Maya Banks

Publish Date: February 5, 2013
Kindle {p. 396}
Genre: Erotica, BDSM
Series: Breathless #1
Source: Personal Library
Mia Crestwell, Gabe Hamilton

Gabe, Jace, and Ash: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Gabe, it’s making one particular fantasy come true with a woman who was forbidden fruit. Now she’s ripe for the picking...

When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.

Gabe has starred in Mia’s fantasies more than once, ever since she was a teenager with a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. So what if Gabe’s fourteen years older? Mia knows he’s way out of her league, but her attraction has only grown stronger with time. She’s an adult now, and there’s no reason not to act on her most secret desires.

As Gabe pulls her into his provocative world, she realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him or how exacting his demands can be. Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed—and vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected.

The book took a while for me to warm up to, mostly because I don't really care for the whole domination to the point of humilation. I got that type of feel from the way Gabe behaved at times. He did some really crappy things that made me dislike him.

Mia chose to go along with it, so I can't fault Gabe entirely. I didn't feel there was a true love connection between Gabe and Mia. More like a crush on Mia's part and ownership on Gabe's. Some of the things he had her doing made me wonder how he could truly love her and treat her that way.

Review: Hot Ticket by Olivia Cunning

Publish Date: February 13, 2013
Trade Paperback {p. 383}
Genre: BDSM, Erotica
Series: Sinners on Tour #3
Source: Publisher
Jace Seymour, Agatha

There are things in bassist Jace Seymour’s past that he is unwilling to share with anyone. To cover his guilt and anguish, he seeks dominatrix Mistress V (Aggie) to temporarily placate his inner turmoil. Aggie doesn’t have much use for men–besides the power rush she gets when they’re begging for mercy at her feet–but Jace isn’t like her usual clients. His cool defiance and unexpected dominance in the bedroom drives her to distraction and quickly steals her heart. When circumstances threaten Jace’s position in Sinners, Aggie must help him regain his rightful place in the band while showing him that time and love can heal all wounds.

This installment to the series takes place during the timeframe of book two in the series. That threw me a bit because I was expecting it to pick up after the last book.

I wasn't a fan of Jace needing pain to get off, and to be honest. I was a little put off by it. I didn't have a problem with Jace or dislike him, I just didn't inderstand it. And with that being said, I didn't have any desire to try to understand it or continue with their story.

Eric on the on the hand was a complete asshole. I don't see how Eric could even be considered a friend. It seems like he treated Jace as a flunky instead of a bandmate.

Not my favorite of the series, but I won't let that deter me from continuing on with the series.

Review: Delicious by Shayla Black

Publish Date: March 2, 2010
Trade Paperback {p.368}
Genre: Erotica, Contemporary
Series: Wicked Lovers #3
Source: Personal Library
Alyssa Devereaux, Luke Traverson

He can’t control his desire.

Luc Traverson’s entire future is planned out—but there is one very sexy obstacle in his path: Alyssa Devereaux . She’s a former exotic dancer turned strip club owner and restaurateur. Recently, Alyssa and Luc shared one night of wild abandon that left Luc terrified by his loss of self-control—and Alyssa desperate for more.

And that’s just the way she wants it.

Fulfilling a promise, Luc is the guest chef for Alyssa’s restaurant debut. The sight of her makes Luc wild, so how can he survive a week without letting loose and ravaging her—especially when she’s begging for it? Luc’s desire for her explodes when he realizes he isn’t the only man desperate to have her. But one of the others is deadly. And that’s not the end of Alyssa’s secrets…which are as dark and mysterious and enticing as her fantasies.

Both characters I did not care for. Luke was ass the bulk of the book always thinking Alyssa was sleeping with all of Louisiana. And Alyssa seemed to be doing everything possible to prove him right. She was constantly parading around half dressed or naked in front of Tyler, her bouncer, or letting him touch and kiss on her. Luke even found her asleep in Tyler's bed, but she wonders why Luke thinks she's cheating.

Alyssa and Luke's entire relationships seem to be built on lies and manipulation. They never really opened up and truly talked to each other. And the only time they really got along was in bed together.

Tyler was a welcome distraction from Luke and Alyssa's drama. He, Hunter, and the characters from the previous two books were pretty much the saving grace for this one. The only thing that kept me from giving up on this book completely, was the fact that is part of a series that I'd like to continue. Hopefully the next additions will be better.

Review: Silk & Spurs by Cheyenne McCray

Silk & Spurs
Cheyenne McCray
Series: Rough & Ready #2
Publisher: Create Space
Publish Date: November 26, 2011
Kindle {p.158}
Source: Kindle Loan
Genre: Erotica, Western
Jessica Porter, Zane Cameron
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

Jessica Porter finds herself in southern Arizona on the Cameron's Bar C Ranch ready to photograph the ranch and the oldest Cameron's wedding. When Jessie meets Zane Cameron, she finds herself wishing the tall, dark, and gorgeous cowboy was free.

Lately, Zane has had the feeling that things aren't as they seem with his fiancée. When she shows her true colors, he calls off the wedding.

Zane feels it's too soon to fall for another woman, but when he meets Jessie, he just can't get enough of being around her. It's not long before the pair gets together and it grows hotter between them than an Arizona summer.

But Zane's ex-fiancée threatens Jessie and everything takes a dangerous turn...a turn that could mean Jessie's life.

Zane must find Jessie and save her...before it's too late.

Zane, who is currentlyengaged, lays eyes on Jessica and is in love. He breaks off his engagement and persues Jessica. They seem to have an easy-going type of relationship that is built on their mutual attraction.

From the little interaction with Zane's brothers, they seemed like interesting enough characters. I especially liked Wyatt and his laid-back personality.

The mystery/suspense aspect of this was so transparent. I didn't even have to think about who was out to harm Jessica. That didn't really add to the story and could have been omitted completely.

Review: Love's Strategy by Samantha Kane

Love's Strategy
Samantha Kane
Series: Brothers in Arms #3
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publish Date: May 2007
Kindle {p.56}
Source: Personal Library
Genre: Historical, Menage
Leah Marleston, Valentine Westridge, Kurt Shillig
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

Valentine Westridge and Kurt Schillig are lovers, and have been since the Peninsular War when lonely young officer Valentine let himself be seduced by the equally lonely Kurt. Now they're back from the war and intent on beginning the future they dreamed of together, one that includes a quiet country estate, horses, dogs, children, and each other. Their plan, however, also requires a wife. At the suggestion of a mutual friend, Valentine and Kurt believe the financial security they can offer to impoverished widow Leah Marleston will help her accept the unusual sexual relationship they are suggesting.

Leah is at her wit's end, creditors having taken everything she owns to pay off her late husband's gambling debts. She must find a way to support herself and her two children, or be forced to marry her abusive and obsessive brother-in-law. In Valentine's and Kurt's arms, Leah discovers a passion she never knew existed. Brought together by necessity, bonded by desire, these three lonely people find themselves fighting against all odds for a love that was never part of their plans.

The instant attraction among these three I believed, but the instant love, not so much. Kirk and Valentine have been in love for some time, so the thought that the minute they laid eyes on Leah they fell in love cheapened the love between Valentine and Kirk to me.

I am glad however that both Valentine and Kirk took an instant liking to Leah's children. That won them over with me. I would have liked to see the relationship between this trio grow, but with it being a very short read, that didn't happen.

Review: Incoming Freshman by Carol Lynne

Incoming Freshman
Carol Lynne
Series: Campus Cravings #13
Publisher: Total-E-Bound
Publish Date: August 1, 2011
Kindle {p.87}
Source: Personal Library
Genre: LGBT
Bobby Ray Sikes, Chet Sloan
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

Three years ago, Chet Sloan left a promising job as Offensive Line Coach at the University of Arizona in an effort to put distance between himself and an Incoming Freshman. Bobby Ray Sikes first came to Chet’s attention as a high school sophomore when he took his small Arkansas town’s football team to a state championship. For two years Chet watched Bobby Ray Sikes play, knowing the boy was meant for greatness. When he recognized his feelings had grown from adoration to something more, Chet ran. In an effort to save his career and Bobby Ray Sikes’s chance to one day go professional, Chet took a job at North Central Idaho University.

For three years, Bobby Ray Sikes played for a team he hated. Not only was he expected to act like the rest of the guys on the team, but the one man he’d agreed to play for had left him high and dry. After reading an article on BK House, a privately funded all-gay dormitory, in OUT magazine, he decides to do the unthinkable and transfer colleges his senior year.

Most coaches would be thrilled to learn a two time All American was transferring in to play ball for their team, but Chet’s feelings for Bobby Ray Sikes haven’t changed. Will he be forced to run again or can he coach the man he loves?

I was excited to see the return of the Campus Cravings series, but this installment fell a little flat. Bobby Ray and Chet have been in love with each other pretty much since Booby Ray has been legal. Even still Chet didn't feel that a relationship between them was a good idea because of the age difference and the fact that he was Bobby's coach.

There didn't seem to be any real depth between these two once they reconnected three years later. Sure they had a physical attraction to one another, but as a reader I didn't become invested in either one of them. I ended up connecting more with Bobby's roommate Dane than the two main characters. Now his story is one I'm looking forward to reading.

Review: A Long From Home by Gwendolyn Heasley

A Long Way From You
Gwendolyn Heasley
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: June 5, 2012
Trade Paperback {p.314}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Young Adult
Kitsy Kidd
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

For too long, Kitsy has had to satisfy her dreams of becoming a real artist by giving her friends makeovers before prom. So when her best friend Corrinne's family offers to sponsor her for a summer art course in New York City, Kitsy bids a temporary good-bye to Texas to say hello to the West Village.

Between navigating the subway and the New Yorkers--namely, the Art Boy who has a nice trick of getting under her skin--Kitsy knows that this summer is going to be about a "lot" more than figure drawing.

Kitsy is a cute, likable character with a big heart and even bigger dreams. She leaves her small-town Texas home to live in New York at her BFF's house while she's away at summer camp. I didn't really get the friendship between these two. It seemed that all Corrinne did was make snide remakes and digs at Kitsy's hometown.

As for Kitsy's boyfriend Hands, he was okay from what little I knew of him. He and Kitsy didn't seem to have this grand love affair but more of an elementary type of love. Not that that's a bad thing, they were just more buddies than anything else.

"Art Boy" or Tad, never really took off for me either. He too was an okay character, but more of a big brother type to Kisty.

I just kept seeing Kitsy as the adorable side-kick, but not the leading lady.