Book Review – Night Hawk

Tags

Book Review, Lindsay McKenna, Night Hawk, The Wyoming Series

I was so excited to get to do a review as part of the blog tour for Lindsay McKenna’s newest release.  She’s such a strong author in the genre that it is a treat to be included.

*****

Night Hawk

The Wyoming Series Book 10

by Lindsay McKenna

Blurb:

ONCE UPON A RANCH IN WYOMING…

After losing his comrade, Sergeant Gil Hanford thought a visit to the man’s widow would be the decent way to honor his late friend. But Gil found more than comfort in Kai Tiernan—he had always secretly desired beautiful Kai, but a sudden, mutual passion helped assuage their grief…until duty reared its head, removing him from her arms, seemingly forever.

Four years later, Kai is starting over at the Triple H Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Born a rancher, she is looking for a new beginning—but her new boss is unforgivably familiar. Kai has tried to move past the memory of what happened between her and Gil, even though she’s never forgiven him for leaving her. But even as they begin their journey toward something new and oh-so-uncertain, a shadow emerges, determined to claim Kai for itself.

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Night-Hawk-Jackson-Hole-Wyoming/dp/037377995X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448900442&sr=8-1&keywords=night+hawk+lindsay+mckenna

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24612999-night-hawk?from_search=true&search_version=service

*****

Review:

McKenna has been a popular writer for a while and her skill is apparent here.  There were definitely things that worked for me … but there were also things that didn’t.

I have to start with the blurb because I don’t think that whoever wrote it really gave the story justice.  Kai was married to Gil’s best friend and teammate & over the years they had become friends.  Even more so after she’s widowed.  About a year after he dies, Gil’s brother is also killed in action and he seeks out Kai in his grief.  But the moment turns into something more and they spend a few passion filled days together – until Gil disappears without any explanation.  Now years later, Kai is out of the military and looking for a job, landing at the Triple H Ranch.  And as luck would have it, her new boss is Gil.  After all that time, there are a lot of hurt feelings but there is also something more still between them.  The question then becomes can they get over their past and will they be able to forge something new.

I really liked the beginning, as Gil & Kai face each other for the first time in years, and the end where that “shadow” comes into play (although I think that having it in the blurb kinda spoils some of the story because, not making an appearance until almost the end, it colors how you read the rest).  I think that McKenna does a great job of giving these two a problem to work thru that makes sense and then having them address it when they come face to face again.  Everything works for me until about the halfway point … and then it just seems to drag because they are rehashing the same thing over and over – whether Kai can trust Gil’s feelings for her and his ability to stick is a valid one after what happened.  But he had a good reason (even if he handled it badly) and having him work for forgiveness for a bit is good, I just think it goes on a little too long.

The ending though helps redeem it some.  There is that perfect amount of danger and intrigue (although it is a little open ended since this is part of an on-going series).  And I love having the special forces boys get to flex their muscles a little and show off 🙂  The other thing that really sets this off is the familial relationship that develops among the people on the ranch.  Over half are ex-military and that comradery is something very important to them.  It’s lovely to see how they support and care for each other.

Personally I think that the good definitely outweighs the bad – I’m willing to overlook a little pacing issues for the things that McKenna does so well.

*****

Author Info:

A U.S. Navy veteran, she was a meteorologist while serving her country. She pioneered the military romance in 1993 with Captive of Fate, Silhouette Special edition.  Her heart and focus is on honoring and showing our military men and women.  Creator of the Wyoming Series and Shadow Warriors series for HQN, she writes emotionally and romantically intense suspense stories. Visit her online at www.LindsayMcKenna.com, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/eileen.nauman?fref=nf or follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/@lindsaymckenna.

*****

Tour Schedule:

Monday, January 4th: Majorly Delicious

Monday, January 4th: The Sassy Bookster

Tuesday, January 5th: Books a la Mode

Wednesday, January 6th: Reading Reality

Friday, January 8th: A Chick Who Reads

Monday, January 11th: Worth Getting in Bed For

Monday, January 11th: From the TBR Pile

Tuesday, January 12th: Bewitched Bookworms

Wednesday, January 13th: Mignon Mykel Reviews

Friday, January 15th: Read Love Blog

Monday, January 18th: Romantic Reads and Such

Tuesday, January 19th: It’s A Reading Thing

Wednesday, January 20th: Book Reviews & More by Kathy

Thursday, January 21st: Life is Story

Friday, January 22nd: Raven Haired Girl

Monday, January 25th: What I’m Reading

Tuesday, January 26th: Bookaholics Not-so-Anonymous

Wednesday, January 27th: Bibliotica

Friday, January 28th: Black ‘n Gold Girls Book Spot

Guest Post – Fighting Dirty

Tags

Fighting Dirty, Sidney Halston, Worth the Fight Series

I’m so thrilled that Sidney Halston stopped by to visit today and give us a little insider look into her newest.  We’ve seen a couple of these Worth the Fight books already (Against the Cage and Laid Out) and this one looks like a total knock out as well!

*****

Thank you for having me here today! Hope you all got your copy of FIGHTING DIRTY and are loving it as much as I loved writing it. Here are 3 of my favorite scenes from FIGHTING DIRTY (with a few teasers.) Enjoy…

1. I really enjoyed writing the opening scene. We’ve gotten to know Enzo as the conservative and serious member of the group. He doesn’t break any rules and, unlike the rest of the fighters in the series, he’s always in a business suit—unless he’s training. In the opening scene, he loses a bet to Travis and for the first time you see him out of his comfort zone. Also, JL, the heroine, sees a different side of him. Here’s a snippet.

 

Slowly she turned her head back to the front. There, in the center of the enormous room, buck-ass naked, with an apple in the palm of his hand and an embarrassed look in his eyes, sat the man who’d been starring in all her fantasies for the last year: Enzo Silva.

What the fuck . . . ?

Her phone vibrated in her pocket, and she took it out, her eyes still glued to the flawless body on display.

The text was from Travis: Close your eyes and walk away, sis.

She texted back quickly. Why is Enzo here? Naked? And why are you all here?

The reply came back almost instantly. He lost a bet. We’re here to laugh at him.

 

2. Another scene that I love is also in the beginning during their epically long date. Like in the first scene above where you finally see a different side to Enzo, in this scene- the indoor rock climbing scene—you get to see JL’s vulnerability. Plus Enzo’s protective side. I really liked writing this scene.

 

“Don’t laugh at me!” She glared at him, almost crying. “I hate heights.”

He began to move up, not letting go of her hand, and she slowly followed. “This is a ridiculous date, babe,” he said with a gentle smile. “You should’ve let me pick. Who the hell takes a date rock climbing? We could’ve been having a delicious lobster meal right this second at the Manhattan in Tampa.”

Moving gingerly from one hold to the next, she noticed that when she slowed down, unsure of where to put her foot or hand, he guided her patiently. “I hate lobster!” she yelled. “And anyway, you’re having a great time.”

“And you’re having the time of your life, I can see,” he said sarcastically.

“Shut up, Enzo! I’m getting over my fucking fears! Epiphany, happening here!” Her voice was shaky, though. She was about to look down, but he hollered at her.

“I told you to look at me. Don’t look down.” Again his voice was firm, but the playfulness returned immediately. “I mean, really, don’t you want to look at my ass?”

If she hadn’t been certain she was about to plummet to her death, then yes, she would definitely have wanted to look at his ass. But right at that moment she wanted to get off the wall. “I want to go down. Not up. I know they can make that happen. The guys holding the ropes down there can do shit to make that happen. I give up. So, make it happen. Reverse this fucker.”

“No. We’re going to finish. I told them not to do that when you first let go.”

 

3. All my books have a scene where the girls are all hanging out—talking crap and drinking. I love this one, because Francesca is always funny.

 

Francesca pointed to the Batman boy shorts that peeked out from the hem of JL’s matching Batman camisole. “And someone actually fucked you in those?”

“They’re cute,” Violet said.

“Listen, ladies, we are in our thirties. We aren’t eighteen-year-old frat boys. Batman doesn’t say sexy.”

“I think it does,” Violet replied defensively.

“Enzo didn’t seem to mind,” JL added.

“Aha!” Jessica pointed a finger.

 

So there you go….my three favorite scenes. There’s a lot more but these were the three that stuck out. Can’t wait to hear from you. What are your favorite scenes from FIGHTING DIRTY?

*****

Fighting Dirty

Worth the Fight #5

by Sidney Halston

Releasing January 5, 2016

Loveswept

Blurb:

If you love the MMA romances of Vi Kreeland and Kendall Ryan, Sidney Halston’s Worth the Fight series will knock your socks off! In Fighting Dirty, a geek-chic cage fighter proves that appearances can be deceiving . . . and oh-so-tempting.

With his preppy clothes and horn-rimmed glasses, Enzo Silva is the last dude anyone expects to find in a mixed martial arts gym. A wealthy Brazilian banker who never had to fight for anything, Enzo’s stuck in the amateur circuit—but he burns to make the pros. Maybe that explains the heat he feels whenever he’s around Jamie Lynn Calhoun. The pint-size, magenta-haired bartender with the Texas drawl is everything he’s not . . . and everything he craves.

Tough as nails and independent to a fault, Jamie Lynn—JL to her friends—works hard to pay her bills and keep life simple. Enzo is doing his best to complicate that. Even though she likes to bust his balls, he’s got some kind of a nerdy-hot vibe that makes JL wonder if she might finally be able to let her guard down. It might do the boy some good to spend some time in her world, where blood, sweat, and victory are as sweet as the first taste of real love.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25058284-fighting-dirty?ac=1

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/135224-worth-the-fight

Buy Links:  Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

“What made you change your mind about going out with me?” he asked as they crossed the parking lot. “Not that I’m complaining. But you’ve been saying no for almost a year.”

“Truth?”

“Always.”

“You always seem so predictable, but you doing this . . .” She shook her head. “I guess it made me see you in a different light.”

He held her car door open for her as she tucked the canvas facedown in the backseat and then got in the car. “I’m glad it took me completely humiliating myself to get you to go out with me. Maybe I won’t kill your brother for this ridiculous bet, after all,” he said. “I’ll make reservations at the Tackle Box and pick you up at eight tomorrow.” When she looked at him for a moment too long, he said, “You don’t like the Tackle Box?”

“Do you work tomorrow?” she asked as she got back out of the car.

“Yes.”

“That was a dumb question. You’re always working. Let me rephrase the question. Can you take the day off tomorrow?”

Enzo quickly thought about all the teleconferences he had scheduled and all the reports he had to do. “I can.”

“Okay, so I’ll pick you up at eight.”

“Uh . . . I don’t understand.”

“Eight in the morning,” she clarified. “I asked you out, so I pick. That’s the deal, okay? It’s my treat. I pick where we go and what we do.”

“I don’t think—”

“You hate giving up control, don’t you?” she asked wryly, already knowing the answer. “Don’t worry so much. Just be ready. It’ll be fun—spontaneous. You’ll like it. I promise.”

He let out a breath. “Fun and spontaneous isn’t something I’m very comfortable with,” he admitted. But then he decided, What the hell? He’d already survived taking the biggest leap of faith of his life by moving from Brazil to Florida, something that was so completely out of character his parents thought he was still mourning the end of his marriage. So, going on a date with a beautiful woman and letting her take the lead . . . what could possibly go wrong?

“Okay, fine. I’ll text you my address,” he said as he leaned in and kissed her cheek. She folded herself into her crappy fifteen-year-old Honda Civic, which was mostly red, except for some patches where the paint had chipped off. The bumper was held together with a hot-pink bungee cord, and there were bumper stickers plastered everywhere. He couldn’t picture her with any other car but this one; somehow it suited her perfectly. But she was absolutely out of her mind if she thought he’d be going anywhere with her in that clunker tomorrow.

*****

Author Info:

Sidney Halston lives her life by one simple rule: “Just do it.” And that’s exactly what she did. At the age of thirty, having never written anything other than a legal brief, she picked up a pen for the first time to pursue her dream of becoming an author. That first stroke sealed the deal, and she fell in love with writing. Halston lives in South Florida with her husband and children.

Author Links:   Facebook | Twitter | Website | GoodReads

*****

Giveaway:

$50 Amazon gift card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c8883/

*****

Click on the banner below to check out the rest of the tour

Book Review – On the Rocks

Tags

Book Review, Kim Law, On the Rocks, Turtle Island series

On the Rocks

A Turtle Island book

by Kim Law

Sassy tomboy Ginger Atkinson would rather be captaining a deep-sea fishing boat than baking pies, yet she still wishes she had a man to bake for. Sure, the pretty redhead is happy running her late father’s Turtle Island ferry business, but everyone in the world is finding love except her. Stuck on the wrong side of thirty, she’s trying to accept singlehood by building a dream home—for one.

In high school, Carter Ridley loved to sneak off with his good friend Ginger to watch the sun rise over the ocean. But after graduation, his path took a different route. One that, unlike Ginger’s, did get him the spouse and house of his dreams. At least, until a scandal shattered everything.

Running from his heartbreak, Carter returns to Turtle Island, where he discovers that Ginger is all grown up. His teenage friend has become the woman he’s always wanted. But will Carter’s pain scare him away from a chance at happiness? Or can he be the loving partner Ginger’s been looking for?

I haven’t read any of the Turtle Island books and at first I thought I hadn’t read any of Law’s books at all but then I realized I was wrong.  A few months ago I read Montana Cherries and really liked it.  And based what I’ve read so far, I’m going to be adding her to my always read list because these two have been wonderful.

Both Carter and Ginger have some growing to do and time spent together helps them find their way again.  The future Ginger expected hasn’t shown up yet and she’s getting a little desperate.  Her thirtieth birthday is here and she’s always expected to be married with kids by now.  But the more unsuccessful dates she goes on the harder she tries, which unfortunately doesn’t help.  In an attempt to get a relationship to stick, she’s forgotten to be true to herself.  Carter is coming out of a very bad end to his marriage and he’s angry at the entire world.  Back on Turtle Island to check in on his sister has him running into his old friend, Ginger.  It doesn’t take long for her sassy & bright personality to start bringing him out from behind his walls … but that doesn’t mean he’s ever going to want to expose his heart again.

The relationship that develops between these two is just about perfect.  I love them together as they become friends again, which of course develops into an attraction, but with Carter’s faith in tatters he’s only willing to go for something casual.  Being a romance, you know that that doesn’t stick, but it’s nice to see them try 🙂  And while they do have some crazy hot chemistry (sizzling hot!), they also have a strong foundation of mutual respect and caring which lays the groundwork for something more to happen eventually … once Carter gets over his past hurts.

With characters that pop and story lines that keep me glued to the pages, I’m keeping my eye on what Law delivers next – it’s sure to be fantastic!

 

Buy on Amazon

Spotlight – Game On

Tags

Desiree Holt, Forward Pass, Game On series, Line of Scrimmage, Pass Interference

In celebration of the upcoming NFL Super Bowl, we’re going to take a look at the books in Desiree Holt’s sexy Game On football romance series.  Plus we’ll find out what her characters are doing on this day to prepare for the big game.

*****

25 Days Out

Jake continues therapy and working out to get his body back in shape after his injury. Erin runs his butt off. The playoffs are well underway.

*****

Game On Series

Desiree Holt

Genre: Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance

Forward Pass 

Game On Book 1

Blurb:

Get Ready to Play Rough

Shay Beckham grew up idolizing her brother’s best friend, star quarterback Joe Reilly. There was no one in their Texas town who had the moves to match Joe on or off the field. Years later, he’s still a player who has what it takes to drive any hot-blooded woman wild. But Shay isn’t a kid with a bad case of hero-worship anymore. She’s grown-up and independent, with her feet on the ground and a serious head on her shoulders. If she could just say the same for Joe.

It’s been fifteen years, but Joe Reilly hasn’t forgotten the skinny little kid who used to follow him around like a shadow. What he can’t get over is that the skinny shadow has grown into one hell of an incredible woman. One any man in his right mind would kill to get his hands on. And one who seems to be completely immune to him. He knows he and Shay could have something special together. If he could only convince her he’s about more than just the game.

Amazon | Barnes | Kobo

Line of Scrimmage 

Game On Book 2

Blurb:

Sometimes it’s not about winning…

One bad tackle. That’s all it took to put wide receiver Jake Russell in a cast for the rest of the NFL season. From being a high school all-star to getting drafted by the Austin Mustangs, football has been Jake’s life for as long as he can remember. It’s what defines him—because he has a secret he never shares. But now that he’s laid up in bed with a nurse displaying a lot of distracting bedside manners, he’s discovering life on the sidelines might have its perks. . .

One last paycheck. That’s all Erin Bass has left to her name when the resort she works at shuts down. Desperate, she agrees to be a caregiver to hardass jock Jake Russell, who also happens to be a memorable one-night stand. Before long, caring leads to daring new ways to catch up in bed, especially with Jake still in a cast. But with football on the sidelines, this time the game is serious. . .

Amazon | Barnes | Kobo | ARe

Pass Interference

Game On Book 3

No Rules. No Limits.

Party girl Tyler Gillette has just one rule: no football players. As the daughter of the owner of the San Antonio Hawks, she grew up in the shadow of the sport and her father’s enormous wealth. She was even named Tyler because he wanted a boy. Life couldn’t have drawn up a better play for turning her into a wild child—until that same life is threatened by someone from the past . . .

Former Hawks running back Rafe Ortiz has a few rules of his own. First, no weaknesses. Second, no babysitting spoiled football princesses. But his new career as a bodyguard means he’s responsible for protecting the beautiful Tyler Gillette from her mysterious stalker. But keeping his hands off her might be harder than keeping her safe . . .

Pre-Order  Amazon | Barnes

*****

Author Info:

Known the world over as the oldest living author of erotic romance, and referred to by USA Today as the Nora Roberts of erotic romance, Desiree Holt is three times a finalist for an EPIC E-Book Award (and a winner in 2014), a nominee for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, winner of the first 5 Heart Sweetheart of the Year Award at The Romance Studio as well as twice a CAPA Award winner for best BDSM book of the year, and winner of the Holt Medallion for Excellence in Romance Literature. She has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning and in The Village Voice, The Daily Beast, USA Today, The (London) Daily Mail, The New Delhi Times and numerous other national and international publications.

“Desiree Holt is the most amazing erotica author of our time and each story is more fulfilling then the last.” (Romance Junkies)

Learn more about her and read her novels here:

www.desireeholt.com

www.desiremeonly.com

www.facebook.com/desireeholtauthor

Twitter @desireeholt

Pinterest: desiree02holt

Also on LinkedIn and Google+

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win some fantastic Game On merchandise!

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/01111d66166/

*****

1/9-Ebooks Galore -29 Days Out

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Book Review – Heartsong

Tags

Book Review, Heartsong, Sara Walter Ellwood, Singing to the Heart series

Heartsong

Singing to the Heart Book 2

by Sara Walter Ellwood

Gabriel McKenna is living the dream. A rising country music star he’s no stranger to fame, money, or beautiful women. Despite his bad boy image, he’s also got a heart of gold, and when his ten-year-old brother is orphaned, he wants to take him under his wing. But the judge on the case is less than impressed by Gabe’s reputation and awards custody to the grandfather Gabe knows firsthand is abusive.

Michaela Finn is no stranger to heartache. Years ago she was engaged to Gabe McKenna, but two days before their wedding he ran off to Nashville with a female talent scout. Now Gabe is back in her life with an insane plan. Marry him, so he can get custody of his younger brother. Michaela can’t bear to think of any child being hurt, but she’s just not sure her heart can carry a happy tune when Gabe is playing lead…

Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot.  The second chance romance portion is interesting and the characters are very appealing.  It’s a sweet story – how they end up back in the same sphere, working together and having to face their feelings.

However, I think they needed to talk about things a little more.  There were a couple of moments where they were “I know you did something because of this reason” and I could only think “really? How do you know that?”  There was no learning moment, no working thru it, just a statement.  I think that if there had been more communication between them it would have worked, instead it seemed like they just forgave the past while not addressing it.  And I think they need to have that understanding of each other and what happened in order to have an on-going HEA.  Otherwise, what about the next time they hit a bump?

The ending also kinda falls in that same line.  Most people are going to see part of it a mile away (and I’m not sure why the heroes would be even a little surprised about it), but there is a part that seemed to me to come out of nowhere.  I liked to have a bit of a twist, but I kinda would have liked a little more of a suggestion of it earlier in the story as well.  There is a tiny bit of a hint but not enough to actually work for me.  It seems a bit TOO much of a surprise.

But even though it may seem like these are big issues, they really aren’t – they didn’t impact my overall enjoyment of the story.  I still got totally involved in Micki and Gabe’s story as they found their way back to each other again.  While I wanted there to be more discussion between them, I still found myself rooting for them all the way to that happy ending moment.

(Oh, and even though this is part of a series it can easily stand on its own.)

 

Get your copy at Amazon

Book Review – My Kind of Wonderful

Tags

Book Review, Cedar Ridge series, Jill Shalvis, My Kind of Wonderful

My Kind of Wonderful

A Cedar Ridge Novel

by Jill Shalvis

UNEXPECTED AND UNDENIABLE . . .

Bailey Moore has an agenda: skiing in the Rockies, exploring castles in Europe, ballroom dancing in Argentina. Now that she has a second lease on life, she’s determined not to miss a thing. What she doesn’t realize is that item #1 comes with a six-foot-one ski god hot enough to melt a polar ice cap. She doesn’t want to miss out on him either, but Hudson Kincaid isn’t the type of guy to love and let go. And as gorgeous as Cedar Ridge is, she’s not planning to stick around.

As head of ski patrol at his family’s resort, Hud thinks he’s seen it all. But never has he run into someone like Bailey. She might look delicate, but her attitude is all firecracker. And her infectious joy touches something deep within him that he’s been missing far too long. Now he’ll just have to convince Bailey to take a chance on her biggest adventure yet . . . something rare and all kinds of wonderful.

I really got caught up in the Kincaids when I read Second Chance Summer and I remember not caring which of the siblings was next because I knew I was going to read their story whoever it was.  But I do have to say that I am SO tickled that it is Hud.  He is such a rascal that having him meet his match is extra fun.

And this story is fantastic!  It is one of those slow burns as we get to know both of them while at the same time they are getting know each other.  As to be expected, they have hang-ups (understandable & realistic ones) that they have to work their way through.

Hud is a great hero – smart, caring, and has taken on so much responsibility.  Unfortunately that also he’s not very good at letting things go and he carries around a lot with him.  His dedication to his mother is absolutely amazing but the guilt over the way his brother left is dragging him down.  And while he doesn’t have time for much more in his life, between his jobs and family, Bailey definitely gets his attention!

I think she is one of my favorite heroines ever and  I so wish I could be more like her (of course without going thru what she did to get there).  She’s got an amazing love of life, tempered with an interesting, straight-forward wisdom.  I think that the HEA moment for her and Hud will go on my list as one of the best I’ve read for a very long time.

On a little of a down side I didn’t feel like the siblings were involved as much as in the previous story.  I think because Bailey has got such a compelling story that maybe there isn’t much room.  Or maybe it was so much like coming home again, after getting to know them so much before, that it was one of those moments where you slipped right in like you never left.  They are just as rowdy & in each other’s business, which I loved so much about them.

If you’ve never read a Shalvis book, this is a FANTASTIC series to start with.  All of the quirky Kincaids and their SOs are delightful – full of mischief and love for one another.  They play hard, work hard, love hard and live hard.  They don’t have things easy but they have each other and I can’t wait to see what Shalvis dreams up for them.

(The next book is about Hud’s twin, Jacob, and since he’s been MIA for years, I’m very interested to find out exactly who he is and what his deal is going to be.)

 

Get your copy at Amazon

Book Review – The Fractured Heart

Tags

Book Review, Scarlett Cole, Second Circle Tattoos series, The Fractured Heart

The Fractured Heart

A Second Circle Tattoos Novel

by Scarlett Cole

All things, when placed under pressure, eventually break or leave a mark.

Tattoo artist Brody “Cujo” Matthews knows how to keep things simple. In life and in love. Abandoned as a child by a mother who refused to stick around to raise three boys she didn’t want, he’s intent on staying clear of complicated women. The only things complicated in Cujo’s life are the killer tattoos he designs and inks. That all changes when he’s asked to help organize his best friend Trent’s engagement party, which means working with Trent’s fiancée’s best friend, Drea, the definition of high maintenance and sizzling curves. And the one woman he doesn’t want to walk away from.

Andrea “Drea” Caron is broke and tired. After years of caring for her ailing mom, she’s at the end of her rope trying to manage the piling medical bills, two jobs, and a life placed on hold. She certainly doesn’t need the added frustration of a sexy playboy tattoo artist messing up her best friend’s engagement party or her carefully balanced life. But when Drea witnesses the abduction of a woman from the café she works at, she can’t help but turn to Cujo who’s determined to prove to Drea that he’s someone she can count on forever…but as they attempt to bring the truth to light, someone is working to bring that forever to a sudden, deadly halt.

I really shouldn’t be surprised at how much I loved this one – The Strongest Steel was one of my favorite books from last year (and I wasn’t the only one because it was a Best Debut Goodreads Author 2015 Finalist).  And once again she knocks it out of the park.

Poor Drea has not had a great decade.  She’s had to take on a lot all by herself, starting when she’s just a teenager, while dealing with a mother who has spent years treating her horribly.  It’s caused her to be prickly and defensive and isolated, but she’s also very strong to be able to do it all.  Unfortunately she needs to learn that sometimes you need someone to lean on.  Once Cujo sees beyond her armor, he wants to be that person … and it scares him.  His own history has made him swear off relationships, but Drea has him reconsidering.

The relationship that develops between them is wondrous– the ups and downs are just about perfect.  Cole makes it very realistic and I totally get them every step of the way.  Both of them come into it with baggage, some much more obvious than others, but they manage to figure things out and it is so great to see.

I will say that the suspense portion wasn’t as fantastic as it was in the first book, however the real focus is on Cujo and Drea (much as it should be).  Because of how Drea has had to stand on her own for so long, she’s hesitant to let the mystery go.  I would have liked her to be a little more cautious with the danger involved, but I kinda can see why she wouldn’t be.

Just like with the first book, the highs and lows between Drea and Cujo make this book an absolutely fabulous ride.  I definitely can’t wait to see what Cole has for us in book 3.

 

Buy it on Amazon

Spotlight – The Rogue Not Taken

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Sarah MacLean, Scandal & Scoundrel series, The Rogue Not Taken

Oh, this one looks absolutely delish … and it already has 4+ stars!

*****

The Rogue Not Taken

Scandal & Scoundrel #1

by Sarah MacLean

Releasing December 29, 2015

Avon

Blurb:

Lady Sophie’s Society Splash

When Sophie, the least interesting of the Talbot sisters, lands her philandering brother-in-law backside-first in a goldfish pond in front of all society, she becomes the target of very public aristocratic scorn. Her only choice is to flee London, vowing to start a new life far from the aristocracy. Unfortunately, the carriage in which she stows away isn’t saving her from ruin . . . it’s filled with it.

Rogue’s Reign of Ravishment!

Kingscote, “King,” the Marquess of Eversley, has never met a woman he couldn’t charm, resulting in a reputation far worse than the truth, a general sense that he’s more pretty face than proper gentleman, and an irate summons home to the Scottish border. When King discovers stowaway Sophie, however, the journey becomes anything but boring.

War? Or More?

He thinks she’s trying to trick him into marriage. She wouldn’t have him if he were the last man on earth. But carriages bring close quarters, dark secrets, and unbearable temptation, making opposites altogether too attractive . . .

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23617709-the-rogue-not-taken

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/141485-scandal-scoundrel

Buy Links:  Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

Intro from Sarah MacLean

Being shot on the Great North Road isn’t exactly a thing people expect to happen, and Lady Sophie Talbot finds herself in the rooms above The Warbling Wren pub, under the welcome care of a rather mad doctor and the watchful eye of the rather infuriating (and infuriatingly handsome) Kingscote, Marquess of Eversley. There are worse things, she supposes. Or are there? Not for King.)

—

“If you want a bath, you’ll have to accept my help,” he said.

She pursed her lips at that, her gaze settling longingly on the steaming bath. “You mustn’t look.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” It might have been the most obvious lie he’d ever told.

Somehow, she believed it, nodding and throwing back the coverlet to step out of the bed. She came to her feet, the top of her head at his chin, and he resisted the urge to help her across the room. “How do you feel?” he asked, hearing the gravel in his words. He cleared his throat.

“As though I’ve been shot, I’d imagine.”

He raised a brow. “Clever. There’s food when you’ve bathed.” The words summoned a low growl from her, and her hands flew to her stomach. Her cheeks turned red, and he smiled. “I take it you are hungry.”

“It seems so,” she said.

“Food after the bath. And then sleep.”

She met his gaze. “You’re very domineering.”

“It’s a particular talent.”

“What with you being called King.”

“Name is destiny.”

She moved past him to the high copper bathtub. He resumed his place against the wall, arms crossed, watching her carefully as she reached down, her long fingers trailing in the hot water as she sighed her anticipation. The sound was like gunfire in the room—pure, unadulterated pleasure. It was delicious.

King stiffened. He was not interested in the lady’s pleasure.

If only someone would tell his body that.

*****

Author Info:

Sarah MacLean grew up in Rhode Island, obsessed with historical romance and bemoaning the fact that she was born far too late for her own season. Her love of all things historical helped to earn her degrees from Smith College and Harvard University before she finally set pen to paper and wrote her first book.

Sarah now lives in New York City with her husband, baby daughter, their dog, and a ridiculously large collection of romance novels. She loves to hear from readers. Please visit her at http://www.macleanspace.com

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

a Set of the Print editions of all books in the Rule of Scoundrels series (A ROGUE BY ANY OTHER NAME, ONE GOOD EARL DESERVES A LOVER, NO GOOD DUKE GOES UNPUNISHED, and NEVER JUDGE A LADY BY HER COVER

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c8876/

*****

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Book Review – Lucky For You

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Book Review, Jayne Denker, Lucky For You, Marsden series

We’ve seen Jayne Denker’s books before with Picture This and By Design.  I’m super excited not only to have the newest Marsden book for you, but to also have Jayne agree stop by and answer a few questions.

AAAAANNNNDD, to sweeten the deal – major retailers (including Amazon) have it for only $0.99 right now!  I so can’t wait for you to meet Jordan – I’m sure you are going to love her as much as we do.

*****

What do you like best about writing romances?

All the happy, for sure! There’s so much unhappiness everywhere, and so much entertainment with “dark” themes, that when I decided to write my first book several years ago, I knew it had to be a romance, specifically a romantic comedy, because I didn’t want to put more darkness out into the world. One of the best things you can do in life is make people laugh and lift their hearts, even for a little while. I hope all five books I have published so far have done that.

What is your favorite romantic story (movie/book, fact/fiction)?

Aaaahhh don’t make me choose! There are so many. I could go for one of the oldest love stories, Diarmuid and Grainne (precursor to Tristan and Isolde, precursor to Lancelot and Guenevere), all the way up to whatever TV show I’m watching right now (again, too many to list) or whatever new novel I’m reading, and I’d be telling the truth. They all matter. They’re all my favorites because they make with the warm fuzzies. At this very moment I’m watching my son watch Parks and Recreation, so Leslie and Ben once again have pulled to the forefront, breaking my “awww” meter. It’ll change in about five minutes, though, when the episode ends, my kid wanders off to do other things, and I go back to editing my latest work in progress. Then that’s my favorite love story.

If you could be any romantic character, who would it be and why? 

The best part about writing and reading romances is I get to be all of them, at least for a little while, while I’m immersed in the story. If I had to choose an all-time favorite, I’d have to go with Lizzie Bennett, because she has the best spirit, is the cleverest person in the room, and is so confident (which I’m so not). Plus, when she makes a mistake, she owns up to it (eventually)—a rare and admirable trait.

Which of your characters/books was the most fun to write?

I love writing each book the most as I’m writing it, for completely different reasons, but I have a special place in my heart for Jordan Leigh, the main character in Lucky for You. Even though she’s prickly all the time and even downright annoying once in a while, she has a huge heart. She gets frustrated when she can’t express herself properly within the confines of a typical social structure. I have massive amounts of sympathy for her. She matures, learns, and grows over the course of the story, becoming kinder and more considerate of others, truly earning her happily-ever-after, which makes it all the more special.

If you weren’t a writer and could be anything you want, what would it be?

Oh, a rock star or Broadway diva, of course! Maybe both. Why not?

*****

Lucky For You

A Marsden Novel

by Jayne Denker

Blurb:

It’s where everyone remembers your name—and your mistakes. But the quaint Catskills town of Marsden has a way of inspiring the unlikeliest reunions, flipping the script on the best laid plans, and opening even the most stubborn hearts…

Jordan Leigh’s always had a reputation for being bad news. So she figured it was only a matter of time before she got into serious trouble. But serving house arrest in her hometown of Marsden is truly cruel and unusual punishment. Plus she’s under police officer Will Nash’s up-close-and-all-too-personal supervision…which could make things worse—or more fun.

To make amends, Jordan throws herself into making nice with her neighbors, taking in stray animals, and helping teenage girls get back on track. But what she really wants is to get on the right track with Will. To do that, she’ll have to show him she’s grown up. And if that means making him break his own rules and face down his own fears, she’s up for the challenge …

*****

Review:

I loved how spunky Jordan is.  She’s hiding a world of hurt behind humorous sarcasm.  She’s not mean-spirited but she is quite snarky and unless you look further you might mistake it for just being awful.  She’s also a little socially awkward which makes it even worse 🙂  Will is one of those people who has a huge heart.  He’s patient and understanding, which Jordan needs in spades, and he’s the only real support she has in town.  They are so fun together … once they stop letting their pride get in the way.

My only complaint with the story is how Jordan handles the end.  She’d done so much growing through the book that I would have thought she would have done so much better.  I mean I understand that she might have fallen into old habits but she let it go too long, I think.  And when she comes back she doesn’t do much better, but Will is such an amazing and understanding guy that together they figure it out.

As with Picture This, it is the characters that make this such a hit.  While we do get a good cast of supporting characters (and I’m SUPER interested in what Denker has in store for Will’s brothers), it is Jordan and Will that drive this story.  The growth and development is so satisfying (with a few hiccups) and I was so excited when they finally got their happy ending.

I’ve loved both of the Marsden books that I’ve read so far and I’m definitely looking forward to see what comes next.

*****

Author Info:

Jayne Denker divides her time between working hard to bring the funny in her romantic comedies and raising a young son who’s way too clever for his own good. She lives in a small village in western New York that is in no way, shape, or form related to the small village in her Marsden novels Down on Love, Picture This, and Lucky for You. When she’s not hard at work on another novel, the social media addict can usually be found frittering away startling amounts of time on Facebook (Jayne Denker Author) and Twitter (@JDenkerAuthor).

*****

Don’t forget to get your copy for just 99 cents!

Spotlight – One-Eyed Dukes are Wild

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Dukes Behaving Badly series, Megan Frampton, One-Eyed Dukes Are Wild

I think I’ve found a new series to check out!  We saw her novella, No Groom at the Inn, which looked absolutely fantastic.  And now we have One-Eyed Dukes are Wild and based on the excerpt & blurb this is definitely going on my TBR list.

*****

One-Eyed Dukes are Wild

Dukes Behaving Badly #3

by Megan Frampton

Releasing December 29, 2015

Avon

Blurb:

Another fun and sexy romance in Megan’s Dukes Behaving Badly series!

When does proper behavior deserve a deliciously improper reward?

The scandalously unmarried Lady Margaret Sawford is looking for adventure-and is always up for a challenge. Her curiosity is aroused by a dangerous-looking stranger with an eye patch, an ideal companion for the life she longs for, no matter what Society might say. So when the piratical gentleman turns out to be a duke-and just as boringly proper as any other nobleman-she can’t help but incite him to walk on the wild side.

Well-heeled, well-mannered, and well beyond any interest in society’s expectations, the Duke of Lasham is tired of being perfect. Margaret’s lush beauty and gently laughing eyes are an irresistible temptation to embrace the imperfect-and her. But if a little misbehavior is appealing, unleashing his wild side is completely seductive-as long as the lovely Margaret is the object of his passion…

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25783584-one-eyed-dukes-are-wild

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/127805-dukes-behaving-badly

Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

1844

A London ballroom

Too many people, too much noise

Lasham took too big a swallow of his wine, knowing his headache would only be exacerbated by the alcohol, but unwilling to forgo the possibility that perhaps, for just a few minutes, his perception would be muffled, blurred a little around the edges.

So that he wouldn’t be in a state of constant keen awareness that he was the Duke of Lasham, that he was likely the most important person wherever he happened to be—according to everyone but him—and that he was under almost continuous surveillance.

The ballroom was filled with the best people of Society, all of whom seemed to be far more at ease than he had ever been. Could ever be, in fact. He stood to the side of the dance floor, the whirling fabric of the ladies’ gowns like a child’s top.

Not that he’d been allowed anything as playful or fun as a top when he was growing up. But he could identify the toy, at least.

“Enjoying yourself, Your Grace?” His hostess, along with two of her daughters, had crept up along his blind side, making him start and slosh his wine onto his gloved hand. Occurrences like this weren’t the worst part of having lost an eye—that obviously would be the fact that he only had one eye left—but it was definitely annoying.

“Yes,” he said, bowing in their general direction, “thank you, I am.”

The three ladies gawked at him as though waiting for him to continue to speak, to display more of his wondrous dukeliness for their delight. As though he were more of an object than a person.

But he couldn’t just perform on command, and his hand was damp, and now he would have to go air out his glove before bestowing another dance on some lady he would be obliged to dance with, being the duke, and all. Because if his glove was damp, it might be perceived as, God forbid, sweaty, and sweaty-handed dukes might mean that the duke had gotten said sweat because he was enthralled with the person with whom he was dancing, which would lead to expectations, which would lead to expect a question, and Lasham knew he did not want to ever have to ask that question of anybody.

It was bad enough being the object of scrutiny when he was out in public. At home, at least, he was by himself, blissfully so, and taking a duchess would require that he be at home by himself with somebody else, and that somebody would doubtless have ducal expectations of him as well.

“Excuse me,” he said to the silent, gawking ladies. He sketched a quick bow and strode off, trying to look as though he had a destination rather than merely wishing to depart.

*****

Author Info:

Megan Frampton writes historical romance under her own name and romantic women’s fiction as Megan Caldwell. She likes the color black, gin, dark-haired British men, and huge earrings, not in that order. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her husband and son.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

Three (3) Print sets of the Dukes Behaving Badly Series [THE DUKE’S GUIDE TO CORRECT BEHAVIOR, WHEN GOOD EARLS GO BAD (Novella), PUT UP YOUR DUKE and NO GROOM AT THE INN (Novella)]

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c8874/

*****

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