Book Review – Flowers in Winter

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Book Review, Flowers in Winter, Hart of Rock and Roll series, Mary J. Williams

This is the first in this series that I’ve read but it won’t be the last.  Flowers in Winter is the perfect way to finish out 2017 on a happy note!

*****

Flowers in Winter

Hart of Rock and Roll Book 5

by Mary J. Williams

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

A HART OF ROCK AND ROLL HOLIDAY ROMANCE

Tula Carson knows what her future holds. A good life. A secure life. Safe. Steady. Boring.

She has no one to blame but herself. She chose the path she’s on. But, she wants something more. Something different. Now. Before it’s too late.

Fleet Sherman is a Rock God. And he isn’t afraid to enjoy the perks. Money. Fame. Beautiful women. As far as he’s concerned, his life is perfect. Until he meets smart, funny, talented, frustrating Tula Carson. The one woman he can’t resist. The only woman he can’t have.

On the surface, Tula and Fleet seem worlds apart. She grew up loved. He just wants to forget his childhood. She’s led a sheltered life. He’s experienced everything life had to offer. Yet, from their first meeting, they clicked.

Tula has a chance to fulfill her dreams. But the first step is always the hardest. Will she jump, or play it safe?

Fleet doesn’t believe he deserves a woman as good and sweet as Tula. For her sake, he has to let her go.

A love of music brought them together. Will their pasts tear them apart? Do they need a Christmas miracle? Or will they realize love is the greatest gift of all.

Grab this standalone book today.

Goodreads * Amazon

*****

Excerpt:

Tula’s heartbeat stuttered. Before she raced ahead, she had to make certain they were headed down the same road.

“You said you wanted me too much. What does too much mean?”

“I don’t want to hurt you. I sure as hell know I’m not good enough for you. I don’t take what isn’t freely offered. But make no mistake, I’m no saint. If you want me? Say. The. Words.”

The Irish in Fleet’s voice whispered across Tula’s skin like a warm summer’s breeze. He left the rest up to her. If she wanted the heated promise in his eyes, she had to be the one to jump.

Tula had come so far. She’d be a fool to turn back now. She didn’t hesitate. She said the words.

“I want you, Fleet Sherman.” Confident and a bit cocky, Tula tipped her head to one side. “Now, what are you going to do about it?”

*****

Review:

Tula is girl-next-door perfect but she’s reached a point where her life just isn’t making her happy.  So she enters the contest but never expects to win.  And when she does she freaks out!  It means coming clean to her family about how she no longer wants the future she’s been working towards and that just isn’t something she’s brave enough to do.

Luckily, Fleet isn’t the type to take no for an answer.  He comes busting in to Tula’s life with all of his charm and take-no-prisoners attitude.  Too bad for him she’s willing to give as good as she gets.  But they quickly realize that they have a connection and even though Fleet doesn’t think he’s relationship material … Tula may have him thinking otherwise 🙂

Williams delivers an absolutely awesome holiday romance!  Honestly, I just wish it was longer because these two together are a blast.  I’ll definitely be looking to see what this author delivers next.

*****

Author Info:

I love books, I always have and always will. Writing is an extension of that and though it has taken me a while to get here, I now can officially call myself a published author.

I grew up on a ranch in Eastern Washington, so I wanted to set my books on the Columbia River in Washington state. Harper Falls is completely fictitious, but I think anyone from the area will know right where it would be if it did exist.

My hobbies are gardening, reading, baking(fattening desserts are my favorite), exercise(I don’t love it, but it is necessary due to the desserts), and animals. I had a dog but when he died I couldn’t bring myself to replace him. That is why I wrote Edgar, the dog into “If I Loved You”, I consider him my surrogate puppy until I can get a real one.

I love to get feedback on my books so I hope everyone will feel free to leave a question or visit my website(it is a work in progress, but I’m getting there).

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

5 ebook copies of the first book in the series, Flowers on the Wall.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/23d974a9507/

*****

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Book Review – Then Came You

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Book Review, Compass Cove series, Jeannie Moon, Then Came You

Then Came You

Compass Cove series

by Jeannie Moon

Mia DeAngelis knew it was time to make a change. Wanting to provide a better life for herself and her ten-year-old nephew, Ben, she took a chance and moved to the small town of Compass Cove. Now, the college librarian is adapting to a new job, a new town, and living with her feisty seventy-eight-year-old grandmother. Mia is determined to make it all work, hoping the coastal hamlet gives both her and Ben the sense of community, family and belonging they both want so much.

Adam Miller, a retired NFL quarterback, has come back to Compass Cove to start over after an injury puts an end to his high-octane life. Settling into the small town routine proves to be a challenge, but his job coaching at Jennings College gives him a sense of purpose, while keeping him connected to the game he loves.

There couldn’t be two people more different, yet the minute they meet, friends and family have no doubt they belong together. Now if Mia and Adam can only get out or their own way and embrace a little home town magic, they can find the happy ever after they both crave…

Moon always does a fantastic job with her characters and the dynamics between them.  With Then Came You it isn’t just the love story between Mia and Adam that caught my attention but the connection to their friends and family.

Mia and Ben are so sweet together and you can just feel the love she has for him as a son.  She’s also got a wonderful grandmother who offers the support she needs to start building a great life in Compass Cover.  What she doesn’t have is a great mother.  And that negative relationship has done so much to color the way she sees herself that it causes a lot of the strain between her and Adam.

Not that Adam doesn’t screw up.  He’s never had to really work at his relationships before Mia and he stumbles pretty much right out of the starting block.  While he also has a wonderful, supportive family he has spent quite a few years being toadied to as a star athlete.  The kind of people he “dated” didn’t require a lot of care and it shows.  But luckily he’s got a mother and a grandmother who isn’t going to let him get away with it.  He eventually gets his head on straight and is able to win Mia back (although she doesn’t make it easy for him).

Then Came You delivers on the feels and growth and humor and charm!  Moon is a must read in contemporary romances for me.

Guest Post – Julie Moffett

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Julie Moffett, Lexi Carmichael Mystery, No Regrets, Winter Holidays Traditions (+ reads!) from Harlequin

Today I’m thrilled to welcome Julie Moffett as she shares her latest book AND a few suggestions on how to … Make 2018 the Year of You!

~

Who needs New Year resolutions? Psychologists say nearly 85% of all people who make resolutions on New Years Eve break them in less than thirty days. Yikes! Do you want to avoid making, then breaking, your New Year’s Resolution? If yes, I’ll show you how to make 2018 the Year of You! Here is a handy, dandy list of suggestions.

• Plan a Vacation. Start the new year by setting aside a small amount of money every month. If you do it electronically through your bank, it can be set up to come out of your account every month on a certain day(s). Or you can have a vacation jar that you drop loose bills or change into at will. You can save for a small trip or a large one, it doesn’t matter. Research has shown that just thinking about a vacation and daydreaming about the activities is an automatic mood booster. In the spirit of full disclosure, I went to London and Paris this year, and next summer, I’m going to Italy!
• Spend Time Alone Every Day. This is a hard one for a lot of us who have children, and especially for single parents. I admit to hiding in the bathroom just to have a minute to myself. Daily alone time is vital to refresh our mental state. Often our days dissolve into a frazzled disarray of deadlines, responsibilities and stress. We need a bit of breathing room to get ourselves back to where we need to be.
• Show Kindness. Scientific research has proven that giving makes us feel better. Buying a coffee for the person behind you in line, taking time to notice the new haircut on your co-worker, volunteering at a food bank, or asking someone how they are and sticking around to hear the answer. Easy peasy. Remember to give without expecting something in return. Sometimes a simple kindness can save someone’s life and enrich yours in the process.
• Make a Bucket List. This is a fun one. Sit down and write a bucket list of all the things you’ve always wanted to do, but never had the chance. Let your imagination go wild. Keep in mind, this isn’t a one-time list. You can add or delete things from this list. When you complete one item, cross it off. That will give you a sense of excitement and accomplishment.
• Say “No.” So many times we say “yes” to activities or things we do not want to do. Stop it! It’s okay to say no when you don’t have the time or energy to do it. Just be polite and firm.
• Love Yourself. We all have flaws. Let’s get real. No one is perfect. You will make mistakes and bad choices in life. We all Understand that we do the best we can at the time. Mistakes don’t define you. Learn from your mistakes and move on. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Think of yourself as your best friend and treat yourself accordingly. You’d forgive your best friend for any transgressions — so do so for yourself.

So, now you are ready to focus on you! Go ahead! Do it! Make 2018 the Year of You! You’re worth it.

*****

No Regrets

A Lexi Carmichael Mystery

by Julie Moffett

Print Length: 243 pages

Publisher: Carina Press (January 1, 2018)

Blurb:

Geek girl Lexi Carmichael has tackled her share of formidable tasks, but nothing quite as daunting as serving as maid of honor at her best friend’s wedding

When I agreed to stand by my best friend, Basia, on her big day, I had no idea what I was in for. Bouquets and unflattering evening wear I can handle. But between disgruntled dates, a beach venue and suspicious packages, what else can go wrong? Oh, right—my parents don’t know I’ve moved in with Slash. Oops?

Thankfully, I’ve got everything semi under control, at least as far as Basia and Xavier know. They can leave for their honeymoon happy, knowing Elvis, Slash and I will keep things safe at home.

Meanwhile, Elvis and Xavier’s boss at ComQuest has asked X-Corp—well, me—to take a quick trip to retrieve a sensitive company package from the British Virgin Islands. No hacking involved. Just show up, accept the package and bring it home safely. A cushy assignment, and a safe one. Right?

Wrong. Things start to unravel the minute I set foot on the boat to the island. Before I know it, I’m up to my neck in thugs, sand and trouble. I’m going to have to work fast to stop the bad guys before the sun sets for good on this unexpected beach vacation…

And don’t miss the rest of Julie Moffett’s Lexi Carmichael Mysteries: No One Lives Twice, No One To Trust, No Money Down, No Place Like Rome, No Biz Like Showbiz, No Test for the Wicked, No Woman Left Behind, No Room for Error, No Strings Attached and No Living Soul, available now from Carina Press!

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

*****

Giveaway:

$50 Amazon giftcard giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/82ae250c83/

*****

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Book Review – So Over You

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Book Review, Chicago Rebels series, Kate Meader, So Over You

So Over You

Chicago Rebels #2

by Kate Meader

Three estranged sisters struggle to sustain their late father’s failing hockey franchise in Kate Meader’s sizzling Chicago Rebels series. In this second entry, middle sister Isobel is at a crossroads in her personal and professional lives. But both are about to get a significant boost with the addition of a domineering Russian powerhouse to the Rebels…

Isobel Chase knows hockey. She played NCAA, won silver at the Games, and made it thirty-seven minutes into the new National Women’s Hockey League before an injury sidelined her dreams. Those who can’t, coach, and a position as a skating consultant to her late father’s hockey franchise, the Chicago Rebels, seems like a perfect fit. Until she’s assigned her first job: the man who skated into her heart as a teen and relieved her of her pesky virginity. These days, left-winger Vadim Petrov is known as the Czar of Pleasure, a magnet for puck bunnies and the tabloids alike. But back then… let’s just say his inability to sink the puck left Isobel frustratingly scoreless.

Vadim has a first name that means “ruler,” and it doesn’t stop at his birth certificate. He dominates on the ice, the practice rink, and in the backseat of a limo. But a knee injury has produced a bad year, and bad years in the NHL don’t go unrewarded. His penance? To be traded to a troubled team where his personal coach is Isobel Chase, the woman who drove him wild years ago when they were hormonal teens. But apparently the feeling was not entirely mutual.

That Vadim might have failed to give Isobel the pleasure that was her right is intolerable, and he plans to make it up to her—one bone-melting orgasm at a time. After all, no player can perfect his game without a helluva lot of practice…

Meader delivers another wonderful romance and I couldn’t be happier.  There’s so much drama and bad feelings and it just leads to a great second chance – and not just for Vadim and Isobel!  I loved the Vadim has some issues he needs to address with his mother too and Meader makes sure that he does all of it with Russian-ness on full display.  And I just ADORED every Russian piece of him – so haughty and formal and sexy and confident.  It’s no wonder that Isobel finds him hard to resist even with the history between them.  He’s also difficult and closed off and commanding … also sexy but frustrating 🙂

Like with the first book in the series, there can only be trouble if anything happens between the two but the Chase sisters aren’t afraid to dance that line.  It makes things more complicated that she’s an owner and wants to be a coach while he’s her player but that isn’t their biggest issue.  They’ve got to put their pasts (both individually and as a couple) to rest before they can even think about looking at what the future could bring.   While there’s drama, Meader makes sure that things never get over-dramatic which I appreciate.  Instead she delivers a sexy, emotional, and humorous love story that had me captivated until the end.

(This is the second in a series and it can stand on its own but I think that it will be much more enjoyable if you have read Irresistible You.)

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

I just want to take a moment to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and wish you a wonderful New Year!

Book Review – Shiver

Tags

Book Review, Christi Snow, Shiver, Texas Paranormals series

Shiver

Texas Paranormals #2

by Christi Snow

A year ago Corey Abbott’s life entered the realm of the bizarre when he discovered the things that go bump in the night are real. But working for the local vampire council didn’t prepare him for were-deer shifters.

Nine months ago Dare Buckley’s herd abandoned him. Now, he’s slowly going mad from Lyme disease…something that doesn’t hurt normal deer, but for were-deer is fatal.

On one snowy, sleet-filled night, the two collided…literally.

This Christmas two men find love in the most unexpected place…a lonely, desolate highway.

It’s definitely not your typical meet-cute, but it’s a twist of fate that would even make Santa happy.

I personally think that you have to throw all thoughts on how things are supposed to be out the window when you read a paranormal story.  All of these worlds have their own rules and you just have to let them unfold for you as you go along.  And Snow’s Texas Paranormals is no different.  But that doesn’t mean that just because her world is not like ours that it isn’t interesting and fun.

Shiver is a novella so the time frame is compacted but because it involves weres there can be a good reason for the speed in which Corey and Dare get involved.  And while it is short it never felt rushed – instead Snow gives us an interesting world, appealing characters, and a satisfying story.  I really appreciated that because of its shorter length there was very little time for drama.  Instead we get an introduction to our two characters, details of their pasts, and a whole lot of the sexy before we get an enjoyable resolution to Dare’s medical issue (complete with a HEA).

(This is the first in the series that I’ve read but I don’t think it mattered.  It seemed to me that Snow does a great job of filling you in on what happened as it applied to Corey.)

Spotlight – Renegade Cowboy

Tags

Renegade Cowboy, Rocky Mountain Riders series, Sara Richardson

We’ve seen the Cortez boys before and now it’s time to get to know Levi!

*****

Renegade Cowboy

Rocky Mountain Riders series

by Sara Richardson

Blurb: 

Cassidy Greer knows that cowboys are nothing but trouble. But when her childhood crush comes riding into town, she starts to have second thoughts. Levi’s a world-class bull rider now, and more handsome than ever. It’s a good thing she’s headed out of town soon or she just might be tempted….

As a famous rodeo star, Levi Cortez could have his pick of any woman on the circuit. But when he reconnects with Cassidy, sweet memories come rushing back. Levi knows Cass doesn’t want to get roped into a relationship. Not with a cowboy. The only question is, can he convince her he’s more than just a renegade cowboy before the summer’s over?

Amazon: https://goo.gl/Bm8h4j

Barnes & Noble: https://goo.gl/i4ru8x

Kobo: https://goo.gl/gwdvbn

iBooks:https://goo.gl/Lhxkiv

~

Purchase HOMETOWN COWBOY (Rocky Mountain Riders, #1) 

Amazon: http://bit.ly/HometownCowboyAMZ

B&N:  http://bit.ly/HometownCowboyBN

Kobo:  http://bit.ly/HometownCowboyKOBO

iBooks:  http://bit.ly/HometownCowboyIBOOKS

GooglePlay:  http://bit.ly/HometownCowboyGOOGLEPLAY

BAM:  http://bit.ly/HometownCowboyBAM

 

Purchase COMEBACK COWBOY (Rocky Mountain Riders, #2) 

Amazon: http://bit.ly/ComebackCowboyAMZ

B&N: http://bit.ly/ComebackCowboyBN

iBooks: http://bit.ly/ComebackCowboyIBOOKS

Kobo: http://bit.ly/ComebackCowboyKOBO 

GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/ComebackCowboyGP

*****

Excerpt:

Gazing into her eyes, Levi stepped back and pulled his T-shirt up and over his head and then dropped it on the ground.

She did her best not to react, but her eyes widened and her lips parted. He was exquisite. Lean muscle, chiseled detail, broad chest and pecs. The sight was even better than the pictures that were plastered everywhere online. “I thought they’d airbrushed you.”

His head tilted. “Say what?”

“Those pictures they’re always posting on the Internet. Of you without…um…your…um…shirt,” she stammered, suddenly embarrassed to admit she’d been gawking at him for the past six years. Though with that body of his, it was kind of hard not to.

“You thought they Photoshopped me?” he repeated in mock disbelief.

“Well, yeah.” She thought they did that to everyone. She eyed his chest again. Apparently they didn’t have to with Levi Cortez.

He inched closer, the look on his face almost predatory. “You looked at pictures of me online?”

“Darla forced me to.” Staring at hot men online was one of her friend’s favorite pastimes. Of course, she’d looked him up on her own a few times too. Only to see his stats on the circuit, of course. Not that he should be privy to that information.

“Did you like what you saw?” he asked in a husky voice.

One of her shoulders lifted in a pathetically weak shrug. “Kind of.”

He inched closer. “Do you like what you see now?”

Her gaze trailed down his body. Before she knew what she was doing, her hand brushed his chest and worked its way down his abs. “Mmm- hmmm.”

“Want to see more?” He kicked off his boots, and his hands went to his silver belt buckle.

Whoa. She blinked hard. Wait a minute. Was he stripping? She shook herself awake. “We can’t go skinny- dipping!” She backed away from him, nearly tripping over the chair in the process.

He unclasped his belt. “Why not?”

“Well…” Staring at his chest, she struggled to come up with one logical reason. Rational thought, rational thought…there had to be one in there somewhere. “What if someone else shows up?” Like Dev? “It’s indecent exposure.”

Levi laughed. “It’s private property. No one will show up. Lucas and Naomi hardly ever leave the house anymore, and Lance and Jessa are in Denver for the night.” He pulled her into his arms. “So it’s just you and me, baby.”

*****

Author Info:

Sara Richardson grew up chasing adventure in Colorado’s rugged mountains. She’s climbed to the top of a 14,000-foot peak at midnight, swam through Class IV rapids, completed her wilderness first-aid certification, and spent seven days at a time tromping through the wilderness with a thirty-pound backpack strapped to her shoulders.

Eventually, Sara did the responsible thing and got an education in writing and journalism. After five years in the corporate writing world, she stopped ignoring the voices in her head and started writing fiction. Now, she uses her experience as a mountain adventure guide to write stories that incorporate adventure with romance. Still indulging her adventurous spirit, Sara lives and plays in Colorado with her saint of a husband and two young sons. Her first contemporary romance, No Better Man, was released by Grand Central forever 2015.

Website: www.sararichardson.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/sararichardsonbooks

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/SaraR_Books

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarar_books/

*****

Book Review – Only For You

Tags

Book Review, Melissa Foster, Only For You, Sugar Lake series

Who’s ready for a hunky soldier with a heart of gold???

*****

Only For You

Sugar Lake #2

by Melissa Foster

Blurb:

Love only works when your heart is in the right place. Hers could be right next door…

Single mom Bridgette Dalton doesn’t have time to stop and smell the roses—not even in her own flower shop. But that doesn’t mean she hasn’t noticed Bodhi Booker. Her ruggedly handsome next-door neighbor would be the perfect candidate for a no-strings fling. Having loved and lost, Bridgette’s not ready to hand over her heart…but she could use a distraction.

Bodhi has one rule: never leave anyone behind. As a special operative, he knows that each new mission is more dangerous than the last. He’s never made a promise of forever to a woman, not even to the beautiful widow who has him tied in knots. And if there were anyone who could tempt him into putting down roots, it would be Bridgette and her adorable son.

But as his next deployment nears, they make a startling discovery. Their passion, meant only for the here and now, might already be blossoming into something more…

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Paperback   Audiobook

This book is being published by Montlake (an Amazon imprint) and won’t be available on other ebook retailers, but you can download a FREE ereader app to read it HERE (or order the paperback)

*****

Review:

I loved getting to know Bridgette and Bodhi.  Foster really is talented so everything she does just keeps you glued to the pages.  Bodhi is a great guy – very honorable (and hot) and has a big heart (and hot) and has a lot of love to give (did I mention, hot?  Inside and out, people!)  He’s chosen to give up having a full life to protect others and he’s darn good at his job.  He has purpose and he’s dedicated to that purpose, without hesitation.  Until he meets Bridgette.

Bridgette is a wonderful single mom.  She was a wild child once but after the birth of her son and the death of her husband she did a little growing.  And maybe some suppressing too.  But meeting Bodhi helps her remember a bit more of the girl she used to be and to find a way to fit her into her life now.

I’ll be honest, though – I enjoyed the book but nearly as much as The Real Thing.  It’s a good setup and there is no denying that Foster has some serious skills as a writer.  Her characters are vivid and they feel so real.  It’s just that here it seemed like Bodhi and Bridgette’s story was just a bit too long.  Their only real issue is Bodhi’s job and his not wanting to leave anyone at home worrying about him.  Which is SO understandable … it just seems to go on a bit too long for me.

Without any other problems there isn’t anything else there to keep things moving so we keep coming back to the same thing – he can only give her now because he can’t promise he’ll be there tomorrow.  It’s difficult and emotional, and it lingers there waiting for us when his time with Bridgette is over.  I felt so bad for them and Foster’s resolution is pretty darn perfect, but it didn’t help with the sense of waiting for me.  Although maybe that is perfect too, because it gives you just a taste of what it was like Bridgette and Bodhi.

*****

Also available in Sugar Lake Series

The Real Thing (Sugar Lake Book 1)

Fall in love on the shores of Sugar Lake in the small town of Sweetwater with Willow Dalton and Zane Walker.

This sassy, spirited baker is fine with heat—but is her fake fiancé too hot to handle?

Bakery owner Willow Dalton’s friendship with Zane Walker has always been a bit complicated. Now a scrumptiously hot A-list actor, Zane’s always had a reputation as player. He’s arrogant, and he’s definitely not boyfriend material. Sure, he did Willow a favor by agreeing to take her virginity before college, but is that reason enough to go along with a fake engagement a decade later—even if it comes with a real diamond ring?

Zane should have known better. Nothing involving Willow has ever been easy. Still, he knows her better than anyone, and becoming America’s hottest new leading man means cleaning up his reputation. An “engagement” to curvy, sass-mouthed Willow is the perfect PR move . . . provided no one gets hurt.

Now Zane and Willow’s little white lie has turned into an irresistible recipe for sweet temptation. And soon no one will be able to tell the difference between their fake engagement or the real thing—including them.

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Paperback   Audiobook

This book is being published by Montlake (an Amazon imprint) and won’t be available on other ebook retailers, but you can download a FREE ereader app to read it HERE (or order the paperback)

*****

Author Info:

Melissa writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Readers adore Melissa’s fun, flirty, and sinfully sexy, award-winning big-family romance collection, LOVE IN BLOOM featuring the Snow Sisters, Bradens, Remingtons, Ryders, Seaside Summer, Harborside Nights, Wild Boys and Bad Boys After Dark, and the Montgomerys. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented– perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines with complex and relatable issues.

Melissa also writes sweet and clean romance under the pen name Addison Cole. 

Melissa has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Her interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on social media or her personal website.

Website   Facebook   Twitter    Google+   Goodreads   Pinterest   Amazon Author Page

*****

Giveaway:

Win Bad Boys After Dark: Mick ebook – 2 winners!
Ending on Friday 22nd December at 11.59pm EST

Open Worldwide

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*****

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I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

Book Review – Broken Honor

Tags

Book Review, Broken Honor, Hornet Series, Tonya Burrows

Broken Honor

HORNET Book 3

by Tonya Burrows

Ice-cold and unbreakable, Travis Quinn is the HORNET team’s hard-ass. No weaknesses. Except, of course, for the accident that not only destroyed his career as a Navy SEAL, but left terrifying blanks in his memory. But Travis remembers everything about Mara Escareno—the curve of her lips, the feel of her body…and how he walked out on her suddenly six weeks ago.

Mara could never resist the dangerously sexy Travis, which is probably how she ended up pregnant and disowned by her family. But before Travis can fully process the news, Mara is kidnapped by his enemies and plunged into the violent, merciless world of human trafficking. They want Travis—and the information locked within his damaged memory—no matter the cost. And now Travis’s enemies have discovered his only weakness…Mara.

I have no idea how I missed this book – I didn’t even realize it until I sat down to read Code of Honor which is the next one in the series.  And I am super sorry it took me so long!  Burrows has always shown she knows how to deliver a satisfying mix of action, danger, and suspense with the emotional drama of a complicated love story and Broken Honor is no different.

Quinn has been trying to hide the effects of the accident that ended his career as a SEAL.  Years later and it is getting worse but he has nothing else except HORNET.  A horrible childhood with few bright spots followed by the things he’s done in his job has made connecting to people difficult for him.  He doesn’t feel himself to be a good enough for anyone … which makes his feelings for Mara even more complicated.  And, of course, he that means he took the cowards way out.

Travis may have left Mara after their week together but he’s not out of her life for good.  Finding herself pregnant with his child means that she has to contact him again … but bringing him back to her also brings his enemies.  Soon they find themselves fighting for their lives on foreign soil but the greatest danger is to their hearts.  Because while seeing Quinn in action brings home how dangerous he actually is, it also shows Mara the depth of his disregard for his own life – it’s not easy loving someone who doesn’t think they are lovable.  With time and patience, though, maybe she can show him differently.  If only they can make it out alive.

The questions over the who and what and why of Quinn’s accident come full circle here and we see some old enemies once again.  HORNET finds themselves in perilous situations with death waiting for them at every turn.  But with every battle we also get to see how much these guys mean to each other, how important the little family they’ve made with each other really is.  Full of white knuckle moments mixed with sniffles and laughs, Burrows continues to delivery enthralling military suspense romances.

(I think that the HORNET series is best enjoyed if you read all of the stories.  While they are mostly stand alones, there is flow from one book to the next with some of the characters and how consequences of past missions carry over.)

Book Review – Unexpected Christmas

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Book Review, Nell Iris, Unexpected Christmas

Who’s looking for a sweet fast read (with a little emotional bite) this holiday season?

*****

Unexpected Christmas

by Nell Iris

Length: 13,527 words

Publisher: JMS Books

Blurb:

Daniel Erickson stormed out of his family celebration after choking on turkey served with a side of bigotry. Utterly miserable, he reluctantly lets himself be charmed by the hulk of a man and gets into the stranger’s car … hoping he won’t be axed before the night is through.

Axel Wilson — Ax for short, unfortunately — is a sweetheart. Really. He may be badass-looking but his heart melts into goo at the mere mention of his four-year-old niece. Surely he isn’t dangerous?

Thrown together by family drama, the two men spend the evening getting to know each other. Axel is nothing like Daniel expected. But it doesn’t matter that he loves poetry, is gentle and patient — and hot! — Daniel is absolutely not falling in love at first sight. There’s no such thing.

Right?

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | JMS

*****

Excerpt:

A few minutes later, a vehicle approached from behind. Reacting instinctively, I turned around and waved my arms, hoping the big truck would stop and have mercy on my freezing ass.

I let out a giddy yelp as it slowed down, but it got stuck in my throat when the driver rolled down the window.

He was huge and couldn’t hold his head upright without banging it on the ceiling. Big steel gauges adorned both his ears — at least an inch and a half wide — and his hair was black and so closely cropped it resembled a five o’clock shadow more than an actual haircut.

“You need a ride?” he asked and his voice was deeper than the Mariana Trench, perfectly matching his frightening appearance. Black tattoos crept up his neck and snaked down his hands below his sleeves. His shoulders were wide, his muscles strained the sleeves of his thick black jacket, and his cheeks were hollow. I was one second from shitting myself.

“I’m not riding with a serial killer!” The words slipped out of my mouth and I groaned. I couldn’t have kept my mouth shut for five fucking seconds to avoid being chopped up and thrown to the wolves?

He threw his head back and let out a thunderous laugh.

“What’s so goddamned funny?” I glared at him, but he didn’t seem to care.

“I’m no serial killer.”

“And I’m just supposed to take your fucking word for it?” I raised an eyebrow. I knew I was being combative and taking out my frustration on this stranger, but I couldn’t stop myself.

“You could call my ma for references.”

“Ha ha. Very funny.” With a deep sigh, I resigned to my fate and started walking again. No way was I getting into a car with that mammoth of a man.

“Where you goin’?” he called after me. When I didn’t bother to answer, he eased off the break and let his truck crawl after me.

I swirled around. “Stop following me, you creep,” I hissed.

He let go of the steering wheel with one hand and held it up as if he surrendered. “Look, man. It’s freezin’. You’re wet and miserable. Get in the truck and lemme take you wherever you’re goin’.” His deep voice was surprisingly gentle. Non-threatening, as if he’d come to expect reactions like mine.

“I’m really not a bad guy.” He stuck out his lower lip in a pout that would have made a five-year-old girl green with envy and I had to bite my lip to stop a smile from erupting.

“Really?” I tried to hang on to my mistrust, but he made it hard. His appearance screamed RUN AND HIDE, but there was something soft in his eyes that told a different story.

He shot me a crooked smile. “It was worth a try. It works on my niece every time.”

The fucker knew all the right words to say to disarm me. “And how old is she?”

“Four.”

I huffed out a reluctant chuckle. “Well, you know how it is. Everyone always says how they couldn’t believe their neighbor was a serial killer because he seemed like such a nice guy.”

His eyes grew big and round. “You’re sayin’ you don’t trust my niece as a character witness?” He sounded as I’d just delivered the biggest insult of his life, but the amused glint in his eyes told me it was all for show.

“Can you blame me?”

“I guess not.” He sighed and grew serious. “Please. I couldn’t live with myself if I left you here to freeze to death.”

My body screamed at me to take him up on his offer. The ice pellets were relentless and I was soaked and gloomy and was starting to feel like maybe being ax murdered wouldn’t be the worst thing that could happen to me right now.

The openness in his posture and honesty in his eyes had me on the verge of caving. “You promise you won’t kill me?” I sounded like a scared little kid even to my own ears.

*****

Review:

I love the fact that while Daniel is out in the cold because of an argument with his bigoted uncle he quickly realizes that we are all guilty of judging a book by its cover after he meets Ax.  He assumes that big, muscled, tattooed guy has to be dangerous, but he quickly realizes that he’s more teddy bear than grizzly.  The interactions between them are humorous and fun and quickly turn into something a little more.  It’s a novella so things have to happen fast but Iris does a wonderful job of making the timing and flow feel natural.

I really wish there had been the opportunity for this to be a full-length story instead of a novella because I loved these two together so much … except I think to make it any longer Iris would have had to include some kind of conflict and that wouldn’t have fit with what we were given here.  So I guess I should just be happy with what I got.  And I am ecstatic with what I got 🙂

*****

Author Info:

Nell Iris is a romantic at heart who believes everyone deserves a happy ending. She’s a bona fide bookworm (learned to read long before she started school), wouldn’t dream of going anywhere without something to read (not even the ladies room), loves music (and singing along but let’s face it, she’s not Celine Dion), and is a real Star Trek nerd (Make it so). She loves words, poetry, wine, and Sudoku, and absolutely adores elephants!

Nell believes passionately in equality for all regardless of race, gender or sexuality, and wants to make the world a better, less hateful, place.

Nell is a 40-something bisexual Swedish woman, married to the love of her life, and a proud mama of a grown daughter. She left the Scandinavian cold and darkness for warmer and sunnier Malaysia a few years ago, where she spends her days writing, surfing the Internet, enjoying the heat, and eating good food. One day she decided to chase her life long dream of being a writer, sat down in front of her laptop, and wrote a story about two men falling in love.

Nell Iris writes gay romance, prefers sweet over angsty, and wants to write diverse and different characters.

Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Website

*****

Giveaway:

Backlist Ebook From Nell Iris

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3e0e9a43285/

*****

December 16

Stories That Make You Smile  https://authoraddisonalbright.com

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