Book Review – Can’t Let Her Go

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Book Review, Can't Let Her Go, Nashville Dreams series, Sandy James

Can’t Let Her Go

A Nashville Dreams Novel

by Sandy James

In Nashville the music is louder, the dreams are bigger, and love can bring a cowboy to his knees.

Ethan Walker is Nashville royalty. Born to the King and Queen of Country Music, he’s spent his life trying to escape the spotlight of his parents’ fame, even walking away from his own promising singing career. He’s the kind of cowboy who prefers flannel to flashbulbs, hay fields to hit records, and the solitude of his horse farm to the nightlife along Music Row. The last thing he wants is attention, especially when it comes from country’s latest star…

Chelsea Harris’s meteoric rise up the charts and string of celebrity boyfriends mean that wherever she goes, the paparazzi follow. A duet with Nashville’s favorite son is exactly what her new charity album needs, but when she approaches Ethan, he turns her down flat. To win the camera-shy cowboy over, Chelsea will have to approach him on his terms. Trouble is, the more time she spends on his farm, the more Ethan wants to keep her there.

The Nashville Dreams series: Can’t Walk Away / Can’t Let Her Go / Can’t Fight the Feeling

Usually with romances you can find a bit of yourself (or a bit that you wished was you) but this one was a little different.  It’s all about dealing with the side effects of fame.  Ethan experienced it thanks to his parents and decided it definitely wasn’t something he wanted.  Chelsea sees it as just a by-product of her singing career.  She’s worked hard to get where she is and understands that it is her fans that got her there … she just has to accept that it comes with paparazzi and people who think they have a right to comment on her private life.  Obviously with two such differing opinions there is going to be trouble when Ethan and Chelsea fall in love.

While I have no experience to draw on to relate to either of them, James does a fantastic job of giving you well-developed characters so you understand where both of them are coming from.  It is totally understandable why Ethan would do everything he can to stay out of the spotlight and ignore any press, but after seeing how the world is now, especially with the access of social media, people like Taylor Swift are the perfect example of why Chelsea feels the need to support the machine.  When the trouble hits, I have to admit that I felt more for one of them than the other … both of them are stubborn and it doesn’t lead to an easy compromise but it seemed one of them tried even less than the other 🙂

With a totally awesome HEA moment and characters that I loved, Can’t Let Her Go is not to be missed.

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Spotlight – Hello Stranger

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Hello Stranger, Lisa Kleypas, The Ravenels

For historicals with a TON of depth I know that I can count on Lisa Kleypas to delivery, every single time!

*****

Hello Stranger

The Ravenels, Book 4

by Lisa Kleypas

Blurb:

New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas delivers a scintillating tale of an unconventional beauty who finds passion with the spy who can’t resist her

A woman who defies her time

Dr. Garrett Gibson, the only female physician in England, is as daring and independent as any man—why not take her pleasures like one? Yet she has never been tempted to embark on an affair, until now. Ethan Ransom, a former detective for Scotland Yard, is as gallant as he is secretive, a rumored assassin whose true loyalties are a mystery. For one exhilarating night, they give in to their potent attraction before becoming strangers again.

A man who breaks every rule

As a Ravenel by-blow spurned by his father, Ethan has little interest in polite society, yet he is captivated by the bold and beautiful Garrett. Despite their vow to resist each other after that sublime night, she is soon drawn into his most dangerous assignment yet. When the mission goes wrong, it will take all of Garrett’s skill and courage to save him. As they face the menace of a treacherous government plot, Ethan is willing to take any risk for the love of the most extraordinary woman he’s ever known.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2mGsuAd

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/2mRfLvD

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2EQPLH5

Books-A-Million: http://bit.ly/2BckeNI

iBooks: https://apple.co/2DJ339o

GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/2rjQ37l

*****

Excerpt:

He heard her muffled chuckle. She continued to lean against him while the trio of constables expressed sympathy for the unfortunate patient. Eventually the men departed with a chorus of hearty farewells. Ethan discovered that his other arm had stolen around Garrett. Making himself let go of her was like trying to uncoil a steel spring.

“You should go up to your father now,” he said with difficulty.

“Eliza will look after him while I take a few minutes to show you some slides. I have insect wings . . . pollen grains . . . flower petals . . . What would you like to see?”

“The inside of a hansom cab,” he said softly. “I can’t be alone with you, darlin’.”

Garrett touched the edges of his vest, fingers clamping on the thin leather. “Ethan.” A blush rose in her face, like light glowing through pink frosted glass. “I don’t want to end this. We . . . we could meet in secret, now and then. No one would have to know. We would make no claims on each other. We’ll just . . . do as we please.”

The way she fumbled with the words, so unlike her usual precise way of speaking, devastated Ethan. He could only guess what it cost her to lay open her pride like this. He wasn’t certain what she was offering, or even if she knew. Not that it mattered. He wanted, craved, needed anything she was willing to give. But he had to make her understand that it was impossible. And even if it were, the idea was beneath her.

“Have you had that kind of arrangement with a man before?” he brought himself to ask.

Her eyes were the green of deep summer and lush growing things. “I’m a woman who makes her own decisions and handles the consequences.”

“That means no,” Ethan said softly. At her silence, he continued, “You’d be risking your reputation. Your career.”

“Believe me, I understand that better than you.”

“Have you ever shared a bed with a man? Even once?”

“Why is that relevant?”

Her evasive response sent a pleasure-pang down to the pit of his stomach. “That means no,” he said again, his voice even softer than before. He took a slow breath, trying to steady himself, while his blood sang with the knowledge that she’d been waiting for him. She was meant to be his. God, he wanted her beyond any reckoning of earth or heaven. But her well-being mattered a thousand times more than his own desires.

“Garrett . . . I’m a man full o’ trouble. When I vowed to let nothing harm you, I included myself on that list.”

A frown crimped her forehead. She closed her grip on his vest until her fists were tight as pine knots. “I’m not afraid of you, or your trouble.” Her green eyes were narrowed and intent as she tugged him closer. “Kiss me,” she urged in a whisper.

“I have to go,” he said shortly, and pulled back while he was still able.

But Garrett moved with him, her hands reaching up to grip his head on either side, the way he’d taught her at Baujart’s. The strength of her fingers electrified him.

“Kiss me,” she commanded, “or I’ll break your nose.”

The threat startled a ragged laugh from him. He shook his head as he looked at her, this fearsomely capable woman who loved geese and was afraid of spaghetti, and could either wield a scalpel in a complex surgical procedure or use it as a throwing-knife.

There had always been a cold streak in him, but he couldn’t seem to find it now, when he needed it most. He was breaking apart inside. He would never be the same after this.

“Christ, you’ve ruined me,” he whispered.

His arms went around her, one hand gripping the heavy silken mass of her braided chignon. She guided his head down, and he lost the battle, all his will vanquished as he began to kiss her as if the world were about to end.

For him, it was.

*****

Author Info:

New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas graduated from Wellesley College with a political science degree. She is a RITA award winning author of both historical romance and contemporary women’s fiction. Her novels are published in fourteen different languages and are bestsellers all over the world. She lives in Washington State with her husband Gregory and their two children.

Connect with Lisa Kleypas

Facebook: @LisaKleypas

Twitter: @LisaKleypas

Instagram: @lisakleypas

*****

Book Review – Code of Honor

Tags

Book Review, Code of Honor, Hornet Series, Tonya Burrows

Code of Honor

Hornet, #4

by Tonya Burrows

Jesse Warrick used to consider himself a kickass medic, but a teammate’s brush with death has him questioning everything. Now he’s been promoted to field commander of HORNET. How can he lead when he can’t get his shit together? And how can he focus when the sexy new recruit makes him want to break the rules?

Lanie Delcambre can’t seem to find solid footing within the elite hostage rescue team. Worse, the man she’s loved for most of her life is now her boss. She’d kill to act on the chemistry between her and Jesse, but she can’t risk ruining her career.

It was only supposed to be a training mission. No live ammo, no hostages, and no real bad guys—only someone didn’t give the bad guys that memo. When their hotel is taken hostage with half of HORNET inside, Jesse and Lanie are the team’s only hope of escaping alive…

While technically this is a suspense romance, it definitely falls more on the suspense side.  It’s just stuffed full of danger, intrigue, betrayal – the action pretty much doesn’t stop once it gets started.  But there is also the long-held feelings between Lanie and Jesse that need to be addressed, as well as Jesse’s relationship with his son.  Thrown in this group of people who have between a family of sorts over the years and the feels just come at you.  Well, feels when done by Alpha males which is their own kind of weird thing that works for them 🙂

I’ll be honest, while this one can technically stand on its own it will definitely be easier to keep up if you’ve read at least Broken Honor.  There is just a lot of people and a lot of interactions between them that make more sense if you have some kind of history there.

And you better be ready to hang on to your hats because Burrows gives us one heck of a ride!  She got me from the very first page and didn’t let me go until I got to the end.  And even then she just teases about what is coming next … I’m so gonna be stalking her until she releases book 5 because I can’t wait to see where she goes from here.

Book Review – Driving Whiskey Wild

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Book Review, Driving Whiskey Wild, Melissa Foster, The Whiskeys series

It’s time for Melissa Foster to remind us once again why the Whiskeys are oh-so-awesome!

*****

Driving Whiskey Wild

Series: The Whiskeys (Stand alone)

by Melissa Foster

Genre: Steamy Sexy Romance

Release: February 21, 2018

Blurb:

A captivating new sexy standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster.

Special Forces veteran and Dark Knights Motorcycle Club member Bullet Whiskey lives to protect his family, their bar, and the residents of his small hometown. He’s rough, unapologetic, and haunted by a secret, painful past. He’s also a master at keeping people away, and when his sister hires gorgeous and sweet Finlay Wilson to help expand their biker bar, he knows just how to get rid of her.

After losing her boyfriend and her father, Finlay moves back to her hometown to be closer to the little family she has left. She needs her temporary job at Whiskey Bro’s to get her catering business off the ground, and she’s determined not to let the gruff, arrogant mountain of a man Bullet Whiskey scare her off.

Finlay is everything Bullet has never wanted. She’s afraid of his dog, afraid of motorcycles, and sweet enough to give him cavities, but as she weaves her way into the hearts of everyone around him, he’s powerless to resist her charms. Passion ignites, but trust doesn’t come easily, and when their pasts collide, Bullet finds out the true meaning of protecting those he loves.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36240512-driving-whiskey-wild

AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2FfR3Nq

KOBO: http://smarturl.it/DWW_Kobo

NOOK:  http://bit.ly/2yVGGgS

GPLAY:  http://bit.ly/2y7SugC

iBOOKS:  http://apple.co/2yUXpAG

PAPERBACK: http://smarturl.it/DWW_Pb

*****

Excerpt:

FINLAY SMILED AND waved as she slipped into the dingy bar. “Hi. Am I interrupting?” From the scowl on Bullet’s face, she was not only interrupting, but she’d somehow pissed him off. Well, good for him. Let him be angry, the big, tattooed bully. What kind of man comes up to a woman at a wedding and says, Hey, sweetheart, whaddaya say I take you for a ride on the Bullet train?

She smoothed her sundress over her hips, trying to gather her wits about her. Bullet train. She had no doubt he had a train in his pants. The man was larger than life in too many ways to count, and when he set those cold, dark eyes on her, she swore they ignited right in front of her. Lordy, now my pulse is racing. She’d been thinking of that flash of heat ever since the wedding, and she couldn’t deny that it scared her and turned her on in equally frustrating measures. If she were honest with herself, she’d thought she was too damaged after losing Aaron to ever feel this type of spine-tingling excitement over a man again—and the fact that she felt it around a guy like Bullet scared the heck out of her. But this was not the time for honesty. She needed to pull herself together so she didn’t make a bad impression.

Dixie pushed past her massive brother to greet her. “Not at all! I’m glad you made it in.” She gave Finlay a quick hug and then glared at Bullet. “Right, Bull? Aren’t we glad she made it in?”

He lifted his chin in a half-cocked greeting before stalking around the bar and busying himself pulling bottles from shelves. Was he upset that she’d refused his magical penis ride? If so, he was going to have to get over it, and fast.

“Don’t pay attention to him. He had a rough night.” Dixie waved a hand as if Bullet didn’t matter.

Finlay forced a smile, knowing the big oaf mattered a heck of a lot. She’d grown up in Peaceful Harbor, although she was several years younger than the Whiskeys and she hadn’t known them then. She’d moved back into town two months ago, hoping to put down roots near her sister, Penny, after leaving to attend college in Boston nearly a decade ago. Penny had filled her in on the Whiskeys when she’d accepted the catering job for their friends’ wedding. Apparently, the Whiskeys and their motorcycle gang owned her small hometown. Only, according to Penny, it wasn’t like the stories she’d heard about bikers causing a ruckus or scaring people. No, the Whiskeys were known to be good folks, and apparently their gang was more of a club. She didn’t know the difference, but understood that they protected the community, keeping crime down and helping with bullies—except, apparently, for their own big, pushy son. From what Penny had said, they might look intimidating, but beneath all those tattoos and dark leather, they were kind, caring, generous people. She’d noticed that at the wedding, and in the weeks since, as she’d seen Dixie, her other brothers, and their parents around town. They were all as nice as could be. The jury was still out on big, bad Bullet.

But if she was going to spend any amount of time in his presence, he needed to respect her. This was why Penny had pushed her to take this job, wasn’t it? Because she’d been hiding behind her past, living a safe, comfortable, lonelylife for so long she’d all but forgotten how it felt to be hit on? And how to handle it. Well, that ended now. She straightened her spine, the way she’d learned to do in culinary school, when top chefs came in to teach and they’d ream the students for the smallest errors. There was no room for thin skin in catering—and she’d be darned if she’d let Bullet Whiskey intimidate her one bit.

“It’ll be fine,” she assured Dixie, and walked directly behind the bar to the mountain of a man who was trying his best to ignore her. Every step made her heart beat faster. Holy moly, she hadn’t remembered him being that tall. She was only five three, but even though she had heels on, he was well over a foot taller than her.

She reached up and tapped Bullet’s shoulder. It was like tapping stone covered with a black leather vest. He turned slowly, his broad chest and massive arms suddenly taking up all the extra space. She stared up at him. His dark beard and eyes gave him a menacing look. She swallowed hard, steeling herself to say her piece. In the next second those angry eyes turned even hotter and hungrier than they’d been at the wedding.

Her traitorous insides flamed.

Oh boy. She was in way over her head. This man probably got everything he wanted from women with that look. He cast some sort of spell with his leather wrist cuffs, scary-looking silver and black rings, and go-ahead-just-try-to-mess-with-me attitude.

Forcing her sternest expression, she said, “Bullet, if we’re going to work together, I expect you’ll let what happened at the wedding go and get behind me on this project.”

He cocked his head, his lips curving up in a wicked smile that brought goose bumps to her entire body as he said, “I’m happy to get behind you anytime, sweetheart.”

*****

Review:

The Whiskey parents raised quite the blunt, caring, and upstanding brood.  Just like Bear, Bullet is quite the responsible human being … and, like Bear, he’s taken on a little too much.  Not only is he running the family bar, but he’s doing just about every heroic thing under the sun (while fighting the hero title with everything in him).  Along with rest of the Dark Knights, he protects the town from any rough elements, does charity work when it is needed, and steps in whenever there’s trouble.  It’s been fine when all he had in his life was his family and the town.  But now a feisty woman has caught his eye and his life might just be headed for a change.

Finlay resists her attraction to Bullet a bit at first – they don’t seem like they’d have much in common and his pickup lines could REALLY use some work.  But after they spend some time together, she realizes that there is more to him than she thought and their attraction may not be something to ignore.  It’s pretty hard to ignore a built, stubborn, cocky (but uniquely charming) protector that shows his heart is just as big as his … shoes.

There’s really not a lot of drama here.  Both Bullet and Finaly have a little contemplation they need to do at first as they decide whether getting involved is the right thing to do.  Plus, Bullet has some residual PTSD that he needs to address, but overall Driving Whiskey Wild is one of those slow-burn romances.  We’re there with them as they make their way from dancing around each other to a HEA ending.  It’s sweet, sexy, and satisfying to read.

*****

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. Get 5 eBooks FREE >> www.MelissaFoster.com/LIBFREE

Newsletter: http://www.melissafoster.com/newsletter

Website: http://www.MelissaFoster.com

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

Fan Club: http://www.facebook.com/groups/melissafosterfans

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Melissa_Foster

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thinkhappygirl/

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023973.Melissa_Foster

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-foster

*****

Giveaway:

Tru Blue (2 ebook Copies)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/81aa78941699/

*****

Book Review – Tribute Act

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Book Review, Joanna Chambers, Tribute Act

Tribute Act

A Porthkennack Contemporary novel

by Joanna Chambers

Nathan Bridges hadn’t intended to settle down in his hometown of Porthkennack—he just ended up staying after saving the family business from ruin. The truth is, Nathan can’t stop himself from stepping in when problems arise. He’s a fixer, the man everyone turns to. But even fixers can’t solve everything.

When Nathan’s sister needs an organ transplant, it’s his stepbrother, Mack, who the family turns to as Rosie’s only potential living donor. Nathan’s curiosity about the stepbrother he’s never met turns to shock when he realises that Mack is his latest—and hottest ever—one-night stand.

Nathan and Mack agree to forget their single night together, but that’s easier said than done. When Mack moves in to Nathan’s place to recuperate after surgery, it’s not just the sexual tension between them that keeps growing. Against all the odds, and despite Mack’s wariness of intimacy, the two men grow close enough that Nathan begins to wonder what it would take to mend the rift that’s kept Mack and his father estranged for over a decade . . . and whether Mack might consider staying with Nathan in Porthkennack for good.

I just had a terrible time putting this book down – I felt so much for both Nathan and Mack.  While Nathan had a good childhood, with a loving mother and father and later a supportive stepfather, his stepbrother wasn’t so lucky.  But he turned out pretty good anyway because he’s willing to step up for a half-sister that he doesn’t know when she needs a liver and he’s a match.  That doesn’t mean he’s forgiven his dad for his past … which makes things just all sorts of awkward.  Especially with Nathan and Mack’s recent past.

Nathan is a fixer by nature and he’s pretty much given up his life to help run the family business.  A night out to blow off some steam leads him to his only one-night-stand.  And his inability to fix his sister puts him face-to-face with the same guy.  In addition to be a fixer, Nathan is also pretty much a relationship only guy so having Mack around gives him a chance to get to know him better.  And as his feelings grown and he finds out more about Mack’s past all he wants to do is make things right.  Which means that Mack has to come to terms with what happened with his dad all those years ago.

Everything is from Nathan’s POV so we only get glimpses into what Mack is feeling but it’s enough to know how conflicted he is to be back.  There’s so much family drama mixed in with the couple’s deepening relationship that they are going to have to work at it if they want to have a future.  But that’s the ultimate question – does Mack have feelings for Nathan?  Is he willing to give up his nomad ways and settle down?  Can he find it in himself to talk to his dad and put the past behind him?  It’s a lot but if they are willing to try it could lead to something amazing for them both.

Book Review – True Horizon

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Book Review, Laurie Winter, True Horizon, Warriors of the Heart series

True Horizon

Warriors of the Heart Series

by Laurie Winter

Back home on her family’s Texas Longhorn ranch, Grace Murray is busy preparing for her wedding. After a scruffy tattooed drifter saves her life, she takes on the mission of helping her savior, Heath Carter, find peace. The steady friendship and unconditional acceptance she receives from him encourages her to trade an old dream for a new one—a dream true to her heart. When she calls off her wedding, Grace is finally set free to fully love Heath.

After a decade of military service, Special Forces veteran Heath Carter is living with war’s tragic consequences.  Struggling with PTSD, anger, and guilt, he travels through Texas, solitarily moving from job to job. Working with Grace on the ranch, Heath’s guilt over his past actions make him feel unworthy of her love. As their paths lead them in different directions, Heath needs to discover the courage to fight his toughest battle yet—the one inside himself.

There is so much emotion in True Horizon I’m not sure where to start 🙂  Now is Grace’s time to decide what she wants as an adult.  She’s spent years thinking she wanted one thing and now that she’s at the point of getting it she had to decide if that’s what she really wants.  Is the life she’s leading, the man she’s marrying, really the future that will make her happy?

Heath has been running from life but an unexpected stop at Grace’s family ranch has him evaluating his choices as well.  He’s got a lot of baggage he’s carrying around with him thanks to his past but time spent with the Murray’s means that he’s taking a look at where he’s going.  It’s not going to be easy but with faith, love, and effort he just might be able to come to terms with it.

This is definitely not a quick read – there’s a lot of meat to it so you need to take the time to really get into it.  Really feel those good and bad moments, to take it all in and enjoy it all.

Book Review – Wanting More

Tags

Book Review, Dangerous Love series, Elle Keating, Wanting More

This is my first book by Elle Keating but hopefully it will NOT be my last!

*****

Wanting More

Dangerous Love series

by Elle Keating

314 pages, Dual POV

Contemporary romance set in and around Philadelphia area

Blurb:

Carina McGinnis knows Josh Graham is trouble. Being attracted to a man who most likely has a turnstile at the entrance of his bedroom can only end in heartache, something Carina never wants to experience again. If she doesn’t want a repeat of what happened last summer, it’s best Carina keep what’s left of her heart safely out of Josh’s reach.

Josh Graham doesn’t do sweet. He goes for one kind of woman. The kind who never ask for more than he can give. Sex without strings, feelings and emotional baggage is safe. But from the moment Josh meets Carina his number one rule is quickly forgotten, forcing him to face his past and take a leap of faith for that one woman who will always want more.

Though part of the Dangerous Love series, Wanting More can be read without
reading the first two books.

Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/authorellekeating/playlist/4odaviYJYskUQreTlM7lks

Amazon: http://bit.ly/WantingMoreKindle

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/wantingmoreBN

Kobo: http://bit.ly/wantingmoreKobo

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/wantingmoreGR

 

*****

Excerpt:

Josh

I’ll just have to have enough control for the both of us.

That’s what he had promised her. That he would be a gentleman. Which meant that he couldn’t touch her, think of her anymore, at least not in the way he craved. He would friend zone her. He had girlfriends. Mia and Erin were proof that he could have a relationship with a woman and not want to get in her pants. He could do this.

Then why the hell was he so nervous?

He gripped the white bag and rounded the corner. The playground came into view and he increased his pace. He could hear screams coming from his right. And then the distinct sound of a rubber kickball being bounced against cement. Josh was on his way to the front entrance when he saw her through the black iron fence. Standing in the doorway to what looked like a classroom behind her, Carina was in full teacher mode. A little girl was looking up at her and saying something. He couldn’t make out her words but whatever she had said made Carina smile and then she positioned the girl so her back was to her. Seconds later Carina was gathering the girl’s blonde curly hair in one hand and securing it with a hair tie. After a quick tug to her pony tail and a smile from her teacher, the girl skipped away in the direction of the swings.

Josh could have stared at Carina all day, watching her do her job, a job she seemed to enjoy, a job that made her smile. He loved her smile. Especially when she didn’t think anyone was watching. Her silent confidence, the way she appeared to be so relaxed in her own skin, captivated him. She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and scanned the playground. And that’s when she spotted him. Caught him, was more like it, staring at her through the iron bars. His throat went dry and his brain went to mush. The bag in his hand felt like it weighed a thousand pounds, as if reminding him why he had come.

She walked across the playground and with each step his heart beat faster. He urged himself to calm the fuck down. Because if he couldn’t do this, how the hell was he going to get through this weekend? Alone with her in a car for two and a half hours. Alone with her in a hotel room where there may only be one bed. The visual made his breathing hitch. He would take the floor. Scratch that. He would take an ice-cold shower and then sleep on the floor. She could have the bed. That king-sized bed all to herself, her wrapped in white sheets, warm and…

“Josh, what are you doing here?” she asked.

He swallowed hard and barely managed to raise the white, now grease stained bag until it was level with his face. “Have you eaten lunch?” he asked. It was a miracle he could get the words out.

Um…not yet. Was just about to go inside and eat at my desk. I brown bagged it
today.”

“I think I can do better than that. Do you like roast pork sandwiches?”

She eyed the white bag. Luckily, his fingers had stopped trembling. “Is that a
Di’Nic’s bag?”

He nodded. “There’s a roast pork sandwich in here with your name written all over it if you agree to eat lunch with me.”

Her brow raised and she crossed her arms over her chest. “Is it fully loaded with peppers, cheese and horseradish?”

She liked messy sandwiches. She was too good to be true.

“Absolutely.”

Her lips curled to form a mischievous smile. “Okay. But you better have lots of napkins.”

Josh pulled a fistful of napkins out of the bag and displayed them proudly. “I think we’re covered.”

“Alright. Meet you in the park across the street?”

He smiled at her, causing her cheeks to pinken. She then turned and walked back into the school building.

Alright, the hard part was over. She had agreed to lunch. He had gotten through it. All that was left to do was convince himself and to prove to Carina that they could be friends. And that because they were just friends, she didn’t have to worry about this weekend. As her friend, he would escort her to the baptism. As her friend, he would parade around as her boyfriend to help ward off Eric fucking Ross. As her friend, he would keep her company and turn back into the old Josh, the one who was easygoing and took pride in being a smartass.

Friends.

Yep, he could do this.

No problem.

~

Carina

She loved a messy sandwich as much as the next girl, but her appetite was shit right now. Carina forced down another bite and tried not to stare at Josh as he withdrew two bottles of root beer from the bag. As the muscles in his arms flexed beneath his thin cotton t-shirt. Or how nice his ass looked in his jeans. Or how his hair flopped…

“So I thought it was best that I just put it out there.” He set the bag down next to him on the park bench.

She stopped imagining how soft his hair would feel between her fingers. “Put what out there?”

“Well, I think we’re stuck with each other,” he said, opening one of the root beers and handing it over to her. His fingers brushed hers as she took the bottle. Her face was burning up.

“I didn’t really give you a choice. I kind of roped you into this baptism thing. Don’t you think?”

“I’m not talking about the baptism, Carina.” He twisted off the cap to his root beer and took a swig.

“Then what do you mean?”

“I mean…Mia is your best friend. Mia is one of my closest friends. Which means I think it’s inevitable. We’re going to have to become friends.” The root beer almost came up. Friends? This guy had kissed her, sucked on her nipples, and had his head between her thighs. She knew that she wasn’t his type, that he didn’t want anything remotely resembling a relationship with her, but how the hell was she going to be friends with him now? He flashed her a smile that made her want to squirm in her seat, but by the grace of God she remained still.

“Um…do you think that’s even possible? We…uh…”

“I think I’m a pretty good friend. Mia and Erin would vouch for me. Just ask them.” His mind was made up. Friendship was all he had to offer. And Carina didn’t need to ask Mia if Josh could fulfill that role. He had shown her that he really was a nice guy. A devoted grandson. Erin’s man of honor. A guy who wouldn’t think twice about beating the piss out of someone who got a little handsy at a club.

A guy who could be both brooding and sweet.

And he was now her friend.

Because that was all he was capable of.

“Well, it’ll be a first for me.” Carina took a bite of her sandwich and then a sip of her root beer.

He wiped his sinful mouth with a napkin and smirked. “What will be?”

“Being just friends with a guy…one who has seen my hoo-ha.”

He chuckled. “Hoo-ha? That’s what you call it?” he asked, glancing between her legs. His heated stare made her legs cross and her head go places it shouldn’t. And throughout it all, his smirk remained.

“Uh…yeah. What would you call it?” She suddenly felt parched and drained her soda.

His eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched. “Do you want me to be honest?”

She set her empty bottle on the ground beneath the park bench. “Friends are supposed to be honest with each other. Right?”

His smile evaporated and he bit his lip. Which was one of the sexiest things she had ever witnessed in her life. She wanted to bite his lip. His tongue. Every fucking inch of him. “I’ll tell you what I would call that part of you…and then we will become friends. Agreed?” he asked, his voice now gruff, no longer playful. His smirk had also failed to return.

Her heart hammered in her chest, as she was remembering how he had taken her in that office. His lips sucking her clit. The sounds she made. The groans he had allowed to escape as she rode his face. “Yes. Friends,” she said.

He stared at her for a few seconds. The silence wasn’t awkward, but intoxicating. She felt dizzy and overheated. And so damn wet. “That area between your thighs, where I licked you, inhaled you, tasted you…that was heaven, Carina.”

Jesus Christ!

Now it was her turn to bite the shit out of her lip.

His eyes darkened as they traveled to her mouth and then he said, “Carina, finish your sandwich. Your lunch hour is almost over.” He retrieved the remainder of his sandwich and took a bite. Numb, she did the same. And thought about the weekend she was about to spend with him.

As friends.

*****

Review:

I’ll admit that this book had a big strike against it from the beginning – I am NOT a fan of manwhores, redeemable or not.  But Keating definitely shows her skill because Josh is pretty darn appealing regardless of his … racy history.  He’s decided that it is a good coping mechanism for his tragic past.  It makes sense but in the hands of a less skilled writer he might have still been off-putting for me.  Instead I understood how his awful parents and a devastating loss created the man he is today.  But he also has a loving grandmother and awesome friends who provide him the support he needs, especially when he reaches the point that he starts looking at things differently.

Carina is coming out of a disastrous relationship, only to discover that her ex is also her new boss.  And the man is truly horrible – threatening and obsessed.  When she asks a guy she just met to pretend to be her boyfriend, it kicks off a series of events that she could never have expected.  Even as she recognizes that Josh is not for her, and vice versa, the attraction between them proves hard to resist.

I would have expected the back and forth between the two to get old after a while – Carina is not a one night stand kind of girl and Josh isn’t into relationships – but it works here.  Their conflicting emotions are very real and their struggle feels true.  And while Carina’s ex is an awful, awful person, he wasn’t too mustache-twirly as a villain.  Instead he’s a good catalyst for some of the interactions between Carina and Josh, and definitely amps up the ending.

Wanting More is an emotional roller-coaster, with wonderfully addictive characters and a storyline that will keep you reading late into the night.

(Note: This is my first time with this series and I think that Keating does a really good job of explaining how everyone relates to each other.  There are some references to what happened in the first two stories that would make more sense to returning readers but they don’t really impact the enjoyment of this story … I’m just curious enough to add her other stories to my TBR pile 🙂 )

*****

Author Info:

Elle Keating is the author of romance novels with sexy heroes and fierce females. Her first book, Thrill of the Chase (Dangerous Love, #1), was published by Forever Romance’s digital imprint, Forever Yours, in 2015. Cut to the Chase (Dangerous Love, #2) soon followed. Most recently, Elle self-published a standalone novel, Keeping His Commandments.

An avid reader of gritty, dark romances, her favorite authors include Pepper Winters, Penelope Ward, and Anna Zaires.

When she isn’t torturing her heroes and heroines (don’t worry, there’s always a happily ever after), Elle is a public school administrator and enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children in New Jersey.

Website: www.ellekeating.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorellekeating

Instagram: www.instagram.com/elle.keating

Email: authorellekeating@gmail.com

Additional titles by Elle Keating:

Thrill of the Chase (Dangerous Love, #1)

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/thrillGR

Amazon: http://bit.ly/thrillofthechase

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/thrillofthechaseBN

Cut to the Chase (Dangerous, #2)

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/cuttothechaseGR

Amazon: http://bit.ly/cuttothechaseAMZN

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/cuttothechaseBN

Keeping His Commandments

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/commandmentsgr

Amazon: http://amzn.to/commandmentsEK

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/commandmentsbn

*****

Spotlight – Broken Heartstrings

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Broken Heartstrings, CC Dragon

This one is in my TBR pile and I’m looking forward to starting it soon!

*****

Broken Heartstrings

by CC Dragon

Genre: MM Romance

Blurb:

True love hurts. Jeff and Ben had it and lost it over a decade ago…

When Jeff is outed and attacked, the country music super star has to face his family and his choices under huge public scrutiny.

Jeff and Ben, his former producer, had a plan to come out and deal with the haters back in the day. Then tragedy struck Jeff’s family and changed everything—except the feelings. Jeff stayed in the closet and Ben walked away.

In the wake of the outing and press, Ben walks back. But why?

Revenge? Gloating? To make peace?

Or maybe for a second chance…

Note: This is a sweet m/m romance

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38483877-broken-heartstrings

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2HbDIGw

*****

Author Info:

A loyal Chicago girl who loves deep dish pizza, the Cubs, and The Lake, CC Dragon is fascinated by the metaphysical and paranormal.  She loves creating characters, especially amateur sleuths who solve mysteries. A coffee and chocolate addict who loves fast cars, she’s still looking for a hero who likes to cook and clean…so she can write more!

Website: www.ccdragon.com

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

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/752998138081518/

Google +: http://tinyurl.com/ccdragong

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorccdragon

Amazon Page: http://amzn.to/2C3DLlb

*****

Book Review – Should’ve Been You

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Book Review, Man Enough series, Nicole McLaughlin, Should've Been You

Should’ve Been You

A Man Enough Romance

by Nicole McLaughlin

Childhood neighbors get a chance at love in Should’ve Been You, an achingly romantic novella in Nicole McLaughlin’s Man Enough series!

National Guardsman Jase Beckford wants to live a quiet life raising cattle and taking care of his mother. His childhood friend and neighbor Hannah is still his best friend, but when he walks into the Walters house one morning and sees her twin sister Becca for the first time in five years, he wonders if he missed out on something special.

Becca Walters has nursed a secret crush on Jase since childhood, but he always preferred Hannah, so she buried her feelings assuming her sister and Jase would one day turn their flirtation into a real relationship. And this Christmas, she is anticipating a proposal of her own, so Jase’s reappearance in her life doesn’t mean anything. Much. Okay, maybe more than Becca would like to admit.

However, when Becca’s sister gets engaged to someone who’s not Jase, Becca and Jase find themselves spending more together. And when secrets are revealed, suddenly those dormant feelings come back to life; but is the possibility of something between them worth risking the happiness of everyone they love?

I know that there are quite a few people that didn’t feel this book because of the triangle between Jase, Becca, and Hannah.  But it really felt pretty true to life to me.  It’s so easy to understand why Jase and Hannah kept moving along in a kind of limbo, especially when everyone seems to expect them to be a couple at some point.  Plus those old habits and feelings are pretty hard to turn off.  It does seem like Hannah takes advantage of him but part of that are her issues just as much his.  With his abusive background it’s easy to imagine why he would be drawn to someone that he can take care of and protect.

Poor Becca never had a chance while the two of them are dancing around the what-could-be’s of their relationship.  Especially once we find out some of the tricks Hannah used to keep him as hers.  There’s a lot of hurts and history and hang-ups at play but it is satisfying when they finally get things figured out.  Unfortunately the timing is pretty darn bad.  Or good depending on how you look at it 🙂  I’m curious to see Hannah’s story because she definitely didn’t play well here, but we also get glimpses of some issues that explain things some.  Not that it excuses her actions but it at least shows a reason for the things she does.

There’s a decent amount of drama with all of the misunderstandings and miscommunication, but it helps to deliver an enjoyable secret crush/friends (kinda) to lovers romance.  I was so pleased when Jase and Becca finally figure things out and some decades old feelings finally get their chance to shine.

Spotlight – Something Just Like This

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Something Just Like This, Tracy Krimmer

Now that Valentine’s Day is over, maybe it’s time to treat yourself to a new book boyfriend … this one is getting perfect reviews!

*****

Something Just Like This

by Tracy Krimmer

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Age category: Adult

Release Date: February 14, 2018

Blurb:

Love? Second chances? That crap is for romantics, not realists like Juliette. She has a bad attitude about love and an even worse one when it comes to second chances. And she may dress like an elf for a few weeks out of the year, but that doesn’t mean she loves Christmas.

Stability? Purpose? Landon is surfing a pleasant wave of both until he’s fired. Devastating news from his sister certainly doesn’t help. At least he has the holidays to look forward to.

When Landon shows up at the mall and Juliette prevents a disaster, he can’t stop thinking about that sweet elf. Juliette doesn’t believe in the spirit of Christmas, but she can’t help but wonder why Landon was in her line that day. Could Landon deserve one of those second chances she’s so unwilling to give?

You can find Something Just Like This on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36424492-something-just-like-this

You can buy Something Just Like This on Amazon for only $2.99 through February 15: http://smarturl.it/SJLTAmazon

It is available to read with Kindle Unlimited.

*****

Excerpt:

We’re nearing the front of the line, and I’m grateful everyone seems to be quick with their requests of Santa. Santa and the elves win points for their efficiency.

“Uncle Landy, my tummy hurts.”

And there it is. I’m not surprised she’s complaining about her stomach, but I’m a little shocked it took this long for it to bother her.

“Maybe we should head home.” I hate to say it, but it’s the best option.

“No!” The disappointment spreads across her face like a storm rolling in at fifty miles an hour. “I want to see Santa. You promised.”

Her hands are pressed against her tummy, and her face is a shade whiter than a ghost. If we don’t make it to the front of the line in a matter of minutes, she’ll leave a present right in the middle of the North Pole.

“Abby, I think maybe we should do this another time. I’ll make it up to you.” I hate being the bearer of bad news but I’m sure she feels terrible. I have to hand it to her for sticking it out, though.

“Noooooo.”

I can’t stand it when she cries. Sometimes it’s annoying, other times, like now, it’s sad and makes me sad, too. I know how bad she wants this, and it’s hurting her that it may not happen.

I crouch down next to her, allowing the bags to roll off my arms and onto the ground. I take a hold of her hands. “Abby, listen to me. That cinnamon roll was a little too much to eat. You should get home and rest. Standing in line won’t make you feel any better. Lying down will.”

She doesn’t answer me, only stares at me with those big eyes, her painted-on smile now erased and carved into a frown. Her skin is becoming paler by the second, her huge eyes now drooping. I know this look. She’s about to lose it.

“Here!” An arm swooshes past me with a bucket. As soon as it reaches Abby, she throws up right into it.

When Abby finishes bringing up her dinner and the Cinnabon, I pull her close to me. I don’t care if I get some on my shirt or my pants. She needs comfort right now.

“Thank you,” I say as I look up to thank everyone’s hero because let’s face it, no one wants to be standing in line with someone’s puke.

My eyes float up the black leggings, past the green and red fabric with arms so wide she could use them as wings, to the beautiful woman underneath the pointed hat with a bell. Her red lips hypnotize me as she smiles, her blue eyes sparkling enough to make me believe in Santa Claus.

“Thanks.” That’s all I manage to say. I seem to have lost the ability to speak as I’m entirely fixated on her. I can’t break my gaze from this woman in front of me.

She holds the bucket behind her back, doing us all a favor and removing the smell as fast as she can. “No problem. I’ve worked here enough years to know when it’s about to happen. I always keep a bucket handy.”

Prepared, gorgeous, and not afraid to handle the puke monster. I’m already impressed.

“I’m sorry. She ate a little too much, and I guess her stomach couldn’t handle it.” There. I found the words.

“Don’t worry about it.” She leans down so she’s eye to eye with Abby. “How do you feel now? Better?”

Abby shrugs, and I’m not sure if she still isn’t feeling well, or if she’s being cautious with a stranger, which I appreciate. Even though she’s with me, you can never be too safe these days.

“Tell you what. I think you should let your daddy take you home. Come back tomorrow, and I’ll be here. You can skip the line and see Santa right away. I’m giving you a sick pass.”

Abby releases her hands from her tummy and smiles at me. Neither I nor Abby correct the woman dressed as an elf that I’m her uncle.

“Really?” Abby asks. She glances up at me and back at the woman, not sure if she should believe her or not.

“You bet. I’ll be right next to the big guy. I promise.” This time the elf winks at me, and her smile widens, her cheeks so rosy against her creamy skin.

I’ll have to clear it with Courtney but I don’t suspect it will be a problem unless she’s upset Abby is sick. “You can do that?” I don’t want to disappoint Abby and if what this woman is saying is true, I can still save the day. Uncle Landy to the rescue.

“Sure can. I’ve been working with Santa for years. I’m probably his number one elf. So, six tomorrow?”

“Six tomorrow.” I nod at her, trying not to exaggerate my appreciation. “I’m Landon, and this is Abby, by the way.”

“Sugar Plum,” she says as she pats Abby on the head. “Glad to meet the both of you. I’ll see you tomorrow, six sharp.”

Abby squeezes my hand with a little squeal to accompany it. As Sugar Plum heads behind Santa’s Village with the bucket, I remain focused on her, smiling inside as the bells on her shoes ding. She may be the cutest elf I have ever seen.

*****

Author Info:

Tracy Krimmer loves coffee, popcorn, Drew Barrymore, and the movie Saving Silverman. She enjoys reading great books (of course) and writing realistic characters for you to enjoy. When she listens to music she prefers the 80s and 90s music she grew up on. In a typical day you’ll find her writing at one of her favorite spots–on the couch, at the kitchen table, or at her favorite hometown coffee shop.

You can find and contact Tracy here:

– Website: http://www.tracykrimmer.com/

– Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tkrimms

– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrimmerAuthor

– Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/readtracykrimmer

– Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7153703.Tracy_Krimmer

– Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tracy-Krimmer/e/B00J1S52SM/

– Bookbub: https://bookbub.com/authors/tracy-krimmer

– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracykrimmer

– Newsletter: http://www.tracykrimmer.com/newsletter/

*****

Giveaway:

There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of Something Just Like This. One winner will win a $10 Amazon Gift card!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1000e4f1275/

*****

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