Seduction Game by Pamela Clare

Book Description

The acclaimed author of Striking Distance returns with more danger, intrigue, and I-Team action...

CIA officer Nick Andris wants revenge. His last mission failed after a Georgian arms smuggler killed his lover. He’s been tailing a woman for three weeks hoping she will lead him to his target. But there’s a problem with the intel. Holly Elise Bradshaw is nothing more than an entertainment writer with a love for sex and designer clothes. Clearly someone at Langley made a mistake . . .

When Holly finds herself in trouble, the only weapons at her disposal are her brains and her body. But they won’t be enough to handle the man who’s following her. He’s going to turn her world upside-down. 

AVAILABLE: October 20, 2015

I-Team Novels

Extreme Exposure (Book 1)
Heaven Can't Wait (Book 1.5)
Hard Evidence (Book 2)
Unlawful Contact (Book 3)
Naked Edge (Book 4)
Breaking Point (Book 5)
Skin Deep (Book 5.5)
First Strike (Book 5.9)
Striking Distance (Book 6)
Soul Deep (Book 6.5)
Seduction Game (Book 7)

FINALLY!!! Holly's book is here!!!!! YAYAYAYAYAY!!!!  I feel like I've been waiting forever for "Horny Holly" story.

And did she have a story....

We already knew Holly is a loyal and great friend, but she comes off as a materialistic, shallow, party girl that is always looking for a good time.  Pamela Clare really took everything we "thought" we knew about Holly and flipped it on it's head.  Holly has secrets.  Big secrets that even her I-Team family doesn't (and can't) know.  And under her "blonde" persona, is a strong, extremely intelligent woman that knows how to take care of herself.

Nick Andris is a man bent on revenge.  After hunting the man that killed his girlfriend and fellow CIA agent two years prior, Nick has him in his sights.  His intel is telling him that Holly is in this man's (dirty) pockets.  Only, Nick doesn't know if he believes that... there is no way that a entertainment writer could be in cahoots with the man.  But his superior is telling him Holly is a traitor and he can use any means necessary to find out what she knows.

Nick and Holly have to learn to trust in each other while on the run from the bad guys; all while trying to figure out just WHO the bad guys are.  Seduction Game is a fast-paced, action-packed story of deceit, trust, attraction and love. 

While all the I-Team novels can be read in any order, I fully recommend reading ALL of them.  Because they are all that good.  Previous couples play an important role in all books as well, BUT you don't lose any of this story if you haven't read any of the previous I-Team novels.

So glad Pamela Clare is healthy and back to writing AMAZING stories for our enjoyment!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Divorced, Desperate, and Daring by Christie Craig

Book Description

Smart and sassy . . . 

Sheri Thompson knew better. She could spot a horn dog from a mile away, especially when she’d been warned about him countless times by her best friend. Still, when Danny started smooth-talking Sheri at that same friend’s wedding, she couldn’t resist. It was the best one-night stand of her life. Heck, the best night of her life. And then she woke up alone.

Divorced and determined to stay that way . . .

Detective Danny Henderson didn’t like fear, but he’d felt a lot of it that morning he’d woken up feeling all warm and cozy next to the one woman that might just make an honest man of him. Six months later, fear has punched him in the gut again, but worse this time. He’s investigating a murder plot . . . a planned hit. The target: Sheri Thompson. This time his fear won’t get the best of him. He’ll kick ass to keep her safe and make sure he gets a second chance at countless more nights with the woman of his dreams. 

AVAILABLE: October 25, 2015

**One thing that bugs me about some ebooks (and even some printed) is the "added" pages in the book that are not the ACTUAL story.  It's the added stuff: book lists, previews of previous/future books from authors. It's rather annoying when you spend money on a book and think you have more to go aaannnddd you don't.  Divorced, Desperate, and Daring was done at 82%. 82%!!!!!!! That's a significant chunk of the book that is actually NOT the book.  I want that 18% back!! That's almost 1/5 of the book!!! 

okay... end rant.

Divorced, Desperate, and Daring is the six book in Christie Craig's Divorced and Desperate series.  Each book is a standalone featuring a different couple with "cameos" from the previous couples.

Sheri Thompson has been warned about Detective Danny Henderson.  He's the love'em and leave'em type.  But at her best friends wedding, she gives in to her desire for him and has the best night of her life.  A night of AMAZING sex and great conversation.  She thought, maybe, something more could come of it, until she wakes up in their hotel room alone.

Now, six months later, Sheri is still trying to find the feeling she had that one night with Danny.  And Danny is still kicking himself for walking out on what could of been the best thing that could of happened to him.  He's tried apologizing and talking to Sheri, but she has avoided him like the plague.  But when he hears that there has been a hit taken out on A Sheri Thompson, he is bound and determined to make sure it's not HIS Sheri.  And if he can convince Sheri to give him another chance, all the better.

Divorced, Desperate, and Daring is a laugh out loud read about second chances and learning to trust.

Rating: 4 out of 5

I'll Never Let You Go by Mary Burton

Book Description

LOVE HURTS

He promised to kill her. One night four years ago, Leah Carson's husband almost succeeded. Philip stabbed her twenty-three times before fleeing. The police are sure he's dead. But fear won't let Leah believe it.

AND SOMETIMESIt starts with little things. Missing keys. A flat tire. Mysterious flowers. All easily explained away if the pattern wasn't so terrifyingly familiar. Leah has a new veterinary practice and a new life with no ties to her nightmare. But Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agent Alex Morgan suspects something. And when another woman's body is found, stabbed twenty-three times, Leah knows her past has found her.

IT KILLS

As Leah and Alex untangle the horrifying truth, he watches her, ready for the perfect moment. Until death—that was the vow they made. And a killer always keeps his word…

AVAILABLE: October 27, 2015

Before I even get into what I thought about the I'll Never Let You Go... I don't know if it was only my ARC, but the format on this ebook was confusing.  There were no spaces in between dialogue/thoughts and completely different scenes.  It was very confusing to keep track of who said what and who was thinking what.  It slowed down my reading process significantly and took a lot of the enjoyment out of the book.

Now onto my thoughts of the story...

I was kinda bored.  I didn't connect with Alex or Leah.  I thought Alex was cold and unfeeling throughout and Leah was a little to OCD for me.  Also, I didn't find it all that difficult to figure out who the bad guy was.

I also wouldn't classify this book as a Romantic Suspense.  I found absolutely NO romance.

Rating: 2 out of 5

**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Lily in Bloom by Tammy Anderson

Book Description

Lily Carter has one chance to save her family from destitution. She must marry.

The real question now is who? Lily longs for one man, but her attempts to attract Eric Sampson are foiled at every turn. Eric can’t see a future when he’s still tangled in his past, and Lily is forced to consider other suitors despite loving Eric.

When one suitor comes forward who could threaten Lily’s well-being, Eric must set his doubts about marriage aside to protect her. But events have been set in motion neither of them can stop. Will his past destroy both their futures?

AVAILABLE: September 15, 2015

Lillian (Lily) Carter has to marry to save her family and their business.  Lily will receive her inheritence (which is a piece of land in the Boston Harbor area) that her brother desperately needs in order to keep their ship building business afloat, but according to her parents last will and testimate, their children only receive their inheritence after they marry.  She is basically given till the end of the season to choose a husband, or her brother will find one for her.

But the only man Lily wants, doesn't seem to want her back.  

Eric Sampson's wife died two years prior in a carriage accident.  Since then, he has kept his focus on is business and his son, Toby.  As determined as Lily is to gain Eric's attention, Eric is equally determined to stay away from her.  But as Lily gains more and more attention from other suitors, Eric's reasons for staying away seem to fade.

While the relationship between Lily and Eric is the primary focus of this story, the mystery/supense factor is what kept this from being JUST a historical romance.  Lily in Bloom was a fast-paced, romantic read that I absoutely LOVED.

Even if you don't normally read "historical romances", PICK THIS BOOK UP!! 

Rating: 5 out of 5

**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Cold as Stone by Lisa Hughey

Book Description

Nothing is ever set in STONE…

Ex-Marine, John Pulaski, the surprise half-brother of the Stone siblings takes a trial job at Stone Consulting with hopes of making it permanent. Given a mission to find two missing women, John will stop at nothing to uncover the secrets to their abduction. His stunning and driven partner is the only hitch in his plan.

After a tragic incident two years ago, former FBI agent, Rissa Evans freezes at any sign of conflict, but she's bound and determined to overcome her personal obstacles to prove to her irresistably sexy and infuriating partner that she's got what it takes to solve the case. As John and Rissa dig deeper into the case, their unwanted attraction intensifies, taking them both by surprise.

But the two wounded souls have to put aside their desires, in order to find the monster who steals the lives of innocent women. With time running out and so much on the line, can they let go of the scars of their past to discover what they're really looking for?

AVAILABLE: October 12, 2015

I didn't connect with ANY of these characters.  Probably because I haven't read any of the previous books in this series, but reading this didn't make me want to read any others...

Luckily, this book was so short because I almost stopped reading it and just skimmed through it.

**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Rating: 2 out of 5

Resurrection River by Lindsay Cross

Book Description

Ranger James accepted his best friend’s death like a good soldier. With guilt. Regret. Vengeance. But a forbidden desire keeps pulling him from his mission…

Desire for his best friend’s widow.

Killed in Action. That’s why Amy Carter’s husband wasn’t coming home.

A war widow, alone and broke, Amy struggles to revive her family’s crop dusting service to survive. Now she takes to the skies to find escape. Escape from the pain. From the guilt. From the earth-shattering desire for her husband’s best friend.

Amy and Ranger can’t fight the attraction between them any longer. But one fateful night cleaves their new found love in two...

Can they find the will to fight for true love

AVAILABLE: October 21, 2015

Men Of Mercy Series
Redemption River (Book 1)
Resurrection River (Book 2)
Reckless River (Book 3)

Resurrection River starts with a 7 months pregnant Amy Carter finding out her husband was killed during his latest deployment to the Middle East.  Under the stress of finding out she is a widow, Amy has her baby girl, Chloe, early.  With the pressures of being a new mother, widow, trying to keep her business afloat, and the mother-in-law from HELL, Amy retreats into herself and becomes numb.  And suffers in guilt for the feelings she (still) has for Ranger James, her high school sweetheart and Shane's best friend/teammate.

Ranger has watched Amy struggle with her new life for 8 months.  He is determined to show her that it he has never stopped loving her and that it is okay to accept help, especially his.  Amy is determined to do it on her own, but when one of her workers (and herself) is threatened by a local gang member, Ranger's patience is gone.

I wish I had read the first book in the Men of Mercy (Redemption River) series before I read Resurrection River.  I somewhat felt that I was missing some of the back story between Amy and Ranger.  I don't know if more was explained in book 1 or just left out all together.  That being said I really really liked this book.  Enjoyed these character's and look forward to reading more about them.

**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Rating: 4 out of 5

His Temporary Fix by Sofia Grey

Book Description

Holly Jacobs loses her heart a little too easily. Never again. But when she meets the sexy soldier on the beach, Holly knows she's in big trouble. Zack Winter is gorgeous and in pain, and when he kisses Holly, all of her resolve melts away...

Zack's is on short-term leave to attend a funeral, and he's walking a fine line. The loss is unbearable...and he'll do whatever it takes to distract himself from it. Especially if it means a night of searingly-hot sex with Holly Jacobs. Only his brilliant idea isn't exactly going according to plan.

One night isn't nearly enough. But if it goes much longer it might end in broken hearts…

AVAILABLE: October 26, 2015

THIS BOOK IS A NOVELLA!!

Holly Jacobs is home to help care for her younger brother after he was in a car accident.  Zack Winter, staying in a rental property a few houses down from Holly, is on temporary leave to attend his baby sister's funeral.  They meet and feel an instant kinship over the lose of loved ones (Holly lost her parents when she was young).  Between burying Zach's sister and finding out new details about her death, Zach and Holly's connection grows in their short time together.

I've read novella's that have the feel of a full-length novel.  This book isn't one of them.  I felt rushed through the story and relationship.  And because of that, I didn't really get invested in these characters.  I definitely would of really enjoyed this as a full length novel. 

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Want by Emma Rider

Book Description

Savage in the cage. Savage in the bedroom.

Powerful. Brutal. Mixed Martial Artist, Ryland “The Savage” Cole doesn’t play by the rules. He wants it. He takes it. And he wants Jade.

Professional cuddler Jade has not only been hurt but also deceived by the one she once loved. She’s not going to make a mistake again by giving her heart to a man. Especially since she’s now free.

When a motorcycle club threatens her best friend, she puts her life on the line in order to save him, but in order to do that, she must spend every night in Ryland’s arms.

A professional cuddler. An alpha MMA fighter. And a motorcycle club.

WANT is a full length contemporary MMA Romance, a standalone, and has no cliffhanger.

AVAILABLE: October 14, 2015

First, before I even get into what I thought about this book... Professional cuddler?!?!?!  Ummm.... I have to be honest... I googled it.  Is this a real thing?? Does it actually have therapeutic benefits?? WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!?!?!? I kid you not. This through me off for a little bit.  And yepp, it is real and yes it is said to have benefits for those suffering PTSD and other disabilities.

Okay, onto the book...

It's starts with a classic story.  Girl loves boy.  Girl and boy get engaged and start a life together.  Girl gets degree.  Girl finds out boy is a lying slimeball.  Boy sets up girl with drugs in truck of car.  Girl gets arrested and spends time in jail.  Girl gets out of jail with a mountain of debt and becomes a professional cuddler...  You know, happens all the time.

Jade started her business, Snuggle up to Me, to help people (and herself).  She is determined to make it on her own and remain free.  She screens clients and has contracts with them to protect both her and her clients.  She has rules and boundaries with them all.  One client that pushes her boundaries and actually makes her FEEL while they cuddle is MMA fighter Ryland "The Savage" Cole.  

Ryland is heading into his last year of competitive MMA fighting and wants to go out on a high note.  He has worked hard to reach the level of success he has.  He is the type to know what he wants and set a plan on how to get it.  And he has his sights set on Jade.  His "plan" on how to get Jade is a little... unorthodox, but I understood where it was coming from.

By the end of the book, you understand more of the "professional cuddler" aspect of the book.  Want was a good romantic read with some pretty steamy scenes.  I hope Emma Rider writes Jase and Jules story!!

**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Friendly Arrangement by Christie Warner

Book Description

What happens when your plus one becomes "the one"?

Holly Haggerty and Roth Esterly are two besties with everything in common--they're neighbors, career-driven, and commitment-phobes. Tired of always being set up on dates by well-meaning friends and family, they take matters into their own hands: they will be the other's plus one--a little friendly arrangement between friends.

Easy…until a steamy night where they cross the line. But that's okay, they'll add an addendum--one that includes a little action between the sheets…on top of the sheets…and without the sheets. But there are rules. Dating and sex are exclusive until one of them decides to terminate the agreement. No slumber parties. And if either party becomes emotionally involved they will break things off with no hard feelings.

When unexpected news changes their plans and turns their fun arrangement into something more serious, Holly and Roth must come to terms with what's more important--what they thought they wanted, or what they really need.

AVAILABLE: October 26, 2015

**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Holly and Roth have been "besties" ever since they started living across the hall from each other about two years ago.  They have many things in common.  They are career-driven, commitment-phobe (even though I don't really think Holly is so much a commitment-phobe rather than just not ready for a committed relationship at this time in her life) people with friends and family always trying to set them up with the PERFECT person.  So in order to avoid the dreaded set-ups, they decide to become each other's "plus one" when needed.  

When they add a "benefit" to their plus-one arrangement, feelings change and develop for both, but they don't talk to each other about them until something happens where it can no longer be avoided.

To me, these two didn't come off as true "besties".  I had a hard time understanding what made them best friends.  They didn't know much about each other other than they didn't want a committed relationship.  Roth didn't know that Holly had a friend that died from domestic violence and that is why she volunteered so much at a women's shelter. And Holly didn't know that Roth had family issues.  My best friends know pretty much EVERYTHING about me (good, bad, and indifferent).  It was also hard to take these two seriously as adults for some reason.  Maybe it was their inner dialogue with themselves.  I don't know, something was just off. 

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Gambling on the Bodyguard by Sarah Ballance

Book Description

Ski instructor Ellie Montgomery hits Vegas during a romance convention to meet the man of her dreams…only, the man of her dreams isn’t the cover model she’s there to see. He’s the hot-as-sin bodyguard who catches her sneaking in the back door of a meet-and-greet, and he seems more than ready to do what it takes to prove he’s twice the man her pretty boy crush could ever be.

Jax Mathis couldn’t resist snagging a date with Ellie, but he didn’t count on the attraction being more than physical. They connect on a level he didn’t think possible—and he can’t run fast enough. She makes him want things he thought he’d never have, and maybe, just maybe, they’re within reach. But to have it, he’ll have to face the one mountain he swore he’d never climb...and with no guarantee she’ll be waiting on the other side.

AVAILABLE: October 12, 2015

**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.**

Ellie Montgomery is in Vegas for a romance convention to meet the cover model for some of her favorite books.  There she loses her ticket to get backstage and has to "sneak" through the back door where she is caught by Jax Mathis, hired bodyguard.  Jax will let her in on one condition: she go out with him.  And I instantly thought, "This would NOT be the guy I would want to be PAYING to keep potential stalkers and crazies away from me... just saying".  

They spend the remainder of the weekend together and feelings develop between these two at warp speed, only to have Ellie leave on Sunday after Jax pushes her away.

***Spoiler Alert** 

The thing that lost me was when after FIVE weeks of no communication, Ellie texts him when her dog is hit by a car and he comes running and proposes after knowing each other less than 72 hours.

Plus there were some spelling errors and grammatical errors throughout the book that annoyed me.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Blind by Sidney Bristol

Book Description

He recognizes the darkness in her. It’s in him, too. 

Detective Jacob Payton knows the clock is ticking down. Someone is about to die, and his best suspect is also his only source of information. He’s known Emma Ration’s story for years—after all, a brutal serial killer left his mark on both their lives when they were still young. Meeting her is another experience altogether. She challenges his control and entices him in ways no other woman has. 

But is she the killer? As the bodies pile up and their passion ignite, Jacob runs the risk of losing his control. Falling for Emma was never in his plan, but now that she’s part of his life he’s not about to give her up. Not even to the FBI on the trail of the very same killer. 

Jacob must figure out if it’s Emma in danger, or himself. If he can’t uncover the identity of the copycat killer, it could be the end for both him and the woman who has fast become the center of his life. 

AVAILABLE: October 6, 2015

**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Emma Ration's father is the only surviver of the T.B.K. serial killer (Torture. Blind. Kill.).  Watching the torture and murder's of both his parent's forever changed Emma's father.  He was emotionally/mentally and physically abusive to those around him.  In trying to understand what her father went through, Emma turned into the "pseudo" expert on all things TBK. 

The past links Emma to Detective Jacob Payton, even though they have never met.  Jacob's father was the cop that arrested the T.B.K. serial killer, so Jacob understands the lasting damage T.B.K. left in his wake.  Now, Jacob is receiving letters from someone claiming to be T.B.K. and he is trying to determine whether someone is playing a sick joke or more guresome killings are just around the corner.  In order to try to piece together the past and the present, he meets with Emma.  

As the bodies begin to pile up and their relationship gets heated, Jacob and Emma work together to try to figure out who the copycat killer is.  

Blind: Killer Instincts is the first in a new series following the Killing Club and those that hunt them down.

RATING: 4 out of 5

How Forever Feels by Laura Drewry

Book Description

Maya McKay's heart is as big as Jack Rhodes's shoulders are broad. Their chemistry is out of control, but it could never work between them because Jack is more than just best friends with her cheating ex-husband—they're like brothers. Maya, the sensitive, practical florist, has given up on love and is ready to settle for like. But now that Jack's around again, he's stirring up old feelings—and turning Maya's fantasies into irresistible reality.

Jack blew his chance with Maya years ago when he stepped aside for his best friend, Will, and he's still kicking himself about it. Maya was promisedforever once before, and she got burned. But when Jack realizes that second chances aren't going to fall out of the sky, he seizes the moment—and the woman he's always loved—to show her how forever truly feels.

AVAILABLE: October 13, 2015

**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Honestly, I skipped so much of this book.  I could not stand Jack.  I thought he didn't deserve Maya in any way!!! Jack is best friends/foster brothers with Maya's ex-husband, Will.  So I understand why he is loyal to him, but there comes a point where you go WTF!!???!!!!  

He KNOWS Will cheats on Maya even before they are married, yet doesn't tell her (even though he is in love with her) and THEN sides with Will's family that Maya overreacted by leaving Will when she walks in on him having sex with yet another woman.  THEN Jack has the nerve to ask Maya to supply the flowers for Will and his soon-to-be wife's (THE WOMAN MAYA WALKED IN ON)  wedding the next day!!! I mean WTF!!! Nope. Nope. Nope.  

The only bright spot is the relationship with Maya and her friends. 

Rating: 2 out of 5

Hidden Scars by Amanda K. Byrne

Book Description

Sometimes the past won’t stay where it belongs.

Sara’s number one rule of dating: closed off, secretive men need not apply. Years of therapy helped her move past the damage done by her emotionally abusive boyfriend, and she’s ready to date again. Someone funny, laid back, and easy to talk to. All things her coworker Taylor isn’t.

Taylor’s quiet. Too quiet. He operates in permanent stealth mode, and he hides his secrets as well as Sara does. She doesn’t want to be attracted to him, but after a night spent in a hotel room together, trapped by a blizzard, she can’t deny there’s a fire-hot connection between them, waiting to ignite. Their working relationship inches closer and closer to friendship, until one day she gathers her courage and kisses him.

It’s the match Taylor was waiting for.

What starts as a sweet, fumbling friendship quickly becomes a passionate and intense affair. Just when Sara’s starting to feel safe in Taylor’s arms, his secrets come out, and she wonders if she’ll ever be able to stop looking over her shoulder.

AVAILABLE:  September 22, 2015

**I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Trust.  Probably the hardest thing to earn, yet the easiest to destroy.

Hidden Scars starts off with sales executives Sara and Taylor stuck in Chicago due to a snow storm.  Not wanting to sleep in the airport, they head to a hotel to find that they have only one room left.  With a single bed.  Sara demands that Taylor take the bed, while she will sleep on the floor.  After getting ready for bed, Sara sees Taylor in a way she's never seen him before; shirtless with a beautiful tattoo covering his back and scars.  

After returning to Portland, Sara can't seem to shake thoughts of Taylor.  She is curious about a man for the first time in a long time and finds herself trying to befriend him.  Taylor isn't the easiest man to get to know.  Life has taught him that he can learn more by simply observing and listening to what is going on around him rather than making his presence known.  He has paid attention to Sara in the office, and he knows something has happened to her to put the look of fear and mistrust into her eyes. But Taylor is a patient man and wants Sara to feel comfortable around him before he even thinks about shifting their relationship from friendship to something more.

Taylor and Sara really built a true friendship.  Sara became determined to make Taylor let go with her and just smile. Taylor was determined to get Sara to trust him with her body, mind and soul.  Each was comfortable in their silence and didn't feel the need to take just to hear their voices.  Their conversations had meaning and depth.

But the past doesn't always want to stay that way.  Will Sara and Taylor be able to trust that they are better together to move through some trauma or will the past break them? 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Hard to Break by Bella Jewel

Book Description

Quinn has spent her whole life working in her dad's garage, leaving her more comfortable with a carburetor than a curling iron. Her world is turned upside down when her beloved garage is bought by none other than world famous, sexy as sin, custom car builder, Tazen Watts. He's the one man she can't stand...even though he makes her hotter than a high performance engine in top gear.

Tazen has no use for Quinn, at least not professionally, and he's making sure she knows it. But there's a spark between them that she's finding hard to ignore. She's determined to prove her talent is as impressive as her sassy mouth. When she finds out Tazen is hiding a secret that could bring down his career and everyone involved in it, she wonders: is falling for him is going to be worth the risk?

*This book is a standalone that contains a HEA*

AVAILABLE: October 13, 2015

**I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Quinn's whole world revolves around Pixie Wheels, her father's garage.  It is a representation for happier times when her mom was still alive and her father wouldn't drown his sorrows in a bottle.  When her world is threatened, Quinn will do anything she can to save it.  Even if the threat is sexy as hell, custom car builder Tazen Watts.

Tazen wants to expand his custom car shops into Florida and Pixie Wheels is the perfect location.  He soon finds that Quinn isn't going to let it go without a fight.  But Tazen always gets what he wants and he evenutally does, destroying Quinn's world.  

Still not willing to give up her home, Quinn demands a job at the garage.  Tazen, being a complete MALE, gives one to her: as the shop's receptionist.  But beggers can't be choicers, so Quinn takes it in hopes she can eventually prove she knows what she is doing under the hood of a car (which she does).  And as an added bonus, she can continue to torment Tazen.

Feelings of resentment and mistrust turn into something different.  Tazen shows a different side of himself with Quinn.  Same with Quinn.  She doesn't feel that she has to be so tough and in control with him.  They grow as individuals and as a couple throughout the book.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Kissing Her Crazy by Kira Archer

Book Description

Single mom Lena Oserkowski just wants to relax at the 5-star resort where her brother is getting married. Oh, and figure out how to make one of her businesses successful enough to support her son. Her focus is thrown out of whack when Elliot Debusshere, twin brother of her new sister-in-law, swims to her rescue at the hotel pool.

Elliot is disillusioned with his wealthy, playboy lifestyle and wants nothing more than to bring some meaning and purpose to the charity he runs. When he rescues Lena from a case of heat exhaustion and meets her son Tyler, he has no idea the answer to his problems might have just fallen in his lap. Literally.

With Lena's ideas and Elliot's know-how, they might just be able to make their ventures a success. Except pleasure has a sneaky way of mixing with their business, leaving both dazed and confused. Charming as he is, Elliot isn't father material. And there's no room for a single mom and her child in his life. While the attraction between them isn't easily squashed, there's no telling the lengths his family will go to prevent a relationship.

AVAILABLE: October, 12, 2015

**I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

This was just an okay contemporary romance story for me.  Like my last review, the "romance" part of this book felt rushed.  I felt that this book really lacked any emotional growth/development from Lena and Elliot.  And I wasn't the biggest fan of Lena Oserkowski.  She felt really judgmental of Elliot to me.  Plus she was always lecturing (and making him feel bad) him about letting her son swim, playing video games, eating junk food, etc.  I mean, I understand all that but 1) he doesn't have kids, so he doesn't know and 2) YOU ARE ON VACATION, let him have some fun (especially if people are offering to help you!!). 

I felt bad of Elliot's relationship with his parents.  They are rich, snobby a**holes.  

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Seducing Seven by MK Meredith

Book Description

He bet on logic. She bet on love.

Romance author Seven Michaels believes in love to her very core. She has to--not only for herself, but for her readers. So when luxury salesman Blake Turner insults not only her books but the people who read them, Seven's ready to throw down. How dare a playboy like Blake insinuate romance lovers are full of crap?

He wants proof? Fine. She bets Blake she can make him fall for her by using the rules in her latest novel before the end of the convention, or she'll denounce love in front of all her fellow authors and fans at the Romance Lovers Convention ball. A dangerous game to be sure, but humiliating Blake is worth the risk.

But when Seven realizes she's the one who's being seduced, she's no longer sure who is playing whom...or whether she'll have a career when the bet is over.

AVAILABLE: October 12, 2015

**I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Seven Michaels walks into a Vegas casino for a writer's conference and is immediately greeted by an overzealous fan set out to prove that they would be perfect together.  While Seven waits outside the elevators she tries to come up with a way to save herself a weekend of dodging this guy.  Then the elevator doors part and there stands Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome, Blake Turner.  Seven immediately goes up to him (praying he will play along) and declares him her boyfriend.  After her overzealous fan leaves, Blake begins to insult her belief in love and calls her a fraud for pushing the belief of true love on her readers.  

Shocked and pissed off, Seven bets Blake that she can seduce a man, using the seven rules that her heroine used in her recent book.  Blake ups the ante by saying he gets to choose the man: himself.  

Blake thinks this will be a piece of cake, but he underestimates the power of romance, love and Seven herself.

I liked this book, I just felt that the romance was rushed.  They arrive in Vegas on a Friday and leave sometime Sunday, with each being there for work.  The only guaranteed time they spend together is meals (it's part of the terms of the bet).  I liked the characters, I just wish they were there for more time (like a week).

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Always Will by Melanie Jacobson

Book Description

Handsome twenty-eight-year-old Will Hallerman has finally had enough of the dating world—he’s ready to find a wife and settle down. This announcement is catastrophic in Hannah Becker’s world. After knowing Will her entire life and adoring him from afar since junior high school, she realizes her chance at love with him is in grave danger. Hannah’s problem? To Will, she will never be more than his best friend’s little sister. Determined to open his eyes to her charms, Hannah sets out to sabotage Will’s wife hunt by placing nightmare dates in his path and taking his search on a wild goose chase. Her plan is risky, but she’s willing to take a chance to catch the eye of her soul mate. 

Despite her crazy schemes, nothing seems to be working. Hannah can’t help but wonder if it’s time to set aside this childhood crush—to move on and settle down herself. She’s ready for a fresh start with a great guy. If only Will weren’t suddenly changing the rules of the game . . . And how can Hannah move on when Will just won’t let her forget?

AVAILABLE: October 5, 2015

**I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

This book didn't read as a friends to lovers kind of book.  

Yes, Hannah and Will have known each other forever (Will is Hannah's older brother's best friend).  And Hannah has had a crush on Will since she was a teenager.  So when she hears Will is serious about settling down and marriage, she freaks out.  So she "helps" him finds dates.  Then she makes a "fake" online dating profile to show Will that she is actually his dream girl.  HELLO!! Just tell the guy.  Hannah had the maturity level of a high schooler.  And Will is just dense...      

The reason why this didn't read as a friends-to-lovers type story was because they never even kissed until about 85% of the book.  When Will finally acknowledges that he feels "something" for her, Hannah proceeds to tell him it's only because she is now a challenge and that he will just move on the next thing soon anyways.  I don't know... these two were a mess to me. 

I skimming through a lot of this book.    

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Bittersweet Junction by Ivy Sinclair

Book Description

Five years ago, Julia Bell walked away from everything and everyone in her life the moment her high school diploma was in her hand. Determined not to make a mistake she’d regret the rest of her life, she decided leaving was easier. An emergency call from her younger sister brings Julia back to Benton Hill to face the people she left behind, including the man who had tried to claim her heart. 

Ben Miller was always the nice guy, the best friend. The one time he tried to change that perception, he lost the girl and the future he worked so hard to achieve in quick succession. Now that girl, Julia Bell, is back in his life. Ben finds himself falling back that familiar role, even though his heart still wants more. 

As Julia and Ben are thrown back together navigating a stressful event for the Bell family, echoes of the past remind them of what could have been, but also how much they have changed. Is what they once shared enough to build something more, or is it too late to rekindle the spark of this second chance romance?

This is a full-length, standalone new adult contemporary romance novel intended for readers 18+.

AVAILABLE: September 26, 2015

**I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

To me, this description of this book isn't exactly what I thought I read.

Julia Bell left home 5 years ago and hasn't looked back since.  But after receiving a call from her sister, Clary, that their dad was in the hospital, Julia rushed home to find out that not only is her father fine, but her little sister is getting married to her ex-boyfriend, Mike, and they have a baby on the way.

Ben Miller was best friends with Julia and Mike since they were 5 years old, and has loved Julia for that long too.  He was the one that Julia always went to talk to.  They never dated or even kissed until a few nights before high school graduation.  

When Julia returns, yeah he is there for her (she is taking a lot of new information/changes) but it's not like he lets her walk all over him and then just dismiss him.  The relationship changes between Julia and Ben that very first night she is back in town.

This book wasn't what I'd consider a "second-chance romance".  There was no romance (besides a make-out session) between Julia and Ben.  I mean, it was a good book, just not really what I was expecting to read. 

Rating: 3.5 out of 5