Monday, November 30, 2015

Love on a Summer Night by Zoe York





Book Description

Never say never. Especially not to a determined bad boy. 

Zander Minelli is exactly the wrong kind of man. He’s dark, dangerous, and knows far too much about sawed-off shotguns. 

Faith Davidson finds him irresistible. The widowed single mother knows she should dip her toe back in the dating pool with someone solid and dependable. Definitely no tattoos. But every time she looks up, the brooding soldier is watching her, and she can’t help but wonder what it would be like to let herself have a taste… 

Small town summer nights have never been hotter—and one transplanted city-girl’s heart has never been more fragile. 

Book 4 in the acclaimed Pine Harbour series! 

Love in a Small Town - Rafe and Olivia 
Love in a Snow Storm - Jake and Dani 
Love on a Spring Morning - Ryan and Holly 
Love on a Summer Night - Zander and Faith

AVAILABLE: November 24, 2015

Love on a Summer Night is the fourth in Zoe York's Pine Harbour series.  Each book can be read as a standalone since it focuses on different couples (which is good since this was the first book I've read by Zoe York).  

Zander Minelli has about 6 months left before he is about to retire from 20 years in the military.  He knows it his time.  He is getting closer and closer to 40 years old and he feels like he SHOULD be putting down roots, but he has been on his own for so long that he doesn't know if he knows how to.  He figures he can make Pine Harbour his home base (after all, all his family is here) and still be able to come and go as he pleases.  But all that wanderlust feelings begin to change when he runs into Faith the night he rode into town.

Single mother Faith Davidson is still putting her life back together for herself and her son, Eric, after her husband died for years ago.  She knows she needs to start to put herself out there and have more of a (adult) social life, but life is easy to avoid when you write fantasy books for a living and the adventurous life took everything from you.  

The minute Faith asks Zander if he knows anything about weapons (for her book), Zander is fascinated with discovering more about Faith.  But he knows he is only on leave for a week, and while he'll be back for a few days here and there, he won't be completely in Pine Harbour for another 6 months.  

Can he convince Faith in that week that he is worth having an adventure with or will he lose the first woman that has ever captivated him, body and soul?      

On a side note...

The one thing that kind of annoyed me with this book was the description of Zander as a "bad boy". Umm.... I NEVER got a "bad boy" vibe from him.  And actually it seems to be a growing description for any book that has a Hero with tattoos.  I don't think having tattoos automatically make someone a "bad boy".  This term seems to be thrown around a lot lately (for me), and while I think it fits for some, I don't think that description fit for Zander. 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

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

A Night with Knox by Eve Jagger




Book Description

One night. A sexy secret. And a New Year’s Eve they’ll never forget.

Pro baseball player Cooper Knox is tired of groupies and fans - so when a sassy brunette with curves for days doesn’t recognize him, he’s not about to let his secret slip. She wants a night to remember - and he’s going to show her a few moves she’ll never forget.

But secrets have a way of catching up with you - and when the ball drops at midnight, the new year isn’t the only thing that will be starting with a bang.
 

AVAILABLE: December 4, 2015

Sexy Bastards Series
Hard (Book 1)
Cash (Book 2)
A Night with Knox (Book 2.5)
Knox (Book 3) **Available December 30, 2015

A Night with Knox is a super sexy snippet of what is to come with Knox (available December 30th!!!).  Here we FINALLY meet the Sexy Bastard's silent partner, Cooper Knox.

Knox is only in Atlanta for New Years to check out their newly opened bar, Library, and spend time with his friends.  He's feeling restless, so he heads up to the roof for a little fresh air where he runs into Shelby.  She is his breathe of fresh air since she isn't a baseball fan (in fact she gives him crap about his profession).  

Since this is only a snippet about how Knox and Shelby meet, I don't want to make this review to long and spoil the story.  Just know that Eve Jagger doesn't disappoint and if you love Hard and Cash, then you will love seeing the third Sexy Bastard meet his match.

Can't wait until December 30th now!!!!!!! =]

RATING: 5 out of 5

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

Monday, November 23, 2015

Once Kissed by Cecy Robson





Book Description

Once they shared a night of passion. Now a chance encounter forces them back together. In Cecy Robson's O'Brien Family series debut—perfect for readers of Monica Murphy and J. Lynn—two total opposites find that the flames of desire are still smoldering.
 
Tough-as-steel cop Curran O'Brien is quickly rising through the ranks of the Philadelphia police department. But when his rookie partner is almost killed under his watch, Curran just wants to prove he still has what it takes to walk among Philly's finest. So he's pissed to be stuck on a cushy security assignment for the DA's office . . . until he gets a good look at the sweet, straitlaced intern he's supposed to protect—but not touch.
 
Tess Newart recognizes Curran instantly. How could she not? Back in college she tied this former frat boy to the bed with her argyle socks! That sizzling one-night stand was the only indiscretion Tess ever allowed herself. She has survived law school so far, despite being pushed to succeed by her overbearing father. Now that she's interning on a major case against a ruthless crime boss, she won't jeopardize her career by giving in to temptation again. She just never expected temptation to look so damn hot in uniform.
 
Tess knows her father has other plans for her, and they don't include Curran. But soon she's falling for him all over again. And when danger emerges, Curran will prove just how good a bad-boy cop can be.

AVAILABLE: November 3, 2015

This review is difficult for me to write.  Not because it was bad (because it wasn't), but because it was so different then what I was excepting after reading the book description.  The book description made this book out to be a romantic suspence.  Pretty DA assistant being guarded by a cop (who happens to be DA's brother) during a big mafia trial in Philly.  Cool, count me in.  The trial (more trial-prep/research) was in the background throughout the story, Once Kissed was about two wounded people coming together and working through their trauma together.

Tess Newart is in her last year of law school and interning at the District Attorney's office for experience.  She was selected to help Declan O'Brien, the Assisant DA, to help research the biggest mob trial in years.  And as a procaution, the District Attorney has assigned police "supervision" to those involved.  And the cop assigned to protect her... she had a one-night stand with him 4 years ago.

Curran O'Brien doesn't want to be wasting his time supervising the "homely" research assisant for his brother.  The only reason he has this crappy assignment is so he can get his head on right after his rookie partner was shot and almost killed.  But after recognizing Tessa as his new assignment, things are looking up.  Curran never thought he'd see Tessa again after their one unforgetable night together.  And the only problem now is he's not supposed to touch her.

(How many times can I say assigned/assignments in a few paragraphs?!?)

I LOVED Curran.  He was smart, loyal, and a (funny) smartass.  He brought out the real Tessa and gave her a place to feel safe and comfortable.  And it was great watching Tessa grow as a person and become more confident in herself and stand up for herself.  Curran's love did that for her.  He consistly teased her, yet showered her with compliments and attention.  For someone who has NEVER had that in her life, Tessa didn't know how to respond to him at first.  

I thought these two were perfect for each other and can't wait to read more about this crazy family.  

I think Declan will be next! =] 

Rating: 4 out of 5

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

If you liked this review, please leave comments and make sure to subscribe to my blog!!

Sunday, November 22, 2015

The Hometown Hoax by Heather Thurmeier



Book Description

Leaving was hard, but staying away might be impossible.
Tessa Cutter escaped her tiny hometown and chased her artistic dreams straight to Manhattan. Now she’s home for a camping trip with her family. To keep them off her back, she makes up the perfect pretend boyfriend—successful, important, and most of all, permanently located in New York.
Logan Ridley lost everything when his Manhattan-based personal training studio shut down. Luckily, a friend got him a position as a gym teacher in the small town of Cutter’s Creek. He’s heard a lot about the infamous Tessa, but she’s even better than he imagined. Except, she seems to hate everything about the small town he’s growing to love.

The chemistry sparking between them is impossible to ignore, but falling for Logan will trap Tessa in the small town she worked so hard to escape. If they have any hope of a future together, he’ll have to convince her that everything she wants has been in Cutter’s Creek all along…

AVAILABLE: November 16, 2015

After reading the description of this book you have pretty much read the book.  The only thing you are missing out on is Tessa's constant bitching about life and just being a bitch to EVERYONE!!!! Tessa killed this book for me.  I didn't like her at all.  She was so negative about anything and everything.  She was just annoying and a negative nancy.  Blahhh Blahhhh Blahhh

Wasn't a fan.

Rating: 2 out of 5

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

His Kind of Trouble by Terri Austin




Book Description

Monica Campbell may have a history as a wild child, but she’s changed her ways. She’s respectable, responsible—and, most importantly, she’s sworn off bad boys. That is, until Callum Hughes roars back into her life with his sexy British accent and killer smile.

Cal remembers every steamy moment he shared with Monica, but he barely recognizes the straight-laced woman she’s become. Determined to lure Monica into letting go of her inhibitions, Cal will use every trick he knows to fire her blood and tempt her body…reminding her just how good it can feel to be bad—and his.

AVAILABLE: November 3, 2015

Four years ago, Monica Campbell hit her rock bottom.  Since then she has made a conscious effort to lose her bad girl ways.  She's determined to be a respectable, responsible adult.  She earned her master's degree and now works for the charitable organization that was started in her mother's honor.  Also, she now only dates respectable, responsible men.  No more bad boys with no jobs for her.  The Calum Hughes comes back into her life.

Calum and Monica shared a sexy moment at her father's wedding five years ago that he never forgot.  So imagine his surprise when he sees her again all buttoned-up and serious.  What happened to the confident, sexy woman he met out in the garden for some serious kissing?  Just as determined Monica is to stay on the straight-and-narrow, Cal is JUST as determined to get her to shed the horrible pant-suits and letting go... with him.  

Monica is hesitant to give into Cal.  She NEEDS to prove to her older sister that she is responsible and doesn't need to be "looked after".  She becomes a more balanced Monica the longer she is with Cal, but is scared to fully open up to him because Cal never is in one place to long.

His Kind Of Trouble is a story of self-discovery, growth, and trust (in yourself).  That while you made of made mistakes in your past, you can learn and grow from them while still remaining true to who you are.  Life is about balance, and this is a story about Monica and Calum finding theirs.

Rating: 4 out of 5

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

Friday, November 20, 2015

Secret Santa Baby by Robin Covington



Book Description

Tessa Stoneman hasn’t been able to get long-time friend and business partner Nicholas Boone out of her head since they shared a single kiss in college. Even when she dated Nicholas’s best friend. Now that she’s giving up her position at GameNerdz to strike out on her own—and now that she’s single—maybe it’s the right time to see if there’s still something between them.
Nicholas knows once Tessa leaves the company she helped found, they might drift apart. Before she starts her own company in the new year, he wants to woo the woman he fell in love with during college. So he poses as her Secret Santa, gifts her with items from the song “Santa Baby,” and plans a big reveal at the company holiday party. But when his best friend wants to rekindle his romance with Tessa, will Nicholas lose his last chance?

AVAILABLE: November 16, 2015

Tessa and Nicholas have been friends since college.  Nick was forced to watch the girl of his dreams date his best friend (and business partner) because he was to slow to make his feelings known.  Now Tessa is single and Nick is determined to show her that they are perfect for each other.  Nick uses Tessa's favorite Christmas song, Santa Baby, as inspiration for her Secret Santa gifts, with the big reveal being at the office Christmas party.

Secret Santa Baby is a very sweet, QUICK read.  This only took me about 15 minutes to finish.  

Rating: 4 out of 5

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

The Artist by Shealy James





Book Description

Katherine “Kitty” Peters is done doing what Daddy says…
When Kitty rebels against her wealthy father, he issues an ultimatum. She has one month to agree with his plans for a suitable marriage, or find her own way without the benefit of all he provides for her.
Taking full advantage of those precious weeks, Kitty escapes her suffocating world for a more colorful one…where she meets a tattooed maverick who captivates her with one sexy smirk.
Adam Vaughn doesn’t play by the rules…
His good looks and bad-boy persona always get him what he wants, but he’s also an artist, a painter, and deeply sensitive. Lately, however, only one thing inspires him—the stunning Kitty Peters.
Passion flares, but a family crisis might douse the flame…
Adam needs help, and Kitty’s father has connections. As the end of her month approaches, Kitty’s deal with the devil is far more complicated than simply submitting to her father’s will.
Can she walk away from the man she loves in order to save him from pain?
Even if it means living the rest of her life without him?


AVAILABLE: Ocotber 20, 2015

Katherine Peters parents' raised her to be the perfect society wife.   The image of perfection and family "values" is important for her father's business.  After 28 years of being under her parent's complete control, she finally snaps and tells her father to fuck off.  He issues an ultimatum... She has one month to shape up and do as she is told or she will find herself without the benefits of her father's wealth.  

When she meets Adam Vaughn, she knows she only has a limited amount of time before her father comes up with some way to get her back under his control so she intends to enjoy the time she has with her maverick.  What she wasn't expecting was to fall in love with him.  And when her month is up and her father makes her an offer she can't refuse, she takes it to help Adam and his family and leaves for New York.  

In New York, Katherine is "promised" to a son of a congressman.  He is just as bad as her father, ughhhhh.  After several months, Katherine finally reaches her breaking point and leaves to go back home.  

But after months away, will Adam understand her motives for leaving and forgive her?!

I have a book hangover from this book.  On one hand I really enjoyed Katherine (a.k.a Kitty or Duchess) and Adam's (Maverick) story and how their romance/love progressed.  But on the other hand, Katherine's parent were so disgusting that my brain couldn't handle them.  It's crazy to me that a parent would use their child the way that they did... ick.  And surprisingly, I understood WHY Katherine went along with her parents (especially her father).  

The Artist is a book about discovering yourself, sacrifice, and learning that EVERYONE is worthy of love.  

*The Artist is a reissue.  The original title for this book was Whole Life Makeover.*

Rating: 4 out of 5

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

Thursday, November 19, 2015

How to Fall by Rebecca Brooks





Book Description

One week of adventure might just lead to love…
Julia Evans has always put others ahead of herself--her high school math students, her troubled best friend, and her ex. But with New Year's approaching, she buys a round trip ticket to Brazil. For one week, she can put her needs first. She can meet a stranger in the hotel pool at midnight and dance all night on the beach.
Screenwriter Blake Williams has to keep moving before Oz's latest scandal catches up to him. But the dark-haired beauty with a backpack and an adventurous streak is messing with his plans. He can't seem to walk away from her. But secrets have a way of coming out, and when the week is up, Julia and Blake will have to decide if they're jumping into the biggest adventure of all or playing it safe.

AVAILABLE: November 16, 2015

Rebecca Brooks is a new author to me.  And I am so glad I stumbled across How to Fall by her.  This book just clicked with me.  I loved the story, characters, setting... it all just worked for me.  

Julia Evans needs a break from her life.  She puts to much of herself into her work and making sure her best friend is okay (all for the sacrifice of herself).  She needs to discover what she wants out of life.  So she does the first impulsive thing for just herself: books a week trip to Brazil.  She can be anyone she wants amongst strangers... But she may just discover herself.

Blake Williams is running from his life.  After a (very) public breakup with his ex, Blake decides to take an extended vacation.  Brazil is just a stop on travels and is intending to head to Argentina when Julia walks into the hostel where he is staying, but all his intentions go out the window when he sees her.  

They decide to spend the week together and enjoy each other's company and experience all the Brazil has to offer.  But after the week is up will they be able to trust their feelings and the realities of their "real" lives or will they just go their separate ways...?

How to Fall is a story about learning to trust your instincts and taking risks.  Loved it!!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

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

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Dare to Seduce by Carly Phillips





Book Description

Alpha billionaire businessman, Max Savage has had a thing for Lucy Dare for as long as he can remember but he values his long standing friendship with her brothers too much to cross the line. When Lucy shows up at an engagement party on the arms of another man, Max doesn’t like the changes he sees in her and vows to make her his own.

It’s now or never. Max can think of one way to convince Lucy she’s with the wrong guy. He’ll dare to seduce her … no matter what the consequences. 

AVAILABLE: November 17, 2015

DARE TO LOVE Series Reading Order:

Book 1: Dare to Love (Ian & Riley)
Book 2: Dare to Desire (Alex & Madison)
Book 3: Dare to Surrender (Gabe & Isabelle)
Book 4: Dare to Submit (Decklan & Amanda)
Book 5: Dare to Touch (Olivia & Dylan)
Book 6: Dare to Hold (Scott & Meg)
Book 7: Dare to Rock (Avery & Grey)
Book 8: Dare to Seduce (Max & Lucy)
*each book can stand alone for your reading enjoyment 

I had a hard time with this story.  I didn't really connect with Lucy and Max as a couple.  And I didn't really like Lucy by herself.  I thought there was WAY to much insecurities between what was supposed to be two "alpha" personalities.  

Max has always had a thing for Lucy but decided to marry someone he KNEW that he couldn't love the way she wanted.  Lucy doesn't let people get close because of the death of her parents when she was a teenager.  But when Max got engaged she moved to L.A. so she didn't have to see him (with his wife) anymore... blahhhhh 

I thought this book felt rushed.  Granted it was a novella, but you can tell that it was one.  There was gaps in time that nothing really happened.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5


Sinful Longing by Lauren Blakely





Book Description

He's the inked brother. The one you're wondering about. The bad boy of the family.

Colin Sloan has a past. He's done things he's not proud of, but he's living differently now. Making changes in his life. Working hard, working out harder, and trying to win over one woman. He's utterly crazy about Elle Mariano, and though the sex is epic, their friends-with-benefits arrangement just isn’t cutting it anymore. He wants all of her, and is determined to prove he’s what she needs in her life.

Elle is fiery, loyal, and in major lust with Colin Sloan. He’s everything she craves in a man -- smart, sexy, kind -- and a rock star between the sheets. But his past hits too close to home for her, and the people she has to protect. There isn't room in her life for a relationship with Colin. Especially when she’s forced to keep a secret that could tear his family apart…

SINFUL LONGING is the third book in the steamy, sexy, suspenseful New York Times Bestselling Sinful Nights series from Lauren Blakely, author of the wildly popular Seductive Nights series...This high-heat, high-stakes romance series follows the Sloan family as each sibling falls madly in love against the backdrop of sin, money, greed, passion, mystery and suspense... 

AVAILABLE: November 17, 2015

Sinful Nights series
Sweet Sinful Nights (Book 1)
Sweet Desire (Book 1.5)
Sinful Desire (Book 2)
Sinful Longing (Book 3)
Sinful Love (Book 4) **AVAILABLE March 2016

Lauren Blakely is another of my MUST-READ authors, especially her Sinful Night series.  Each one so far has been AMAZING and each new sibling becomes my favorite!! 

Colin Sloan has worked hard to move past the sins of his past.  He has done things that he isn't proud of and was self destructive.  He hit rock bottom, and with the help of his family, was able to become a better man.  He works hard, treats his body like a temple, and is absolutely crazy about Elle Mariano.  The sex between them is all time great, but this friends-with-benefits thing isn't working for him anymore.  He wants ALL of her.  He just needs to show her that the sexual chemistry they share can translate beyond just hot sex.

Elle has her own history with self-destructive men and she has vowed to never put herself or her son in that position again.  And Colin's past scares her.  She feels more for him then she lets on, but the fear of the past repeating itself makes Elle keep some boundaries on their "relationship".  

But the heart wants what the heart wants.  And as Colin starts to chip away at Elle's protective walls, Elle learns something that will throw the whole Sloan family's world for a loop.

Some of the events of Sinful Longing overlap with Sinful Desire (Book 2).  If you want to read Sinful Longing and haven't read the previous books, I FULLY recommend that you start from the beginning (Sweet Sinful Nights).  While each book focuses on a different Sloan sibling (and romance), there is an underlining story that flows through the WHOLE series.  You would be missing the complete story of what is happening with this family.

And the cliffhanger that sets you up for Sinful Love... OMG!! WHY IS IT SO FAR AWAY!?!?!?

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Dead By Midnight by Pamela Clare




Book Description

Marc and Sophie Hunter, Gabe and Kat Rossiter, Holly Andris and the rest of the I-Team gang find themselves in the same historic Denver hotel celebrating the approach of Christmas at different holiday parties. What starts out as a fun winter evening with friends soon becomes a brutal fight to survive when the hotel is taken over by a group of ruthless narco-terrorists who will stop at nothing to get what they want.

On the outside, Julian Darcangelo, Zach McBride, Nick Andris and others join together with the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team to free their friends, knowing that if they fail, the people they love will be…

Dead by Midnight.

Featuring cameo appearances by the men of the FBI Hostage Rescue Team, a series by New York Times bestselling author Kaylea Cross.
 

AVAILABLE: November 17, 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)
Dead By Midnight (Book 7.5)

The I-Team is back just in time for the holidays!!!

Dead By Midnight starts at what was supposed to be boring holiday parties, but turns into their worst nightmare in the blink of an eye.  Terrorists have taken guest of the glamorous Denver hotel hostage.  These terrorist (clearly) didn't know who they were messing with.
Dead By Midnight has an action-packed (all to real) storyline, but at it's core, it is about loyalty, friendship, family and trust amongst the I-Team.  These people are family and are willing do anything and everything for each other.

Dead By Midnight is an action-packed novella that in NO WAY feels like one!!  The only downside is is that this marks the end of the I-Team novels.  Hopefully, Pamela Clare will revisit our favorite investigative reporters in the future!!


Rating: 5 out of 5

Monday, November 16, 2015

Grounded By You by Ivy Sinclair




Book Description

Lights, camera, and passions flare when a small town boy becomes Hollywood’s newest heartthrob. But as the lines between reality and fiction blur, can he still find a way to capture the heart of the girl who got away? 

Carter Samuel Groveson. 

His name is on the lips of every woman in the country. An actor plucked from obscurity to star in the most anticipated movie of the century, everyone wants a piece of him. 
Except her. 

Millie St. John isn’t ready to settle down. Not for her family and definitely not for a man. A year ago, Millie ran as far and fast away from Sam as she could because she didn’t want to risk ruining their friendship. 

Now he has reappeared in her life to rekindle that friendship as a way to keep him tethered to reality, and she’s unable to say no. But forces are gathering to catapult Sam’s star to success, and there’s no room left in that plan for Millie. 

In this high stakes game of a second chance at love, everyone is watching. 

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

AVAILABLE: November 17, 2013

This book wasn't all that believable to me.  Granted, I don't understand "Hollywood" life, but what Sam did to Millie, to further his career, is unforgivable.  And how he did it... was just cruel to me.  Sam just rubbed me the wrong way.  He was a pushover to his agent and a coward with his feelings. Actually the more I write this review, the more and more I dislike Sam.  

Also, I didn't think felt completed to me.  Millie just seems to forgive Sam without any explanation of why he did what he did... idk 

This just didn't work for me. 

Rating: 2 out of 5

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

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Off Limits by Kelly Jamieson





Book Description

The Christmas season always puts a smile on Jenna McFadden's face. Even though she's bringing a boyfriend home for the first time, inside she's dying to see Andrew. Years ago, when the McFaddens took the troubled teen into their home, Jenna had to keep her blazing-hot crush a secret. And now that he's playing pro hockey for the NHL's Chicago Aces, nothing's changed. With his wide shoulders and taut muscles, Andrew's the most tempting package in the house . . . one that Jenna's dying to unwrap.
 
Andrew Ross just can't make a play for Jenna. Her dad and brothers wouldn't approve, and he could never betray the trust of the wonderful people who treated him like family when he lost his own. That's what makes the holidays so hard. Whether Jenna's skating with Andrew on a frozen pond or sitting on his lap while he plays Santa, she's pushing all their boundaries—and there's only so much a man can take. Andrew knows that she's off-limits. But something deep down tells him that Jenna's heart is the one prize he simply has to win.

AVAILABLE: November 17, 2015

Aces Hockey Series
Major Misconduct (Book 1) *review here*
Off Limits (Book 1.5)

Jenna McFadden hasn't seen Andrew Ross, the boy her family took in when he was 16 years old, in about 2 years.  Andrew was her teenage crush and after a weekend in college, they finally acted on their feelings for each other.  But the weekend was cut short and guilt settled in with Andrew, and they went their separate ways.  Jenna is trying to move on from her feelings, but Christmas at home (and seeing Andrew) tell her that moving on from your first crush isn't always easy.

Andrew has always felt like he betrayed the McFadden's after acting on his desire for Jenna.  She was supposed to be off limits to him.  Mr. McFadden warned Andrew to stay away from Jenna when they took him in.  That doesn't mean that his feelings for her have gone away since their weekend together.  He's shocked when Jenna comes home for Christmas with a boyfriend.  

Will Andrew be able to move past the fear of disappointing the family that gave him a home or will he let the guilt keep him away from the one person worth 

This Aces Hockey novella had the feel of a full length novel.  I definitely enjoyed Off Limits more than I did Major Misconduct (Book 1 - review linked above).  Can't wait for Duncan's book next!!

*On a side note... I'm not really a fan of the cover.  I don't think the model matches the description of Andrew really well (at least for me).

Rating: 4 out of 5

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

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Falling for Her Enemy by Victoria James





Book Description

She's falling for the one man who could destroy everything...
Alex McAllister always dreamed of a life filled with the laughter and love of a family, but being abandoned at a young age left her wary of letting anyone in. Now that she's settled in Still Harbor, Alex struggles between keeping her distance and the magnetic pull of the handsome stranger who claims he's the biological father of her adopted daughter.
Hayden Brooks never wanted to be a father. Long hours spent building his family's real estate empire suits him just fine. But when he discovers an ex put the baby he unknowingly fathered up for adoption, his world crumbles. He tracks the child to Still Harbor with the intention of bringing her home-and comes face to face with his daughter's stunning adoptive mother.
The paternity test is in. And Hayden's about to make the most shocking decision of his life, just in time for Christmas...

AVAILABLE: November 9, 2015

Hayden Brooks has just learned that he could be a father.  A woman he had a one-night-stand with 7 years ago claims that he is the father of the child she put up for adoption.  This woman is also threatening to expose Hayden as a deadbeat dad if she doesn't give her a million dollars. (Way to keep it classy, lady!!)  After learning he could be a father, Hayden begins the search for his child, which brings him to Still Harbor and Alex McAllister and her daughter, Cassy.

Alex has a plan for her life: raise her daughter in a loving home and buying the local bakery (in 5 years).  Alex is determined to provide a stable life for herself and her adopted daughter, Cassy.  And then walks Hayden Brooks threatening to take it all away from her.  And she definitely shouldn't be attracted to the man with the potential to tear her life apart.  She wants to hate him, but the more time Hayden spends with Alex and Cassy, it gets harder and harder for her to think of him as the asshole she wishes he was.

Falling for Her Enemy is a really sweet,light, heartfelt story about learning to trust and let down walls.  The romance between Alex and Hayden progressed really nicely for me (especially since there potentially so much at stake between these two).  I haven't read the first book in the series, but I definitely will go back and read it. 

Rating: 4 out of 5

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

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Reckless in Love by Bella Andre and Jennifer Skully





Book Description

Sebastian Montgomery rose from nothing to become one of the most powerful media moguls in the world. Yet beneath the seemingly perfect façade of his life, the past still haunts him. Because when he lost his parents in his teens, he also lost his faith in love. When he discovers Charlie Ballard and her incredible metal sculptures, he is awed, inspired—and he can’t help feeling things he swore never to let himself feel again. Soon, Sebastian wants not only Charlie’s art, he wants her as a woman, too. More than he’s ever wanted anything in his life. And what a Maverick wants, he always gets… 

For Charlie, Sebastian offers the commission of a lifetime. Creating a magnificent sculpture for his new headquarters is a dream come true, but falling for the spellbinding billionaire isn’t part of the plan...until his luscious kisses entice her into total recklessness. He fascinates and captivates her, and as Charlie learns more about the dark depths of Sebastian’s past, all she wants is to heal him with her love. But can a man who has grown up thinking love is toxic ever believe that true love is real?

The Maverick Billionaires Series
Book 1: Breathless In Love
Book 2: Reckless In Love
Book 3: Fearless In Love (coming soon)

AVAILABLE: November 11, 2015

Let me start this review by saying I love Bella Andre's writing.  She is in my list of must-buy authors for me.  And I LOVED Will and Harper's story in Breathless in Love.  But Reckless in Love left me a little disappointed (and I HATE saying that)...

Although Reckless in Love is the second book in the Maverick Billionaires series, it can be read as a standalone since each book is focused on a different Maverick.  That being said, I knew that Sebastian would be the focus of book 2 at the end of book 1 (got me...?)

At the end of Breathless in Love, Sebastian saw a dragon sculpture and asked his art curator to fine the artist that made it.  Reckless in Love starts off when Sebastian finally meets Charlie Ballard, the dragon maker.  Her work calls to him and he is determined to get her work in his new building, but when he finally meets the woman behind the work he is equally drawn to her.  He feels that she NEEDS to be known for her art and makes it his mission to make sure that happens.  Sebastian sweeps Charlie into his glamorous life of the rich and famous, showing off her and talking up her artwork.  

She just seemed to let Sebastian take over her life from where her studio would be, her living arrangements, transportation, career, her mother... EVERYTHING.  For such an independent woman (like she claimed to be), Charlie just let Sebastian do whatever he wanted.  It just rubbed me the wrong way...  Throughout the book Sebastian came off to desperate to me.  His need to "fix" and have everything perfect just rubbed me the wrong way.  

And the "insta-love" between these two just wasn't realistic.  I can't put my finger on exactly why I feel this way... there was just something... missing for me.  

Rating: 3 out of 5

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Last True Hero by Diana Gardin





Book Description

For seven years he's fought for his country. Now he'll fight for her.

Army Ranger Dare Conners has been through hell. He's left combat behind, yet the memories that refuse to fade are proving just as dangerous. Ordered to take R&R, he joins his buddy for beaches, beers, and babes-if that can't cure him, nothing will. But when he meets Berkeley, a woman who affects him like no one else, a new kind of battle begins . . . 

An Admiral's daughter, Berkeley knows her life has been planned since birth. The right school, the right boyfriend-and now that she's graduated-the right marriage. But after years of being right, Berkeley is ready to be a little wrong. And Dare Conners has wrong written all over him. The sexy soldier has a body built for sin and secrets he won't share. What starts as a fling quickly grows into something more. But summer can't last forever, and when the truth comes out, both Berkeley and Dare could be in for quite a fall.

AVAILABLE: November 10, 2015

Last True Hero is the first in Diana Gardin's new series Battle Scars.  This is the first time I've read a book by this author and it won't certainly be my last.

This book features a discharged Army Ranger and the daughter of an Admiral in the Navy.

Dare Conners is trying to figure out his life.  He was recently discharged from the military and doesn't know what he wants to do or where he wants to settle after a lifetime of never being in one place for to long.  He heads to Lone Sands, North Carolina where a Army buddy of his lives.  Within a hour of arriving, Dare sees Berkeley for the first time.

Berkeley is working as a waitress at See Food restaurant while she (also) tries to figure out what she wants to do with her life.  Being the only child of the Admiral, her life has been all planned out for her, from where she will go to college to whom she will marry.  She has been trying to show her parents that she is an adult and can make her own decisions about HER life.  The last thing she wants is the prospect of turning into her mother.  And the man they want her to marry is on a path just like her father.  Grisham may be one of her best friends, but that's all he's ever been and will be.    

The relationship between Dare and Berkeley was great for me.  Both carry some secrets (Berkeley's "complications" with Grisham and her family and Dare's PTSD from his last deployment), but they share a connection that neither have experienced before.  They learn to SHARE their burdens with each other.  Each is the calming force to each other.  

I LOVED Last True Hero by Diana Gardin and I am looking forward to reading more from her.

Rating: 5 out of 5

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

Monday, November 9, 2015

Heartsong Cottage by Emily March



Book Description

Haunted by the loss of his wife and son, Daniel Garrett left the police force to devote his life to finding missing children. But he still hasn't found a way to mend the wounds of his past-until he attends a wedding in the small mountain town of Eternity Springs...and meets a beautiful, intriguing woman who offers a glimpse of something Daniel thought he'd never have again.
Sometimes life gives us 
a second chance at love.
Shannon O'Toole isn't looking for romance. Ever since her fiancé's death, she created a quiet life for herself restoring Victorian cottages. Still, she can't deny her attraction to the handsome, broad-shouldered stranger. Daniel makes her feel things she's hasn't felt in years-including the desire to share her secrets. But can Shannon trust a detective when doing so could bring danger to her cottage door? In Eternity Springs, anything-and everything-is possible...
AVAILABLE: November 3, 2015

This was a struggle to finish... I was rolling my eyes throughout the whole thing.  I found the (internal/external) dialogue repetitive and just off (almost to the point where I'd laugh because I found it so unbelievable).  I felt NO connection/desire/love between Daniel and Shannon.  


The story progressed as such:


Worst day in Daniel's life

Wedding (In which Daniel tells Shannon his name is Samuel... I don't know why....)
One night stand
Pregnancy
"Fake" marriage
lying, lying, lying
Missing dog found after 10 years...
Pregnacy announced in which Daniel said horrible and unforgivable things
Forgiviness
Shannon told Daniel her past
Superstitions
Weird random killer person
Marriage.

I found this story such a struggle to find any part of it believable.
Rating: 2 out of 5
**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**