Headed for Trouble by Shiloh Walker

Book Description

SHE'S A SMALL-TOWN GIRL WITH BIG DREAMS.

Nine years ago, Neve McKay fled her small Southern town and disapproving family to seek a career in the big city. Now she's finally coming home - and hoping for a fresh start. But the relationship that shattered her world still haunts her. And even among her nearest and dearest, she doesn't feel safe.

CAN THIS BAD BOY BE THE ANSWER TO HER PRAYERS?

Ian Campbell is a pure Scottish muscle - as hard and handsome as they come. But when Neve walks into his bar, his heart melts . . . and he vows to have this gorgeous and somewhat vulnerable woman in his life - for better or for worse. What is Neve's tragic secret? And how can Neve expect Ian to protect her, when doing so could put his own life at risk? The only thing Ian knows for sure is that he will do whatever it takes to keep her out of harm's way - and in his loving arms. 

AVAILABLE: December 29, 2015

Sometimes I felt that this book had TOO much information and characters thrown at me at once.  I felt Headed For Trouble was more like a "part 1" in the McKay family saga rather than "Neve's" story.  Don't get me wrong, I liked the book and will (probably) read the other's, but I just wish there was less "McKay's" and more Neve and Ian.  It just made the story hard to follow and how everyone was connected to everyone else.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

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

Kill Without Mercy by Alexandra Ivy

Book Description

From the hellhole of a Taliban prison to sweet freedom, five brave military heroes have made it home--and they're ready to take on the civilian missions no one else can. Individually they're intimidating. Together they're invincible. They're the men of ARES Security.

Rafe Vargas is only in Newton, Iowa, to clear out his late grandfather's small house. As the covert ops specialist for ARES Security, he's eager to get back to his new life in Texas. But when he crosses paths with Annie White, a haunted beauty with skeletons in her closet, he can't just walk away--not when she's clearly in danger. . . 

There's a mysterious serial killer on the loose with a link to Annie's dark past. And the closer he gets, the deeper Rafe's instinct to protect kicks in. But even with his considerable skill, Annie's courage, and his ARES buddies behind him, the slaying won't stop. Now it's only a matter of time before Annie's next--unless they can unravel a history of deadly lies that won't be buried.

AVAILABLE: December 29, 2015

Kill Without Mercy is the first book in Alexandra Ivy's ARES Security series.  In this series we are introduced the men of ARES Security.  These five men have been through hell and back together.  And the glue that brought them back together after surviving and escaping is Rafe Vargas.

The last thing Rafe wants to be doing is cleaning out his grandfather's house in Newton, Iowa when he has a new life and business down in Texas.  Rafe didn't have a relationship with his grandfather, but he knows his father would want him to clean out the house.  He has only been in Newton for a few days when he first sees Annie at a local diner.  He is instantly drawn to her and wants to learn more about the woman that has captured his attention so completely.

Annie White is a child of a serial killer.  Fifteen years ago, her father was the Newton Slayer, the local serial killer that killed 7 woman.  Now at 25, Annie has made a life for herself in Denver and has moved past the stigma of being a killer's daughter... or so she thought.  Annie is seeing visions of death again.  So she desides to head back to Newton to see if her visions are becoming reality...

...And they are.

Rafe has ALWAYS been one to trust his instincts, and his instincts are telling two things: that Annie could be in trouble, and that he will do anything to protect her and make her a permanent part of his life.

I really enjoyed everything about this book.  I loved the men of ARES.  Their relationships and banter showed how much of a unit they are.  I loved Rafe and Annie as a couple and individuals.  They made each other better people but still allowed each other to be individuals and make their own decisions.  I am really looking forward to future books from this series.

Rating: 4 out of 5
    

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

Hard and Fast by Raven Scott

Book Description

A covert ops specialist, a cyber-surveillance expert, and an unmatched international security and recovery pro. These are the men of Fortis. When money is no object, discretion is essential, and the police are not an option, the wealthy and powerful call on this trio of former government agents with elite military training--not to mention charm and good looks. . .

With his tech brilliance, lethal physical abilities, and easygoing manner, Lucas Johnson is a triple threat. And that's exactly what Magnus Motorsport needs to protect their game-changing engine design, and its engineer, Alex Cotts, from hackers and saboteurs. Lucas isn't expecting any surprises--until he discovers Alex is actually a sexy, irresistible woman. . .

In a male-dominated industry, Alex has always tried to hide her alluring femininity. But Lucas has no trouble seeing her beauty--or her stubborn streak. Alex is convinced she doesn't need him to babysit her--or distract her with his sex appeal. Yet when a suspicious fire destroys Alex's work, she finds herself turning to him. In the face of increasing danger, soon Lucas must keep her alive, as his client--and as the only woman he's ever truly wanted. . .

AVAILABLE: December 29, 2015

I think this book had a lot of potential.  I thought the premise sounded good and it seemed well researched ( I only say that because I have NO NOTHING about cars, but it seemed legit lol).  

But I had two problems with this book. First, I thought it was kinda drawn out and slow.  There seemed to be long periods of time where nothing was happening in both plot and with the characters.  Which leads to my second problem with this book: the lead characters.

To me, there was no real character development with Alex and Lucas.  They seemed to be the same at the beginning that they were at the end.  Not necessarily a problem, but they didn't grow as individuals or as a "couple".  (If that makes any sense...)  I didn't feel any romance or sexual tension between these two.  It was like they were just convenient so why not!?  The "romance" of this book just fell so flat for me... but so did the "suspense". 

Also, it got rather annoying to be CONSTANTLY reminded that Alex isn't a "typical female" or "feminine" because she works with cars and has more guy friends then girl friends.  Umm... I have a lot of guy friends too but I don't define my "femininity" by my friends or anyone else's standards of what "being female/feminine" means.  It was a shame to have a strong, capable female character question that because of what a few people have said to her...

Rating: 2 out of 5

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

My Kind of Wonderful by Jill Shalvis

Book Description

UNEXPECTED AND UNDENIABLE . . .

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

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

AVAILABLE: December 22, 2015

Cedar Ridge Novel

Second Chance Summer (Book 1) Review Here

My Kind of Wonderful (Book 2)

In Second Chance Summer, we were introduced to the Kincaid family: Gray (and Penny), Aiden, Hudson, Jacob (mentioned), and McKenna Kincaid.  These siblings are working to save the family ski resort that their loser father left to them in a MOUNTAIN of debt.  Book 1 focuses on Aiden Kincaid and Lily Danville (for my full review on Second Chance Summer, click HERE).  My Kind of Wonderful is the second novel in Jill Shalvis' Cider Ridge series and focuses on Hudson Kincaid and Bailey Moore.  

Bailey Moore, for the first time in her life, is looking forward to the future.  She never had the opportunity to make plans for herself or even dream about what she wanted out of life.  Bailey wants to learn to live every day to the fullest and enjoy the moment.  She's even made a List of things she wanted (and now could) do: Paint a mural, explore castles in Europe, travel the Greek isles...  And that is why she is in Cedar Ridge.  To gain control of her life and start on her List by painting a mural for the Kincaid family at their resort.  

But Bailey doesn't expect to meet Hudson Kincaid.

All work and no play has made Hudson Kincaid a super-stressed boy.  Between his work as head of the ski patrol for the family ski resort and town cop, trying to SAVE the family resort, taking care of his sick mom, and looking for his twin brother (Jacob), Hud has little to no time for anything else in his life.  All he wants is a few minutes to himself before he's supposed to participate in some safety drills, but he gets a call about someone being "in trouble" at the top of Devil's Face.  He finds Bailey (patiently) waiting for help and something shifts in him when he sees her wonder-filled gaze taking in the mountain views.

Hudson finds himself looking forward to the weekends when Bailey is in Cedar Ridge working on her mural.  And soon "only one night" turns into more nights. But Hud doesn't have the time for a relationship and Bailey has had enough with temporary...

So once the mural is finished will Hudson be able to let her go?

While each book is a standalone (since it each story focuses a different sibling and their story of finding love) and doesn't have to be read in order, I would FULLY recommend reading them in order so you can get the full effect of the WONDERFUL Kincaid family.  This is probably one of my FAVORITE book families I've EVER read.  They are fiercely loyal to each other, yet they still tease and torture each other ENDLESSLY (with embarrassing underwear).

Rating: 5 out of 5

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

Wild Cowboy Ways by Carolyn Brown

Book Description

SOMETIMES ALL LOVE NEEDS IS A LITTLE LUCK

Allie Logan isn't the type to land a hot hunk of cowboy. Truth is, she's given up on dating since shedding her no-good ex. But the new owner of the most ramshackle ranch in Texas might just change her mind about that. He's six-foot-plus of tall, dark, and charming-the kind of guy who could make a girl throw caution to the wind . . . or the kind of guy who could break her heart.

Blake Dawson hopes he can make Lucky Penny Ranch finally live up to its name, but the property needs a ton of work. Allie and her carpentry skills are his best shot at getting things in order. Besides the fact that her brown eyes and dangerous curves have him roped and tied. Now Blake only needs to convince her that a wild cowboy can be tamed by love-and she's just the one to do it . . .

AVAILABLE: December 22, 2015

Welcome to Dry Creek, Texas and the Lucky Penny Ranch where EVERYONE "knows" your business, judges you, and gossips about it.  

Blake Dawson (along with his brother and cousin) bought Lucky Penny Ranch with hopes of finally turning it into a success where everyone else has failed to do so.  When an unexpected visitor arrives at his house thinking he is a man named Walter, Blake calls the only local number he has: the local Feed Store.  The voice on the phone promises to send help, and help arrives quickly in the form of the old lady's granddaughter and Blake's new neighbor Allie Logan.  Allie leaves Lucky Penny Ranch with her grandmother and a new construction job.  Neither were looking for love, but will Lucky Penny finally live up to it's name?

There weren't many redeeming qualities about this town or the people living in it.  Everyone seems to be unhappy in their lives and are determined to make everyone else miserable with them.  Everyone cheats on their significant other then turn around and judge everyone else for doing the same thing.  This town just needs to get out of this high school behavior.  It didn't make for an enjoyable read for me.

Rating: 2 out of 5

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

Wicked Reunion by Michelle A. Valentine

Book Description

College sweethearts London Uphill and Jared Kraft were inseparable. He was a rising baseball star with a promising future, and she seemed destined to become “Mrs. Kraft.” Then a tragic night and a series of devastating mistakes caused Jared to walk away from his life, leaving London without any explanation and tearing the couple apart.

Five years later, Jared has reinvented himself by putting down the bat and picking up a guitar to play for the red-hot band Wicked White. In all that time, London hasn’t gotten over her forever love—or the pain—despite seeking solace in the arms of the one man no one dreamed she’d run to.

When Wicked White’s lead singer goes MIA, Jared finds the time—and courage—to return to his hometown and face the mess he made. He’s shocked at how London’s life has changed, yet he’s determined to prove their love is worth fighting for. Is this breakup too big for any hope of a reunion tour? Or can London open her heart to Jared once again?

AVAILABLE: December 15, 2015

So... I have to be honest... I skipped most of this book.  I did NOT like these characters.  I thought Jared was a selfish immature asshole that threw his life away and London was a meek pushover that didn't/couldn't stand up for herself.  

I can't stomach bad characters even if the storyline has the potential that Wicked Reunion had.    

Rating: 1.5 out of 5

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

Hard to Forget by Bella Jewel

Book Description

Delaney, a professional bodyguard, has spent years trying to prove herself in a male dominated industry. Now she's facing her greatest challenge yet.

Bad boy billionaire Jax Shields has made plenty of enemies on his climb to the top, but being in the wrong place at the wrong time has put his life at risk. Now he's putting his life in the hands of Delaney and her team. He demands the best in everything, and he doesn't think she has what it takes to protect him. He's also made it clear he'd rather have her on her back then covering his. Will Delaney be able to prove herself to the most arrogant—and devastatingly handsome—man she's ever met?

**Hard To Forget is a full-length standalone romance with a HEA**

Alpha's Heart Series
Hard to Fight (Book 1)
Hard to Break (Book 2) Review Here
Hard to Forget (Book 3)

AVAILABLE: December 15, 2015

Delaney has been trying to prove herself to her male counterparts for years now.  Being the only woman in a world filled of alpha males can be hard, especially when those men aren't the most supportive or helpful.  She has to push past her own insecurities and those of her male co-workers daily.  And when she is FINALLY able to take down her boss, she is assigned her first full-time case.  Delaney is excited and nervous all at the same time, especially when she meets the man she is going to be protecting.

Jaxson Shields is in need of some protection.  He was in the wrong place at the wrong time and now some people are after him.  Jax is fully capable of taking care of himself in normal circumstances, but when these thugs are coming after him with guns, he knows better than to think he can do this on his own and hires protection.  What he doesn't except is a woman to be assigned to him.  He doesn't believe that a woman is capable of protecting him and continually lets Delaney know it.  That is, until Delaney shows that she is just as capable as any man. 

Delaney and Jax fight their attraction towards each other (Delaney for fear of losing her job, and Jax because he doesn't think he deserves someone like Delaney).  But they can only fight each other for so long, especially as the tension and danger surrounding Jax gets more intense.  

But will Delaney risk the career she has worked so hard for for a manwhore?  Or will Jax show her that they are worth the risk?

I wish that we could of gotten Jax's POV throughout the book too.  I think is would of added some depth to his character and made him seem like less of an ass for most of it.  Also, I DESPISED Delaney's co-workers, Kyle especially.  Couldn't stand him, and I wished that Delaney would of kicked him in the balls. 

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

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

The Fix Up by Tawna Fenske

Book Description

While he may look like the love child of a movie starlet and an NFL linebacker, Ben Langley has the people skills of a half-drowned porcupine. Why socialize when there are chemistry labs and bad sci-fi flicks? If he has any hope of taking the helm as CEO of the family business, Ben needs an image makeover. Pronto.

Enter Holly Colvin, owner of First Impressions public relations and branding firm, and the woman who just saved Ben from the clutches of an over-attentive sales clerk. Holly’s rebranded hundreds of companies in her career, but she’s never rebranded a person. The guy clearly needs help, though, and she’s just the woman for the job.

With the clock ticking for them both, Holly and Ben face off over wardrobe malfunctions and business jargon that sounds a lot sexier than it should. But can Holly make Ben into the man he thinks he should be without losing the man she’s starting to love?

AVAILABLE: December 14, 2015

The Fix Up a light, sexy read with two characters that have off-the-charts chemistry together and complement each other. 

Ben Langley has just been given the helm of his family's company.  Ben's problem... he'd much rather be working in the chemistry lab then dealing with people.  He can't even fully recognize when a sales clerk is hitting on him (hardcore) over some furniture pieces.  But he is rescued by a beautiful woman who pretends to be his wife.  She even has the (fake) diamond to prove it.  And when she slips him her business card, Ben believes that she can help transform him into the CEO that his father wants him to be.

Holly Colvin is used to helping businesses rebrand, but a person: never.  But she can see that Ben needs her help in the people department.  She needs to teach him about having confidence and being more "alpha" in the boardroom.  As Ben gains more confidence in his new CEO position, Holly feels that he is losing what makes him, him.

Holly has been burned once by a man completely focused on his own career at the expense of her own.  Will she be able to move past her insecurities or will she let Ben go??

Rating: 4 out of 5

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

Fighting Dirty by Sidney Halston

Book Description

With his preppy clothes and horn-rimmed glasses, Enzo Silva is the last dude anyone expects to find in a mixed martial arts gym. A wealthy Brazilian banker who never had to fight for anything, Enzo's stuck in the amateur circuit—but he burns to make the pros. Maybe that explains the heat he feels whenever he's around Jamie Lynn Calhoun. The pint-size, magenta-haired bartender with the Texas drawl is everything he's not . . . and everything he craves.
 
Tough as nails and independent to a fault, Jamie Lynn—JL to her friends—works hard to pay her bills and keep life simple. Enzo is doing his best to complicate that. Even though she likes to bust his balls, he's got some kind of a nerdy-hot vibe that makes JL wonder if she might finally be able to let her guard down. It might do the boy some good to spend some time in her world, where blood, sweat, and victory are as sweet as the first taste of real love.

AVAILABLE: November 24, 2015

Fighting Dirty was my first book by Sidney Halston.  And to be honest, I'm not all that inclined to read anymore.  

I didn't particularly like the heroine, JL.  I thought she was selfish, judgemental, and secretive.  I also didn't quite get why Enzo was described as "nerdy" some much throughout the book.  The author seemed to stress his "nerdyness" because he 1) has a job 2) wears glasses 3) wears suits to work.  Umm... I don't get it.  Then JL's nickname for Enzo is "Pretty Boy", none of this fits the sexy Brazilian MMA fighter that Enzo supposedly is...

Just wasn't a fan of the main characters in this book.

Rating: 2 out of 5

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

Once Touched by Laura Moore

Book Description

The youngest of the three Knowles siblings, Quinn has in her blood the love of the land and its beautiful creatures. Raising enough money to build an animal sanctuary is a dream Quinn lives every day—while fending off her family's well-intentioned matchmaking schemes. Though harboring secret fears about intimacy, Quinn soon realizes she cannot fight her growing attraction to a man who has suddenly entered her life.
 
Scarred by his months in Afghanistan and the violence he witnessed there through his camera lens, photojournalist Ethan Saunders throws himself into hard ranching work as a prescription for healing. But falling for Quinn has given him the one thing he thought he'd lost forever: hope. Ethan discovers that Quinn, like the innocent animals she rescues, is shy, and afraid of entrusting her heart to a man. Passion soon awakens Ethan's strength, and his tender seduction may be just what Quinn needs to believe in herself—and in his love.

AVAILABLE: November 24, 2015

Once Touched was my first book my Laura Moore and the third book in her Silver Creek series.  Each book can be read as a standalone since each focuses on a different Knowles sibling finding love.  

As the youngest Knowles sibling and the only girl, Quinn has learned to be independent and hard working on their family ranch.  She has watched her two older brothers find love, and while she is happy for them, she doesn't think being in a relationship is in the cards for her right now, maybe ever.  She has a less than steller track record when it comes to relationships with the opposite sex.  So she gives her heart and time to rescuing abandoned and tortured animals in need.  

Ethan Saunders has traveled all over the world, but he always remembered the summers he spent ar Silver Creek when he was a young teenager.  After being nearly killed in Afghanistan for his job as a photojournalist, Ethan craves a view other than the military hospital he has been trying to recover in.  He believes Silver Creek is just what he needs to heal physically and figure out the next step of his life.  What he didn't expect was the little pig - tailed girl he used to babysit stirring up a feeling he didn't think he'd feel again: HOPE.

As their relationship turns from friendship to lovers, Quinn knows Ethan is holding back a part of himself. Quinn feels she must make Ethan face his past in order for them to have a real chance at a future together.

But will Ethan be able to move past the grief and guilt that haunts him?

Rating: 4 out of 5

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

Killer Curves by Naima Simone

Book Description

Lately, things have been a little weird for Sloane Barrett—late night crank calls, disturbing images inher inbox, her tires slashed. She tries not to let it bother her. She tries to pretend everything is ok. Then someone breaks into her house and attacks her...and Sloane realizes she needs professional help. Tall, gorgeous and overwhelmingly intense help.

But Sloane knows all too well just how much trouble intense guys can be.

Security Specialist Ciaran Ross's priority is to ensure Sloane is safe. His gut tells him she's in danger, but his feelings for her are pulling his focus. Ciaran has already made the mistake of falling for a client, and the results were disastrous. He won't risk it again. He can't. But running from love is the surest way to get Sloane killed...

AVAILABLE: December 7, 2015

Someone has been threatening Sloane Barrett.  She has been receiving threatening emails and creepy phone calls for weeks now.  And after returning home from her best friends engagement party, these threats turned physical when someone broke into her house and tried to kidnap her.  Turning to GDG Security Solutions for help, she is shocked to see Ciaran Ross, whom she met the night before.

Ciaran is just as shocked to see Sloane again too.  And when he learns what has been happening to Sloane he becomes determined to protect her from the threat against her.  And if posing as her "date" to her parents anniversary party is what he has to do to stay close to her body, then that's what he'll have to do.  And the longer that Ciaran is protecting Sloane and the more he gets to know her, another threat becomes clear to Ciaran... his well-guarded heart.        

But Ciaran has lost someone he was supposed to protect before and is determined not to let it happen again.  

While this book is called Killer Curves, there was WAY to much focus on Sloane's figure.  Literally, every other thought or sentence talked about Sloane's body (both negative and positive).  I got that Sloane was a stick figure LITERALLY from the first sentence.  And it just.... Didn't... Stop.  It was like beating a dead horse... Over and over.  It made me skip pages and just roll my eyes at the repetition.

Rating: 2 out of 5

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

The Billionaire Heartbreaker by Mandy Baxter

Book Description

In The Billionaire Heartbreaker, Travis Christensen's life is one big party. He only has two concerns: being a star goalkeeper on the ice for the Dallas Stars, and keeping a revolving door of women at his beck and call. But when a feisty, fiery PR rep comes to tone down his image before the coach benches him, Travis has got a whole new mess on his hands...and he can't help but want more.

Reily Martin never met an image she couldn't make squeaky clean. So when the coach of the Dallas Stars hires her to reform their bad-boy goalie, Reily is more than up to the challenge. But dealing with the arrogant-and incredibly sexy-Travis Christensen proves to be more than she bargained for. She knows she shouldn't fall for hockey's most notorious playboy-but as the heat blazes between them, it gets harder and harder to say no.

AVAILABLE: December 8, 2015

A Billionaire's Club Story

Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher (Book 1)

The Billionaire Single Dad (Book 2) Review here

The Billionaire Heartbreaker (Book 3)

Travis Christensen doesn't give a shit what people think of him.  His family knows who he is and that is all that matters to him.  So when the press only focuses on his "extracurricular" activites, he could care less.  But his team is starting to get annoying with the media circus that is following him around.  His coach lays it out for him, clean up his image and behave or Travis will find himself benched, and possibly off the team.  They have hired a PR rep, Reily Martin, to his Travis assist and guide him into better decision making.

From their first meeting, Travis can't resist getting under Reily's skin.  It has quickly become his favorite pastime.  And after spending everyday teasing and flirting with the woman, Travis can no longer keep his hands (and finally, mouth) off her.  But after a career of not giving a shit what people think of him, how can Travis prove to Reily that he cares about her and what she thinks of him as a man

I wish this book was longer.  To me, it seemed to be missing the second half to Travis and Reily's story.  It just seems to end.  No growth from Travis, he is still just as self-centered at the end of the book as he was at the beginning.  I think of changed if this wasn't a novella, made it more of a complete story.  Just so much was missing for me with Travis.    

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

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

In From the Cold by Meg Adams

Book Description

Perfect families don’t always start with perfect ingredients.

Professional nanny Claire Iverson has wiped enough noses, butts and spills to qualify for a PhD in raising kids. She knows a toddler with a potty crisis when she sees one, and it’s clear this child’s impossibly handsome father doesn’t, since he’s sound asleep on the flight to Jackson, Wyoming.

Getting burned by her ex-boyfriend left her gun-shy around men, but when it comes to this beautiful little girl, she has to speak up. Just her luck, it turns out the man she just dressed down is her new boss.

Between his roles as full-time CEO and full-time father, Drake Driscoll is exhausted. If he can seal the next deal at his upcoming holiday house party, he’ll have room to breathe. He never expected for his daughter’s new nanny to take his breath away.

Claire hesitates to accept the warmth that beckons in Drake’s arms. But soon their attraction ignites, pulling them in deeper than either of them expected. Into passion that could weld them forever—or burn them to cinders.

Product Warnings: Hot chocolate, cozy fires, snowball fights and sizzling ski hut sex = one very merry holiday!

AVAILABLE: November 10, 2015

Claire is on her way to starting over.  After being burned by an ex-boyfriends she is ready to get out of her life-funk.  She's been hired to watch the children of a few attendees at a two-week business meeting/party/function.  On the way, she sees an adorable little girl in the middle of a potty emergency and reems into the little girls father, Drake, about his lack of attention on his daughter and overall lack of parenting.  

Little does she know, that adorable little girl is one of the children she is the nanny for...

Over the next two weeks, Drake and Claire's attraction towards each other ignite in the Wyoming snow.  But life has a way of intruding in their cozy little cabin life and will they trust in their feelings or will they let past experiences break them apart.

<<Potential spoilers below>>

Okay, so I had some problems with this book...

I thought that the drama Drake had with Sharon/Miles was a little much throughout the book.  

Next, Claire is almost raped by Miles AND right after (maybe in the same room with a knocked out Miles, not quite sure from the book) has sex with Drake... Idk about you, but I KNOW I'd be a wreck/scared/crying/pissed off hot mess.  My first thought would definitely NOT be "Ok, I'm good to have sex now!! TYSM".  No.

No. No. Noooooo.

There were parts of the book I liked with Claire, Drake, and the girls.  But I found it completely unbelievable that Sharon would request Claire to take Yvette when she was dying... Granted Sharon was a TERRIBLE mother, but come on... she's "known" Claire all of two weeks and her last wish is that Claire and Drake get married and raise her daughter... =/

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

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

Heart Taker by Sasha Devlin

Book Description

When the evidence doesn't add up, follow your heart

"My name is Aya Bedel. I have killed before. I will kill again."

Detective Will Speedman knows guilt when he sees it. And the delicate, dark-eyed pixie sitting before him in the interrogation room doesn't look strong enough to have overpowered and murdered a string of women.

Yet Aya knows grisly details about the killings that haven't been made public. And something about her sinful shape reaches deep into his primal core and yanks. Hard.

Aya has been having increasingly gruesome visions over the past few weeks. Not only does she witness the murders, she feels the victims' flesh beneath her fingers, feels their last breath caressing her face. She must confess or go mad.

As time runs short, Will's superiors demand answers. Aya's only hope for salvation rests in the desire glowing in Will's eyes and his seductive touch that draws clues from her subconscious.

Warning: Contains a woman driven nearly mad and a detective driven to seduction to find the truth. Darkly sexual imagery could keep you awake at night trying to figure out why you're trembling. It may not be purely from fear...

AVAILABLE: December 29, 2015

I have to be honest... Heart Taker was probably one of the most bizarre books I've ever read.  I don't even know how to rate it... I literally had a confused/strange look on my face the whole time I was reading this.  Trust me, my husband kept asking me what was wrong as I was reading and I could explain WTF was going on.  Luckily, this book is pretty short (it only took me about an hour to read), so the "look" didn't last to long.

Rating: ??????? out of 5

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

Saving Grace by Kristen Proby

Book Description

Sparks fly like snowflakes when a klutzy but gorgeous novice crosses skis with a hot resort owner in this tempting tie-in to New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby’s popular Love Under the Big Sky series!

Grace Douglas is on a practice run for her friend Cara Donovan’s bachelorette party ski weekend in Aspen. The problem is, despite living in rugged and picturesque Cunningham Falls, Montana, Grace is the clumsiest person ever born. To prepare for the trip, she is taking lessons at a local ski resort. She just prays that they have an ambulance on standby.

Sexy hotelier Jacob Baxtor is ready to play ski instructor, but he quickly discovers that the best place on the mountain for Grace is in the lodge with a hot toddy. Her sense of humor and easy laugh quickly pull him in, and soon he’s determined to help her get off the bunny slope for a fun vacation with her friends. He just didn’t expect their steamy chemistry to trigger an avalanche of desire straight to his heart.

AVAILABLE: November 30, 2015

Love Under the Big Sky Series
Loving Cara (Book 1)
Seducing Lauren (Book 2)
Saving Grace (Book 2.5)
Falling for Jillian (Book 3)

Saving Grace by Kristen Proby is novella in her Love Under the Big Sky series.

Grace Douglas' friends send her on a weekend getaway to prepare for a girls weekend in Aspen.  See, Grace is a bit of a klutz, so her friends wanted her to have a couple ski lessons before the trip.  They set her up with a night at a local resort with a couple of ski lessons and a message for after.  Once she arrives, she meets her ski instructor, sexy BRITISH Jacob Baxter.  But Jacob is more than just a ski instructor, he is the billionaire who recently bought the recort.

Will this weekend ski exhursion last a weekend or will Grace and Jacob extend past the bunny slopes and the weekend?

Rating: 4 out of 5

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

The Royal Conquest by Stacy Reid

Book Description

After being cruelly jilted by a lord who claimed to adore her, Miss Payton Peppiwell swore her future husband would be as ordinary as she. Now if only her family would listen to her. Then she meets Mikhail Konstantinovich, an untitled horse breeder, in a highly improper and scandalous encounter. Never had Payton expected to be so attracted to the dark, intriguing man, who seduces her to recklessness with a mere stare.

Mikhail abhors anything to do with intimacy. Yet Miss Peppiwell stirs hunger and a need long forgotten in him. But Mikhail has a dark past—one that means his lust must be sated in a way entirely unsuitable for a lady. But his biggest secret will be the hardest for Payton to overcome: Mikhail is not only titled, he’s a prince…

AVAILABLE: November 30, 2015

I thought The Royal Conquest had a lot of potential, but it just fell flat for me.  Boy hides out from society and their judgements.  Girl was jilted by fiancee and is judged by society.  Boy and girl meet, drama drama drama, fall in love.  Potential, but where it fell flat for me were the actual characters.  

I thought Payton was very fast to judge others, especially when that was her problem with "society".   I thought she WAS the hypocrite throughout the book.  It was like there were two completely different Payton's throughout the story and they didn't mesh well.  One was inexperienced and shy, while the other was demanding, judgmental, and mean.  She complained that society "judged" her for not having a title, yet she judged Mikhail for HAVING one... makes no sense to me.  

As for Mikhail, I felt bad for what happened to him when he was a teenager.  I didn't dislike his character exactly, I just didn't connect with his or understand why he was so infatuated with Peyton.

Rating: 2 out of 5

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