Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Deep Dark by Laura Griffin


Book Description

The moment detective Reed Novak steps onto the crime scene, he knows the case is going to rock his world. A beautiful young woman murdered at home. No sign of forced entry. No motive. She’s obviously not the killer’s first victim, and Reed’s instincts tell him she won’t be his last. Reed’s first clue comes via a mysterious text that links to a dating profile, but even more intriguing than the clue is the person who sent it.

As a white-hat hacker in the Delphi Center’s cyber investigation unit, Laney Knox sneaks into some of the deepest, darkest corners of the Internet looking for predators. Laney would prefer to stay away from Austin PD’s most recent murder case, but she can’t ignore the chilling similarities between that crime and her own brutal attack years ago. Laney offers to help the sexy lead detective, but he wants more from her than just a promising tip—Reed wants her trust. Laney resists, but as their relationship deepens she’s tempted to reveal the closely guarded secrets that could make her a key witness…or the killer’s next victim.

AVAILABLE: May 24, 2016

Tracers Series
Untraceable (Book 1)
Unspeakable (Book 2)
Unstoppable (Book 2.5)
Unforgivable (Book 3)
Snapped (Book 4)
Twisted (Book 5)
Scorched (Book 6)
Exposed (Book 7)
Beyond Limits (Book 8)
Shadow Fall (Book 9)
Deep Dark (Book 10)
At Close Range (Book 11) *Coming Jan. 2017 WHY SO FAR AWAY!! WAHHHH

**This series does NOT need to be read in order. Each book focuses on different Hero/Heroine and each plot stands alone.**

***Check out Laura Griffin's website to see all her Tracers info.***

Laura Griffin is back again with the 10th book in her Tracer's series, Deep Dark.  I LOVE this series.  Actually it is probably one of my favorites.  These books are completely standalone and can be read in any order.  I HIGHLY recommend you READ THEM ALL!!!! 

When Detective Reed Novak is called to a homicide scene, he knows that this isn't "normal" killing.  This killer is meticulous in the details and leaves little to no clues behind.  This can't be the killers first time.  There isn't much in the way of clues to help him narrow down a suspect, or even a motive for that matter.  But when he starts receiving some mysterious texts about an online dating site, it gives him more questions than answers.  The number one being who is sending him these texts and why?

As a white-hacker in the Delphi Center's cyber investigation unit Laney Knox is very good at getting into places and finding information that people don't want found.  And while she doesn't want to get involved with the APD's most recent murder case, Laney sends the lead detective some information that might lead him to finding the person responsible.  Soon Laney discovers that Reed wants more than her helpful computer-hacking skills.  Reed wants Laney to open up and trust him with her secrets.  Even with the fifteen year difference between the two, they can't deny the attraction that they share.  

But the closer they get to figuring out who the killer is, the more the killer sets their sights on Laney.

RATING: 4 out of 5

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

 
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Monday, May 23, 2016

The Accidental Boyfriend by Maggie Dallen




Book Description


What do you do when Mr. Right seems oh-so-wrong?

Holly Sinclair is ready to have it all. She's even found her Mr. Right--a steady, reliable guy who just needs a little convincing. Now all the former wild child has to do is free herself of her very inconvenient attraction to Jack Everett. Not only does the notorious playboy and tabloid king seduce her at her sister's wedding, he follows her to Paris! Suddenly, Holly is alone with Jack in the most romantic city in the world--and his family is leaping to the wrong conclusions…

The world's most infamous bachelor has finally met his match. If Jack was the type to settle down, Holly would be the woman of his dreams. There's just one hitch: Holly actually believes she wants to marry Mr. Oh-So-Boring. Intent on proving that she deserves someone better, Jack finds himself playing the role of the perfect boyfriend…a little too well. If he's not careful, he might just lose this game--and his heart.

AVAILABLE: May 24, 2016

The Accidental Boyfriend is the first book that I've read by Maggie Dallen.  Apparently, this is also part of a series but can be read as a standalone.  Maybe if I had read the other books in the series I would have enjoyed this book more.  Because as it stands, I found these characters pretty annoying and "woe-is-me" throughout.

And for someone who whats to have a real relationship with her "Mr. Right", Holly sure didn't think about him while she was hooking up with Jack.  

RATING: 2 out of 5

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

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Too Hot to Handle by Tessa Bailey


Book Description

When rescue looks like a whole lot of trouble . . .

The road trip was definitely a bad idea. Having already flambéed her culinary career beyond recognition, Rita Clarkson is now stranded in God-Knows-Where, New Mexico, with a busted-ass car and her three temperamental siblings, who she hasn't seen in years. When rescue shows up---six-feet-plus of hot, charming sex on a motorcycle---Rita's pretty certain she's gone from the frying pan right into the fire . . .

Jasper Ellis has a bad boy reputation in this town, and he loathes it. The moment he sees Rita, though, Jasper knows he's about to be sorely tempted. There's something real between them. Something raw. And Jasper has only a few days to show Rita that he isn't just for tonight---he's forever.

AVAILABLE: May 17, 2016

Romancing the Clarksons
Too Hot to Handle (Book 1)
Too Wild to Tame (Book 2) *Available September 2016

Too Hot to Handle is the first book in Tessa Bailey's new Romancing the Clarksons' series following four siblings on their journey to reconnect as a family and (MAYBE) find their HEA's along the way.

The Clarkson siblings have always had a weird relationship with each other.  They love each other, but they never had super close relationships/bonds with each other.  But one thing that could NEVER be denied was the love they all had for their mother.  And when Rita Clarkson finds her mother's journal stating her last wish for her four children, they begin a cross country drive to complete their mother's wish, only to brake down in No-Where-Town, New Mexico.

On his way to his grandma's house for some lunch, Jasper Ellis comes across the four Clarkson siblings.  Jasper is IMMEDIATELY drawn to Rita, but he's not quite sure why.  He knows that they are only passing through town and will leave the minute their car is fixed.  But the more time he spends with Rita, the more he realizes he needs more time with her.  Rita is the first person to see him beyond his playboy reputation and wild party ways.  

So.... what is a guy to do when the woman of his dreams is about to drive off without him??  

After an EPIC televised melt-down and the burning down of her mother's prized restaurant, Rita is hoping this trip to New York with her siblings will help her determine what she wants to do with her life.  All she knows is that she wants to be DONE with cooking and restaurants.  And it DEFINITELY doesn't include staying in Hurley, New Mexico any longer that it takes to get her car fixed.

But fate might have other plans for the second oldest Clarkson sibling...  Will Jasper be able to convince her to stay with him or will she drive off with her siblings to head to New York?     

Too Hot To Handle is the first in Tessa Bailey's Romancing the Clarkson's series.  The storyline is enjoyable, the chemistry between Rita and Jasper leaps off the pages, and the Clarkson's family dynamics add greatly to the story.  I you don't mind a (somewhat) "insta-love" story, then I fully recommend you get a copy of this book!

Rating: 4 out of 5

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

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Thursday, May 19, 2016

Dirty Girl by Meghan March




Book Description

Desperately seeking rich, famous, single guy with a giant cock to make my lying, cheating, should’ve-been-born-dickless ex-boyfriend realize what he’s just lost.

Oh, and I give great head. Just sayin’. 


No man in his right mind would answer that ad.

Except thousands did.

My name is Greer Karas, and I should never be allowed near another bottle of booze again. Because when I drink, my friend and I do stupid things. Like take a page out of my older brother Creighton’s playbook and post something completely asinine on the Internet. Waking up with a giant hangover to find my humiliating personal ad has gone viral is not my finest moment.
Cue my look of shock when one of Hollywood’s hottest new bad boys, Cavanaugh Westman, comes knocking at my door and drops his pants to prove that he does indeed have a giant cock.
What he doesn’t have is an explanation for why he disappeared from my life without a word three years ago, only to show up on the big screen two years later, killing bad guys in action flicks.
And now he wants me again.
What the hell do I do now?

Greer and Cav's story will conclude in Dirty Love, releasing 5/31/16. 


AVAILABLE: May 17, 2016

If you read Meghan March's Dirty Billionaire trilogy,  you should recognize Greer Karas as the little sister of Creighton Karas.  I was hoping we would get her story.  I liked the little bit we got to know her in the Creighton's story.  If you haven't read the Dirty Billionaire Trilogy, I highly recommend you do.  And while it isn't a necessity to read it to enjoy Greer's story, there are some elements that carry over from Creighton's story that might make it a "smoother" read.

Greer Karas.  She is a smart, sassy, independent woman that caught her boyfriend with another woman.  So, (naturally) she gets completely sh*t faced with her best friend and places a "wanted" ad that INSTANTLY goes viral.  All she wants is to forget about the consequences of her drunken escapades and go on with her life.

Enter Cavanaugh Westman.  Hollywood bad boy and the guy that walked away from Greer three years prior without a word.  But now he is back.  

And he says he's back for good. 

 I don't want to get to into the "whos, whats, wheres, whens, whys, and hows" of this book because it IS A TWO PART SERIES.

BUT.....

 HOLY CLIFFHANGER!!!! Lucky, we don't have to wait to long for the conclusion of Greer and Cav's story. 

My hope for Dirty Love is that there is more of an "emotional" story and connection between Greer and Cav.  I mean, the sex was hot between these two, but I felt that Cav used sex to avoid answering (and just plain talking to) Greer about himself and their past.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Continue down for an excerpt of Dirty Girl!


EXCERPT:

Greer

No. Fucking. Way.

Can you photoshop real life? Because that’s the only way I can possibly be seeing through my peephole what I’m seeing right now.

Cavanaugh Westman. In the flesh. Outside my door.

The knock stopped me mid-shuffle on the way to my coffeemaker. So that makes me an uncaffeinated, makeup-less, messy-bunned, legging-wearing couch surfer who hasn’t showered in the two days I’ve spent holed up in my apartment.

He can’t see me like this.

I’ve had so many fantasies of how it will go when I finally came face-to-face with Cav again. I’ll be wearing something sexy, yet classy. Perfect hair, makeup, eyebrows. I’ll adopt a casually disinterested mien. He’ll be devastated when he realizes what he missed out on by standing me up that night and disappearing without a word.

There’s no way in hell I’m answering that door. Cav Westman can sit out in my hallway all day. Not opening it.

But Cav reads my mind, the bastard.

“Open the door, baby girl. Your message came through loud and clear with that ad.”

A barely audible gasp escapes my lungs.

“That’s right, I know you’re standing there. So, open the door, Greer.”

His deep, gravelly voice stirs memories I thought I wiped out of my brain. Apparently not.

I rush to the couch to grab my phone. I need to text Banner. Need to freak out with her and schedule an emergency spa day so I can be all the things I need to be before facing him again.

My thoughts come to a screeching halt. I do not need to impress Cav Westman. He’s nothing to me. And I can prove it right now by opening the door. He’ll see exactly how much I don’t care about his opinion.

Before I can change my mind, or look down at my shirt to make sure I’m not sporting any stains from yesterday’s coffee, I reach for the dead bolts and unlock them before I twist the doorknob and tug.

As soon as the door is open, I know I’ve made a terrible mistake.
Through the peephole, he was marginally distorted. On the billboards and movie posters plastered to the sides of buses in the city, he looked like a total stranger. But Cav in the flesh?

Devastating.

I lose my grip on the door and it swings open.

How does he not look older? No new lines bracket his mouth or crease the corners of his eyes. Instead, a new scar curves along his jaw, giving him a sexier, more dangerous look. His shoulders are impossibly broader, making his hips seem even narrower.

His hazel eyes flash as he takes me in—at least they haven’t changed. Today they’re more tawny gold than gray or green. Guessing what color they would be was part of the game I played with myself before. His dark brown hair is sexy and disheveled, longer than the buzz cut he had before, but everything else is the same. Worn jeans, a plain T-shirt, and scuffed boots. Strong, bold features that many a man would find impossible to carry off, but are the reason millions of women would line up to have Cavanaugh Westman’s babies.

“What are you doing here?” I whisper, reminding myself that I no longer have some naive fantasy of being the one for Cav.

His gaze returns to my face, and I know his inspection of me can’t be nearly as flattering as mine of him.

I’m waiting for him to say something . . . anything. Like an apology or an explanation for disappearing three years ago, but instead I get something completely different.

His hands drop to the button of his jeans. “Based on your ad, the inspection isn’t quite complete.”

If my jaw could drop to the floor like a cartoon character’s, it would.
Oh. My. God. I never saw what he was packing before, only a grazing handful th+e one night I finally got bold, but he put me off, promising me a night that never happened.

I stand like a slack-jawed moron and force my gaze to his face.

“What are you doing?”

His wicked grin—one he uses so rarely, even in the movies of his I’ll never admit I’ve seen—wipes away the three years between our past and present.
The hiss of the zipper comes next.

I keep my gaze on his face as his eyes dare me. To look or to stop him, I’m not sure which.

“Apparently you’ve changed your requirements for wooing, baby girl.”

The endearment on his lips brings back another wave of memories, but the flex of his bicep against the sleeve of his T-shirt steals my attention.

Oh. My. God.

He’s gripping his cock, stroking it, isn’t he? All I have to do is look down, and I’ll have more than one question answered.

“You know you wanna look.”

The dare is there again. And he’s right. I want to look. So I do.

Sweet Jesus.

Oh. My. Hell.

Well, let’s just say Cav knocked that requirement out of the park. The sight of his long, thick cock in his big, capable hand sends heat rushing south through my body, pooling between my thighs. My nipples, sans bra, strain against the material of my shirt. Cav’s gaze drops as well—to my chest.

The room pulses with a desperate intensity. Hanging between us is the night we never had. The one he walked away from.

I have two choices. Take what I want, what I asked for, or hold on to the rejection he dealt me three years ago.

My brain short-circuits on one thought—life is short, and you never know if you’ll get a second chance.

So I step forward, wrap one hand around his neck and the other around his cock, and kiss him for everything I’m worth.

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


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Wednesday, May 18, 2016

The Bad Boy's Baby by Cindi Madsen


Book Description

There are certain words that have always described Cam Brantley: Town bad boy. Soldier. Protector. But never, ever dad. Until he returns home from his latest military tour to discover the girl he had one smoking-hot night with is now mom to the adorable two-year-old Zoey. Who has his eyes.

Plenty of words could describe Emma Walker these days. Mom, dutiful granddaughter, budding designer, the town’s golden child. But when her longtime crush Cam Brantley comes back to town, she knows the perfect word to describe herself: screwed.

Cam and Emma are both shocked to discover he truly wants Zoey in his life. But Cam’s not sure he’s ready to be a dad, and Emma can’t gamble her daughter on maybes. As the long-simmering heat between Cam and Emma reaches a boiling point, he’ll have to work past his demons in order to be the man both girls need.

AVAILABLE: May 16, 2016

Hope Springs Series
Second Chance Ranch (Book 1)
Crazy for the Competition (Book 2)
The Bad Boy's Baby (Book 3)

The Bad Boy's Baby is the third book in Cindi Madsen's Hope Springs series.  This is also the first book that I've read by this author.  Each book can be read as a standalone without missing anything in each individual story.

Emma Walker had big dreams that involved moving to a big city and getting a great job at architecture firm.  But after one drunken night with the town "bad boy", Emma's plans were put on hold to have her daughter, Zoey.  She was unsure how to tell the father since he was deployed and she didn't know how to get in touch with him.  But now he is back, and Emma knows he has a right to know.

Cam Brantley is returning home from a decade in the army.  All he wants to do is help his brother get Mountain Ridge up and running.  But coming home to find out a one-night-stand he had the night before a deployment resulted in a daughter (an adorable daughter with his eyes), Cam is completely thrown for a loop.  He never wanted kids.  Not after the way he and his brother were raised.  But one look at his little girl he KNOWS that he wants to be a part of Zoey's life.  

And the more time he spends with Zoey, the more time he wants with Emma too. 

This book was kind of... dull/bland for me.  I don't know what it was exactly, but I felt somewhat bored with Emma and Cam as a couple.  I didn't feel any chemistry/passion/heat/attraction between them.  The highlight of this book for me (at least) was the relationship that Cam formed with their daughter, Zoey.  I also didn't get a "bad boy" impression from Cam (in the past or now).

Rating: 2 out of 5

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

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Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Fooling Around by Noelle Adams


Book Description

Eric Vincent isn't in the habit of asking for help. As the founder of a lucrative sports videogame franchise, he's accustomed to getting his way and enjoying the fruits of his hard-earned success. Then all his illusions of dominance are shattered by a skiing accident that leaves him hobbled, facing a string of surgeries and months of immobility. The only way he's going to survive is with someone by his side to anticipate his every desire. Someone who will devote every waking second to his comfort. Someone like Julie Nelson . . .

Julie's life revolves around other people: her students, her parents, her sister. But even she has her limits. Julie has zero interest in playing personal assistant to Eric Vincent, a man who's as arrogant as he is charismatic . . . until he ups the salary to one million dollars for three months' work. Soon Julie's struggling to bite her tongue—and resist the chemistry that draws her to Eric. But after one scorching kiss, Julie decides it's finally her turn to be selfish. And this time, she's going to get what she wants.

AVAILABLE: May 17, 2016

For me, this book was a take-it-or-leave-it kind of read.  I found the chemistry between Eric and Julie to be extremely lacking.  And everything else to be kind of... boring, dull, and lacking in emotions.  I actually struggled to finish.  And to be honest, I don't know why I did.  I really felt nothing with these characters.

I don't really have anything else to add... This book just wasn't for me.

Rating: 2 out of 5

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

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Good Girl by Lauren Layne

Book Description

Jenny Dawson moved to Nashville to write music, not get famous. But when her latest record goes double platinum, Jenny's suddenly one of the town's biggest stars—and the center of a tabloid scandal connecting her with a pop star she's barely even met. With paparazzi tracking her every move, Jenny flees to a remote mansion in Louisiana to write her next album. The only hiccup is the unexpected presence of a brooding young caretaker named Noah, whose foul mouth and snap judgments lead to constant bickering—and serious heat.
 
Noah really should tell Jenny that he's Preston Noah Maxwell Walcott, the owner of the estate where the feisty country singer has made her spoiled self at home. But the charade gives Noah a much-needed break from his own troubles, and before long, their verbal sparring is indistinguishable from foreplay. But as sizzling nights give way to quiet pillow talk, Noah begins to realize that Jenny's almost as complicated as he is. To fit into each other's lives, they'll need the courage to face their problems together—before the outside world catches up to them.

AVAILABLE: May 17, 2016

Country pop singer (I'm thinking T. Swift type), American sweetheart, and overall good girl Jenny Dawson needs to get away.  After being accused of having an affair with a guy she's barely even met and being stalked by the paparazzi,  Jenny needs a break from the Hollywood spotlight.  She seeks refuge at a Louisiana mansion where she wrote her first song.  But when she arrives, Jenny gets more than she bargained for in the form of a very broody "caretaker", Noah Maxwell.  She's there to figure out her next steps and to complete her next album, not verbally spar with Noah.

Noah also needs to get away from his life.  After being torn in two different directions for years, Noah just wants to figure out what HE wants out of his life.  Is he more Preston Walcott, rich son and owner of Walcott International, or Noah Maxwell, son from a trailer park and wanter of a simple life.  But he does know he doesn't want a spoiled princess messing with him.  

But the longer they are forced to be in the same airspace, the more they discover that there is definitely more to the other than meets the eye.  Only will they be able to figure it out before the outside world comes crashing down?

The ONLY reason why Good Girl isn't a solid 4 rating (or higher) for me are the moments when Noah was just... intentionally cruel.  I can handle a jerk or even stupid MAN stuff, but there were a few moments when Noah was intentionally cruel to Jenny for no reason other than because he could.  Those moments really bugged me.  Jenny did call him out for those moments and after, Noah did (genuinely) apologize, but I thought they just made it hard for me to understand (and like) Noah.  

I loved Jenny.  I thought she had a good heart and was honest with herself.  She wasn't jaded or bitter about what she was going through.  AND she was a forgiving person (with Noah and her "situation").  I also loved Noah's two best friends, Finn and Vaughn ( I see future books!! YAY)!! 

Overall, I really enjoyed Good Girl.  I thought that the banter between Noah (when he wasn't being an a-hole) and Jenny were funny and kept the story an easy read.  

Rating: 3.5/4 out of 5

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

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Sunday, May 15, 2016

Seeds of Love by Tammy Andresen




Book Description

Regina Lafayette had done as she was told her entire life. It was her duty, as a daughter, to marry the man her father had picked. Therefore, she would marry Obediah Stillwell even if she could barely stand the sight of him. But when James Carter abruptly enters her life, Regina begins to see the world differently. What if she were to disobey? What would life be like married to a tall handsome ship builder? While she begins to dream, would she ever dare to find out?

AVAILABLE: March 29, 2016

Seeds of Love is the prequel of Lily in Bloom.  This is the story of how Lily's parents met and fell in love.  This is the second book I've read by this author and I've loved them both.  Lily in Bloom was a complete surprise read for me, and I'm so glad that Ms. Andresen wrote Lily's parents story.

Regina Lafayette has always listened to her parents.  She was raised to be respectful and to do as she was told.  So she didn't really question it when her father picked the man she was to marry.  Even IF she couldn't stand the man: Obediah Stillwell.  She is a dutiful daughter and will go along with this marriage if it is good for her family and the family business.  That is, until James Carter enters her life.  James makes her wish for more than the man (and life) her father has chosen for her.  

But will she have the strength and courage to fight for the life (and love) she wants??

Rating: 4 out of 5

**I received a copy from the author in exchange for a honest review.**

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Hide Away by Iris Johansen


Book Description

Iris Johansen's beloved forensic sculptor Eve Duncan is back and now the stakes are higher than ever. Dramatic changes are on the horizon for Eve and Joe Quinn and their relationship may never be the same. Faced with the task of protecting Cara Delaney, a young girl with ruthless enemies who want to see her dead, Eve takes her away to the remote Scottish Highlands where they join Jane MacGuire in search of a hidden treasure. But nowhere is far enough away to protect Cara from danger. With enemies closing in from all sides, Hide Away is a high-octane thriller that fans will not want to miss.

AVAILABLE: April 26, 2016

Hide Away is the 20th novel in Iris Johansen's Eve Duncan series.  And to be completely honest, this review is kinda hard for me to write.  I have read EVERY Eve Duncan book and (lately) I have found them to be repetitive, predictable, and just... kind of annoying.  And by annoying, I mean I am getting really annoyed with Eve as more "time" goes by.  I find her becoming more and more selfish and self-destructive as each book passes.  I don't think that she gives ANY regard for her family.  Eve just does what she wants and expects Joe and Jane to drop everything and protect her.  

Will I continue to read Eve Duncan books...?? Yes, bbbbuuutttttt only because I've invested in the previous 20 books.  But I WISH Ms. Johansen would switch her focus on another character (a.k.a Jane!!).  

RATING: 2 out of 5

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

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Friday, May 13, 2016

Welcome Home, Cowboy by Annie Rains

Book Description

After a bad breakup leaves Julie Chandler completely devastated, she comes to Seaside seeking a fresh start. A talented, compassionate yoga teacher, she has developed a program to help alleviate the effects of PTSD, but getting a bunch of bullheaded Marines into downward facing dog might be impossible. So Julie's shocked when one of her first students dives in headfirst—and almost tempts her to take down her walls with his easy smile and electrifying touch.

Ever since Texas cowboy turned Marine pilot Lawson Phillips lost a crew member in a helicopter accident, he hasn't been able to fly. When a psychologist orders him to attend, of all things, a yoga class, Lawson's outraged—until he finds out Julie is the instructor. She's beautiful, graceful, and completely guarded when it comes to his advances, but he's determined to find out what makes her tick. Because underneath Julie's hard shell is a woman Lawson knows he could fall for—and he's not ready for the ride to end.

AVAILABLE: April 26, 2016

Hero's Welcome Series
Welcome to Forever (Book 1)
Welcome to Forever - Starting Today (Book 1.5)
Welcome Home, Cowboy (Book 2)
Welcoming the Bad Boy (Book 3) *Available August 2, 2016

Welcome Home, Cowboy is the second book in Annie Raines' Hero's Welcome series.  In this series, Annie takes us to the town on Seaside, North Carolina where the military has a STRONG presence.  This was my first book I've read by this author and I thought Welcome Home, Cowboy was an enjoyable read with good characters.  Each book can be read as a standalone and not miss anything from the others in the series.

Julie Chandler is trying to put her life back together in Seaside.  She came back home after a difficult break up with her boyfriend/boss.  In a last ditch effort, she presents a therapeutic yoga class at the local VA for military members suffering from PTSD.  When she is given a 30 day (unpaid) trial period, all she needs to do is convince a group of stubborn marines to give her program a real chance.

Marine pilot Lawson Phillips was born to fly.  But ever since he lost a crew member in a helicopter crash, Lawson just hasn't been able even able to look a helicopter without breaking out in a sweat.  Being ordered to take a yoga class isn't going to help him get past his fears.  But when he sees who the instructor is, MAYBE he is willing to show up again.

The progression of Lawson and Julie's relationship is a sweet, steady pace.  The only thing (for me), is I wish there was a little more "heat" between them.  I still really enjoyed how these characters grew and developed together and as individuals.  And I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Rating: 4 out of 5

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

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Thursday, May 5, 2016

After We Fall by Marquita Valentine


Book Description

A tough cop with an even tougher past, Hunter Sloan has never let anyone stop him from getting what he wants—and he wants Evangeline Ambrose bad. With her gentle curves and raw vulnerability, Hunter's beautiful, mysterious new neighbor awakens his protective side. Determined to do right by a woman who's gone through hell and back, Hunter could be the one to take away the pain—so long as his own secrets don't sink their relationship before it begins.

Having escaped an abusive marriage, Evangeline simply wants to start over in the small, quiet town of Forrestville. She's also avoiding all contact with the opposite sex, because she just can't trust her instincts when it comes to men—not even with the sinfully sexy cop next door. So why can't she stop thinking about him? Hunter has darkness in his soul, and yet no one ever made her feel so safe. For all her best laid plans, Evangeline didn't count on choices this hard—or temptation this hot.

AVAILABLE: April 26, 2016

Take The Fall series
Take the Fall (Book 1)
When We Fall (Book 2) REVIEW HERE
After We Fall (Book 3)

After We Fall is the third book in Marquita Valentine's Take the Fall series.  I have read the previous book (When We Fall), but it wasn't necessary in order to read this one.  And while I LOVED When We Fall, this book just felt a little rushed and forced in a way.

It has been six months since Evangeline Ambrose was found walking along the side of the road after finally finding the strength to leave her abusive husband.  Now she is ready to start over in a new town where no one knows her or her past.  Or so she thought, until she discovers her new neighbor is the cop that helped her the night she left her husband.

Hunter Sloan hasn't been able to get the scared, beaten Evangeline out of his head in the six months since he found her walking along the side of road.  And when he discovers that she is his new neighbor, Hunter becomes determined to show her that not all men are like her abusive ex-husband.  But Hunter has a secret, that if it becomes known, could ruin any chance with Evangeline before it even begins.  

I thought for surviving such an abusive marriage for many years, Evangeline moved fast with Hunter.  The relationship felt rushed to me.  She still didn't fully trust men OR herself yet, but wanted Hunter and fell for him pretty fast.  That aspect of Evangeline just didn't vibe for me with this story.  Or... i just wish there was more TIME involved with their relationship.  But don't get me wrong, Hunter IN NO WAY forced her into anything.  He just stated his intentions and desires.  I just wish that Evangeline had taken more time for herself to fully learn to trust and forgive herself. 

While this book wasn't my favorite, I still would recommend When We Fall and definitely plan on reading Take The Fall (whenever I get the time).  

Rating: 3 out of 5

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

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