Book Review: Wrecked by Sinclair Jayne

Book Description

Hollis Remington is slinking home to San Clemente, California. Needing to hide out at her grandmother’s beach cottage to lick the wounds from her latest professional failure, she’s stunned to find her ex lover and professional surf god, Kadan Carson, lounging in the only bed. Naked. Hollis can’t afford a hotel, and no way will she let her family or friends know she’s broke, but Kadan’s refusing to leave. He does, however, agree to share…

Professional surfer Kadan Carson is recuperating after his third ankle and foot surgery, and while it’s highly possible his professional career may be over on the brink of his most lucrative corporate sponsorship deal, he’s determined to fight the inevitable effects of age, gravity, and injury on his body in private. No fans. No nurses. No distractions. Until Hollis shows up, who has always been one hell of a distraction. Six years after she walked out for the last time accusing him of infidelity, she’s still the one woman he hasn’t been able to exorcise from his heart, head or body. And he doesn’t really want to.

There’s no way Hollis can forgive, but she also can’t forget. Kadan was and is her first and only love. Can she help him to heal without losing her heart again?

AVAILABLE: October 1, 2015

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

Hollis Remington comes back to San Clemente, California to hide out (privately) from her latest failure.  What she wants is some time and space to figure out what her next move will be.  Instead, she finds her ex, Kadan Carson, sleeping in her grandmother's guest house.

Kadan is hiding out for different reasons.  He recently had a third ankle surgery, and this one might just be the one to end his surfing career.  He is surprised to find his just as surprised to see Hollis (whom he lovingly calls Duchess) back at her grandmother's house.  He 'negotiates' with Hollies; he won't tell anyone she is back if she helps him get around for physical therapy/doctors appointments, etc.  But Hollis is home and he will do anything to keep her where she belongs, with him.

I didn't like this book.  First off, I felt it was short and rushed.  Second, I didn't like Hollis.  She was WAY to insecure, untrusting, and whiny to me.  I didn't understand why Kadan wasted his time with her.  She accused him of cheating all the time and didn't trust him, yet he still wanted her.  **Shakes head**  Then she didn't understand why he never asked her to travel with him for surfing competitions while she was IN MEDICIAL school....

Rating: 2 out of 5

Book Review: Major Misconduct by Kelly Jamieson

Book Description

As the captain of the Chicago Aces, Marc Dupuis is all business. The apartment he shares with his teammate and best friend, Duncan, is a refuge from the pressures of fame. But when the sexiest woman he's ever seen interrupts his early morning coffee wearing only a skimpy cami and matching panties, Marc can't exactly say he minds. Their chemistry is off the charts. Unfortunately, this girl's no random puck bunny. She's Duncan's little sister—and she's moving in.

Lovey Armstrong could stare at Marc's chiseled abs and listen to his French-Canadian accent all day. She just has no idea what's going on inside his head: When he's not charming her pants off, Marc makes a Zamboni machine seem warm and cuddly. Lovey knows the team's bro code says no messing with sisters, but all these mixed messages are hard on a girl's self-esteem—especially since she's finally getting her new life together in Chicago. She decides he's worth another shot . . . because if anyone can melt the ice around Marc's heart, it's Lovey.

AVAILABLE: October 13, 2015

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

Lovey Armstrong shows up at her big brother's, Duncan, apartment unannounced when she suddenly quits her job and dumps her (older) boyfriend.  Unbeknown to her family who , Lovey actually has a plan that doesn't include her brother's sexy, serious roommate, Marc Dupruis.  However, Lovey can't seem to resist making Marc lighten up and smile.

As Aces team captain, Marc doesn't have the time or the luxury to relax as the other players do, especially since the team isn't playing as well as they should be.  Marc is focused and driven to lead his team by example.  But when Lovey unexpectedly moves in, his unwavering focus seems to be wavering.  Plus, her brother has made it clear that NO ONE is to so much a look at Lovey.

This was a good story and flowed well, but it wasn't anything spectacular.  I think my problem with this book was Lovey herself.  I didn't really like her character much.  She was flighty and expected everyone to drop everything and do what she wanted.  I think Duncan said it best: "What Lovey wants, Lovey gets", consequences be damned.  She gets really annoyed and defensive when her brother asks how her job search is going (I mean he is letting her stay there FOR FREE, so I think he has a right...), but she doesn't tell her him that she has started her own business and is trying to build up more clients AND has a growing blog that is also bringing in an income.  Yet, she wants to be taken seriously... I don't think she went about any of this the right way with her brother.

Marc really saved this book for me.  I honestly don't think Lovey deserved him.  But overall I enjoyed Kelly Jamieson's writing style and would read future books of hers.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Book Review: The Billionaire's Charade by Eve Gaddy

Book Description

Summer St. Croix hates weddings. But when she meets hot-as-sinLuke Vanetti at her oldest friend’s ceremony, he promises to give her a reason to like them.

It’s all sexy fun and games until Summer realizes that Luke is none other than her new boss. Summer refuses to continue to have a fling with her superior, even though the passion between them still runs wildfire hot. But the billionaire private investigator doesn’t see the problem, especially since he knows that one night with Summer won’t be enough.

When Luke’s cousin sends an SOS asking for help in stopping a ring of jewel thieves from robbing his luxury hotel on the Amalfi Coast, Luke agrees. And Summer’s first assignment will be posing as his very sexy, rich, and bejeweled fiancée at the Hotel dei Fiori Isola del Sole.

Playing the happy couple is hard enough during the day, but the nights… will those romantic Amalfi nights turn the charade into more than just a job for both Summer and Luke… for good?

AVAILABLE: September 21, 2015

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

The Billionaire's Charade book 5 in the Amalfi Night Billionaire series.  This book didn't quite click with me.  Maybe because I hadn't read any of the other books (even though they are all stand alone books) or because the relationship between Summer and Luke felt a little rushed to me (the whole book is only about 100 pages).

Summer and Luke meet at a wedding of some mutual friends.  That night they have a "one-night stand" (Luke wants to see her again, Summer isn't so sure).  That next week, Summer walks into her new P.I. job and discovers that Luke is her new boss.  They are immediately pushed together to pose as soon-to-be husband and wife to help solve a string of jewelry robberies at high-end hotels.

By the end of the assignment, Luke wants more than just a fling with Summer (all because she hasn't BORED him yet... after like a week).  That is Luke's standard... no boredom in a week... YAY for him. =/  

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Book Review: Falling For Her by Sandra Owens

Book Description

Known to the K2 Special Services team as “Saint,” Jamie Turner lives by his own strict rules to compensate for his past sins and the two-ton boulder taking residence in his heart. He doesn’t drink or smoke. He never swears. And he only dates nice, safe women until he meets Sugar Darling, the fill-in receptionist at K2. She’s as sweet as her name, but this wild woman is definitely trouble, with something to hide. He knows he should avoid her…but can he?

Sugar isn’t hiding something—she’s hiding everything. And K2 seems like the perfect place to lie low, thanks to the big, protective guys who work there. The drop-dead-handsome Saint makes her heart race, yet he keeps his distance. When Sugar’s traumatic past rises up to haunt her again, she desperately turns to Saint for help, and he has to decide what’s more important: playing it safe or risking everything for love.

AVAILABLE: September 29, 2015

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

K2 Special Services Series

Crazy For Her (Book 1)

Someone Like Her (Book 2)

Falling For Her (Book 3) **AVAILABLE: September 29, 2015**

Jamie "Saint" Turner is hiding... from himself.  He doesn't drink, smoke, and NEVER, ever swears.  And he only dates bland, boring, safe woman that do not tempt him to feel like the man he buried 10 years ago.  NO ONE has tempted him more than Sugar Darling... and he needs to avoid her at all costs.  But the sweet, flirty, violet-eyed blonde gets under his skin, and Saint needs to decide if he is ready to let go of his self proclaimed rules or lose Sugar... possibly forever.  

Sugar Darling is hiding too... from everything.  Hiding from a man that believes he owns her and from the scared girl she was with him.  Running away and changing her name, Sugar becomes the ditzy, flirty girl so no one can recognize the girl she had once been forced to be.  But with Jamie, a man she believes can't stand her, she feels safe (something she hasn't felt since she was 10 years old).  

When Sugar's past finally catches up with her, she is again forced to make a choice: run or fight for a life free of looking over her shoulder.  

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Book Review: Irresistibly Yours by Lauren Layne

Book Description

Meet the men of Oxford magazine! In the first captivating spin-off of Lauren Layne's Sex, Love & Stiletto series, a not-so-friendly battle of the sexes turns into a scorching office romance.

Hotshot sports editor Cole Sharpe has been freelancing for Oxford for years, so when he hears about a staff position opening up, he figures he's got the inside track. Then his boss drops a bombshell: Cole has competition. Female competition, in the form of a fresh-faced tomboy who can hang with the dudes—and write circles around them, too. Cole usually likes his women flirty and curvy, but he takes a special interest in his skinny, sassy rival, if only to keep an eye on her. And soon, he can't take his eyes off her.

Penelope Pope knows all too well that she comes off as just one of the guys. Since she's learned that wanting more usually leads to disappointment, Penelope's resigned to sitting on the sidelines when it comes to love. So why does Cole make her want to get back in the game? The man is as arrogant as he is handsome. He probably sees her as nothing more than a barrier to his dream job. But when an unexpected kiss turns into a night of irresistible passion, Penelope has to figure out whether they're just fooling around—or starting something real.

AVAILABLE: October 6, 2015

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

Let's start this review by saying this is my first book by Lauren Layne and it definitely won't be my last.  I am really looking forward to future books of the Oxford Series.

Cole Sharpe has been freelancing for Oxford magazine for years, and when the editor for the magazines sport section opens up, he figures he is the (only) man for the job.  While a Yankees game to scope out the competition, Cole sees a perky brunette at a New York Yankees game bent over her notepad, he is instantly captivated by the sassy woman who can divert his attention from HIS TEAM playing.  And Cole learns that his competition comes in the form of a sassy brunette tomboy who knows her sports as good as Cole does.

Penelope Pope packed up her life in Chicago and moved to New York in order to start fresh in a new city and (hopefully) a new job.  She is instantly attracted to Cole, but feels that he is out of her league in the relationship front, but still feels that they could be good friends.  And with a wardrobe malfunction (split coffee) 30 minutes before the biggest interview of her life, Cole "saves" her by bringing her into Stiletto for a change of clothes.  And from that point on, Penelope and Cole form a friendship.  Cole feels like he can be himself with Penelope, and after some sneaky matchmaking from his friends, Cole and Penelope start a "weekends" only affair.  

But after things get a little to close to comfort, will they be able to figure out that they can work together both in the office and out?     

Rating: 4 out of 5

Book Review: Accidentally Hers by Jamie Beck

Book Description

When ruggedly sexy backcountry guide Grey Lowell moves to Sterling Canyon, Colorado, after buying the ski-expedition company Backtrax, his plans don’t include romance. Still, it’s fun to look—especially across a crowded restaurant at a beauty he dubs “Bambi.” But all his plans change later that night when he’s injured by a drunk driver.

Physical therapist Avery Randall is shocked to learn that Grey’s the man her brother struck with his car, and even more stunned when he arrives at the clinic expecting her help. Despite her reservations and Grey’s silly new nickname for her, Avery agrees to work with him, and passion begins to simmer. Yet with his livelihood at stake, Grey must make tough decisions that could hurt Avery and her family. Before long, Avery’s loyalties are tested, and the choices she and Grey each make may cost them their chance at lasting love.

AVAILABLE: October 6, 2015

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

Welcome to Sterling Canyon, Colorado... where everyone (locals) know everyone and always in everyones (locally) business.  Grey Lowell is the new guy in town, having recently bought Backtrax, a ski-expedition company.  Grey has no time to get to know his new "neighbors" since he's to busy trying to get Backtrax running smoothly.  He sees Avery (who he nicknames "Bambi" because for her doe eyes) across from a crowded restaurant, he is instantly attracted to her and starts questioning his "no dating" rule.   But after leaving the restaurant, Grey is hit on his bike by a drunk driver.  And that driver happened to be Avery's brother.

Avery is only one of two orthopedic physical therapist in town, so she isn't all that surprised when Grey shows up at her clinic "demanding" her treat him.  From there, the relationship between therapist and client get blurred, even the treat of a lawsuit and criminal charges hanging over the Randall family.  

Accidentally Hers was just an okay book for me.  I didn't find myself getting all that invested in Grey or Avery.  It's definitely not a book a would have my friends run out it buy.  While I get that physical therapy can be annoying and we want instant results (I've been there after shoulder surgery), Grey really annoyed me with his view of this "lack of progress" only a few months after major knee surgery.  And Avery just came off as whiny to me about everything and not always angry at the right person (her brother).

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Book Review: Breaking a Legend by Sarah Robinson

Book Description
As one of the big names at his family's gym, Legends, MMA star Rory Kavanagh is used to being in the spotlight—until a gruesome leg injury knocks him out of the cage. Rory is left feeling sidelined in more ways than one, battling the inner demons that come with losing the one shot at his dreams. Then Clare walks into his life and gives him a new dream: winning her heart. There aren't many new faces in Woodlawn these days, but this tough, beautiful stranger makes Rory want to get his life back into fighting shape.

Clare Ivers doesn't think she'll be able to tell anyone what really brought her to the close-knit Bronx neighborhood where she just started bartending. But her life's on pause and her past is catching up fast, try as she might to move on—with new friends, steady work, and a chiseled alpha male trying to get her attention. Even though Rory's more than a little intense, she can't deny that her heart beats faster when he looks at her with those soulful silver eyes. Clare thought she was done with love, but Rory might just be man enough to show her she thought wrong.
AVAILABLE: September 29, 2015 **I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Breaking a Legend (Book 1) - Available September 29, 2015 Saving a Legend (Book 2) - Available March, 2016
Breaking a Legend by Sarah Robinson is the first book in her new Kavanagh Legends series.  This series holds a lot of promise as we get to know the Kavanagh family.  They are a close knit family (with some loose ties to the Irish mob) that owns the Legends Training Gym in Woodlawn, New York.
Breaking a Legend focuses on Rory Kavanagh, the oldest of the Kavanagh clan, and Clare Ivers, a new resident to Woodland.  
Rory is known as a famous MMA fighter but was injured about a year ago in a fight and since then he has been fighting another opponent: himself.  He has been using pain pills, alcohol, and women to mask the pain of his injury and his inability to get back into the octagon.  He meets Clare at a local bar shortly after she moved to town and started bartending.  He is instantly attracted to the new girl, but feels that he isn't good enough for her.
Clare is also running from demons in the form of an abusive ex and has her own set secrets.  She starts going to Legend Training Gym to take self-defense classes in order to feel more in control and safe.  As a result, Clare and Rory begin to spend more time together, and become friends.  Rory is a good guy under all the pain of feeling like a failure to his family.  Clare helps him realize that there are other things in life worth fighting for and he starts depending less and less on alcohol and prescription pain pills to dull the pain (but it is still a struggle).  
I highly recommend Breaking a Legend to anyone that enjoys a good romance, not just a FIGHTER romance.  Rory and Clare really grow and better themselves as individuals and are better for it as a couple.  This was my first book by Sarah Robinson and it definitely won't be my last and I look forward to reading about the rest of the Kavanagh clan! =] 
Rating: 4.5 out of 5