Stranger at my Door by Mari Manning

Book Description

The only thing standing between her and disaster is a man she can't trust...

As far as Dinah Pittman is concerned, men can't be trusted. Especially cops. Her own father was a former cop and a convicted felon who stole a small fortune before dying in prison. The best part? No one knows where the money is...and someone is willing to kill off everyone who knows anything about it.

And Dinah is next.

Rafe Morales left the Dallas police force to settle down to a simpler life in the small Texas town of El Royo. Instead, he finds himself protecting an infuriating, tough-as-nails, oh-so-sexy victim—and driving himself crazy with a thoroughly unprofessional desire.

But as the body count rises, Rafe and Dinah must find a way to trust each other...before they both end up dead.

AVAILABLE: January 11, 2016

The only reason Dinah Pittman has returned to her hometown of El Royo, Texas is to bury her father and sell the old family home.  She doesn't want (or need) to be surrounded by the memories of her father's betrayal and her mother's abandonment.  Her father was a former cop convicted of armed robbery.  But before he was sentenced, he hid the missing $250,000 and told no one where to find it.  

Except someone believes that Dinah knows where the money is, and is willing to kill to get it.

I thought this book had so much potential.  The description of this book sounded sooo good to me.  But sadly, it just didn't work for me.  Two things bugged me about this book.  One, I found this book to be SO predictable it took all the fun out of this book for me.  I figured out who the "bad guy" was within a quarter of the way through.  Made the read rather boring.  But I finished in hope that some major twist was coming and blow my socks off...  The second thing that bugged me (sometimes) was the dialogue.  For example, there was some potentially life-threatening situations and it was all "Mister" this and "Miss" that... Listen, I grew up in the South and get the whole "Southern hospitality", but if I'm in danger my first thought is NOT about being polite.  It was just weird to me...   

Rating: 2 out of 5

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

Stealing the Bachelor by Sonya Weiss

Book Description

 She needs his help, but he has a price...

Having missed out on the "drop-dead-gorgeous" gene in her family, Ann Snyder decides to kick a little butt in the business world instead. That is, until her skeezy manager's "side business" has the FDA raiding her chocolate shop. Now Ann's in huge trouble...and the only person who can help her is the adorkable guy who completely humiliated her in high school.

Lawyer Eric Maxwell has been in love with Ann as long as he can remember. He figured he never stood a chance-don't the beautiful girls always prefer the bad boys to the nerds? So he makes Ann a deal. He'll provide her with free legal services...if she'll move in and help transform him from nerd-without-a-clue to bona fide bad boy.

And once the transition is complete, all he has to do is prove that he's the only bachelor for her...

AVAILABLE: January 11, 2016

Ann Snyder is in some serious trouble.  After trusting the wrong man (again), she may be facing some serious jail time.  The manager of her chocolate shop had a nice little side business THROUGH her legit business that Ann had no knowledge of.  With her assets frozen by the IRS, Ann has to turn to Eric Maxwell, whom she has known since high school but never seemed to get along with.  

Eric has been in love with Ann forever, but she never really gave him the time of day.  Seizing his chance to show Ann he can be the man for her, Eric will take  Ann's case pro bono if she will show him how to be less of a "nerd" and more "bad boy".

I never really saw Eric as a "nerd".  Maybe a bad dresser, but not a nerd.  I don't know.  The description of these character's just didn't feel right to me.

I just couldn't get into this book.  Ann and Eric's relationship was worse than high school drama-filled "relationship".  Does he like me?? Does she think I'm a nerd? Ugh... I found the "transformation" for nerdy guy to bad boy almost laughable.  It was definitely deserving of a major eye-roll.      

Rating: 2 out of 5

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

The Fractured Heart by Scarlett Cole

Book Description

All things, when placed under pressure, eventually break or leave a mark.

Tattoo artist Brody "Cujo" Matthews knows how to keep things simple. In life and in love. Abandoned as a child by a mother who refused to stick around to raise three boys she didn't want, he's intent on staying clear of complicated women. The only things complicated in Cujo’s life are the killer tattoos he designs and inks. That all changes when he’s asked to help organize his best friend Trent's engagement party, which means working with Trent's fiancée's best friend, Drea, the definition of high maintenance and sizzling curves. And the one woman he doesn’t want to walk away from.

Andrea "Drea" Caron is broke and tired. After years of caring for her ailing mom, she's at the end of her rope trying to manage the piling medical bills, two jobs, and a life placed on hold. She certainly doesn’t need the added frustration of a sexy playboy tattoo artist messing up her best friend’s engagement party or her carefully balanced life. But when Drea witnesses the abduction of a woman from the café she works at, she can’t help but turn to Cujo who’s determined to prove to Drea that he’s someone she can count on forever…but as they attempt to bring the truth to light, someone is working to bring that forever to a sudden, deadly halt.

AVAILABLE: January 5, 2016

The Fractured Heart is the second book in Scarlett Cole's Second Circle Tattoos series.  It is also the first book I've ever read by this author.  I didn't feel like I lost any aspect of Cujo and Drea's story by not reading the first book where they were secondary characters.  But I am planning on going back and reading the first book of the series.

Andrea "Drea" Caron is tired and broke.  She has been taking care of her ill mother for over 10 years, while putting her own life on hold.  She doesn't have enough time in the day to take of everything, especially herself.  She's working two jobs to barely make ends meet.  So she doesn't have the time or patience to deal with Brody "Cujo" Matthews while planning her best friend's engagement party.

After having a tough childhood, Cujo likes to keep his life simple.  He loves his work at Second Circle Tattoos, he is loyal to his friends and family, and has a parade of flight attendants calling for a good time whenever they have a layover in Miami.  He certainly doesn't want to deal with the "high maintenance" Drea Caron.  

But after these two share a potential life-threatening situation, they learn that first impressions aren't always correct.

I really liked both these characters and enjoyed "watching" them go from constantly bickering to friendly to really falling for each other.  My heart went out to Drea and how lost she felt in her life and was determined to find out more about herself and what she wanted with her life.  And Cujo really grew as a person for me.  Yes, there were times where I wanted to smack him silly, but he fully acknowledges his insecurities (eventually) and works to overcome them.

The one thing that I wish was different about this book was the AMOUNT of drama that Cujo and Drea faced.  They had enough drama in their own personal lives.  I felt that the outside drama was just too much and took away from the characters story.  Other than the outside drama, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.

Rating: 4 out of 5

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

Life's a Beach by Jamie K. Schmidt

Book Description

When Amelia Parker arrives in Maui, newly single and unemployed, she's shocked to discover the resort she booked is actually a ramshackle little beachside hotel. At least the scenery is easy on the eyes—as is the toned, laid-back snorkel instructor, “Dude.” After two weeks of sun, serenity, and mind-blowing sex, she even accepts a job as the hotel's concierge. But what Amelia really wants is to relaunch the place completely. And that means convincing the absentee Wall Street billionaire owner, Samuel Kincaide, to take a chance on her.
 
Samuel has a plan, too: selling off every last reminder of his former life and chilling all day, every day as his slacker altar ego . . . Dude. He loves his romps in the ocean, and under the sheets, with the feisty Amelia. If she discovers his true identity, her boundless enthusiasm and innovative business plan will seriously diminish his hammock time. But when Amelia runs into real trouble on the island, he'll put everything on the line to keep her safe. He just hopes that the woman who's falling for Dude will feel the same about Samuel.

AVAILABLE: January 5, 2016

Amelia Parker planned on surprising her boyfriend of two years with a trip to Maui.  But when she gets fired for taking a vacation (one she put in for a year ago... can't you sue for somethings like that...?? idk) and arrives home early, she finds her boyfriend and favorite barista going at it on their bed.  Morning the loss of her favorite coffee place more than her boyfriend, Amelia (and her physic aunt) head out for two weeks of sun, beaches, and relaxation at a all-inclusive resort.  She doesn't expect to find a somewhat rundown resort or "Dude".

Samuel "Dude" Kincaide just wants to relax on the beach until he can sell this resort.  He wants nothing to do with the stress of working after witnessing his friend and mentor have a massive heart attack working on Wall Street.  So "Dude" enjoys just relaxing in his hammock drinking beers.  And Amelia seems to be messing up his plans.  These talks about what could be done to make the resort profitable and exciting again for guests are seriously killing his buzz, but he can't seem to keep his hands off Amelia.  

But when someone keeps sabotaging the new renovations, "Dude" realizes he would do anything to keep Amelia save and reveal who he really is...

But will she be able to get past his lie?? 

This book was just okay for me.  It was a quick, predictable read.  I found it lacking any "romance".  The "Dude" nickname annoyed me too...  I'm sure the author could of thought of a better one than that one.  Made me think of Jeff Bridges from The Big Lebowski.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

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

Wicked Lust by Sawyer Bennett

Book Description

Cain Bonham is as big and bad as they come. After serving in the Marines, he’s returned home to Wyoming and now works as head of security at the exclusive sex club, The Wicked Horse. His job is to protect not only the patrons, but to zealously guard the secret existence of the club itself. 

Sloane Preston is all about discovering secrets. As an undercover reporter, she’s determined to reveal the truth behind the facade of The Wicked Horse and expose it for all the world to see. She just didn’t count on her pathway into the club coming at the hands of one gorgeously scarred and bad ass bouncer who manages to easily possess her body and soul. 

While Cain’s not looking for anyone to catch his eye, Sloane did it all the same, and he’s not bemoaning the fact that she’s as wickedly kinky as he is. As both get caught up in the sinful fantasies that only The Wicked Horse can create, secrets and loyalties will be tested and hearts will risk being broken. 

**Warning: this book has sex in it. Lots of sex. Dirty sex. The Wicked Horse Series is a bit different than what Sawyer Bennett normally writes. While you’ll still enjoy fabulous characters, a suspenseful story, some witty banter and an epic romance, there’s just… a lot of sex. You’ve been warned.

AVAILABLE: January 5, 2016

The Wicked Horse Series
Wicked Fall (Book 1) for full review, click HERE
Wicked Lust (Book 2)

Wicked Lust begins right where Wicked Fall ends.  Literally.  The epilogue of Wicked Fall is the opening chapter of Wicked Lust.  I would recommended (NOT required though) reading these in order.  The Wicked Horse series still has the usual writing style of Sawyer Bennett that makes her a must buy for me, but with MUCH more (kinky) sex. 

Cain works as head of security for both the Wicked Horse and The Silo.  And he takes his job VERY seriously.  He never mixes business with pleasure, but that doesn't mean that as soon as he is off the clock he doesn't partake in some added benefits of his job and membership to The Silo.  

Driven by her own sense of justice, Sloane Preston "moved" to Jackson, Wyoming to discover the secrets of the Wicked Horse.  After an anonymous source calls her politcal magazine with information that the governor knows about a private sex club and that his daughter (Callie) is a member of said club, Sloane goes to discover if tax money is in any way involved.  Only problem, it's not like getting into a private sex club is easy.  So she needs an in.  That "in" comes in the form of sexy Cain.

And all she has to do is get him to break his "one and done" rule...

With neither person looking for anything deeper, but both get caught up in new feelings and the wickedness of the Wicked Horse.  But will Cain and Sloane be able to get past as the secrets kept from one another and the loyalties that are tested?

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

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

All In by Aleah Barley

Book Description

He’s playing for her heart...

World-class statistician and poker prodigy Daisy Adams has two rules: never risk anything you can’t afford to lose, and never, ever, trust a gambler. Which is why she gave up the game and moved to Los Angeles, where she became a tenured professor. But when an old acquaintance calls needing Daisy’s...expertise...to help catch a cheater, she heads back to Las Vegas and the poker tables.

FBI Agent Ryan DiNatto’s been a gambler since he was four, and a hustler since he hit puberty. Coming off an undercover mission that ended with him shot and his partner in a wheelchair, Ryan’s out for blood. With a mob accountant and a hit man on the loose, the stakes have never been higher, and this time, he’s determined to make things right—even if it means beating spunky, sexy, Daisy Adams at her own game.

AVAILABLE: January 4, 2016

All In by Aleah Barley is a super cute, fast-paced read.  It involves a genius woman and the undercover FBI agent staying in the room next door.  Both (for different reasons) are participating in a poker tournament at the hotel.  Daisy is there to help out a friend (and manager of the casino) and Ryan is there to get revenge against a mobster for shooting him and putting his best friend/partner in a wheelchair.

Daisy Adams has written the book on poker. Literally.  She turned her first PhD thesis on game theory and poker into a how-to poker guide.  She only returned returned to her hometown to help Bullet (friend/manager of casino) discover why the casino (house) seems to be losing more than it wins.  In order to do that, she has to play poker in-person, something she hasn't done in years.

The last thing FBI agent Ryan DiNatto needs while undercover is a distraction in the form of his super-smart, cute "next-door" neighbor.  He's determined to keep the mobster that shot him and put his partner in a wheelchair in jail by going after what is most important to him: money.  The accountant for the mob is playing in the tournament too and Ryan needs to become BFF's with him pronto.  But Daisy isn't so easy to ignore and with threats surrounding the tournament, Ryan must decide between his job and the woman he is quickly falling for.

Rating: 4 out of 5

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

Big Rock by Lauren Blakely

Book Description

It's not just the motion of the ocean, ladies. It's definitely the SIZE of the boat too.

And I've got both firing on all cylinders. In fact, I have ALL the right assets. Looks, brains, my own money, and a big cock.

You might think I'm an asshole. I sound like one, don’t I? I'm hot as sin, rich as heaven, smart as hell and hung like a horse.

Guess what? You haven't heard my story before. Sure, I might be a playboy, like the NY gossip rags call me. But I’m the playboy who’s actually a great guy. Which makes me one of a kind.

The only trouble is, my dad needs me to cool it for a bit. With conservative investors in town wanting to buy his flagship Fifth Avenue jewelry store, he needs me not only to zip it up, but to look the part of the committed guy. Fine. I can do this for Dad. After all, I’ve got him to thank for the family jewels. So I ask my best friend and business partner to be my fiancée for the next week. Charlotte’s up for it. She has her own reasons for saying yes to wearing this big rock.

And pretty soon all this playing pretend in public leads to no pretending whatsoever in the bedroom, because she just can’t fake the kind of toe-curling, window-shattering orgasmic cries she makes as I take her to new heights between the sheets.

But I can’t seem to fake that I might be feeling something real for her.

What the fuck have I gotten myself into with this…big rock?

BIG ROCK is a standalone, dirty romance novel written from the guy’s POV by NYT Bestselling author Lauren Blakely… 

AVAILABLE: January 6, 2016

Spencer Holiday has it all: looks, brains, his own money, and a big... "rock".  He made his money by creating and selling a dating app that doesn't allow its male members to send pictures of their personal "members"... He is the ultimate playboy with a new woman whenever he wants one.  But when he tries to "help" his father impress a potential (conservative) buyer for the family business, Spencer says that he has left his playboy ways behind and recently got engaged to his best (girl) friend, Charlotte.  

Only problem is that he needs to convince Charlotte to play along...

Luckily for Spencer, Charlotte has an annoying ex trying to win her back, so she agrees to play his loving fiancee and have a public breakup after the Spencer's dad business is done and long enough to convince Charlotte's ex to leave her alone.  Win-win.

But neither expected that playing a couple in love could (or would) lead to something more.

Now, don't let me review "score" fool you.  I really enjoyed this book and it's characters.  I just wish there was something MORE.  To go from strictly platonic friends (with no hidden attraction/feelings from either party) to being madly in love (in a few days) just didn't feel right for me, especially with a super playboy like Spencer Holiday.  Other than that, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone.

Big Rock is a short, sweet friends-to-lovers story.  Lauren Blakely is still a must buy for me.  I can't wait for the conclusion to her Sinful Nights series.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

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