Category: 4 Star

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Dead Silence Blog Tour Review & Giveaway

I’m so excited for Books-n-Kisses to be a part of this fabulous blog tour for the wonderful Kimberly Derting.  Thank you so much Candace at CBB Productions for hosting this great tour.  The Body Finder series is a great YA series filled with mystery, suspense and a dash of romance.  If you haven’t read this series, I suggest that you try the first book, The Body Finder, but don’t blame me if you leave all the lights on.  🙂

Author Bio:

Kimberly Derting is the author of the BODY FINDER series (HarperCollins) and THE PLEDGE trilogy (Simon & Schuster). She lives in the Seattle area, with her husband and three children, who often find the outrageous things they say either in the pages of her books or posted on Twitter or Facebook for the entire world to see.

You can visit her website at www.kimberlyderting.com.

 

 

Jennifer’s Review of Dead Silence

SERIES #: Body Finder #4

CHARACTERS: Violet Ambrose

AUTHOR:  Kimberly Derting

PUBLICATION DATE:  04/16/13

ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Violet thought she’d made peace with her unique ability to sense the echoes of the dead and the imprints that cling to their killers…that is, until she acquired an imprint of her own. Now she’s more determined than ever to lead a normal life.  However, the people who run the special investigative team Violet works for have no intention of letting her go.

When someone close to her becomes a suspect in a horrific murder, Violet finds herself pulled into a hunt for a vicious madman with an army of devoted followers–and quickly discovers that protecting those closest to her is far more difficult than protecting herself.

 REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer             NUMBER OF STARS: Four Stars

 REVIEW: Kimberly Derting has written a pulse-pounding story full of suspense with Dead Silence and the stakes are much higher for Violet and her special investigative team. In this installment, Violet is dealing with the recent events that have left her with an imprint of her own. I just want to say that Violet has come so far in her journey from the first novel in the series and finally seems to be coming to terms with her unusual gift.  She seems stronger, more grown-up and I was impressed by how well she was handling everything in her life. She is still in limbo in regards to her feelings toward Rafe while having a romantic relationship with her longtime boyfriend, Jay.  All this changes when she accidentally finds the bodies of a family and is thrown into a murder investigation where someone she knows becomes the prime suspect.

I really enjoyed this story and I liked how Violet was able to understand more about her gift by finding journals that belonged to her grandmother, who also had Violet’s ability. It helped to provide some answers that she had always wondered about, yet provided more questions as to what her future holds with her fellow team members of the special investigative unit.  I was also impressed by her boyfriend, Jay, because all through this series, he has been a great guy that has stood beside her and would do anything to protect her.  He doesn’t particularly care for Rafe and knows that Rafe has feelings for Violet but is able to put those emotions aside because they ultimately have to work together.  I felt sorry for Rafe throughout this book because of his unrequited romantic feelings toward Violet but I was also glad to see there could possibly be a new love entering his life soon.

 The killer in this book was absolutely creepy and I had a hard time with some of the scenes just because of the gore content.  Makes you want to double check your locks and get home before it gets dark after reading this.

 Kimberly Derting is such a talented writer and I have enjoyed every one of her books in the Body Finder series.  I have loved Violet’s transition from being just this young girl with a bizarre talent to a young woman who now wants to help people with her “gift.”  I’m hoping that there will be more books in this series because Kimberly has done a wonderful job creating these characters and I can’t wait to see what is next for Violet and her friends.

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Kelly reviews Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost

TITLE: Twice Tempted
SERIES: Prince of the Night #2
CHARACTERS: Vlad & Leila
AUTHOR: Jeaniene Frost
PUBLICATION DATE: March 28, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dating the Prince of Darkness has its challenges…

Leila’s psychic abilities have been failing her, and now she isn’t sure what the future holds. If that weren’t enough, her lover, Vlad, has been acting distant. Though Leila is a mere mortal, she’s also a modern woman who refuses to accept the cold shoulder treatment forever–especially from the darkly handsome vampire who still won’t admit that he loves her.

Like choosing between eternal love and a loveless eternity…

Soon circumstances send Leila back to the carnival circuit, where tragedy strikes. And when she finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer who may be closer than she realizes, Leila must decide who to trust– the fiery vampire who arouses her passions like no other or the tortured knight who longs to be more than a friend? With danger stalking her every step of the way, all it takes is one wrong move to damn her for eternity.

 

REVIEW: 4.5 Stars

Vlad…..

Vlad….

Vlad……

Such a hot pain in the butt. But true to form he shows us that you don’t ever mess with the Prince of the Night or what he considers his. I am very glad I will never be on Vlad’s bad side 🙂

Lelia is pretty darn awesome too, maybe not in the same kick butt way Kat is, but still pretty darn awesome to put up with Vlad. Lelia really gives Vlad a run for his money in this book. Not everyone has the strength or stupidity to walk away from Vlad and live to tell the tale. But as I said before Lelia is awesome.

Ms. Frost is such a great story teller. Vlad & Lelia just suck you in and make you want more. Plus a quick visit from Kat & Bones (even if Bones didn’t say a darn thing) was fun.

I can’t wait to see what happens in the third and final book of the Night Prince Trilogy.

If you are a Frost fan you will really enjoy Vlad’s book. If you have not I would highly suggest starting with Once Burned.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Sweet As Sugar, Hot As Spice by Kimberly Raye

TITLE: Sweet As Sugar, Hot As Spice
SERIES #: Farrel Sisters #3
CHARACTERS: Eve & Linc
AUTHOR: Kimberly Raye
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/14/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
SWEET AS SUGAR

As owner and operator of Sugar & Spice Sinema, Eve Farrel creates red-hot how-to videos that help couples go from mild to wild. But Eve herself is single-and her famous feminist mother is determined to keep her that way. The only way Eve can get her mom off her back is to do the unthinkable-like get married.

HOT AS SPICE

Linc Adams is a bad-boy NASCAR driver whose love life is even faster than his car. The last thing he wants is to follow in his father’s footsteps and run for mayor of his North Carolina town. Hoping to blow his electoral chances, he agrees to marry Eve. Surely, her knockout looks and steamy career will shock conservative voters! But Linc’s in for a shock himself on his wedding night. This fast-track ladies’ man is about to learn a trick or two about lovemaking…while Eve is about to learn something new about love.

REVIEW:
The thing I liked best about this story? Everything. Well, ok, the NASCAR information was no longer accurate since the book was originally published in 2005 but that is ok. I really liked that there were problems. Not problems that we normally see but real life problems. They get married first and have sex later and she fakes an orgasm and he knows it. Now how do they get through that? Her mom is a pain and his parents are set in their ways. She expects him to be ignorant and he expects her to be wild. And so now they are married and they have to deal with everything else.

I could have also used a bit of a different ending. Where was the dramatic scene with the parents? I missed that! But other than that it really is a great story. I read the first one in the series and somehow missed the second but I will be backtracking to read it.

If you enjoy a non-perfect romance then this is the story for you.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Strictly Business by Linda Cajio

TITLE: Strictly Business
CHARACTERS: Jess & Nick
AUTHOR: Linda Cajio
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/11/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jess Brannen adores practical jokes, which is why she and her friends plan a raucous bachelorette party at a male strip club in Atlantic City for an unsuspecting bride-to-be. But the next morning, the joke is on Jess: She wakes up next to Nick Mikaris, the renowned architect who she had hoped would hire her landscaping company. An intense night of passion is not the sort of pitch meeting she had in mind.

Nick Mikaris isn’t one to mix business with pleasure, but he’s willing to make an exception in Jess’s case. Nick is tempted by Jess’s work proposal—and by the captivating woman herself. Touching Jess is delicious and addictive, but she seems determined to ignore the undeniable attraction between them. Now Nick, ever the practical architect, must convince Jess that they have what it takes to design a long and lasting life together.

REVIEW:
What a cute story. Not only is the story interesting but it is just a little off the norm of what books always seem to be. This is a re-release from 1988 and mostly it is not dated. I liked that Jess was a landscaper and not some frilly thing. And I enjoyed Nick so very much. Talk about your dream guy!

I started this book late thinking I would read a little before bed and didn’t go to sleep until it was done. It is not long with only about 120 pages but it is well worth the read. This is one I am glad they are re-releasing!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews All Or Nothing by Catherine Mann

TITLE: All or Nothing
SERIES: The Alpha Brotherhood #2
CHARACTERS: Conrad & Jayne Hughes
AUTHOR: Catherine Mann
PUBLICATION DATE: January 2, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“I can’t sleep with a man who keeps secrets.”

Despite the warnings that he would break her heart, Jayne Hughes fell for the bad boy. And Conrad Hughes, casino magnate, did just that with his absences and lies. Now she’s ready to move on, but her

husband has other plans….

Conrad’s undercover work for Interpol destroyed his marriage. When Jayne comes to Monte Carlo seeking a divorce, he launches an all-out assault. Seducing his wife back into his bed is child’s play;

earning her trust is another matter. Yet Conrad knows the odds favor the house. And he has no intentions of losing.

REVIEW:
All or Nothing is book two in The Alpha Brotherhood series. In All or Nothing we get a closer look at the smart one of the group. Conrad, or as Jayne would call him The Sean Conary Bond. Yes you will have to read the book to understand.

This was a quick good read. We learn a lot more about The Alpha Brotherhood’s history and get to meet a few new members too. Which means more books right?

I really enjoyed reading about Conrad & Jayne’s history and present. Both are so stinking stubborn and like thing just so. But nothing is perfect in life of love and these two have to learn that the hard way. But will this second chance at love last?

Guest you will have to read the book to find out 🙂

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews The Trouble With Love by Beth Ciotta

TITLE: The Trouble with Love
SERIES: Cupcake Lovers #2
CHARACTERS: Jayce Bello & Rocky Monroe
AUTHOR: Beth Ciotta
PUBLICATION DATE: March 26, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Rocky Monroe’s bad luck is legendary. So it stands to reason that during a quick trip to New York on behalf of the Cupcake Lovers’ forthcoming book, she winds up in the arms of the one man she never wants to see again. So what if he’s also the man she can’t stop dreaming about? Mouth-watering Jayce Bello has always been Rocky’s biggest mistake, and she’s not going to let history repeat itself … unless she gets a new taste of his delicious kisses.

When Jayce Bello left Sugar Creek ten years ago, it was the right thing to do—for him and for Rocky, his best friend’s little sister. But one passionate night with gorgeous, reckless Rocky is enough to prove that she’s the missing ingredient in his happiness. Now, with scandalous secrets souring the sweetness of the Cupcake Lovers’ club, Jayce needs to convince Rocky that their love is something to savor

REVIEW:
The second book in Beth Ciotta’s Cupcake Lover’s series was just as much fun as Fool for Love. We get to learn what the heck happened between Rocky & Jayce.

Rocky Monroe has had a major problem with Jayce Bello for all of her life, it is a love/hate relationship. But when Rocky finds herself in the big city mugged and slightly hit by a car the first person she calls is Jayce.

Jayce has never really understood what he did wrong all those years ago. All he knows is that Rocky still hates him, but Jayce is going to change that. With or without Rocky’s help.

Rocky and Jayce have some major history which makes their interactions so much fun. I wanted to talk some sense into Rocky. But she is beyond stubborn and has to learn the hard way. And boy does she learn.

If you have read Fool for Love then you will understand the tension between Rocky and Jayce. While you could read The Trouble with Love alone I think it would be best to read Fool in Love first.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews The Summer He Came Home by Juliana Stone

TITLE: The Summer He Came Home
SERIES: Bad Boys of Crystal Lake #1
CHARACTERS: Cain Black & Maggie O’Rourke
AUTHOR: Juliana Stone
PUBLICATION DATE: April 2, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes the best place to find love is right back where you started…

Falling asleep in a different bed every night has made it easy for Cain Black to forget his past. It’s been ten years since he packed his guitar and left Crystal Lake to chase his dreams. Now tragedy has forced him home again. And though Cain relishes the freedom of the road, one stolen moment with Maggie O’Rourke makes him wonder if he’s missing out on something bigger than fame.

For Maggie—single mother and newly settled in Crystal Lake—love is a luxury she just can’t afford. Sure, she appreciates the tall, dark and handsome looks of prodigal son Cain Black. But how long can she expect the notorious hellion to stay?

The last thing either of them wants is something complicated. But sometimes love has its own plans

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars ~ Starting a book off with a funeral doesn’t normally seem like a good idea for a romance novel. But sadly this funeral is what brings all the Bad Boys of Crystal Lake back together.

Cain had vowed many years ago to never come back to this small little town. There was nothing here for him, besides his mom. But with the death of his good friend Cain has returned, but only for a very short visit. Only this time things are just a tad bit prettier in Crystal Lake. Or maybe it is the very pretty and fiery redhead that is new to town.

There are so many ups and downs in this story. I could not put this book down. While book 1 is Cain and Maggie’s story Juliana does a great job of sucking in the secondary character to the forefront and makes us want more of them .

Aaaahhhh I have a new love. I really did love this first book of the Bad Boys of Crystal Lake. And I really really really can’t wait for book two to see what Juliana has in store for us.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Thrill Ride by Julie Ann Walker

TITLE: Thrill Ride
Black Knight Inc #4
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
Characters: Rock Babineaux & Vanessa Cordova
PUBLICATION DATE: 4/2/2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s Gone Rogue

Ex-Navy SEAL Rock Babineaux’s job is to get information, and he’s one of the best in the business. Until something goes horribly wrong and he’s being hunted by his own government. Even his best friends at the covert special-ops organization Black Knights Inc. aren’t sure they can trust him. He thinks he can outrun them all, but his former partner—a curvy bombshell who knows just how to drive him wild—refuses to cut him loose.

She Won’t Back Down

Vanessa Cordova hasn’t been the team’s communication specialist

very long, but she knows how to read people—no way is Rock guilty of murder. And she’ll go to hell and back to help him prove it. Sure, the sexy Cajun has his secrets, but there’s no one in the world she’d rather have by her side in a tight spot. Which is good, because they’re about to get very tight

REVIEW:
In Thrill Ride we finally get a little more insight into why Rock went rogue. But even Rock doesn’t completely understand what he was involved in until it is almost too late. But what Rock is willing to do and give up in order to protect his team and the ones he loves will put everyone in the Black Knight Inc family to the ultimate test.

Vanessa is willing to go to the ends of the earth to bring back the man she loves. But when finding a man who doesn’t want to be found is the easiest part of her job. Vanessa finally realizes the true meaning of love, family and never saying give up.

Another great story from Julie Ann Walker. I loved Rock and Vanessa from the glimpses that we got of them in the other Black Knight Inc books. And there story lived up to everything I hoped it would be. Even if there were times I wanted to slap some sense into Rock… Boy is he ever stubborn. I am so glad that Vanessa was tough enough to deal with all his crap. I can’t wait to see what adventure Julie Ann takes us on next.

If you have enjoyed the first three books in the Black Knight Inc Series then I think you will love Thrill Ride. If you have not started the Black Knight Inc Series yet. I would highly suggest you put this on you need to read list.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts

 

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Kelly reviews Wrecked by Shiloh Walker

TITLE: Wrecked
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE:04/02/2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the nineties, Abigale Applegate and Zach Barnes were the most beloved sitcom child stars in the world. Then they grew up and left Hollywood behind…

Whatever happened to Abigale Applegate?

She’s been wondering the same thing.

With her Hollywood dreams long gone, Abigale now has a nice, neat, uncomplicated life—until the day her perfect fiancé needs to talk. Dumped, a little more than shattered, and totally confused, Abigale turns to Zach, her best friend since forever, to help her pick up the pieces. He does it with a gift—a copy of Wreck This Journal. She can vent her frustrations, and sketch out a new plan. Zach just hopes he’s part of it. Because he’s been in love with Abigale his entire life.

When the journal falls into Zach’s hands, he discovers Abigale wants a new man. And fast. Nothing more than a hot distraction. Zach has a strategy, too. He’s going to be that man. It’s his last chance. Abigale might be out to shake up her life, but Zach’s out to reinvent it. Now, all he has to do is convince Abigale that life can go as planned.

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars ~ Wrecked shows us that no matter how stubborn you are there is always room for change. When Abigale finds herself left at the altar, she decides that it is time for a big change in her life. To do something wild and crazy for once in her life. To break the rules and not always have a plan. Abigale never could have predicted that this one wild and crazy thought would completely and utterly change her life.

When Zach (Abigale’s best friend) finds out about Abigale’s plan for a one-night hot torrid affair. He knows he has to be that person. He can’t sit back any longer and watch the love of his life wreck her life anymore.

But will stepping over that friendship line be everything he hoped for or will it wreck the friendship forever?

I loved this book!!! Such a great story of learning to let go and finding out that everything you ever really wanted has been right in front of you the whole time.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The following review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
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Kelly reviews Surrender by Stephanie Tyler

TITLE: Surrender
SERIES: Section 8 bk #1
CHARACTERS: Dare O’Rourke & Grace Powell
AUTHOR: Stephanie Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: April 2, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
DESPERATE, FEARLESS, AND HUNTED

For former Navy SEAL Dare O’Rourke, Section 8 was legendary. The son of one of its missing members, he grew up in the shadow of its secrets. All he knew was that it was a cabal of operatives discharged from branches of the military and reassigned to extremely dangerous, off- the-books international missions. And that their handler was as shrouded in mystery as the missions themselves.

NOTHING CAN STOP THEM. NOTHING CAN BREAK THEM.

Now the handler of Section 8 has given orders to kill any remaining members, along with their families. Dare must save his long-lost half sister, Avery, whom he was never meant to meet. Determined to fight for their lives and find their missing father, Dare and Avery bring together for one last mission those who are in danger because of their relationship to Section 8—to avenge their families and to survive.

**ADDED BY AUTHOR: Dare’s love interest in this book is NOT his half sister – I promise!***

REVIEW:
Stephanie Tyler, a former Navy Seal, Secrets, Lies and Romance…. Do I need to say more?

Oh? I do?

Okay fine, Surrender is a great start to a new romantic suspense series for Stephanie.

Dare O’Rourk finds himself thrown into the middle of a life and death situation. If he fails it is not only his death, but his sisters and a few surprisingly new allies. But learn to trust those allies is not going to be easy.

It seems everyone in this book as some kind of secret they are keeping from the other. Something that could put them all at risk at any time. It seems they can never get a jump on their enemy. Which lead me to believe there was a spy among them… But it was so much worse than I thought.

I will say I was really surprised. I didn’t see the twists and turns that Stephanie through at me. Great first book in this new series. I can’t wait to see what is next for the Section 8 team.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts

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Kelly’s review of Her Lucky Love by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Her Lucky Love
SERIES: Holiday Montana #4
CHARACTERS: Brayden Cooper & Allison Malone
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: March 2, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Brayden Cooper has always been lucky. It’s in his blood and in the coin that he has hanging on a leather tie around his neck. He has everything in the world he could ever want: money, a job, brothers he loves, and the luck that comes with his powers. Yet he’s empty. Everyone but him knows he loves Allison, yet it’s going to take something stronger than luck to bring them together.

Allison Malone is exhausted. After the death of her abusive husband, her hell of a marriage is finally over and now she’s alone with her three children that are the center of her world. Long hours at work, plus mommy duty at home are taking its toll on her and that’s not the worst of it. Her late husband’s family is in town and they want her children.

The outsiders have secrets of their own and it’s going to take all of the Coopers, especially Brayden’s, help to save them. When trouble attacks, Allison will have to remember that she’s also a woman who needs love, and Brayden might be the one to give that to her.

Warning: Contains one sexy mechanic with a lucky streak, a waitress who needs to give into her temptations, and a love so fierce it’s bound to set the sheets on fire. Again.

REVIEW:
Finally Brayden gets his story and we get to see a side of Bray that no one would believe. See Brayden is the nice Cooper brother. Well that is what everyone thinks. But Brayden has been keeping a secret. One he has not wanted to share with anyone let alone his pain in the butt brothers. But when a threat from Allison’s past comes back, Brayden is willing to do anything to keep the love of his life safe and sound.

This was a really good story. I was so happy that Bray & Ally finally got over their issues and made a run of it. They are so sweet & hot together. And Brayden while he may seem the sweet nice Cooper brother, he does have a few surprises up his sleeves for his new lady love.

If you have enjoyed the other Holiday Montana stories you will really enjoy Her Lucky Love. Can’t wait to see what happens with the next and final book in the Holiday Montana series.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts

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Kelly’s review of The Baby Bargain by Jennifer Apodaca

TITLE: The Baby Bargain
CHARACTERS: Adam Waters & Megan Young
AUTHOR: Jennifer Apodaca
PUBLICATION DATE: March 11, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Seeing Adam Waters is the last thing veterinarian Megan Young expects. Ex-Marine. Ex-boyfriend. And still extremely dangerous territory. But Adam doesn’t know the secret Megan has been keeping from him. The secret that was created three years ago, after their last night together…Adam returns to Raven’s Cove to sell his home in a final break with the town and memories that haunt him. The problem is that his attraction to Megan is as blazing hot as it ever was. But when a vicious smear campaign against Megan turns ugly, Adam learns the truth he never knew—he has a son. Now the only way Megan can protect her child is to strike a bargain with Adam. And it’s a bargain that looks a lot like blackmail…

REVIEW:
Adam & Megan were college sweethearts. But Adam decided the small town life was not for him so he left. Leaving everything behind even the girl he loves. But now he is back. Even if it is only for a couple of weeks. Adam is determined to get back in Megan’s good grace…..or more.

Megan has tried really hard to put the past behind her. but that is really hard to do when your past just walked through your door asking for help.

This was a very quick read. I didn’t put the book down once from start to finish.

Adam & Megan are just so sweet together. Even when they are keeping secrets from each other. But when push comes to shove they both step up to the plate and do what is right.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts