TITLE: Baby Under The Christmas Tree
AUTHOR: Teresa Carpenter
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/27/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
San Diego hockey team’s PR director Elle Austin goes beyond the call of duty to keep their rebel captain in check—even playing nanny to his son! Max Beasley knows nothing about looking after a baby, so he enlists Elle’s help after little Troy is left on his doorstep by his irresponsible ex.
Maybe it’s the spirit of Christmas, or seeing Max’s softer side, but Elle wishes he saw her as more than just an employee, and that they could give Troy the best gift of all—a family!
REVIEW:
4.5 Stars This is a very sweet story. I am not sure it is a holiday story though. The Christmas part only takes place in the last 20 or so pages and barely much at that so this story can be read anytime of year.
The connection between Max and Elle is perfect. Max is a great guy who has a past to overcome and Elle is looking for her Mr. Right but is her Mr. Right who she expects it to be?
This is a perfect lay around the house read. Grab a cup of coffee, curl up on the couch in front of the fire and enjoy.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Rescue My Heart
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/06/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After a tragic stint in the National Guards, Adam Connelly returns to Idaho and to Belle Haven, the animal shelter he owns with his brothers. All Adam wants is to be alone. Then he opens the door to the past—the woman whose heart he once broke. Still gorgeous, still tough-as-nails, but this time, unusually vulnerable.
Holly Reid learned the hard way to never depend on a man for anything. Now, of all men, it’s the last one she wants to see, and the only one she needs. Her father has gone missing in the Bitterroot Mountains and she could use someone with tracking skills to help find him.
For Holly and Adam, each with their ghosts, a trek this desperate, this unpredictable, and this intimate, will have its share of risks—including opening their hearts one more time.
REVIEW:
4.5 Stars I am convinced that Jill Shalvis can do no wrong when it comes to writing a romantic story. Jill really knows how to suck us into a story and then never let us go until we are completely satisfied. Rescue My Heart does just that. Sucks you in and hangs on tight. Besides who doesn’t love a great second chance at love story?
Adam & Holly were in love one wonderful summer in their younger years, but fate and stubbornness drove them apart. So after so much time apart Holly fears that if she asks Adam for help he will say no. But what she doesn’t know is how much Adam still loves and misses her.
Adam as tough as he is thought that he was prepared for anything. That was until the love of his life walks back in and asks for help to find her missing father. Adam is powerless to tell her no, but does tell her he will find her father on his own. It is no surprise that Adam finds he has a stow-away in the back of his vehicle.
These two go on a journey not only looking for Holly’s dad, but to learn more about each other. Why things went so wrong in the past and to learn that sometimes being stubborn might just get you everything you want
As I said before, I think Jill can do no wrong with her books. I have yet to pick up one of her books and not fall completely in love with the characters. Rescue My Heart is such a good book. If you are a fan of Jill’s you really should pick up a copy of Rescue My Heart and fall in love with Adam & Holly. While this is part of the Animal Magnetism series it is easily read as a stand alone book
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.
TITLE: More Than a Stranger
AUTHOR: Erin Knightley
PUBLICATION DATE: 6/5/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When his family abandoned him at Eton, Benedict Hastings found an unexpected ally in his best friend’s sister. Her letters kept him going–until the day he had to leave everything behind. Years later, Benedict has seen his share of betrayal, but when treachery hits close to home, he turns to his old friend for a safe haven…
After five torturous years on the marriage circuit, Lady Evelyn Moore is finally free to live her life as she wishes. So when her brother shows up with a dashing stranger, she finds herself torn between her dreams…and newfound desires.
Despite his determination to keep Evie at a distance, Benedict cannot deny the attraction that began with a secret correspondence. Yet as they begin to discover each other, the dangers of Benedict’s world find them, threatening their lives, their love and everything they thought they could never have.
REVIEW:
This is a fantastic debut from Erin Knightley that will capture your heart and have you believing in second chances. Evie is a spirited, intelligent woman that has spent her youth writing letters to her brother’s best friend, Benedict Hastings. What started as a simple correspondence turned into something more when Hastings abruptly ends their correspondence for no reason and ultimately breaks Evie’s heart. Seven years later, Hastings is troubled by the events that have occurred in his life and turns to his old friend, Richard, for help. His wish is to come to their family estate in the country for solitude to sort through the horrible predicament that he has found himself in. When they arrive at Richard’s country home, Hastings is shocked and delighted to find that Evie is there and that he may finally have a chance to make amends with this beautiful young woman. When he is initially introduced to Evie, he pretends to be someone other than Benedict Hastings for fear of Evie’s response to the real Hastings and Evie is unaware that the man that broke her heart is currently residing in her family’s home. The attraction between the two is instantaneous and Evie believes that she has finally met her match.
I liked Evie in this novel. She was fun, adventurous and very independent at a time when women were expected to be nothing more than a pretty face. She convinced her family that she needed to take time off from the Season to pursue her own hobbies and would save the husband-hunting for a later date. No man seemed to interest her or captured her attention until she laid eyes on Hastings. Even though he was a stranger to her, there was an instant connection between the two and I enjoyed their scenes together and her snarky comments to him. Hastings was a dashing hero that any woman would like to spend time with but I wish that he would have told her earlier who he really was. Evie deserved the truth and she would have understood the dangerous situation he was in. The letters between the two was a delight to read and added so much to this love story as well as meeting all the members of her family. This was a great story and I am excited to read Richard’s story, A Taste for Scandal, that will be released next month.
Disclaimer:
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: A Cold Creek Noel
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/13/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Caidy Bowman had been the apple of her family’s eye—until a devastating tragedy forced her to hide from the world. She was used to devoting her time to the animals on her family’s ranch. Then widower Ben Caldwell and his two adorable children arrived in Pine Gulch, and suddenly, Caidy wanted more than a life in the shadows .As the town’s new vet, Ben needed a place to stay for the holidays—and for his family to heal from their own loss. He absolutely wasn’t looking for love again! But Caidy Bowman’s sparkling green eyes and sweet smile touched Ben’s broken heart, giving him hope for a new future. Their future—if he could convince the beautiful cowgirl that Christmas was a time for new beginnings .
REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this book. I have not read the other in the “Cowboys of Cold Creek” series but even though you can tell that there is background stories that were in other stories this one can certainly stand alone.
This has everything a holiday romance should have. Family, animals, snow and love. Honestly I think it would make a great movie for Hallmark or Lifetime. It even had me tearing up at one point.
Caidy is superwoman but yet is down to earth and really just a woman who is trying to make her life perfect after her world was torn apart years ago. Ben is trying to get his life together for himself and his kids. They really are a match made in Heaven.
This is a perfect holiday story and will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Acts Of Honor
AUTHOR: Vicki Hinze
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/30/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon|B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He survived a mysterious mission more horrible than the mind can imagine; only she can break through the trauma and get him to talk. But if she succeeds, they both may not survive.
Dr. Sara West knows only that her high-security military patient goes by the name “Joe,” that he’s in a catatonic state and can only repeat the code words, “I wept,” and that his post-traumatic stress disorder is a result of his last mission as a Shadow Watcher—a spy who spies on other spies. Her brother-in-law was also a Shadow Watcher. He committed suicide in the same sinister military facility where Joe, and other military men like him, are now in treatment. Sara wants to learn what caused her sister’s unshakable husband to kill himself and, in the process, to heal Joe, a compelling man who wins her love. But the secrets inside him reveal a shocking truth. One she isn’t sure they can overcome.
Vicki Hinze is the award-winning author of 30 novels, 4 nonfiction books and hundreds of articles, published in as many as sixty-three countries. She is recognized by Who’s Who in the World as an author and as an educator.
REVIEW:
What an interesting story. I am not sure I have read anything like it before. Yes there are stories of military men being used as lab rats and the woman who is a doctor that saves them but this has something just a bit more to it. And that bit more is what makes this book so intriguing.
The characters are written very well and the story really pulls you in from the first few pages. I spent a couple of nights falling asleep as I wondered why/who/how? I really had no idea why they were doing what they were doing and who was the one that was doing it and how in the world was anyone going to figure it out.
Hinze is a brilliant writer who I first enjoyed with her Seascape Trilogy, which I would recommend any lover of romance have in their collection, but this is a romantic suspense and the suspense just keeps piling on. If you enjoy a book that you will not be able to figure out the ending and has a touch (but only a touch) of romance than I recommend this book. You will not be able to put it down.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Under the Mistletoe – Lucky Harbor #6.5 (Novella)
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/4/12
ORDER LINKS: Under the Mistletoe| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
JUST ONE MORE KISS
There’s no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts-and asking for forgiveness.
Nick grew up without a family of his own so he’s overwhelmed by the love that Mia receives from all her relatives, gathered together to celebrate the season. Under their watchful eyes, Nick finds earning back her trust the hardest thing he’s ever had to do. If he succeeds, he will receive the greatest gift of all, Mia’s love for a lifetime.
REVIEW:
Another great story from Jill. Under the Mistletoe takes us back into the lovely little town of Lucky Harbor for a wedding.
We get to meet Mia & Nick. Who are both a little gun shy when it comes to family and love. Both have had to deal with the loss of family and love in the past. But Mia is ready to move on and is looking for her happily ever after. The question is: Is Nick ready? Or will he turn tail and run?
This was a very quick read and I loved every page. Nick & Mia are so sweet together. Because when you finally find your one true love you are willing to do anything for them. Even if that means facing your fears.
I always love to be back in Jill’s town of Lucky Harbor. If you are fan of Jill’s and love the Lucky Harbor series you will love this novella.
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.
TITLE: Silent Warrior
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/10/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The note is simple but chilling: “I’m in trouble. Please help me. You’re the only one I trust.” Sensing the desperation in the plea for help, John McShane drops everything to find the person who wrote the note: Cali Ellis, a woman who’s been simmering in his heart for ten years. As a highly trained member of an elite tactical squad, McShane knows instantly that the people tracking Cali are well-connected . . . and cold-blooded. As he sets out to help Cali escape from these criminals, he begins to wonder if he can keep his feelings for her under control, at least long enough to save her.
Ten years ago, Cali Ellis lost too much: both her new husband and her unborn child. Now the suspicious men her late husband worked for have tracked her down, and apparently want her dead. Fearing for her life, Cali flees to the Caribbean island of Martinique and reaches out to the only person she knows will help her: John McShane. Despite all that they’ve been through in the past, Cali just might risk her heart again—if they both manage to stay alive.
REVIEW:
This is the second in the Delgado’s Dirty Dozen series. As a recent fan of Donna Kauffman’s I am going back to find her older books which are being re-released and I had picked up this book not realizing it was part of the series. Luckily I had read Santerra’s Sin first but even if I hadn’t this book can stand alone and in my opinion is better than the first in the series. The characters have an instant connection and a past so I did not feel like they went from “hello” to “I love you” in a matter of moments. John is a wonderful alpha male who any fan of romance will fall for. And what I enjoyed most about Cali is she is a strong independent woman who understood herself and the situation enough to know she needs help and isn’t afraid to ask for it but after getting it didn’t turn into the helpless heroine. The romance is very strong in this book and while there is suspense I would not say there is a lot but there is enough to keep the readers attention. I didn’t want to put it down.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Sultry With A Twist
AUTHOR: Macy Beckett
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Mae-June July Augustine hightailed it out of Sultry Springs, Texas, with her heart in pieces, she swore she’d never return. But nine years later, one thing stands between June and her dream of opening an upscale martini bar: a month of community service under the supervision of the devilishly sexy Luke Gallagher, her first love and ex-best friend. As lust turns to love, June must decide where she belongs: in the glorious anonymity of Austin or back in Sultry Springs with the man who intoxicates her like no other.
REVIEW:
I loved this book. What a delight it was to read it. There were so many scenes that brought a smile to my face that I might not have stopped smiling the whole story. The story is written so well that you feel that you know the characters from the first moment. June is just too adorable for words. She is such a mess but also such a down to earth woman that you just have to connect to her. Luke is just beyond lovable. He is a hard worker but when he plays he just melts your heart. I also enjoyed the background players including Trey (I hope the next story is his!). And Grammy Pru is just a hoot!
There was one area of the story that I wish was a little different but if I tell you then that gives the ending away and so I won’t do that but I will say that.. nope… I can’t say anything without giving it away and so I just won’t say anything at all. Just a little stereotypical but easy to overlook for a delightful story like this.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series and if it half as good as this book the author will have knocked it out of the park.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Alaric, Poseidon’s High Priest, has made a vow to Quinn, the woman he loves and the leader of the Resistance: to save her friend Jack before his last bit of humanity has been drained. Should Alaric succeed, there’s one danger-he may lose Quinn to the love of the man whose life he saved…
REVIEW:
Finally!!!!! Alaric & Quinn’s story.
It has been so painful to watch these two dance around each other for so many books. But Heart of Atlantis finally gives us all what we really want, a Happily Ever After for our favorite high priest and the leader of the resistance.
But this final journey for Alaric & Quinn will be anything but easy for both of them. New enemies arise, old enemies are back, but most of all both Alaric & Quinn have to fight the demons and secrets that lie within themselves in order to come out the other side and grab their HEA.
If you are a fan of Alyssa Day and her Atlantic Warriors you will love Alaric & Quinn’s story. If you have not started the Warriors of Poseidon series I would strongly recommend that you start at the beginning with book 1 Atlantic Rising and read the series in order.
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.
TITLE: Charmed Spirits – Holiday Montana #1
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jordan Cross has returned to Holiday, Montana after eleven long years to clear out her late aunt’s house, put it on the market, and figure out what she wants to do with the rest of her life. Soon, she finds herself facing the town that turned its back on her because she was different. Because being labeled a witch in a small town didn’t earn her many friends…especially when it wasn’t a lie.
Matt Cooper has lived in Holiday his whole life. He’s perfectly content being a bachelor alongside his four single brothers in a very small town. After all, the only woman he’d ever loved ran out on him without a goodbye. But now Jordan’s back and just as bewitching as ever. Can they rekindle their romance with a town set against them?
Warning: Contains an intelligent, sexy witch with an attitude and drop-dead gorgeous man who likes to work with his hands, holds a secret that might scare someone, and really, really, likes table tops for certain activities. Enough said
REVIEW:
You know how they say you can always go home? Well don’t ask Jordan Cross that. Home is the last place on earth that she wants to be. But she has no choice, she has to go home and take care of the family home after the death of her grandma. Jordan just hopes that this will be quick in and out of Holiday Montana with very little interaction with the locals. But as with every good plan you better have a backup escape route when the love of your life finds out your back in town.
Matt finally has another chance with Jordan and nothing or noone, not even Jordan is going to stand in his way. Will except maybe his little secret might be a problem, but what can he do about that right now. Right now he has to get Jordan to realize she can’t leave him again…Not ever.
Jordan & Matt are just too sweet together. And like any good love if they have faith in each other they will make it through anything. Even death can not keep them apart.
This was another great story from Carrie Ann Ryan and a great start to a new series. I am looking forward to book 2 in the Holiday Montana series. Justin’s book will be hitting the shelves in December 2012
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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.
TITLE: Black Moon – Alpha Pack #3
AUTHOR: JD Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/04/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A group of former Navy SEALS, the Alpha Pack is a top-secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers combating the greatest dangers in the world. But sometimes those dangers are more intimate than they bargained for…
Ever since he saved Dr. Mackenzie Grant’s life, panther shifter and sorcerer Kalen Black has had trouble keeping the beautiful doctor out of his thoughts, and his heart. The brush with death awakened an intense passion between them—one that for the first time had the notorious loner letting down his guard.
With the Alpha Pack battling an evil Fae who is slowly gaining control over Kalen’s mind, Kalen can no longer trust his own actions, and he breaks off his affair with Mackenzie in order to keep her safe. But when Mackenzie learns that she is carrying Kalen’s child, no amount of danger will keep her away from the man she loves. To protect his mate and unborn child, Kalen will have to battle a terrible evil, unleash the full fury of his power, and risk destroying them all
REVIEW:
Oh my Kalen……I have been in love with Kalen since he stepped on the pages in Primal Law (book 1). And I feel more in love this him in his novella Black Magic. So I was so super excited when I got my ARC of Black Moon. We finally get to learn more about Kalen. What makes him tick, what his demons are and how far he is willing to go to protect the ones he loves.
Kalen goes through so much in Black Moon my poor heart almost didn’t survive the journey. There was so much that happens I am afraid if I start to tell you I will give away too much. So let me just say…..
Kalen is AWESOME!!!! He is so much stronger than he ever realized. Even if it will cost him everything in the end. Kalen does the only thing he can to save the Alpha pack. Some sacrifices are worth it.
If you have enjoyed the first two books and Kalen’s novella you will love Black Moon. But be warned you may need a tissue, because Kalen my just break your heart.
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.
TITLE: Angel Betrayed – The Fallen #2
AUTHOR: Cythina Eden
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/26/2012
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A LITTLE BIT OF ANGEL LUST.
Sammael – call him Sam – was an angel once. An angel of death. But the dispassionate, watch-from-above thing just wasn’t working for him when it meant watching evil torture innocent souls day in and day out. It might have cost him his wings, but these days, he gets to apply the direct method on the bad guys. Problem is, what’s making his life difficult is a bad girl…
Seline O’Shaw needs protection, and with the hounds of hell on her tail, she’s not going to quibble too hard about where she gets it. Sam’s virtue is questionable, but he’s smoking hot, massively powerful, and owes her a favor. So what if she’s getting a little case of angel lust? There are some damn deadly sins after her hide
REVIEW:
AAAHHHH, Sam……
We got to meet him in Angel of Darkness (bk1). We know that Sam is not really one of the good guys. He is one of the Fallen and very proud of it. But Sam does seem to have a little bit of a heart. He did after all help Keenan & Nicole right? Well only because there was something Sam wanted. Something he wanted for a very, very long time….. Revenge.
Seline is on a mission to destroy, but her mission has changed. All she wants is to survive and be free from the one who controls her. So in order to do that she will have to turn the tables on Rogziel by turning her next victim into her hero. All she has to do is get Sam on her side. But the Fallen doesn’t trust that easily
I enjoyed Angel Betrayed book 2 in The Fallen Series a little more. I love Sam. He is a tough no nonsense kind of guy that finds his world turned upside down by one very small demon-hybrid. Sam learns that there is so much more in the world then hate. But the question is will it be too little too late? Or will fate finally give him what he needs?
Very much looking forward to book 3 Angel in Chains. If you have not started Cynthia’s The Fallen Series yet and you love angels you should go pick up a copy. I would suggest starting with book one!
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.
TITLE: Baby Under The Christmas Tree
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