Natasha reviews Legend by Marie Lu

TITLE: Legend
SERIES #: Legend #1
CHARACTERS: Day & June
AUTHOR: Marie Lu
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/29/11
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths – until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

REVIEW: I loved this book. The story was strong from the first page and had me hooked. Day and June are such an unlikely pair and are thrown together in a terrible twist of fate. The emotional drama of this story was agony, and I loved it. I wanted to cry, I laughed and couldn’t wait to see what was happening. The world building in this book was vivid and I could feel the environment, I could feel the emotion of the characters. I was impressed with the author’s willingness to take us out of our comfort zone and throw things at us that were completely unexpected; things that we thought were off limits. It was a refreshing, though scary experience. For all of these reasons, I loved this book and finished book 2 immediately!

Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book on my own. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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July 20, 2014July 20, 2014

Book Spotlight & Review: Fatal Fortune by Victoria Laurie

When police show Abby surveillance video of her best friend and business partner, Candice Fusco, shooting a man in cold blood, she can’t believe her eyes. And when the cops tell her they think the victim has ties to the Mob—and perhaps Candice does too—she can’t believe her ears. Surely there is a logical explanation. But Candice is nowhere to be found.

Abby decides the only way to find out the truth is to go to Vegas herself—which may be the biggest gamble of her life. Once in town she begins to uncover a rigged game of dirty double-dealing where the stakes are no less than life and death. And if she’s not careful, Abby can forget about ever leaving Las Vegas…alive.

Amazon/B&N

About the Author:

Victoria Laurie is the New York Times bestselling author of over twenty books. With two series in full swing, Victoria divides her time between The Psychic Eye Mysteries and The Ghost Hunter Mysteries. As a professional psychic herself, Victoria knows all too well the tricky world of the paranormal in which her protagonists psychic Abby Cooper, and spiritual medium M. J. Holliday tackle murder, mayhem, and the occasional demon with plenty of plucky humor and determination.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of Fatal Fortune

Review (5 Stars): I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end and Abby is such an amazing character that I always look forward to spending time with her. In this book, Abby gets a phone call in the middle of the night from her best friend, Candice, saying “you have to trust me. It’s not how it looks.” From that point on, this story is a race against time for Abby to find out the truth when she discovers that Candice is seen on video surveillance footage shooting a man in cold blood in an airport parking lot.

There were so many clever plot twists and turns that will have you second guessing to who the killer is and why the victim was killed. Most of us have known and loved Candice from the very beginning and finding out that she could be a cold blooded killer shakes us to the core that someone we knew and trusted could have deceived us for so long. I understood Abby’s situation that her beloved friend was implicated in a murder and her having doubts that the person she loved like a sister could be capable of this kind of violence.

I loved watching Abby’s and Dutch’s relationship in Fatal Fortune as they settle down in their life as a married couple. As Abby was dealing with the stress of the investigation and subsequent manhunt for her friend, it was nice to see that having Dutch in her life helped her find that balance she needed. They have come so far in their relationship from the beginning of the series and you can see that their relationship just gets stronger and more loving as time goes on.

Fatal Fortune was a cleverly written mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat. Victoria Laurie is such a talented writer that has created such a delightful series that gets better with each novel that she writes. If you haven’t read any of her books, you should start with Abby Cooper: Psychic Eye to start from the beginning because this is one series that you should enjoy every moment of.

July 15, 2014July 13, 2014

Natasha reviews Peanut Goes To School by Thea Harrison

TITLE: Peanut Goes to School
SERIES #: Elder Races #6.7 A Shorty Story
CHARACTERS: Liam (Peanut), Dragos & Pia
AUTHOR: Thea Harrison
PUBLICATION DATE: 7/14/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dragos Cuelebre is no longer the only dragon.
Dragos’s son Liam Cuelebre (a.k.a. Peanut) is springing into existence, reminiscent of the first of the Elder Races who were born at the beginning of the world. At just six months of age, he has already grown to the size of a large five-year-old boy. He can read, write in complete sentences, and his math skills are off the chart.
A white dragon in his Wyr form, Liam also holds more Power than almost anyone else. In an effort to give him a taste of normality, no matter how fleeting, his parents Pia and Dragos enroll him in first grade.
They hope school will help teach Liam how to relate to others, a vital skill that will help him control his growing Power. But school has a surprising number of pitfalls, and relating to others can be a tricky business.
When a classmate is threatened, Liam must quickly learn self-control, how to rein in his instincts, and govern his temper, because there’s no doubt about it—he is fast becoming one of the most dangerous creatures in all of the Elder Races

REVIEW: I am admittedly a huge Elder Races fan. I’ve read every book and every novella. That said, I haven’t always had a real strong interest in Liam aka Peanut – Dragos and Pia’s son. I felt like the series was starting to center around him and that wasn’t fair to the rest of the characters in this amazing world Thea had built. I was intrigued by Peanut though, and wanted to see why Thea had decided to invest so much into this one particular character. So I read Peanut Goes to School. This is a very short story and I read it in about an hour. I have to say, I loved it! I now understand what is so important and special about Liam. It was so nice to read the story from his point of view, and see this world through the eyes of what should be a child, but somehow is so much more. Liam has an amazing mind, and a need to relate to those around him, just like any child. He, however, is very different than any other child. My favorite line of the story, and when I knew that I had just completely fell in love with Liam was when he said, “I’m not going to be a kid for very long, so I can’t make any long-term commitments.” I was cracking up! He’s so matter of fact, but sweet all at the same time. I loved it. I’m happy that Thea decided to give us this glimpse into Liam’s character. Though I don’t want the entire series to center so much around the Cuelebre’s as it has recently, I’m really excited about how he’ll grow up, and the things we’ll see change in the Elder Races series because of him.

Disclaimer:
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

July 14, 2014July 13, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Ricochet by Skye Jordan

TITLE: Ricochet
SERIES: Renegades #3
CHARACTERS: Nathan Ryker & Rachel Hart
AUTHOR: Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: July 14, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N {coming soon}

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After a tragic incident in Afghanistan leaves Master Sergeant Nathan Ryker the only man standing in his tight-knit team, he spirals into an alcohol-and-sex induced escape. A call from his lifelong buddy pulls Ryker from the shadows with a request for help with his stunt company’s latest blockbuster. If Ryker can survive the next three weeks of leave and get back to his remaining men, he might just be all right. But a sexy woman who can take his mind off his trauma is too hard to resist, and when he hooks up with Renegades’ sultry, snarky office manager, his sanity takes a backseat to the first glimpse of a future he isn’t sure he deserves.
Still reeling from a bitter romantic betrayal, Rachel Hart wants nothing more than an uncomplicated hookup. So when the mysterious Nathan seduces her with a little dirty talk and one delicious kiss, Rachel drowns all her good sense in a Mandarin and soda and gives herself over to a night of sexual bliss. But her memories tarnish in the morning light when Rachel discovers his real identity and his link to Renegades. Her job and her friends are the only thing holding her life together, and she won’t be ruined by one sultry night with this damaged and dangerously sexy man.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This was an excellent story that took me on some major highs and lows. Nathan Ryker is a broken man, although he will not tell you that. He knows he has a problem, but it is his problem and he will deal with it. Only thing is he is not dealing with it. Not at all. Until he meet Rachel. Rachel makes him forget, makes him want things, makes him want to be better. But there is another problem he has to deal with, he is leaving soon.

Rachel. Rachel. Rachel. The sweet girl that hangs out with the kick ass Renegade boys and keeps them in line. She is awesome. Rachel is feisty and mean at the same time being sweet and kind. And when she meets Nathan for the first time the girl she wishes she was comes out and for one night she let’s herself live a little. But when morning comes there is one little problem. Rachel learns who Nathan really is.

OH MY GOOD GOD!!! This was a great book. I warn you that the first oh …… 5+ chapters were scorching hot. So if you don’t like reading in mixed company I would suggest waiting until you are alone *wink, wink*. I can’t wait to see how Skye tops this one.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
5 Hearts I am in love. With Nathan Ryker. Ok the whole book really but mainly Ryker. I think I fell in love with him in his first scene in chapter 2 at LAX. I just wanted to pull him in and hug him and tell him I would make everything better. I continued to love him through every chapter. I actually cried when he got his first look at Carmello. What an incredibly strong and poignant moment which then just brought the scene on the beach where I think I feel even more in love with Ryker. He is such a strong man and his heart is so open but he just doesn’t know it.
Rachel is great. She is the type I would want to be friends with and secretly hate her for being the type of woman I wish I was. Not only is she beautiful but she doesn’t see herself that but she also is completely put together. The way she understands Ryker’s PTSD is incredible.
I think Skye Jordan did an incredible job showing the life of a soldier with PTSD. It is not something that hits every second, it is not something that can be seen from the outside, and is not something someone without it can understand. Jordan pulls the reader into Ryker’s world so well.
I honestly think this is one of the best stories I have read in quite a while. While the characters were wonderful the story itself was consuming. If you are a fan of romance then pick up this book! You will not regret it. And like me it will leave you wanting to read Troy’s story. Troy has a heart that he wears on his sleeve everywhere he goes and I can’t wait to meet the woman who can get her hands on it.

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

July 3, 2014July 2, 2014

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Suddenly Last Summer by Sarah Morgan

Tour Page & Schedule

About the Book:

USA TODAY bestselling author Sarah Morgan introduces another irresistible O’Neil brother who’s more tempting than dessert and twice as sinful!

Fiery French chef Élise Philippe is having a seriously bad day. Not only have the grand opening plans for her beloved café fallen apart, but Sean O’Neil is back in town and looking more delectable than ever. Memories of the electrifying night they shared last summer leave Élise very tempted, but she knows all too well that eventually Sean will be leaving…again.

Being back in Vermont—even temporarily—is surgeon Sean O’Neil’s worst nightmare. Returning home to the Snow Crystal Resort means confronting the guilt he feels about rejecting his family’s lifestyle years ago. But discovering that Élise is still in Vermont and still sets his blood racing is a very welcome distraction! Remembering last summer and how good they were together is going to make walking away more difficult than he could imagine….

Goodreads | Amazon | Harlequin

About the Author:

USA TODAY bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes hot, happy contemporary romance and her trademark humour and sensuality have gained her fans across the globe. She has been nominated three years in succession for the prestigious RITA© Award from the Romance Writers of America and has won the award twice, in 2012 and 2013. RT Book Reviews has called her ‘a magician with words’ and she has made numerous appearances in their ‘Top Pick’ slot. Sarah lives near London, and when she isn’t reading or writing she loves being outdoors, preferably on vacation so she can forget the house needs tidying. She loves chatting with readers by email and on Facebook and Twitter. More information can be found on her website.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Jennifer’s Review of Suddenly Last Summer

Review (5 Stars): I absolutely adored this sweet small town romance and fell in love with the town of Snow Crystal. Elise and Sean had a very interesting relationship because they shared one night of passion last summer but now pretended they didn’t have any feelings for each other. When Sean comes back to town to help his family after his grandfather is rushed to the hospital, him and Elise are walking on eggshells whenever they are together. They don’t want to admit that they are still attracted to each other and both of them try to stay busy so they don’t have to discuss certain issues in their life that they would just like to keep hidden.

I liked Elise because even though she seemed a little intense at times, she was fiercely loyal to the people that she cared about and the ones that had helped her during one of the lowest points in her life. Sean seemed a little arrogant in the beginning of the book because he was an Orthopedic Surgeon and just felt that his life was too busy to return home for longer than a couple of days. I was so glad to see that he mellowed out as the story progressed and became exactly what Elise needed in her life.

Suddenly Last Summer was a very charming and sweet romance that had me falling in love with the residents of Snow Crystal. Ms. Morgan has written a lovely story of two people who finally realize that it is never too late to have a second chance at love and I am sure that I will want to revisit their story again and again. I’m hoping that Tyler and Brenna get their shot at romance in the future because those two definitely need to have their story told.

Giveaway:

Grand Prize includes a La Bonne Vie Cupcake necklace, Sleigh Bells in the Snow (first book in the series), Suddenly Last Summer and a bookmark

Second prize is Sleigh Bells in the Snow, Suddenly Last Summer and a bookmark

Prizing provided by Harlequin

Open to US/CA only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions:

June 30, 2014June 29, 2014

Natasha reviews Pia Saves The Day by Thea Harrison

TITLE: Pia Saves the Day
SERIES #: The Elder Races Series
CHARACTERS: Pia & Dragos
AUTHOR: Thea Harrison
PUBLICATION DATE: 6/23/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the latest story of the Elder Races, two mates face their deadliest challenge yet—each other…
Pia and Dragos’s magical young son Liam (the Peanut), is growing at an unprecedented rate, and if that isn’t enough, he is also exhibiting new, and unpredictable, magical gifts. To protect him, the concerned parents decide to move to upstate New York.
Both Dragos and Pia relish the idea of leaving behind the city. They finally have the space to indulge their Wyr side, and Liam can grow in safety. It’s a breath of fresh air—literally—but their idyllic situation is shattered when Dragos is injured in a freak accident.
Stripped of his memory and bereft of Pia’s taming influence, there’s nothing holding back Dragos’s darkest side. And in order to restore her family and save her mate, Pia must confront the most powerful menace in Elder Races history.
It’s going to take more than a penny to fix this…

REVIEW: Another great novella in the Elder Races Series. Dragos and Pia pretty much have their own mini series inside of this series, and that’s just fine with me. I enjoy them together so much and I was excited that Thea took this story in a new direction to spice things up a bit. It’s a new level drama in the lives of all of our favorite characters, and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for this series!

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

June 9, 2014June 7, 2014

Kimberly reviews Barca’s Jackpot by Dennis Willis

TITLE: Barca’s Jackpot
SERIES #: Nick Barca #1
CHARACTERS: Nick Barca
AUTHOR: Dennis Willis
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/26/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Nick Barca is a former cop in debt to a notorious gangster. He’s offered a one-time deal to even the score and save his family. All he has to do is kill a maverick Vegas cop at his own retirement party.

Once in Sin City, he encounters Sable, a former stripper he had an affair with years earlier, and D-Man, a cocky loner who appears to be gunning for the same target.

Barca will need more than lady luck to survive.

REVIEW:
I will be honest and say this is not usually the type of book I read but since I managed to read it in one sitting with very few interruptions I may have to add the genre to my list of likes. The story has a old time feel though it is set in modern times. There is enough description of the characters that it is easy to see it in your minds eye. I can imagine a weathered man in Barca who has seen too much and never imagined it hitting so close to home. He seems lost and yet knows what needs to be done. This story takes us into Barca’s world but there is still so much about him we do not know and I really look forward to finding out more. The writing is well done. The story is easy to read and enjoyable. The characters are well formed and intriguing . I found I wanted to keep reading to know what happened. Was Barca really good or really bad? Was he willing to lose his life to save his family? Was it all a set up? So many questions that all get answered but leave the reader with more like where does Barca go from here?

Disclaimer:
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I received this book free from the author/publisher.

May 31, 2014

Book Spotlight & Review: Banishing the Dark by Jenn Bennett

Complicated does not begin to describe Arcadia Bell’s life right now: unnatural magical power, another brush with death, and a murderous mother who’s not only overbearing but determined to take permanent possession of Cady’s body. Forced to delve deep into the mystery surrounding her own birth, she must uncover which evil spell her parents cast during her conception…and how to reverse it. Fast. As Cady and her lover Lon embark on a dangerous journey through her magical past, Lon’s teenage son Jupe sneaks off for his own investigation. Each family secret they uncover is darker than the last, and Cady, who has worn many identities—Moonchild, mage, fugitive—is about to add one more to the list.

Amazon/B&N

About the Author:

Jenn Bennett is the author of the Arcadia Bell urban fantasy series from Pocket Books and the Roaring Twenties historical paranormal romance series from Berkley. Born in Germany, she’s lived and traveled extensively throughout Europe, the U.S., and the Far East. She currently lives near Atlanta with one husband and two very bad pugs.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of Banishing the Dark

Review (5 Stars): I’m so sad to see this series come to an end because it has been so awesome to be a part of Cady’s journey of supernatural self-discovery over the course of these books. To me, Arcadia “Cady” Bell is one of the best paranormal heroines out there and I am amazed at the person that she has become since the first book, Kindling the Moon. She has grown so much as a person and witch and I was so happy for Cady at the revelation that occurred in the beginning of Banishing the Dark. Meeting Lon and Jupe and having them be a part of her life has been the best thing for Cady and provided her with the support that she needed to see things through to the end.

In this book, Cady is slowly recovering from her injuries from her epic battle with Mr. Dare and trying not to attract the attention of her psychotic mother who is trying to find her way out of the hell that she was banished to. She must find the true conception spell that her mother performed years ago so she can break it and prevent her mother from possessing Cady’s soul. I was on the edge of my seat for most of this book because time was running out for Cady and her mother was getting dangerously close to finding her from the other side. The final showdown between Cady and her mother was an epic battle royale that shouldn’t be missed and I wanted so desperately for Cady to get revenge for all the pain that her mother caused her over the course of the series.

Ms. Bennett has created an amazing roller-coaster ride with the Arcadia Bell series and Banishing the Dark provides the perfect closure to Cady’s storyline. I recommend reading Kindling the Moon first to follow Cady’s journey from the very beginning and I can definitely say that I will be revisiting this series again in the very near future.

May 27, 2014May 15, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Before We Kiss by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Before We Kiss
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold #14
CHARACTERS: Sam Ridge & Dellina Hopkins
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: May 27, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling sensation Susan Mallery returns to Fool’s Gold, California, where it’s true that sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs…

Former pro-football kicker Sam Ridge has notoriously bad luck with women—from cheaters to fame chasers. Still, the gorgeous brunette at the bar in Fool’s Gold looks harmless—until she takes him home and he discovers a room devoted to securing a man, for life.

Dellina Hopkins never guessed that storing gowns from a friend’s bridal boutique would chase away her first and only fling. After her parents died, she skipped her “wild youth” to raise her sisters. She doesn’t want forever from Sam, but one night—all night—would’ve been nice.

His clean getaway gets messy when his firm hires Dellina to plan an event. As long hours lead to late nights, the two succumb to temptation again. Has Sam’s luck finally changed? Or this time, will Dellina be the one to run?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Poor Sam. He has had his share of bad luck when it comes to woman. A little gun shy now with who he trust the last thing he ever expected when moving to a sleepy little town of Fool’s Gold would be Dellina. But of course he had to go and screw that up too.
Dellina had to grow up fast when her parents were killed and she took over the raising of her little sisters. While she would like to have a man in her life the last thing she needs or wants to something permanent. But when Dellina is with Sam all those thoughts get thrown out the window. Now only if she can get him to trust her.

Oh I so love visiting Fool’s Gold. I love the people, I love the town and I love that there is always a happily ever after. I love the world that Susan has created. But let me tell you when it comes to Sam’s parents. WOWZA!! I am not sure where Susan got the idea for them or who were her role models but let me tell you Sam’s parents are…. Well for a better word interesting. I was seriously dying every time his mom opened her mouth. 😀
If you are a Fool’s Gold fan you will love this book. If you are new to the series. You need to take a trip to Fool’s Gold. But bewarned once you get here you will not want to leave. Can’t to jump into Jack’s story 🙂

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Visiting Fool’s Gold is like coming home, visiting family and seeing friends. This story is about Dellina and Sam. I have been waiting for Sam’s book. Something about him called to me when we first met the football players and I am sure that is true for anyone that has read the series. Dellina has been a background character so spending time with her was like meeting a new friend. As a fan of the series it was great to catch up with some of the past characters and meeting Kipling who will play a big part in the series next year was great.

I can’t even begin to explain how much I enjoy this series. It is the first series and the first author that I recommend when asked. There has never been a story I haven’t enjoyed from Mallery and true to form I enjoyed this one just as much as the others. Next up Jack and Larissa. A more “match made in heaven” couple than any before. And I can’t wait to read about Kenny and Bailey (I assume). Fool’s Gold might now be the “Destination for Romance” but Mallery is the Queen of Romance in my book.

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

May 12, 2014May 11, 2014

Kelly reviews Sinful Surrender by Elisabeth Naughton

TITLE: Sinful Surrender
SERIES #: Aegis Security #0.6
CHARACTERS: Brian Walker & Grace Ryder
AUTHOR: Elisabeth Naughton
PUBLICATION DATE: May 1, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The next exciting story in the Aegis Security Series…

He’s been watching her, and now he’s here, in the dimly lit bar of the swanky Vail resort, pretending not to notice her. Songwriter Grace Ryder has never liked the spotlight, but her skin tingles whenever his sexy gaze drifts her way. Only one night will prove whether he’s safety or sin.

Aegis operative Brian Walker’s orders are clear: observe, but don’t touch. Things change, though, the moment the leggy brunette makes him an offer he can’t refuse. Desire leads to seduction, but it comes at a price. Because someone wants her dead, and if Brian’s not careful, his obsession for a woman he never should have touched could get them both killed.

**Previously published in the SINFUL SECONDS anthology. Available as a stand alone story May 1, 2014**

REVIEW:
Okay I have to start by saying if you have not read an Elisabeth Naughton book, shame on you!! This girl can right the hell out of a story. And Sinful Surrender falls into that category with 5 blazing hearts.

I am so in love with Brain. He is just so sweet, protective and full of guilt (serves him right). But nothing will make him take his eyes off the prize and the prize is Grace. Grace on the other hand is so quiet, sweet and kinda shy. But we all know those are the ones we have to watch out for. They are all kinds of sneaky. These two were so much fun to read. The interaction between the two was fun and Grace’s pick up like was the best.
If you are looking for a good quick read you need to give Sinful Surrender a chance. I am sure that you will fall in love just like I did. I can’t wait to see what is next in the Aegis Security series. I can’t wait for a certain big brother to get taken down by a sweet little gal 🙂

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

May 2, 2014May 1, 2014

Book Spotlight & Review: Can’t Stop Loving You by Lynnette Austin

She’s the only dream he wants . . .

Hometown girl Maggie Sullivan can’t wait to get out of Maverick Junction. Designing the wedding gown of the year for her friend-and America’s Favorite Heiress-is the break Maggie’s been waiting for. But her lifelong dream takes an unexpected turn when she runs into her high school sweetheart-now the town’s hotter-than-hot veterinarian.

Brawley Odell, country right down to the tips of his cowboy boots, has returned to take over the local animal doctor’s practice. But the real reason he’s in town is that he’s never stopped thinking about the fiery green-eyed beauty who once captured his heart . . .

Amazon/B&N

About the Author:

Lynnette Hallberg grew up in Pennsylvania’s Alleghany Mountains, moved to New York, then to the Rockies in Wyoming. Presently she, her husband, and her Siamese cat divide their time between Naples, Florida’s beaches and Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. She has a Master’s in Educational Leadership and taught middle school language arts before leaving it to write full-time. Her books have finaled in Romance Writers of America’s national Golden Heart Contest, PASIC’s Book of Your Heart Contest, and Georgia Romance Writers’ Maggie Contest. Her books include Enchanted Evening from Kensington, and Moonlight, Motorcycles, and Bad Boys, Chantilly Lace and A Pretty Face, and Night Shadows from The Wild Rose Press. Her newest, Just A Little White Lie, is scheduled for a September 2011 release from Carina Press. A lover of books, Lynnette loves to read and write and loves nothing better than to lose herself in her characters’ world. Besides reading and writing, she loves to travel. She’s visited all fifty states with the exception of Alaska. She’s traveled extensively throughout Canada, Mexico, Europe, Africa, and Central America-always on the lookout for new characters or a new story. Visit Lynnette at www.lynnettehallberg.com.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of Can’t Stop Lovin’ You

Review (4.5 Stars): I loved Maggie and Brawley together even though there were times I wanted to hit Brawley over the head. He left Maggie when he went off to college and told her that they should go their separate ways to experience life. All Maggie wanted to do was to be with Brawley and she would have followed him to the end of the earth, but he left her heartbroken and alone. Several years later, Brawley is back in Maverick Junction taking over the vet clinic from Dr. Gibson at the time when Maggie’s dream is about to come true. Maggie has an amazing gift of designing beautiful clothing and is moving to New York to debut her new clothing line in a fashion show. Everything she ever wanted is about to happen and Brawley isn’t happy that she is moving to the big city. He realized he made a mistake leaving her and Maverick Junction and was hoping to finally make amends since he realized that she is the only one for him.

I loved Maggie because she worked so hard for everything and it was about to pay off. Everyone was excited about her clothing line and she couldn’t wait to start her life as a fashion designer in New York. She loved her family but this was her time to shine and I wanted her to get everything that she ever dreamed. I have to say that Brawley acted like an idiot in the beginning of the book because he should have just told her how he felt instead of being a jerk about her leaving town. They could have worked something out where she was able to be in New York working on her clothing line and spend some time in Maverick Junction. He caused her a lot of pain and sadness and I felt that he should have done a lot more groveling with flowers and jewelry. 🙂

Can’t Stop Loving You is a great small-town romance and I loved catching up with the other characters in the series. Ms. Austin has the ability to create wonderful romances that will pull at your heart-strings and want a cowboy of your own. I can’t wait to read more from this series and I think Ms. Austin is an author to watch.

April 29, 2014April 16, 2014

Natasha reviews Burning Dawn by Gena Showalter

TITLE: Burning Dawn
SERIES #: Angels of the Dark #3
CHARACTERS: Thane & Elin
AUTHOR: Gena Showalter
PUBLICATION DATE: 4/29/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A tormented past has left Thane with an insatiable need for violence, making him the most dangerous assassin in the skies. He lives by a single code: no mercy. And as he unleashes his fury on his most recent captor, he learns no battle could have prepared him for the slave he rescues from his enemy’s clutches–a beauty who stokes the fires of his darkest desires.
Elin Vale has her own deep-rooted scars, and her attraction to the exquisite warrior who freed her challenges her every boundary. But Thane’s unwavering determination to protect her means she must have her greatest fears–and enter a world in which passion is power, and victory means breathtaking surrender.

REVIEW: Yay! With this book I was able to see once again what made me fall in love with Gena’s books in the first place so many years ago! In one word, this book was FABULOUS! Elin just might be my favorite female character Gena has written – in her words – in the history of ever! Elin is strong, fierce, down to Earth and wickedly hilarious. She is the perfect match for Thane, challenges him at every turn and asserts herself in the male dominated world she finds herself in. I can’t even pinpoint parts of the book that were my favorite, because they were ALL my favorite. Elin and Thane’s story – the struggle, the devastation, their pasts – it was all so intense and I couldn’t put the book down, I had to find out how it would all play out. The supporting characters also played an important role in making this book so fun to read. The girl power in this book is so much fun, and I really hope to get deeper into these characters in future books. I laughed so hard any time any of the other barmaids made appearances. Oh and of course cameo appearances by some of the Lords sure didn’t hurt this book in any way either! This series can go so far, all of the characters we meet are intriguing and I know their personal stories will be amazing. I so hope Gena continues this series for a long time so I can see all of my favorites stories play out!

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