Review Sunday – Page 95 – Books-n-Kisses

July 1, 2015June 28, 2015

Natasha reviews Minutes To Kill by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Minutes to Kill
SERIES #: Scarlet Falls #2
CHARACTERS: Hannah Barrett & Brody McNamara
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: June 30, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After corporate attorney Hannah Barrett tries—and fails—to stop a kidnapping in Vegas, she can’t shake the haunting image of the terrified young girl she couldn’t save. She tells herself that a visit to her hometown in Scarlet Falls could be a welcome distraction. But soon, Hannah realizes the kidnappers have all the info they need to track her every move. And when chilling e-mails about the victim appear in her inbox, it’s frighteningly clear what happened in Vegas has followed her home.
Eight months after a terrible family tragedy, Hannah turns to Detective Brody McNamara once again. Brody is eager to help, though he’s embroiled in the investigation of a brutal murder. But the closer they work together, the stronger their feelings grow…and the more they stand to lose when two seemingly unrelated, but equally deadly, cases collide.

REVIEW: This is the second book in Leigh’s Scarlett Falls series. They are great mystery romance novels with intriguing and well-written characters. I have to say, Hannah Barrett was a bit of fresh air for me as a heroine. I really liked her character in the first book Hour of Need and was very excited to see more of her in the follow-up. She is an incredibly strong and self-sufficient character who makes intelligent decisions in times of distress. There was one point in the story where I was so sure I was about to smack my head and say NOOOOO!!! – Thankfully Hannah did not make me do that and I respected the strength of the character even more. Brody and Hannah have great interaction and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the two of them together. This was another strong addition to this series. It has it all, characters we love and care about; great story telling and great plots. I’m excited for the next book in the series; I’m hoping we will finally see more of Mac!

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

June 30, 2015June 28, 2015

Kimberly reviews Second Chance Summer by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Second Chance Summer
SERIES #: Cedar Ridge #1
CHARACTERS: Lily & Aidan
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/30/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Cedar Ridge, Colorado, is famous for crisp mountain air, clear blue skies, and pine-scented breezes. And it’s the last place Lily Danville wants to be. But she needs a job, and there’s an opening at the hottest resort in her hometown. What has her concerned is the other hot property in Cedar Ridge: Aidan Kincaid-firefighter, rescue worker, and heartbreaker. She never could resist that devastating smile . . .

The Kincaid brothers are as rough and rugged as the Rocky Mountains they call home. Aidan has always done things his own way, by his own rules. And never has he regretted anything more than letting Lily walk out of his life ten years ago. If anyone has ever been in need of rescuing, she has. What she needs more than anything are long hikes, slow dances, and sizzling kisses. But that can only happen if he can get her to give Cedar Ridge-and this bad boy-a second chance . . .

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This is a new series for Jill Shalvis and I really enjoyed it. I will say that it did feel that this was more like the second in the series since Aidan’s older brother Gray is married to Penny and it feels like we missed their story but apparently not. That being said the rest was great.

The beginning took a little bit to get into because we are learning everything about a new town, people, etc. But once we get the lay of the land he story is good. Aidan is a really sweet guy and is a caregiver. He wants to take care of Lily but Lily doesn’t think she needs to be taken care of and certainly doesn’t feel like she deserves love. But fate is something that people can’t control.

There is never a bad story from Shalvis. She has a way of drawing you into the small towns she creates. I will say I miss that the town wasn’t Lucky Harbor but we all have to move to a new town at some point in our lives and we learn to enjoy it and that is how I feel about Cedar Ridge. It may take some time but I am sure I will love it just as much as Lucky Harbor. And I look forward to Kenzie’s story and even more so to Hudson’s story. And I really want to know what happened to Jacob.

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

June 29, 2015June 28, 2015

Kelly reviews Kiss Me by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Kiss Me
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold #17
CHARACTERS: Zane Nicholson & Phoebe Kitzke
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: June 30, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery creates the small-town destination for romance in charming Fool’s Gold, California—where a loner cowboy finds the one woman who can capture his heart…

After Phoebe Kitzke’s kind heart gets her suspended from her job in LA, she swears off doing favors—until her best friend begs for help on the family ranch in Fool’s Gold. Unfortunately, sexy cowboy Zane Nicholson isn’t exactly thrilled by the city girl’s arrival.

Thanks to his brother’s latest scheme, Zane has been roped into taking tourists on a cattle drive. What Phoebe knows about ranching wouldn’t fill his hat, but her laughter is so captivating that even his animals fall for her. One slip of his legendary control leads to a passionate kiss, but she’s exactly the kind of woman a single-minded loner needs to avoid.

In his arms, Phoebe discovers she’s a country girl at heart. Yet no matter how much the small town feels like home, she can’t stay unless Zane loves her, too…but is this cowboy interested in forever?

REVIEW:
As with all my visits to Fool’s Gold I am so glad to be back but so sad when it is time for me to leave again.
Kiss Me takes us to a different part of Fool’s Gold we are on the very outskirts of town. At Nicholson Ranch. And of course every good ranch has to have it’s own hunky, brooding, Adam Levine (Swoon) look a like pain in the butt, I am a rock cowboy who is just waiting to be recused. Okay, so many Zane isn’t waiting to be rescued. Boy is stubborn as the day is long. But when Ms. Phoebe shows up all of Zane’s I am fine, I am tough, I need no one shields all start grumbling down.
Phoebe Kitzke has been having a run of bad luck, first her ex, then her boss, then the threat of losing her livelihood. So when her best friend offers her a week of wide open spaces Phoebe jumps at the chance for a little R&R. Hehehe. R&R…Not on Nicholson Ranch.
I loved Kiss Me. Zane and Phoebe are great together. There were a lot of sub stories going on in Kiss Me. But I didn’t feel like any of them took away from Zane and Phoebe’s story. I will say that Zane better watch out because I think Manny might give him a run for Phoebe’s affection.
Can’t wait for my next visit to Fool’s Gold.

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

June 25, 2015June 21, 2015

Kimberly reviews The President’s Shadow by Brad Meltzer

TITLE: The President’s Shadow
SERIES #: Beecher White #3
CHARACTERS: Beecher White
AUTHOR: Brad Meltzer
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/16/15
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A severed arm, found buried in the White House Rose Garden.
A lethal message with terrible consequences for the Presidency.And a hidden secret in one family’s past that will have repercussions for the entire nation.
Following The Inner Circle and The Fifth Assassin, #1 bestselling author Brad Meltzer returns with . . .
THE PRESIDENT’S SHADOW
There are stories no one knows. Hidden stories. I find those stories for a living.
To most, it looks like Beecher White has an ordinary job. A young staffer with the National Archives in Washington, D.C., he’s responsible for safekeeping the government’s most important documents . . . and, sometimes, its most closely held secrets.
But there are a powerful few who know his other role. Beecher is a member of the Culper Ring, a 200-year-old secret society founded by George Washington and charged with protecting the Presidency.Now the current occupant of the White House needs the Culper Ring’s help. The alarming discovery of the buried arm has the President’s team in a rightful panic. Who buried the arm? How did they get past White House security? And most important: What’s the message hidden in the arm’s closed fist? Indeed, the puzzle inside has a clear intended recipient, and it isn’t the President. It’s Beecher, himself.
Beecher’s investigation will take him back to one of our country’s greatest secrets and point him toward the long, carefully hidden truth about the most shocking history of all: family history.

REVIEW:
This is the third in the Beecher White series and the first thriller for Meltzer in over two years and I missed them.

Meltzer is interesting in the way he writes. He adds so much realism into his stories. The secrets he unearths are so fascinating. He is so known for the background being real and the interesting that he has had shows on these subjects. Decoded and Lost History are both interesting shows in case you haven’t seen them. Anyway…

If you enjoy fictional stories wrapped around facts you need to check out Brad Meltzer. This is set in the White House and Beecher may have a history with what he is uncovering. If you have not read a Meltzer book yet please try one because once you start you will not stop. If you have read him before you will love being back in his world of thrilling investigations.

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

June 24, 2015June 23, 2015

Kelly reviews Finally Found You by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Finally Found You
SERIES #: Tempting Signs #4
CHARACTERS: Mason Sutton & Presley Mackenzie
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: June 23, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The moment Presley Mackenzie walks into her kitchen only to find her boyfriend in a sweaty encounter with another woman on her kitchen counter, she vows to give up men forever. Between her testosterone-heavy day job in the gaming world, her broken heart, and her need to grow into her own shoes, dating just isn’t important.

Mason Sutton not only just got dumped by the woman he thought he’d spend the rest of his life with, but now he finds himself healing beside the woman his brother cheated on. He’s spent his entire life living in his brother’s shadow only to find himself wanting the one woman he can’t have.

As Presley and Mason soothe each other’s hurts, they find themselves falling for each other even as they fight it. But as they learn to forgive and fall in love, their pasts come back to haunt them and the future they thought they could have starts to crumble before it can take hold.

REVIEW:
Finally Found You was a quick, sweet and steamy read, therefore my review will be short and sweet too. As always Ms. Ryan writes a story that tugs at your heartstrings. I really enjoyed Mason & Presley’s story. They are so perfect for each other. How can you not love a couple that plays strip video games 🙂 I didn’t want their story to end. I want to know what happens next with these two. And I really would love to see that slimeball Trent get his just desserts (man I wanted to punch him in his smug little face).

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

http://amzn.to/1GnZYVq

June 23, 2015June 21, 2015

Kelly reviews Wicked Ride by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Wicked Ride
SERIES #: Realm Enforcers #1
CHARACTERS: Kellach Dunne & Alexandra Monzelle
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: June 23, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
If you love the Dark Protectors, these wicked hot Realm Enforcers are for you!

Alexandra Monzelle is a hard-fighting, heat-packing Seattle vice cop, and she’s not much interested in being protected. Her short skirt and sex-kitten heels are tools to lure her suspects into talking about the deadly new drug hitting the streets. She can take care of herself and then some. Unfortunately, she can’t seem to get that through to Kellach Dunne.

Kellach is a fresh import from Dublin, and he’s landed at the heart of a vicious motorcycle club that deals in guns, narcotics, and mayhem. He’s all male, all rough power—and all interference in her damn investigation. Maybe he’s one of the good guys. Maybe not. Lex knows an affair with an immortal like him would risk everything. No matter how delicious he looks

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts When Ms. Zanetti wrote the last book in her Dark Protectors series I was super sad. Than a little birdy told me that while the Dark Protector series maybe over we were not done with the Realm world just yet. Just imagine me doing the Snoopy Dance when I got that little tid bit. Which brings us to Wicked Ride.
Wicked Ride picks up after the end of the War from Dark Protectors (so if you have not read the series you should start there :), but you could read Wicked Ride without reading Dark Protectors series).
Kellach Dunne, one of the Realm’s Enforcers, has been sent to Seattle along with his brothers looking into a new drug that could be used against witches. In order to find the source of the new drug they have to join the local Biker gang (aka motorcycle club). This make them public enemy number one in the eyes of the local cops. But Kellach will stop at nothing to get this drug off the street. The only thing standing in his way is a feisty female cop that wants to bring down the drug dealers herself.
Alexandra Monzelle (aka Lex) lives and breaths being a cop. She has known what it is like to grow up around drugs and dealers, now it is her job to rid the street of them. The newest drug and its origins may be the toughest case she has ever worked on. It sure would be easier if she didn’t have to deal with the very sexy irish bad boy biker.
Loved this book!!! Loved Kellach and Lex. I can’t wait to see who and what is next!!!

My favorite line from this book
“With the bite and the burn? I’ve mated you, baby. Welcome to Immortality”

If you enjoyed Rebecca’s Dark Protector series you will love this book. Plus a few surprise cameos were really really fun 😀

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

June 22, 2015June 21, 2015

Kimberly reviews Wicked Ride by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Wicked Ride
SERIES #: Realm Enforcers #1
CHARACTERS: Lex & Kellach
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/23/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
If you love the Dark Protectors, these wicked hot Realm Enforcers are for you!

REVIEW:
As I talk about this story always keep in mind that I am giving it 4 stars. I enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read the next in the series. This is a great start to the new direction of the Dark Protectors. You do not need to have read the DP series to read this one.

Lex is a human cop and Kellach is a witch enforcer. There is a drug that is hitting the streets that they are both trying to bring down but when they get together they become an addiction to each other. (I should have mentioned that tag line to Rebecca Zanetti.) They have a connection immediately but Lex has issues from her past that make it hard to love and trust. Kellach knows he can’t fall for a mortal but brain and heart are too different things.

Now remember I enjoyed this book as I say there were a lot of things I had issues with. First, while I know she has trust issues, Lex too quickly believes the worst in Kellach. Even after falling for him she still believes he is a killer and drug dealer. She never gets over that really. Also I believe there are 3 kinds of women in books. 1) The one you hate and really never start to like (usually end up hating the book), 2) The woman you want to be friends with and 3) The woman you wish you could be if you jumped into the book. The problem is Lex didn’t fall into any of these. Lex is more like the older sister of a friend who you like and want on your side but don’t really hang out with (or want to be). And Kellach never really did it for me. He’s sweet and protective but just never do I fall for him. And finally, there were a few things that were brought up but didn’t happy (ex: at one point Kellach says he will punish Lex by not letting her orgasm if she does something again but when the opportunity is there he doesn’t follow through, etc). Why bring things up if then they are not done?

Once again I will say I really enjoyed this book. I didn’t have the suspense part figured out. The background characters are great and I can’t wait to read their stories especially Simone and Nick… Or Tori and Adam? And who will Daide end up with? I really need to know!!!

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

June 19, 2015June 19, 2015

Kimberly reviews Beauty’s Kingdom by A.N. Roquelaure/Anne Rice

TITLE: Beauty’s Kingdom
SERIES #: Sleeping Beauty #4
CHARACTERS: Beauty & Laurent
AUTHOR: A.N. Roquelaure
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/21/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The erotic Sleeping Beauty trilogy now continues with a fourth novel by master storyteller and bestselling author of Prince Lestat, Anne Rice, writing as A. N. Roquelaure

Mega-bestselling author Annie Rice returns to where she left off in Beauty’s Release with the disappearance of Queen Eleanor in Bellavalten. Now, twenty years after they were forced to leave the kingdom to return to their homeland, Beauty and her husband Laurent agree to travel back as its king and queen, to uphold the ways of complete sensual surrender, with a twist: they now insist on voluntary servitude in Bellavalten.

Countless eager princes, princesses, lords, ladies, and common folk journey to Beauty’s new kingdom where she and her husband awaken their domain, ushering in a new era of desire, longing, and sexual ecstasy. Provocative and stirring, Rice’s imaginative retelling of the Sleeping Beauty myth will be hailed by her longtime fans and new readers of erotica just discovering the novels. This book is intended for mature audiences.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Wow it has been 30 years since the third in the series came out in 1985. Yes 30 years. I remember reading this story as an older teenager. I was 16 when I bought the first one at a garage sale and then went to get the other two as quick as I could. It was my first foray into the genre of erotica and boy did it have an impact and I have enjoyed the genre ever since. And this book was really good but there was a problem. As much as I loved the series it was 30 years ago and I didn’t remember a lot of the details. And while some were addressed not all were. I wish I had read the trilogy from the 80’s before reading this one.

I am glad that A.N. Roquelaure/Anne Rice followed up her series. It did leave us wanting more and if it had come out in the 90’s I might have given it more stars or if I had read the series again I am sure the stars would have gone up. So take my advice and pick up the other three books or reread them, if you kept them like I did, before reading this book and you will enjoy this book a lot more.

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

June 18, 2015June 15, 2015

Natasha reviews Born Of Defiance by Sherrilyn Kenyon

TITLE: Born of Defiance
SERIES #: The League #9
CHARACTERS: Talyn & Felicia
AUTHOR: Sherrilyn Kenyon
PUBLICATION DATE: May 12, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| BN

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Born an Outcast, Talyn Batur has spent the whole of his life fighting against the prejudice of his people. An Andarion without a father is not something anyone wants to be.

But when his companion’s brother draws him into a plot against the Andarion crown, he finds himself torn between the loyalty to their planetary government that his mother has beaten into him and his own beliefs of justice and right.

Now, he must decide for himself to remain a pawn of their government or to defy everything and everyone he’s ever known to stand up to tyranny. It’s a gamble that will either save his life or end it. And when old enemies align with new ones, it’s more than just his own life at risk. And more than just his homeworld that will end should he fail.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I have been a fan of the League series forever! I love science fiction, and I love the incredibly gripping universe that Kenyon has created. However, that said, this series is starting to become a struggle for me. The cast of characters is becoming so large it’s extremely difficult to remember anyone, let alone what all has happened in the universe. To make it even more difficult – the books jump around to different points in time in the story, which makes it even more difficult to keep everyone straight. I love this series, I just wished it was a little more linear to make it easier to follow. As with all of Kenyon’s books, this poor hero is extremely tortured. Talyn has some of the worst luck of any character I’ve ever read. Thank goodness Felicia shows up. The two of them together are great and the story really worked well with the two of them as main characters. I loved it.

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

June 17, 2015June 15, 2015

Kelly reviews Shard Of Hope by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Shards of Hope
SERIES #: PSy-Changeling #14
CHARACTERS: Aden Kai & Zaira Neve
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
PUBLICATION DATE: June 2, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The “smoldering heat, epic romance, and awesome action” of Nalini Singh’s New York Times bestselling series continues as two Arrows find themselves caught in a chilling conspiracy that spans all three races…

Awakening wounded in a darkened cell, their psychic abilities blocked, Aden and Zaira know they must escape. But when the lethal soldiers break free from their mysterious prison, they find themselves in a harsh, inhospitable landscape far from civilization. Their only hope for survival is to make it to the hidden home of a predatory changeling pack that doesn’t welcome outsiders.

And they must survive. A shadowy enemy has put a target on the back of the Arrow squad, an enemy that cannot be permitted to succeed in its deadly campaign. Aden will cross any line to keep his people safe for this new future, where even an assassin might have hope of a life beyond blood and death and pain. Zaira has no such hope. She knows she’s too damaged to return from the abyss. Her driving goal is to protect Aden, protect the only person who has ever come back for her no matter what.

This time, even Aden’s passionate determination may not be enough—because the emotionless chill of Silence existed for a reason. For the violent, and the insane, and the irreparably broken…like Zaira.

REVIEW:
As the world tries to right itself after the fall of Silence, Aden Kai is trying to keep the Arrows safe in this strange new world of emotion.

Zaira Neve may be small but she is lethal. And Aden is the only one who can keep Zaira from falling farther into the darkness.

Shards of Hope begins 4 months after the fall of Silence and a few months after the end of Vasic’s book (Shield of Winter).

I really really loved this story. Not just because I am an uber fan of all things Nalini Singh, but because we get to see more about the Arrows. The Arrows have forever been portrayed as the bogeymen of the Psy-net. Over the last two books we have come to see that the Arrow care deeply about their squad mates and the people around them. Even if they didn’t know or acknowledge that they cared, they did (well most of them). It was a lot of fun to watch Aden learn to think like an Alpha. I loved that he works so well with the other races.
I don’t think there are many people in the Psy-Changeling world that don’t like Aden. After the events in Shards of Hope I would say that there are even more people that like him. I loved learning about Aden. While his parents were not great (okay they sucked) Aden grow up knowing the importance of his position in the squad. But I think only Vasic, Zaira and the rest of the Arrows knew how important he was from very early on.
Aden is a force unto himself. I was so happy to see what he can do. And Zaira! Oh man is Zaira a ball of fiery, wrapped in dynamite, with a lite fuse. You never want to be on her bad side. To say when Zaira snaps you should hit the deck would be an understatement. But watching her with Aden, JoJo, Pip and even Vasic we come to see just who Zaira really is.

I honestly can’t find fault in this book at all. I loved every minute of listening and every page of reading. I can not wait to see what is in store for the new Psy-Changeling world.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. I also received a complimentary copy of this book on audio from Tantor Media. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

June 16, 2015June 15, 2015

Kelly reviews Shattered Duty by Katie Reus

TITLE: Shattered Duty
SERIES #: Deadly Ops #3
CHARACTERS: Levi Lazaro & Selene Wolfe
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: June 2, 2015
ORDER LINKS: | B&N |

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When his wife was murdered two years ago, Special Agent Levi Lazaro turned his back on everything he cared about. Ever since, he has thought of nothing but vengeance. Now he’s finally uncovered the identities of those who killed his wife—and he’s ready to destroy them at any cost. He won’t let anything stand in his way—not even a beautiful NSA agent on a mission of her own.

Special Agent Selene Wolfe prides herself on being the best. Her fearlessness and quick-thinking make her the perfect person to take down a deadly terrorist cell. But she needs Levi’s help, and the moment he shows up, Selene knows her objectivity—and her heart—are in trouble.

As the two strike an uneasy alliance, Levi finds himself tormented by his desire for Selene—a feeling he thought long dead. But when their mission takes an unexpected turn, he finds himself faced with an impossible choice: either put aside his need for revenge, or save the woman who’s reawakened his soul

REVIEW:
After the death of Levi’s wife this life spiraled down into a deep dark hole of despair. His only thought for the past two years was for revenge. Revenge at any cost, even his life.

As always Ms. Reus writes a story that keeps the pages turning and leaves you wanting to know what will happen next. I really enjoyed Levi & Selene’s story. They worked well together, even with the emotional baggage the Levi is carrying. I can say I was not expecting the ending. I had to reach for the tissues.

I can’t wait for the next book in the Deadly Ops series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

June 15, 2015June 14, 2015

Kimberly reviews A Curvy Girl For The Cadet by Sugar Jamison

TITLE: A Curvy Girl For The Cadet
SERIES #: Perfect Fit #3.75
CHARACTERS: Daisy & Clayton
AUTHOR: Sugar Jamison
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/16/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N (coming soon)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Clayton Calhoun had been a soldier his entire life, but after nearly dying in an explosion, he decided to give up his military career and return to his hometown. But being back home isn’t as easy as he thought it would be, and soon he starts to miss the action that the Army Rangers provided. Feeling unsatisfied, he’s considers taking a job overseas and risking his life to do what he does best. But a close family friend throws him for a loop when he leaves him his very successful business. Clayton is faced with a big choice: Stay home and make his friends and family happy, or go overseas to do what he loves.

With so much on his plate the last thing Clayton was looking for was love.

But then Daisy Lee Gracen storms into his life.

The formerly wild widow of a Marine and mother of a little girl was the last thing he wanted or needed, but when the threat of a custody battle threatens to take away the only person Daisy has ever really loved, Clayton steps in and pretends to be her fiancé. It was supposed to be just for the summer. It was supposed to be no strings attached, but Clayton can’t get the woman off his mind or out of his heart and he wonders if a life without Daisy is a life worth having.

Will this just be a summer fling, or can the two overcome their pasts and find a future together?

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts My goodness I loved this book. I have read most of the series. I some how missed My Curvy Valentine but I plan on reading that as soon as I can. But I have read the rest of the series and have loved every book.

This was a bit slow to get started but later I realized why. We needed a bit of backstory from both Daisy and Clayton to understand their relationship. Daisy has lost so much in her life and when her sister dies she is given custody of Aubrey, her niece. Her husband wants nothing to do with her niece and makes it hard but then he is killed and Daisy is on her own raising a little girl. Clayton has seen war and is finally home and lost in the world where he should feel secure. But Daisy is his solise in a crazy world. And then they are faking an engagement and things really heat up. And the story really blossoms.

I loved Daisy. She is sweet and real and so down to earth you want to be her friend. You know she is the kind of person who once she allows you in her life you are there to stay. Clayton is hard but once he opens up he really becomes soft and sweet. He never fails to take Daisy’s hand or tell her how much she means to him (even if he doesn’t say love). And then there is Aubrey. She is an 40 year old woman in a 7 year old body. She is written with an old soul and is a big part of the story.

You do not need to have read the series but I would recommend you do. The series wraps around curvy girls. These aren’t all big girls but they are “hard to fit” into the mold of the perfect woman. And sometimes reading a book without the perfect people is exactly what a girl needs.

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