Category: Romance

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Kimberly & Jennifer review The Heart’s Game by Crista McHugh

hearts gameTITLE: The Heart’s Game
SERIES #: Kelly Brothers #4
CHARACTERS: Jenny & Dan
AUTHOR: Crista McHugh
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/07/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
What happens at Comic-Con, stays at Comic-Con…
Robotics engineer Jenny Nguyen has given up on finding Mr. Right. So when her brother and his husband approach her to act as surrogate for their child, she sees it as her only chance to have a child and accepts. One week after she initiates the process, however, she meets a man who gets her heart pumping for all the right reasons and gives into the temptation. When the test turns positive, she’s believes she can’t handle both the pregnancy and dating, but she underestimates how persistent a Daniel Kelly can be.
When surgeon and gamer-geek Dan meets a pretty woman dressed as a Sailor Scout at Comic-Con, a roll of his lucky 20-sided die tells him he should take a gamble on her. One night of passion leaves him longing for more, but Jenny’s refusal to return his calls afterward leaves him wondering if the attraction was one-sided. An accidental discovery of her pregnancy has him convinced the baby is his, and he’ll stop at nothing to win her heart.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
3 Hearts Three words.. Cheesy but cute. This story is so cheesy honestly there is no other word for it but at the same time sweet. The story is pretty cliche’… she is pregnant already and he falls for her anyway… but there are a few differences like it is for her gay brother, etc. The Comic-Con part is a big deal. There are so many references to characters that I have no idea about it was distracting but that is my issue not the authors since that is part of the synopsis.

If you are a geek you will probably enjoy this story.

JENNIFER’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I love that first line “What happens at Comic-Con, stays at Comic-Con..”and that is perfect for both Jenny and Dan whose chance meeting leads to one night of passion at SDCC. I liked Jenny a lot because she was smart, funny and was a self proclaimed geek. I think that Jenny did an admirable thing by being the surrogate for her brother and his partner, knowing that this would cause problems with her family. Jenny’s mom reminded me a lot of my mom when she wanted Jenny to be more conservative and “girly” so she could find herself a husband “before she was too old.”
Dan couldn’t forget his one night with Jenny at SDCC and was surprised to find that they had a mutual friend back home in Washington. He found out about her pregnancy and just assumed that the child was his and I wanted to hit him over the head for not having a discussion about it before getting into a relationship with Jenny. Miscommunication and the omission of vital details affected their relationship and caused heartbreak that could have been avoided if Jenny had just told Dan the truth about her pregnancy.
The Heart’s Game is the fourth book in the Kelly Brothers series and I’m beginning to love this family more and more. Ms. McHugh has created a delightful romance with The Heart’s Game and I can’t wait to read more from this talented author.

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

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Kimberly reviews Never Been Kissed by Molly O’Keefe

Never Been KissedTITLE: Never Been Kissed
SERIES #: Boys Of Bishop #2
CHARACTERS: Ashley & Brody
AUTHOR: Molly O’Keefe
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/01/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As the daughter of a wealthy politician, Ashley Montgomery has had enough of her parents’ expectations for her future and is going her own way, volunteering to work at a refugee camp in Africa. But her act of charity turns dangerous when she takes a boat trip and is abducted by Somali pirates. Enter Brody Baxter, who was a bodyguard for the Montgomery family ten years ago and doesn’t think twice about coming to Ashley’s rescue. Handsome and tough, Brody has always done what needed to be done. So he swoops in, saves Ashley, and brings her to a place where she can rest and recuperate without the glare of the press and her demanding family: Brody’s small hometown of Bishop, Arkansas. But Ashley soon realizes that she’s not the only one in need of healing.
Holed up with Ashley in a tiny apartment over his brother’s bar in Bishop, Brody is tempted and torn in ways he never anticipated. Beautiful Ashley, vibrant despite her ordeal, fearless enough to love him beyond his wall of self-punishment, is now determined to save him. But with a little faith and a lot of love, they just may find happiness in each others’ arms.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts It took a while but I finally enjoyed this story. The problem is Brody is a hard guy to like especially in the beginning. As we get to know him we understand why but until that time comes it is so hard to want him to have his happy ending. Ashley is so needy that she is hard to like as well. She is written to be so independent but then she hangs all over Brody like a lovesick girl and it gets annoying. Now all that being said once they finally connect they are a fun couple and they both change and become enjoyable.
I enjoyed the story (eventually) but I wonder where the authors head was while writing this. Everyone has such a chip on their shoulders and no one is just happy being themselves.
Finally getting to the HEA was worth it. I am actually looking forward to Shelby’s story which is next. I wanted her story after reading the first in the series. I can’t wait to see who can bring Shelby back into the world.

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

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Release Day Blitz of Elisabeth Naughton’s Extreme Measures

*****

Extreme Measures 

(Aegis Security #1)
 
Being prepared for any scenario is the trademark of any good CIA operative, and Eve Wolfe is one of the best. But when her latest mission literally explodes in her face, she wakes up labeled a traitor and—even more surprising—in the custody of elite Aegis Security operative and ex-lover Zane Archer. Although she still secretly has feelings for Zane, he’s now demanding the one thing that she can’t give him: the truth.
When he caught her breaking the rules years ago, Zane let Eve walk away without an explanation. Now someone has not only sabotaged Aegis but also turned an American city into a war zone, and all signs point to Eve. Zane needs answers that can come only from Eve’s still-tempting lips, and he finally has the elusive operative right where he wants her—at his mercy.
Available for purchase at
            
Excerpt:
“I need to look at your shoulder again before you lay down,” she said
at his back.
He didn’t answer, just found the closest bedroom and pulled her
inside. Closing the door with his boot, he tugged off his jacket and tossed it
on a chair to his right, then did the same with his T-shirt and pulled her
toward the bed.
“Impatient, aren’t you?” she mumbled. He set the bag of supplies
they’d picked up on the bed beside him while she shrugged out of her
sweatshirt, dropped it on the ground, then began gently peeling away his
bandages.
Zane closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath. “I’m a man,
darlin’.  We’re always impatient.”
“I remember. This actually looks pretty good. I’m just going to change
the dressing.”
He didn’t want to think about what she remembered. He had enough
memories pinging around in his brains for both of them—and most were the
X-rated variety. He sat still while she removed the soaked bandages, added
antibiotic ointment and covered the wound again. But his stomach clenched every
time her soft fingers grazed his skin, and with every breath he drew, a whiff
of that sweet peach scent bombarded him, amping his awareness and sending blood
straight to his groin.
“There,” she said, placing the last piece of tape over the wound. “Now
you just need to take these before you pass out and you should be good.” She
handed him two pills from the bottle they’d picked up at the pet store and
stepped away.
He snagged her by the wrist. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“To get you a glass of water.”
“No water.” He popped the pills in his mouth and dry swallowed them.
There was just enough light coming through the window to see her exasperated
expression. “Wow. What a stud you are.”
He ignored the sarcasm and patted the mattress beside him. “Get
comfortable, sweetheart.”
She sighed. “Look, Archer. I—”
He jerked her toward him. A yelp slipped from her lips just before she
fell into his body. Heat immediately enveloped him, but he quickly flipped her
to her back, then climbed over her.
“Archer—”
Her warning was laced with just a touch of fear. Just enough to tell
him he’d surprised her. And considering nothing seemed to surprise this woman,
he was using that to his advantage.
He grasped both of her arms at the wrists and pinned them above her
head. Pain ricocheted from his shoulder down his arm and back up again, but he
ignored it. Just like he tried to ignore her trim hips locked between his knees
and the way the light from the window spilled over her breasts and bare abdomen
in that revealing top. “Here’s how this is going to work, sweetheart. I’m going
to close my eyes for a few hours and you’re going to stay right here beside me
where I know you can’t get into any trouble. Then, when I wake, I’ll call
Carter and we can both be rid of each other for good.”
She pursed her lips and lifted her chin, a clear challenge glinting in
her eyes. “I’d like to be rid of you right now.”
“Too bad. You’re stuck with me.” He lowered his weight onto hers, let
go of one arm and cinched the zip tie hidden in his hand around her wrist.
“Archer… What the hell?”
Zane looped the second zip tie through hers, tightened it around his
own wrist, then rolled off her onto his back and drew in a deep breath.
“Oh, my God.” She sat upright. “You did not just do that. Where the fuck did you get more zip ties?”
He yanked on her arm until his lowered back to the bed. “I stole them.
You’re not the only one who can filch goods unnoticed, beautiful.” He relaxed
back into the pillows and closed his eyes. “Now lie down.”
“You are so gonna pay for this.”
He didn’t need to see the smoke pumping from her ears to know it was
there. He could hear it in her voice and feel it in the heat radiating from her
skin. A wry smile curled his lips. “I figure I’m already doing time in
purgatory, thanks to you. A few more years won’t kill me.”
“And to think,” Eve snapped as she flopped back onto the bed, “I was
actually worried about you.”
Zane’s humor faded. “We both know you weren’t worried. You were just
biding your time until you could run. I’m not a stupid southern hick,
sweetheart. Now shut up so I can get some sleep.”
“Don’t mind me,” she muttered, crossing her arms over her chest and
dragging his hand with her. “I’ll just be sitting here plotting all the ways I
can murder you in your sleep.”
He chuckled. Now that was the feisty brunette he remembered. “Just do
it quietly. I’m beat.”
She let out a long, frustrated sigh, but the sound didn’t irritate
Zane like it should, instead it relaxed him. And man, either he was seriously
losing it or all those drugs had finally fried his gray matter. Because lying
next to his archenemy, feeling her heat and smelling her soft, arousing scent, he
suddenly wasn’t focused on revenge. Losing himself in all her softness sounded
a hell of a lot better. And more fun. And, holy hell, way more fucking erotic.
He just wasn’t sure what to do about it.

 

A little about Elisabeth:
Before topping multiple bestseller lists—including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal—Elisabeth Naughton taught middle school science. A rabid reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned to a flame, and Naughton now writes full-time. Besides topping bestseller lists, her books have been nominated for some of the industry’s most prestigious awards, such as the RITA® and Golden Heart Awards from Romance Writers of America, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Golden Leaf Award. When not dreaming up new stories, Naughton can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home.

You can find Elisabeth here:

         
Presented By

 

 

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Kelly reviews Lacey’s Game by Shiloh Walker

Laceys GameTITLE: Lacey’s Game
CHARACTERS: Brogan, Lacey & Lou
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: April 11, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lacey Morgan is fed up and heartbroken. Her boyfriend Brogan is all about control and she’s all about breaking through his barriers. Except she can’t seem to do it. Unwilling to settle for only part of him, she takes off, figuring it’s better that way. After all, half of a relationship is worse than none. She settles in with her best friend, hot and sexy photographer Lou, figuring she’ll lick her wounds and give her heart time to heal.

Finding Lacey gone is a punch to the gut. Finding her with another guy is even worse. She isn’t interested in listening to what he has to say, though. Not unless he’s willing to strip himself bare and give up pieces of himself that died long ago.

Brogan can’t do that. Or so he thinks. Lacey and Lou have other plans, a hot, torrid night, some hot, sexy pictures… Lacey is determined to show Brogan a new way of seeing things

REVIEW:
Lacey has finally come to the conclusion that the man she is in love with will never love her back. So in order to try to get over him she takes off. Right into the arms of one of her best friends and former lovers. Only problem is that Brogan does not want to let her go. Even if that means having to play Lacey’s game.

This was a dirty little diddie of a novella. So if you like your novella’s quick, dirty and a happy ending you should pick up a copy of Lacey’s game.

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

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Kimberly reviews Naughty Bits #3 by Joey W Hill

Naughty Bits 3TITLE: Naughty Bits: Bound To Please
SERIES #: Naughty Bits #3
CHARACTERS: Madison & Logan
AUTHOR: Joey W Hill
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/17/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Thanks to her new Dom’s exquisitely special set of skills, Madison is discovering how delicious it can be to lose control. Logan is committed to awakening Madison’s long buried desires, and after he shows her the depths of ecstasy they can reach with a little bit of roleplay, he’s ready to take her to the next level.
But when Madison’s old fears resurface, Logan grows wary of pushing her too far too fast. He can sense just how deeply she longs for release from past regrets, but what surprises him the most is the intense yearning his innocent new sub is awakening in him. Now Logan must decide to what lengths he’ll go to convince Madison to give herself over completely…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is the 3rd installment of Naughty Bits and I think the best so far. Madison and Logan have had a connection in the previous two installments but it really explodes in this one. Madison has such a realization in this story that it changes everything.
I love this story. I have enjoyed Logan so much and the man he is. I love reading his insight and the way he understands what he is but is willing to let Madison discover what she is. Yes the sex in the story is hot but the connection between them is so much hotter. While a Dom he has a softness about him that melts the heart.

The only problem is that I keep having to wait for the next installment. This is a new trend that is really not one of my favorites. But for this story I will keep waiting as long as I need to.

Disclaimer:
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews In The Mood For Love by Beth Ciotta

in the mood for loveTITLE: In The Mood For Love
SERIES #: Cupcake Lovers #4
CHARACTERS: Sam McCloud & Harper Day
AUTHOR: Beth Ciotta
PUBLICATION DATE: July 1, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Harper Day blows into the small town of Sugar Creek, Vermont, she takes the sleepy community completely by surprise. A stunning beauty and frenzied workaholic, the celebrity publicist based out of L.A. maintains she will only be in Sugar Creek for vacations. The cozy atmosphere of Sugar Creek, however, has other plans. Haunted by a troubled past and insecure about her future, Harper finds solace in doing publicity for the Cupcake Lovers. Now if only she could get her life back in line, and put a stop to this newfound attraction she has for one of the members…

Sam McCloud feels an intense connection to Harper, which makes things way more complicated. Still reeling from his wife’s untimely death and focused on raising his two young children, Sam doesn’t have the emotional strength to get close to a woman again. But when he finds Harper in a jam and the best solution leads to them constantly being together, Sam cannot deny their attraction. True, Harper is from a different world and still struggling with her past, but Sam is determined not to lose another woman he loves

REVIEW:
I am not sure that there could be two people more different than Sam & Harper, yet they work. So the saying that opposites attract hold true in this story. Sam the hometown hero and now single father after the passing of his wife. Harper is a big city girl that lives an extremely busy life. Yet the chemistry between these two is like gas and fire. So when Harper’s world comes crashing down on her the first person she turns to is Sam. And of course Sam is more than willing to help Harper. But could there be more to Harper then what she shows? And could there be more to their relationship than just sex? Guess you need to read to find out.

Awe Sam & Harper. In book 3 there was a lot of buildup for these two. And I am happy to report that In The Mood For Love was a great story. I am super excited about the next book in the Cupcake Lover’s series. : )

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Blog Tour & Giveaway: Suddenly Last Summer by Sarah Morgan

suddenly (2)

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:

LastSummer_GiveAway_rev

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:

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Kelly reviews Straddling The Line by Jaci Burton

straddling the lineTITLE: Straddling the Line
SERIES #: Play by Play #8
CHARACTERS: Trevor Shay & Haven Briscoe
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: July 1, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Trevor Shay has it all—a successful football and baseball career, and any woman he wants. But when he finds out his college mentor’s daughter is in trouble, he drops everything to come to her aid.

Haven Briscoe has finally landed a dream job as a sportscaster for a major network. But she hasn’t been able to move past the recent death of her beloved father, and it’s affecting her career. A plum assignment following the daily life of sports superstar Trevor Shay might be just the inspiration she needs…

Trevor will do anything to spark life back into Haven, including letting her into every aspect of his world. The chemistry between them flames higher than one of Trevor’s home runs and faster than his dashes to the end zone. But as they grow closer, Haven stumbles onto Trevor’s closely guarded secret, one he’s hidden his entire life. And despite his protests, now it’s Haven’s turn to put everything on hold to help Trevor. Will he let her in and trust her with a secret that could blow his professional and personal world apart?

REVIEW:
Trevor Shay maybe a superstar that straddles the line between baseball and football. But there is so much more to this superstar then what he does on the field. So when Trevor is asked to check in on Haven and make sure she is okay he is more than willing to help. But when Haven shows up Trevor gets a little more than he bargained for.

As always Jaci writes a great story wrapped in the sports world. I have loved all of her Play by Play books and Straddling the Line was the same. I loved getting a closer look at Trevor and Haven. We have seen glimpse of them in the past books but it was great to learn all of their secrets.

I can’t wait for the next book in this series and to learn more about Quarterback Cassidy and his clan.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the 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.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Natasha and Kimberly review Then Came You by Jill Shalvis

Then Came YouTITLE: Then Came You
SERIES #: Animal Magnetism #5
CHARACTERS: Emily & Wyatt
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 7/1/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Veterinary intern Emily can’t believe she wound up in the small town of Sunshine, Idaho, instead of the Los Angeles clinic she had always imagined. Now she has to put her plans to move to L.A. on hold for a whole year while she fulfills the obligation of her vet school scholarship.
Then Wyatt, her gorgeous one-night stand from a Reno vet conference, introduces himself as her new boss. And Emily is just as drawn to his seductive looks and quiet strength as she was on that very steamy night. She soon learns that Wyatt isn’t just a laid-back doctor, but a delicious alpha male tempting her away from her carefully laid-out plans…

NATASHA’S REVIEW:
This was my first Jill Shalvis book and I loved it! I really was pleased that though this book is a part of a series it could be read as a stand alone for people like me who were late to the game. The interactions between Emily and Wyatt were both electric and comedic gold. I laughed out loud many times, and really enjoyed the whole story. The supporting cast of characters is essential to these stories, and they definitely give the story depth and feeling. I enjoyed them all and really look forward to the next book in this series!

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Oh how I loved this story. I read it in one day not being able to put it down. It actually had me smiling from the first chapter and when the text scene happened about halfway through I actually laughed out loud.

Wyatt is just too adorable for words. I mean honestly if there are real men like him in the world women all over would be going crazy. He is sweet, loving, funny as heck and just all around sexy but he also is determined, caring and has a good heart for people and animals. He is perfect. Emily is a crack up. I want to be her friend. She can be sarcastic and speaks out loud without thinking. She is so funny. And I adored her.

Shalvis has written another great story in the series and if you haven’t read her before then go ahead and start with this one because it will have you hooked.

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

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.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Jill Shalvis’ Animal Magnetism Series

Animal Magnetism

Animal Magnetism #1

1

Co-owner of the town’s only kennel, Lilah Young has lived in Sunshine, Idaho, all her life. Pilot-for-hire Brady Miller is just passing through. But he soon has Lilah abandoning her instincts and giving in to a primal desire.

It’s Brady’s nature to resist being tied down, but there’s something about Lilah and her menagerie that keeps him coming back for more.

 *****

Animal Attraction

Animal Magnetism #2

2

Jade Bennett couldn’t be happier to escape her past for the quiet ranching town of Sunshine, Idaho. Plus, there’s nothing like working for veterinarian Dell Connelly. And though Dell has no intention of settling down, Jade’s strength and sass are enticements no red-blooded male can resist.

 *****

Rescue My Heart

Animal Magnetism #3

3

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.

 *****

Rumor Has It

Animal Magnetism #4

4

He’ll help unleash the new woman in her…

Special Ops soldier Griffin Reid doesn’t exactly have happy memories of growing up in Sunshine, Idaho. He’s only come back to recover from a war injury, and while he refuses to admit he’s in a weakened state, he finds comfort in the last person he’d expect.

Kate Evans teaches fourth grade science in Sunshine, the place she’s always called home. Dreaming of graduate school and a happily-ever-after, she’s desperate to break out of the monotony of Sunshine. Luckily, a certain sexy man has just come back into her life.

To Griffin, Kate as always been his little sister’s friend, but now he’s finding her to be so much more. As both attempt to forge their paths, they must decide if their passionate connection can turn into something lasting…

*****

Then Came You

Animal Magnetism #5

5

Veterinary intern Emily can’t believe she wound up in the small town of Sunshine, Idaho, instead of the Los Angeles clinic she had always imagined. Now she has to put her plans to move to L.A. on hold for a whole year while she fulfills the obligation of her vet school scholarship.

Then Wyatt, her gorgeous one-night stand from a Reno vet conference, introduces himself as her new boss. And Emily is just as drawn to his seductive looks and quiet strength as she was on that very steamy night. She soon learns that Wyatt isn’t just a laid-back doctor, but a delicious alpha male tempting her away from her carefully laid-out plans…

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Kimberly reviews Better Homes and Hauntings by Molly Harper

better homesTITLE: Better Homes and Hauntings
CHARACTERS: Nina & Deacon
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Nina Linden is hired to landscape a private island off the New England coast, she sees it as her chance to rebuild her failing business after being cheated by her unscrupulous ex. She never expects that her new client, software mogul Deacon Whitney, would see more in her than just a talented gardener. Deacon has paid top dollar to the crews he’s hired to renovate the desolate Whitney estate—he had to, because the bumps, thumps, and unexplained sightings of ghostly figures in nineteenth-century dress are driving workers away faster than he can say “Boo.”

But Nina shows no signs of being scared away, even as she experiences some unnerving apparitions herself. And as the two of them work closely together to restore the mansion’s faded glory, Deacon realizes that he’s found someone who doesn’t seem to like his fortune more than himself—while Nina may have finally found the one man she can trust with her bruised and battered heart.

But something on the island doesn’t believe in true love…and if Nina and Deacon can’t figure out how to put these angry spirits to rest, their own love doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance.

REVIEW:

3.25 Hearts I am a little on the fence about this story. It seemed like the characters connected at some points and didn’t at others. Sometimes the characters acted so cute you couldn’t help but smile then there was nothing. I gave it a little over 3 hearts/stars because for the most part I enjoyed it.

Having just been to the Baltimore I could picture the estate and loved having the Whitney’s compared to the Vanderbilts. I think this is the type of place (if it was real) that would have paranormal investigators there all the time and how fun that it was set on its own island. Unfortunately there wasn’t enough with the ghosts.

It is hard for me to say anything that was great or horrible because it just fit right in the middle the whole way.

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

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Interview with Molly Harper

Books-n-Kisses is super excited to have one of our favorite authors Molly Harper on the blog today!!!  Molly just had a new release Better Homes and Hauntings.  Better Homes and Hauntings is a stand alone book.   Let’s learn a little about what makes Ms. Harper tick. 

mollyaugustMolly, can you please share with us a little about yourself.

I am a newspaper reporter turned church secretary turned romance novelist from western Kentucky. I am married to my high school sweetheart, a captain with our local police department. I am obsessed with sushi and Tom Hardy movies.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Yes, but I didn’t think the chances were good.  There aren’t many authors from Paducah, Ky. So I pursued a career in journalism because I thought it would be awesome to make my living writing in some capacity.  (I was right. It was awesome.) But the schedule was insane. Combined with my husband’s even less predictable schedule, it made life with kids pretty complicated. I took a more stable position as a secretary at a local Baptist church and started writing books at night.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I have to have lip balm nearby. Preferably the little Eos balls.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?Comp_5_rev_night_2

This is my first standalone paranormal romance and my first haunted house story, so I am thrilled to have written my own grown up, highly romantic version of a Scooby Doo episode. The Crane’s Nest is a Gilded Era mansion that never quite made it as a family home since Gerald Whitney, the business tycoon who built it was accused of murdering his wife shortly after it was completed. The murder mystery and inevitable stories of hauntings and family curses followed the Whitneys throughout the generations. Deacon Whitney, a social media mogul who has managed to rebuild his fortune, wants to restore the house to its former glory and finally put the supernatural rumors about his family to an end. The team of experts he assembles to remodel the house is contracted to live there over the summer while the work is completed, a measure he had to take after mysterious noises and cold spots chased away previous teams.

Landscaper Nina Linden is hired to rehabilitate the gardens and she sees it as her chance to rebuild her failing business after being cheated by her unscrupulous ex-partner. She never expects that her new client would see more in her than just a green thumb. But Nina shows no signs of being scared away, even as she experiences some unnerving apparitions herself. And as the two of them work closely together to restore the mansion’s faded glory, Deacon realizes that he’s found someone who doesn’t seem to like his fortune more than himself—while Nina may have finally found the one man she can trust with her bruised and battered heart.

But something on the island doesn’t believe in true love…and if Nina and Deacon can’t figure out how to put these angry spirits to rest, their own love doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I knew I wanted to set in on an island. I thought about the coast of Washington or South Carolina. And then I saw one of those true murder mystery shows and the episode was set on Newport. I took one look at the houses and there and thought, “Oh, yeah, I could haunt that.” I looked up info on the Breakers, Rosecliff, The Elms, all of the Gilded Era mansions and the ghost story practically wrote itself.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

I am working on several spin-offs to the Half-Moon Hollow series. I could tell you about them, but then Ophelia would send a vampire goon squad after me.

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

Nora Roberts, because she is the queen.  I would say Jane Austen, but if she was walking around, that would mean zombies are a thing and I don’t want that to happen.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Just sit down and start writing. Don’t wait until you have time.  Don’t lose yourself in research. Just sit down and do it.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

See Italy.  I would go to Venice and eat all of the gelato.  All of it.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I am eager for the next book in Mari Mancusi’s Scorched series.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I will be writing several more spin-offs to the Half-Moon Hollow books.  Also, my Half-Moon Hollow Christmas short story, I’M DREAMING OF AN UNDEAD CHRISTMAS, will be available in ebook on November 3, 2014. And third book in the Bluegrass contemporary series, SNOW FALLING ON BLUEGRASS, will be released on September 22.

You can find out more about Molly Harper here:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

*****

Better Homes and Hauntings

Comp_5_rev_night_2

Release Date: 06/24/14
Amazon | B&N

When Nina Linden is hired to landscape a private island off the New England coast, she sees it as her chance to rebuild her failing business after being cheated by her unscrupulous ex. She never expects that her new client, software mogul Deacon Whitney, would see more in her than just a talented gardener. Deacon has paid top dollar to the crews he’s hired to renovate the desolate Whitney estate—he had to, because the bumps, thumps, and unexplained sightings of ghostly figures in nineteenth-century dress are driving workers away faster than he can say “Boo.”

But Nina shows no signs of being scared away, even as she experiences some unnerving apparitions herself. And as the two of them work closely together to restore the mansion’s faded glory, Deacon realizes that he’s found someone who doesn’t seem to like his fortune more than himself—while Nina may have finally found the one man she can trust with her bruised and battered heart.

But something on the island doesn’t believe in true love…and if Nina and Deacon can’t figure out how to put these angry spirits to rest, their own love doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance.

Check out Kimberly’s review of  Better Homes and Hauntings HERE.  My audio review will be coming soon.