ARC Review: Just One Scandal (The Kingston Family #2)

Just One Scandal (The Kingston Family #2)

by Carly Phillips

Blurb:

A jilted bride. Her brother’s ex-buddy. An affair would be crazy…right?

Chloe Kingston’s life is exactly how she needs it: safe and stable. Right up until her reliable, low-risk fiancé jilts her on their fairy-tale wedding day. As she works her way through the reception champagne—and wonders where she’s going to live—she stumbles into her brother Linc’s ex-best friend.

If only Beckett Daniels was were hideous. But he’s not. He’s everything her erstwhile groom was not. Hot. Sexy. Dangerous. And she’s just buzzed enough to want all that Greek-god gorgeousness to show her the kind of fun she’s been missing.

Beck thrives on calculated risks, but taking advantage of Linc’s little sister isn’t one of them. What he can do is haul her tipsy, tulle-clad, tempting little butt to the bridal suite to sleep it off. Then move her into his spare room—which has the satisfying side effect of driving her brother crazy.

They can’t remain platonic roommates for long. Not when the sexual attraction sizzles out of control. But when tragedy threatens Beck, pain from his past reminds them both that life doesn’t come without risks…and this time, they’re gambling with their hearts.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating:  4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

 The magic of Carly Phillips strikes again as she shows us that love can come in the most unlikely of circumstances.  This series, another fun spin-off of the Fabulous Dare family, is just getting more and more interesting as we learn more about the siblings and see them fall in love.  Chloe’s story kicks off with the drama of her being left at the altar, but quickly becomes her taking control of her life and future in a way that makes me proud to be an independent woman. This family has had a lot of problems and traumas but together they have managed to overcome it all, bringing them closer together and sharing their love beautifully.  Having been left at the altar by her safe fiancée, Chloe Kingston decides that it’s time for her to celebrate instead of being sad, so she sends her family home and uses her reception to throw a party to her independence.  But things quickly get out of hand; luckily for her a white knight in the form of Beckett Daniels, her brother’s former best friend, comes to her rescue when the partying gets a little too crazy.  Waking up hungover and in a semi-compromising position the next morning, confronted with her big brother, Beck and Chloe decide that maybe together might be the best way to move forward.  Beck offers Chloe his guest room while she gets back on her feet, nothing more, but the more time they spend together the closer their friendship becomes.  Soon they are both unable to resist the draw toward one another and they have to decide if the relationship they could build together if worth overcoming the odds and scandal it would cause for them to have their happiness. Chloe is strong enough to help Beck move past his fear, but he has to be willing to work with her or they will lose everything they have been building.

Beckett has a lot of traumas in his past and understandably he fears loving anyone for fear of losing them, but at the same time he knows the value of Chloe so I was a little surprised at how resistant he was to them forming a relationship.  He was sweet, supportive, strong, and fearless in so many other ways, but letting go took way too long in my opinion.  The connection between them was there from the very beginning and he fought way too hard for too long.  Chloe was a great character too, even though she needed to stop hiding her light from the world.  It was obvious that she has been coasting for far too long, unwilling to take risks, but with this last debacle the time has come for her to stand tall. Together they so obviously complemented one another perfectly making them the perfect couple and a perfect addition to each of their families.  The passion between them was irresistible and I love getting to see it blossom into something beyond the label of casual they both tried to force onto it.  I am so looking forward to seeing more of Chloe and Beck in the future novels and of course seeing the other siblings find love as we see these amazing Kingstons branch and grow into an even bigger family tree.  If you are looking for a wild ride filled with laughter, sweetness, passion, and heartbreak look no further than Just One Scandal.

*eARC provided by author for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.

Review: Love of a Cowboy (McGrath #2)

Love of a Cowboy (McGrath #2)

by Jennifer Ryan 

Blurb:

Skye Kennedy has always loved the close-knit community of Sunrise Fellowship—but when she witnesses the commune’s new leader commit a terrible crime, she flees…and finds herself in Montana, on the McGrath ranch, and drawn to the stoic yet kind man determined to help her.

Declan McGrath has always handled things himself and focused more on work than his love life. With his newlywed brothers distracted by their beautiful wives, Declan has even more work on his hands. But when Skye arrives at the ranch starving and desperate for work, his loner days are over.

Skye wants to keep her distance and protect Declan from the deadly threats facing her, but soon their relationship morphs into something much more than either of them expected. When she fights back against those out to destroy Sunrise Fellowship, Skye and Declan will have to do everything to protect not just Skye's community, but also their new love...

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

This fun spinoff series has become more and more interesting with each addition to the McGrath family and I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to read it and share my opinion.  Jennifer Ryan is one of the few authors that I enjoy reading that focuses her stories around the lives of ranchers in the west without making it hokey or too “old west”.  This series touches on so many huge issues on both a micro and macro level with her characters and her stories and I enjoy reading each of her stories wondering what she will touch on next. This story takes us into the murky world of a commune that has morphed into essentially a cult and the escape of a woman that has decided enough is enough.  Skye Kennedy has made her home at the fellowship most of her life and she loves her community, but she knows that something has gone wrong with the leadership.  When she witness a murder she gathers the evidence she can of his misdeeds and makes a run for it, but a single woman on the run from a powerful leader of many men sometimes needs the help of just as powerful a family.  She happens to hit luck and stumble into the McGrath farm and offers her help on the far, in exchange for room and board, knowing that the only way she will survive through the night is with someone opening their hand for her.  Declan is amazed by the beautiful and spirited woman that has stumbled into his life, and his feelings for her just continue to become more and more entangled as he learns more about her.  Soon his heart is caught and he can’t let her go, even though she is in mortal danger and determined to put herself in more to save her family and put things right with the fellowship.  Can these two very different people find a way to be together across worlds and with so many people depending on them or will they be destined to be two ships passing in the night despite their love?  Skye was an interesting character;  in the beginning we assume she is only slightly smarter than the others in her commune, but definitely naïve to the world, but as we see her on the run and learn more about her, the determination, cleverness and dedicated she displays show she is much more than first impressions.  Watching her find her way in the world with Declan, allowing herself to open her heart, and then allowing their friendship to deepen, was a fun enterprise and the way she offered herself whole to him despite her misgivings was perfect.  She is witty, sassy, sweet, and strong in ways that even she didn’t realize right away and knowing that Declan was the catalyst to her seeing that was amazing.  Declan certainly has his issues, but after watching his brothers fall in love, he wants a partner in life and its obvious he’s willing to put in the time and offer his heart to the perfect woman, who just happens to be Skye.  His strength is just what she needed to bring her out of her shell, his unwillingness to let her go it alone make him her perfect match, and despite a few moments of despair and fear, Declan was the perfect guy.  The passion between Skye and Declan was like and irresistible flaw to a moth, pulling them together even as they fought it and there was no way they were going to be able to stay apart.  I loved every moment of this book and cannot wait for the nest story for sure.

*ebook provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.

Review: Meant to Be Immortal (Argeneau #32)

Meant to Be Immortal (Argeneau #32)

by Lynsay Sands

Blurb:

Mac Argeneau knows all too well: immortals can be killed. Not with holy water or silver crosses, but by decapitation or being set on fire. So when Mac’s house bursts into flames—with him inside—he’s sure it was no accident. But who would want to kill a scientist specializing in hematology? There is a silver lining: a blonde investigator appears on the scene and sparks feelings in him that have been dormant for centuries.

CJ Cummings is in town on a special investigation, but she’s been waylaid by the local police to deal with this arson case. The biggest mystery is how this sexy scientist with silvery blue eyes has emerged from a blazing inferno without a burn mark on him. He’s clearly hiding something. Sure, she’d love to see him without his lab coat, but she’s got a job to do—despite his insistence that he needs a bodyguard and...he wants her.

But when a second attempt on their lives puts CJ in harm’s way, it’s Mac who will do anything to safeguard the woman who’s destined to be his life mate.

Themes:  Contemporary, Vampires

Rating:  4 stars

Heat Rating:  

Review:

 I can honestly say that I have never laughed so much reading one of Sands’ novels but, Meant to Be Immortal was beyond hilarious.  I have been a huge fan of this series for almost a decade since reading my first story, which actually happened to be the 4^th or 5^th, but I quickly went back and caught up on the greatness and I haven’t looked back since.  While these stories always carry a sense of gravity and importance as there is danger, traumas, and life-altering love, there are many simple moments of laughter and little jokes that make the story even more beautiful.  This newest installment kicks off with a blaze (sorry couldn’t resist the pun) when Mac Argeneau finds himself trapped in his brand new basement with the house above him in a full blaze and he knows there is very little chance he will survive. When by some miracle he makes it out, he has some serious work to do to get himself healing, but he never imagined getting out of the fire would only be the beginning of his troubles.  CJ Cummings is in the small town on an investigation of the local cops, but when she is asked to assist with the investigation she gives in graceful when she learns someone perished in the fire.  Arriving on scene, she soon finds herself wrapped in a strange investigation and guarding the sexy body of Mac who in fact did not perish and was barely injured in the fire.  As they spend time together, avoiding attempts on his life and her again and again, Mac and CJ find it harder and harder to resist the attraction between them.  And when some friends join the party life only gets more and more complicated.  Can CJ accept this sexy and intriguing immortal as her lifemate and become his everything or will she walk away and leave him with a broken heart?  Mac was the kind of character that I would classify as the absent minded professor, a little bit socially inept, but brilliant in all other ways.  When faced with his lifemate, it becomes obvious that he needs some help in convincing her that he is the man for her, but the help comes in way too many unwanted and unlikely ways.  HE is sweet, sexy, and loving to be sure, but I imagine had he just been himself from the beginning CJ would have fallen much sooner.  CJ was very determined to keep her heart guarded from Mac and to just get her job done and get home, but the more she was around the nutty professor and his friends the more she came to like and want him.  She was strong, sassy, street smart, and witty in the perfect complement to Mac.  Together their passion was explosive to be sure, but the laughter they shared and the silly moments made it their love story all the more interesting to me.  I am  dying to find out who finds love next in this group of immortals and get to know their lifemate.  Sands magick never fails to succeed.    

*ebook provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.

Review: A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1)

A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) 

by Janna MacGregor 

Blurb:

Get ready for lost wills, broody dukes, and scorching hot kissing all over London in A Duke in Time by Janna MacGregor.

Katherine Vareck is in for the shock of her life when she learns upon her husband Meri's accidental death that he had married two other women. Her entire business, along with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be a royal supplier, is everything she's been working for and now could be destroyed if word leaks about the three wives.

Meri's far more upstanding brother, Christian, Duke of Randford has no earthly clue how to be of assistance. He spent the better part of his adult years avoiding Meri and the rest of his good-for-nothing family, so to be dragged back into the fold is…problematic. Even more so is the intrepid and beautiful Katherine, whom he cannot be falling for because she's Meri's widow. Or can he?

With a textile business to run and a strong friendship forming with Meri's two other wives, Katherine doesn't have time for much else. But there's something about the warm, but compellingly taciturn Christian that draws her to him. When an opportunity to partner in a business venture brings them even closer, they'll have to face their pasts if they want to share each other's hearts and futures.

Themes:  Historical

Rating:  4.25 stars

Heat Rating:    

Review:

 Well I did not see that coming at all… in only the best of ways.  An all new series beginnings revolving around the lives of three women brought together in the most unusual of circumstances, especially in the Victorian era, and becoming as close as sisters.  Janna MacGregor was a late addition to my bookshelves, but I can honestly say that I am thrilled I found her and was able to enjoy her skill.  The new world of the Meriweather widows is one filled with twists and turns that make the story not only interesting but thrilling and truly worth every moment of reading.  Katherine Vareck is determined to make her business into one of the most influential female run businesses in England, but the sudden death of her husband leaves her dowry free and in need of serious capital in order to win a contract with the Prince.  Her brother-in-law is returning from war and will be her only hope of regaining her funds, but he is such a forbidding character she finds herself reluctant to approach him.  Christian is finally returning to the peace of his home, though with a lot hanging over his head, and he doesn’t want to deal with the fallout of his younger brother’s shenanigans.  His only goal is to provide a safe and sane landing for his fellow soldieries returning from the war, but when he meets with his brother’s lawyers his life changes forever.  Christian and Katherine are left to handle the truth left behind by Meri’s death, and the two wives that have also arrived to claim their dowries back from Meri’s estate.  Katherine knows she shouldn’t get more involved, but the women are in dire straits, even more so than herself and Christian seems unwilling to offer his hand to the ladies so she takes them into her home and under her wing.  Christian is intrigued by the spitfire that pushes against him, repeatedly demanding he step up and meet his obligations, and soon they are working together on both of their projects and their feelings for one another are becoming much more than simple admiration.  Only their love will see them through the coming scandal when the truth of Meri’s widows comes to light and give them a chance to reach their HEA.  Christian seemed to be a single-minded and selfish pompous ass on the surface, but there was so much going under the calm façade he tried to portray to the world that he was like an iceberg with only a quarter of his truth above the water.  He spent so much of his youth fighting the embarrassment cause by his family that he just wants to distance himself and become a man that he can respect, looking after his men and friends, but he comes to learn that sometimes we have to be selfish in order to look after our own inner peace.  He was sweet of the oddest moments, strong, and brave, leading his men out of desperate situations and improving their lives again and again.  He truly was a commanding officer that anyone could respect and a man that any woman could love. Katherine was a woman well before her time, running not only a business as a woman, but for female customers and having female employees (mostly) only, giving her exclusivity.  Her sass, savviness, and strength of character was obvious from the beginning, but as she spent more time with Christian and began to fall in love, she found a softness and devotion to herself and her future that led her into a different direction and reminded her that just because a woman wants her career doesn’t mean she has to give up a family—inner battles women still fight hundreds of years later.  I enjoyed seeing her taking the other women under her protection and befriending them, making them sisters really, and allowing the three of them to find a way to find some good out of the tragedy of their husband’s polygamy and lies.  The passion between Christian and Katherine started out much more subtly than in some novels, but as their relationship developed and they spent more time together their love and the heat between them kindled quickly and became an inferno to be sure.  I am looking forward to the stories of the other two wives in this mess to be sure and seeing where their lives take them after this.  Another good series shaping up for sure.

*ebook provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.

Cover Reveal! JUST ONE CHANCE

JUST ONE CHANCE

Carly Phillips

Release Date: October 12

He thought she was the one . . . until she walked away. Now she's back and he wants her more than ever.

As a former Marine, Xander Kingston’s writing keeps him sane. Bonus? His thrillers made him one of Hollywood’s most desired screenwriters – and also introduced him to a fledgling starlet who broke his heart.

With his close-knit family in New York, Xander returned home and found peace. Until Sasha Keaton shows up at his Hamptons retreat. Now an A-Lister, she’s as beautiful as he remembers. And just as dangerous to his heart.

Sasha learned from watching her mother to never sacrifice her dreams for anyone—only to discover how empty life could be without the man she loved. Now cast in Xander’s latest movie, she needs his insight to play the part, but secretly hopes for a second chance.

Xander has built emotional walls to keep Sasha at a distance, but their physical attraction can’t be denied. When a stalker’s threats intensify, Xander moves Sasha into his house to keep her safe. Before long she's back in his bed and making inroads in his life.

But when the danger passes and the movie wraps, Sasha and Xander face a familiar choice—put career first or give love a fighting chance.

Pre-Order Links:

Kindle: https://smarturl.it/OneChanceKindle

Nook: https://smarturl.it/OneChanceNook

Apple: https://smarturl.it/OneChanceApple

Kobo: https://smarturl.it/OneChanceKobo

Google Play: https://smarturl.it/OneChanceGoogle

Amazon Print: https://smarturl.it/OneChanceAmzPrint

Audible: https://smarturl.it/OneChanceAudible

Amazon Audio: https://smarturl.it/OneChanceAmzAudio

Goodreads Link:

https://bit.ly/2RNedFs

Meet Carly Phillips:

NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips gives her readers Alphalicious heroes to swoon for and romance to set your heart on fire. She married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her three crazy dogs: two wheaten terriers and a mutant Havanese, who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram. The author of 50 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters who put up with having a mom as a full time writer. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as a romance club pick and was the first romance on a nationally televised bookclub. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter (below) and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.

Connect with Carly Phillips:

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/carly-phillips

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10000.Carly_Phillips

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlyphillips/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlyphillips

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlyphillipsfanpage

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Carly-Phillips/e/B001I9W0MS

Review: Secret Enemy (Red Stone Security #16)

Secret Enemy (Red Stone Security #16)

by Katie Reus

Blurb:

He thinks she’s out of his league.

Lyosha Vasiliev met Mila by chance, and now she’s all he thinks about. But the two couldn’t be more different, so Lyosha won’t go there. As a security expert, he skirts the law on the regular. Unlike Mila, the newest employee at Red Stone Security, who spends her free time volunteering at an animal shelter. Despite his determination to stay away from her, when it becomes clear his past has come back to haunt him—and poses a threat to her—Lyosha immediately steps in. And he’ll cross any line to keep her safe.

But he can’t seem to walk away.

Mila met Lyosha when he brought in a half-starved stray cat to the shelter she volunteers at. He tries to act tough—and okay, he is. He should be the last man she wants, but she loves his sexy tattoos, gruff demeanor, and that he has a marshmallow inside that only she gets to see. When someone threatens her, he’s convinced it’s linked to his past. He’s made it clear that he’ll protect her with his life—but he won’t give her his heart. Not when he blames himself for bringing danger to her doorstep. Except Mila isn’t the kind of woman who walks away from what she wants. And Lyosha finds himself unwilling to let her go without a fight.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

 So glad that Red Stone is back! Katie Reus is truly one of my favorite authors and there has not be a single story she has written I didn’t love (except sometimes I want them to be longer), but my favorite by far of the contemporary series is Red Stone and I am so thrilled she has restarted the series.  The series picks up with this newest Red Stone employee suddenly finding herself in a bit of danger she never expected and in the arms of the sexy man she met months earlier at the animal shelter she volunteers at.  Lyosha knows he should never had insinuated himself into the life of the sweet and innocent Mila, but when he saw her that very first time, there was no going back for him.  Their friendship is all he is determined to allow himself, though it is an exercise in torture to be in her presence and not make her his, Mila is just too perfect to leave behind.  Mila has been slightly obsessed with Lyosha from the first look, but their friendship means so much more to her than him and she knows she has no chance with the gorgeous man that haunts her fantasies.  When she finds her life in danger, Lyosha is the only man she can trust to protect her, but being in his presence all day every day is going to kill her resolve to move on from her desire for him—especially now that he is implying there might be something more between them.  Love between them seems truly unlikely, but their draw together is as irresistible as gravity and sooner or later the collision will be explosive, assuming they can stay alive long enough to enjoy it. Lyosha was an intriguing character, one that we met previously, but didn’t realize might get his own story, and that has resisted love for far too long out of fear.  He is an engaging, thoughtful man but at the same time can be a serious bad ass when he is protecting those he considers to be his responsibility.  I loved seeing the calm and sweet moments he shared with Mila, but the heated battles and passion between them made their relationship just that much spicier.  When he finally accepted that there was no way he could let her go or leave her as just a friend, the love between them exploded into something so deep so quickly that it’s obvious it was building a long time despite them both fighting it.  Mila was the perfect innocent best friend character, but she was so much more than that too; True, she volunteered at an animal shelter, cared for those around her, and loved her best friend from afar instead of fighting for what she wanted initially, but when push came to shove she stood up for herself and fought for the love she wanted and proved that surface impressions can hide something much deeper if one is just willing to look.  I loved seeing her going toe to toe with Lyosha and finding her footing in his wealthy and dangerous world, while maintaining her integrity and sweetness.  Fire raged between these two from the very beginning, even if they both banked those fires for months, and when they finally dropped their guards it was a wildfire.  I am dying to see what comes next in this series and seeing where Reus takes the lovers.  Another masterpiece for Katie!

*ebook provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.

Review: The Wolf Wore Plaid (Highland Wolf #6)

The Wolf Wore Plaid (Highland Wolf #6)

by Terry Spear

Blurb:

This Highland lass is a little too unpredictable, but maybe that's exactly what an overprotective Highland wolf needs in his life.

Enrick MacQuarrie has no time in his life to worry about anything beyond the duties of being the second-in-command of his Highland pack. Work always comes first. Until a movie being filmed at Enrick's castle results in an enemy clan bent on revenge, and Enrick is tasked with keeping his longtime packmate Heather MacNeil safe.

Impetuous Heather MacNeil has had a crush on Enrick for as long as she can remember, but never any hope he'd reciprocate her interest. But a battle between the clans turns into something deeper between the two wolves, and Heather's wildness might be just the thing to teach Enrick that all work and no play makes for a very frustrated alpha.

Themes:  Paranormal, Shifter, Wolves

Rating:  4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

 What could possibly beat a sexy Scottish leader of a wolf pack? I can’t think of much to be honest and though this story is all about the Pack’s second-in-command he is a leader in his own way and watching him find and claim his mate and the antics they get up to was perfect.  Terry Spear’s Heart of the Wolf series has expanded into so many interesting and evolved storylines that sometimes it is difficult to keep up, but her Highland Wolves are definitely some of my favorites. This story involves a lot of Pack politics, as well as dealings with humans and most importantly the love between two long-time friends that blossoms when they least expected it.  Enrick has watched the crazy MacNeil she-wolf antics for years, but he is too responsible to let her lead him astray even though he finds her entertaining at times.  Now that she is underfoot all the time because of the movie filming in his Pack’s castle and using wolves from both of their Packs, Heather is becoming even more intriguing to both him and his Wolf .  Heather has been in love with Enrick for years but she knows that he sees her as a nuisance and frivolous, but she doesn’t let it stop her from doing all she can to make this venture between their Packs a success.  When enemies begin to attack and make their lives dangerous, Enrick and Heather must work together to stop their enemies as well as protect the humans—and protect their secrets from them. I loved seeing Heather and Enrick butting heads and expressing their passions as they found  way to work together.  Enrick had a bit of a stick up his butt in my opinion, but slowly he began to see the fun that Heather could bring to his life, leading him to be more rounded and approachable.  He is alpha strong,  sweet, and caring to Heather and his entire Pack, but I definitely liked him most in their private times when he allowed Heather to bring down his walls.  Heather has been fighting against the label of troublemaker and irresponsible for years, trying to show Enrick and others that she is more than just a reckless wolf out for nonstop fun. She has a good head on her shoulder, though she values life being fun and interesting at the same time and having that balance is important to her.  I enjoyed the sparks these two shot off one another from the very beginning, but the best times were just when they were playing with one another and enjoying their time together.  I am  looking forward to whatever comes next with these Highland wolves of in general with the overall Heart of the Wolf series.  Terry Spear never lets me down!    

*ebook provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.