Review: Between a Highlander and a Hard Place (Highland Weddings #5)

Between a Highlander and a Hard Place (Highland Weddings #5)

by Mary Wine

Blurb:

A fierce Englishwoman on the run

A Highland Laird who needs a proper wife

And a desire neither can resist

Athena Trappes thinks she's in love...until she discovers the scoundrel only wanted her as his bit on the side. Enraged, she does what any spirited Englishwoman would do: set fire to his belongings, incur his dangerous wrath, and flee—immediately. With nowhere else to turn, she seeks freedom in the wilds of Scotland.

Highland Laird Symon Grant lost his wife years ago, and it's his duty to find another. Athena is not exactly what the clan has in mind for him, but Symon's heart burns with unexpected passion for the woman who would risk everything to be free.

Themes:  Historical, Scotland

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating:  

Review:

 With such fire and spirit, one would almost think she was a Scot all along, but once she steals the heart of a Highland Laird, nothing will stop him from making her his.  I have been enjoying this series for a while now, after stumbling across it when the first story was offered as a freebie and now I get to enjoy the series as it releases and share my opinions.  This latest installment by Mary Wine is a unique one in that it weaves together many of the usual tropes we can find in a fiction novel, but they come together so well you just can’t call it clichéd. Athena’s life is in a shambles now that she knows the man she thought was going to be her husband intends to ruin her family is she doesn’t become his mistress.  Determined to protect her virtue AND her family name she flees to Scotland with the perfect disguise, but living life as a boy is tricky for a woman that has never been on her own, until one night of releasing her disguise changes the course of her life forever.  Symon Grant has been a widower for a long time and he knows he has to find a bride, but none of the women in his life make him want to stand up and take his vows again.  A festival with his clan seems like a good place to relax and enjoy life for one night, until he stumbles across a woman that makes his entire body and soul comes to life again.  Now Symon and Athena are on a dangerous crash course that will lead them both on a merry chase and ultimately into one another’s arms, but can the sinfully sexy Highland Laird tempt the English lass to become his bride despite her fears and misgivings or will be forced to one again lose the woman that he loves?  I have followed Symon’s character for several stories now, him being the sister of one of the ladies we met in the first (or second maybe?) stories in the series.  His life has been filled with tragedy, and his clan has suffered the emotional pain right alongside their laird, so he is forced to pick himself up and remarry for the good of his clan.  I loved seeing the way he fought for the woman he wanted, not even understanding the full truth of her past or present situation. He is dedicated, intelligent, sweet, and sensual every step of his journey to convince Athena to be his wife and it is those very traits that make him irresistible to her.  Athena is a woman without a lot of hope and chances for a happy ending.  She let herself become besotted with a corrupt man and then made bad decisions that led her down too many paths to danger.  Though she made many missteps, she wasn’t the kind of woman to sit around and wait to be rescued, more often than not finding her own way out of predicaments and then just needing a bit of help with the final cleanup.  I enjoyed seeing such a strong character develop out of what was shaping up originally to be a naïve and dimwitted woman that allowed herself to be compromised in the first place.  The heat between Symon and Athena was off the charts and surprising for the life they had both lived, but sometimes the gods lead us to our mates in unlikely places and we need that extra boost of chemistry to show us the way.  I am looking forward to the next story in the series where Brenda will finally get her love despite having fought it all this time, if she manages to get out of the predicament she was placed into at the end of this story by the monarch (*wink wink*).   Masterful writing and storytelling lead to an historical romance that leaves you ready for more.

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

Review: Hard Asset (Cobra Elite #2)

Hard Asset (Cobra Elite #2)

by Pamela Clare

Blurb:

A perilous mission…

Shanti Lahiri’s tragic family history inspired her to fight for justice. Now a prosecutor with the International Criminal Court, she doesn’t have time for dating or relationships. When an investigation takes her to the Rohingya refugee camps in her father’s homeland of Bangladesh, the last thing she wants is an armed security team following her everywhere and frightening her already traumatized witnesses. But others who’ve tried to investigate these crimes have gone missing, and Shanti doesn’t want to be the next one to disappear. Despite her misgivings, she has no choice but to accept their protection. And, no, the fact that the team’s leader is lethally sexy has nothing to do with her decision.

An undeniable attraction…

Connor O’Neal left the Unit—Delta Force—after a decade of war, scarred both inside and out. Now an operative with Cobra International Security, he’s been tasked with protecting Shanti in one of the most dangerous parts of the world. He can handle anything the bad guys throw at him, but nothing prepares him for the instant attraction he feels to Shanti. From the first moment he sees her, he wants her. Too bad, because clients are strictly off-limits, and he’s a man who follows the rules—most of the time. Besides, he can’t afford any distractions when Shanti’s life is on the line.

A merciless enemy…

But something about Shanti breaks through Connor’s defenses, forcing him to confront his demons. As their mutual desire transforms into reckless passion, Shanti discovers evidence crucial to putting a mastermind of genocide behind bars. Connor knows her life is in immediate danger, but his plan to get her out of the country comes crashing down when a traitor strikes, leaving the two of them stranded in the jungles of Myanmar. Now on the run from a ruthless killer and his army, Connor and Shanti are fighting for survival—and a chance at the love of a lifetime.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating:  

Review:

Well Pamela Clare never ceases to amaze and intrigue her readers with her ability to bring out the darker sides of humanity and the sadness of the world while at the same time giving us hope that there are those still willing to fight against it. I have enjoyed this new independently published series, Cobra Elite, she began a little while ago and as time goes on I enjoy it more and more.  This installment has us traveling with two characters that has series trauma in their pasts but they refuse to let it beat them down and keep them from fighting the injustices in the world. Shanti is a prosecutor determined to bring a seriously bad guy to justice and while she understands the danger of her job she doesn’t feel that bringing a bunch of alpha males, armed to the teeth, along with her on her quest is the best idea.  Connor is just trying to get through each day, but when he is given a task he executes it to the best of his abilities and his current task is making sure that Shanti survives to bring her case to fruition. As they work together to gather evidence and testimony from survivors, each of them comes to see another, deeper side of the other and the attraction is irresistible, despite Connor knowing that he can’t have a relationship with a protectee. When they find themselves stranded in the wilderness, running for their lives, their survival depends on one another and their wits, leaving the connection becoming stronger and stronger.  Once they find a way to safety will they break all the rules and find a way to be together or walk away from a chance at a love that could last a lifetime and become the foundation for a life they both need more than they ever imagined.  Shanti is truly a brave woman—she is venturing into territory where not only her safety but her life is on the line to gather evidence in order to bring a dictator and mass murderer to justice.  She is noble, sweet, dedicated and sexy so who could blame Connor for losing his head and heart to her.  She has her hang-ups to work through to be sure, but one she begins to see more in Connor than the surface he presents to the world, to see the wounded and needy man underneath, she knows she can be what he needs to be whole again.  Her determination to survive and thrive in a world that is against her every step of the way makes her a wonderful and amazing character to get to know.  Connor was a man that I would love to have for myself.  While he certainly wasn’t perfect by any stretch, he was a good man through and through, completely incorruptible and sweet at the most unexpected moments.  He was strong and sensual of course but he was also damaged and needed to find his center in order to be whole again and he found that with Shanti.  I loved seeing these two interacting each and every moment, whether they were clashing or coming together to survive or simply falling in love, the heat between them was enough to singe the world.  I am dying to read the next story in the series and see which Cobra operative loses his (or her) heart and meet the amazing person that manages to steal it.  Another great addition for my Clare bookshelf to be sure.   

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

Review: Scot Under the Covers (Wild Wicked Highlanders #2)

Scot Under the Covers (Wild Wicked Highlanders #2)

by Suzanne Enoch

Blurb:

When a resourceful English lady and a hot-blooded Highlander join forces to trick a scoundrel, every rule will be broken!

Miranda Harris is known for her charm, wit, and ability to solve any problem she encounters. But when her brother lands neck-deep in gambling debt to a crafty villain and Miranda is subsequently blackmailed into marrying him, she must enlist the help of the devil himself to save the family honor―and herself.

Devilishly handsome Highlander Aden MacTaggert knows next to nothing about the ways of the ton, but he most certainly knows his way around gaming halls and womens’ hearts. Still, Aden is not sure how he’ll manage to find a Sassenach bride in time to save his family’s inheritance. When his almost sister-in-law Miranda comes to him for assistance, he proposes a partnership: She will help him navigate London society and he’ll teach her everything about wagering…and winning back her freedom. The beautiful, clever lass intrigues Aden―but is she playing her own game, or are the sparks between them real? He is accustomed to risking his pocket. But betting on Miranda’s love is a game he can’t afford to lose. . .

Themes:  Historical, Scotland

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating:  

Review:

The MacTaggerts are back and wilder than ever…

Suzanne Enoch returns to the world of the MacTaggert bachelors with a unique story of two people that come together for an interesting challenge and ultimately find their connection too much to resist. I stumbled across this author with her previous series and have fallen in love with her writing, with this new addition to my bookshelf being no exception to her skill.  Enoch began the series with an ultimatum bringing the brothers to England to be reunited with their long-estranged mother and sister. They are all required to find English brides, before their sister marries her fiancé, or they will forfeit their home and the purse-strings that their mother holds.  The youngest brother has found love despite his best intention to resist their mother’s rules, but now the other two brothers are fighting against the rules in their own way.  Middle brother Aden is enjoying his time in London to the best of his ability when he is confronted with the instant dislike of Miranda Harris, his soon to be sister-in-law.  Miranda dislikes Aden on principle, having heard all the stories of his prowess with both women and gambling, and now that she finds herself in a situation beyond her control caused by another gambler she hates him even more. But she will beg for his help if she must, despite that dislike, and when he reluctantly agrees they set out to thwart a blackmailing villain. As they work together the attraction becomes more than either can deny and the connection blooms into something that neither ever imagined, soon becoming a love that is impossible to refute or relinquish.  Can they defeat their enemy’s plans and find a way to be together and build their future based on the love that has developed or will the lose the battle for Miranda’s freedom? Aden was an amazing character to get to know.  In the beginning you think he is just another lazy bachelor that is working his way through women, drink, and gambling hells, but we slowly learn just how deep he is right alongside Miranda.  His sweetness and dedication to his family and those less fortunate make him a truly great man, though I imagine in his home environment he would be an even better man. I loved seeing the way his brain worked and how he thinks 5 steps ahead of everyone around him, while at the same time he is a humble and down to earth man.  He shows Miranda the sweeter and more sensual sides of his nature in the dark of the night and she slowly gives up her resistance and finds herself falling deeply in love with him.  Miranda on the other hand was a little bit of a snappy and irate character to those around her, which was understandable a lot of the time because of her situation, but not all of the time.  Once she sees a light at the end of the darkness thanks to Aden’s help, she loosens up and he gets to see the softer and sexier side of the sassy woman that captured his attention.  The dichotomy of her truly is what I think made her such a draw to this thoughtful and complicated man, the passion between them obvious whether they were arguing, planning their encounters with the villain, or falling in love.  I am dying for the last story in the series where the oldest son will find his own love and hopefully in time to meet their mother’s demand and save their fortunes, though I will be sad to see the series end.  Another great read in a series that has definitely become one of my favorite historical reads in a while.

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

Review: Dark Memento (Verona Bay #1)

Dark Memento (Verona Bay #1)

by Katie Reus

Blurb:

Welcome to Verona Bay, a small coastal town where the secrets just won’t stay buried—and people aren’t always who they seem.

She was the one that got away…

Eight years ago Serenity Washington watched as her twin sister was murdered. She was lucky to escape the same grisly fate. With her sister’s killer in jail, she relocated and tried to move on with her life. She married a man in the Air Force and started a family, but when her husband dies unexpectedly she moves back to the last place she remembers being happy—Verona Bay, FL.

Now that she’s come home, it’s all starting again…

Within months of Serenity’s homecoming, she receives a ‘gift’—a bracelet from her sister that was never recovered after her death—and a taunting note. Terrified for herself and her young daughter, she turns to the local sheriff for help. But there’s only so much they can do without proof that the gifts aren’t more than sick pranks. There’s been no DNA, no fingerprints left behind—nothing to indicate who’s leaving them. As the horrifying gifts arrive with increasing frequency, Serenity has no doubt that she’s the ultimate target. But with her sister’s murderer—a confessed serial killer—still behind bars, she has no idea who’s stalking her.

She turns to the one man she’s been trying to keep her distance from…

Former Marine Lucas Jordan has been hung up on single mom Serenity since she moved back to Verona Bay, but she’s made it clear she’s not looking for a relationship. When she’s targeted, however, all bets are off. He won’t sit by while she’s terrorized, and with her and her daughter’s lives in danger he’s prepared to stand his ground and protect them both. Together they face the impossible task of trying to figure out who to trust before they all wind up six feet under.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating:  4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Wow this woman has had a lot of crazy bad shit happen in her life and I can’t imagine how she has stayed sane, much less because such a good person and a mom, but I can’t understand why Luca is so determined to make her see how important she is to him. I love pretty much anything that Katie Reus writes, but her new Verona Bay series is shaping up to be an intriguing and terrifying look into the darker side of the human psyche and the sickness of humanity that most of us prefer to hide from. Serenity’s youth was stolen when he lost her twin sister to a serial killer, but she managed to escape and bring him to justice.  Bow she has returned to her hometown despite all those traumatic memories, hoping to begin a fresh life and Luca is a temptation that is almost irresistible even though she’s not sure she can handle another relationship after her divorce. When she begins receiving terrifying and anonymous gifts she knows she is in danger again and Luca is just the man to offer her protection.  That protection begins to push them closer and closer and soon she can’t deny the attraction, but the danger escalates quickly and only together can they find a way to stop a killer and have a chance to explore their attraction and have a chance for a future together.  Serenity was an interesting woman to get to know. She’s lived through a lot and she is trying to find a balance in her life, moving on and finding a way to rebuild her life, and her strength and determination prove she is a role model for her daughter through and through. Lucas is a true alpha male, determined to protect the woman that has stolen his heart and the girl that he is slowly beginning to see as his own. He puts his life on the line for them and at the same time refuses to let Serenity hide from the connection and chemistry that stirs between them. As this story is a true romantic suspense, the sensuality is a more subtle component of the story but it is most certainly not lacking in any way and I enjoyed each and every moment that Lucas and Serenity were together.  I am looking forward to the next story in the series, though I definitely fear the darkness that Katie seems to be pulling out of her villains for this series and the crazy that she is showing.  The beginning of another great series to be sure and a definite masterpiece.   

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

Review: Saint (Knights of Fury #1)

Saint (Knights of Fury #1)

by Chantal Fernando

Blurb:

Dear Skylar,

Five years. That’s a long time to go without talking to somebody, especially someone who was such a huge part of your life…

A letter from my first kiss and my childhood everything…from prison.

He may be nicknamed Saint, but this sweet, sexy biker most definitely has a wild streak. Hearing from him draws me right back into the Knights of Fury motorcycle club—the people I’ll always think of as family.

He’s still the only man I’ve ever wanted.

Each good, old-fashioned letter from my “prison pen pal” has my heart racing. Which is nothing compared to how I feel when Saint surprises me in person, as a free man.

I was just a kid the last time we saw each other, but the connection between us now is anything but innocent.

He’s the type of man who would do anything to protect his woman. And with my world crashing down around me, that’s exactly what I’m going to need.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating:  

Review:

 So I came into this series knowing I was going to be seriously intrigued, primarily because I have slowly fallen in love with all of Chantal Fernando’s MC series.  That being said, this series is really different then previous ones we have read, with a lot more trauma for her characters, and the emotional upheaval creates an even deeper connection that makes the love between the characters irresistible.  This series jumps back and forth a bit into the past as we get to see the way these two interacted when they were younger, but ultimately the love and sensual chemistry between them as adults is the most important part.  Sky is learning a whole new perspective on her own past and coming to terms with secrets that were kept from her, but at the same time she is trying to make changes in her life so her future can truly be her own. Saint on the other hand was just trying to reach out to someone that once made an impact on his life, but he never thought she would crash back in so hard and at such an inopportune time.  As they circle around each other, finding their way and learning about each other as they are now and with no more illusions about one another, Saint and Sky have to decide in the connection they felt so long ago was one that is strong enough to fuel a lifetime love or something that they need to let go of and just be friends. I loved seeing Skylar as she found her feet, standing up to all those around her who had spent so many years making decisions for her and unwittingly leading her destiny.  She was determined to grab life by the horns and truly live for once, including having a passionate affair with a man that had always drawn her to him, even if she didn’t understand just all he stood for.  Saint on the other hand knew the score and knew that Sky was off limits when she was younger, but once she stumbles back into their world all bets are off.  He grabs hold of the woman that she has become and determines she will be his once and for all, no way is he letting her go.  I loved the sparks they set off as they argued, loved, and lived, but the best was the times when they found a way to support and life one another to a better place in their lives.  There was a lot of pain for them to go through to get to their HEA but in the end Saint and Sky found theirs and led the MC into a place of peace despite that trauma. I am dying to see whose story comes next and what could possibly go wrong with these crazy guys and the women that seem to grab their hearts.  This series is really shaping up to be another one that will steal my hearts for a long time to come.

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

Review: Conquer the Darkness (Guardians of Eternity #15)

Conquer the Darkness (Guardians of Eternity #15)

by Alexandra Ivy 

Blurb:

On the edge of the Mojave desert, out of the lights of Las Vegas, even a werewolf can expec

t a share of peace and solitude. For Ulric, the last surviving member of a pack hunted through centuries, it’s one of few places he’s willing to drop his guard. Until he spots Brigette, a beautiful wolf-woman he thought dead long ago. When he gives chase, he loses her—and discovers he’s being followed himself.

 His pursuer is a zephyr sprite, Rainn, on the trail of a frightening prophecy she can’t predict or understand. All she knows is that Ulric is at its center. If he’s determined to find Brigette, she’ll do what she must to keep him with her.

 When the search leads them to a place where Ulric’s ghosts and Rainn’s portents intertwine, a lurking evil waits to swallow them both. But as they fight for survival, their need for each other will become impossible to deny . . .

Themes:  Paranormal, Shifters, Magick

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

This series keeps getting more and more interesting as we meet new characters and dig deeper into this world of crazy shifters, fae and vampires. I am loving every moment of the experience and Alexandra Ivy never fails to give us an experience to remember when we read.  This series has slow evolved into a complicated and twisted maze of a plotline that just keeps crazier with each installment.  Ulric is the right-hand man of a new character that was introduced a few stories ago and we’ve gotten to know him a bit, and I really loved and wanted his story, mainly because I was so interested since he was the last member of his pack and wanted to understand why.  Not to be outdone on the scale of interesting, Rainn is a zephyr sprite, which is a type of being that hasn’t been delved into in previous stories in the series.  The chemistry and obvious connection between these two is alternately sexy and sweet but always intense and watching them banter, spar, and finally come together was thrilling.  I loved getting to know Ulric, despite him being a typical idiot male a few times as he went through his adventure in the desert. He is very much a strong alpha male determined to protect those he loves and considers his own, and once he takes Rainn into his heart fully he refuses to let anything destroy her.  Rainn has a destiny, one that she has been following and fearing since she was a young woman, but she knows the time is rapidly approaching where she will have to make a choice and it will hurt.  She was a sweet and sassy female for sure, and seeing how she refused to back down from any altercation with Ulric reminds me that a strong woman can be soft sometimes and hard others and still maintain her womanliness. In the end only by coming together in full love and trust, revealing all their secrets and understanding that the bond between them is special and eternal, are the able to conquer the dark enemies chasing them and bring an end to their battles.  I am really looking forward to the next book in this series and to meeting the next group of lovers that will be falling in love, because there is no way this series is ending anytime soon.  Bring it on, Alexandra!

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

ARC Review: Chasing Tail (The Dogmothers #3)

Chasing Tail (The Dogmothers #3)

by Roxanne St. Claire 

Blurb:

When firefighter Connor Mahoney decides to run for mayor, he's confident of victory because of his brilliant idea to put Frank, a local canine hero who saved a drowning child, on the ticket with him. Then Connor gets some unwanted help from the Dogmothers, who think a pretty new arrival from Washington DC would make the perfect campaign manager for their highly-eligible bachelor grandson. But no matter how much Connor likes the idea of working with the gorgeous Sadie Hartman, she's doing her best to keep him at arm's length.

Disillusioned by politics after working in DC, Sadie doesn’t want the job, no matter how smoking hot the sexy firefighter is or how much his sweet grannies push. But then she learns that the race has another candidate – a man who was instrumental in wrecking Sadie’s family. Uncertain the “dog and firefighter” can win, she launches her own campaign to be mayor of Bitter Bark.

But Connor and Sadie are both in for a big surprise when a two-hundred year old law is unearthed to upend the entire election. Then, the only way for Sadie or Connor to save the town from a terrible mayor is to join forces in a way no one is expecting. As Sadie and Connor discover that the best part of running against each other is literally being against each other, it doesn't take long to figure out that sometimes winning the race means losing your heart.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating:  4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

The saga of the amazing North Carolina canine royals continues with another story in the Dogmothers series.  I have been wondering for a while now just who would grab Conner’s attention and hold it long enough to steal his heart and Sadie was certainly the perfect woman for the job.  Roxanne St. Claire has an intriguing way of making her couples so disparate that you just can’t imagine how they could ever find a way to their HEA, but in the end she manages to bring it all together in the most perfect ways. If you have been following this series a while you have also been on pins and needles waiting to see Conner’s story and get to know him more, mainly because it has looked like his family underestimated him and we wanted to see his true greatness shining through. Sadie and Conner are both trying to find their places in the world and build new lives, but neither of them think that being part of a couple is part of that future. I am dying for the next story, which I understand might be one of the Santorini cousins, and see the Dogmothers in action again, but in the meantime I might just enjoy Conner and Sadie’s story again for the fun and romance of it.

Conner is stuck in a rut and he knows that its time for some changes in his life, despite his family’s view about him. While he enjoys his life, he is much more serious about his goals and plans than anyone believes and when the opportunity presents itself to prove it to everyone he jumps on it, much like Frank the canine jumping on him. Sadie has returned to her hometown of Bitter Bark to lick her wounds after becoming disillusioned with her life in Washington DC and she is determined to keep Conner at a distance, despite the fact that he draws her like no man before him.  Unexpectedly they are drawn into intrigue and forced into close proximity in order to protect the town they both love so much from being threatened by the bastard that is running against Conner/Frank for mayor. As they work together the heat between them builds and they learn that sometimes the passion that burns is enough to sustain a love of a lifetime, if they let go enough to let it run away with their heart.  But a danger lurks from an unexpected corner and Conner has to find a way to keep Sadie safe in order for them to ever have a chance at a future.

I loved this story and getting to know both Sadie and Conner much better.  While we have gotten glimpses of Conner in past stories, learning his motivations and the depth of his fears made him into a truly rounded man instead of just a sexy one-dimensional character. He was a hero to be sure, but he was also the wounded young man that lost his own hero—his father—way too young and it left him with emotional scars to overcome before he could offer his heart to Sadie. He is devoted to his family and his town and determined to win in order to give his all to making the town he loves into an even better place to live. While there were a few moments I wanted to knock him in the head for being a dummy, overall he gave me a warm and welcome sense of love and sweetness that made me wish for a man just like him for my very own. Sadie has just gone through some serious knocks in both her professional and personal life, but she refuses to let it keep her down, just like she refused to let her past keep her from reaching for her goals. I loved seeing her sparring with Conner, the sparks flying as her serious nature and determination beat against Conner’s sometimes immature and silly actions. Like Conner she is unwilling to allow the town to be broken by the villain that is trying to take over as mayor, but for a much more personal reason, and she uses all her knowledge and experience to prove that she is the woman for the job.  I loved seeing her in action as she proved to everyone, even herself, that her future really was in Bitter Bark, even though she never imagined it until she returned, and her future certainly was going to involve Conner once she allowed herself to trust him.  Once they both gave up on the futile fight to resist their love, the heat between Conner and Sadie was raging and at the same time long-burning, showing us that these two were going to be together and passionately devoted to one another forever.

Readers of the series certainly expected Conner’s story to be filled with laughter and passion, from the glimpses of his playful personality in previous novels, but Chasing Tail was much more than just a fluff story to be sure. The story begins with heat and sparks between two strangers that turn out to be much more than simply that to one another and evolves into a story that truly proves the skill and ability of this author. Conner shows us an entirely different side of his personality as he makes life-changing decisions and begins to show those around him the secrets he has been keeping inside.  While he enjoys life and refuses to lose at anything he tries, he can be as serious and determined as any of the Kilcannon/Mahoney Clan and when he goes after something he won’t fail, especially if what he is going after is the woman of his dreams. Sadie shows of us the meaning of “beaten but not broken” as she returns to her childhood home to find her new path and begin to rebuild her life.  Once she meets Conner there is a whole new dimension in that direction as she tries to resist the sexy fireman and his ridiculously irresistible dog, Frank, but ultimately the pull between them is too much.  Oddly she finds a new direction in local politics as well as she fights back against a bastard that destroyed her family and life when she was a teen, but that fire of anger and heat fuels her passion for kicking butt and finding a way to win. I loved seeing Conner and Sadie working together against a common enemy and as they did they discovered a passion and love that surprises them both—even though it was obvious to the Dogmothers. I am looking forward to the next story in the series and cannot wait for whatever direction the series takes, mainly because I have no clue what type of woman would be perfect for John Santorini, but I know that the Dogmothers will score a win as they always do. Rocki scores again with Chasing Tail and I loved every second of the chase.

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

ARC Review: The Billionaire in Boots (Princes of Texas #3)

The Billionaire in Boots (Princes of Texas #3)

by Julia London 

Blurb:

As the firstborn son, it's been drilled into Nick that he is the heir apparent to the Prince family empire. But cattle ranching has never been his true passion. Nick wants to be a pilot. However, when his father dies, leaving Nick to clean up the mess, he knows he must do his duty before following his heart.

Charlotte Bailey can't believe that Nick is back to run the ranch. As the office manager, she knows it's her responsibility to help him. If only he wasn't so brooding and cranky--and so hot it's a wonder his chaps don't melt right off him. But when sparks fly between them, she's adamant about staying away from a cowboy on his way out the door.

Nick knows the ranch's pretty, smart, and capable office manager is off-limits, but he needs her. And working in such close proximity to Charlotte every day is making Nick crazy. She smells good, she looks good, she makes him laugh, but most of all she makes him want to stay....

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 3.75 stars

Heat Rating:  

Review:

The oldest and final—legitimate—Prince son has finally met his match and the time has come for him to decide what is most important for his future and happiness. I can still honestly say that while I am enamored of Julia’s skill as an author and her ability to spin a tale, my preference lies still with my first love of her work which is her historical romances. While I enjoyed reading this series and can certainly see the appeal overall, there is just something missing for me that she never seems to be lacking in her historicals. This series has revolved around the Prince family, Texas royalty or in other words cattle people, who have recently had their world shaken when the patriarch of the family dies and the secrets he has long kept buried are brought to light.  The first two stories about the younger siblings were interesting and gave me a few laughs along the way, but were definitely not my favorites either, and I knew going in that Nick and Charlotte’s story was going to be a tear-jerker. But for anyone that likes some silliness and sadness alongside their romance, this story would be right up their alley.  I also assumed this story would be the end of the series, but apparently there is another coming and I suspect I know who will be the hero of it, but there have been no details released just yet. I will definitely read the final story just to see what happens next, but I am truly dying for whatever Ms. London releases next in her historical line and gives me back for my favorite branch of romance.

Nick and Charlotte have been dancing around one another for a while now, ever since the fateful night almost two years ago when they made an error in judgment that landed then in bed together.   Now they are forced to work side-by-side running the cattle company, one that Nick resents with every fiber of his being and just simply wants out from under.  Charlotte wants Nick and knows it is mutual, but there is something keeping him at a distance and she enjoys needling him at every turn, but at the same time she has a true desire to move forward with her goal of a family and an HEA.  When they both decide that the dancing is better together, the sparks fly and soon they are in way deeper than either of them could have imagined initially. Now Nick has to decide if there is a place for Charlotte and a future with her in his life goals, or if letting her go is the best thing for them both in the long run. And Charlotte has to decide if Nick’s mistakes are too big to ever forgive and forget to give him another chance at her heart.

Billionaire in Boots is a deceptively simple story on its surface.  Two people that have been rubbing along for years finally decide to give it a go and see where life leads them, but there is so much more going on that sometimes it becomes a bit too much for one story.  Nick has dreams that he has had to put on hold in order to fulfill her duty to his family, but he knows that it is time for him to go all in or he will never find an ounce of happiness for himself.  I hated seeing how he was always put down by his family, even in subtle and maybe unintentional ways, and I could certainly see how he felt like he was the son that was left with a forced future instead of the chance to be himself. His resentment made him into an even more broody guy than he is by nature, but he definitely had his light moments with Charlotte and his niece which were fun to watch. Charlotte takes an entirely different view of life, trying to inject life and love into every moment even if she is working.  Fun can be had in all moments to her and I can appreciate her view, even if I can’t live it personally.  She was a perfect match, or I guess foil would be a better term, to Nick’s personality and made them perfect together.  I hated to see the angst between them in the rough patches they went through, but in the end I think they will succeed and find their true happiness as they move forward with their future together.  HEA doesn’t always end up like the characters or the readers imagined, but sometimes it is perfect nonetheless and that was the case here. There was plenty of passion once they gave into it, but the story really revolved around them dealing with the emotional drama they had to overcome. I enjoyed the story overall and would have loved it had there been a few little differences here and there but that’s just my personal little glitch with some motifs. I am wondering what will come next in this series and dying for the next in London’s historical series to be sure.  Seems like I am never going to be a true convert for the contemporary branch of her writing, but the series is enjoyable and has its moments of greatness for certain.

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

ARC Review: Black Out (Black's Bandits #3)

Black Out (Black's Bandits #3)

by Lynn Raye Harris 

Blurb:

Angelica Turner’s life is in danger. If she wants to survive, she’ll have to turn to a man with violence in his eyes and death in his soul. A man she desires… yet desperately needs to resist.

Hardened mercenary Colton Duchaine has wanted Angie since he first laid eyes on her, but he’s the wrong kind of man for an innocent woman like her.

Until someone wants her silenced. Colt will do whatever it takes to keep her alive. And when it’s over, he’ll walk away for good.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Angie and Colt finally find their way into one another’s arms and the story is everything I’d hoped it would be. For anyone that has been a fan of this series since it branched off the HOT series you have been watching with baited breath for Angie to finally get over her trauma and let Colt into her heart. Ms. Harris has such skill of bringing these truly unreal characters down to earth and making us love them, while leaving a bit of mystery and fun for us to experience as we truly get to know them. This story picks up right where the second in the series left off, with Angie finding herself in a bit of trouble and in need of her new friends’ help, despite her dedication to never finding herself in danger again.  Colt has been waiting for a chance to get closer to Angie, but he never wanted to see her in any danger that’s for sure.  When she comes to him with suspicions about her work, he knows that he needs to investigate further so that he can reassure himself – and her – that she is truly safe. Things start to heat up for them, but danger is just around the corner too and only with the help of Black’s Bandits will Colt be able to save the woman he loves.  I am dying for what comes next in this series for sure and cannot wait for whoever falls in love next, but the biggest story of all will be what comes next for Ian and Natasha, because I can already tell that is going to be a seriously interesting story to read.

Black Out lets readers get into the minds and hearts of two individuals that are used to living life alone, even when they are dependent on others at times, because they never truly give their full trust to those around them anymore.  Angie was burned badly by the man she thought she was building a life with and since then has only found bad luck with the opposite sex, until Colton Duchaine strolls into her life. He truly terrifies her because she knows that if she opens her heart, he will have the power to destroy her once and for all.  I loved getting to know Angie and see her come out of her shell, especially in quiet moments with Colt, as she begins to understand that offering her trust and ultimately her heart to Colt makes her strong not weak.  She finds her backbone and learns that she is a match for him and that making him her own is the only way she will ever truly be whole and happy in her life.  Colton has his own reasons for his solitary life, secrets he is keeping from even his closest friends, but Angie draws him like no woman before her and there is no resisting her anymore. Watching him fall under her spell and seeing how he treated her like a princess, reminds me that there are in fact men out there that will put the needs and wants of their woman first in life.  Sometimes it’s not even the big things that matter, but the little things like caring for us when we are ill or just telling us that we are perfect the way we are, and Colt understands the power of that and gives it to Angie at every turn.  While he is certainly a badass in all the best ways and alpha to the core when it comes to protecting his woman and getting shit done, he shows his love and caring and is not afraid for others to see his devotion and love for his woman. There is definitely heat and passion but my favorite moments between Angie and Colt were when they were just together and quiet in their love and devotion. I want a love like theirs for myself someday for sure. This story hits all the right notes with love, sweetness, action, drama, and a plot with enough twists to keep you wondering until the end.  I am looking forward to more in their series as well as the two HOT series currently underway.  If you aren’t a devoted Harris reader yet, Angie and Colt's story just might make you one!

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