ARC Review: A Cowboy Kind of Love (Heart of Texas #6)

A Cowboy Kind of Love (Heart of Texas #6)

by Donna Grant 

Blurb:

Who wants to rodeo again?

Jace Wilder has been rebuilding his life since the love of his life, Taryn, up and left town unexpectedly. But when she mysteriously returns, Jace’s dependable world comes crashing down. Taryn is hiding a dangerous secret, and no matter how hard he tries, Jace can’t stay away―especially when Taryn is at risk. And especially when the attraction he thought he’d buried long ago is back and hotter than ever. Will he be able to trust Taryn again?

Taryn Hillman’s world fell apart one horrifying night, and it’s never been the same since. When she sees a small chance at untangling herself, she takes it, though it means returning to Clearview – and seeing Jace again. But when he vows to protect her, will Taryn take a chance, and this time, never let him go?

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating:  

Review:

We have finally reached the ending of another fabulous series brought to us by our favorite romance author and while I really wish the story had been a lot longer than it turned out to be, I loved seeing all of the couples from the previous novels come together in such a meaningful way to  save Jace and his future.  We have been in suspense for a long time now waiting to find out the story behind and the outcome of Jace’s love life and to see how the end of this series would come around, but Donna Grant never fails to light a match to the fireworks of love and set the world of fire in a huge way. I have loved this series since the very beginning and watched it grow into something truly amazing and unlike any other series out there, with suspense, family devotion and drama to rival the romantic connections of each of the leads.  Jace and Taryn’s love story is one for the ages for sure, filled with pain and heartbreak and in the end the ultimate betrayal that makes a person wonder if there is truly a way to recover from some pains. If you are a fan of romantic suspense, second chance love, or just a truly amazing love story then you can’t go wrong with this one.  Truly an amazing ending to a series that has left us more and more enthralled and I am sad to see it end for sure. 

Jace is trying his best to deal with the heartbreak that is bringing him low, but his inability to get past the love of his life leaving him is slowly killing him, and his friends and family do not enjoy watching it happen.  Jace is almost at the end of his own endurance of the pain, when suddenly he begins to see his ex, Taryn, everywhere he looks, making him question his sanity until he is confronted with the truth of her return once and for all.  Taryn left Jace behind years ago for his own safety and the protection of the family she always did her best to protect, but now she has only one recourse left and has returned to their hometown.  Faced with a love that never died, Jace demands the full truth not only of Taryn’s return but why she left and where she has been all this time, though he never imagined the story he would hear.  Now they have to find a way to free her only remaining family from the hands of a psycho, keep Jace and his family safe, and hopefully find a way for them to stay together once and for all.  But sometimes the truth is buried even deeper than imagined and when Taryn is confronted with the lies she’s been fed for almost a decade she has to come to terms with it quickly, or face losing the man who owns her heart and soul.

This story was entirely unexpected and surprising in the twists and turns that we were taken on, not the least of which was the depth of love that Jace carried all the years Taryn was away.  Very few men are portrayed as such devoted lovers in novels when they are left behind in such an abrupt and abortive manner, making me love Jace all the more.  That kind of honor, in addition to his sweet but alpha personality, determination, and sexiness made him truly the whole package.  It was hard to see him struggling so hard in the beginning, but we were able to connect with him so much more and live his pain with him through that and as he healed when he learned the hard truths he’d always needed, it showed us his inner strength as well.  I loved seeing how he interacted with Taryn, not just in the bedroom, but working with her to save her and her family, reminding her that she was love and wanted, and bringing her back into the fold of his huge and loving family to give her something she so obviously was lacking.  Taryn has obviously led a troubled life, living so much for the family that she loved, but that never gave her the love and respect she needed in return.  I was upset on her behalf through most of the book, but at that same time just as angry as Jace at some of the decisions she made, especially when the truth came out and we learned just how much she truly sacrificed for ungrateful people.  She was sweet, and smart in her way, but it was obvious that she needed her blinders removed much sooner.  I loved seeing her find her way back into Jace’s arms and into his family so that she could have the love and safety she needed in order to find her happiness and the steady and loving support she needed to flourish.

While I can honestly say that I enjoyed this story, I wish there had been more time for Jace and Taryn to spend on their reunion and rebuilding their relationship.  There is such a tight and deadly timeline through most of the story that they are rushed in their emotional development as they reunite and try to find a way to enact the ultimate plan to save all of them.  Jace is the quintessential cowboy badass, with the perfect amount of extra added from his time in the military and I loved seeing him getting to use those skills in order to save his woman.  He was just the right amount of alpha combined with a deep and abiding loving nature to make him the perfect mate for Taryn.  Taryn is a woman at her endpoint in so many ways and taking the chance to see the man she never stopped loving one last time is the only hope she has for a few moments of happiness, but she never imagined that it would bloom into her salvation.  When she finally accepts his assistance and allows his friends to help they make the ultimate battle team, even when confronted with the unthinkable betrayal. The passion between these two was off the charts from the very first moment, even when they were just arguing, but once they allowed themselves the freedom to embrace their emotions again the heat became almost too much to witness.  I am very sad to see this series end, especially with a few new characters introduced and some others that didn’t get their story yet, which leaves me hoping for the possibility of a spinoff series in the future.  In the meantime I will say I loved every second of this series and the passion and family drama that Donna shared with us, and look forward to whatever comes next.  Truly one of the greatest series I have read recently.

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

ARC Review: Faux Paws (The Dogmothers #6)

Faux Paws (The Dogmothers #6)

by Roxanne St. Claire

Blurb:

At a personal and career crossroads he never expected, Navy nuclear engineer Theo Santorini faces the fact that his once charmed existence isn’t so charmed anymore. Then, on a cross country trip, he saves a desperate and abused dog, hoping he can turn around both their lives. When he arrives at Waterford Farm in North Carolina with his rescue, Clementine, Theo’s matchmaking grandmother and her best friend immediately launch a plan to help both man and dog. Theo doesn’t hate their idea of getting an assist from a beautiful, enigmatic “pet psychic” while he figures out his next move. But the woman’s preposterous claims that she can read an animal’s mind seriously test an engineer who lives for logic and flees from feelings.

After bolting from the church when she learned the groom waiting at the altar had cheated on her, Ayla Hollis can now add “runaway bride” to her short resume. But this perennial people-pleaser has broken free from her stifling upbringing and is finally ready to begin a new life. She’ll start by openly admitting to the world that she has a gift that might seem bizarre to some, but she can help animals, and in a town that loves dogs, that makes her a local hero. Her first “patient” is an emotionally damaged stray dog held in the strong arms of a handsome, but skeptical, owner. Ayla soon finds it can be much easier to understand an animal’s feelings than those of a man who refuses to believe her abilities are real.

As Theo and Ayla work together to help Clementine heal, they can’t deny one thing is real: their sizzling chemistry that quickly grows to feelings of forever. But before the Dogmothers can claim another successful match, Ayla’s psychic skills thrust her into a perilous spotlight that threatens everything. With their love on the line and a dog’s life in the balance, Ayla’s gift could save them all…but only if Theo will finally risk his heart and believe.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating:  

Review:

The Dogmothers once again remind us of the healing power of love—between two people in need of it as well as the love between a canine and their person(s)—in this newest adventure in Bitter Bark, NC, the most dog-friendly town in America.  I have been all-in with this series since the beginning of its predecessor (The Dogfather Series) and I find that with each story I become more invested in this family and dread more and more that I can see the end in sight since we are almost out of family members in need of a match.  Gramma Finnie and Yiayia have worked their subtle and magnificent magic again with the return of Theo into the family fold and the introduction of a new friend, a woman destined to become so much more not just to the family but to the town.   The story is filled with heartbreak, uplifting revelations, and the truth that sometimes the family you are born into lets you down, but luckily we can choose another family to give us just what we need in life and to offer us the love of a lifetime.  I have been looking forward to this story for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is getting to see more of Yiayia’s own little romance, but I was even surprised how much I was brought to tears and then amazed as this fabulous story unfolded and Theo and Ayla found their way through the labyrinth of heartbreak and disappointment they were dealing with.  I am dying to see what comes next as we’ve gotten serious heavy hints for the last two kids in the clan and who their matches might be, but as we know with Rocki, nothing is set in stone until the last strike of her keyboard falls.

Ayla Hollis has just made the first really rebellious choice in her life, running out on her own wedding after finding out what a cheating rat her fiance truly is, but luckily she has a good friend willing to put her up on her ranch and give her a purpose with her animal rescues. She has hidden her truth for entirely too long so when she has the chance to finally unload and share with her friend, the relief and freedom it gives her brings the realization that it is time for real changes in her life.  Theo Santorini is on the last leg of a long drive back home to North Carolina after his professional and personal lives have imploded leaving him jobless, homeless, and suddenly single—not to mention the reluctant rescuer to a traumatized rescue animal. When he arrives at Waterford Farms, he is determined to do whatever he needs to do to get Clementine healthy and happy, but when the sexy stranger introduces herself as a freaking pet psychic he is way beyond skeptical, despite how drawn he is to her.  But the time they spend together, becoming friends, and working toward the shared goal of Clementine's mental health and upgrading the Last Chance ranch for their friend, the harder it is to resist the connection between them.  Ayla wants so badly to claim Theo and be claimed in return, but she refuses to ever settle for a man that doesn’t accept her fully, heart and soul, including her gifts, and unless Theo can learn to really believe in her, they have no chance of a future.  Can such a scientific minded and practical man really come to understand the woman that has stolen his heart and understand just how deep their feelings have gotten, or will he give up their chance at a future together?

Theo is the quintessential practical scientist in so many ways, and it was intense and frustrating seeing him denying and overthinking Ayla at every turn instead of just accepting what his heart was telling him.  I loved the sweetness he never failed to share and the strength of mind and spirit he always exhibited as he worked through his own fears and issues.  It was obvious he was hurt and had a lot of deep problems and concerns to work through, but in the end all it took was seeing through the eyes of someone he trusted empirically to come to believe wholeheartedly in the woman he loved and her gifts.  He might have been a little bit frustrating at times, but it was easy to see that even when he didn’t fully understand the depth of his feelings or even why he was so connected to Ayla, he wasn’t willing to just let her go and he never tried to hurt her in his ignorance or arrogance.  Ayla was really one of those people that got screwed big time in the family department to say the least; honestly with parents and siblings like that, it’s amazing that she didn’t become a total witch and was as selfless and sweet as she was, but her connection to the animals and their need for her obviously had a lot to do with that. After she finally decided to take her life into her hands, leaving behind the dead weight of her old life and focus only on the good, she is free for the first time in all her years.  Her strength, once she finally decides to live for herself instead of others, was outstanding and beautiful to see as she stood up not only to those from her past, but even to Theo as he shortchanged and tried to downplay her gifts again and again.  Her charm and passion for helping the animals made her the perfect addition to the Waterford group and all of the people that make their inner circle for certain, because you could tell all her thoughts and focus was on those she cared about in any given moment they had her attention, no matter if they were four- or two-legged.  The best part of her story in my opinion was her fearlessness in the face of danger to herself when it came to saving and caring for those she loved and running into danger to protect her beloved animals or man was a no sweat decision for her.  The heartaches she had to live through in order to hone the inner strength of her steel backbone made me hurt for her, but in the end it was obvious she was a better person than those around her and that she learned the right lessons from those mistakes and encounters.

This story of the small pains and hurts you can cause a person, even without meaning to (which I guess is the true meaning of the name Faux Paws) is a wonderful reminder that words truly can hurt when they come from a person that means something to us.  Theo is determined to make no attachments while he awaits his next big offer and then he’ll be gone from Bitter Bark, but the sweet and sexy animal communicator has grabbed his attention even as he continues to doubt her with every neuron in his brain.  Ayla has finally found her freedom and place in the world and would love for Theo to be a part of that, but his doubt and the small slices to her heart he unintentionally causes are almost more than she can bear as they get to know one another.  But once they both get to know one another more and come to terms with the power of her gifts, Ayla and Theo both learn that they both needed the love of the Bitter Bark crew in order to truly find their place in the world and the freedom to express their love so they can be together.  Once he accepted that, even if he couldn’t explain it rationally, he believed in Ayla, Theo became the man she needed him to be all along and they realized they were the puzzle pieces always missing from one another’s lives.  The chemistry and pull between these two was there from the very beginning, but with so many obstacles it took them a good long time to be able to give into their passions, but once it did the warmth of their love and heat of their passion was undeniable.  I loved every second of this book and would have loved it to be even longer just to be able to continue enjoying time with Theo, Ayla and Clementine. Of course the story of their pup, Clementine was beyond heart-wrenching and made me angry enough to spit nails, but hopefully stories like these spreading the greatness that is the canine, there will be fewer and fewer of those stories in the future.  I cannot wait for the next story, whether it is Nick’s or Ella’s, but I fear that once those are done the series will end and I’ll be in dire need of another great series to read. Another canine masterpiece, Rocki.  

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

ARC Review: Just One Night (The Kingston Family #1)

Just One Night (The Kingston Family #1)

by Carly Phillips

Blurb:

She’s the woman he can’t live without.

The one he can’t risk screwing up their relationship by sleeping with her.

Linc Kingston doesn’t accept anything less than perfection. Not in his billion-dollar business or in his personal life. He has it all. Except one thing. His personal assistant and best friend in his bed, moaning his name. No matter how much Linc wants her, she’s completely off-limits.

Jordan Greene grew up the daughter of the housekeeper at the Kingston estate, where she met and bonded with Linc at a young age, despite their economic differences. But no matter how close they are now or how much their attraction simmers beneath the surface, they’re still from two different worlds. Besides, Jordan isn’t about to risk losing her best friend for one sensual night.

Jordan might be the only woman who can handle Linc and his domineering, bossy attitude, but beneath that gruff exterior is a vulnerable man who, despite his wealth, has had a less-than-charmed life. And when Linc’s father dies, she’s there for him—unwavering in her friendship.

Until one night of passion and a positive pregnancy test changes everything.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 4

Review:

Another new spinoff kicks off with the amazing story of two longtime best friends that finally admit to themselves and one another how deep their feelings are. Carly Phillips jumps right into this new series with the amazing story of the oldest of the Kingston siblings, who we met in Dare to Stay, as he comes to terms with the drama and trauma left behind by the death of his father.  Linc and Jordan are wonderful characters to begin this series, and while I didn’t realize there would be so much timing overlap with Dare to Stay, I enjoyed seeing the story from Linc’s POV instead of just Aurora’s like we did in that story.  Carly has a fantastic skill that brings the love of family and weaves it into the lives and loves of each off her characters as she puts them through hell before they find their way to their much deserved HEAs. I am really looking forward to more of this series and getting to know this new family of interesting and dynamic characters. Carly strikes gold once again.

Linc Kingston is buried in paperwork and dealing with the disasters his father left behind with a sudden death when he stumbles across the awful and heartbreaking truth that his father hid for twenty years.  Apparently he has a half-sister out there somewhere that has been neglected and left to fend for herself far too long.  Determined to bring her into the family fold, Linc recruits the help of his best friend and assistant Jordan Greene, the one person he has always counted on to have his back, and together they will do whatever it takes to bring Aurora home. Jordan hates seeing the pain Linc is in, but she has to protect her heart at the same time, because the more vulnerable he is, the harder it is to deny to herself how deeply in love she is with him.  But once they cross the line, falling into one another’s arms and beds, the line becomes so blurred that only coming to terms with their deepest emotional pains and truths can lead them to the chance at a future together. If the consequences of their nights together don’t complicate things too much for them to handle.

Linc and Jordan were perfectly matched from the beginning, but that makes perfect sense as they have been best friends since they were children.  Honestly when you have loved someone and hidden it from one another so long the pain and deep seated need to protect your heart can be pretty difficult to overcome.  Linc has lusted after Jordan from the time he realized she was a woman, but their friendship meant too much to him to ever risk reaching for anything more.  He has hidden so long from his emotional connections with her, he honestly doesn’t understand how deep in he is, but I loved seeing him figure it out slowly.  Linc was the kind of strong and decisive guy that just doesn’t know how to give up on something he wants once he makes up his mind. He was a sweetheart too when he was in private moments with Jordan, reminding us that even the strongest of men can be mush with the women that own their hearts. Jordan was a strong woman for sure; having to keep her feelings for her best friend bottled up for decades, out of fear and the knowledge that he had no desire to be in a long-term relationship.  She knew that being with him would leave her shattered, but she couldn’t deny the need to have just those moments and memories to look back on, and when they were together she tried not to let him see how deeply he held her heart.  I hated to see the way they both allowed others to drive their relationship for so many years, letting their opinions be swayed by idiots that just didn’t matter.  I did love seeing Jordan—and Aurora—standup to just such an idiot and put her in her place (*cough* bitch *cough*).

Just One Night reminds readers that while just one night truly can change a life in extraordinary ways; sometimes the best love stories take decades to build.  Jordan and Linc’s love story was one that was reminiscent of some of my favorite Carly stories, bringing in pieces of her writing that make her one of my favorite authors, including empowering women and showing us that sometimes only by letting go of our fears can love bloom.  Jordan was such a strong woman in so many aspects and made Linc that much luckier to have earned her love.  I enjoyed getting to know her character and seeing her find her place in the Kingston family and finally letting go of past hang-ups.  Linc needed a swift kick in the butt several times, in my opinion, but he got them in subtle ways and in the end was a better man for them.  Once he finds a way to see Jordan for the wonderful woman and partner she is, he becomes a perfect partner and lover for her.  The passion between them was there every second as they worked through their emotional issues and I can see them sneaking in quickies in the office for many years to come.  I cannot wait for the next story (Just One Scandal) where we get to know more about Linc’s other sister Chloe and the rest of his siblings.  Another series that will be added to my forever bookshelf for sure. 

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

Just One Night Coming soon!

JUST ONE NIGHT

Carly Phillips

Release Date: April 20

She’s the woman he can’t live without.

The one he can’t risk screwing up their relationship by sleeping with her.

Linc Kingston doesn’t accept anything less than perfection. Not in his billion-dollar business or in his personal life. He has it all. Except one thing. His personal assistant and best friend in his bed, moaning his name. No matter how much Linc wants her, she’s completely off-limits.

Jordan Greene grew up the daughter of the housekeeper at the Kingston estate, where she met and bonded with Linc at a young age, despite their economic differences. But no matter how close they are now or how much their attraction simmers beneath the surface, they’re still from two different worlds. Besides, Jordan isn’t about to risk losing her best friend for one sensual night.

Jordan might be the only woman who can handle Linc and his domineering, bossy attitude, but beneath that gruff exterior is a vulnerable man who, despite his wealth, has had a less-than-charmed life. And when Linc’s father dies, she’s there for him—unwavering in her friendship.

Until one night of passion and a positive pregnancy test changes everything.

Buy Links:

Kindle: https://amzn.to/36kNCnm

Nook: http://bit.ly/2NzFE31

Apple: http://apple.co/3psAOTb

Kobo: http://bit.ly/3t8i4us

Google Play: http://bit.ly/3ciOywj

Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/3clMEei

AUDIO - Connor Crais and Mckenzie Cartwright!

Audible: https://smarturl.it/OneNightAudible

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

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

ARC Review: Found (Powertools: The Shields #1)

Found (Powertools: The Shields #1)

by Jayne Rylon 

Blurb:

The Shields security team accepts missions in the grey area of both law and morality that no one else wants or can handle. They’re a ragtag bunch of special ops soldiers, ex-government agents, and hackers wrangled by a former construction worker who aspired to be a superhero’s sidekick when he grew up.

What could go wrong when they turn their sights on a human trafficking ring that might have been the reason their coordinator’s sister disappeared nearly thirty years ago?

Nolan Skalbeck is sure their assignment is a bad bet. Regardless of whether or not they find the hauntingly gorgeous woman their artist sketched or not, the horrific things he discovers about the operation they’ve infiltrated convinces him they have to shut it down for good by whatever means necessary.

What he doesn’t expect is to fall for a woman who already has a partner, and is willing to share him with Nolan. Once he has, it will take every bit of his strength and training to keep from losing them both.

Even if he’s successful, how will he convince them, himself included, that he’s not a horrible person—like the ones they’ve been surrounded by for most of their lives—even though he hunts and destroys evil bastards for a living?

Themes:  Erotica, Polyamory

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Who would have ever thought, when reading the very first Powertools story (Kate's Crew) that the fantastic story tree Jayne was planting would sprout so many amazing and interesting branches?! This new spinoff takes us deeper into the world of the Shields, the amazing superhero-esque team of folks that we’ve met in previous stories and that James has taken control of as office manager.  They are on their newest and most important mission ever when the world for one of their operators changes forever as he meets the loves of his life and two people that he doesn’t believe he will ever be good enough for. I have read and been a fan of every single story in this ever expanding Powertools universe and the more Jayne gives us, the more engrossed I find myself, but this newest story made me cry as much as it did reach for ice to cool off.  Nolan, Laurel, and Jace’s story is one that is filled with emotional trauma coming from all sides, danger, and the fears that can drive a wedge between people if they don’t fight their way through it.  I loved every single second of this story and seeing this triad find their HEA and admit their deep emotional connection and need for one another had me crying happy tears by the end.  Jayne has done it again, though I never understand how she can come up with all these emotional storylines, and I am dying for the next one in the series for sure as we get to see the rest of the Shields folks lose their hearts to others.

Nolan is on a mission to find the first woman that has really ever intrigued him, and he’s never even seen a real picture of her much less met her in person.  James’s older sister Laurel is out there somewhere, the victim of child trafficking and he refuses to give up until they know what happened to her.  After a wildly successful takedown of the last trafficker they know had her, Nolan goes rogue following a lead and finds himself in a compromising situation that could certainly have been the death of him.  Laurel has found a small measure of peace with her roommate and best friend Jace, who escaped the traffickers with her, and together they are working to slowly build a future together, despite the denial of their deeper connection from both sides. Now they are thrown together with the Shields and Nolan is their protector, but they are drawn to the strong sexy man in more than one way.  Jace has made it his life’s work to protect Laurel, even at the chance of them never having a true relationship, but when Nolan confronts them with the truth of their emotions, Laurel and Jace have to decide if embracing their connection—and the one with Nolan—is worth the risks.  As they come together in a blazing embrace, the dangers stalking Laurel and Jace continue to be very real and when their lives are on the line, Nolan knows he will do everything including give his life to the two people that have stolen his heart. 

Well, what can you say about these three sexy, but slightly broken individuals that have so much to work through, except, WOW.  Nolan was of course the ultimate hero, sweet and sensual with an undercurrent of danger, but when he was with Laurel and Jace, his sweetness and caring nature reminded us that there are two important sides of the protector.  He can definitely kick ass and take names when needed, but on the flip side he can be there to help emotionally heal those he loves and give those he cares for everything they need to be whole.  I loved getting to know him, and I teared up as he expressed his own vulnerabilities, it was nice to see that he wasn’t perfect and really was just a man. Laurel and Jace had two of the saddest, but inspiring stories I have read in a long time, after all who else do you know who could go through what they did, but come out so brave and loving in the end. Laurel lost everything, but she never lost the hope that her baby brother was safe and happy and that reunion was heart-wrenching for sure, but as she found safety and security she blossomed into the smart and sweet woman she always should have grown into.  She had such an inner strength, like all the other Powertools (and extended family) ladies, she just has to dig deeper to find it and understand how to wield it more subtly.  Jace was the darkest character, letting his past drive him onto a very cynical and skeptical path that made it nearly impossible for him to trust, even when he is offered a hand up.  He knows what he wants, and is willing to work himself into exhaustion to give Laurel and himself to chance at a future, but when someone tries to help he resents it.  I loved seeing him mellow as Nolan showed him that there are trustworthy can caring people in the world that wouldn’t let him down.

This story truly is one that is about three people that Found that love together was the only path that would lead them out of the darkness and into the light.  I have read a lot of romances and erotica, including polyamory, and in my humble opinion, Jayne Rylon remains (along with two of her favorite writing partners) the best of the bunch.  Nolan, Laurel, and Jace embody the love that we are all looking for, it just so happens they needed that third piece of their personal puzzle in order for their lasting HEA to make sense.  Nolan was a kick ass character with an inner sweetness he reserved for his mates, a take no prisoners alpha nature when taking care of business, and the brains to know when he has found a good thing in life.  Laurel has lived through a trauma that most people could never imagine, but she has come out the other side still a caring and loving woman that is just looking for a chance to have the man (or men) she needs love her right back and a chance to help others that have lived through similar situations.  Jace had his own path to and through the darkness, but he has had Laurel to lead him to the light for so long and protects that at all costs, but he has such beauty inside him as well and offers his heart to his lovers once he knows there is no way he can live without them.  The heat and passion between these three was there from the first moment they connected and never died until the last word and I look forward to seeing more of them in future stories.  I am DYING for the next story in the series, because honestly, Jayne teased us WAY too much in this one with what is coming next and really that was just mean! Jayne is the mistress of ménage and the new Powertools: Shields series is promising to be another masterwork.

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

Review: Unintended Target (MacArthur Family #2)

Unintended Target (MacArthur Family #2)

by Katie Reus 

Blurb:

He’s not her type.

Elementary school teacher Patience had her whole summer planned out, and it included margaritas and a lot of time at the beach. But when she agrees to a temporary nanny position as a favor to a friend, the last thing she expected was to butt heads with—or be attracted to—Brodie MacArthur, her employer’s sexy head of security.

But that doesn’t stop her from wanting him.

Brodie made a mistake with Patience and forever ruined her first impression of him. Just as their heated clashes reach a peak, Patience falls ill…and it’s something far more sinister than a simple summer bug. He screwed up once. He won’t do it again. And when he learns that the danger is closer than they imagined, he’ll have to fight to protect her—and win her heart.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

 The saga continues with the story of the middle MacArthur brother who turns out to be the most intense of the siblings.  I had no idea where this story was going to go, despite the sometimes overused nanny trope, but this one was fun in that it was the nanny and the head of security instead of the nanny and the single father that got together. Katie Resus has and amazing ability to make her characters come alive for her readers and brings us right into their lives. Patience is ready to kick of a restful summer before she has to go back to teaching until her mother guilts her into helping out a family friend in a bind and she finds herself serving as a nanny temporarily to his young ward until he gets the hang of things.  But it puts her right into the sights of the sexy and dangerous Brodie, the head of security, and despite their first meeting not going well at all, Brodie is attracted ridiculously and Patience finds herself drawn as well.  As they spend more and more time together, learning about each other, resisting the attraction becomes nearly impossible, but then strange things begin happening to and around Patience and Brodie has to ask himself is she is worth fighting for and protecting from all dangers so he can have her for himself. Brodie was definitely a sexy beast and I loved seeing him growling and grumbling as Patience drove him nuts, but his sweet moments and when he was being protective were just as great.  He didn’t put his best foot forward to be sure, but he works hard to prove to Patience that he is a good man and worth taking a chance on because it is obvious that he is growing to really care for her.  Patience is not in a place to have a relationship really, but once Brodie redeems himself and proves he is a caring and loving guy, she begins to question if they might be able to have a chance.  She is terrified when danger begins to compound around her but she also trusts Brodie to keep her safe regardless.  I loved the passion between Brodie and Patience as it slowly builds out of the missteps of their first meeting and as the heat continued to grow it only got better.  I am looking forward to the next story in the trilogy for sure because Brodie’s sister Sienna sounds like a very intriguing character to get to know.

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