Review: When Sparks Fly

When Sparks Fly

by Helena Hunting 

Blurb:

Running the Spark House, a hotel/event space that has been in her family for years, has been Avery Spark’s lifelong dream. After years of working hard and making personal sacrifices, Avery and her two younger sisters have turned the Spark House into the premier destination in Colorado Springs. Avery is living her best life—she works with her sisters and loves every minute of it, she has a great group of friends, and she lives in a fantastic condo with her best friend Declan. She might not have any love in her life, but she's happy.

But everything comes to a screeching halt when Avery is in a car accident, leaving her immobile for weeks. After nearly losing Avery, Declan insists that he will be the one to take care of her while she recovers. However, as Declan becomes Avery’s caretaker, lines begin to blur.

Avery and Declan have been best friends since college and always had an attraction to one another, but when she ended up dating his best friend, Sam, they successfully stamped down any feelings they may have ever had for one another. Now, as Declan and Avery spend more time together, they each begin to wonder what would’ve happened if she'd dated him instead of Sam. What starts as a friend helping out another friend turns into foreplay and, before they realize it, they recognize how deeply they care for one another. But when things get serious their past threatens to destroy everything they have built.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 3.5 stars

Heat Rating:

Review:

So this was a first for me by Helen Hunting and while I enjoyed the story I don’t think I’ll be returning to this author.  The writing and premise of the story was interesting and could have been amazing but it sadly it a few of my peeves.  The story begins with two best friends/roommates who have to deal with the trauma of one of them in a live altering car accident and then they have to deal with the fallout.  Avery Spark  has shared an apartment with her best friend Declan since college and despite a few bumps in the road she is generally happy with her life, except that her family business is in serious danger of going under.  When she sets out to win a contract to save the business, tragedy strikes and she wakes from a terrible car accident to find herself with a broken arm and leg, and essentially at the mercy of her roommate.  Declan is devastated about Avery’s injuries, blaming himself for letting her down and her being hurt, but he’s determined to see to her every need and make sure she gets back to 100%.  Forced into constant and VERY personal contact, Avery and Declan discover a deeply buried attraction that quickly becomes more as they become lovers.  But can their relationship survive when Avery is no longer dependent on Declan or will the love they thought they found die like sparks flying from a fire? I enjoyed some parts of this story, but there were a lot of points where the story got to slow and mired down for me.  Avery was not my favorite character and Declan definitely had some issues to work through.  I will say that they are definitely believable characters, with a lot of personable and understandable traits, but sometimes there is such a thing as an overwritten character.  I also wasn’t a huge fan of Avery and the way her sisters interacted for a good bit of the book, the huge lack of communication making me slightly nuts.  In the end the story was an enjoyable enough read, with plenty of heated moments, a few laughs, but entirely too many tears and moments of unhappiness for the H/h and I was left wanting for the romance.  I wont say not to read it for yourself and see what you think, but I will say it was not my cup of tea by any standard except that is was well written and the plot flowed nicely.    

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

ARC Review: Burning Desire (Turn Up the Heat #2)

Burning Desire (Turn Up the Heat #2)

by Marie Harte

Blurb:

Firefighter Tex McGovern struck out with Bree Gilchrist the first time. And the second. And the third... He should probably just stay away. After all, Bree's father is his boss, and pursuing her goes against the firefighter brotherhood. No matter how much he desires her, Bree is off limits. Period. But as things start to heat up between them, Tex decides some codes are meant to be broken...

Bree distrusts Tex. The displaced cowboy-turned-rescue-worker is too wild and wicked for his own good. Then she sees him helping people with no thought to himself, and she can't help wondering what could be if she were suddenly his. But her father will not have his daughter dating a firefighter, and he can break Tex's career. That's a heavy burden to place on anyone, and Tex and Bree are forced to decide if the sparks between them are enough to risk the fallout to them both.

Themes:  Contemporary, Firefighters

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

The sexy firefighters of Station 44 return in the continuing series that grabbed my attention with the realism and dedication to conquering emotional and relationship issues that so many other novels just gloss over. Marie Harte has a unique writing style and she has never shies away from the problems that real people face in life, from physical trauma to PTSD and all manner of emotional trauma in between and it brings her characters to life for the readers. This series began with the story of two enemies finding love when forced into proximity and having to come to terms with the fact that sometimes the truth of a person is much deeper than at first glance. In that story we got glimpses of the coming plot for Burning Desire but Marie took it so much further with Tex and Bree and the love that developed between them.  The connection between Tex’s brother in arms and the group they call family continues to grow stronger as they find love with their mates, but the dynamic is ever hilarious and has true moments of support than many of us never find in our friends.  I am dying for the next story in this series and truly cannot wait to again be immersed in the brotherhood of Station 44 and find out who loses their hearts next.

Tex McGovern has been in serious want of Bree Gilchrist since he met her on a dating app and connected, but their first attempt at a date was truly disastrous, and then he finds out she is the battalion chief’s daughter.   Even knowing that it could be putting his career in jeopardy, Bree continues to captivate him, despite her chilly response to the catastrophic mistake on their date and when his second attempt is thwarted by a mix-up after a fire, he knows he has some serious work to do in order to have a chance with the sexy and sultry photographer.  Bree knows she should never have given Tex as chance, much less a second one, but he just draws her like no other man she’s ever met.  When she wins a project that involves taking photographs of the department and fires they work around the city for a grant, in order to make her mark professionally, she never imagined she would be paired with Tex.  Keeping a professional and personal line is more and more impossible as the sexy Texan pours on the charm and sweetness and when Bree finally gives in, the line burns away like it never was.  The relationship between them puts so much in danger—Tex’s job with the department, Bree’s relationship with her father—but neither can deny that the love between the has become worth those risks.  Only by standing up together will they have a chance at the happy future they both need and want.

Tex is the quintessential man’s man and he has never denied that in the past he has been more than a bit of a ladies man, but the minute he sees Bree something changes for him. Tex has some issues that make him resistant to commitment, but once he meets the woman that is his, it isn’t so much a fear of committing at that point, it’s more a resistance to change.  The deck is certainly stacked against him with the woman that fate chose for him, but Bree is worth it and he is willing to deal with the crap that everyone throws at him in order to have her.  I loved the fact that he was an alpha man, protective, and strong, but at the same time he was sweet and supportive of Bree.  When she asked for space or time, he was considerate of that, and once they committed to one another he never looked at another woman.  I would like to find a man just like Tex for myself to be honest.  Bree never imagined herself settling down with a firefighter, it cannot be denied, but meeting a man like Tex showed her that there are some things that just cannot be controlled.  Bree has worked hard all her life, trying to make a place for herself in her chosen profession(s) and she is finally finding her way and the project she is dedicated to is truly important to her.  I loved the way she stood up for herself in making sure that Tex knew her work was just as important to her as his was to him, that playing with him would not come first while the project was on a deadline.  She obviously had some issues with her family that needed working out and stressed her, but Tex even offered support in his own way with those troubles and though she didn’t know it, she needed and appreciated it in the end.  In the end the love that she had for Tex made her strong enough to finally stand up to her father and make him understand that he would not dictate who she fell in love and made a life with and he would not make her lover/husband’s life hell just because he happened to be his boss.

Burning Desire was a hilarious story of two people that kept having their worlds collide and then catastrophe would send them bouncing away again until the time was finally right for them to be together.  Sometimes, first or even second impressions aren’t enough to show the true nature of a person and if you feel that connection you have to keep trying.  Tex was a sexy and dedicated hero that was willing to put up with a lot in order to have the woman he loved in his life and ultimately was willing to give her everything she needed as well.  Bree was the perfect match for him, both fun and determined to succeed, smart and sassy, and ultimately strong enough to stand up for him and their love in order to give them the chance they both needed to have an HEA.  The chemistry between Bree and Tex was there from the very first moment they met, in the previous novel, and we could see that chemical reaction heating up until it finally exploded in their passion and then mellowed into an intensely burning love.  I am dying to know what comes next for this little group and see who falls in love next.  Marie Harte always captures my attention and steals my heart with her realistic characters, endearing antics, and deep understanding of relationship dynamics.  If you are looking for a sexy, deep, and fun read you cannot go wrong with Marie’s Burning Desire.

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

Review: The Judge (Highland Heroes #3)

The Judge (Highland Heroes #3)

by Maeve Greyson

Blurb:

When her father betrothed her to a duke, Isobel didn’t worry because Alasdair swore he’d save her. But he didn’t. Then word came her true love had succumbed to the plague. So, she married, and life became a living hell. Now she’s on the run to protect her son from his sadistic father and she discovers Alasdair alive and well, and begging for the chance to keep the promise he made so long ago.

Thanks to his MacCoinnich cousins; Alasdair Cameron is now the successful solicitor of two powerful Highland clans. A respected Scottish gentleman, his comfortable estate in Edinburgh has all a man could ever want. Except one thing. Life is cold and empty without his Isobel. He’s loved her since the two of them were children. But her father gave her to another, and Alasdair arrived too late to save her from the altar. He’s resigned himself to a life alone until his brother Ian talks him into a visit to Château Delatate, Edinburgh’s elite and secretive gentleman’s club, and the beguiling hostess answering the door is none other than his precious Isobel.

Duchess Isobel Cuthbarten never forgot her dear Alasdair’s oath: I’ll never let another take ye. Words of hope until she was told Alasdair was dead. The precious promise burned like salt in an open wound every time her abusive husband forced himself upon her. Now she’s escaped with her son, determined to make a new life. Out of money by the time she reaches Edinburgh, she secures employment as a hostess at Château Delatate. Thanks to the mercy and kindness of the big-hearted madam; Isobel doesn’t have to receive men. As hostess, she makes them feel comfortable in the smoking room until their lady for the evening becomes available. The job provides a roof, food, and a bit of money to set aside. With any luck, she can soon save enough to escape to the Highlands where her son will be safe from discovery. But then Alasdair walks through the door.

Themes:  Historical, Scottish

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

The fantastic MacCoinnich Clan is back with the story of Alasdair and the woman that has always held his heart, even when he thought she was long beyond his reach.  I fell into this series purely by chance when I found the first story and have loved these heroes every moment and this latest book is even better than some of the others.  Alasdair Cameron is the Clan solicitor and has made a nice life for himself in Edinburgh despite the love of his life being lost to him year earlier.  So he is stunned when his cousin informs him that she is suddenly working in a renowned brothel not 2 miles away from his home.  Determined to prove his cousin wrong Alasdair arrives of the steps of the brothel and finds that Isobel truly is there, but she wants nothing to do with him and tries to send him away.  Isobel can’t believe that Alasdair is alive and wants nothing to do with the man that left her to the hell and torment of her marriage to the Duke of Cuthbarten.  She mad her escape form the abusive bastard to save the life of her son, her aunt, and herself, but she knows her time is almost up if she doesn’t get away from Edinburgh.  Alasdair refuses to be pushed away again and when he forces Isobel to see him and tell him her story, there is no way he will allow her to go on the run—at least not without him and his protection.  They have a second chance for their love and a life together, if they can stop the black Duke after them and truly find a way to defeat him without it costing them their lives of their freedom.  This story was seriously a wild ride, with kidnappings, jail breaks, and so much more.  Isobel was a sensational heroine willing to do almost anything to protect those she loves, including kill or die in their stead, but in the end her wit and fortitude won the day for everyone.  She was brutally honest, sweet once Alasdair broke down her walls, and forgiving after he shared the story of his life.  She lived a hard few years in her marriage, but at the core of her she never changed from the sweet and loving girl that Alasdair always loved, and I enjoyed seeing her find a way back to that peace.  Alasdair is obviously and intelligent guy, being such a successful solicitor and business man, but to me the best thing about him was the way he stepped up for those in need of protecting and showed his heart and offered his shelter.  There were definitely some moments f his story were is sobbed for his pain, but his stretch his undeniable and the love that he had for Isobel made him the kind of man that was undefeatable. The passion between these two was more of a slow simmer in the beginning, due to Isobel’s trauma and the misunderstandings of their pasts, but once they got past those little hang-ups, the connection and heat between them burned hot and bright. I am dying to find out which of the MacCoinnich Clan falls next and seeing the drama and madness that is sure to ensue with their love story.  Another masterpiece of history romance that will keep you guessing until the very end, truly magical.

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

review: Saving Danger (Red Stone Security #17)

Saving Danger (Red Stone Security #17)

by Katie Reus

Blurb:

To maintain her cover and keep her family off her back, they fake a relationship.

Having spent her whole life trying to prove she’s just as capable as her three older brothers, art retrieval expert Ivy Danger has landed the biggest gig of her career, one that will pay off the mortgage of the animal shelter she owns. That is, if she doesn’t die before finishing the job. Even if she locates the stolen art, the violent gang of thieves won’t give up their million-dollar payday without a fight. She has one person she can turn to for help—Nash Harris. Security expert, her brother’s best friend…and the gorgeous man of her fantasies who treats her like a kid sister. Not that she’d do anything about her attraction anyway—not when it would screw up her family dynamic if things went sideways between them.

Now it’s impossible to tell what’s real and what’s not.

Despite having known Ivy forever, “brotherly” is the last thing Nash feels for the sexy troublemaker. She’s it for him. The One. He’s known it for a while…but convincing Ivy is another matter. When they have to fake a relationship for her current job, things shift between them. They’ve worked together before, but she’s in over her head with this latest job. But before anything can come of it, he’ll have to keep her alive when she’s targeted by a dangerous group known for violent retaliation. Nash will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, to prove she can trust him—on the job, with her life, and with her heart.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

I was so glad when I learned that Katie was returning to this awesome series because truly the folks of Red Stone and surrounding them are beyond interesting and always provide a great read for us. This  has taken us into the story of many side characters that have been on the fringes of previous stories, but this newest installment returns to the core team with Nash and Ivy and the drama and danger inherent to Red Stone.  Ivy has worked hard to differentiate herself from her kickass family and has found her niche in the world, but its time for her to find a new place.  She needs one last big payout from her job in order to save the animal shelter that’s her aunt and she both love and allow for that retirement, but she needs help from the one man she wishes she didn’t have to ask.  Nash has watched Icy grow into a beautiful and capable woman, never understanding her family’s need to hide her under their protections but their friendship has always been platonic despite his desire otherwise.  When their relationship quickly escalates as they work together Ivy and Nash both come to realize that they have been hiding their feelings for one another and the time for them to be together is now. But danger is stalking Ivy and there is no way they can find their happy ending until they conquer it and solve Ivy’s case. I really enjoyed seeing Ivy in her element, fighting to prove that she is just as capable as her brother, even though Nash never seemed to doubt her, and she is obviously a dangerous woman in her own right.  She was sweetly oblivious to the attraction between her and Nash in the beginning but once the blinder were off the passion there was undeniably hot, not to mention something that will keep them happily together for a long time.  Nash has loved Ivy from afar for a long time, even when he denies it to himself, but he never hid the fact that he trusted, respected, and cared for her deeply, even when it put him at a disadvantage, making him the perfect strong alpha male.  The two of them were a beautiful match and I loved seeing them work together to defeat the villains and find their way to peace and happiness.  Katie has a way of ripping through the clutter in her characters lives to make them understand that nothing is more important than love and Saving Danger is no exception to that rule.  I cannot wait for whatever comes next and am dying to see more RSS folks lose their hearts.

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

Review: Breaking Badger (Honey Badger Chronicles #4)

Breaking Badger (Honey Badger Chronicles #4)

by Shelly Laurenston

Blurb:

It’s instinct that drives Finn Malone to rescue a bunch of hard battling honey badgers. The Siberian tiger shifter just can’t bear to see his fellow shifters harmed. But no way can Finn have a houseful of honey badgers when he also has two brothers with no patience. Things just go from bad to worse when the badgers rudely ejected from his home turn out to be the only ones who can help him solve a family tragedy. He’s just not sure he can even get back into the badgers’ good graces. Since badgers lack graces of any kind…

Mads knows her teammates aren’t about to forgive the cats that were so rude to them, but moody Finn isn’t so bad. And he’s cute! The badger part of her understands Finn’s burning need to avenge his father’s death—after all, vengeance is her favorite pastime. So Mads sets about helping Finn settle his family’s score, which has its perks, since she gets to avoid her own family drama. Besides, fighting side by side with Finn is her kind of fun—especially when she can get in a hot and heavy snuggle with her very own growling, eye-rolling, and utterly irresistible kitty-cat . . .

Themes:  Paranormal, Shifters

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

The crazy-train has left the station and true fans of Laurenston are happy to get on with this new story. As I always say, those that haven’t ever read a story by this author might find her work a little bit –odd—or maybe the word is abrasive when they first jump right in. But for the rest of us that have be on the journey with her since the beginning, Breaking Badger is just another amazing foray into Shelly’s dynamic and terrifying imagination.  Mads is a honey badger, one of the weirdest and most misunderstood of the shifter breeds, but she has her squad and is determined to take them to the basketball championship. Finn Malone is a Tiger shift and he considers himself to be the most level-headed and calm of his siblings even though all three of them are beyond deadly and will kill anything that threatens their family in any way. When Mads and Finn are forced to team up on a mission, in hopes of finding out the truth of Finn’s father’s murder, the antics and craziness never stops.  Mads’s squad of crazy-ass honey badgers and Finn’s terrifying brothers and all of their friends are soon trapped in a dangerous game with unknown opponents and their lives are on the line.  As they spend more time together though, the heat between them gets more intense and despite the unlikeliness of their connection neither of them can fight the magnetism.  I loved every second of this story, with honey badgers on psychotic killing raids, vicious tigers fighting back, kidnappings, and so much more.  Mads is so not normal despite her misconception that she is and her weirdness just makes her that much more amazing.  Finn is sweet at the oddest moments, vicious when he needs to be defending those he loves, and deadly against his opponents.  I am dying to see where this new storyline heads, maybe bringing the other Malone brothers and more Honey Badgers together, which could only be AWESOME. For those that have never read a Laurenston novel I can only say, be prepared for a wild ride, but for the rest of us, kick back with the popcorn and tequila to enjoy it.  Fantastic.  

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