ARC Review: Hot for You (Turn Up the Heat #3)

Hot for You (Turn Up the Heat #3)

by Marie Harte 

Blurb:

Reggie gave up on love, but love has yet to give up on him...

Firefighter Reggie Morgan is done with love, done with relationships, and done with complications. But when he's called to the scene of a hit-and-run, he finds a scared little girl, a butt-ugly stray puppy, and an unconscious woman he can't get out of his mind. The girl and the puppy are a handful, but the girl's mother, Maggie might just be the woman to melt Reggie's icy heart. Reggie has loved and lost before and the pain nearly broke him. But they can't ignore their unquenchable desire for each other, and Maggie, a teacher by trade, is confident she can show Reggie all about falling--and staying--in love.

Themes:  Contemporary, Firefighters

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

These firefighters continue to make the heat irresistible and it was much needed on a winter night. I have loved Marie Harte for many years, and she has taken me through lots of different worlds, but the one thing I have never doubted was that her sexy, sweet, but naughty leading men would be a handful for the women that ultimately earn their hearts. And Reggie’s story was definitely no exception to that long-standing rule as he found himself faced for the first time with a woman that didn’t need him for what he would give or do for her, instead she simply wanted him in her life, bed, and heart.  This story picks up right where the second book ended when Tex and Bree finally found a way to be together, but you are by no means required to have read that one-- though I highly recommend grabbing the first two books in the series in order to fully appreciate the greatness of these firefighters and their connection. I loved every moment of watching Reggie and Maggie struggle their way into one another’s hearts and finding a way to come to terms with their own hang-ups in order to have a happy ending together.  I am dying to read the next story for sure as I imagine the fireworks that Mack will be dealing with after seeing the little hints as to who might be stealing his heart. As always there is nothing better than watching a man make a fool of himself as he learns to lose his heart to love.

Reggie Morgan is a protector down to his bones and all those that know and love him understand that sometimes that makes him his own worst enemy when it comes to relationships.  He is still getting over a brutal breakup, but the loneliness is starting to get to him and when he meets the most intriguing woman, who just happens to have the sweetest and oddest little girl, he finds himself drawn to her despite his fears.  Maggie never imagined that her one attempt at playing hero, to a puppy caught in traffic, would change her life so much, but when Reggie is the fireman that responds she is instantly drawn to him. He is sweet to her little girl, but the attraction between them is off the charts and soon they are unable to resist that pull.  As their relationship heats up and they begin to fall in love, Reggie’s past rears its ugly head, bringing with it insecurity in both Reggie and Maggie and putting stress on such a young love.  Can they find a way to forgive and move forward with more strength than before or with the mistakes of their past just be repeated?

I really enjoyed Reggie’s love story and seeing him in so many vulnerable and stressful situations. In previous novels he always came off as the most aloof and anti-relationship of the team as the others fell in love, but now we learn the truth of his pain and why he was that way. His last relationship really left him broken in a lot of ways, and he hasn’t fully dealt with the loss as well as he thinks he has, but once he begins to build a relationship with both Emily and Maggie, ironically what he thinks is independent of one another, he begins to heal.  He is a strong and sweet teddy bear, but he needs to learn the difference between offering himself to those that deserve his help and love and those that are using him for his giving nature, and luckily with the help of two very special ladies he does.  He makes mistakes like any man, but luckily he owns up to them, apologizes (in the sexiest of ways) and offers his heart unconditionally so that Maggie knows she is the only woman that holds it.  Maggie was my kind of woman for sure, even if she had a lot of growing to do herself to get to where she was.  She was sexy, sensual, and owned her needs even if sometimes she wondered if she was a little too strong, but she knew what she wanted and needed and was unwilling to settle for anything but the best in her life or love.  She is sassy and smart, not willing to step back and let others treat her like she is undeserving of love and she knows that she deserves everything from Reggie.  I loved how she gave him and his friends shit just like they did and she slipped into the group like she’d always been there, giving Reggie another layer to the family he’d built with his friends to make him a happy man.

Hot for You is certainly an apt title for the story of two people that come together in the strangest of situations and are unable to resist the passion that pulls them toward one another despite their fears.  Maggie’s sass and sweetness were a perfect complement for Reggie’s gruff sexiness and together they make a beautiful couple, but throw in the enigmatic and precocious little Emily and I can see this family laughing and loving together for the rest of their lives.  Maggie reminds us that strength isn’t always physical as she stands up to and for the man she loves as she makes him understand that he doesn’t have to save the world to be her personal hero.  Reggie comes to understand that he can reserve his protection for those that truly earn it when he is off-duty and reserve that energy for living and loving with those special few in his inner circle.  The heat between them is indescribable and let me tell you a few times I had to put the book down and refresh my ice water before moving on, because WOW.  That said there is no denying that Maggie and Reggie are hot as hell together and will have a long and interesting love life as they move forward together in the future.  I am looking forward to the rest of this series and hoping for more than just Mack’s book, because I’d love to continue to see these crazy guys and their friends in future stories as well, but if not I know that Mack’s book will take us out of the series bang.  Marie Harte never fails to amaze and terrify me with the depth of her imagination, and Reggie’s story went above and beyond for sure.

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

ARC Review: Highland Wolf (Highland Brides #10)

Highland Wolf (Highland Brides #10)

by Lynsay Sands

Blurb:

In all her daydreams about her wedding day, Lady Claray MacFarlane never once imagined being dragged to the altar by her greedy uncle and forced to marry a man she didn't know. But that's what happened, or would have, had a Highland warrior not snatched her up at the last minute and ridden off with her in his arms...

They call him the Wolf. The mercenary's courage and prowess in battle are known throughout the Highlands, and with his handsome face and black-as-sin hair, he was as intelligent and deadly as the wolf he was named for...

But the Wolf is also Claray's betrothed. Thought to have been killed as a child, he'd been in hiding all these years. Now, he's determined to earn enough coin to rebuild his home, reclaim his birthright, and honor his marriage contract to Claray. For he's fallen for the tender-hearted lass...and he will do anything to protect her and their future together.

Themes:  Historical, Scotland

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Oh my goodness what a story! I was truly afraid this series was going to end when the main arc ended with all the family married off with the last story, but Sands surprised us again by finding more side characters to bring into the series and giving us more magic.  The newest addition kicks off with a bang as a woman is heading to a forced marriage and is rescued by the most unlikely of men and then taken on the adventure of her life.  Claray MacFarlane never imagined she’d find herself  being forced to the altar by the uncle she thought loved her, but that seems to be her immediate future if she can’t find a way out and it’s really not looking good for her, until a mysterious man suddenly rides into the churchyard and carries her off just in time.  Conall, aka The Wolf, arrives just in time to carry Claray to safety, but he has no intention of revealing his true identity to Claray.  He might be her betrothed but he isn’t yet ready to claim the sweet and confounding woman, yet as they spend more and more time together he cannot resist the temptation she presents and soon he finds that there is truly no resisting his bride to be.  When they arrive at Claray’s home, everything changes as she finds herself wedded and bedded, then whisked away to Conall’s family land in order for them to take their rightful places and lead the clan that has never forgotten him or his family’s leadership. But soon the evil that sent him running for his life resurfaces and Claray finds herself under attack, but some enemies hide just a little too well in the shadows and if Claray and Conall don’t uncover the truth in time all could be lost. This story was filled with serious psycho stuff as Claray finds herself in the line of fire from individuals that have lost their damn minds but are too easily able to blend into polite society.  I loved that Sands went this direction, but it broke my heart for Claray to have to deal with this trauma and it was great to see her find herself and her own strength out of the crazy she was faced with.  Claray has a sweet force that is apparent from the beginning when she sacrifices and cares for the animals she takes into her charge which was very cute, and her determination to show Conall that she will be the best wife and partner she can be as she takes on the task of leading a clan was amazing.  She has a calm that soothes others and a harmony that just makes those around her fall in love, maybe a little too much sometimes, but Conall certainly fell under her spell quickly. Conall was an enigma but at the same time a typical alpha warrior and that dichotomy made him even more interesting in a lot of ways.  He has worked his entire life in order to earn his way, hoping to rebuild his coffers so that he can return to reclaim his rightful place as laird and claim his bride, but when he actually meets Claray there is no more waiting for the “perfect time” to return.  His years of fighting have made him a determined and dedicated man, but he does have a softer side when it comes to his wife, showing her passion and care, but he works hard alongside his men in order to make sure that they achieve their goals and keep their newly reunited Clan safe.  The passion between Claray and Conall was fiery and sensual from the very beginning, even though Claray had her doubts that was a good thing, but when they had their private times together, boy look out! I am dying to find out which story comes next and see where Lynsay is taking us in this amazing world of Scottish warriors and the women that stand at their sides to lead and nourish their clans. As always the magic of the Scots leads to an amazing read.

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

Review: Bewitch the Darkness (Guardians of Eternity #18)

Bewitch the Darkness (Guardians of Eternity #18)

by Alexandra Ivy

Blurb:

Only one drastic mission can tempt Kyi away from the peaceful woodland where the dryads raised her: killing her mother. Xuria’s beauty masks a bone-deep evil that has enslaved fey for centuries with the help of a powerful stone. A hundred years ago, Kyi almost succeeded—until one meddlesome vampire destroyed her chance. With rumors that Xuria has emerged from her secret realm, Kyi’s determined to try again—despite the vampire who is now focused on destroying her.

Locke has been waiting over a century to avenge what he believes was Xuria’s death. Discovering the sorceress’s raven-haired fey daughter was the assassin is a surprise—until her story of Xuria’s treachery begins to ring true. Working with Kyi is one solution—and the relentless heat simmering between them is a hint that they may be fated as mates. But even a destined love will have to wait as they now struggle to defeat Kyi’s twin sister, who has a chilling plan of her own . . .

Themes:  Paranormal, Vampires, Fey

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

The fascination I developed for this series long ago has yet to fail as the series continues to twist and turn in new and unexpected directions. In this newest addition of the Guardians of Eternity series Alexandra Ivy takes on a journey of two people that have been enemies for centuries, though neither of them realized they were played by their true enemy.  This series has become increasingly complicated and while each story can be read as a stand alone, I honestly don’t recommend that as you will feel a little bit lost along the way.  Kyi has finally decided to take the step to leave the safety of her dryad woodland in order to finally defeat her biggest enemy—her evil and conniving mother.  She failed once due to the intervention of a vampire that she has never forgiven.  Vampire Locke lost his mate that fateful day and when her killer emerges he locks onto her signal (sorry couldn’t resist the pun😉) in order to finally avenge his mate’s death.   When they finally come face to face, instead of the battle to the death they both anticipate the truth begins to emerge and they learn that they were both tricked all those years ago by their shared enemy, Kyi’s mother, and that Locke wasn’t her mate at all.  As they work together to defeat Kuria, once and for all, Locke begins to suspect that his mate is really the saucy and sweet by turns Kyi he believed was his enemy all these years, but ‘fool me once…” and all that so he doubts his instincts, until it's almost too late.  Can Kyi and Locke trust their hearts and instincts in time to work together to win the battle and find love everlasting, or has their foe defeated them long before they ever had a chance? I really enjoyed this story, the barbs and back and forth between Locke and Kyi giving their story an interesting kind of wicked foreplay as they learned the truth of their relationship to one another.  Locke was obviously lost and in need of his mind being cleared before he could open his heart, but he never truly hurt Kyi which I found sweet and I enjoyed watching him kicking ass. Kyi was the type of woman we all aspire too, stepping up to do the impossible because no one else can or will, even though it’s not in her nature.  The romance in this one was not the main focus for sure, which was a bit of a letdown, but has honestly become the trend in this series, with the focus instead being on the epic battles and ultimate takedown.  There were of course some interesting side characters that were brought on the scene that I loved as always and I am looking forward to more in the series soon.  Ivy always takes us for a roller coaster ride of emotional and dramatic action that keeps you glued to the book from start to finish.

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

ARC Mini-Review: Antlered Crown (The Wild Hunt #18)

Antlered Crown (The Wild Hunt #18)

by Yasmine Galenon

Blurb:

Ember takes her place among the gods, and she and Herne prepare for their wedding day, as they bid farewell to their former life on Earth.

Themes:  Finale, Paranormal

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

The end has finally arrived for Herne’s Wild Hunt team and oh what an ending it is! This series has taken us through so much change for each of the individual characters, but none so much as for Ember and now it is time for her last adventure.  Now that she is a Goddess in her own right it's time for her marriage to the God she fell in love with so unexpectedly, Herne, God of the Hunt.  As they make the final move to their new castle where they will rule in Annwn and finish the final plans for their wedding, Herne and Ember, as well as their many friends, have to come to terms with all the changes in their lives and learn to handle their new realities.  Earth is no longer the same and the Wild Hunt will never be returning to earth in the same guise, but that doesn’t mean the bonds they have formed over the years will not hold strong.  And when new friends come to them for help, the Gods have new plans for Herne and Ember’s friends that will lead to all new lives and stories (including two spin-off series for readers to enjoy, YAY!).  I loved every second of this story, even if some were fraught with pain and fear for Ember, but I never for a second had any doubt that she would find her footing in her new life and I can already see that, like her mother-in-law, she will be an outstanding Goddess.  I am sad to see this series coming to an end, but with the next two series that will be coming from these I look forward to seeing some of these characters again in their new roles.  All in all Antlered Crown was the closure we were all looking for in the lives of Herne and Ember and there were no threads left hanging that weren’t lead-ins to the new series (Night Queen Series and Hedge Dragon Series)so I can only applaud Ms. Galenorn's imagination and planning as she brought another great long-running series to a satisfying and wonderful ending. Can’t wait for the next two series to kick off and begin an all new Yasmine adventure!

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

Review: Kissing Under the Mistletoe

Kissing Under the Mistletoe (Wild Wicked Highlanders #3.5)

by Suzanne Enoch, Amelia Grey, Anna Bennett

Blurb:

In GREAT SCOT by Suzanne Enoch, Jane Bansil knows she will never have a fairy-tale life. But even at three-and-thirty and well past marriageable age, though, she has to admit that the architect the MacTaggerts have hired could turn even a confirmed spinster’s head.

In CHRISTMAS AT DEWBERRY HOLLOW by Amelia Grey, Isabelle Reed has no plans to ever fall in love. Certainly not with Gate, a man who doesn’t live in Dewberry Hollow. She will fulfill her duty and help him keep his promise to have his ill grandfather back in London in time for Christmas dinner. The last thing Isabelle wants is for Gate to take her heart with him when he goes.

In MY MISTLETOE BEAU by Anna Bennett, Miss Eva Tiding is determined to cheer her widowed father with the perfect Christmas gift. Even if it means breaking into the home of the rakish earl who swindled Papa out of his pocket watch and pretending to date the earl for the Christmas season.

Themes:  Historical, Holidays, Anthology

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Three great historical romance authors come together this holiday season to take us back in time to enjoy the magic of the holidays in historic Scotland with three stories of love and mischief.  I picked up this novel primarily for the novella by Suzanne Enoch, but the other two are great as well and I am glad I read all three stories. All of the stories were wonderful in their own right and I can say that the magic and passion in each were interesting. Great Scot was certainly my favorite as we got hints of the MacTaggerts and the love that they found with their mates in the previous stories in the series, as well as watching them return to their clan seat in Scotland and finally seeing their mother return home for the first time in decades.  Jane’s love story as she found love with Brennan when he was pulled in to help with the keep upgrades, was fun and sweet, as they were both just that little bit awkward and unsure of themselves despite the chemistry and attraction they shared. She had the bravery to risk her future and heart on a man that sparked emotions in her she'd never felt before but that made her the happiest she had ever felt.  Brennan knew immediately that Jane was the one that could finally fulfill all the dreams he had for his own happiness and he worked hard to convince her that they were meant to be. Christmas At Dewberry Hollow  is the story of John who is trying to fulfill his grandfather’s dying promise to his wife and in doing so John meets Isabelle and the two of them work together to reach that goal.  The more time they spend together though, the more they lose their hearts to one another and soon both of them are under the spell of holiday love and it became obvious that to be happy in the future they have to be brave enough to be together. My Mistletoe Beau finds Eva in a desperate bid to cheer up her father and in doing so she gets in trouble with Jack, the Earl that now holds her future in his hands.  Soon Jack and Eva are wrapped up in one another and the passion that they share is heated and amazingly hilarious at times as their witty repartee and sarcastic comments kept me laughing.  No denying these two were made for one another and they just needed the magic of the holidays to find one another. These three novels each had their own personalities and level of passion, but it’s safe to say that together they supplied laughter, tears, love, and the sweetness of lovers losing their hearts during the holidays.  I was thrilled to have the chance to read all three of these novellas combined into one magic book and enjoyed every moment of the reading experience.

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

ARC Mini-Review: Dark Alpha's Silent Night (Reaper #12.5)

Dark Alpha's Silent Night (Reaper #12.5)

by Donna Grant

Blurb:

There is no escaping the Reapers. We are elite assassins, part of a brotherhood that only answers to

Death. But when Death says it’s our time to live, we are more than happy to obey.

We have suffered betrayal, heartbreak, chaos, and even death. Despite another foe lurking around the corner, most of us have found happiness and love. While some still search, there is contentment—a sense of peace and purpose. And with the holidays upon us, it is time to celebrate the family we have made. The one we chose. The season is for revelry, and we intend to take advantage. Whatever may come next will still be there after the last present is unwrapped.

And we will face it. Together.

Themes:  Holiday, Paranormal

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating: n/a

Review:

Who doesn’t love a holiday get together? Apparently even the Reapers, the most respected and feared of all Fae and their mates need a little time together to celebrate the season, and what better way than coming together as a family to celebrate their triumphs and the love they all share. It has been a long and treacherous few years for the Reapers and their mates, and with a newer even more deadly enemy on the horizon, this lull in battle seems like the perfect time to celebrate the joy and laughter of the season.  Coming together as a Sisterhood all the mates and Erith determine the perfect way to throw the party to end all parties and with the perfect amount  of magic and planning they can pull off a miracle.  But, not to be outdone, the Reapers have a few tricks of their sleeves to surprise their mates and friends as well, one that will bring tears to the eye and remind them that the love they share is the greatest gift they were ever given.  I loved seeing each of the couples and getting a little more info on how they are all doing, especially those that have been mated the longest, but the best of course was seeing Erith and Cael.  I love the family that they have managed to build out of those that have felt the greatest betrayals and the connection they all share shows that family doesn’t have to be what you are born with, but can be one that you chose for yourself.  I am dying to find out what comes next for these folks, but this truly was the sweetest and most interesting holiday novella of the season for me. Holiday magick seems to be one of Donna’s greatest skills and she just keeps giving us more year after year.

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

Review(s): Home for a Cowboy Christmas/ Wish Upon a Cowboy

Home for a Cowboy Christmas/ Wish Upon a Cowboy

by  Donna Grant 

Blurb:

The most wonderful time of the year has arrived for this cowboy in New York Times bestseller Donna Grant's newest novel, Home for a Cowboy Christmas.
Tis the season—for everyone except Emmy Garrett. She’s on the run after witnessing a crime. But when it becomes clear that trouble will continue following her, the US Marshal in charge takes her somewhere no one will think to look–Montana. Not only is Emmy in a new place for her protection, but now, she’s stuck with a handsome cowboy as her bodyguard…and she wants to do more than kiss him under the mistletoe.

Dwight Reynolds left behind his old career, but it’s still in his blood. When an old friend calls in a favor, Dwight opens his home to a woman on the run. He tries to keep his distance, but there’s something about Emmy he can’t resist. She stokes his passion and turns his cold nights into warm ones. When danger shows up looking for Emmy, Dwight risks everything to keep her safe. 

Bonus Novel:

Cady Adams is trying to get home to Austin for Christmas. She is following her GPS, clueless to her surroundings. She finds herself stuck in a snowbank for hours.

Cowboy to the rescue. Cady is thrilled to be saved until she sees a horse. Who would think you might see a horse in Wyoming? Cady only wanted horsepower. It is amazing how attitudes can change.

The last thing Zane wanted to be around was a city girl but he couldn't leave her to die. She wakes in his one room cabin, not at all impressed. Looks can be deceiving. Open up this wonderful holiday story and see what Santa brings you.

Themes:  Contemporary, Holidays, Anthology

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

The holidays are never complete without a little bit of holiday romance and why not throw in some sexy cowboys to make it even better.  Donna grant has given us two beautiful stories of holiday romance between cowboys and the women that steal their hearts in her newest novel and I was thrilled to get the chance to read them. The first story revolves around a woman on the run as she tries to do the right thing and is dropped onto the doorstep of the most unexpected and sexy cowboy she’s ever seen.  The Bonus novella is a sweet story of a city girl lost in the countryside when a grumpy cowboy finds her in a snowdrift and rescues her from certain death only to lose his heart to her. The stories are not connected in any way except that they share the basic holiday magic and the magic of Donna’s cowboy love but they are both great. Dwight and Emmy’s story was fast passed and filled with drama, while offering a sweetness and sensuality with the love that develops between them.  Dwight has lived alone since he gave up his previous career and never imagines a woman like Emmy in his life, but he is strong and dedicated to keeping her safe and I loved seeing him in action.  He was also loving and sweet as he helped her get over the trauma of her recent life events, which made it nearly impossible for her not to fall in love with him.  Emmy has had a really hard time of it recently, but when she claps eyes on Dwight she knows instantly she’s safe with him and he is irresistible even though she has a lot going on in her life.  I enjoyed seeing her finding her way out of the fog she had sunk into and back to her true personality as she recovered and her sass and strength came back to the forefront.  They were perfect foils for one another and their passion and connection were amazing.  Story two was considerably shorter but no less remarkable as Cady and Zane got to know one another and found their hearts connected.  Zane wants nothing to do with another big-city girl, but when he rescues Cady from a snow storm, he is stuck with her as they are snowed in together.  He was grumpy for sure but you could see he was like a bear with a thorn in his paw and when he opened his heart finally, Cady started to heal him.  Cady never imagined she would lose her heart to a grouchy cowboy in the middle of nowhere but as she gets to know him truly he is a sweet and hurt man that she connects to immediately and she finds her heart lost to him. I loved watching her clash with him and the passion that they shared between them made it fun to watch.  Once they both realized that the misconceptions they had about one another were just that, the bond they forged became something deep and lasting that is one we have no doubt will never fail.  I loved both of these stories and they definitely warmed my heart for the holidays as these two couples found love and magic thanks to Donna.  May the magic of the holiday season forever bring you love too.

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

ARC Review: Brazen (Powertools: The Shields #3)

Brazen (Powertools: The Shields #3)

by Jayne Rylon 

Blurb:

They were sent to kill him, but fell in love with him instead.

Sola doubted her instincts after her best friend and partner on the Shields security team, Aarav, acted for months like the attraction between them didn’t exist. One wild night on their boss’s private jet proves she was spot on even if she has no idea where their relationship will go from there.

When they’re sent to assassinate the head of a money laundering operation at a brand new casino, Sola looks into the eyes of their target and her gut screams he’s not the source of the evil they’re hunting. Risking everything, Sola steps in between the man she loves and the one they’ve been sent to kill.

Sola's instant and undeniable attraction to their unintended captive forces them to investigate him further and decide—will they eliminate him, protect him, or entice him to join their intimate partnership?

Themes:  Erotica, Polyamory

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Holy hottnes Batman, could these three have been any more blazing? I don’t think so!

There comes a time in every series where those two characters that have been circling around one another, watching their friends find love, romance, and sensual fulfillment finally have to comes to terms with one another or they’ll explode—this story was that and so much more! The previous story in the series left us hanging on the edges of our seats wondering just what would happen between Sola and Aarav , and of course who their third would end up being, but I doubt any of us imagine their story would lead where it did.  Jayne Rylon is one of those talented authors that can build a story so high that when you finally reach the climax you are left reeling and wondering what the hell to do with your life until the next story comes. Aarav has been watching Sola and wanting her from the first moment he got to know her, but the connection has amazed and shocked in so many ways and made him wary of reaching out to her.  Sola wants Aarav more than her next breath sometimes, but he drives her insane with his unwillingness to admit to the connection between them and the way he pretends not to feel anything for her beyond friendship.  Now the tension between them has started to affect their professional relationship and that could put them both in danger, so it is time for them both to confront the hardest truths and find a way to peace and hopefully to one another’s arms.  But another mission with a limited timeframe puts them into danger before they are back on even footing and Sola comes face-to-face with a man that flares all her instincts and makes her wonder if she might be coming undone at the seams.  Cash has lived for very little in his life recently, and when he is abducted at gunpoint by a gorgeous assassin and her deadly sexy badass partner there is no denying that he is attracted to them both, but being around them and being with them are two very different circumstances.  Together the three of them will have a lot to work through emotionally and physically in order to have any chance at a life together, but first the ultimate test of their relationship might tear them apart if they let it.

Aarav is the sweetest and most shy badass sniper that I think I have ever gotten to know, because honestly the guy has so much trauma that he is emotionally about the age of ten and doesn’t know how to grow on his own.  Luckily with the help of his lovers he blossoms into the strong, confident and sensual man he was always meant to be.  But the emotional need means that the love he develops for Cash and Sola are always going to be the driving force for him and anything that threatens that will force him to face fears or retreat into his shell.  I really loved seeing him find a way to come to terms with himself and learn that he was perfect the way he was.  Sola has her own issues, not the least of which is allowing her issues with Aarav to affect her self-confidence and instincts until it is almost too late.  I was proud to see her take a stand and force her man (and later men) to accept and give the love that they all needed.  It is obvious that she will always be the cornerstone of their relationship, giving them the strength and determination they need to succeed in their lives together.  Cash on the other hand was an odd one in the beginning.  Obviously the most experienced at casual relationships, at first you think that he is just in Sola and Aarav’s bed for the fun of it, but soon you see that he has too developed strong feelings for his lovers, too strong really for his own mind to handle.  I hated to see him pull back at just the wrong time, but thankfully he found a way to man up and accept the love that was being offered and that he was worthy of that love. 

Brazen is truly the story of three lovers, each caught in their own version of insecurity, that need one another in order to grow into the perfect side of the triangle to make their love work. Sola is the type of woman that needs her men to show her that she is the softness and graciousness that they each need in order to complete them.  Aarav is the quiet strength and determination that will drive their relationship forward and make sure that they never lose sight of their love, no matter the fights or problems they may face.  Cash is the laughter and lightness that the others need in order to deal with the ugliness their jobs show them on a daily basis.  Together the three of them are the perfect soulmates for one another. Obviously the passion between all of them is off the Richter scales and there is no denying it from the first second any of them are together, but I loved even more seeing them come to terms with the connection they shared—deeper and richer than simple lust, no matter how steamy that might have been.  Always a little bit mean to her readers, Ms. Rylon sets us up for the next book Broken with the last chapter and it looks to be a serious doozy not just in terms of the triad we have been dying for (Ruby, Liam, and Ace—Finally!) but also in the danger and drama they will be facing, and I for one cannot wait.  Once again, Jayne strikes gold with her Shields.

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

Review: The Bard (Highland Heroes #5)

The Bard (Highland Heroes #5)

by Maeve Greyson 

Blurb:

The fiercer the battle, the sweeter the spoils

Sutherland MacCoinnich flirts his way into the hardest hearts and most forbidden beds. He’s such a charmer, even the lasses that he loves then leaves behind never hold any ill will against him. All the ladies adore him. All except one. As lovely as she is infuriating, the daughter of Chieftain Greyloch barely gives him a passing glance. When she does, it’s only to tell him he smells more like a horse than a Highlander. She even threatens to shoot him if ever sets foot on her land again. And to add insult to injury, the woman cost him a keg of fine whisky in a bet.

An enticing trinity of beauty, wit, and fire. She would be his. Forever.

If Sorcha Greyloch doesn’t marry soon, she’s sure to be the death of her father. Many a desirable suitor has come calling, but she has refused them all. She knows who she wants. She’s loved Sutherland MacCoinnich since the first time he darkened her clan’s door. But she’s not about to tell him that until she has him on his knees. After all, most men share a particular trait. They’re driven to possess what they think they can’t possibly have.

The womanizer of Clan MacCoinnich is about to be tamed by the one woman he feared he would never win, but unexpected danger lurks in Castle Greyloch. A danger that threatens the dueling lovers’ future.

Themes:  Historical

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Another masterpiece by one of my newly discovered favorite historical romance authors kicks off with a womanizer finally meeting his match in a feisty and fiery female he just cannot woo. The Highland Heroes series revolves around the MacCoinnich Clan and their friends as they navigate the political and messy world of medieval Scotland and try to find love and happiness.  I stumbled upon this series a bit late and just had to go back to the beginning, but have been waiting for Sutherland’s story for a long time and was definitely not let down a bit when I finally got to read it. Sutherland is a true ladies’ man, a scoundrel who knows that his greatest skill is his charm and he uses it to lethal means with the ladies, but when he makes the mistake of going up against Sorcha Greyloch he never imagined he had met his match.  Sorcha knows the type of man that Sutherland is and though the attraction to him is beyond intense, she can’t trust him to be the man she needs to help lead her clan by her side.  When Sutherland is ordered by his Clan chief to make peace and a match with Sorcha he knows he has his work cut out for him, but he is determined to tame the fiery lass and make her his own.  Sorcha is just as determined to bring him to heel and prove to him that she is the only woman he needs by his side and in his bed, but there are dangers lurking around every corner and if they don’t find a way to trust and overcome those foes they will never have that chance for their happy future together. Sorcha was my favorite heroine of this series to date, sassy, sweet, and compassionate, but also strong, determined, and willing to stand up to all the men in her life to do what she knows is best not only for herself but also her clan.  She truly could have led the clan herself, with no need for a man, which makes her a woman to be reckoned with, but at the same time she knows that she needs the man she loves by her side to truly be the best leader she could be. That level of self-awareness is rare in female leads for historical romance and I love the way Ms. Greyson always manages to bring out the best in her characters. Sutherland was an ass in the beginning of this story, making me more apt to want to slap him silly than sympathize with him, but as he slowly opened his eyes to the gift that Sorcha’s love truly was I began to like him again.  He was loving, resilient, unwavering and willing to do whatever it took to protect the woman he was falling in love with.  Once he opened his eyes and heart he became the man he was truly always meant to be, Sorcha making him a better man and showing that he could be a Clan leader just like his cousin. The spark of fire these two set off in one another was clear for everyone around them to see and it only got hotter the deeper their connection got, to the point I needed water sometimes just reading their story. I am dying for the last book in this series after that last chapter, but I know it will bring a lot of tears at the same time, however I know Ms. Greyson will handle it all with grace and dignity and not a little panache. Well played, Maeve, well played.

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

ARC Mini-Review: Shadow Web (Moonshadow Bay #5)

Shadow Web (Moonshadow Bay #5)
by Yasmine Galenorn

Blurb:

The holidays are here, and this year, they’re deadly…

It’s my first Thanksgiving back in Moonshadow Bay, and everything is hunky-dory until the Witches Guild assigns me a research project for the upcoming Winter Solstice Festival. Not only do I melt down my computer, but I download a demon who ends up stuck in my house.

But Tarvish the Funtime demon is the least of my worries when my grandmother asks my BFF and me to go undercover. A magical pyramid scheme has moved into town and it’s siphoning more than money off its recruits. Will we be able to take it down, or will the leader of the cult manage to silence us for good?

Themes:  Paranormal, Witches, Shifters

Rating: 3.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

It’s Thanksgiving in Moonshadow Bay and January has a lot on her plate as she prepares to host her first huge family meal, but then strange things start to happen all around her.  Yasmine Galenorn’s newest series, set in the beautiful pacific northwest takes us along on one woman’s journey through self-discovery as she escapes an emotionally abusive marriage of almost two decades and embarks on an all new life.  I have really been enjoying reading this series and getting to know not just January and her family, but also her friends and the crazy characters that make up her world.  Thanksgiving is fast approaching and January has plans to host the big family get together for all her newfound family and friends as well as a few strays she has collected over the past year in her life.  But a few obstacles are being thrown in her path to a clam and restful vacation, including a strange demon summoned accidentally and an undercover assignment that could cost her life is she isn’t careful.  The relationship between January and Killian, her sexy shifter boyfriend is also continuing to intensify as they both come to terms with what they want for their shared future and how they see that going.  I really enjoyed this story, though not as much as previous ones in the series.  There was just so much going on that it was hard to find a single thread to grab onto as the main plot which was a little much for my ADD brain.  There seems to have been a lot of setting up of future plot lines and options for branching stories, but I did enjoy the story and look forward to reading more for sure.  I will say that I prefer the more focused nature of previous stories where there was one overarching problem that January was focused on through the majority of the book.  It just seemed to be so unfocused, jumping from issue to issue, even ones that seemed a little bit nonsensical to me, comparative to normal, though maybe that was a reflection of the way a lot of us are around the holidays to be honest.  Here’s hoping that the next in the series returns to the typical format in coming stories to allow for a more focused plotline and a longer narrative for us to enjoy.  Thanks for a cute holiday adventure Yasmine.

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

ARC Mini-Review: Hot Aussie Night (De Luca Sisters #2)

Hot Aussie Night (De Luca Sisters #2)

by Lexxie Couper

Blurb:

What’s cooking for Christmas? A hot serving of insta-lust with a side order of fake fiancé.

Life-long anxiety isn’t going to stop Elisa De Luca from enjoying her sister’s Christmas engagement party. She’s got a process, and as long as things don’t get too chaotic she’ll be okay. And then, she suddenly finds herself engaged to a hot, hot, hot Aussie—five minutes after meeting him—and chaos is the word of the day.

Super-chef Angus Daniels doesn’t do relationships, but the second he meets Elisa De Luca he’s drawn to her. Big time. When the shy American inexplicably saves him from a sharkish TV producer hellbent on making him the titular star on a bachelor show, Angus begins to question everything he thought he wanted.

A fake engagement requires a fake relationship, but it doesn’t take long for Elisa and Angus to realise there’s nothing fake about what’s happening between them. But when reality feeds baggage, and anxiety nibbles at certainty, love at first sight might not be enough for a happy Christmas. Or a Happy Ever After, full stop.

Themes:  Contemporary, Holiday

Rating: 3.75 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

So who’s up for some hot, smexy, holiday fun in the heat of an Australian Christmas?  The De Luca Sisters are back in a big way as another of the triplets finds her instant love-at-first sight connection with another sexy Aussie and as luck would have it he turns out to not be a total stranger in the end. Lexxie Couper continues this fun series which began with a fun Halloween story as she takes the two remaining single sisters to Sydney for the Bria and Owen’s engagement party right before Christmas this time.  But Elisa is so not prepared for the life-changing moment when she tries to do a good deed and comes face to face with the hottest stranger to ever cross her path, but when her anxiety kicks in she runs for the hills. Angus Daniels is still kicking his own ass a few hours later for not getting the sexy little American’s phone number when she suddenly walks into his restraint, obviously one of his best mate Owen’s future in-laws and suddenly his day is looking much brighter.  The plot thickens when they suddenly find themselves pretending to be engaged in order to keep him from being forced onto an idiotic bachelor TV show, but spending time together is no hardship for either Elisa or Angus.  When things get hot and heavy REALLY fast, Elisa and Angus will have to decide if another De Luca triplet has found her forever love at first sight, or if they will part ways in the morning with only their hot memories to keep them warm in the future. Elisa and Angus both have some serious baggage that has kept them single, but you could tell they were both people with a lot of love to give and the connection was definitely there from the first second they clapped eyes on one another.  Elisa’s past relationship has left her wary of men in a big way, but worse it made her anxiety in all situations nearly unbearable, but despite all of that she finds peace and calm in the arms of this near stranger and is unwilling to give up on that emotion without exploring it.  The description that Angus has for her on first impression “fragile strength” was truly insightful because like a delicate spider’s web she was in many ways delicate and easily broken if not handled with care, but in other ways one of the strongest characters I’ve read recently.  I really loved seeing her overcome her fears and embrace her chance at a great love, despite any of the obstacles that were in their way and the uncertainties of their future. Angus is the kind of man that was deeply affected by the childhood traumas that he keeps deeply buried from all of those that didn’t live them with him.  He is determined to never hurt the woman he comes to love and therefore pushes them away to prevent any chance at a connection, but one look into Elisa’s eyes and he was sunk.  He is smart, savvy, sexy, and sweet in so many ways, making Elisa truly feel like the center of his world even though they barely knew one another.  The heat that these two put out is enough to start an out of control fire, but the beauty is that the fire is one I can see lasting all their days, despite only witnessing one day of it. For those that don’t believe in instant-love or true love at first sight, this story—and really this series—sadly won’t hit the mark for you, but for the rest of us that continue to hold out hope for that kind of connection for ourselves, this story rocked!  Lexxie continues to astonish me with her ability to pack so much emotion and passion into such a short time span and make me wish my life was as exciting as her characters; another hit for sure and leaves me DYING for Zeta’s story.

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