Review: A Lot Like Forever (Blue Moon Bay #3)

A Lot Like Forever (Blue Moon Bay #3)

Jennifer Snow

Blurb:

Whitney Carlisle has everything under control—or at least that’s what she needs everyone in Blue Moon Bay to think. She has always faced the hard times in her life head-on and come out stronger for it. But this time, she isn’t so sure. Whitney knows she needs help, but how can she put that burden on Trent, her fiancé? How can she crush his dreams by telling him the plans they made for a future together have to change?

All Trent Connolly wants is to get married, have kids, and spend the rest of his life loving Whitney. Their relationship has had its share of ups and downs—like any other couple—and they’ve always managed to get through it unscathed. So when Whitney is clearly struggling with something, Trent is ready to help. His fiancée’s strong will is part of what draws him to her—but this time, it feels like it’s pushing him away.

Whatever Whitney is hiding from everyone has to be big. Possibly life-changing. She must believe that revealing her secret would do Trent more harm than good, even if it crushes her under the weight of it. The only thing he can do now is be there for her in whatever way she needs…until a secret of his own comes to light that threatens to steal their chance at forever.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 3.75 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

The Blue Moon Bay finale is the book we have all been wondering about, a will-they-won’t-they story that has been building from the very first story in the series.  Jennifer Snow’s series set in this small coastal town and revolving around three best friends is one that we have all been wanting to see come to a happy conclusion, but knew that some drama and angst was going to have to come first.  Whitney Carlisle is one of those women with so many balls in the air you can not imagine how she keeps it all going, but in the past, she has always been able to keep it up, but recently she has been letting thing slip, not the least of which is her relationship with her fiancé Trent.  Trent Connelly has loved Whitney for years and has no intention of either letting her slip through his fingers or letting her burn herself out, but the more he pushes her to slow down, the more she seems to push him away.  Now they are coming to a critical moment, and Trent is beginning to question if Whitney still loves him or not, but with changes comes to his own life, he needs to quickly root out what’s going on with her, or he might lose his chance with the woman he loves and the happiness he knows they can have together. I was angry at Whitney for a good bit of this story, not really able to understand why she was so resistant to reaching for the many helping hands that were being held out to her, but I guess that’s just because I don’t really understand that personality type.  For a woman that has always been known to be able to do and handle everything herself, though, I guess she felt like a failure when her health began to become an issue and she couldn’t handle everything on her own anymore.  I loved seeing her finally come to terms with her humanity and find the vulnerability and humility she needed to ask for the help she needed and understand that the love of her fiancé and friends meant taking that help didn’t make her any less than.  She is a smart (all evidence to the contrary in most of the story), sassy, sweet, kind, and determined woman that knows her place in the world and just needed to understand that her worth to those she loved didn’t revolve around how much she could do and handle for them all. Trent was the perfect man pretty much in my opinion through this whole ordeal; he pushed when he needed to, trying to get Whitney the help she needed even when she didn’t want it, worked tirelessly to help others, and even tried to give her the romance she seemed not to think she needed anymore.  Hell, for what it’s worth I’d snap Trent up and marry him in a heartbeat myself if I could, but it was obvious his love and devotion for Whitney never waned and I loved seeing that and knowing that when she finally pulled her head out of her ass, Trent would be waiting right there for her. The passion between these two, even in the flashbacks to the beginning of their relationship was intense and palpable and I loved experiencing it.  I was sad to see the series ending, and can only hope we might someday see a spinoff that will let us greet some of our old friends again.  Another fun and interesting trilogy form one of my favorite angsty romance authors. 

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

ARC Review: The Viscount Who Vexed Me (A Royal Match #3)

The Viscount Who Vexed Me (A Royal Match #3)

Julia London

Blurb:

Daring. Darling. Determined.

Next to the Season’s newest diamond , Harriet (Hattie) Woodchurch feels like a plain Jane. But that’s of no consequence, since Hattie’s plan for her future is to earn enough to live far, far away from her embarrassing family.

That is until Mateo Vincente, Duke of Santiava and newly minted Viscount Abbott, arrives in London. While the shy European’s spoken English is impeccable, his writing is less fluent. The ton is eager to meet the handsome bachelor, and so many invitations flood in that Mateo needs a correspondence secretary.

With her perfect penmanship and way with words, Hattie is recommended, and the two bond over books and the ton’s eligible ladies. But when Hattie’s friend Flora becomes smitten with the viscount, things get complicated. Flora is tongue-tied in his presence. To help, Hattie feeds her information about Mateo’s interests. Soon things turn around and Flora appears on track to become his duchess. Yet for Mateo, something’s not quite right. Conversation with Flora isn’t as scintillating as it is with Hattie…

Themes:  Historical

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

I have always been a huge fan of Julia London’s historical romances, though I must say my favorites are her Scottish set ones, but her newest series set in Victorian London are hit and miss for me.  Bringing in characters and storylines from fictional countries in Europe that make my already slim grasp on geography even more slippery, leaves me a little bit grumpy sometimes, but other than that, some of the characters are much less likeable that her Scots.  However I can honestly say I enjoyed this newest installment than any of the others in her recent series, with interesting characters, a truly believable connection and a heroine that I found really likeable.  Hattie ‘s situation of a family that she loves as much as she wants to get away from them is truly one I can relate to, as well as the confidence in her abilities professionally while truly doubting her worth as a woman thanks to be torn down again and again by that family.  I was so able to understand and relate to her it was like looking in a slightly warped mirror and I found myself crying for her even more than she did, but her strength and unwillingness to give in to her fears and doubts made her a wonderful role model and just the type of heroine I love to read.  I am really looking forward to more in the series and hope to see more of some of my favorite characters in the coming fourth installment. 

Harriet “Hattie” Woodchurch is slowly dying as she is stifled by her family and circumstances, but with a broken engagement, not much in the way of professional prospects, and suspect friends, there isn’t much hope for her future. When the newest darling of the haute ton finds himself in need of a secretary, Hattie finds herself with the unique opportunity to be just the woman he needs, even though neither of them truly understand how deep that need goes. Mateo Vincente, Duke of Santiava and now Viscount Abbott, is stuck in London trying to settle is late grandfather’s estates, but his mother is determined he also find himself a wife while he is in residence.  He is not a social creature and hates the whirlwind and craziness of London, but the more time he spends with his new secretary, the more he comes to appreciate the female he never knew he needed so much.  But as his time comes to an end, even though they have both come to mean more to one another than just employee and employer, can they find a way to be together without their families and society tearing them apart or will their new feelings be forever unsatisfied? 

Hattie and Mateo were a beautiful couple to watch develop, their love so organic and sweet unlike some stories where the emotions seem so forced and contrived. I loved getting to see Hattie as she grew and learned her worth with Mateo’s help and insistence, him showing her that she was more than just her mind, but that her heart and femininity were just as important to her whole identity.  She’s spent so many years of her life hiding her light, forced into the shadows in order that her family not destroy her, but seeing her finally get her time to shine in Mateo’s arms was enchanting. Her sass, wit, intelligence, vulnerability and ultimately her willingness to stand up for those she loved, even when they’ve never done the same for her really struck a cord with me. Mateo is a man that has lived his entire life for duty, forced to always conform to the expectations of those around him for fear of recrimination and I loved seeing Hattie finally bring out the sweet and loving man that’s been hiding all those years. Its obvious that he was always intelligent, but his wit, courage, and heart were only allowed out in glimpses until he finally found the one thing worth standing up for—the love of the woman that meant everything to him.  The love and passion between these two was one that grew slowly, from a small kindle spark into a burning flame to warm them long into the future.  

I really enjoyed every single moment of reading this story, whether I was laughing, crying, or totally pissed off and count the Viscount Who Vexed Me as one of the best stories from Julia London since she shifted from her Scottish historicals. Hattie was the perfect reformation heroine, one hell-bent on forcing the men in her life to see her for more than what she’s “supposed to be” and finding a way out of her circumstances wihtout depending on someone else. Mateo is an intriguing and unique character filled with strengths and vulnerabilities that make him interesting but mysterious enough to keep you reading because you want to keep learning more.  Together they are a perfect matched pair, hell bent on making their way in the world while improving it at the same time.  It’s obvious from the moment they truly start to see one another, truly start to open up, that their friendship and love was built on a common understanding of the world and similar likes and dislikes, instead of the shallow matches common of that era.  I loved seeing so many couples and characters from previous novels coming together in order to aid in these two finding their happiness and a way to be together, and I have to tell you the ending with the little twist for Flora was PERFECT and just what she deserved.  I cannot wait for the next book and if it is anywhere as good as this one I can tell this series will end on a high note for sure.  While I still have a special place in my heart for Julia’s Scots heroes, I am warming up to her sexy Victorian “European” royals and their English Rose mates, so if you’re looking for an interesting and heartwarming read for a warm English summer night, you can’t go wrong with this one. 

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

ARC Mini-Review: Indecent Secrets (Indecent Series)

Indecent Secrets (Indecent Series)

Erika Wilde

Blurb:

Bryce Rivers is gorgeous, arrogant, and nothing like I anticipated. That’s okay, because I’m not going to be what he expected, either.

Seducing him should have been a piece of cake, until I discover he’s hiding a few indecent secrets of his own.

 Secretly infiltrating myself into this land development company wasn’t about the money, it was about making a difference. When I heard that the head of the organization had died and his nephew had inherited the entire corporation, I thought I finally stood a chance to persuade him to my way of thinking.

The new guy wasn’t at all what I’d expected. For a reported “recluse”, he was surprisingly charming, intelligent, and had a rapier wit that matched my own. Our attraction was mutual and scorching hot, which made it incredibly easy to seduce my way into his life and hopefully use that influence to steer him to make changes.

The man knew how to set my sheets on fire, but he wasn’t easily swayed. This might have started out as something impersonal between us, but the more I got to know him, the harder I fell for him, which wasn’t the plan.

I could only hope that once I made my true motives known that I wouldn’t end up destroying something more valuable—us.

And then I discovered that I wasn’t the only one hiding secrets . . .

Themes:  

Rating: 3.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Well I feel I should begin this review once again with a warning for readers that might not be familiar with this author’s work by saying this was a very different sort of story certainly than I am used to, with intensely difficult situations that most would consider taboo and might not be for everyone.  I went into this one knowing I didn’t love the first story in the series mostly for the same reasons, but I hoped I would warm up to book two, but sadly this one, while very sexy, was even more uncomfortable for me.  Bryce is posing as his newest client, who has recently inherited a job as owner and CEO of a huge business that he doesn’t want and doesn’t know how to handle.  Leigh is determined to do whatever it takes, including seducing the young hot new CEO in order to get his to disband the terrible company, but when she meets the gorgeous man she is immediately over her head.  Seduction becomes a game for them both, until they are faced with the secrets they have both been hiding, then they have to team up in order to find a killer that might very well be after Bryce’s client and willing to kill both Leigh and Bryce to get what he wants.  So Leigh was obvious a strong, smart, sensual woman but I was not a huge fan of her plans to use seduction to get what she wanted. Don’t get me wrong, I am all about a woman owning her sexuality and female power and doing whatever the hell she wants with her body, but I was seriously uncomfortable with the idea of Leigh essentially selling her body in order further her career—pretty much the textbook definition of a word that I don’t like to assign to women especially in romance novels.  Looking beyond that Bryce was also lying through his teeth (yes for noble-ish reasons) when he took a woman to his bed and then proceeded to use their sexual connection against her, which made me feel a certain way too.  When Bryce uncovered Leigh’s secrets, through some shady means, he realizes that he has feelings for her, but instead of coming right out and admitting them, he is an asshole to her, putting her in danger, so despite claiming to be a strong protective alpha (which is SEEMS he is) he comes off as a jerk instead.  In the end the story rounded out ok, but with those two glaring issues bugging the hell out of me, I just wasn’t ever able to connect and enjoy the story.  The passion and sexual chemistry between Leigh and Bryce was off-the-charts don’t get me wrong and the overall plot with the suspense and mystery piece was a fun addition, even though I figured it out pretty quick. All in all I can say that if I didn’t know the series was ending with the third novel, I’d walk away now, but since I know there’s just one more, I will give the last teammate a shot to prove he isn’t a creepy asshole when he finds love and here’s hoping that I’ll enjoy that story a lot more when it comes out.  I can’t say I hated the story by any means, because the writing was well done, the characters, while not to my tastes, were well researched and written to their “natures”, and the plot was well developed, but it definitely isn’t a story I will likely ever circle back to for a reread.  If you’re looking for something totally our of the box, with lots of sensual fun and definitely out of the mainstream, then you’ll eat this story right up, otherwise all I can caution is reader beware.

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

ARC Review: Harbored in Silence (Aspen Pack #4)

Harbored in Silence (Aspen Pack #4)

Carrie Ann Ryan

Blurb:

A witch on the run who could save the world–or destroy it with one touch

I am who they fear.

The Harvester Death Witch.

The one who holds the power of their fate in my hands.

Or at least…that’s what they whisper.

The coven has fallen. The vampires are circling our den. And if we don’t find new allies, our Pack won’t be able to fight much longer.

On my Alpha’s orders, I must find others who hide beneath the shadows for not only our protection, but theirs as well.

Only I’m not alone on my mission.

I brought Cruz back from death once before, and though I know the goddess forbids it, I’d do it again.

Because he’s my mate.

And my ending.

Themes:  Paranormal, Wolves, Witches

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

We’ve been waiting a long time to find out the consequences of Dara’s choice to save Cruz and now we will finally know the full story.  I am a huge fan of Carrie Ann Ryan, and have been for a long time, and I love her paranormal romances almost as much as her sexy inked contemporaries.  For those who love a gritty, sometime tragic, but always exciting story of two people that shouldn’t work, but always seem to find a way to blend into a perfect couple (or something triad), Ryan’s romances just have a way of hitting you in the heart that is irresistible. Dara and Cruz’s story is a perfect example and introduces a few new interesting characters that I can imagine are going to be very important in the coming stories in the series. I loved every moment of the story, even when they were fighting with one another, but as Crux and Dara found a way to open their hearts and mind to a life and love together the story become even more beautiful, and I couldn’t put it down for a second.  I am dying for the next story now that we’ve met the heroine and seen the connection beginning with her hero, but I just know that Carrie Ann will be throwing them (and her readers) for a loop before they find their HEA.  Another masterpiece for sure.

Dara is dying, there’s no two ways about it, but she is determined to free Crux from the bond that developed when she pulled him back from the dead and save her pack before she does.  Though Cruz knows she is a potential mate, they are both fighting their connection and their fates because of their past, but when their enemies continue to pile up, the time to resist comes to an end. When Dara presents and idea to the Alpha to bring in more of her fellow witches, other outcasts that the Coven don’t acknowledge, Cruz is tasked with keeping her safe as she works to add more protections to the Pack.  But as they work to bring in Witches, their unseen enemy is out to kill Dara and Cruz has to do everything in his power to keep her safe. The more time they spend together uncovering long-hidden secrets, the harder it is for Cruz and Dara to deny their feelings, but can a Death Witch and sexy Wolf find a way to survive their enemies and overcome death itself in order to have a future together?

I absolutely loved Dara’s story as we watched her struggling with her powers, her past, and her hopes for the future.  She is such a dynamic and interesting character, one with deep vulnerabilities and fears, but such strength, intelligence, and leadership quality even if she doesn’t always see it in herself.  Her interactions with her old friends showed how much she had evolved as she found her strength with the help of her packmates, and it was amazing to see her grow even more as she acknowledged her love for Cruz and hope for a future she never thought she would get to have. Cruz is obviously seriously conflicted throughout the majority of the story, his emotions so wrapped up in his wolf’s need for Dara, but his human intellect trying to tell him something wasn’t quit right with their connection.  The more time he spends with her, getting to know different sides of the interesting Witch that intrigues both sides of his nature, the more certain he becomes she is his mate and when he gets her in his arms there is no more denial.  He is strong, grumpy (in the sweetest ways), protective, loving, and when the rug gets pulled out from under him (repeatedly) he is able to bounce back with grace.  The passion between these two has been a not-very-subtle undercurrent for most of the series, but once they are focused on one another that explodes into a flash fire that could burn the world down.  I loved their love story and was so glad they found a way through al the tragedy, drama, and pain to the love that would sustain them and hold them steady through it all.  No doubt the next book will be even more dramatic, now that the Pack knows exactly who their enemy is, but I cannot wait.  Filled with magic, passion, and secrets uncovered Harbored in Silence will leave you breathless, guaranteed.

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

ARC Review: HOT Limit (Hostile Operations Team: Strike Team 2 Series)

HOT Limit (Hostile Operations Team: Strike Team 2 Series)

Lynn Raye Harris

Blurb:

HOT soldier Ryder “Muffin” Hanson didn’t plan on diving into a frigid lake on a freezing day, but finding an unconscious woman in the water leaves him no choice.

Single mom Alaina Montgomery does the best she can to take care of her six-year old son, working as a cleaner in a women’s crisis center. It doesn’t pay a lot, but it’s enough to keep them going.

Until someone brutally attacks her and leaves her for dead.

Now, Alaina is terrified to be alone and fearful for her son’s safety. When Ryder offers her a place to stay, she can’t refuse. He’ll protect her and her child, plus he’s the kind of man her little boy can look up to. As the feelings between her and Ryder grow, she finally lets herself believe the future looks bright.

But the danger isn’t over yet. Someone is watching and waiting. And when the time is right, they’ll strike again…

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating:  

Review:

 Another HOT guy has met his match in this beautiful story of love, fear, strength, and trust between a woman who has traveled through the darkness to find love. Lynn Raye Harris never fails to bring the drama of two people falling in love under extreme and dangerous circumstances, but with the heart and passion that shows the true love they develop together. With each new story Harris brings us new danger and a unique take on the lives of men and women that have struggled through pain in order to make a stand for their independence and to keep themselves and their loved ones happy and safe. Ryder “Muffin” Hanson has finally settled into his new home on the lake when he looks up to see his worst nightmare—a woman floating near his dock.  Rushing to save her, Ry discovers the beautiful and near death Alaina Montgomery, beaten to within an inch of her life and hypothermic.  Pulled back from death’s door by Ry, Alaina has no idea why she was attacked and left for death, but she is terrified that the threat to her and her young son, Everett is not over.  When Ry offers his protection and a safe harbor for them, Alaina accepts grudgingly.  But the closer they, and Everett, become as they become friends, the more both Ryder and Alaina want their friendship to become. But with a deadly enemy still in the shadows, can the trust and love Ryder and Alaina are building become the future they both want, or will it end before they have the chance to find that happiness?

Ryder is the sweetest guy, so gentle with Alaina and patient with Everett, making me want to just eat him up like one of his baked goods! His had such a crappy childhood, with his parents letting him down again and again in so many ways, but thankfully he found the family he needed in his grandparent and his HOT team in order to be able to offer himself to Alaina and Everett and show them the love they needed.  His strength and ability to protect them was never a question in my mind for sure, but I loved seeing him as he built the trust and bond with Alain and her boy.  Alaina was a great heroine, beaten down by her past, but never broken by it.  She is the kind of woman that is a lesson to all of us that we never given up and we never allow others to dictate how our futures should go. I enjoyed getting to see her spread her wings, carefully, under the protection of the HOT team and with the help of their ladies.  The passion between them was a slow simmer from the beginning, but when they admitted their feeling it burst into conflagration and no doubt left a hole in the ozone from the heat. Despite my guessing the villain pretty quickly (sorry Lynn, you’re just too good at leading me to the creepiness) I enjoyed the twists and turns in the plot until the great unveil.  I am dying for the next story (Shade’s perhaps?) and of course seeing all my favorite HOT team members again soon along with their families. Filled with passion, trauma, and the love that reminds us all that we never give up, HOT Limit will make you reach for your loved ones and reach for a future you’ve always thought was out of reach.

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