Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Review ~ The Dating Tutor by Melissa Frost

Blurb-
More hockey. More Alec.

Alec Horner’s life was never simple. Between dealing with an alcoholic father and worrying about the continuation of his education, he has more than a few concerns. The complications continue to mount when his neighbor and best friend, Ellie Harper, asks him to tutor her in the art of dating.

The alternately humorous and frustrating task takes a new turn when Alec starts to realize his feelings for the girl next door suddenly expand beyond that of a mere friend. Coaching her is a torturous delight. He wants her and revels in each moment, yet he knows her efforts are aimed toward the goal of seducing another boy. Can this gruff hockey player convince his sweet and innocent best friend that the two of them might have a future together?

Review-
Poor Ellie! Having to turn her best friend for help with dating. But wait! Poor Alec! What a delightful story between two friends... hardships and discovering first love.

This is the second book in this series by Ms Frost (NOTE: Go back and read book one). Not that this one isn't a stand-alone read, but I want to read  more of Ms Frost's work now. She knows how to weave a fabulous story, make the right connections between the characters and lead you into a world of HEA and love.

Add in the delicate issue with Alec's dad's alcohol abuse and you have a torturous antagonist lurking. Kudos to Ms Frost!

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Monday, January 27, 2014

Review ~ Rancher's Rescue by Barb Han

Blurb-
When a little boy goes missing, rancher Caleb Snow steps in to help…and winds up falling for the child's beautiful—but mysterious—aunt in Barb Han's Rancher Rescue

Getting tangled up with another woman in crisis is the last thing rancher Caleb Snow needs. The handsome cowboy has been badly burned too many times. But this one feels different—Katherine Harper is injured and reeling after an ambush in which her nephew was kidnapped. Caleb wants nothing more than to protect the beautiful, headstrong woman and help her find the missing child. If only he could ignore the feelings she stirs in him.

But as they search together, it's clear someone wants Katherine dead. Soon the two are running for their lives, dodging bullets, not knowing who to trust…or if they'll survive long enough to bring a little boy home.

Review-
Talk about the characters having depth, substance and a connection... this book WOWed me with all aspects. The twists and story line had me riveted from the first page. What woman (reader) could not want to read about about a rancher who steps up and 'saves'a  woman! Really!

Katherine and Caleb's attraction was a-number-one for me. The way Ms Han built up the relationship made it so realistic. These are the kind of books that romance should be. Han weaves a wonderful story, adds depth to the characters and made me want more.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Review ~ His Leading Lady by Jean Joachim

Blurb-
How does a rookie quarterback react when faced with the truth about his leading lady? Is his play for her a touchdown or only a false start? A chance meeting with gorgeous actress, Penny Thatcher, has Mark Davis smitten. Luck breaks his way weeks later when he meets her on a blind date. After an all-out blitz to win her affections, the public revelation of an ugly secret intercepts his forward progress. Will Mark get tackled by the humiliation? Is he in the game to win or will he walk away from her, chalking it up to a fumble on the goal line?

Review-
*Prequel to Hollywood Hearts series

Two people, hero Mark and heroine Penny, both struggling to make a name for themselves in their respectable careers... and Ms Joachim captures their emotions, connection and handling of past incidents as they all come to head.

Blind date? You may be asking why two up and coming public figures need to go on a blind date. Well, without giving away too much- I despise spoilers- you MUST read His Leading Lady. The quality of writing displayed by Ms Joachim is such a refreshing occurrence. The strong plot, deep character connection and tremendous writing flow of the story line is unbelievable. I have read Ms Joachim's work in the past... but His Leading Lady surpasses all others by her.

Needless to say I am anxious to begin the entire series now. Wonderful job Ms Joachim.

P.S. I LOVE the arrogant and demanding way Joachim presented hero Mark Davis. If I could have crawled into the pages of the book... oh man!

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Review ~ The Gambler's Passion by Elle Marlow

Blurb-
Beautiful Arizona Summers is determined to fulfill her mother's dying wish and realize her dreams-even if it means dancing at Bare Backed Belles, cheating at high stakes poker or running from a spray of bullets with a man she's given her innocence to. She'd do it all and over again to find love and keep her promise.

Jace Forrester gets a thrill out of living a double life. Preacher's son by day, card hustler by night. Always after the big win, he can't resist Arizona's ultimate challenge. He may lose more than he bargain for-his heart.

Review-
Debut novel from Elle Marlow has me laughing, loving and anxious to turn the page. The 'mix up' of Jace's brunette companion and Arizona's poker character along with the duo's assumptions made for a great read.

This is the kind of historical western I can see being made into a series, centered around the townspeople. Granted the population of Prescott are vaguely mentioned, I can picture Ms Marlow making a run with this. The talent and writing style of this up-and-coming romance author will have readers craving more.

I fell in love with the way Ms Marlow entwined the hero/heroine and am looking forward to more of her writing.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Review ~ Special Delivery (A Valentine's Short Story) By Ginny Baird

Blurb-

All Amanda Holiday wants is for her husband to come home for Valentine’s Day. She’s expecting their first baby, but her husband Luke – a US Navy fighter pilot – is half the world away. So Amanda determines to get through her childbirth alone with the help of a trusted good friend. When a raging snowstorm hits, complications ensue. Will Amanda’s strength see her through? And can Luke stay out of harm’s way? It may all depend on the power of love to achieve a happy ending.

Review-
Can you say 'awww'? What a sweet romance! Absolutely loved the premise... the beginning.. the middle.. and the end!

Having never read Ms Baird's work before, I was quite taken aback by her writing style, the flow of the story and the way she swooped me into this 12k short story.

I love holiday romances- no matter Christmas, Valentine's Day, etc and I have to say Ms Baird, you have won over a new fan.

I don't want to give away any spoliers... you have to read it. I would definitely recommend this book, as well as others by Ms Baird.

BONUS* Baby, Be mine is at the end of Special Delivery! Two for the wonderful price! Win-win situation here.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Review ~ Relinquishing Christmas by Janelle Lee

Blurb-
Rachel McVeigh isn't about to celebrate Christmas. She has been abandoned by her husband, her god and finds herself alone and pregnant. There would be no Christmas miracle for her... or would there.

Review-
Relinquishing Christmas is a very short read (14 pages total) but the way Ms Lee writes the story of Rachel and Rob had me into the story. The quickness of the story did not take away from Ms Lee's description, Rachel's background and she wove a beautiful HEA with emotions.

Oh how I wish it were a longer story! But despite that small let down... I absolutely loved the story. I would love to see Ms Lee continue with Rachel and Rob's future (hint, hint... sequel).

If you're looking for a fast paced, swift read, then this is one for you.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Monday, January 13, 2014

Review ~ His Prairie Princess (Prairie Brides, Book One) by Kit Morgan

Blurb-
A Sweet, Western Romance Novella.

His Prairie Princess (Prairie Brides, Book One) is the first in a new series about the town of Clear Creek, Oregon. One of the wackiest little towns in the old west! Enjoy this introduction to the townspeople of Clear Creek and come sit a spell!

When Sadie Jones, the daughter of cattle baron Horatio Jones, set out on her own in search of her dying birth mother, she got more than she bargained for. She never dreamed the stage would be robbed and she herself taken along with the rest of the loot! After all, being kidnapped was the last thing on her mind that morning. Unfortunately it was the foremost thing that afternoon.

Harrison Cooke, raised by his English mother to be the perfect gentleman, simply went to get the mail, not rescue a damsel in distress! But here he was, attempting to rescue the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and of course, not get them both killed in the process.


But both Harrison and Sadie have a goal. She's trying to rescue her mother. He's trying to save his brothers. That's a lot of rescuing going on. And in the midst of it all, can they rescue each other's hearts?

Review-
This fabulous first look into this western town in the Oregon Territory was just what I needed to read. Settled into read, curled up and ready for a sweet romance is exactly what I got. Ms Morgan added such depth to the characters. Harrison Cooke's previous and present hardships and leaving the stigma of a pig farmer behind are evident. Sadie Jones' determination to find her mother and have a family are perfectly written.

The busy-body town gossip? LOVED her! Reminded me of Mrs Oleson on Little House on the Prairie. The bumbling idiots (outlaws and stagecoach robbers) added even more depth. Kudos Ms. Morgan!

Morgan created a town I would love to visit and townspeople you grow attached too. Thankfully there will be more prairie stories coming!
I highly recommend this read to all lovers of historical western romance.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Review ~ Nashville Rising Star by Maxine Douglas

Blurb-
Utah Sheridan intends to win Nashville Rising Star at all costs; will his bribe be the end of Emerald Braun?
There were only three of them left now—Casey Montgomery from Oklahoma, the darling Emerald Braun, and Utah Sheridan. By this time next week, Utah was banking on only two left standing before the show even started. Emerald Braun wouldn’t be one of them. He reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope. Everything he'd wanted the past few years depends on what’s inside it.














Review-
Can you feel the strum of the guitar? The roar of the crowd? Well, I sure did in the opening scene of Douglas' Nashville Rising Star. She builds up the atmosphere and has your heart pumping and cheering for Emerald.

Beautifully written, great scenes and a fabulous H/H connection! Things I love about romance novels. Douglas has hit every point I revel in seeing and reading.

This was the first book I have ever read by Douglas but now I am in search of more.

The end came much too soon in this story. I am looking forward to delving into Nashville By Morning.


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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Review ~ Moonlight and Roses (Book 1) by Jean Joachim

Blurb-
Can a mother guarantee a safe and happy life for her daughter by finding her a rich husband? Linda Davis knows her health will not last and is determined to see her daughter have a secure future. Caroline has her own ideas. Going along with Linda’s plan doesn’t mean giving in to every man who comes on to her. Not according to Caroline.

Although mother and daughter clash from time to time, they are devoted to each other. Caroline is a beautiful woman and an accomplished artist who plays along with her mother's plan half-heartedly until she meets Bradley Riordan White, the man who turns her world upside down. Can a happy marriage be built granting the wish of a dying parent?

Review-
Loved how glimpses into Caroline (Sunny), Linda and Alex's past came into play every so often. It was wonderful to have a look into their relationships.

Linda (mom) wants her daughter married off... but not just in the hands and home of man her daughter loves, but a man with money. I can understand that. What mother doesn't want her daughter happy, in love and well cared for?

The writing style of Ms Joachim had me deep into the story from the first page. The way she keeps the personal strength of Caroline (how she stands up for herself and refuses to allow her husband's extra marital affairs keep her tied to a loveless union) had me applauding. The way Caroline fended off Casanova's? LOVED it! The way she stood up to Brad. Harrumph! Good riddance to that man!


Joachim streamlined the story, while a cliffhanger, into book one of the series perfectly. What's superb is that this is the first (prequel) in the Moonlight series. Thankfully! Because once you read this one... you'll be addicted and craving more.


Moonlight series link

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Review ~ Taking Chances by S.J. Maylee


Blurb-
Lydia’s father walked away from her when she was eight. She’s struggled to not let him affect her, but fears she wasn’t lovable enough to make him stay. Jake wants to love one woman, but after scaring the last woman he met outside of the club, he doubts he has the right. She protects her heart by sticking with her fantasies, and he lives by a set of rules that excludes women who choose a vanilla lifestyle.

The two will be kept in a conference room working together until their special project is complete. If Lydia and Jake hold tight to their bland lives, they’ll always yearn for love that is out of reach. But together they can find common ground, passion, and a reason to take chances. Once they discover the grand possibilities of the love they desire, they find themselves in the very place they tried never to be again, facing unguaranteed love.




Review-
Lydia and Jake's story? What can I say?! The way Ms. Maylee entwines the reader into their lives and story was sheer joy! Hard to believe this is a debut book and author.

Normally I don't read and review higher than sensual reads but something about this book spoke to me and I am so glad to have read it. If you're looking for a quick read, I highly recommend Taking Chances. I look forward to more books from Ms. Maylee.

I don't want to give away what happens but... be prepared for some 'cold shower' references when done reading.

My favorite line "When he moved away she whimpered at the loss of his warmth, but he slithered down the bed, and it became clear he was not leaving the bed or her body." What woman doesn't want that!




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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Review Trust Me by K.E. Osborn

Blurb-
*This book is for mature audiences 18+ It contains explicit language and sexual content.

In the first book of The Trust Me? Trilogy, Jeni Taylor finds the love of her life, but as the second book begins, she finds herself lost without Aiden O’Connell, who’s been wrongly convicted of embezzlement charges and incarcerated. She must find the strength within to help prove he’s innocent while dealing with other issues. Aiden’s father, Alistair, still taunts her, making life between Jeni and Aiden more difficult, and an unexpected visitor enters their lives, creating havoc and turning it upside down. Jeni’s trust issues return in a major way after an incident leaves her fragile and broken. Aiden and Jeni find themselves going through more trials and tribulations than ever before in this second installment of the Trust Me? Trilogy. In the end, Jeni will be asked the ultimate question: Do you still love me?


Review-
You MUST read this! I was recently introduced to Osborn's writing and I have to say... every one NEEDS to try one of her books. The connection between Jeni and Aiden? One of a kind. The twists in this 'can't put down until you have read every word' story... you have to read to understand.

Osborn creates a wonderful story with her words. I absolutely love to be brought into a story whole-heartedly and Osborn definitely accomplished this for me.

Love Me Buy Link

Trust Me Buy Link

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Review ~ Santa, Maybe by Sarah Cass

Blurb~
Alan Richards returns to Lake Point for the holidays, counting the minutes until he can accomplish the dreaded goal of dealing with his aging parents and get back to the city.  Finding his former soul mate living in the town they left together and swore they’d never return to tosses his ordered plans right on their head.

Ivy Nowell has never looked back since she left the city and her ballet career to raise her daughter in Lake Point. Alan’s homecoming dredges up old hurts and the love she never quite let go, but he hasn’t changed, with his relentless commitment to goals that differ completely from hers.

The attraction and instant understanding between them lingers, but neither are who they used to be. Alan wants to give it a chance, but Ivy is worried he’ll change his mind and won’t risk hurting her daughter.


It’ll take Santa and all his magic to keep them from walking away from each other again, maybe for forever this time.

Review~
What a beautifully crafted story. From the very beginning, I kept telling  myself... sequel. No spolier here but keep your eyes open Mikey (Michaela).
Back to the holiday treat by Ms Cass.

I absolutely loved the character development, the connection between Alan and Ivy and even the non-chalant sarcasm from Eve. The written word for Justina wasn't your typical 'baby-talk' either, which I applaud Ms Cass for! I tend to get irritated with baby babble in holiday romance stories.

The holiday season is full of love, romance and magic and Ms Cass delivers all three.

If you're looking for a quick holiday read with a HEA, I highly recommend Santa, Maybe. I'm also looking forward to 'future releases' by Ms. Cass.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).