Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Taming the Beast by Lucy King




Book Blurb:

Once upon a time, Mercedes ‘Mercy’ Hernandez had the most enormous crush on her best friend’s older brother, Seb Madison. Now, though, she can’t stand the beast. Forget that he’s as spine-tinglingly gorgeous as ever. He’s a lousy brother and a manipulative bastard, not that she ever thinks about that disastrous one night stand they once had…

Still riddled with guilt over the death of his parents, billionaire loner Seb Madison has spent so long emotionally shut off that when beautiful, fiery Mercy bursts into his life again, he doesn’t know what’s hit him. All he knows is that she confuses him and he doesn’t like it.

Yet their chemistry hasn’t faded and, when hostility turns to attraction, a no-strings affair seems the logical solution. Mercy’s taking a much needed break from her family’s Argentinian vineyard to study for an MBA and Seb doesn’t do relationships. Neither have either the time or inclination for anything other than weekends-only red-hot sex. Or do they…?

My Review:

Seb is the Beast in Taming the Beast, and Mercy might or might not be the one to tame him...

Seb built a fortress around his heart and emotions when his parents died in the same accident he was injured from.  That fortress seems impenetrable, not even his younger sister can get in.  Until Mercy, his sisters friend, starts to try to crack through the walls.  With a heat that sizzles between them and an attraction they claim is only physical, weekends spent in bed together seem to be the perfect solution to both of their needs.  No caring, no conversation, no emotions.  But can they keep it at just that and stay happy?  Mercy is not someone who fades into the background, and Seb can't offer her anything more than sex.  Can he?

I loved the push and pull of the feelings these two bring out in each other, and I enjoyed the journey they embark on in Taming The Beast.  Seb has some serious issues, and he has a lot of inner conflict and tension inside of himself that he not only doesn't let others see, but that he doesn't deal with either.  In this quick novella Lucy manages to smoothly pack a lot of background and emotion, so that it is easy to know what is going on.  I liked that there isn't a long, drawn out history, it makes the impact of the present day story more powerful.  I liked who Mercy was, and how she was with Seb.  I liked her as a heroine, not only for that but for who she was and the places she was going in her life.  Both of these characters are strong in their own ways, and stubborn!  I saw a lot of positive character growth in Seb as Taming The Beast unfolded, and it was an emotional journey.

It was fun reading the dual POV, and I enjoyed the follow up with Mercy's girl friends.  They are an integral part of this series!

I really felt involved in Seb and Mercy's story and would recommend this romance to any romance reader.

4/5 stars

Bride on the Run (Runaway Brides #4) by Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock



Book Blurb:

Valerie Dimitri is on the run from her former fiancĂ© who’d only wanted to marry her for her family’s questionable criminal ties. She also has the perfect cover with an assumed name and a thriving call-in advice show, “Sex Talk with Serena”, until one messy call blows up in her face. When she counselled “Anna J” to break up her with her boyfriend, she had no idea that she was telling a local celebrity to dump the hometown hero ballplayer, Boone Sullivan.

Boone has discovered Valerie’s real identity and he’s determined to expose her secrets… and maybe more. What he didn’t expect was to be blindsided by a crazy attraction to the buttoned-up lady with the sultry voice and a hidden past. He had carefully plotted his revenge, but soon all he can think about is how much he’d like to take Valerie as very own his stand-in bride…
My Review:


Bride on The Run is fast paced, entertaining and emotional! With a little bit of suspense and a lot of feeling, it was an easy book to fall into.

I liked Valerie as much as I love the picture of her in a wedding dress on a Harley. Catherine and Joanne make her an easy heroine to root for, and hope for. Boone is stuck in the past, and has not let go of the fact that his fiancee dumped him - something he blames on Valerie, whether she deserves that or not. He was really fixated on this and it took a bit for him to move past this, which was quite annoying at times. But the attraction between Boone and Valerie is inescapable, and when trouble follows her, he is determined to keep her with him and keep her safe. It doesn't take long for them to see more in each other, but with her past and his future do they have a chance?

There is a serious side to Bride on The Run, but overall it was a fun read that made my heart beat a little bit faster. I loved the secondary characters, especially Valerie's father who plays a significant secondary character even if we don't see a lot of him. Their relationship really helped shape the book.

I'd recommend Bride on The Run to any romance reader looking for a smoothly written, entrancing read.

4/5 stars

Protector for Hire (Front and Center #4)



Book Blurb:
 
Keeping her safe is crucial. Guarding his heart is impossible.

Haunted by his time in Iraq, former soldier Schwartz Patton goes off the grid, retreating deep into Montana’s untamed wilderness. Now, ten years into his self-imposed solitude, his brother tracks him down and asks for a favor. A woman is in danger, and she needs help...and Schwartz is the only one who can protect her.

Designer-loving city girls like Janelle Keebler don't belong in the wilderness. Unless, of course, they're witnesses to a murder by their psycho drug-trafficking ex-husbands. Still, Janelle can't help the immediate physical response she has to her sexy-as-sin protector that leaves her wanting more than she could have ever imagined. Even if he does make terrible coffee...

Every word, every touch, every kiss ignites a need Schwartz thought he’d lost forever. He can't stop the desperate attraction simmering between him and Janelle, even if he wanted to. Even if it means it could get them both killed.

My Review:

I absolutely loved Protector for Hire! I think it's my favorite book in this series by Tawna Fenske. In Protector For Hire Tawna entertained me with a lot of laugh out loud moments, but she also really brought in some serious, heart wrenching emotions.

I loved both of the main characters. Janelle might be a big city girl, but she adapts remarkably well to the wilderness she finds herself in. There are no airs about her! She was real, funny, and very likable. Schwartz has a lot of layers that are peeled back in Protector For Hire, and he's a man who stole my heart and really made me feel. He has so much inner turmoil, and Janelle brings lightness when he least expects it.

Schwartz and Janelle get very close, emotionally and physically in Protector For Hire. The chemistry between them is hot, and the connection is palpable. Schwartz doesn't want to feel, but he does. Janelle has been running terrified for her life, and Schwartz makes her feel so safe. What happens when they give in to the passion simmering between them is both hot and touching, and very relevant to their stories. The danger is not over though...can Schwartz keep focused and keep her safe?

I loved the journey these two characters took. Protector for Hire is mostly Schwartz and Janelle, but the secondary characters who do make appearances are strong and memorable, great additions to the plot. I really liked Schwartz's family and how they were.

I loved the wilderness setting, and Tawna describes things vividly.

I'd highly recommend Protector For Hire to any romance reader who doesn't mind the laughter along with the tears!
 
 
 
 
 
 
5/5 super stars!!

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Tempting the Knight by Heidi Rice



Book Blurb:

Once upon a time, poor little rich girl Zelda Madison wanted someone to love her, until she discovered being a badass was much more fun.

Ten years after getting kicked out of convent school and torn away from her three best friends, Zelda has worked hard to clean up her act, but her wild streak has never been completely tamed and — one midnight swim on Manhattan Beach later — she’s suddenly in urgent need of a knight in shining armor…

Hard-working legal aid attorney Tyrone Sullivan is the last guy she should call. Not only does he hold a grudge when it comes to Zelda leading his little sister astray all those years ago, he’s also supremely pissed about having to rescue a runaway supermodel from a Brooklyn police station at two am. But when Ty reluctantly agrees to bust Zel out of her ivory tower and let her hide out on his house barge for a few days, she shows him the wild side he didn’t know he had.

Zel discovers there’s nothing hotter than tarnishing a good guy’s armor… Until he starts to steal her bad girl’s battered heart…

My Review:

Tempting The Knight is a fast paced, smoothly written romance with hints of fairy tales...

I really felt for Zelda, the heart aches she's had, the loneliness she's suffered, and the trials she still faces.  Zelda puts on a good act, but underneath is someone I really came to care for.  Ty is not your typical knight in shining armour!  He's definitely not enamoured with Zelda...right?  The lust is there, but the bad girl he sees in Zelda is not what he's looking for.  I enjoyed watching these two get to know each other better, and their characters really grew in Tempting The Knight. Things are hot between them, and neither of them expect the connection they feel.  Despite the rules, some things might be meant to be if either of them can give it a try...

I liked the secondary characters, and seeing Zelda's friends through her eyes.  I am really looking forward to the next book in this series.

Modern, with realistic feelings and believable characters, I'd recommend Tempting The Night to any romance reader.

4/5 stars

Two Nights With His Bride (Montana Born Brides #6) by Kat Latham


Book Blurb:

Wedding fever has hit the little town of Marietta... 

Soap opera star Nancy Parsons is madly in love with Hollywood’s favorite leading man, and they’re getting married on her parents’ stunning horse ranch just outside Marietta, Montana. Actors, athletes, and politicians will be there to watch Hollywood’s most extravagant couple say I do. 

There’s just one problem. The bride’s childhood friend Wyatt Wilder knows Nancy’s making the biggest mistake of her life. Sure, Jared’s got looks, money, fame, and—it seems—Nancy’s heart. But when her bridesmaids hire him to lead them on a girls’-only adventure, Wyatt has two nights in the wilderness along the Yellowstone River to show her what a real man looks and acts like. A rugged, tough, loving man. 

But will he be able to do it before she says “I do” to the wrong man?

My Review:

Kat Latham made me feel all sorts of emotions as I read Two Nights With His Bride.  I was nervous, entertained, sad, and happy!

Nancy (Nancylynn) has worked hard to get where she is today.  Strong on the outside, inside I got the feeling she was still seeking that safe feeling, that feeling of being taken care of that she felt like she missed growing up.  I didn't always understand her or her decisions, but Nancy is a strong character whose story was intriguing.  Most of the time I really liked her, but at times just wanted her to open her eyes up!

Wyatt and Nancy have a history from a long ago childhood she's strived to put behind her.  Wyatt sees a lot in her that she doesn't.  He knows she is strong and deserves much better than she's settling for.  An attraction is there for both of them, but neither of them can act on since she's going to be marrying another man...even if everyone else thinks he's the wrong man for her!  I was glad about this, that both of them had strong morals.  I liked how Wyatt is with Nancy, even if he hasn't seen her for years.  He's a really good guy.

I liked the secondary characters in Two Nights With His Bride.  I wasn't sure about the bridesmaids, but I actually ended up liking them quite a bit.  They sure spiced things up!  I enjoyed seeing characters from previous books, and the interactions they had in this one.

It was great to be back in Marietta!  Kat took me on an emotional, bumpy ride with enough conflict to keep things interesting and to keep me on edge about how things would end up.  Some of the scenes were so vivid they will stay in my head for a while!

I'd recommend Two Nights With His Bride to any romance reader.

4/5 stars

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Cover Reveal...Darkest Revelations by Charlene M. Martin


Darkest Revelations

This is a novella and should be read after you’ve read The Sweet Temptation of Whiskey by Charlene M. Martin.
 
Have you ever wondered what secrets Mr. Black holds?
 
 

Blurb

 

Mr. Black also known as Whiskey is a victim of sexual abuse, but not in the normal sense one may think. On more than one occasion, Whiskey watched his mother being sexually assaulted.  The impact of seeing those terrifying things at such a young age took him to a very dark place. He began to use whiskey and women to work through his problems, but when those stopped working, he sought out the help of a professional. 

 

Ms. Langford must find a way to stay professional while dealing with Mr. Black's darkest revelations. Her attraction to him is undeniable, but he’s a client. She can’t have these feelings for him it would be unethical.  She struggles to find an outlet for her sexual frustrations, due to Mr. Black’s explicit revelations.

 

Will she remain professional or will she give into her

 Darkest Temptations?
 
 

Pursued by the Rogue by Kelly Hunter


Book Blurb:

A no-strings affair between two dedicated professionals? It should have been the perfect solution.

Ugly duckling Dawn Turner doesn’t do relationships. She has her reasons and they’re good ones. But she can’t resist the magic in Finbar Sullivan’s touch, so she negotiates the next best thing with him. Scorchingly perfect, utterly casual sex.

World class musician Finnbar Sullivan always pushes the limits to get what he wants, and he wants Dawn. All of her. Love, commitment and a future together. So he reneges on the deal and composes a new one.

So what’s stopping her? And will Finn’s latest offer be enough to change Dawn’s mind?
 

My Review:

Pursued By The Rogue starts off with a fairy tale feel, but quickly evolves into a deep story all about second chances.  Not only in love, but in friendships, family, and life.  Kelly writes a strong, emotional story, building multiple layers into the plot, then slowly peeling them away.

Dawn (the 'ugly duckling') is brilliant and driven in her career, but inside she's never felt good enough or pretty enough for anyone.  She keeps as far away from relationships as possible, even if she does enjoy sex.  When she reunites with her friends and her first love, first everything Finn, the sparks are still there.  Both of them can feel a connection.  Finn sees nothing but beauty and goodness when he looks at Dawn, and he is drawn to her even after all these years.  But Dawn has made herself clear - sex is good, but no emotional involvement.  Easy going Finn wants so much more with Dawn though...can he convince her to break her rules for him?  To start to live life to the fullest?

I really liked Dawn and Finn.  I felt way more connected to Dawn, because this is really her story.  Kelly brought a lot of real issues into Pursued By The Rogue, and really made me feel for these two as they struggle through issues that threaten to keep them apart.  I liked how Finn was with Dawn, how he really did pursue her!

I enjoyed the secondary characters.  Dawn's mother and aunt play a significant role even if we don't see a lot of them.  And I am really looking forward to Dawn's friends stories in the next books in this series.  

I'd recommend Pursued By The Rogue to any romance reader!

4/5 stars

Purchase from Amazon.com

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

One Night with the Tycoon (Whiskey River Book 3) by Katherine Garbera



Book Blurb:

Meet the Kellys of Whiskey River, Texas, men who have always gone through life, and women, with their father’s legendary charm. 

Wyatt Kelly, CEO of Kelly Boots, is rumored to do everything with his cowboy boots on, including seducing women into memorable one-night stands. Growing up the second eldest son of a philandering charmer, Wyatt’s seen first hand how messy relationships can get when the heart’s involved, and he’s determined to leave no scars. No woman’s tempted Wyatt to break his vow until he meets Juliette Rossi. 

Juliette is all about business. She’s focused on turning the lavender farm she and her cousin inherited into a successful, world-wide company. Her meticulous plans are on the right track until she accepts a dare to spend the night with Wyatt after the annual Boots & Bangles Gala. Juliette’s fantasized about Wyatt for years... One night will get him out of her system for good, right? 

Wrong. 

Can she convince Wyatt that he’s more than his Kelly heritage? Will Wyatt agree that one night just isn't enough? 

My Review:

One Night With the Tycoon was an enjoyable, hopeful, fast read.

The main characters are drawn to each other, even if neither of them has expectations beyond one night.  I liked that they were honest with each other, even after their one night together, when neither of them is sure anymore if that night could ever be enough.  But they both have issues that prevent them from believing more is possible.  Juliette is confident on the outside, but inside she's more insecure than most people know.  Wyatt is convinced he's more like his father than any of his brothers, and he'll never settle with one woman.  I was interested to see if they'd be able to work through this in the span of this novella...they both want so much more but are reluctant to admit to it.  There's some push and pull between them, tension, and some great chemistry that could supersede all of that if they let it.  I liked the dual POV that Katherine uses in One Night With the Tycoon...I love it when I know things other characters don't yet!

I really liked the secondary characters and that the relationship between the brothers is still a prominent sub plot that carries through this series.  Watching them get to know each other and what each is going through is so intriguing!  I also like that another sub plot runs smoothly through this book from One Night With The Cowboy, and that it is all very clear.

One Night With the Tycoon is a well paced, small town romance with a lot going on that Katherine manages to pull together smoothly in this novella.  I'd recommend One Night With the Tycoon to any romance reader looking for a quick escape!

4/5 stars

Purchase from Amazon.com

Monday, June 22, 2015

Relentless (Renegades #4) by Skye Jordan




Book Blurb:

Bad boy Troy Jacobs is all about taking risks. As a stunt double for Hollywood’s A-listers, there’s no fall he won’t attempt. With one exception—women. Troy fell hard once, and it nearly broke him. Since then, he’s vowed never to trust like that again and he’s got everything under control. Until the woman who shattered his heart years before shows up on his movie-set.

Country music star Giselle “Ellie” Diamond learned long ago that sometimes love isn’t enough. When love got in the way of her goals, she made the tough choice to let go of happily ever after and chased the glitz and glamour of the stage. It may not be all she expected, but now it’s all she has. And with a worldwide tour on the line, Ellie needs one last gig to rocket her toward stardom: a high-profile role in a blockbuster film.

Passion sparks, and old feelings return. But while Troy and Ellie grow closer their problems from the past simmer in the background. And this time around, there's more tearing them apart than just one star-studded career.

My Review:

Relentless is a well paced, passionate, second chance romance.

I liked how Skye didn't draw out Troy and Giselle's background stories too much.  By knowing where they came from and what they've overcome I felt close to Troy and Giselle, like I really knew them.  They are both strong characters, and the pull between them when they end up being in the same place at the same time is palpable.  The conflict and emotions they go through in Relentless were a roller coaster ride!  Both of them have over come so much, but the past still haunts them each.  Troy has never gotten over Giselle, and his heart ache was very easy to feel through Skye's writing.  He seemed more vulnerable than Giselle, and I really felt for him.  Giselle has her own heart ache, but the choices she made have shaped her present.  As they somewhat reluctantly come together again, there is conflict, tension, and a lot of steam!  I was interested to see how things would turn out for them, and Skye kept me hooked in their very intriguing story.

There is some explicitness to Relentless, and it works well and fits in relevantly with the plot.

The secondary characters all have something to add, and made things even more interesting.

Relentless is part of Renegades series by Skye Jordan, but it can easily be enjoyed as a stand alone.

I'd recommend Relentless to any romance reader who enjoys the bumpy road of a second chance romance.

4/5 stars

Purchase from Amazon.com




Friday, June 19, 2015

Hotter After Midnight (Midnight #1) by Cynthia Eden



Book Blurb:

A Seductive Nighttime World. . . Dr. Emily Drake's psychotherapy patients tend to be a little unusual. Instead of midlife crises and mother fixations, Emily treats vampires with blood phobias and sex-demons looking for meaningful relationships. But healing these powerful beings requires an important rule: Never trust a shifter. Especially not one like Detective Colin Gyth, whose gold-flecked eyes and predatory air make Emily realize how much she longs to lose control. . .

A Dark And Dangerous Hunger. . .

Colin can't believe the doctor he has to work with on the Night Butcher murder case is the one person who could expose his true identity as a wolf shifter. Smart and sexy, Emily brings out the alpha male in Colin, unleashing a wild desire that takes them both over the edge. . . But in the shadows, the Night Butcher waits, eager to spill Emily's blood and taste her terror. And he'll use any means to destroy her, including the one person she has grown to trust. . .

My Review:

I was looking for something darker and edgier than my usual romantic suspense's and Cynthia certainly gave it to me in Hotter After Midnight!  I loved everything about this book.   Cynthia drew me in right away to Emily and Colin's world, made me curious, a little afraid of the dark, and wanting more!

Emily and Colin are a great hero and heroine who had enough going on in their lives that there was no need for any angst.  I love these kind of characters.  They are both strong with backgrounds I couldn't wait to read more about.  I love how they unexpectedly come together, and the heat and passion between them is amazing.  The paranormal in Hotter After Midnight was just right for me, and I enjoyed all the different aspects Cynthia wrote about.  The suspense is thrilling and I was completely surprised by the who!  I had no idea who the Night Butcher would be and I liked the journey Cynthia took me on.

This book was just what I was looking for and I can't wait to dive into the next one.  Exciting and chilling, passionate and powerful, I highly recommend Hotter After Midnight to any paranormal romantic suspense reader!

5/5 Suspenseful Sensational Stars!!!!!

Purchase from Amazon.com

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Too Charming by Kathryn Freeman



Book Blurb:

Does a girl ever really learn from her mistakes?

Detective Sergeant Megan Taylor thinks so. She once lost her heart to a man who was too charming and she isn’t about to make the same mistake again – especially not with sexy defence lawyer, Scott Armstrong. Aside from being far too sure of himself for his own good, Scott’s major flaw is that he defends the very people that she works so hard to imprison.

But when Scott wants something he goes for it. And he wants Megan. One day she’ll see him not as a lawyer, but as a man ... and that’s when she’ll fall for him.

Yet just as Scott seems to be making inroads, a case presents itself that’s far too close to home, throwing his life into chaos.

As Megan helps him pick up the pieces, can he persuade her that he isn’t the careless charmer she thinks he is? Isn’t a man innocent until proven guilty?

My Review:

Megan is good at her job, she is strong willed, and she really can be nice.  Just not to Scott.  I could not connect to or really like Megan at all in Too Charming.  She has been hurt once by a man and she is now brushing all men with the same brush, even when examples of good men are staring her in the face.  She is mean, bitter, assuming, and judgemental towards Scott, and her attitude really over shadowed almost everything and everyone else in Too Charming, which made it difficult for me to enjoy reading Too Charming because there was such an overwhelming sense of negativity radiating off of Megan.

Scott is a man of many layers, not all of which he talks about openly.  He is also good at his job,and he has purpose.  He is great with Megan's daughter Sally, and deals with his own issues in his own way.  His feelings were believable and realistic.  I liked him, but for the life of me I could not understand what he saw in Megan and why he put up with being treated so poorly.

I liked Megan's parents and what they brought to Too Charming.

Unfortunately Too Charming was not a great read for me, but that doesn't mean someone else won't enjoy it.

2/5 stars

The Taming of the Bachelor (Taming of the Sheenans #4) by Jane Porter



Book Blurb:

Dillon Sheenan refuses to be tamed… 

After three years running the family ranch, sexy thirty-year-old Dillon Sheenan has a one way plane ticket out of Montana. He’s eager to put small town life, with its emphasis on brides, babies, and families, behind him as he’s certainly not interested in being a dad, or even ready to settle down. 

Beautiful single mom, Paige Joffe, juggles a lot, between running Main Street Diner and coping with her money-pit of a Victorian on Bramble Lane. She doesn’t have time for anything but taking care of the loves of her life, Addison and Tyler, and working to pay down bills. But one date–and an incredibly hot kiss–with Dillon Sheenan wakes her up and makes her dream again. 

Until she finds out Dillon’s already bought his ticket out of town… 

Is Dillon about to break the heart of the only woman he’s ever loved?

My Review:

The Taming of The Bachelor is an easy read, well paced book.  The romance is not easy, there are many bumps in the road for Paige and Dillon.  

Paige has found her place in Marietta, but Dillon has no plans to stay.  Widowed with two children, Paige doesn't want a fly by night relationship.  Dillon doesn't do permanent and has no desire for a committed relationship, but he can't keep Paige out of his mind.  Their mutual attraction is palpable and they feel a connection, but anything more than a fling is out of the question.

As Paige and Dillon came together, then apart, the struggle was heart felt and I could feel it and the hurt that was bound to happen despite having no expectations.  I liked both of these characters, and liked watching Dillon's character grow in the short span of The Taming of The Bachelor.  He has a big heart, bigger than he'll admit to, and his actions speak louder than his words.  I could feel the conflict both of them experienced as this relationship took unexpected turns, and I felt a lot of hope for both of these characters who are struggling with past hurts.

It was a lot of fun being back in Marietta and seeing some characters I feel like I've got to know through other books.  The Taming of The Bachelor can definitely be read as a stand alone though.

Jane does a great job of writing realistic characters with real feelings that I can care about.

I'd recommend The Taming of The Bachelor to any romance reader looking for a quick, smooth read with a lot of feeling.

4/5 stars

Purchase from Amazon.com

Monday, June 15, 2015

Witness to Passion (Guarding Her Body #1) by Naima Simone



Book Blurb:

Under his protection and in his bed…

For Fallon Wayland, birthdays are just another reminder of her looming spinsterhood. This year is shaping up to be no different. Unfairly fired from her job, dumped by her boyfriend, and oh yes, witnessing the murder of a high-ranking lieutenant in the local crime family… Yeah, birthdays suck.

Ever since a disastrous, hot-as-hell kiss years ago, soldier-turned-security specialist Shane Roarke has avoided his baby sister’s reckless—and gorgeous—best friend. Yet when her life is threatened after she witnesses a gang hit, he insists on protecting her…even if she objects.

The two are forced to hole up in a safe house. Alone. Passion long denied erupts between them, burning away their inhibitions. But even as layers—and clothes—are peeled away, danger closes in. Shane and Fallon might finally have a chance at love…if they survive long enough to see it.

My Review:

Witness to Passion is a great take on forbidden love!  Sloane has tried hard to keep Fallon at arms length because she's his sister's best friend...

But when Sloane finds out Fallon is in grave danger, he'll do what ever it takes to protect her.  Even if it means spending a lot of time in close quarters with just her.  He can control himself, right?  Being close to Fallon soon proves too much for his resolve, and even as he strives to keep her safe, the chemistry between them is impossible to ignore.  He wants more than Fallon can ever give though...Sloane wants a family and forever.  Fallon doesn't believe in love or forever.  As the danger and tension escalates, so does Fallon and Sloane's passion.  

Entertaining, suspenseful, and passionate, Witness to Passion has a couple of very strong willed main characters and a fair amount of angst.  Fallon comes across as quite young and naive at times.  If you like this kind of character who is also angsty, goal driven, and a little bit oblivious, you will like Fallon.  Sloane is protective, honorable, and tires hard to keep the boundaries up between him and Fallon.  He comes across as a really good man who faces his own personal conflicts.

Witness to Passion is a great introduction to this series (Guarding Her Body) and the men of GDG Security Solutions, and I enjoyed all of the secondary characters who make up this group.

I'd recommend Witness to Passion to romantic suspense readers who like it hot!

4/5 stars

Purchase from Amazon.com



Sunday, June 14, 2015

Going Home (Nugget #1) by Stacy Finz



Book Blurb:

The small mountain town of Nugget, California, has a strange way of giving people unexpected reasons to start over—and find the most irresistible chances to fall in love… 

Maddy Breyer needs to prove she can make her own life after betrayal blew up her previous happily-ever-after. Staying totally focused on renovating a decrepit mansion into a bed-and-breakfast might help her—and this recession-hit town—finally turn things around. But the mysterious new sheriff is the kind of lawbreaking temptation that’s an even bigger challenge to resist… 

Detective Rhys Shepard is only back in Nugget long enough to care for his ailing father. He’s got a big-city promotion far away from this place that never accepted him. He does not need a sudden crime wave to solve. Or one leggy case of heartbreak stirring up all kinds of trouble and challenging his rules. Which might explain why he’s suddenly finding it hard to leave…

My Review:

I really liked the premise of the plot and the interesting background of small town Nugget in Going Home.  The way Stacy included some of Nugget's somewhat horrifying history really brought the place to life!

Both of the main characters, Maddy and Rhys are strong.  They come from very different backgrounds, but that doesn't stop the attraction they have for each other.  In present day they have very different lives too though.  Maddy has goals, and they are centered around her new life in Nugget.  Rhys is only back in Nugget temporarily, and is counting down the days until he can leave again.  Seeing these two together and the push and pull of their budding relationship made Going Home a lively read.  I felt that both of them and their struggles were realistic and believable.  I could understand the reactions both of them had to their own circumstances, and these reactions made Maddy and Rhys real.

I liked that the focus of Going Home was not entirely on Maddy and Rhys' relationship.  They both have a lot of other things going on that they are dealing with...some things very unexpected!

There are a lot of secondary characters in Going Home as well as sub plots, but they are all relevant to the main plot and Stacy ties it all together smoothly.  The characters and town of Nugget are certainly quirky, adding tension and uncertainty to the main plot.  I liked how Stacy did this, it made Nugget seem like a place that could be anywhere!

Stacy kept the plot moving, not giving away everything all at once, but keeping me intrigued and interested.  I felt like I really got to know Rhys and Maddy.  I could easily picture Nugget and the places Stacy describes in Going Home.

A well paced, great start to a series, I'd recommend Going Home to any romance reader especially if you like small town settings and all the dynamics they entail!

3/5 stars

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