ARC Review: The Shape of My Heart by Ann Aguirre – 2B Trilogy- Book 3

81DjCULifEL._SL1500_The Shape of My Heart

2B Trilogy – Book 3

By Ann Aguirre

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Synopsis

Some people wait decades to meet their soul mate. Courtney Kaufman suspects she met hers in high school—only to lose him at seventeen. Since then, Courtney’s social life has been a series of meaningless encounters, though she’s made a few close friends along the way. Especially her roommate, Max Cooper, who oozes damaged bad-boy vibes from every pore.

Max knows about feeling lost—he’s been on his own since he was sixteen. Now it’s time to find out if he can ever go home again, and Courtney’s the only one he trusts to go with him. But the trip to Providence could change everything….

It started out so simple. One misfit helping another. Now Max will do anything to show Courtney that for every heart that’s ever been broken, there’s another that can make it complete.

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4 star

Tina’s Review

*** Provided by Netgalley in Exchange for an Honest Review. ***

Courtney’s not your stereotypical heroine. She’s a bisexual, Jewish college student studying business. Max is the resident bad-boy majoring in mechanical engineering. He tried to play himself off as a jokester and partier, but there’s a darker, more intense side to him. Angus is the brightness in the house and gay. They need to fill the fourth roomie spot that just opened when Nadia moves out. Angus suggests his friend, Kia, who’s trying to get out of a controlling relationship. These are the main characters of the story, with a primary focus on Courtney and Max.

Obviously, this is the last book of the trilogy, of which I have NOT read the previous two. I will be commenting and rating the book as if it were a stand-alone novel. These are New Adult characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, none without flaws or drama. The main characters are early-20s college students that co-habitate. Max needs to go back home, for the first time in over five years and asks Courtney to come with him for moral support. During their journey, they experience a shift in their relationship which neither are great at deciphering or communicating. The characters are well written, even though they are kind of angst-y. Drama and trauma seem to run amok among the characters, main and secondary. The plot moves along smoothly, but a little slow in places. Interaction and dialogue are age appropriate, full of snark and sass; emotions are conveyed pretty well. There were numerous conflicts throughout the book, giving it plenty of dimension. Some of the resolutions were well thought out, while others seemed too easy. There was some minor predictability in the later third of the book, but nothing glaringly obvious. The conclusion was solid and was followed up with a nice epilogue.

Author Bio

lowres1Ann Aguirre is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. She likes all kinds of books, emo music, action movies and Doctor Who. She writes all kind of fiction in multiple genres, both YA and for adults.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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ARC Review: Perfect Chaos by Noshoda Rose- Unyielding Series- Book 1

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Perfect Chaos

Unyielding Series- Book 1

By Nashoda Rose

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Synopsis

Georgie

I lie to survive.

Have since I was sixteen and my world fell into chaos. But I found a way to endure, or rather it found me. Now I’m a prisoner of my own doing, hiding behind a false mask so no one sees the truth. Not even the man I want but can’t have—Deck. But I messed up and the lies are spilling over, out of control.

Deck is unrelenting and will settle for nothing less than the truth. He demands everything from me—EVERYTHING—even if it rips me apart.

DECK

I kill for a living.

Unyielding—It’s how I survive in my line of work. I bend people to my will…except Georgie.
But that ends now.
I’ve played her game for far too long. Now I think it’s time we play mine.

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4 star

Tina’s Review

Georgie was a control freak. So much so that her brother, Connor, teased that she should join the Canadian forces like he did. He was not only her brother, but one of her best friends. But her world abruptly changed one Sunday morning when Deck showed up to deliver the bad news. Now, years later, Georgie owns a coffee shop she named Perk Avenue, has inherited a watchdog… Deck and is living a lie out of necessity.
Deck Ryan served as Connor’s team leader. Informing his best friend’s family of his failure to save him was one of the hardest things he’d ever done. To watch sixteen-year old Georgie meltdown and walk out on her was even harder. Two years later, he returned and now – for years, he’s watched over her; kept her safe from others, and herself, either personally or through one of his men at Unyielding Riot.
**WARNING:
There is a “reliving” and recurring memory replay of graphic violence.
Not suitable for all readers.
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Although this is the first book in a new series, it is – quite obviously – heavily tied to the Tear Asunder series, which I have NOT read. There is much mention early on regarding characters, and events that had occurred, that hint at a much deeper and more intimate history between these characters that this book alone would not be able to convey on it’s own as successfully.
Deck is the picture-perfect extremely intense uber alpha. Georgie is hiding her old self deep under a new facade of a care-free alcoholic party-girl out of fear and determination to keep her loved ones safe. Deck and Georgie are each tormented with their own demons from the past and this creates a pair of wonderful, extremely emotional and dimensional characters. The plot is filled with plenty of action, sass and twists. There’s some really clever stuff going on and there are many layers hidden within the plot that are capable of providing shock and surprise throughout. The dialogue is equal parts exasperating and humorous. The overall big-picture plot conflict will carry over, it looks like, as a predominant theme to throughout the series, however the individual conflict has been resolved fairly well for now. It would not be correct in calling the conclusion “solid”. There is definitely a “to be continued” feel, BUT the lesser, more intimate story does have a good grasp at closure. I guess we wait to see how things continue in PERFECT RUIN and PERFECT RAGE. Cover is extremely appealing, choosing a piece from Michael Stokes with model Aron Abikzer.

Author Bio:

Nashonda RoseNashoda Rose is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Toronto with her assortment of pets. She writes contemporary romance with a splash of darkness, or maybe it’s a tidal wave.

When she isn’t writing, she can be found sitting in a field reading with her dogs at her side while her horses graze nearby. She loves interacting with her readers on Facebook and chatting about her addiction—books.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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ARC Review: Undefeated by Melissa Cutler- Bomb Squad Series- Book 2

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Undefeated

The Bomb Squad Series- Book 2

By Melissa Cutler

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Synopsis

Welcome to Destiny Falls, New York, home of Bomb Squad—an ice hockey team full of rugged military heroes. The team’s battling a losing streak, but the season’s biggest game changer is one player’s second chance with the one who got away…

Yoga instructor Marlena Brodie is always up for a challenge, and her new job of snapping Bomb Squad out of their rut is definitely that, even though it means being in close contact with Liam McAllister, her high school crush gone bad. She can feel the damage pouring off of him—but also a wild and sexy strength that calls to her.

The Army turned Liam McAllister into a man, but as a combat medic, he saw far too much to ever be whole again. He’s not interested in the civilian world beyond his job as a carpenter, but he never stopped wondering what might have been with Marlena—and it isn’t long before she’s crashed through his carefully constructed walls. He longs for a new beginning with her, but to be the man she deserves, he’ll have to step out of his defensive zone and score the most important play of his life…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

5 star

Michel’s Review

When I chose the ARC copy of Undefeated, I thought I was getting a light hearted sports romance with the typical story line. I love any kind of book that is based upon a hockey team and their players. What I didn’t count on was getting a deep, emotional book that dealt with some heavy issues. Needless to say, this book was a rewarding surprise. I enjoyed every single word, the complex characters, and the emotional angst they experienced.

Liam McAllister has come back from the war with a severe case of PTSD. He served as medic for three tours in Afghanistan. He is haunted by the memories of soldiers he couldn’t save, the soldiers that were maimed for life, and the atrocities committed against innocent civilians. He can’t get these horrific memories out of his head and it is affecting his life. He has become anti social, aggressive, withdrawn, and very uncomfortable around crowds. He is not assimilating back into civilian life very well. He is struggling to survive his daily life and routines. The one thing that is helping him is being a member of the Bomb Squad Hockey Team.

The Bomb Squad Hockey team is a recreational community team compiled of wounded veterans. Some are missing limbs, some are suffering from PTSD, and all of them have some kind of issue. Their former war experiences have bonded them together. They are more than teammates. They are brothers. Hockey is more than a sport for them. It is an outlet that allows them to vent their aggression, pent up hostilities, and antsy feelings on the ice rather than in their personal lives. It is their therapy.

Marlena Brodie is a yoga instructor. She is a very spiritual person. She understands PTSD because she suffers from her own version of it. She was attacked as a child. She has embraced the wholesome new age lifestyle as a means to dealing with her memories. When she meets Liam she recognizes a kindred soul. She understands him more than he understands himself. She can deal with his outbursts, bad attitude, and triggers. She truly sees the real man that he is beneath all of the pain and suffering. She stands by him and helps him deal with the emotional scars he carries.

Liam and Marlena are perfect for one another. Their relationship goes beyond the explosive sexual chemistry. They are both very aware of their own issues but also aware of each other’s pain. They have an unique understanding of each other. They lend each other their strengths. They support their weaknesses. They soothe the pain. They give each other the kind of love that heals the soul. They have learned to set aside their own issues and put the other ones needs first. That is the true meaning of love.

Melissa Cutler wrote a beautiful emotional story. Not only were the main characters compelling, the secondary characters each had a story. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. These wounded warrior hockey players have captured my heart.

The Bomb Squad Series

91KNYGnM7vL._SL1500_Welcome to Destiny Falls, New York, home of Bomb Squad–an ice hockey team full of rugged military heroes. But the season’s biggest match-up isn’t on the ice as one of their own prepares to go head to head with his new boss…

Allison Whitely’s ex left her with a mountain of debt and Cloud Nine, a struggling boat rental business. With zero job skills, her only hope of getting back in the black lies in a brooding ex-soldier who has her seeing red…

Theo Lacroix’s teammates are counting on their star player to help them win an upcoming high profile hockey game. But when a sexy tornado of a woman sweeps into Destiny Falls and expects him to help her with Cloud Nine, Theo is tempted to skate away from it all.

Theo vowed never again to be someone’s knight in shining armor, but his feelings–and desire–for Allison are becoming harder to ignore. He longs to save her, but to win Allison’s love, he’ll have to throw out his old playbook and take the ultimate risk…playing from the heart.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Author Bio:

Melissa CutlerMelissa Cutler knows she has the best job in the world, dividing her time between her dual passions for writing sexy contemporary romances and edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense for Harlequin, Penguin, and Kensington Books.

She was struck at an early age by an unrelenting travel bug and is probably planning her next vacation as you read this. When she’s not globetrotting, she’s enjoying Southern California’s flip-flop wearing weather and wrangling two rambunctious kids.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

undefeated

Holiday Review Blog Tour + Giveaway: A Very Married Christmas by Erika Marks

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AVeryMarriedChristmas-LARGE

A Very Married Christmas

A Holiday Romance

By Erika Marks

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Synopsis

Cookbook author Marley Chambers can’t think of a more festive way to spend Christmas than at a friend’s holiday wedding in her hometown of Magnolia Bay. If only her soon-to-be ex-husband, all-star pitcher, Beckett “Beck” Chambers wasn’t bringing his new girlfriend—and if only he wasn’t still the sexiest man to ever walk out onto the mound…

Beck never wanted the chaotic life of a sport star—especially not at the cost of his marriage to the only woman he’s ever truly loved. But his career is a runaway train—and he’s afraid it’s too late to hit the brakes.

But when a mix-up leaves Beck and Marley stranded together for Christmas Eve on the barrier island where Beck proposed years before, old memories burn bright—and sparks fly hotter than a bonfire on the beach.

Could the magic of the season bring the gift of a second chance, just in time for Christmas?

Buy: Amazon

4

Tracey’s Review

Back in Magnolia Bay for her friend’s wedding, cookbook author Marley Chambers has mixed emotions. Coming home brings back all sorts of memories, and not all of them are good. Marley is not looking forward to seeing her soon-to-be ex-husband, baseball’s golden boy, Beckett ‘Beck’ Chambers. In the midst of less-than-amicable divorce proceedings, seeing Beck and his sexy twenty-something newscaster girlfriend leaves Marley feeling like three is definitely a crowd, and wishing she was anywhere but Magnolia Bay.

As a fan of second-chance love stories AND a majorly huge fan of Christmas, I really enjoyed A VERY MARRIED CHRISTMAS. I’d already met and fallen in love with Magnolia Bay, so it felt a little bit like visiting an old friend. And, even though I haven’t dealt with divorce in my own life, I could totally relate to Marley, who had put her own creative energies on the back burner to support her husband’s dreams. Beck comes across as somewhat of a selfish guy going through some mid-life issues at first, but when fate, in the person of Marley’s friend Gina, forces him and Marley to spend Christmas Eve together, the two reconnect, and the man that Marley fell in love with makes a comeback.

A VERY MARRIED CHRISTMAS is part of the Southern Born Christmas series, and I very happily recommend it as an addition to any holiday romance list. Because, really, what better way to usher in this holiday season than with a second chance at love in the Beautiful South?

 

Author Bio:

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAErika Marks is a women’s fiction writer and the author of LITTLE GALE GUMBO, THE MERMAID COLLECTOR, THE GUEST HOUSE and IT COMES IN WAVES (July, 2014). On the long and winding road to becoming published, she worked many different jobs, including carpenter, cake decorator, art director, and illustrator. But if pressed, she might say it was her brief tenure with a match-making service in Los Angeles after college that set her on the path to writing love stories (not that there isn’t romance in frosting or power tools!) A native New Englander, she now makes her home in Charlotte, NC, with her husband, a native New Orleanian who has taught her to make a wicked gumbo, and their two little mermaids. For more on Erika’s books, visit her website at http://www.erikamarksauthor.com

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Giveaway

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ARC Holiday Review: A Cowboy’s Christmas Promise by Maggie McGinnis – Whisper Creek Series- Book 2

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acowboychristmaspromise

A Cowboy’s Christmas Promise

A Whisper Creek Holiday Romance

Whisper Creek Series- Book 2

By Maggie McGinnis

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Synopsis

In a captivating novel spiced with holiday magic—perfect for fans of Rachel Gibson, Susan Mallery, and Molly O’Keefe—a rugged Montana man mends a Northeast girl’s jaded heart.

Boston veterinarian Hayley Scampini tends the city’s pampered pets but dreams of the rural life of a country vet. She’s single and determined to stay that way, convinced that love isn’t permanent enough to trust. Then a vacation to the Whisper Creek dude ranch introduces her to Daniel McKee, a sexy single dad who runs the kind of veterinary practice she aspires to—and rattles her conviction to keep men at a distance.

Managing a thriving practice, coping with the loss of his wife, and fighting a custody battle with his in-laws over his twin daughters, Daniel couldn’t be more overwhelmed. Hayley is a godsend, accompanying him in the field and winning over his girls. It doesn’t take Daniel long to realize he’s falling for this woman, hard and fast. So before Hayley returns to Boston, he extracts a promise: that she will return to Whisper Creek for Christmas. It’s the perfect time and place to show Hayley that the promise of a beautiful life together is something she can believe in.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

4

Tina’s Review


*** Provided by Netgalley in Exchange for an Honest Review. ***

Two years ago, Hayley Scampini inherited her uncle’s Boston vet practice when he chose to retire and since then she’s been handling pint-size critters and ridiculously spoiled show cats. She’s looking forward to taking a break to attend her best friend Kyla’s wedding in Montana under open skies and dealing with larger animals.

When Daniel McKee lost his wife two years ago to cancer, he suddenly needed to learn how to be a single dad to his five-year old twin girls. He desperately needs a partner for his vet practice, but finding a graduate more interested in livestock than domestic has proved impossible. In the meantime, he’s still struggling to balance work with fatherhood.
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Although this is the second book in the Whisper Creek series, it can easily stand on it’s own. The characters are wonderfully written. Daniel and Hayley are extremely enjoyable as primaries. The secondaries are fantastic, however I think the twins kinda steal several scenes. The plot is dynamic and it flows quite smoothly. There are many emotions conveyed nicely and a sweet humor that makes you smile and laugh as you read it. There were several conflicts of various degrees that took some time to resolve, thus creating a world of realism that not many books manage to capture in such a mature way. NO major Cliffhangers, NO “to be continued”. The conclusion was solid, it closed the book nicely with only the slightest hint of other stories that could develop in the future.

Author Bio:

maggie mcginnisMaggie McGinnis is a USA Today® Bestselling author  and Golden Heart® Finalist who writes humorous contemporary romance and cozy mysteries.

Her heroines are smart and sassy, and her heroes are ju-ust right … but only if they find the right gals!

She’s a member of Romance Writers of America, and is agented by the fabulous Courtney Miller-Callihan of Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.

Maggie’s Whisper Creek series is published by Random House Loveswept®, and her upcoming Echo Lake series will be published by St. Martin’s Press.

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acowboychristmaspromise

Holiday Review: Her Holiday Man by Shannon Stacey

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her holiday manHer Holiday Man

Contemporary Holiday Romance

By Shannon Stacey

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Synopsis

Christina Forrester is starting over. After a financial scandal sent her ex-husband to prison, she’s left raising her young son without any of the comforts of their old life. Budgets, coupons, lawn care—you name it, she’s learning to do it all on her own. Well, almost on her own—she’d be lost without Gail Broughton, the kind widow across the street. But when Gail’s son comes home, Christina’s vow to never trust a man again is put to the test.

Will Broughton left town because he was tired of being “that poor man” who lost his wife and unborn child in a tragic accident. But years have passed and, with his dad gone and his mom alone, it’s time to go home. Only his mother’s not alone. She’s taken Christina under her wing, and the beautiful and determined single mother awakens something in Will he thought was buried forever.

As Will and Christina are forced to spend more time together, feelings that are more than neighborly grow between them. And with Christmas coming and a child filling both houses with holiday cheer, it becomes nearly impossible not to embrace the joy—and the love—in their lives.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

5Michel’s Review

Nobody writes a holiday romance like Shannon Stacey.  Every year she delivers a very special holiday story that makes the holiday season brighter.  She captures the magic of the holidays, delivers an emotional book, always gives her characters a holiday miracle, and gives the reader a taste of small town charm during the holidays.  I always look forward to these holiday themed books every year.  It’s the perfect book to help celebrate the holiday season.

Christina Forrester and her young son were betrayed by her husband and left penniless.  She had to rebuild a new life that is worlds apart from her former life.  The funny thing is that she is much happier and feels like she is accomplishing giving her son a good life.  When she ended up in New Hampshire it was more of a blessing than a curse.  She met Gail Broughton, a kind window, that helped her get on her feet.  She has a job, a nice house she is renting, and a wonderful neighbor that helps her with her son, Nathaniel.

Since Gail lost her husband, she has been a bit lost until she meets Christina Broughton.  Christina and Nathaniel help fill the void in her life.  Her children are grown and on their own.  Her son left New Hampshire after he lost his wife and unborn child.  Her daughter is married and has small children of her own to manage.  Gail has a lot time and a heart full of love to give this small wounded family.

Will Broughton decides to move back to New Hampshire for his mother.  He knows she must be lost without his father.  He intends to be there for her and help her with all the honey do jobs around the house.  He is finally ready to come home.  He’s come to terms with his loss and has accepted his new life.  He doesn’t intend on falling in love again or starting a new family.  One loss in a lifetime is all he can handle.  That is until he meets Christina and Nathaniel.  These two people will become an important part of his life.  They will become his future.

I loved the family unity and dedication in this book.  It showed the importance of showing your loved ones how much they mean to you.  It also showed that there is always room for more love.

Nathaniel captured my heart with his pure innocence.  His wonder and awe of the holidays made this book magical.  I loved how he hero worshipped Will.  I love how Will taught him the importance of giving to others. Will set the perfect example of  being a good man.

The chemistry and attraction between Will and Christina was sizzling.  They did not go into their relationship lightly.  They both had to heal from the past and learn things about themselves.  Their friendship and companionship was a slow build to a forever kind of love.

Shannon Stacey delivered another beautiful holiday romance.

Author Bio:

shannon staceyShannon Stacey married her Prince Charming in 1993 and is the proud mother of two incredible sons. She lives in New England, where her two favorite activities are trying to stay warm and writing stories of happily ever after. Her two cats refuse to curl up on her lap and keep it warm while she writes, but her Shih Tzu is never far away.

When she’s not writing, she’s indulging in her other passion—four wheeling! From May to November, the Stacey family spends their weekends on their ATVs, making loads of muddy laundry to keep Shannon busy when she’s not at her computer.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

her holiday man

Review: Till Death- Dave by Becky McGraw- Logan’s Lonestar Heroes- Book 1

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Till Death

Logan’s Lonestar Heroes – Book 1 – Dave

Release Date: Nov. 10th, 2014

Synopsis

Dave Logan, owner of Deep Six Security, is stunned when former Dallas FBI head, Susan Whitmore, darkens his doorstep accusing him of being the cause of her

losing her job. After hearing her situation, Dave feels something he never expects to feel–sorry for her. But he also knows any problems she had at the
agency were all her own fault. The woman has a tongue so sharp it could rip a man to shreds, and had many times. There was a reason her agents dubbed her
the Barracuda.

 

Although Dave needs agents in the worst way, and Susan, with an IQ higher than Einstein, better skills and more experience than any of his men, along with
a master’s degree in criminal justice, is more than qualified to be a member of his team, he just doesn’t need the drama she and her mouth would bring to
Deep Six . Even as his brain said no way though, his damned white-knight complex forces him to offer her a job as his temporary secretary.

 

Realizing he’s made a huge mistake hiring her, Dave calls in favors to get her interviews to get her out of his office. Before he can get rid of her
though, Dave gets a new case only Susan can help him with. A wealthy Dallas oilman and his trophy wife ordered a designer baby from a local fertility
clinic, and the surrogate has gone missing with the baby. The couple wants Deep Six Security to investigate the facility and find the baby, but the only
way Dave can do that is to get inside. To get inside his only option is to go undercover with Susan, posing as a wealthy married couple looking for a baby.
What they find when they get to the spa-like compound is frightening. Payoffs, missing surrogates and young women being used as lab rats are just the tip
of the iceberg.

 

Can two alpha personalities, both used to being in charge, work together long enough to figure out what’s going on at the clinic, or will they kill each
other before the bad guys at the facility have a chance? If they’re lucky, perhaps the delicious friction between them will turn into something so hot the
place spontaneously combusts, or maybe if they’re luckier it will turn into something which might just last till death do them part.

 

Buy: Amazon /  SmashwordsBarnes and Noble

5 star

Tracey’s Review

Susan Whitmore has what some might call a strong personality. Nicknamed ‘The Barracuda,’ Susan is not known for her patience and shiny happy outlook. Having recently quit her job at the FBI in a way that ensures that she won’t be welcomed back, she has to find a new position, and soon. Dave Logan, head of Deep Six Security, has had his fair share of dealings with Susan, and, while he’ll admit that she was a great agent, there is no way that he would ever consider hiring her. But Dave needs Susan to help him and his team with their latest assignment, and soon they’re creating sparks in more ways than one.

As a big fan of Becky McGraw and her cowboy heartthrobs, I was very excited to learn that she was writing a new series featuring Dave Logan and his Lonestar Heroes. Becky’s knack for creating stories starring hot alpha men and sassy spirited women has made her a favorite of mine, and she absolutely does not disappoint with this book. Dave Logan is one strong and sexy man, and when he and Susan go to work on a case together, it is hot, hot, hot. These are two people that are not afraid to speak their minds, and to take what they want from life. Laughing out loud and fanning myself by turn, I sped through TILL DEATH, loving the way that Dave and Susan interact with each other, and with the other members of the Deep Six crew. I am looking forward to seeing the other guys get their books, and will happily add them to my TBR. Becky, you’re scored another win with your Lonestar Heroes, and I could not have enjoyed them more.

 

About Becky Mcgraw

6427599Becky McGraw is a married mother of three adult children, and a Southern girl by birth and the grace of God, ya’ll. She resides in South Texas with her husband and dog Abby.

 
A jack of many trades in her life, Becky has been an optician, a beautician, a legal secretary, a senior project manager for an aviation management consulting firm, which took her all over the United States, a real estate broker, and now a graphic artist, web designer and writer.  She knows just enough about a variety of topics to make herdangerous, and her romance novels interesting and varied. Being a graphic artist is a good thing for her too, because she creates her own cover art, along with writing the novels.
 
Becky has been an avid reader of romance novels since she was a teenager, and has been known to read up to four novels of that genre a week, much to the dismay of her husband, and the delight of e-book sellers. 
She has been writing fictional short stories and novels for fun, as well as technical copy for her jobs for many years. She was a member of the Writer’s Guild on AOL, as well as a founding member and treasurer of the first online chapter of the Romance Writers of America, From the Heart Romance Writers. Currently, she is a  AN member of RWA and a general member of FTHRW.

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ARC Review: Archangel’s Shadow by Nalini Singh-Guild Hunter Series-Book 7

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Archangel’s Shadow

Guild Hunter Series- Book 7

By Nalini Singh

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Synopsis

NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED
AN ALL-NEW GUILD HUNTER NOVEL

Return to New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s sensual and painfully beautiful Guild Hunter world in her new novel of sacrifice, loyalty, and the choices of love that can shatter the heart.

In the wake of a brutal war, the archangel Raphael and his hunter consort, Elena, are dealing with the treacherously shifting tides of archangelic politics and the people of a battered but not broken city. The last thing their city needs is more death, especially a death that bears the eerie signature of an insane enemy archangel who cannot—should not—be walking the streets.

This hunt must be undertaken with stealth and without alerting their people. It must be handled by those who can become shadows themselves…

Ash is a gifted tracker and a woman cursed with the ability to sense the secrets of anyone she touches. But there’s one man she knows all too well without a single instant of skin contact: Janvier, the dangerously sexy Cajun vampire who has fascinated and infuriated her for years. Now, as they track down a merciless killer, their cat-and-mouse game of flirtation and provocation has turned into a profound one of the heart. And this time, it is Ash’s secret, dark and terrible, that threatens to destroy them both.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

5 star

Tracey’s Review

In the aftermath of a devastating war, which has pitted archangel factions against each other and left many dead in its wake, something dark and dangerous threatens the citizens of New York, and the archangel Raphael and his contingent are faced with unraveling the mystery of the new and deadly threat. Ash, a human Guild hunter, and Janvier, her vampire partner, are racing against time to unmask the killer before it’s too late, all the while fighting an ever-growing attraction that they should not act upon.

ARCHANGEL’S SHADOWS, the seventh book in the Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh, is an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat read from the first page. Ash and Janvier are a team, the human Guild hunter and vampire working in the service of the archangel Raphael. The attraction which has always existed between them is becoming stronger, with Janvier making no effort to hide his desire to become Ash’s partner in every sense of the word. But Ash is hiding a secret that could tear them apart, and that keeps her from giving in to the desire that she feels.

This is the first book that I have read from the series, and while I sense that there is a lot of backstory that I am missing, it did not keep me from thoroughly enjoying this book. I am a huge fan of paranormal romance, and Nalini is a master of the genre. The characters are unique and engaging, and the heat between each of the couples is palpable. I love that the female characters are strong and respected by their male counterparts, with not one delicate flower in the lot. These ladies are capable, and aren’t afraid to let everyone know, which is one of the things that resonated most strongly for me. As well, the Seven, whom have all been introduced in earlier books, are fascinating to me, and I really enjoyed the banter and real affection that they have for each other. All of these things, combined with the mysterious threat that Ash and Janvier are facing, made for a read that I couldn’t put down. I look forward to going back and starting the series from the beginning, and also continuing to read the upcoming installments.

nalini bioNEW YORK TIMES AND USA Today bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter series Nalini Singh usually writes about hot shapeshifters and dangerous angels. This time around, she decided to write about a hot and wickedly tempting rock star. If you’re seeing a theme here, you’re not wrong.

 

Nalini lives and works in beautiful New Zealand, and is passionate about writing. If you’d like to explore her other books, you can find lots of excerpts on her website. Slave to Sensation is the first book in the Psy-Changeling series, while Angels’ Blood is the first book in the Guild Hunter series. Once Rock Addiction is out, swing by the site to check out the special behind-the-scenes page, complete with photos of many of the locations used in the book.

STALK HER: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Serial Feature + Review + Giveaway: Donut Shop Divas by Khloe Adams- Books 1-4

Donut Shop Diva serial bannerThe Donut Shop Divas Serial 

Books 1- 4

By Khloe Adams

Reviewed by Tina

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book1

hot&glazed1Hot & Glazed

Book 1

Hard-working Miranda Hunter, donut shop diva and owner of HOT & GLAZED, is one frustrated girl. She needs to find a man to put the zip-a-dee back into her doo-dah. But not just any man will do. Long ago, she’d sworn off pro jocks with their cheating ways and groupies. She’d seen enough of it with her dad, a former pro defensive lineman, who’d played on and off the field and broken her mother’s heart.
When hot and delicious Aiden Knight walks into her donut shop, sprinkles and sparks fly. After an all-nighter of torching sex with the 6’5” hottie, Miranda discovers Aiden is a star quarterback. OMG! She’s broken her vow never to date pro athletes. Will she recover from her fumble and enforce her no jock rule, or will she continue to play the game with the sexy pro?

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4 starMiranda co-owns HOT & GLAZED, a little bakery in Denver, Colorado with her younger sister, Rachel. Rachel is the wild and care-free baking and decorating genius while Miranda is the responsible caretaker of the duo and the financial genius of the business. As luck would have it, the morning Rachel is sick and can’t help prep to open, the OPEN sign was never turned off from the day before causing a giant super-hunk to come knocking too-early at the store’s front door – but willing to pay a small fortune for a dozen donuts. Her immediate attraction to Aiden has her acting out-of character.
Aiden Knight is a professional football player coming off of an injury. He’s in between teams currently and has a weakness for sweets. He doesn’t expect the immediate attraction to the little baker that opens the door nor the jolt of awareness when they make contact. Immediately, he knows he had to spend more time with her. He asks her to dinner… and one night, to make their hottest fantasies come true.
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Be forewarned, length-wise, this is a micro-novella. It’s focus is on the introduction of characters and their night together. Miranda is supposed to be the responsible sister, but honestly the reader does not see too much of that here. Together they seem to have great chemistry. The dialogue is believable. The plot is a bit confined given the story length, but it has life in it and flows smoothly. I’m happy there’s no predictability thus far but there are underlying conflicts that cannot be resolved this early on, so they are left open; this “book” is only the first *part* of the story therefore does NOT have a conclusion, it carries into Hot & Lei’d.

book2

hot&lei'd2Hot & Lei’d

Book 2

  After one delicious, sinful night in Denver, star quarterback Aiden Knight invites Miranda Hunter to Hawaii. Only Aiden has a reputation as a player – on and off the field – and she doesn’t want to be hurt. The smart move is to walk away. But she can’t get him out of her head. Risking her heart, this donut shop diva and owner of HOT & GLAZED packs up her bikini and a box of donuts from her shop and jets to Maui.

Aloha, Miranda! Under swaying palm trees on a moonlit beach, Aiden and Miranda feed their sexual hunger for each other. They share their deepest secrets.
And then…fumble! Miranda accidently reveals his darkest secret to the world. Will Miranda get a pass, or will she be tossed off Aiden’s team with a broken heart?

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4 starMiranda meets up with Aiden again, this time in Hawaii, ten days later. He’s there to help promote the Hawaiian Youth Football League and asked her to join him. She had received a simple text, “Give me another chance.” and that was enough to convince her to accept the first-class tickets that arrived, pack her bikini & jump on a plane bound for paradise!
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In the second installment, there’s a touch more game-play and plot. It should have been named Hot and Sexy. It was as fun as it was steamy. Everything: characters, dialogue, interaction, plot… everything was very well written. When underlying conflicts are still hinted at and secrets are revealed to one another, exposure can be one’s downfall. Very minor predictability present. There is no conclusion, rather a gaping hole for HOT & CUFFED to pick up and start filling in.

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hot&cuffed3Hot & Cuffed

Book 3

Paradise turned out to be one big disaster!
With her passionate affair with the star quarterback Aiden Knight left dangling in the tropical wind, Miranda Hunter packs up her bikini and returns home, broken hearted. Just when she thinks her life couldn’t get more miserable, an armed thug threatens to rob HOT & GLAZED, the donut shop she and her sister own.
Saved by FBI Special Agent Connor O’Leary, she seeks comfort in his strong arms. Unable to resist this agent known for being an all around badass, she takes off with him to a secluded mountain cabin where inhibitions are forgotten.
Wow! This donut shop diva never knew playing with a dangerous man could be so addicting. Will her new addiction be enough to heal her heart, or will she still yearn for the sexy quarterback?

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4 starMiranda can’t help but notice the hot new customer that’s been coming around and staying longer than average customers would. Never did she expect him to save her life, though.
Connor O’ Leary is a Boston Irish FBI Agent. He’s divorced and recently moved to Denver to be closer to his six-year old son.
Neither expected an attempted armed robbery moments after introductions were made, but that’s exactly what happened. The life-threatening occurrence may have amplified the mild attraction, but Miranda is still hung up on Aiden. Connor’s a gentleman, but intense and protective.
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I’m a little on the fence with Miranda in this segment. The plot flows smoothly but centers primarily around an afternoon at his house followed by two days at a cabin in the mountains. The conflicting issues are still present and there’s no solid conclusions as of yet. Thankfully, the predictability is practically non-existent. To be continued… in Hot and Hooked.

book 4

hot&hooked4Hot & Hooked

Book 4

Miranda Hunter, donut shop diva and owner of HOT & GLAZED, thought she might never see Aiden Knight again. Surprise! The superstar quarterback signs up with Denver’s pro football team, moves to Colorado, and sends her a message: Aloha.
Miranda lives up to her last name. She “hunts” him down, determined to hook her man. But this time around, she has grown wiser. As their smoking-hot passion reignites, this mega-sexy pro will either have to play by her rules, her game, or lose her heart forever.

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4 starThings clearly have not been the same for Miranda since leaving Hawaii.
In the final segment, Miranda is still shattered over the hottest news in Denver and is still determined to find a means to make amends for the inadvertent slip-up that occurred months ago. It just may take more than some strawberry-filled glazed donuts with sprinkles on top to get through to him though.
The characters are still a fun mix of human error and sexy sweetness. The plot flies by smoothly with plenty of dynamics and smart, snappy dialogue. The conflict between Miranda and her leading guy finally find a resolve and they get the conclusion they needed, It leaves room enough for Rachel’s serial to begin without having any major cliffhangers.

Author Bio:

profile picThe truth behind Khloe Adams is—she’s not one author but three. Plus, one of the authors is a USA TODAY Bestseller and has written over 75 books. Together, they write hot and sexy contemporary romance with a touch of humor.

Their story began when they met each other on an elevator at a Romantic Times Convention. Only this was no ordinary ride. The elevator became stuck between the fiftieth and fifty-first floors at the hotel.

But don’t get worried. They write romance, not horror.

They were trapped with a male model from the cover of several steamy romances. He kept them very entertained. Afterward, they needed a drink to cool down and headed for the nearest bar.
One thing led to another and they decided to form a partnership and write about independent women and strong, sexy guys. With the help of modern technology, they’ve managed to do it. Two of them live in Florida, and the other one lives in Colorado. A recent USA TODAY review said, “Khloe Adams writes hot with a flair—great humor.”
Their debut serial Donut Shop Divas features four bite-sized erotic romances focusing on Miranda’s story: HOT & GLAZED #1, HOT & LEI’D #2, HOT & CUFFED #3 and HOT & HOOKED #4.

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4.5 – Star ARC Review: Game for Tonight by Karen Erickson

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Game For Tonight

 Game For It Series – Book 3

By Karen Erickson

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Synopsis:

A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…

She’ll teach him the art of seduction one play at a time…

Publicist Aubrey Cooper never should have crossed the line. After all, pro football player Flynn Foley is her client. But something about this mouth-wateringly-hot, clean-cut athlete makes Aubrey imagine all kinds of X-rated fantasies. And it only takes one game-changing play―and one night―to turn the tables from strictly business to very, very personal…

Flynn has maintained a no-sexy-distractions policy for his entire pro career. Aubrey is exactly the kind of distraction he was trying to avoid, and she’s the one he can’t resist. When the media catches wind of their naughty little liaison, however, Aubrey’s boss steps in to make them an official couple. What Flynn doesn’t know is that Aubrey is forced to fake the relationship―or lose her job. Now Aubrey must hide the truth…even as she begins to fall for Flynn.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

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Excerpt

Aubrey cracked open her eyes, studying him like he’d lost his mind. Which he sort of had—over her. He kissed her again before she could say a word, losing himself in her sweet lips, the soft little moans sounding low in her throat.

He liked sex. And he liked the woman in his arms plenty. So much, that he’d kept her at arm’s length for months for fear of falling hard for her and ruining his concentration. Besides, he wasn’t much of a rule breaker, damn it. If it was against company policy to date a fellow employee, then he wasn’t going to do it.

But screw it. He felt as if everything was uncertain right now, up in the air, unconfirmed. Walsh wasn’t talking—at least he wasn’t talking enough. The conversation they’d had before Aubrey had interrupted them had been full of nothing but a bunch of crap. Coach had acted downright evasive.

The vibe he was getting from his coach? He didn’t like it. At all.

He was tired of worrying about things that were out of his control. What was the big deal if he kissed Aubrey anyway? Maybe he could work her out of his system. Maybe kissing her wouldn’t be all that special and he could walk away from this.

Ha. Tell that to his overheated, turned-inside-out body. Flynn broke away from Aubrey’s lips to catch some air, though really, he wanted to look at her, memorize this moment when he’d first kissed Aubrey. Even in the dim light, he could see her lips were swollen, her cheeks flushed. She opened her eyes, the dazed look in them sending an arrow of arousal shooting straight through him, making his cock twitch. Pride suffused him. He put that look on her face.

“Flynn.” She pursed her lips, exhaling softly, the sound shaky. “What in the world was that?”

He smiled. She was a bundle of nerves, his publicist. Always running around, a little manic, a lot frantic, riding his ass to do this, do that. She’d been harder on Hamilton, but that crazy guy needed someone to rein him in most of the time.

“I thought it was a kiss? Unless I’m doing it wrong…” A chuckle escaped him, and he hoped she was in on the joke.

“No. You were definitely not doing it wrong.” She blew out a trembling breath, her gaze cautious. “I just want to make sure we’re both on the same page.”

“Well, I’m pretty sure we’re on the same page.” Leaning in, he nuzzled her cheek with his, kissing a soft path along her fragrant skin until his mouth was on hers once more. “A shame you didn’t recognize it.”

She smiled against his lips, her fingers tightening in his hair. “I just thought…”

“Thinking gets you nowhere,” he whispered just before he took the kiss deeper, his tongue thrusting, his mouth devouring. She was a thinker, which meant she set her brain to smoking more often than not. And he wanted her feeling, not thinking or worrying.

He gripped her hips with both hands and pulled her in, wanting her as close as he could get her. This…thing between them had been brewing for a while, torturing him. She’d been by his side almost constantly the past few months, guiding his career, carefully preserving his image.

Every time he was with her, the scent of her hair drove him wild. The way he caught her looking at him, her gaze hungry, her lips damp, echoed an answering call deep within him.

4.5 star

Kelley’s Review

Sinfully sexy forbidden romance.  

Game for Tonight is the perfect forbidden romance.  Aubrey is there to make sure that Flynn’s good boy image is solid.  He is a virgin and they have spun that into his marketing campaign.  He is completely off-limits for Aubrey but she just can’t help herself.

Game for Tonight is a stand alone read.  It is Aubrey and Flynn’s story but you also get to see Jared and Sheridan again and Nick and Willow again.  I think I would have enjoyed this read even more if I had read the other books in this series.  It is obvious that the infatuation between Aubrey and Flynn has been going on for quite a while.  Karen delivers in the sensuality department as Flynn and Aubrey create lots of steam between the sheets.  The idea of a sexy football star being so focused that he has not slept with any of the women that have thrown themselves at his is intriguing.  Karen does an excellent job developing her characters in this series.

Aubrey is a good girl with a kind heart and really is the perfect match for Flynn.  The problem is that Aubrey has been holding on to a horrible secret and just when things are looking great for she and Flynn to have their happily ever after, her confession might be just enough to tear them apart.  Imagine having to work with someone who you were head over heels in love with who would not give you the time of day because of one stupid mistake.

If you like forbidden romance with lots of sizzle and spice you will enjoy Game for Tonight.

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The Game For It Series

Game For Marriage

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Game For Trouble

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Game For Tonight

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Author Bio:

karen erickson bioUSA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson writes what she loves to read – sexy contemporary romance. Published since 2006, she’s a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children. She’s also known as NYT and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy.

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