Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Lord Sebastian's Secret by Jane Ashford

The synopsis of the book intrigued me.  The son of a Duke can't read?  It was more than just Sebastian couldn't read.  He couldn't pick up social cues but was a brilliant soldier.  He found a bride that understood him and she loved that he recognized she was smarter than him.

The novel opens up with Sebastian arriving at Georgina's family's estate.  He starts to worry then that somebody will discover his disability before he marries Georgina.  Georgina doesn't want Sebastian or his parents to find out just how odd her family really is.

The book is 384 pages.  Sebastian and Georgina don't get married until the end.  I read the first four chapters then skipped to the end.  It should have been a novella.  There is only so far you can stretch this trope.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

Tempest in the Highlands by May McGoldrick

I read the first two novels in the series and really liked them.  With this novel, I felt that it was forced.  I could not connect with the characters.  It unfortunately landed on my virtual DNF pile

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

For Love and Country by Samantha Kane

Lord Ambrose Wetherald is the consummate English gentleman.  He discovers that Melinda de Vere is missing.  She is being held in a brothel  by her husband and being used by his business acquaintances.  Lord Ambrose appeals to Sir Barnabas James to rescue Melinda.   Barnabas has one condition - that Ambrose repay the favor in bed.

Nobody does erotic historical like Samantha Kane.  I love the Brothers in Arms series and have re-read them all several times.  I was thrilled that Ms Kane had written another BiA novel

Sir Barnabas has been a minor character in several of the novels.  I was thrilled that he got his own novel.  There was a character evolution from him being cold and calculating to being a lover and much softer to Mel and Ambrose.  Ambrose melted my heart.  He is a perfect book boyfriend.  Dashing and elegant and he helps to soften Barnabas's edge.  I was ripped apart during the first part of the book before Mel was rescued.  I loved how the support from Barnabas and Ambrose helped Mel to heal and become a strong woman.  I loved the connection between characters.

This was a novel that I had to start when I had a whole day to devote to reading it.  I knew once I started reading, I would not put it down.

This novel is so well written.  There are other historical romances that I have read that I wondered if the author even knew anything about the time period.  When I read a Samantha Kane historical, I know I can immerse myself in the story and feel like I am in that time period.

Thank you for another Brothers in Arms novel!

Monday, December 26, 2016

The Rebel of Clan Kincaid by Lily Blackwood

While I liked the first book in the series, I just couldn't get into this one.  I did not like the prologue and chapter 1.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

Friday, December 23, 2016

The Sheikh's Christmas Baby by Leslie North

Four years ago, Sheikh Kashif Shadid dreamed of competing in the Iditarod dog sled race.  He was training at Kristy Cohen's farm and had a passionate affair with her before he was called back home by his ill father.  Kashif returns to Kristy's farm to see if he can rekindle the romance.  He discovers that her farm is facing financial ruin and he has a daughter.  Can Kashif break through the ice around Kristy's heart?

Of the three Shadid Sheikh's novellas, this is by far the best one.  Once you suspend reality, the characters are likeable and the book is an emotional roller coaster.

I did want to know what happened with Melka.  After all the damage, both emotional and property, he caused through the three books, nothing is mentioned about him.  He just disappears.

I wish that instead of the three novellas, they were published in a box set.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by NetGalley and the publisher.








The Sheikh's Christmas Present by Leslie North

Book Two in The Shadid Sheikh's Series.

Pilot Maria Walken started a charity to deliver Christmas gifts to Syrian refugees.  The charity has been struggling and she needs to get this cargo to the refugee camp in time.  Sheikh Jarik Shadid needs to get to Lebanon to testify against a former friend.  He needs to travel without his bodyguard and his best option is a seat on Maria's cargo plane.  After a freak snowstorm grounds them, Jarick and Maria are forced to spend time together.  Will it be a Christmas miracle if they get their HEA?

I enjoyed this book more than the first.  Maria's character had more depth and character.  It was another quick read, but enjoyable.  Throughout the novel, Jarik needs to get to Lebanon.  It is never fully mentioned what the friend did beyond a financial scheme.  Who did he do it to?

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by NetGalley and the publisher.  Thank you.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Mistletoe, Mischief, and the Marquis by Amelia Grey

This was a cute Christmas book.  The Marquis of Wythebury is raising his sisters children.  When their governess has to be left behind at an inn, Seth struggles with taking care of the boys.  He was a studious boy and is a serious man.  Play is hard for him to understand.  Lillian Prim was raised in a family of six rambunctious girls and can't understand why the two boys don't know how to play.

Lillian is the sister of his best friend.  How can he be attracted to her.  She is totally inappropriate.  They say opposites attract and these two can't be more opposite.  I enjoyed this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by NetGalley and the publisher.  Thank you.

The Sheikh's Christmas Maid by Leslie North

Poppy Milenne works at the safe house for the Shadid family.  She is surprised when her boss makes her start cleaning for an unexpected guest.  When Sheikh Samir Shadid arrives, his goal is a holiday fling with Poppy.

This was a quick read.  I always love a Leslie North book.  I enjoyed this book.  The one thing I do not like is the cover.  From the positioning of the female model on the guy, to them staring dead on at the camera and the nakedness.  I read on an e-reader, but you still can see the covers.  I don't need people seeing this cover.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by NetGalley and the publisher.  Thank you.







The Alpha's Promise by Renee Rose

Melissa Bell has sworn off dating bad boys.  When her ex-boyfriend does something stupid that sends the bad guys with guns to her house, she calls her sister for help.  Her brother-in-law sends in a bad boy, alpha shifter to save Melissa.

Cody wants nothing to do with Melissa because she is human, yet his wolf craves her.  He has to fight to keep from marking her and making her his mate.

Will Melissa and Cody be able to meet in the middle and have their HEA?

I originally received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but within the first chapter, I bought the book.   I was thrilled to find it was the sequel to The Alpha's Hunger.  I loved the first book and this one is wonderful.  Cody is the hot, sexy alpha that is fighting the pull of desire.  Melissa comes across as a spoiled brat, but as the first chapter ends, there is development with her character.

If you love hot shifter males that are growly and bad, this is the book for you!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by NetGalley and the publisher.  Thank you!!!

Sunday, December 11, 2016

My Rogue, My Ruin by Amalie Howard; Angie Morgan

At the beginning, this book started strong and held the promise of a five star review but about half way through, the inconsistencies and crazy plot twists made it fall to a three star review.  The novel does not feel seamless but rather as if the people writing it did not communicate.

I liked the plot of Archer being the Masked Marauder so he can give to the charities that helped the poor in honor of his mother.  But, when the Masked Marauder holds up the Findlay coach, Brynn is much more spirited than at the ball later.  Her character almost seems deflated.  Brynn's character alternates from being too mature to acting like a tween having a pout.

Brynn is described as having all sorts of health ailments surrounding her lungs and heart, yet her brother secretly teaches her how to fence, ride bareback, and shoot?!  When does he get to do that? And when does she get to ride bareback?   Her mother is a helicopter parent.

Brynn's brother Graham and Archer were good friends when they were younger and now they hate each other.  What happened?  Both Graham and Archer mention that the other is a "known rake".  Where is the evidence?  Archer had a terrible childhood and now has to work to save the estate from his father's overindulging.  He doesn't spend a lot of time in London.

Brynn and Graham and Archer and Eloise live on neighboring estates and they played together as children.  Now, they seem quite distant and Brynn and Eloise haven't seen each other in years.  If Brynn is riding bareback around the two estates, why isn't she stopping to see Eloise?

Then the thing that took the book from "I can ignore that.  Reading is about escaping, not analyzing the plot to OMG!  what just happened" was the plot revolving around Eloise.  I was hoping that she was going to be the heroine in the second book picking up at the masked ball.  Nope.

The only thing that did not happen was Brandt was found to be the heir of  Archer's mother's uncle (the one they use the title for to make the donations).

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.









The Governess Was Wild by Julia Kelly

This landed on my DNF.  I did not like the characters and couldn't get into the novel.  There were three in the series that were published very close to another.  It just seemed pushed to meet a deadline.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

Duke of Pleasure by Elizabeth Hoyt

Hugh Fitzroy, the Duke of Kyle, is on a mission to destroy the Lords of Chaos.  He is ambushed by a gang of street thugs and rescued by the Ghost of St. Giles.  Stunned to discover this Ghost is a woman, he sends for his informant, a boy named Alf.

Alf is the Ghost of St. Giles by night and by day, she protects herself by disguising herself as a boy.  Hugh will be the one to discover that Alf is a woman.  Will they be able to save themselves from the Lords of Chaos.

So, this is part of the Maiden Lane series.  Don't be put off by "series".  It revolves in the Maiden Lane world and you don't have to have prior knowledge of the other books to read this one.

I was waiting for Hugh's story and this did not disappoint.  There were twists and turns in the plot that make you want to keep reading and not have to stop for those things like work.   Love the street urchin into Duchess.  Alf was a perfect match for Hugh.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.  Thank you!



Sunday, November 20, 2016

One Summer of Surrender by Jess Michaels

Lucien, the Earl of Stenfax had his heart broken by his childhood sweetheart, Elise.  She sent him a letter throwing him over for a Duke with more money.  Elise is now widowed and Lucien finds that he is still drawn to her.

Elise is left without any money due to her husband's will.  She is desperate and is seeking to become a mistress.  Lucien keeps appearing while she is discretely interviewing prospective providers throwing fuel on the flames of their desire.

After Lucien finally learns why Elise left him, will he take her back and salvage their love.


This is the third book in the "Seasons" series.  I will admit that I didn't read the first two (taking care of that!) and found that it was great as a stand alone.  It was a quick read that I was immediately hooked into.  I loved the twist with Kirkford and hopes this spills over into another series.  Jess Michaels is one of the great erotic historical writers.


I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by NetGalley and the publisher.  Thank you.

Water of Life by Jennifer Bramseth

Judge Cara Forrest was left widowed after her husband died in an accident.  She has locked her heart away and is overprotective of her young son.  Drake Mercer is a lawyer that frequents Cara's courtroom.  He has decided that he wants Cara as his own.

Cara gets the opportunity to sit on a higher court, but her relationship with Drake is drug through scrutiny due to an over zealous competitor.

Will the love that was just beginning to blossom be able to stay strong?



This is the last in the Bourbon Springs series.  I have been waiting for Cara's story since her husband was killed during the ice storm.  Cara was such a strong character.  I loved that Drake got his HEA with her and Nate.  I like how while Cara and Drake are the main characters, the characters from the other books are involved.  This has to be one of my favorites in this series.


I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.


Sunday, November 6, 2016

Freakn' Out (Freakn' Shifters, #7) by Eve Langlais

Derrick's unit was ambushed and he got hit by shrapnel to his lower back.  He was taken to the rebel camp where the wound got worse and he was tortured.  When he was drug to civilization and sent to a rehab center, he was sent a new psychiatrist

Derrick discovers that not only isn't Janine not afraid of him and his wolf, she is his mate!  Janine has to maintain a professional relationship with Derrick while fighting the attraction to him.


This has to be my favorite in the Freakn' Shifter series.  It was a raw, emotional journey to read this book, yet, there is the normal Eve Langlais humor threaded throughout.  I couldn't put the book down and I didn't want it to end.  It was amazing.

How to Impress a Marquess by Susanna Ives

Sad to say that this ended on the DNF section.  I just could not gain interest in this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

The Lord's Persuasion of Lady Lydia by Raven McAllan

Lord Birnham's heir has declared that he is going to marry Lady Lydia Field.  That has Harry, Lord Birnham curious as to why Jeremy is so insistent upon marrying a wallflower.  Once Harry meets Lydia, he discovers that there is more to this wallflower than what meets the eye.  As Harry is a notorious rake, he has determined that he is going to be the one that marries Lydia.

It was a nice read.  I liked the characters and found the plot to be fun.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.

Friday, November 4, 2016

Whiskey Eyes by Mari Carr

Macie Sparks has watched several of her Sparks cousins find their HEA's and is wondering when it is her turn of if that ship has sailed  As the bartender for the family restaurant, she has the gift of gab and loves the sound of her own voice

Shortly after Hank Cooper's wife died, he started coming to eat dinner at Sparks Barbeque.  Hank came to escape the loneliness and kept coming back because of Macie's stories and jokes.  When Hank decides that he may have been lucky to find two loves in his life, he isn't going to let Macie run from the attraction that they share.

I am a huge fan of Mari Carr's and this book is absolutely wonderful.  I have loved each book in the Sparks in Texas series.  If Macie didn't want Hank, I sure did.  He is the best book boyfriend ever.  This book absolutely sizzled in my e-reader.  I hate that they are so short and wanted more of Hank.

Veiled in Blue by Lynne Connolly

This is one of those books that you start reading and don't want to put down.  


Eve Merton and her mother are struggling after her father died.  She has attempted to find work as a governess and is back living with her mother.  She is walking home when she hurts herself.  A handsome stranger gives her a ride home on her horse  Julius Vernon makes no secret that he is attracted to her and extends his stay in her village.

Julius is determined to have Eve for himself once he realizes that another man in the village is going to propose.  After they marry, Eve discovers that Julius is the Earl of Winterton, heir to a Duke, she is upset.  She soon discovers that Julius was well aware of her secret - that she is the daughter of the Old Pretender.  However, others are also seeking her and her life is in danger.  Can Julius keep her safe as they grow closer and fall deeper in love.

I absolutely loved Eve and Julius.  Eve was such an elegant, sweet character that I was fully engaged in her story.  Julius was an honorable character that falls in love with Eve.  There is intrigue in the sub-plot that kept me on the edge of my seat.




I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by NetGalley and the publisher.  Thank you!


Hero in the Highlands by Suzanne Enoch

Major Gabriel Forrester is a soldier to the bone  He's daring and ferocious.  After a battle, Gabriel finds out that his great-uncle has died and he is the heir to a Dukedom.  The new Duke of Lattimer heads to his estate in the Scottish Highlands.  He discovers his steward is either dead or fled the Highlands and his sister, Fiona Blackstock is the replacement.  Fiona hates the English and the new Duke is no exception  Gabriel and Fiona enter a battle of wills that Gabriel is determined to win.

I enjoyed this novel and the characters.  Fiona was a great heroine to Gabriel's hero.  I loved the passion in this novel.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.  Thank you.


The Governess Was Wanton by Julia Kelly

Mary Woodward is a veteran governess that specializes in guiding young debutantes through their firs season and assisting in finding them a good match.  After her last debutante got engaged, Mary moved on as the governess of Lady Eleanora.  There is an attraction between Mary and Eric, the Earl of Aston.  One of Mary's rules is she doesn't fall for her charge's fathers and Eric doesn't sleep with his staff.  Mary attends a masked ball and ends up in Eric's arms.  What will happen when the masks come off.

This is the second book in this series.  I liked the Cinderella theme.  The characters were fun and this was a good novella.

 I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

Monday, October 24, 2016

My Brown-Eyed Earl by Anna Bennett

William Ryder, Earl of Castelton is desperate.  He has broken ties with his mistress when she wanted to be his Countess and his mother is throwing an eligible young lady at him.  His cousin died and his mistress dumped their twins in his care.  Will finds himself in need of a governess.

Margaret Lacey was the daughter of the local vicar when her parents announced that she was going to be engaged to Will.  At fifteen, Meg didn't want to be matched to a man that looked at her in dread so she refused him.

Penniless, Meg needs to find employment to help save her Uncle and sisters from the poor house.  A friend tells her about the governess position that Will has.  Meg convinces Will to hire her but neither of them expect that they will find true happiness.

I did not want this book to end!  I immediately liked Meg and found the twins adorable.  Will had his work cut out for himself once he realized that he wanted Meg in a different position than governess.  This was a wonderful book.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.  Thank you.

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

It Must be Christmas by by Jennifer Crusie, Mandy Baxter, Donna Alward

I normally am not a fan of anthologies.  This book is why.  I read "Hot Toy" by Jennifer Cruise.  The book was so confusing.  I ended up with a headache trying to figure out what was happening.  I skipped around to the last book and thought it sounded familiar.  I had already read it.

All three of these books have already been published.  How many different ways can one novella be repackaged into a different anthology?!  This is the third anthology that I have read that has been repackaging of other anthologies.  "OH, let's put these three together for this "new" anthology".  Biggest pet peeve EVER.

The Governess Was Wicked by Julia Kelly

Elizabeth Porter became a governess after the death of her father.   After she paid off his gambling debts, she needed a position and found one as the governess for two boisterous girls.  When the girls get a new baby brother, they start falling ill and needing the doctor.  The more charming Dr. Edward Fellows visits the home, the more he finds himself attracted to Elizabeth.  Can they fight their desire?

I enjoyed this Regency.  It was fast paced and the characters were fun.  It was a quick read.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by NetGalley and the Publisher.  Thank you.




When a Marquess Chooses a Bride by Ella Quinn

I disliked Dominic at the beginning of the novel and kept wondering if he truly was the hero.  He didn't like Dotty's name and called her Thea.  He was just too stuffy for Dotty.  But, as the novel progressed, I understood why Dominic was the way he was and hurt for the boy he was.  At the end of the novel, I adored him.

This was a fantastic read.  I loved the family and friendship the characters shared.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Legal Wolf's Mate by Eve Langlais

The novel started out with Broderick (from "Catch a Tiger by the Tail" ) convincing his lawyer friend, Gavin to take Megan's murder case.  Megan is somehow being framed for murder by the wolf that created Gavin, Fabian Garoux.

Fabian didn't give Gavin a choice in becoming a wolf.  Fabian wanted his own lawyer for his "organization".  Having Brody tell Gavin that Fabian was framing Megan was the guarantee that Gavin would take the case.  Gavin did not want to become a wolf and wants nothing to do with Fabian.

The last thing Megan remembered before waking up to the police in her apartment telling her she murdered her boss was wanting to eat Thai food and chill.  Now, she is being accused of murder and it all goes back to Fabian Garoux.

So, the story is moving along great, loved the snark.  Then, for me, it jumped the shark and went over the edge.  I was not a fan of the Shifter meets Soprano twist.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Wild by Eve Langlais, Kate Douglas and A.C. Arthur

I received this ARC from the publisher and NetGalley.  I jumped at the chance to read it because Eve Langlais is one of my favorite "shifter" authors.

I loved "Catch a Tiger by the Tail".  There is nothing like a hot geeky guy.  Brody was just purfect for Lulu.  Along with the plot twists, there was humor.  It was a good, quick read.  Eve Langlais writes my favorite escapism shifter novels.  Another awesome novella.

I first read as an ARC then bought the other two titles in this book. They were two different styles that I enjoyed reading (and have re-read them several times.)  I posted the reviews below.

Feral Passions by Kate Douglas

Cherry's sister Christa and her BFF Stephanie convince Cherry to go on a week vacation to a resort named Feral Passions.  The resort only books six spots and only for women per week.  It is also a preserve for wolves.  Traker Jakes and his pack have opened Feral Passions to find their mates.  When Cherry's group arrives, Brad and Cain are immediately attracted to Cherry.  Cherry has had one experience with a boy in high school who was using her to get a good grade in a math class.  After he posted pictures on the internet, she does not trust men.  She starts to trust Brad and Cain while noticing that the wolves that hang out with her, and have their same eye color, are never around when Brad and Cain are with her.

I enjoyed this novel.  The sex scenes were hot and part of the ending was unexpected.  I like that it was a group of characters that got their HEA   I am hoping that this is the first in a series.

The Alpha's Mate by A. C. Arthur

So, I am revising my review.  When I first read the book, I was relatively new to shifter novels and found this one was way different.  I decided to go back and read it.  And, was I blown away.

There isn't a cookie cutter mold for shifter novels.  Every author has a different take.  I love the spin off of Greek mythology and the different types of shifter packs.  I love how the characters have more of an edge.  Kira was an awesome, strong alpha female.



I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by NetGalley and the publisher.












Sunday, September 25, 2016

Rosemary's Double Delight by Heather Rainier

Rosemary Piper has known Wes and Evan Garner since they were in kindergarten.  They were planning on getting married after they graduated from college, but Evan couldn't keep it zipped.  After a painful divorce, can Evan rebuild his relationship with Rosemary to give the three of them their HEA?

I loved Rosemary's devotion to Wes and Evan. This was another wonderful book in this series.

Highland Temptation by Jennifer Haymore

Lady Emilia Buchanan discovered papers in her father's study linking him to a traitorous scheme against the crown.  After her father beat her, she turned to the Highland Knights for protection.  In their safe house, she discovers an attraction to Sir Colin Stirling.

Sir Colin Stirling has been chased by the demons of war since Waterloo.  His nightmares are violent and he doesn't trust himself with any relationships.  Lady Emilia brings out the protective instinct that he has buried.

Soon, all Colin wants is a chance to find some sort of happiness with Emilia.

This book was amazing.  I was hooked from the beginning and didn't put it down until "The End".  I loved the characters and their adventure.

This is the third in the Highland Knights series.  It read quite well as a standalone.  The characters from previous novels flowed around the plot but did not smother it and let Colin and Emilia have their own story.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank You!

My Fair Princess by Vanessa Kelly

Raised in Italy, Gillian Dryden lives in a world in between.  As the illegitimate daughter of a prince, she fits in no world.  When her beloved stepfather was killed by bandits, Gillian sought revenge.  Her mother and grandmother return to England to find a suitable husband for Gillian.  Gillian is a fish out of water and needs help negotiating the Ton.

Her grandmother asks Charles Penley, the Duke of Leverton to help transform Gillian.  Charles is know in the Ton as Peerless Penley.  He may be the one person that can transform Gillian.

I loved how Charles fell in love with someone that was his exact opposite.  It brought out another side in his character.  He was the one person that could transform Gillian and still keep her spirit.  I absolutely loved this novel!

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!



Monday, September 12, 2016

Heavenly Angel by Heather Rainier

Angel Martinez has healed from being shot by his psycho ex-girlfriend.  He has wooed Teresa Palacios for months so they can have the future he craves.  Teresa has a painful past and comes with a two-year-old son.  Things are coming together when Angel's bull-riding brother Joaquin arrives at Angel's house on Christmas Eve.  Can Angel and Joaquin have their HEA with Teresa?

Angel and Joaquin have to be my favorite two cowboys in this series.  I loved this story and how Teresa gains confidence to love Angel and Joaquin.


Her Gentle Giant, Part 2 by Heather Rainier

This novel picks up where Part 1 left off.  As Rachel has to face a traumatic event from her past new characters are introduced along with duct tape underwear.  My only complaint is the over liberal use of italics.  After a while, it became a distraction.

Her Gentle Giant Part 1: No Regrets by Heather Rainier

Rachel Lopez was the statuesque beauty that helped Grace with Patricia the Psycho in "Her Divine Grace."  Eli Wolf is part of the security team for The Dancing Pony Night Club in Divine, Texas.  When he met Rachel Lopez, he fell hard.  Rachel is attracted to Eli but when he asks her out, She turns him down.  Rachel knows she has a jealous streak and won't be able to handle the women flocking to Eli.  She thinks she can't compete with the skinny women that won't leave Eli alone.

Eli is one of my favorite heroes in this series.  While this is Eli and Rachel's story, there is a lot of Grace and her men in this story.  This novel and Divine Grace are the foundations for this series.

Inarticulate by Eden Summers

Savannah is sent to Seattle when the sale of one of her company's under producing hotels is going bad quickly.  The team for the group buying the hotel is playing dirty and the team leader is Savannah's cousin Penny.  Naturally, her boss feels it is an excellent idea to send Savannah.  Too bad Savannah hasn't seen her cousin since they were in High School and Savannah kissed the guy her cousin liked.

At a family dinner, Savannah meets the enigmatic Keenan.  Even though Keenan won't talk to her, they communicate and the sparks fly between them.  Despite being warned off of Keenan by her cousin Dominic for one reason and his sister Penny for a much more personal reason, Savannah won't end their relationship.


When I read "The End", I was wiped out.  This book is an emotional roller coaster.  There were pages I wanted to yell at Savannah for not seeing what was right in front of her.  OMG!  You know who Penny works for.  Put two and two together!  And you walk out because he can sing?!  Then other pages I wanted to yell at Penny because she lost her chance and is messing with other people's lives over some petty BS with Savannah that is one sided!  Then, I wanted to slap Dominic because he knew everything but didn't tell Savannah.  Just give vague hints to Savannah.  Talk about being set up!

I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.




Sunday, September 11, 2016

Winner Takes All by Erin Kern

Blake Carpenter is coaching his hometown high school football team after his professional career spiraled out of control.  Blake knows he is the the person that can lead the team to a winning season they haven't had in eighteen years.

Annabelle Turner has been hired as the team's physical therapist.  When Blake meets Annabelle, he has to keep their contact professional.

This is one of those books that I read the description and hoped for much more than I got.  When I read a book, I have to be hooked.  You put the book down and want to pick it back up to see what happens next.  Nope.  I didn't care.  For me there was no spark between the characters.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.



Taming the Highlander by May McGoldrick

Innes Munro has the gift of being able to see a person's past and what torments them by toughing them.  The gift comes at a heavy price.  She seeks to lead a quiet life.  Her intent is to see her beloved sister married to the man she loves then return to Folais Castle.

Conall Sinclair has suffered in battle.  He is scarred in body and spirit.  His clan sees him as a wild savage.  Conall seeks isolation from war.

Conall is reluctant to let Innes close to him, but she slowly wears him down and he finds that he can look for a future.  There is an evil force after Innes and her relic.  Will evil win?

While this is the second in a two part series, it stands alone and is a wonderful read from the first chapter to the end.  I normally don't read books set in this time period, but I really enjoyed this one.

The characters were amazing.  While Innes and Connal are the main characters, Bryce and Ailein played an important part.  I loved the loyalty Connal and Bryce showed to each other.  Connal was captured and held as a prisoner by the English for a year.  He didn't tell them who he was so they didn't send a ransom to his clan and force Bryce to pay it.  Bryce never gave up hope that his brother was alive and when he was found alive, he payed the ransom.

There is small sub plot revolving around Bryce's first wife that added a bit of mystery to the novel.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.  Thank You!


Monday, September 5, 2016

Divine Grace by Heather Rainier

Grace Stuart has been living her life to please others.  She let her boyfriend, Owen, move in to the house her mother left her.  Now, he is nothing but a sponge.  Grace has been lusting after the son of one of her customers at the department store she works at part time.  When Rose Marie passes away, Grace supports Jack and meets his two friends, Adam and Ethan.  Before long, Jack, Adam, and Ethan convince Grace that she can be free of her abusive boyfriend and they will take care of her.  They teach Grace that she deserves to be desired and loved by three men.

It is pure escapism and you have to suspend reality to enjoy this book.   Way too much gift giving for reality.  The jewelry, lingerie and furniture!  Wow!  These guys kept the economy of Divine going during their courtship of Grace.  How do three guys with full time jobs have the time to also run a working ranch/stud farm?  It was over the top campy, but it was fun.

That said, I can suspend reality and was hooked on this book by the end of the first chapter.  Jack, Adam, and Ethan are amazing.  I love how each man has a different but equal connection with Grace.

On a side note - I wish Book Strand would stop with the badly photo-shopped covers.  They are embarrassing.  I bought this book as the boxed set and the cover is more milder.  Some of the covers in this series are way over the top.  I want "milder" covers.  I buy for content/synopsis not photo.  I do read in public places had have had to shield my e-reader from other people seeing the covers.



Mad For the Plaid by Karen Hawkins

Lady Ailsa Mackenzie has been left to care for the estate while her father is gallivanting in London.  Her grandmother, Lady Edana MacGregor Mackenzie, has invited her old friend, Natasha, the Grand Duchess Nikolaevna for a visit.  All is well until Natasha and Edana's companion Lord Hamilton dissappear.  Alisa has no choice but to let Natasha's grandson, Prince Nikolai Romanovin know.  Nik wants move freely about while searching for his grandmother so he assumes the identity of one of his guard.

Karen Hawkins is one of my favorite authors.  This novel did not disappoint.  From the strong heroine to the handsome hero with plot twists in between.  It was marvelous.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you.







Wednesday, August 31, 2016

A Scandalous Adventure by Lillian Marek

Lady Susannah Tremaine has been sent with her friend Olivia to the Grand Hotel in Baden.  They are accompanied by Susannah's aunt Lady Augusta.  Count Maximillian von Staufer is on the search for his monarch's runaway fiancee.  He sees Olivia and attempts to kidnap her because she looks so much like the missing princess that she could be her.  Maximillian asks Olivia to impersonate the missing princess.  He draws Susannah into the dangerous world of court politics.  Will Maximillian be able to protect Susannah?

I loved the first book in this series and this one did not disappoint.  The characters are marvelous.  I like how the supporting characters are an important part of the novel.  I had to remember who was the heroine.  I also liked that it doesn't take place in England.  It was a refreshing break.  I did not want the book to end!

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

As Rich As a Rogue by Jade Lee

It has taken six years for Mari Powel to recover from a comment Peter Norwood, Lord Whitly made at a ball.  It earned her the nickname the Wayward Welsh and caused her social downfall.  Peter left for India to make his fortune and now he is back.  On his first day back, he encounters Mari in Hyde Park.  They end up in a bet regarding Lady Illston's parakeet.  Mari is devastated that she is going to loose everything she has accomplished in the past six years.  And Peter will do anything to win Mari's heart.

This was a OK read.  There was no real "I hate him" to "I love him" romance.  Mari had a thing for Peter before he left for India.  And, with the scandals from season to season, Mari being nicknamed the "Wayward Welsh" should have been forgotten and people moved on.  

The title left me puzzled.  I get that this is part of the "Rakes and Rogues" series, but Peter didn't return to England rich.  He was a tax collector in India that had to resort to underhanded methods to collect what was owed.  

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

Sunday, August 21, 2016

The Golden Pack Alphas by Laurel Cremant

Georgia Walker is a wolf/seer hybrid.  She has spend her life trying to fit in with her pack as her father is the Alpha.  Marcus Legrand is an enforcer that has come to the Golden Pack to help Georgia's father when his beta was killed.  Georgia avoids Marcus because she doesn't want to admit to the attraction that could explode like a match hitting gasoline.  

Georgia's father announces his successor and rocks her world.  Danger is stalking the Golden Pack and only Georgia and Marcus can stop it.

I received the full book not the serials to review.

I really liked this book and enjoyed the authors twist on shifters.  I liked the bantering between Marcus and Georgia.  She is a strong Alpha wolf with more power than even she knows and top that with her seer abilities.  There are many layers to Marcus.  They made an awesome couple.  There are pages that should smolder due to their attractions.  I liked that there was a conflict as part of the sub plot.

However, there were things that just weren't flushed out.  The sub plot was one thing.  Who is Seraphin and why is she after Georgia.  Before the book starts there is something with the rogues.  What is The Alliance.  It felt like I was missing chapters or perhaps a whole book before this one.  

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Sunday, August 14, 2016

A Duke to Remember by Kelly Bowen

I have read other books by Kelly Bowen and liked them.  I thought the synopsis was intriguing.  However, I simply could not get past the first chapter.  This is no fault of the author.

I read romance to escape what I encounter(ed) during my normal day at work.  This was a little too close for comfort.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you.





Monday, August 8, 2016

The Highlander by Kerrigan Byrne

When I read the prologue and the first chapter, I almost put the book down.  It started clicking who the characters were that were helping Mena.  I LOVED the first book in this series so I decided to give this one a try.  I was so glad I did.  This book is an emotional roller coaster ride that I didn't want to end.  I loved the characters.  While Liam and Mena were the main characters, the other characters add a depth to the novel.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!








Monday, August 1, 2016

Miss Frazer's Adventure by Alexandra Ivy

Kate Frazer has had her spirits dampened by her father because she looks like her mother that ran away with her lover.  Kate's father arranges a marriage with a man that needs her dowry.  On their wedding day, Lucius Califeld is absent.  Lucius was waiting out a storm and couldn't sail until it passed.   Kate decides to have an adventure and to get out from under her father's smothering thumb.  When Lucius arrives, he discovers his fiance has vanished and tracks her to London and finds her having a grand adventure as a widow.

Lucius has to woo his fiance as she leads him on a merry adventure.  Can they find their true love?

I found this to be a delightfully sweet and innocent read.  Kate has decided that she deserves love and wants to wear clothing her father didn't pick out for her.  Lucius expects to find the reserved young woman he met at their betrothal but finds Kate in a hotel garden flirting with a rake in a crimson gown.

I enjoyed reading this book.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you.





Friday, July 29, 2016

Only an Earl Will Do by Tamara Gill

Three years ago, Lady Elizabeth Worthingham and Lord Henry Andrews, Earl of Muir fell in love and anticipated their vows.  Henry had left for America to make his fortune and Elizabeth's father sent him a letter telling him that he needed to return home.  They received an out of character reply from Henry forcing Elizabeth to marry a man to give her child a name.
Henry has returned to England with his American cousins.  He seeks out Elizabeth only to find her reception as cold as a Highland winter.  

I did not finish this book.  I got through chapter 2 and realized that I HATED Elizabeth.  She was just so stupid that I could not continue.  There were just too many secrets and opportunities to tell Henry he was the father of her son.  

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.


The Scottish Lord's Secret Bride by Raven McAllan

Eight years ago, Lady Morven Weston had a wild, passionate summer with Lord Fraser Napier.  They found themselves wed in a Gypsy ceremony.  Fraser had to go to Barbados to oversee the family estates.  He returns eight years later still wondering if the marriage was valid.  Morven's mother insists on dragging her and her sister to Scotland to visit her BFF (convenient Fraser's dear mother).  Fraser and Morven spend their time attempting to be alone together and finding the gypsies that were there for their ceremony.  And avoiding the weather because someone keeps messing with the barometer.
From the synopsis, this promised to be a good book, however, it drug on to the point I just lost interest.  The whole plot revolves around Fraser and Morven finding out if they are truly married.  It takes almost the WHOLE book and a ton of manipulation from Morven's mother and sister to get to that point.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Toast and Char by Jennifer Bramseth

I have been waiting for Prent and Miranda's story since they were introduced in the Epilogue of Bottled Bluegrass.  I was hooked from the beginning of Toast and Char to the end.  It is the story of a love that matures.  Both Prent and Miranda were going to call off the wedding because of insecurities but he beat her to it.  Watching their love mature was heart warming.

I liked how this is the eighth in this series yet it is still fresh and one of the best series I have read in a long time.  You do have to know some of the backstory of the books because they are part of a community.   Each book stands on its own, but keeps the reader up to date with characters from previous books.

I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you.

Monday, July 18, 2016

The Duke of Daring by Darcy Burke

I absolutely loved this novel.  The characters were well written and the plot was different than the usual historical romance.  At 233 pages, the length was perfect.   It had the beginning, middle, sexy times and plot resolution without the book feeling like it was droning on and I wanted to skip to the end.

I loved Andrew as the tortured hero.  He was so daring and wanted to protect Lucy, yet struggled to protect his heart due to losing his family at a young age.  Lucy was a strong heroine that deserved her HEA.  Her father had gambled away the family fortune and taught Lucy to gamble.  She used her skill to get the money she needed to be able to join her grandmother in a little cottage in Bath.  I also liked the secondary characters of Ivy and Aquilla.  They need their own books!

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!






Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Once Upon a Moonlit Night

Miss Hippolyta Royle was kidnapped by the Duke of Montgomery.  The Duke's housekeeper helped Hippolyta escape.  She had fallen down, was covered in who knows what and was cold, wet and miserable.  Hippolyta was able to flag down a carriage.  The owner of the carriage, Matthew Mortimer, does not believe Hippolyta is the wealthiest heiress in England but still helps her.  

I liked Hippolyta in "Duke of Sin" and loved her in her own novella.  I was so glad that she got her HEA (no matter how much I adore Val, he was so naughty in kidnapping her).  Hippolyta was intelligent and a strong woman that deserved her true love.  Matthew was the perfect match for her.  He didn't care that her mother was Indian and helped her thwart her blackmailer.  

That being said, I wish the book could have been longer to give more plot development.  It felt rushed, like an after thought.  As if it needed to be hurried so the readers would know what happened to Hippolyta.  I was left loving the novella but wanting more from it.  

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you.

Stormswept by Sabrina Jeffries

This is a story of betrayal.  Juliana St. Albans is the daughter of the Earl of Northcliffe. Juliana's father has won the Vaughn's estate Llyndd in a card game and devistated, Mr. Vaughn commits suicide.  Rhys and Juliana meet at a rally for Welsh rights.  Eventhough there is anamosity toward the English Juliana over what her father did, Rhys still falls in love with her.  They elope and Juliana stupidly leaves a note in her room.  Her brothers do not want her married to a Welsh radical so they find Rhys and Juliana at the local inn.  They sell Rhys to a press gang (along with his friend) and bribe the innkeeper to lie.

Six years later, Juliana has found out hat Rhys died in a shipwreck.  She has kept her marriage secret at her father's request.  Her brothers want her in an advantageous marriage.  They are just about to announce her engagement when Rhys walks in.

This is a reissue of a revised novel.  It was originally published in 1995 under the pseudonym Deborah Martin.

Sabrina Jeffries is one of my favorite authors.  However, this novel left me mad.  When Rhys returned, Juliana's brothers were still sticking with their lies and no matter how much Juliana told Rhys the truth, he believed them.  SHE WAITED SIX YEARS FOR HIM and he still won't believe her.  I had a line of people I wanted to smack for Juliana, starting with Rhys followed by her brothers.  That would be after I shook Juliana and told her to wake up and leave the ass.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you.

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

I Knew You Were Trouble by Soraya Lane

Faith Mendes is seeking help from her brother's best friend to escape an abusive relationship.  She needs a place to live and a job to continue with her masters.  Nathan King has always known Faith was off-limits but he desired her anyway.  Now that she is grown up and living in his house as his housekeeper, can he keep his hands of of her.



I am a sucker for a good cowboy story.  I liked the characters in this book.  While it is the third in the series, it can easily be read as a stand alone.  I liked how Nate had to fight his attraction to Faith then when he gave in, had to fight to win her love and a HEA.

The one thing that bugged me throughout the novel was the use of the last name "King" and the Texas setting.  I wish the author had chosen a different last name because I was constantly reminded of the "King Ranch".

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you.


Beauty and the Highland Beast by Lecia Cornwall

Dair Sinclair was captured and tortured on a mission to save his cousin from entering a convent.  Dair is unable to save his cousin and returns home broken and becomes known as the Madman of Carraig Brigh.

A pagan midwife tells Dair's father that the only thing that can save him is a virgin bride.  Padraig will do anything to save his son and sets off to find his son's perfect wife.  At the MacLeod's castle he meets the shy, scarred Fia MacLeod and is convinced that she is perfect for Dair.

Dair does not want a bride and despite his attempts to frighten Fia, he starts to see her for her inner beauty and she sees the man he is under the scars and nightmares.



There is nothing like a wonderful Highland romance.  I was hooked from chapter one  to the end.  The reason I could not give this five stars was the prologue.  The book is supposed to be set in 1706, but with the pagan midwife/witch and "got to find a virgin" it felt like the book was set in the 1500's.

I loved the rich cast of characters that made this novel wonderful.  While there is a "Beauty and the Beast" theme, the Beauty had her own scars that caused her emotional pain.  That is why she understood the Beast so well.  

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.




Her Highland Master by Anya Summers

When Zoey Mills was accused of leaking client data to a magazine for a hefty payout, she decided to take a vacation in the Scottish Highlands.  A freak snow storm causes her to crash and end up stranded at Mullardoch Manor.  Declan McDougal is one of the founding members of The Dungeon Fantasy Club and is a Dom.  Zoe ends up without a place to stay and any funds because the B&B won't refund her money.  Declan offers her a place to stay in exchange for staying in his bed or any other place he wants her.  Unfortunately, Zoey's past finds her even in the Highlands and Declan's pat history makes him drive Zoey away.  Can Declan get over his past and open his heart to Zoe?


I jumped at the chance to review this book when I saw it involved a sexy Highlander that wasn't a historical romance.  I was not disappointed in this fast paced book.  At 135 pages, it was a quick read and a great escape.  I liked that there was a HEA in the book and not an obnoxious "got to wait for the next book" ending.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you.

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Diablo Lake:Moonstruck by Lauren Dane

Katie Faith Grady left Diablo Lake when Darrell Pembry left her at the alter.  Her dad has had a stroke and her family needs her to help run their restaurant. She moves back to town and into an apartment across the hall from Jace Dooley, the guy she lusted after for years.   They were good friends before she left town and now that she is back, he wants to be more than friends.

Now that Katie Faith is back in Diablo Lake, she is starting to become more in-tuned to the magic that is within her.  The Pembry wolves don't want to lose her power to the Dooley wolves and start to stir things up.  Can Katie Faith and Jace find their HEA?


Lauren Dane has created an amazing world with Diablo Lake.  I loved the blending of the witches and the wolves.  Jace was a total hottie and Katie Fath was a great heroine.  The supporting characters from Katie's parents to her BFF were what made this novel what it was.  I loved how Katie Faith found her power and how she dealt with Darrell and his smarmy father.  The small town setting was just wonderful.  I was so upset when I got to the end of the book.  I wanted to read the next in the series.  I liked how Jace and Katie Faith just didn't have sex in the first chapter of the book.  It took time and a build up and when it happened, WOW!

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review.  Thank You!





Wednesday, June 8, 2016

When Love Comes Calling by Samantha Kane

This is a two novella book.  As the disclaimer says, they are not for those under 18.  They are both extremely erotic.

A Lady in Waiting - Lady Sylvie is a widow that feels old and lonely until she is asked by a friend of her husband to give his son a living as a vicar.  Edmund James is a reformed rake that is now a vicar.  He desires lady Sylvie and will do everything he can to have her.

The Debutante - This is Clarissa Welliston's first season.  She wants a good, strong man to sweep her off her feet but she keeps finding the fortune hunters.  Dominic, Viscount Lethbridge sees Clari hiding in the wood outside a ball when a group of men start discussing Clari in a very unfavorable light.  Dominic is drawn to Clari and teaches her about passion.

My only issue with The Debutante is I wish it was much longer.  Samantha Kane is one of my all time favorite authors.  I was thrilled to find this book.


Claimed by the Mate, Vol. 2 by Kate Douglas and A.C. Arthur

There are two distinct novels in this book.  The first is Wild Passions by Kate Douglas.  Meg Bonner is getting married to the man of her dreams but she doesn't feel worthy of his love.  Meg and her freinds book a week at Feral Passions as a pre-wedding trip.  The men of Feral Passions are a group of hot werewolves that are searching for their mates.

I don't know who is luckier, the men of Feral Passions or the women.  This was a fun romp with hot men and hotter sex.  The only thing that would have made this novel better was if Meg's fiancee Zach was one of the pack that was living in the human world.  Kind of sad that her friends get an extra long life and Meg doesn't.  I loved how this novel was multi-cultural.


The second novel is Her Perfect Mates by A. C. Arthur.  While the first novel was all sunshine happy shifter, this novel was the dark, brooding shifter.  It was marvelous.  Malec Zenta and Channing Verdi are two betas in a pack.  They have different backgrounds but are best friends and love sharing women.  A human vet has entered Malec's life when a mysterious person starts killing innocent animals.  Caroline Douglas had a rough childhood and young adulthood.  She is a survivor, a strong woman that was meant for two betas.

I have always loved Greek mythology and this book was perfect.  I loved the characters when they were introduced in Volume 1.  This is a marvelous continuation of the story.  Malec and Channing are smoking hot and night and day from each other.  I loved the play between the guys and Caroline.  This was a marvelous continuation.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Amber Fire by Lisa Renee Jones

Amber Green wants to complete her late father's work and prove the existance of the Yaguara, a race of jaguar shape-shifters.  She meets Jareth who is just a determined to stop Amber from discovering more about the Yaguara.


As much as I liked this novella, I was aggravated by it.  It could have been a full length novel if the plot was completed.  The reader is just dropped in the middle of the book.  Amber has had some encounters with Jareth.  She learns that her mother was a Yaguara and the females develop a pregnancy illness and they die in childbirth.  Then there the whole "Hunter" thing.  If those plot lines were added, the novel could have been so much better.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Stare Him Down by Riley Murphy

I loved the relationship between James and Mickey.  He is a Dom and she realizes that after they are married if she wants to keep her husband, she needs to change and becomes a Sub. There is humor in this book that made it more than a "50 Shades" wannabe.  I enjoyed the characters and reading this novel.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!



His Wicked Wish by Olivia Drake

Madelyn Swann''s mother was the daughter of a Duke and was disowned when she ran away with a traveling actor.  She had been notorious for turning down gentleman.  Madelyn dreams of opening hew own dress shop so she decides to sell herself to the highest bidder.  
Nathan Atwood, Viscount Rowley has returned to England after a ten year self-imposed exile.  He has made himself rich in trade in the far East.  He returned when his godmother sent him a letter saying his father had died.  When he arrived at his godmother's house, she tells him that his older brother not his father died and Nathan is now the heir.  This starts Nathan plotting revenge on his father.  He decides to find the most inappropriate bride and have her live with his family for the season.  Nathan picks Maddy to be his bride.  Little does he know that her blood is as blue as his.  Nathan plans to stay in London for the season then leave forever.  Nathan falls in love with Maddy but is that enough to heal the wound when he finds out that her grandfather is a Duke?

I liked Maddy.  I was on the fence with Nathan.  He used Maddy to embarrass his family and let them treat her like dirt.  His sister-in-law was the worst followed by the grandmother.  When Nathan discovers that Maddy had used the marriage to get to her grandfather, he is mad.   I did like that Maddy's good nature showed through and Nathan's family slowly changed their attitude toward her.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Her Forbidden Cowboy by Maggie Carpenter

I normally love a good western romance.  It felt like I was reading bad high school drama.  Cathy's mom writes Scott a looonnnnnggg letter and includes one hundred thousand dollars in cash so Scott will stop seeing Cathy. Very high school.  I guess somewhere in the book was some erotica, but I couldn't get past the drama.

I could ignore the badly photo shopped guy on the cover, but it got to the point where I was laughing.  I have never seen a six pack look like a relief.  It almost reminded me of an alien make-up effect.  Yuck.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.




The Beast of Clan Kincaid by Lily Blackwood

This was an amazing romance from the opening.  The first chapter did a great job setting the background for the book.  I was expecting Niall to be all broody alpha "I'm gonna get revenge" and not have this easy to read.  He wasn't that dramatic and it made the book interesting.  The book moved and the resolution was good.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you.





Play Your Heart Out (Sinful Serenade, #4) by Crystal Kaswell

Jess James wants to be a lawyer and is struggling to find the money to pay for law school.  She is exhausted from working all the hours she can get as a cocktail waitress when her boss makes her stop the couple in the restroom from doing the naughty or completing the naught.  The guy is Pete Steele, bassist for Sinful Serenade.  

Pete's management wants him to stop the wild parting and screwing his way through the groupies in Los Angeles.  Jess James is the perfect solution.  Their arrangement is beneficial to both.  She plays his wholesome girlfriend and he pays her tuition.  Somewhere the lie starts to become truth except Jess can't have her heart broken again.  


I am way too old to be a groupie, but I am hooked on Sinful Serenade.  I loved that this book was a standalone.  Too many times you pick up the fourth in a series and need a play by play guide to figure out what is going on.  I read the first several chapters before realizing that this was part of a series.

I liked Jess and her determination to realize her goal.  She bettered Pete.  This was a great read, perfect for the beach or pool.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you.

Lana and the Laird by Sabrina York

Lachlan Sinclair, the Duke of Cathness, believes he is cursed.  His father died when he was thirty and so have his ancestors because his ancestors lost the MacAlpin Cross.  When the MacAlpin Cross is whole, the curse will be lifted.  His father's ghost told him to return to the Highlands and restore his family's castle that now lies in near ruin.  The ghost also told him to clear the land so he issued the edict to his barons.  When one of the barons refuses to clear the farmers from the land, Lachlan decicdes to visit.  At Lochlannach Castle, Lachlan meets his baron's sister-in-law, Lady Lana Dounreay.
Lana has seen the ghosts around her since a childhood illness.  She has dreamed of Lachlan only he was wearing a kilt and not acting all English.  Lana shows Lachlan why the clearances are wrong.  As his visit to her brother-in-law's castle lengthens, Lachlan slowly realizes that his cousin was poisoning him.  

I loved this book from page one.  It had drama and humor and witty characters.  There were times that I didn't know who I wanted to smack more - Lachlan's cousin for duping him for years or Lachlan for believing it.  This was a great way to start my summer reading.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.   Thank you.

Friday, May 27, 2016

Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt

Valentine Napiier the Duke of Montgomery isn't a nice man.  He was exiled attempting to protect his half-sister.  Now that he has "returned", the Duke is back to his blackmailing and whoring.  

Bridget Crumb is the Duke's housekeeper.  She was born a bastard and raised by a foster mother that loved her.  Her aristocratic mother and a friend are being blackmailed by the Duke.  Bridget becomes his housekeeper to find the items he is holding over her mother and friend.  

The Duke realizes that Mrs. Crumb is not only holding her own secrets but attempting to find his.  When he is poisoned he can only rely on his housekeeper.  


Normally, the heroes of a book start out good or change by the end.  Not Valentine Napier.  He was wicked in the beginning and wicked at the end.  He was one of the best heroes EVER.  I liked how Bridget is the housekeeper.  She stood up to him through his decadent displays of the two ladies of the evening in his bead and didn't blink.  I didn't want this book to end  Now I have to wait for the Duke of Kyle's book.  Yea!

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!!!

The Anatomy of Jane by Amelia LeFay

I got done with this book and just stared at the last page.  I was blown away and left wanting/needing more.  I was screaming at the last page wanting the next book to resolve the cliffhanger.

While the characters were too much, too unrealistic, too something, I got hooked on the book.  I wanted to know what happened with Jane, Max, and Wes.  Three people that never should have been in a relationship but made it work.  Just too something.  And, now I am left waiting until the next book in the series.  URG!

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review  Thank you!

Sunday, May 22, 2016

A Most Delicate Pursuit by Pamela Labud

Michael Carver, Earl of Blandon, has known Beatrice Hawkins since her sister married his best friend.  Michael has a terrible romantic past (including a duel that cost him an eye) and avoids all entanglements.  When Ashton Blakely, Duke of Summerson, married Beatrice's sister he bought her guardianship from her cousin.  The cousin has reneged and sold Beatrice to a nasty man that has had three previous wives who died under mysterious circumstances.  Summerton asks Michael to help Beatrice escape.  With mounting danger, can Beatrice and Michael admit how they feel about each other and find true love.

This was such a delightful novel.  I loved Beatrice and Michael.  I kept routing for Michael to admit how he feels and to keep Beatrice safe.   I liked the drama and the romance in this novel.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

Sunday, May 15, 2016

A Pledge of Passion by Victoria Vane

Lady Mariah Morehaven never made her debut because her father fell ill.  She has been invited to attend a house party with her cousin Lydia and her cousin's future mother-in law, Lady Russell.  As they are entering the coach, Lydia's intended (who she desperately wants to end their engagement) sabatoges the traveling arrangements forcing Mariah to ride with his secretary Nicholas Needham.

Nicholas is a younger son and Mariah is a baroness in her own right.  During the house party, they fall in love.  A year later, Nick releases Mariah from her vow of waiting for him while he is drunk.  As her father has died and she must get married or lose her inheritance, she asks Lady Russell to help her find a match.  She is devastated when Nick is the one sent by his employer to negotiate for her hand.  Can true love win?


Victoria Vane wonderful!  I loved this book.  I loved the romance of the house party then Nick's romancing Mariah to win her back.  The characters are great.  I am waiting for Lydia's story.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

Bottled Bluegrass by Jennifer Bramseth

Mack Blanton returned to Bourbon Springs, Kentucky from Nashville after being unable to make it in the music business.  He meets Jorrie Jones at Old Garnet when he is applying for his old job on the distillery line.


I fell in love with this series from "Secret Blend".  The characters were fun.  I want to move to Bourbon Springs and work at Old Garnet.  I have bought all of the books and LOVED them.

"Bottled Bluegrass" just fell flat.  I don't know why.  The first book introduced most of the characters for the other six and the characters are in the books.  With Mack and Jorrie, they were just people that were mentioned so you didn't get to know them by the time they had their own novel.  There is an excerpt from "Toast and Char" and I found that I didn't want the excerpt to end.  I am also waiting for Judge Forrest's HEA.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Lone Wolf by Tessa Clarke

Delany Nichols is a new veterinarian that has been called out to rancher Leif Pierce's ranch to aid with an injured eagle.  Sparks fly between Delany and Leif, but there is more to Leif than just a rancher.  Leif is a wolf shifter that is expected to share his future mate with his brothers.  He was prepared to share with his brother Jackson until Jackson was killed in Afghanistan.   However, Leif isn't prepared to share Delaney with his other brothers and they have fallen in love with her too.   Leif must come to grips with his past and his brothers while convincing Delany they have a future.


This was the first book in a new series.  I enjoyed reading this novel and didn't put it down until I was done.  It was smokin' hot.   I liked the "tortured hero" in Leif because of his experiences in Afghanistan and losing the litter-mate he thought he would share a wife with.

With that said I read a lot of shifter novels and this wasn't very shifter.  I think I liked it even more because it wasn't in your face.



I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Savage Urges (The Pheonix Pack, Book 5) by Suzanne Wright

I liked Suzanne Wright's "take" on shifters.  Loved how Mackenna understood Ryan's grunts.  Loved how Ryan kept pushing Mackenna and how patient he was with Zack.  This is the fifth book in the series and the first one that I have read.  It read well as a stand alone.  I didn't feel like I needed a character list so I knew who was who or that I just walked in during the middle of a play.

This was a great shifter read.  I am adding this book and the first four of "The Phoenix Pack" to my shopping list.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

Monday, May 2, 2016

The Untamed Earl by Valerie Bowman

Lady Alexandra Hobbs is the younger daughter of the Duke of Huntley.  She has wanted to marry Lord Owen Monroe since he rescued her brother and stable hand from some baddies outside of her window.  Lord Owen has been given the ultimatum that he needs to marry.  And the Duke chooses Alex's spoiled rotten older sister, Lavinia to marry Owen.
Valerie Bowman is one of my favorite authors.  But, I just could not get past Lavinia.  I wanted to walk into the book and slug her.  Then, I wanted to find her parents and yell at them.  Sorry, this ended up on the DNF pile because of one obnoxious character that dominated the book.  I gave it three stars because I liked the ending.  Not Ms. Bowman's fault that I hated Lavinia.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.


Much Ado About Highlanders by May McGoldrick

This book was the meeting of the minds of two very strong characters that fought at every turn.  Their banter lead Alex on a merry chase to reclaim his runaway wife.  Months ago, Kenna Mackay left her husband, Alexander Macpherson on their wedding night.  She took sanctuary in a nunnery to learn the art of healing.  While riding with her cousin, Kenna helps with a difficult birth when the midwife is gone.  On their way home, they are kidnapped.  Part of her cousin's dowry is a Macpherson ship that the Macpherson's didn't know they were giving up.  Alexander realizes that he still wants his bride and has to get past Kenna's misconceptions.

I enjoyed this Highland "Taming of the Shrew".  The banter between Kenna and Alexander made it for a lively read.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.





Sunday, April 24, 2016

All I Need by Linda Winfree

Two years ago, ER physician Savannah Mills lost the love of her life when he was killed.  Savannah was transferred to fix problems in the ER.  She meets her new neighbor and proposes a friends with benefits relationship.  After being shot, Emmett Beck is slowly rebuilding his life and his body.  When Emmett realizes that Savannah is holding back, he puts a hold on their relationship while he figures out what he wants.  Emmett has fallen in love with the woman that doesn't want to love again.  Can he get past her frozen heart and help her live again?

I loved the characters in this novel.  While this was Savannah and Emmett's HEA, characters from previous novels in the series gave it the depth of friends and a community.  I liked Emmett and Savannah was a great heroine.  

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.



The Redemption of Julian Price by Victoria Vane

Julian Price is childhood friends with Henrietta Houghton.  His parents died when he was young and he was left in the care of his wastrel uncle.  When he was eighteen, Julian and his best friend, Thomas, enlisted in the army.  Henrietta thought her chance for marriage ended when she received Thomas's marriage proposal three days after receiving news of his death.

Her twin brother, Henry, is getting married and Henrietta wants to get away from the marriage preparation.  She decides to visit her scandalous great aunt in London.  Julian is visiting Henry on his way to London.  His life is changing because his uncle has squandered his inheritance.  On the journey to London, Julian and Henrietta's relationship changes.  She realizes that she has feelings for Julian.  Her great aunt gives her ten thousand pounds for her dowry and Henrietta offers Julian a marriage of convenience.  When she realizes that Julian has a mistress, things change and she no longer wants a loveless marriage.


I enjoyed reading this novel.  I liked the characters and loved how Henrietta got her HEA with Julian.  Victoria Vane does not disappoint.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you.



How to Manage a Marquess by Sally MacKenzie

Anne Davenport wants the independence the Spinster House can give her.  Her father is on the verge of proposing to a widow a year younger than her with two children.  She doesn't want to be displaced in her own house.  Her friend Cat won the draw to be the Spinster.  If she would only marry the Duke of Hart Anne could be the Spinster.

The Marquess of Haywood has spend his life looking out for his cousin the Duke of Hart because of a curse.  When he sees that Anne has caught his cousin and Cat in a secret tryst, he is determined to keep Anne from gossiping about the couple.  As he is thrown with Anne at every turn, he slowly discovers that Anne's destiny isn't the Spinster House but with him.

I was thrilled to get his ARC.  I had read the .5 and the first book in this series and was delighted by this novel.  Anne was a strong character that was afraid of being alone in her own home.  I loved the way her future step-mother's family threw her together with Nate.  It gave Nate that push to realize that Anne was what he wanted.  There is a sexual charge between Nate and Anne that was awesome.

While this is technically the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone because a lot of the previous books are rehashed in the beginning.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you.


Thursday, April 14, 2016

I Dream of Dragons by Ashlyn Chase

Shifter novels are my guilty pleasure and was thrilled to see this on NetGalley.  I was excited to read it but once I was into the second chapter, I had to stop reading.  There were so many characters introduced in the first two chapters that the book felt crowded.  I wondered if it was the last book a series and was the wrap up.  Nope.  It is listed as the first in this series, though apparently some of the characters are from another book.  I find it hard to read a book that I need to make my own character list.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

The Billionaire's Intern by Crystal Kaswell

Lizzy Wilder needs an internship to stay in New York City with her sister Kat.  She gets an interview with a hot tech startup, Odessy, to learn AI.  Except, four months ago, she had a one night stand with Nick Marlowe the CEO.

Lizzy can't forget their encounter and keeps pushing Nick until she gets what she wants and what Nick wants - a secret affair and Lizzy's submission.

When Nick's brother threatens to sell the company unless she breaks up with him, can she walk away from the man who has her heart?

I normally don't read contemporary or new adult but I liked the description and thought I would give it a chance.  I really liked this book.  The only thing that would have improved it was if it was in alternating POV so we could understand why Nick changed.

The only thing that I didn't like was Lizzy's age.  She is supposed to be nineteen.  Normally, that is one year out of high school and one year into college.  The way Lizzy acted in the book, she was way older than nineteen.  I had a hard time getting past that and into the novel, but when I did, I enjoyed reading.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you.



Sunday, April 10, 2016

Highland Awakening by Jennifer Haymore

Lady Esme Hawkins has a huge secret and she goes to great lengths to protect her family.  She is stunned to see Highland Knight Camden McLeod at a dinner party her brother is giving.  Esme had "met" Cam at a bordello where she was doing research on for her latest book.  Cam hates having to follow his client into a bordello.  But, as a Highland Knight he is bound to protect.  After kissing Esme senseless, he is determined to find out who she is.  When he finds out who she is and she is engaged to a man not worthy, he is determined to have Esme as his own.

This is another wonderful installment in the House of Trent.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading Esme and Cam's story.  As usual, the characters are so well written you become engrossed in the adventures unfolding in the pages.  There was a mystery sub-plot with the murders/injuries to Cam's fellow Highland Knights that added to the novel.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!



Stepbrother's Rules by Renee Rose

1954 - LuAnn was caught with boys in her dorm room and got kicked out four weeks before graduating from college.  As her room mates were picked up by their parents, LuAnn became more anxious.  Who was going to pick her up?  Her father and stepmother were in Europe.  Her oldest stepbrother, Brian, was an attorney close to her college, but he was busy with an important case.   When the stepbrother that she had a crush on since his last year of high school picks her up,  LuAnn realizes she can't go home two hours away unchaperoned and still finish her Associate's Degree.  She asks Brad to let her stay with him.

LuAnn brings out the Dominate side of Brad.  It takes him a while to realize that his stepsister is grown up and has desires of her own.

There is a warning on this book for a reason.  It was hot.  I loved the relationship between LuAnn and Brian and how it develops as she lives with him.  The 1950's setting added to the plot.  

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.