I’ve been hit and miss with this series. Some I enjoyed, others were okay. The fifth in Jordan’s sexy prison based contemporary romance offers a compeI’ve been hit and miss with this series. Some I enjoyed, others were okay. The fifth in Jordan’s sexy prison based contemporary romance offers a compelling story of second chance love, small-town prejudices, and redemption. A young man is released from prison after evidence is found that exonerates him only to discover his small town doesn’t care what the courts say. Throughout this series, Jordan has built vulnerable heroes and heroines who are forced to face their biggest fears in order to move forward. Not a bad trope though at times, like now, the journey is riddled with ridiculous sterotypical behavior from people 10+ years out of high school and a couple, who in my opinion, allows their bullying to go too far. We meet a man and a woman who fell for one another years ago and circumstances kept them apart. Now they have a second chance but again, their own issues block their way. The chemistry driven romance is strong but it had a hard time competing against the multitude of subplots. Especially the “reporter must lie to the man she loves to get story of a lifetime.” Plus, the constant flashbacks and certain scenes left me hard-pressed to suspend my disbelief. Or anger. Body shaming, slut shaming, prison shaming, economic shaming…so much shaming. The last quarter or so was the strongest part which helped to amp up my interest and the speed. Unfortunately, by then I was ready for the end.
Cruz Walsh has been released from prison after serving seven years for a crime he didn’t commit. But some people in town aren’t ready or willing to welcome back with open arms. Except for Gabriella Rossi. That is if she can get past her own feelings of insecurity and the tiny problem that if she doesn’t get an exclusive inside story soon, she will lose her job. In prison, Cruz learned the value of family and family. He wants a fresh start and wants Gabriella there by his side, but with all the lies, gossip, and general mayhem, this beautiful sinner may not be able to keep the only good thing in his life.
I have been waiting for Stevie's story since book one. As always, Laureston brings the goods with plenty of outrageous scenarios, a reluctant4.5 Stars
I have been waiting for Stevie's story since book one. As always, Laureston brings the goods with plenty of outrageous scenarios, a reluctant hero, a high strung heroine, and a plethora of family, friends, and enemies whose antics only serve to keep you in stitches as she builds a romance amongst the chaos of this world. Fans will love the effortless blending of various other series as Laurenston widens the arc while working her magic on various ongoing threads and subplots. Another winner from the Queen of paranormal mayhem....more
When William Moore, a sweet and quiet pro rugby player from America, is discovered to be a voyeur, the tabloids have a field day with him. Labeled a pervert and worse, the team decides some PR is needed and Willam agrees to a live-in companion to help him break his need to watch (consensual) couples having sex. Josey Kavanaugh has just learned her parents have lost their life savings in an investment scheme and have to move…and they don’t want her moving with them. Currently enrolled in school with no job, she goes to live temporarily with her bestie though her natural exuberance leaves a lot to be desired. When she agrees to act as a varlet for Willam, the sparks fly though it will take more than that to convince this couple they are each worth loving.
Humor and sex go hand in hand as Cosway and Reid’s latest adventure in their best-selling Rugby series pits a quiet clean cut rugby player with an obnoxious young woman who is homeless. Awkwardly charming with some intense sexual tension, this delightful no strings sex to romance blends a comedy of errors theme with the serious undertones of kink shaming, fear of commitment, and feelings of inadequacy. A familiar cast of characters offers more laughter and some much-needed advice when this relationship seeps beyond the agreed upon boundaries and each have trouble believing in the other’s intentions.
I absolutely adored William. Quiet and shy, he flies his freak flag high and proud in the bedroom. A bad relationship when he was younger left him unwilling to entertain dating unless he is sure it will lead to something serious. Josey was funny but annoying at the same time. I liked her better in her own story because we were able to see the “why” behind some of her actions. Lack of impulse control is a huge problem of hers. Regardless, she is a good match for him. Loud and socially awkward, she more than learned her lesson about judging people and finds William’s need to watch more a control issue. He sees her social awkwardness as charming and she loves how deeply he feels. My only qualm was Josey’s lack of redemption. Fans may remember Josey from book four when she took it upon herself to make some decisions for her bestie, causing even more problems. Though Eli forgave Josey in book 4, I felt her behavior was glossed over in here.
Favorite Quote: “I’ve been waiting for you to come home for eleven years. I’ll go anywhere with you.”
Second chances in life are rare and when they are offered, some people are unable to grab hold out of fear while others seize the moment and pray that this time it all goes right. Love and Other Words is about a couple who are offered a second chance and the young woman who must climb out of her shell and brave her fears if she wants the love of her life to stay this time.
Macy Sorenson once loved the boy next door with everything in her heart…until he shattered it into a million unforgiving pieces. Now years later, Macy has moved on to a career in medicine and is getting ready to marry. When she runs into her former best friend and first love, she is unprepared for the onslaught of joy and pain that envelops her and her carefully constructed orderly world begins to fall apart.
Elliot Petropoulos never knew why Macy disappeared after he announced his love for her but he is determined to find out why. And when he does, he will have to step out of his own memories and pain to face head on what happened and convince Macy that their love is still worth fighting for.
Love and Other Words is a literary feast that delighted me from start to finish. Alternating between the past and present, we are given front row seats to this couples’ relationship starting at age fourteen. Told completely from Macy’s point of view, in this poignant and well-narrated journey we witness a young girl’s evolution from child to a woman as she experiences life, death, love, loss, friendship, betrayal, and eventually forgiveness. Full of heart and soul, Lauren weaves their magic and creates a bond between Macy and the reader, calling upon our own experiences and memories to further enhance the story. Though formulaic in its overall set up and a bit emotionally manipulative, its appeal is in the characters themselves. Delightfully flawed and realistic, especially Macy. Her curiously and honesty is refreshingly nostalgic. We have all, at one point in our life or another, been Macy.
Humor and heartbreak go hand in hand as the story unfolds. Macy is a pediatric resident whose past has scarred her heart. Battered from carrying a lifetime of anger and heartbreak, she has chosen a career that demands her emotional distance and a fiance who demands nothing from her. Seeing her ex-boyfriend and first love for the first time in eleven years effectively shatters Macy, sending her into a tailspin of emotion she has no idea how to handle. From there we watch and wait…knowing something horrible is coming because there are only a few things that could have separated these two.
“I know it wasn’t your fault, but for so long it felt like it was…”
Elliott is a sexy nerd whose love of books led him to Macy and the beginning of their epic friendship but it was his love for her that kept him there. Part of a large boisterous family, he swept Macy up into his orbit and never let her go. He has never stopped loving her and has no idea why she left him. He thinks he hurt her sexually but as the story unfolds, you realize that there was a lot of miscommunication, immaturity, fear, and some taking for granted in their relationship.
“I’m twenty-nine, and I’ve never loved another woman…and every woman I’ve been with knows it, unfortunately for them.”
Watching Macy and Elliott connect again is as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking. The chemistry between them is hot and sticky with emotional but there is a lot Macy needs to resolve and bring out into the open before she can move forward period, regardless if it is with Elliott or anyone else.
The personable cast of secondary characters helps to shape and mold the story with their own memories. Everyone in here from Macy’s father to Macy’s fiance’s little girl has some effect on Macy and Elliott’s life. I adored Macy’s father with his quiet love and huge heart. Macy’s bestie, Sabrina, is the voice of reason in Macy’s maelstrom. The Petropoulos family is a huge boisterous family whose unconditional love for Macy remains a constant.
The ending is predictable and somewhat rushed but very nice in how it plays out. Love and Other Words is an engaging contemporary that will have you smiling and sobbing as you watch Macy fight her way through memories, misconceptions, and heartache to her way back to life and love.
Harlow once again left me snorting with laughter when two best friends start up a sexual relationship after one discovers her boyfriend of 10 years haHarlow once again left me snorting with laughter when two best friends start up a sexual relationship after one discovers her boyfriend of 10 years has cheated on her...again. An adorably cute, funny and extremely sexy romance that addresses infidelity, commitment, growing up, and family. A definite winner. ...more
Robert “Dare” Ashton, the Earl of Darington, is an English privateer for the Royal Navy. His latest score involves incredible wealth when he strips a France freighter of its cargo of gold, silver, and jewels. Now plump in pocket, Dare turns his attention to settling down and he begins to look for a wife. An impromptu trip with his sister to a wedding results in their attempted kidnapping and him getting shot. Lucky for him, help arrives to save the day and his life.
Emma St. James is on her way to the docks to board a ship for America to wed a sea captain sight unseen. Her stepmother and brother’s repeated attempts to marry her off and steal her inheritance take on a sinister tone when they threaten to have her declared insane if she doesn’t do as they say. With only a maid in tow, Emma runs away. A random chance of fate puts in her in the path of kidnappers and an injured man. Using her wits, Emma hides the injured man and then helps him to a local inn where they pretend to be man and wife while she tends to his injuries.
An investigation shows the man who destroyed Dare’s family and robbed them blind is the same man behind the kidnapping. He sends Emma away to keep her safe as but they soon meet up again when Emma is forced to hide from her stepbrother on his ship. Dare will do anything to keep Emma safe…and he may have to before it’s all done.
The second book in Amanda Forester’s The Daring Marriages series is Dare’s story. If you read book one, If the Earl Only Knew, you remember that Dare and his twin sister Kate suffered greatly after their father died and their estate was plundered. Sent to debtors prison as children, they escaped and preserved though they still bear the scars of their childhood. Kate’s story is told in book one. You do not have to read it in order to understand the long reaching arc, Forester does a mild recap, however, it is amusing and introduces the main characters, the world, and sets the stage for the finale.
Earl Interrupted is an action-packed, adventurous concoction of humor and charm that introduces, by chance, two people who are perfect for one another. The long reaching arc is elevated by various subplots sprinkled throughout though the overall tension and drama is pretty lowkey. A steady hand opens the story and sets the stage with two eye opening introduction scenes. We watch our hero pirate a ship for it’s bounty while learning our heroine is an amateur physician who is in the midst of trying to keep her fortune from being stolen. Using dual first-person narrative, Forester switches between our hero and heroine, building up the anticipation as they inch their way to one another. The real fun begins with they meet. I do want to add that if you are looking for a historically proper or correct romance, this isn’t it. Forester takes too many liberties but the story works regardless.
Heavily character driven, Emma and Dare are delightful characters whose personalities shine through. Their witty banter and sexy flirtations kept me smiling throughout. Emma is quite unique in that she trained as a physician’s assistant under her father and when he passed, he left most his fortune (homes, etc…) to her. Raised almost exclusively by her father; Emma is opinionated, forthright, loyal, and intelligent. She makes her own choices in life, not at all that concerned with the priorities imposed by society or her stepmother’s wishes.
Dare is admirable, honorable, loyal, and A PIRATE!! :) He was forced to take on an adult role as a child after his father’s death and the steward’s betrayal. Sent with his sister to debtor’s prison, he has since used his wits to not only raise them both but replenish what was stolen from them. Now he searches for the man who destroyed his family while plundering other ships for treasure. :) As the current Earl, Dare knows he must marry but is positively being dubbed “the pirate Earl” will not work to his advantage.
And it doesn’t. He is turned down twice.
The romance is fun to watch unfold. Their attraction is instant and the flirtation lively but this couple stays rather chaste and uses their time together to get to know one another. I enjoyed that Dare didn’t judge Emma on her actions-thinking her forward or trying to trap him as one of this era might think. He showed her respect and admiration which elevated him even more in my eyes. There are a few stolen kisses, some heady looks, and a few sexual innuendos made but that is about all you’re going to get till the end. Dare proposes to Emma but she has committed herself to marrying someone else and doesn’t want to be someone’s obligation. Dare wants Emma but in what way is something he still needs to figure out.
An energetic and varied cast of secondary characters infiltrates the storyline, adding humor and depth. Dare’s sister Kate is in attendance and still fighting her attraction to the Earl of Wynbrook but he isn’t giving up yet. I adored Dare’s ship crew and how they immediately draw Emma into their group. Her maid Sally is a plot device used to show just how unconventional Emma is. Emma’s stepmother and brother aren’t so much villainous as selfish and greedy. Emma manages to elude quite easily.
Forester wraps up the storyline back where it all began; on the sea. Dare enacts his revenge and Emma once again comes to the rescue and saves the day. Most of the loose ends are wrapped with viable explanations and expected results.
I did have some issues. I felt some of the explanations resolved a little too easily for the stated damage done. One issue I really fought hard against was Emma herself. I loved her independence and general joyful outlook but there was a sense of naiveness to her that seems out of sorts. She does things that had anyone but Dare been witness to it, she would have been ostracised immediately. Forester gets around it by keeping Emma mostly secluded but gossip was a form of currency back then and no one was immune. Especially when one has a maid who doesn’t like them. And while I had no issues with the fact she was religious and vocal about it (she says little prays and quotes scripture throughout, I did find it odd that it received such a strong position in the book when seemed to serve no real purpose.
Regardless, Earl Interrupted is an enjoyable lightweight historical romance filled with humor, romance, high sea adventure, and of course, a well earned happily ever after.
Hunting is back with a second chance romance that engages and amuses. Told from dual POVs, a bad break up and a reconnection is picked apart and putC+
Hunting is back with a second chance romance that engages and amuses. Told from dual POVs, a bad break up and a reconnection is picked apart and put back together when an NHL star is traded back to his hometown where he has to face the girl he left behind. Bittersweet and emotional at times, I found the overall story rather cute though truth be told, I wanted more from each character. Loads of chemistry and dialogue but not much substance. We stay in the present with mentions of the past to help readers understand how and why this couple broke up. External forces played a strong role in the breakup and the emotional baggage both parties carry but Hunting really doesn't divulge deep into them and I was left with questions. This story seems so subdued. I missed the energy that Hunting's other novels carry though I will admit, I loved how frank the heroine is with the hero. She admits her mistakes and holds firm to the solutions needed to fix them. Even when it meant keeping the two of them apart. A cast of personable secondary characters help to round the story out but a couple were just places setters while others were used to resolve certain subplots.
All in all not bad but not my favorite from this author.
Favorite Quote: “Men are like beautiful agents of Satan, spreading insecurity and misery throughout the world.”
Jera McKnight has a full plate with her indie band, college, and work. Wholeheartedly embracing celibacy after her last boyfriend blamed her for his performance issues in the bedroom, Jera is definitely not on board with the gorgeous man who just threw a newspaper through her living room window.
Jacob Tate has his own full plate with family, work, and unavoidable obligations but from their first meeting, Jera intrigues him and he wants to get to know her better. He just needs to convince her to take a chance on him.
When her band gets their shot at fame, Jera has to decide if she’s finally willing to take a chance on all her dreams…or is her fear going to leave her playing to an empty house.
A Cruel Kind of Beautiful is the first in a witty and sexy new adult trilogy that revolves around an up and coming indie band, The Red Letters. Book one focuses on the band’s drummer, Jera McKnight. Fans of Kylie Scott and Sarina Bowen will enjoy the enthusiastic voice and unfettered energy Michelle Hazen brings to her latest romance contemporary. Infused with love, laughter, charm and a deep streak of vulnerability; Hazen explores the relationships we form with family, friends, and lovers and the expectations that arise when we try to please everyone at the expense of ourselves.
Jera McKnight is currently studying at Portland University while playing the drums and writing lyrics for her band. Living in the house she inherited from her grandmother, Jera is just coasting through life, not really interacting too much after her latest break up. Her luck with the opposite sex has never been good and her last boyfriend has her convinced she is terrible in bed and better off staying single.
Jacob Tate had a full ride to college on a baseball scholarship until a family situation radically changed his plans. Now he goes to school part-time while working various jobs.Sweet and charming, Jacob has been dealt a rough hand but has shouldered the responsibility like a pro. A responsibility that has him not looking for anything permanent as he can’t handle much more.
Even with the serious undertones, I giggled throughout this entire book. Jera is definitely the star of the show with her snarky outlook on her life, her friends, her family, and the new guy she just met.
“I really need to find me some female friends.”
Jera isn’t so much completed as still coming into her own. I love that she isn’t so damaged or burdened by emotional luggage that half the book is spent with her love interest acting as an impromptu therapist. Talented, determined, and intelligent, this is a woman who deserves the best and is well on her way to getting it. The issues behind her battered self-esteem needs addressing and Hazen chooses an issue that is very common to women but not talked much about it. Jera was made responsible for something that wasn’t her fault and it, in turn, gave her a less than positive outlook on sex and relationships. She and Jacob click instantly but her fear of getting hurt again causes her to friend zone him right out of the gate.
“I’m not about to get sucked into second-guessing another’s guys actions, trying to decide what he’s thinking about me. What matters is what I think about me.”
The romance is very slow to develop. Even though Jera admits her attraction to Jacob early on, she fights it. Hazon gives Jera and Jacob ample time to get to know one another on a personal level; first establishing a friendship before pushing beyond their boundaries and introducing the added intimacy of sex. Their chemistry is ripe with humor, hope, and sexual tension as Jera struggles to overcome her fears of intimacy and failure. Jacob is so perfect that he’s almost annoying, however, Hazen gives him a robust personality and just enough flaws to keep us from writing him off. His quiet nature and innate maturity is the perfect foil for Jera’s more gregarious and edgy nature.
Jera’s friends and family are a huge part of her life and jump in with laughter, love, and plenty of unwanted advice. While I enjoyed watching the romance develop, Jera is so funny as she internally debates the pros and cons of dating Jacob, I loved the time and effort Hazen goes into showcasing Jera’s relationships with her family and friends. Jera’s very close to her parents while the bond between her and Danny, the band’s bassist and her best friend, is unbreakable. Besties since high school, Danny has always been there for her and when push comes to shove, he gives it to her straight.
“Someday, Jera, you’ve got to trust someone, whether it’s this Jacob guy or just a fucking record company. If you’re never willing to risk anything, you’re going to be stuck in the same moment for the rest of your life.“
I had so much fun reading Jera and Jacob’s story and can’t wait for book two. My only point of contention was Jacob and his situation. There were so many unanswered questions that I felt a little emotionally manipulated. Regardless, Michelle Hazen has an engaging voice for NA and definitely author to watch for in the future.
A sensual and humorous novella set in Hoyt’s Maiden Lane series. Various familiar faces grace us with their presence when a servant of the Clare’s is A sensual and humorous novella set in Hoyt’s Maiden Lane series. Various familiar faces grace us with their presence when a servant of the Clare’s is thought to be a long-lost daughter of an aristocratic family. A sweet romance and a touch of mystery made this an enjoyable read. ...more
Mia Sheridan's latest release is an angst-driven story that brings together two survivors of abuse and shows them that everyone deserves to be loved. Mia Sheridan's latest release is an angst-driven story that brings together two survivors of abuse and shows them that everyone deserves to be loved. Bittersweet and hopeful, Sheridan delivers a heartfelt romance. ...more
Aiden the Divine is just that… divine. A berserker in the Dragon Queen’s personal army and a member of the Foulkes de chuid Fehhan , Aiden is gorgeous, charming, humorous, intelligent, and very rich. A royal in his own right, he is ready to allow Branwin the Awful full and unfettered access to his body. But only after she stops laughing.
Branwen (Brannie) the Awful of the Cadwaladr Clan, Captain of the First and Fifteenth Companies of the Dragon Queen’s Armies, Colonel of the Ninety-Eighth Regiment of the Southland Armies, daughter of Ghleanna the Decimator and Bram the Merciful (Dragon on Top), has much more important things to tend to other than Aiden the Divine’s ego. Like saving a nation from a vengeful God who seeks to destroy them all. Of course, once this war is over and they emerge triumphant, who knows what could happen.
Bring the Heat picks up with Aiden the Divine, whom we first met in Feel the Burn. He has come back to the Southlands and reunited with his beloved Queen, the Mì-runachs, and his best friend, Brannie. He joins Brannie on the field as she leads her companies against some of Chramnesind’s zealots. When the mountains become sinkholes due to magic, Aiden rushes to save Branwen from being buried alive and expects some gratitude.
“Aren’t you going to thank me?”
“No.”
“Not even a thank you kiss?”
“What about a thank you punch to the face?”
“Is that my only option?”
Brannie and Aiden soon find themselves not in the thick of battle as expected but playing babysitter to Brannie’s cousin, Keita- the Red Viper of Death and Despair, as she plots, poisons, and pouts her way towards the Eastland dragons. Brannie’s not happy to have been pulled from the battlefield and her displeasure has her judging every move Keita makes.
“Oh, Keita.”
“What? What is that tone?”
‘Why did you kill them? Are you just bored?”
“Of course not.”
“If you’re that bored, there’s a whole battlefront where you can kill to your heart’s desire.”
“Ugh. Stop, Branwen. I killed those people because they had to die.”
“Because you’re bored? Or do the voices tell you to do things? Evil things?”
G.A. Aiken brings back her irresistibly humorous, snarky, action packed, violent and outrageously larger than life dragons and their human mates in the ninth book of her epic adventure fantasy series-Bring the Heat. Add in the Black Bear Riders of the Midnight Mountains of Despair in the Far Reaches of the Steppes of the Outerplains (God, I love these names) and a comfortable friends to lovers romance and you will be belly laughing till the very last page. Readers who have felt that the last few books haven’t done much to advance the arc will rejoice in the amount of acreage covered in here.
“You went to one of the hells and you came back with an army. That’s impressive.”
The continuously evolving world and multi plotted storyline keeps readers on their toes as Aiken gathers all the loose threads through the series and begins to wrap them up, putting the finishing touches on the larger picture as she brings this particular arc to a climatic finish. I love the massive reunion of characters. Almost everyone we’re ever met in this series makes an appearance as the Southland Empire and their allies all come together to interfere, insult, threaten, offer useless advice, and annoy each other to distraction as they each play their part in the war against Chramnesind. Their antics keep the story moving along at a rapid pace.
“There’s nothing wrong with a little crazy…never forget that. Hold on to that. It may save your life.”
“That’s really sweet. But we both know I’m way more crazy that a little crazy.”
Friends to lovers is a favorite trope of mine and Aiken perfects it with this couple. I absolutely loved Brannie and Aiden. Intelligent, witty, and loyal, these two are born warrior protectors. Some readers may be disappointed to see this couple isn’t as volatile as some of the other couples; therefore creating a more laid back and slow burning romance. Delightful banter and steamy sex scenes further solidifies this couple’s compatibility as they accept their attraction and act on it without a lot conflict, fuss, or drama.
“No f*cking as dragons. I totally understand it…like prostitutes that won’t kiss their clients.”
“Are you calling me a whore?”
“No. Do you want me to? I’ve known a few she-dragons who liked that sort of-”
“No. I don’t want you to.”
“Oh. All right. But what a dirty…and naughty?”
“Yeah, that’s all right.”
Bring the Heat is the book that fans have been waiting for and everything you could wish for in a fantasy romance adventure. If you enjoy outrageous characters, comical narrative and hilarious unpredictable scenarios, then look no further than G.A. Aiken’s Dragon Kin.
Allie Greene grew up in Charmed, TX and runs the family diner-The Blue Banana-while raising her daughter, Angel, and helping to take care of her father who has dementia. Having lived in the same trailer park as Carman Frost (Lucky Charmed) she too was a victim of her classmates’ teasing and the town’s disapproval. Intelligent, forthright, and always in control, Allie is shocked when she learns her father used the diner as collateral on a loan and now the loan shark has come to collect. Only, he doesn’t want money…he wants the diner.
I own fifty-one percent…
Oh my God
What did you do, Dad?
While Allie is trying to deal with the fact her livelihood may be taken away from her, she soon discovers through the grapevine aka the town pharmacist that her daughter may have a boyfriend and may be thinking about sex while the one person she wants to discuss all this with is avoiding her because of a spontaneous kiss.
Bash Anderson.
Bash is the town lothario and Allie’s best friend. He’s been at her side through thick and thin since high school. A father figure to Allie’s daughter and the local apiarist, Bash has his own problems, the main one being his attraction to Allie. He has always loved Allie but that love becomes sexually fueled after a shared kiss. However, she and Angel are the only family he has and they mean the world to him. He couldn’t survive losing them so he is trying his best to ignore his feelings and keep their friendship purely platonic.
“You and Angel are my family. I’ll always be there for you.”
Once again, Lovelace takes us back to the small fictional town of Charmed, TX and brings us a funny, sweet, and satisfying friends to lovers romance between a single mother and her best friend in the whole wide world. Written in the first person, Lovelace tells her story through the eyes of Allie Greene-mother, father, daughter, caretaker, and business owner. Though touted as a romance, this story’s focus is more on all the different kinds of love in Allie’s life-her family, her friends, the town, her business-and how she deals with them. She has so many fingers in so many pies yet she handles it like a pro because she’s never had a choice not to. I especially enjoyed her relationship with her daughter. Firm but fair, Allie tries to be the perfect parent only to discover nothing about life or teenagers is perfect.
“In a month we can have this conversation.”
“He may not still be intersted in a month.”
“If he’s not interested in you in a month from now, then he’s not worth having.” Oh sweet God, even as the words were flyng out of my mouth, I heard every old person I’d ever known.
There is a strong sense of isolation surrounding Allie even though she has a strong support system around her. She is reluctant to accept help from anyone because she learned early in life that no one ever stays. Her mother died and left her alone with a father who gambled away their savings and home. Her ex-boyfriend left her when he found out she was pregnant. The town turned their back on her when she needed them most. Even now she feels abandoned by her father because of his dementia. When push comes to shove, however, she lowers her guard and accepts the helping hands that have always been there.
“You’re Charmed family. We’ve got you.”
Strong narrative, witty banter, and dynamic characters kept me thoroughly entertained as we watch Lovelace bring together this prickly couple. Lovelace has an engaging and humorous voice for writing about everyday people. Her dry wit infiltrates the storyline as does her understanding of human nature. Sizzling chemistry and emotionally ripe scenes help to put the romance in motion and convince the reader this couple has a chance.
“”What do you want to do?”
“I want to hear your breath catch when I get close, I want to see your eyes go all dark and sexy when you touch me, I want to feel the growly sigh you make in your cheat when we kiss.”
I only wish it had more one on one heart to heart. The subplots take up quite a bit of the storyline, causing a rush to wrap everything up at the end. There was that faint touch of paranormal that has been interwoven into the series that, in my opinion, was just a lazy out for Lovelace to take.
Once again Lovelace delivers readers a well rounded small town romance that will keep you laughing and swooning with pleasure.
Lost Without You picks up seven years after the events in the prequel, The Debt. If you haven’t read The Debt, no worries, it makes up the first half of this story. Fans who did read it will remember that Tommy did everything he could to keep his friends safe at the St. Jude’s Home for Court Placed Juveniles and when he failed to do so, Tommy and the group finds themselves in debt to a very dangerous man Given the chance to escape the home and the system, the group splits and they all go their separate ways.
Seven years have passed since that awful night and besides Simon, Tommy hasn’t stayed in contact with the others in the group and that suits him just fine. The years haven’t been easy but he survived against the odds. When Clarissa is the one to contact and tell him the time has come to pay his debt, he is wary but relieved the wait is finally over. He is told he has 24 hours to secure a package and deliver to a specific address or suffer the consequences. When he arrives at the specified pick up, he is shocked to discover the package is his first and only love-Beth.
After all these years…Beth.
Beth aka Jada is a pop star whose meteoric rise to fame has left her lost and broken. The events of the past are never far from her thoughts and often fuel her bad decisions. Though we never learned exactly what landed her in St. Jude’s, the clues in here hint at greed, betrayal, and abuse. The endless parties and drugs are wearing on Beth, evident by the fact that her last half of her tour was canceled and she has come home to “recuperate.” When she wakes up in the back of a car with no memory of how she got there or why she sees Tommy and is shocked by how much she’s missed him…and still loves him. Realizing that she is being kidnapped by him and delivered somewhere against her will, Beth uses her memories of their past to try and reawaken Tommy’s feelings for her and get him on her side.
“I remember the time you put your hand up my skirt-”
“Jada-”
“Remember? You pushed me up against the wall and you held my hand down on the counter-”
“Stop.”
“Was that the same time or two times?” I knew, of course, I knew; it was two separate and amazing times. I was just trying to get under his skin. “I can’t remember. I’ve made up so many fucking fantasies about that art room. I’ve come thinking about-”
Lost Without You is an emotional road trip filled with sorrow, hope, regret, and redemption. The focus is on two people whose lives are still somewhat controlled by their shared past. O’Keefe doesn’t hold back as she divulges into this couple’s lives and shares their most intimate thoughts and deeds with us. Drug abuse, sexual promiscuity, self-harm… nothing is sacred. Well written with a strong narrative and a deliciously serpentine plotline, O’Keefe plays some of her cards close to the vest while tossing out others to placate the house.
Beth (Jada) and Tommy’s reunion is slow and bittersweet, showing just how much their lives have changed since they last saw each other. Tommy’s distress at seeing Beth again broke my heart as did Beth’s reaction when Tommy tells her he tried everything to forget her. Tommy and Beth are both chock full of guilt and for things that were out of their control. Tommy feels responsible for what he believes happened to Beth and for the debt they all incurred. Beth struggles with the guilt of her success, the abuse in the foster home, and the fact she was never able to find Tommy after that night.
I looked for his family. I’d tried to connect myself to every single part of him I could find. I’d thought I could fix things for him. Or something…And he’d been trying to forget me?
An intense and enlightening sexual reconnection blows the door of their suppressed feelings and lances old wounds, creating a catharsis that offers this couple hope that they may yet finally beat the odds stacked against them. A tense and informative climatic finale leaves readers in limbo with a rather traumatic cliffhanger and a slew of questions. Why did Rosa go to jail? Who exactly is Clarissa and what is her connection to Bates? Did Beth’s mom start all this? But never fear mes amies, we only have to wait one week for the release of book three-Where I Belong.
I have been a fan of Lynn Kurland for years. I picked her A Dance In Time on a whim and was instantly hooked. To this day it remains one of my favorite time travel romances and I often reread it. Kurland’s wonderful voice has created a fascinating and convoluted world drenched in medieval charm with delightful narrative, witty characters, and delightful storylines. She is perfect for those who enjoy adventurous romances with hints of mystery and suspense. Another bonus feature of the stories is the air of innocence in them. Even though I do enjoy an explicit love scene as much as the next reader, the love affairs Kurland’s characters embark upon are fun and fit the general theme of this series with plenty of courting and wooing tailored to fit the personality of the woo-ie. And frankly, who doesn’t enjoy a good wooing on occasion? The physical love scenes are almost non-existence yet I don’t feel the reader or story suffers due to those blackouts.
Ever My Love opens in the past to give us a hint of the adventure we are about to embark on. We then flash forward to the present to lay the foundation and from there proceed to travel back and forth between the 21st and the 14th century for the rest of the story. This particular story deals with two modern-day characters who are new to the series-Emma Barton and Nathaniel MacLeod. Kurland uses this couple to explain some peculiarities in the MacLeod family tree and to also close a couple of open-ended storylines from previous books. Remember ‘Father John’ from My Heart Stood Still? Well, he has a connection to the hero and we learn exactly how he ended up in the 14th century and why he’s never left.
Ever My Love is more definitely more energetic than the last few books though the sense of anticipation and wonderment that first drew me to this series remains missing. The same smooth pacing and steady hand is apparent but there was a time when Kurland took more chances. She made her couples work for their happily ever after and they suffered their fair share of bumps and bruises along the way. The heavy inclusion of the previous heroes/heroines now guarantees our couple will get all the answers and help they need with no real sacrifices being made.
Nathaniel (Nat) and Emmaline (Emma) are well developed characters and fun to follow behind on their journeys. Both are intelligent, witty, likable, unfailing optimists whose ability to handle the unknown is admirable. Especially poor Nat who has learned the hard way of his family’s pensity for time travel when he finds himself randomly tossed back into the 14th century anytime a certain number pops up. A number he soon learns has a very interesting history. Both of them have secrets that they are protective and cautious about revealing. I found it amusing but slow going as they each circle around the same subject, trying to determine what the other knows and how to broach it. The middle section of this book drags at times with its chatty narrative and repetitive thoughts and deeds.
The romance is slow burning with a soft but tangible chemistry. This couple doesn’t jump into love or even lust. There is a lot happening to them with Nat’s family and his time hopping issues. Emma has her own problems with her family and an irritating ex-boyfriend. I will admit the whole ex-boyfriend plotline reminded me of A Garden in the Rain. Lucky or maybe not this story isn’t as dark as that one was When Emma gets dragged into his mess, Nat finds himself at a loss on how to protect Emma. Emma does eventually surprise him with her own ninja skills though only after she has a realistic and well-earned meltdown.
Jamie, Patrick, Ian, Maddie MacLeod and various other relatives all come out of the woodwork to offer advice, a helping hand, some weaponry training, and a clue or few. They add to the overall personality and humor of the story. As any fan of this series knows, Jamie is a terrible busybody and his brother Patrick proves to be no better.
The main conflict is pretty standard fare for this series as Nat and Emma hop through time, following and rescuing one another while trying to figure out what their connection to one another is and the reasons for the time loop. The ending is enjoyable with a bit of action and suspense as the story comes full circle and all our questions are answered.
Ever My Love is an entertaining read that shows a spark of the ambition this series has been missing, giving readers a humorous and lightweight romance with plenty of supernatural adventure.
Favorite Quote: “Give her hell, Sam Hamilton. And try to look less serial killer and more solid citizen. Smile, why don’t you?” He forced a smile at her. Willie blinked. “Eh, maybe not.”
Sam Hamilton has been feeling about lonely since his best friend found his soulmate. When he meets Ivy Stephens, a young lady who is interested in adopting one of the strays he helps to rehome, Sam falls hard and fast. But Sam has some serious baggage in his life. Baggage that will do anything to make sure Sam’s attention stays firmly on them. As Sam and Ivy grow closer, Sam is worried Ivy may be too nice to fit into his life. But Ivy soon proves to Sam and everyone else that being nice doesn’t mean she can’t get down and dirty when she needs to.
Zero to Sixty is the third installment in Marie Harte’s sexy and humorous Body Shop Bad Boys. This series spins off her McCauley brothers series with its focus lasered on the Webster Garage and the four gorgeous, sexy, commitment-phobic mechanics who work there. There is some character/storyline crossover but it’s mild and not invasive. Each book can be read as a standalone though previous romance storylines carry over.
Harte introduces Ivy Stephens to Sam Hamilton with a bit of a meet cute. Ivy is out searching for a stray puppy (Cookie) she has been taking care of on and off. Sam is also out looking for Cookie. They run into one another and Sam agrees to keep Cookie at his home until Ivy can talk to her landlord about having a pet. Sam decides the best way to get to know this gorgeous woman better is to vet her for Cookie’s sake through a few “dates.”
“Ah, just so we’re clear, we don’t give dogs away to just anyone who wants them.”
“Okay.”
“I mean, puppies are popular. We’d have no problem getting him a good home. A friend of mine was asking about this little guy just the other week.” She frowned. “I have a good home.”
“We’ll see.”
[…]
“If you’re not busy tomorrow night, we can grab a beer or something. Talk about plans for Cookie.”
I reviewed the first two books in the series- Test Drive and Road Assistance-and thoroughly enjoyed. Harte does a wonderful job of individualizing the characters and storyline so you don’t feel as if you’re reading the same romantic set up with just different names. This installment felt softer and less conflicted than the first two. The same engaging narrative, sexually enhanced romance and endearingly characters are present but Harte chooses to leave the dramatics by the curb and gently walk this couple to their HEA.
Sam is the best friend and roommate of Foley Sangers (the hero of Road Assistance). Also a mechanic at Webster’s Garage, Sam was pretty much raised by Foley’s mom, Eleanor, his own mother an abusive addict. Single, gorgeous, and ripped, Sam is honest to a fault and a total gentleman despite what his size and mannerisms suggest. A bit of a loner, Sam’s relationships with the opposite sex consists mainly of hook ups. The most important things in Sam’s life are Foley, Foley’s mom, and his job.
Ivy is a massage therapist who stays to herself. Intelligent, good looking, and a genuinely nice person, Ivy is also a bit of a loner as her family has all but abandoned her for reasons unknown and her last serious boyfriend used her to get through school then dumped her. Ivy doesn’t carry a chip on her shoulder like Sam does. She is content with herself and her life.
Harte takes Sam and Ivy’s relationship slow, allowing them the time to get to know one another using an appealing mixture of trepidation and awkwardness. Opposite attraction romances are the best and Harte does this one with justice. Fantastic dialogue, dry humorous wit, and a layered storyline allows readers to see beneath the surface and experience first hand the emotional issues they are dealing with. Ivy has pretty much laid her demons to rest but Sam is still struggling with his childhood, his time in prison, and general feelings of unworthiness. Ivy sees Sam and accepts him as he is because she understands the root of his pain. She is someone he has unknowingly been searching for. I love the humor she uses to help defuse his guilt and shame.
“So there you have it. You’re dating an ex-con.”
“Can I ask you something personal?”
“Yeah.”
“Is it true every prisoner makes license plates? Did you wear black and white striped uniforms? Have a ball chained to your ankle? Break up rocks with an Acme pickaxe?”
“You watch way too much TV.”
The sexual role reversal in here is interesting and works with the overall tone of story. Ivy is the one who not only sets the parameters of their relationship but also initiates the initial sexual aspect. She instinctively understands that Sam has some confusion between intimacy and sex and gives him all the power as she sets out to seduce him.
“You said I can touch you, right?”
“Yeah, don’t stop. Just keep petting me, baby.” He blinked at her once, then shut his eyes and groaned. “I’m gonna sit…right…here.” He shook, then sat unmoving, breathing hard.
“God, you’re gorgeous.” She stroked him from his chest to his belly button, never having been so close to perfection before. Then, because she figured the poor man had suffered enough, and her underwear would never be salvaged if she kept stringing this out, she unsnapped his jeans.
He started, his eyes remaining closed.
“You still okay?”
He swallowed. “Yeah.”
Barely a whisper, but he’d given consent.
Of course, no Harte book would be complete without the antics of the rambunctious Webster mechanics and various other characters from this series. They all step in, unasked, to help Sam deal with these new feelings of his and to explain why Rays wasn’t the right choice for a first date. Harte introduces a few new characters whose personalities fit right in with this bunch and I hope we see more of them in the future.
Zero to Sixty is a lightweight romance contemporary brimming laughter, love, and family. Perfect escapism for the romance lover in all of us. Looking forward to book four, Collision Course, which is Lou’s story. *fist pump* Release date is 10/27/2017.
Favorite Quote: “I can’t believe I’m about to walk a goat. Is this my life now? Goat walking?”
The Unyielding opens up in the past, giving readers an unfiltered history lesson on the sheer hatred the Crows have for all the other clans. We then flash forward into the present and learn that the world is still coming to an end if all the clans don’t start working together and stop Loki from getting free and therefore starting Ragnarök. And it all rests on the back of a single Crow. The most annoying, irritating, pain the arse woman to ever be brought back to life to walk the earth as a Crow.
Erin Amsel.
Helping her is the most unlikely of people-Stieg Engstrom. Steig is a Viking and part of the Raven clan. He’s also an exceptionally angry, anti-social man who avoids most people because they annoy him. And Erin REALLY annoys him.
When Steig happens upon Erin getting shot in the head yet again, he takes her home to recover and ends up getting caught up in the never-ending circus that is Erin’s life.
“You need to tell me what you did,” Stieg ordered.
“And you’ll need to be way more specific than that.”
“You’ve got the Vatican keeping an eye on you. The priests don’t normally do that because they know better. So you need to talk to me.”
“Actually,” Erin said, “I don’t. That is the beauty of being me.”
“You’re hiding something.”
“Probably.”
Stieg leaned in closer, their faces nearly touching. “Tell me,” he ordered.
Erin couldn’t help but smirk a little. “Make me.”
Stieg’s frown deepened and she thought for sure that he was going to kiss her.
“Come on, Amsel,” he abruptly whined, eyes rolling in his head. “I don’t want to fight you.” He glanced at Hilda. “Not in front of the goat.”
“Not in front of the…”
As Erin and Stieg fight, fuss, and eventually snuggle their way towards their destiny, the rest of the world waits in awe and horror. Because if this odd couple fails…everyone’s a goner.
Shelly Laurenston is once again leading her readers happily back into the fray of gods, goddesses, warriors, and the occasional pet with the latest installment in her Call of Crows series. Jam-packed with humor, sex, action, snark, outrageous characters, and sheer insanity, Laurenston has created another paranormal world that just screams F.U.N.
Set in present day L.A., this rather complex world is easy to navigate once you learn the basics. Almost every mythology and religion is represented in here, each with its own group of obnoxious, arrogant, loud, petty, narcissistic, men and women who like to bash, stab, beat, and smash their way to victory against their enemies. And none of them get along. Especially with the Crows. The Crows dislike just about everyone and with good reason. Hundreds of years ago the other nine Norse clans kept them enslaved and they haven’t gotten over it yet.
“We don’t forget, Raven. We never forget.”
Erin Amsel is probably one of Laurenston’s best characters to date. She is a delightful combination of every strong, loyal, intelligent, rude, and annoying female Laurenston has ever written. She was killed by an ex and offered a second life by Skuld. In return, all she has to do is fight with the Crows in Skuld’s honor. No problem. Her general unapologetic attitude towards everyone keeps you in stitches. There is a delightful sense of truthfulness and honor in her as she plows through the world, leaving chaos and mayhem in her wake. And the beauty of it is…she knows how annoying she is. She just doesn’t care. Yet for all her issues, you will never have to fear anything when she has your back. She will fight to the death beside you and die to protect you. And she has a very special gift that can do just that.
“You could, however, be a little less cheery. You did just disfigure a man.”
“He started it. “
I loved Erin and Steig. From Steig’s general grumpiness to Erin’s constant irritation of…well everyone, these two will keep you howling as Steig is co-opted into the partnership from hell to help Erin with her mission while trying not to kill her or fall too hard for her. All the while they are both trying to avoid their fellow clan members who attempt to interfere with unwanted advice and their normal general craziness. Watching Steig and Erin try to understand each other is like piecing together a 5000 piece puzzle while blindfolded. They are so obviously wrong for one another that they’re perfect together.
What I truly enjoy about this series and Laurenston’s writing is her skills in creating unforgettable characters and such incredibly off the wall plotlines that you can’t help but get sucked into whatever she has in store for her readers. I love the strong inclusion of multiple personalities who merge seamlessly into the storyline with fantastic results. I’ve noticed and appreciated that each new installment seems to be getting stronger in detail; with more humor, deeper elements, and a better balance between the arc and the subplots.
All the clans are featured heavily in here and are as unpredictable as usual. The snippets of violence between the various clans and each other only add to the overall appeal. They are predestined to mess with each other and it only continues to get worse the more they interact.
“Calm down.”
“I hate you.”
“Calm. Down. Think of Texas.”
“Texas? The line is ‘think of England,’”
“Why would I think of England?”
“Why would you think of Texas?”
Some may complain that the romance isn’t as prevalent as in most PNRs but I find it balances perfectly with the characterization in general. We get some delightful smexy times but aren’t forced to deal with any heavy emotional angst or work through past traumas. That alone keeps this series delightfully fresh in a sub-genre that tends to take itself a little too seriously at times.
The ending is an explosive finale that shows us Laurenston always has a few tricks up her sleeve. The main conflict is resolved while advancing the arc in a way that guarantees no one will want to miss book four. Some loose ends are tied up, new characters are introduced, and we are given a few clues to who may be the next heroine and hero of the series. The shifter storyline is an interesting development and I look forward to seeing where that goes.
If you enjoy outrageous storylines, no holds barred characters, and comedic narrative then Shelly Laurenston’s Call of Crows series is definitely for you. I guarantee you won’t regret it. Word of warning, the series is ongoing arc wise and not meant to read out-of-order.
Favorite Quote: “She wasn’t going to be that girl in the movies that changed the playboy into a monogamous, perfect husband. She was just Rebecca Washington, straight-A student, and prude extraordinaire.”
Rebecca Washington is your average college student; a little overly concerned with her grades (okay A LOT concerned), socially awkward, OCD, resistant to change, and prone to embarrassing rants of rambling when nervous. All of this becomes painfully obvious when her boyfriend of six months breaks up with her in public for being boring. She’s then hit on by the popular Derek Byrnes only to discover it was all a bet after she dumps her entire life story on him. To add insult to injury, Rebecca learns that Derek is now her partner for an Eng Lit project that will require her to do the worst possible thing in the world-speak in public.
Rebecca’s need to maintain absolute control over her GPA has her reluctantly spending more time with Derek to ensure their project is perfect. Each encounter causes Rebecca loosen up and let go of some of her need for control as her initial assessment of Derek being a carefree jerk slowly changes. Forced to acknowledge her growing feelings for Derek, Rebecca wonders if this is the real thing or is she setting herself up for another humiliation.
Jordan Gray’s debut Prude is a fun, sexy, emotional coming of age new adult that uses a unique approach to define the romance in this ambiguous NA setting. Crisp writing, indulgent humor, and an easy flowing storyline makes it incredibly easy to become fully invested in this book. Heavily character driven, Gray uses the narrative to drive this opposite attraction romance with a heavy inclusion of antagonism, miscommunication, and sexual tension to draw out the protagonists and maneuver them in the right direction.
“I hate you so much,” Rebecca moaned, noticing his obnoxiously cheerful expression.
“This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship, Rebecca.”
She stared at the ceiling. “It’s a partnership.”
“Is it? Already?” Derek wiggled his eyebrows.
Readers will find Rebecca reluctantly charming in her eccentric-ness and shyness. Her internal monologues and off the cuff information dumps leave you laughing as she dissects everything from her encounters with other people to the contents of her lunch. She’s a planner and a perfectionist which leads to some interesting situations as she learns that while she can plan her life down to second, she can’t plan everyone else’s.
“So you came here to check up on me? Thanks for the vote of faith, Prude.”
“Original nickname,” Rebecca said.
“If the shoe fits…”
Derek is the complete opposite of Rebecca. Living in a fraternity, he is outgoing, popular, good looking, and seemingly nonchalant about school and life in general. He’s one of those men who you think has the world in the palm of their hand; everything seems to come easy to him. His carefree attitude and incessant teasing of Rebecca comes off mocking at first, until you begin to see Rebecca slowly gaining her self-esteem and confidence with each new encounter. As this is told from Rebecca’s point of view, everything we see and feel is 100% prejudiced by her. I personally would have enjoyed getting a dual narrative to better characterize Derek. It’s not until the end do we get to meet the real Derek that’s been hiding beneath his carefree persona.
“I…” He shook his head. “I was a fucking asshole. I know it doesn’t make things better, but if I could go back and … if I could do it over, I wouldn’t have…” He seemed at a loss for words.
“Teased me?”
I enjoyed the brief foray back into college and seeing all the nuances of this awkward time where you hover between childhood and adulthood. So many changes and challenges are tossed at you and the coping mechanisms range from drinking and partying to hiding out in the library and wondering if you can just live there all four years. Gray touches on everything just enough to tease your memories out without forcing you to relive every single moment.
As Rebecca struggles to figure out her relationship with Derek and in retrospect, herself, an engaging cast of secondary characters chime in, adding plenty of laughter and energy with their offers of advice, shoulders to cry on, and promises of smackdowns. Shayler and Ansley are Rebecca’s best friends and have her back no matter what. I loved the dynamics of their relationship and unconditional love. Damian, the president of Derek’s fraternity, offers some insight into Derek and helps to show Rebecca that everyone has a story to tell. You just have to look for it.
The ending comes at you fast and seemed to wrap up everything a little too neatly though watching Rebecca grow to not only accept herself as she is but also gain her independence and voice made this story worth any issues I had.
Prude is a light-hearted new adult romance that addresses some weighty subjects without dragging the book down into an emotional quagmire. Gray definitely has a pleasant voice that speaks for the shy nerd in all of us and I am looking forward to seeing what she has instore for us in book two.