Opening Line: “Lieutenant Nola Seabrook accepted that she could face death on Monday. But for the weekend she intended to celebrate life to the fullesOpening Line: “Lieutenant Nola Seabrook accepted that she could face death on Monday. But for the weekend she intended to celebrate life to the fullest.”
I’ve come to the conclusion with Catherine Mann (in particular with her Wingman Warrior series) that while she writes really excellent opening chapters for some reason the rest of the book tends to fall into very forgettable mediocre-ville. As was the case here, within a couple of pages I was thinking this is going to be an amazing read; exciting, sexy and immediately drawing me into the characters lives so that I’m left super curious about their upcoming story. Unfortunately though as things progress Mann struggles to keep that same level of intensity going.
Fully Engaged is still a good read, I’d give it 3.5 stars (5 for the opening chapters) I enjoyed this couple and appreciated reading a romance where both the H/h are recovering from injuries. There’s not many romances out there that have the hero on crutches for the entire read (while still kicking ass) and I can’t think of any I’ve read that deals with the aftermath of a breast cancer survivor. So kudos to Mann for including the C topic without making it a public service announcement. These were just two realistically damaged characters who found each other and compared scars (damn that was a touching scene)
As I said the first couple of chapters here are great. We meet Pararescueman Rick Demassi in an Officers club bar. He’s engaged in a push-up contest, like some kind of training scene out of a Rocky movie, doing them one-handed with a waitress on his back when Air Force pilot Nola Seabrook catches his eye. Rick is exactly what Nola is looking for tonight, a perfect male specimen; strong, virile and most importantly healthy although it takes a while for us to learn why that’s important. Before long our couple is banging away and then just like that Nola is gone.
We then travel 5 years ahead, Rick is in a medical centre learning to walk again after suffering career ending injuries during hurricane Katrina recovery. Nola is ticking names off a list, a list of all the people she’s hurt so that she can close the door on the recovery part of her cancer journey. And while their initial meeting is terse, neither can deny the attraction is still there even though they’re both very different people now.
As it turns out Nola also has a stalker (crazy huh) and when her car blows up in the hospital parking lot Rick steps up to act as her bodyguard. (This made little sense to me because the man can barely walk and still needs a nurse but whatever it got them in close quarters and gave us a stalker/bodyguard storyline.) I should mention that Rick’s daughter also plays a key part in this story and that divorce is also a hot topic. These matters are both handled realistically whereas the whole stalker storyline is pretty silly. Cheers ...more
Opening Line: “His was not a face that women carried with them into their dreams”
Oh how I loved this one. I actually sought out a used copy of Texas DOpening Line: “His was not a face that women carried with them into their dreams”
Oh how I loved this one. I actually sought out a used copy of Texas Destiny because it had received such rave reviews and WOW am I ever glad I did. I knew going in I was going to like this because I’ve got such a soft spot when it comes to the tortured heroes but I never expected to be as moved as I was by this beautiful story. Just know any review I attempt here really won’t do this justice.
I fell in love with both the hero and heroine and literally couldn’t stop reading mostly because Lorraine Heath never took the easy route with their story. Just when I thought I had it all figured out she went the opposite way or moved things past where I thought she was going to. She also gives us multifaceted characters who only over the course of the book manage to reveal their whole selves.
Our couples back stories are both heartbreaking, talk about wounded souls finding each other. Unfortunately for them our heroine has already promised herself to another and the hero doesn’t feel anywhere near worthy of fighting for her love, especially up against his successful, good looking, older brother.
But the heart wants what the heart wants, and sometimes it isn’t a fancy house and lots of frills but a quiet life in a one room cabin with small dreams, a few horses and a man that makes your toes curl regardless of what he looks like.
Amelia Carson has just arrived on the Fort Worth train, she’s a mail order bride trying to leave the horrors of war-ravaged Georgia behind and start a new life for herself in Texas. She’s been corresponding with Dallas Leigh for a year now, agreeing to marry him and in exchange for travel expenses signing a promissory note. (Its 1876 so the deed is as good as done.) Now all she can hope is that Dallas is everything she imagined he’d be from his letters.
However it’s not Dallas who meets Amelia’s train (due to a broken leg he’s been unable to travel.) The tall cowboy keeping to the shadows is his younger brother Houston and she’s going to be stuck with the scarred and bad tempered man for the entire three week wagon journey back to Dallas’s ranch. Houston doesn’t talk much and almost always keeps his face turned away, but Amelia’s an optimistic character and it doesn’t take long before she’s able to break down Houston’s defences.
Missing an eye and badly disfigured this weary, ex-Civil War soldier has survived the war but its left him scarred inside and out and he now prefers the company of horses to people. Amelia has brought something back to life in him though and he can’t help wishing things were somehow different. As it stands his memories are going to have to last a lifetime because she belongs to his brother and he’s going to deliver her to him and watch them get married because Amelia deserves so much more then he could ever hope to give her.
Of course the return trip doesn’t go quite as smoothly as planned and Houston and Amelia are forced to rely on each other to survive, growing ever closer and falling in love. And this is where things got interesting because I expected the brother to be a mean horrible man (makes for an easy story right) but no, he’s a nice guy, who would make an excellent husband, remaining true and providing Amelia with a good life. This makes her decision very difficult especially when the one she really wants keeps pushing her away.
Opening Line: “Luke Colter’s number one rule of self preservation: Don’t ignore the itch.”
How great is it to be back with the BOI’s of Black-Ops Inc? Opening Line: “Luke Colter’s number one rule of self preservation: Don’t ignore the itch.”
How great is it to be back with the BOI’s of Black-Ops Inc? I’ve seriously missed this series, as its been over a year since the last book and I think its one of the best romantic suspense's running right now. With this 6th instalment Cindy Gerard doesn’t disappoint either because we finally get Doc’s story and it's oh SO good.
I knew this fun loving cowboy medic would steal my heart I just didn’t expect to fall quite so hard or be given such candour into his fears and “ghosts”. Who knew that behind that sexy smile and sense of humour he was suffering so much? I loved getting to know the real Luke Colter (Indy fedora and all) and watching him find purpose with the woman of his dreams (literally).
WITH NO REMORSE starts with a bang and just keeps going. Filled with non-stop action, adventure, passion and clever writing. Gerard whisks us away to yet another exotic South American location where we engage in shootouts, train robberies, kidnappings, explosions, donkey rides, the occasional pesky potato and some wicked arms dealers as our bad guys.
The romance is sweet, steamy and believable and with the entire wise cracking team showing up at about the half way mark I couldn’t have been happier. Yup, everyone makes a reappearance for the final show down including the ever lovable Johnny Reed, my boyfriend Gabe, Crystal and BJ (who kick serious ass) and even team leader Nate. It was fantastic catching up with everyone and seeing them in action. I should also mention that we get an intriguing look at Joe Green here and jeez does his upcoming story Last Man Standing (*sigh* last in the series) ever have me excited.
We join our man Luke on a train in Peru. Its about a year since he was injured in the last book Risk No Secrets and he’s just coming off a much needed reprieve. Luke's body may be mended but his head still isn’t in the game and for the first time in his career he’s doubting his ability to still function as a valued team member. When bandits board the train and attempt to kidnap a “young boy” Doc’s training takes over, forcing him reluctantly back into hero mode.
With the bad guys in full pursuit it takes about a minute for Luke to realize he hasn’t rescued a boy but the woman of his teenaged fantasies. Just what the hell is supermodel philanthropist Valentina doing on a train in the middle of Peru? And who are the armed and very pissed off men hunting them down? More importantly though is how exactly is he going to not come across like a bumbling, star crazed stalker as he attempts to get her to safety?
I liked this romance a lot. Valentina although beautiful (she looks like Angelina Jolie, puleese) had a great back story and when it came right down to it was able to man up and well… save her man.
Together they had some fantastic moments evoking such memorable lines as “You had me at potato” and “We’ll always have Peru” I also loved that she called him Indy (the fedora was awesome and gave a nice visual aspect to Doc) Of course then there was the tear jerking secret goodbye at the limo, and damn that man knows how to grab a reader where it hurts.
I can’t say enough good things about this series, it captured me from book 1 Show No Mercy and never let go. Each instalment is excellent; with hot alpha men falling hard for their lady loves. These guys are funny, endearing, good in bed and manage to give us quite a few sigh worthy moments while still packing a big gun and kicking major ass. The storylines are always exciting, expertly written and with a nice balance between the action and romance. I never find myself going “yeah right” with this series its just always amazing. Cheers ...more
Opening Line: "Nicholas leaned back in the wooden tub, closed his eyes, let the hot water soak the chill from his bones."
This was easily one of the beOpening Line: "Nicholas leaned back in the wooden tub, closed his eyes, let the hot water soak the chill from his bones."
This was easily one of the best historical romances I've read. Now I know why everyone keeps recommending Pamela Clare. I just can't seem to bring myself back from the frontier of 1763, nor do I want to, and then there’s Nicholas... Sigh
There isn’t much I can say really that hasn’t been said already, Ride The Fire is an epic read, with characters that will stay with you long after you’ve finished. By the end I couldn’t believe how far they’d come and what they’d been through. And the detail paid to historical accuracy here is simply amazing. Down to the smallest of facts, including actual soldiers, battles, forts, and sieges. You’ll have no trouble being transported away and imagining yourself there. And how fun was the inclusion of “Ben” in the closing chapters?
In regards to the romance (big sigh) Bethie and Nicholas are just perfect; with a realistic, slow building love forming between two equally wounded souls. I love a tortured hero and Nicholas is about as good as it gets without being a bully (as most tend to come off before they fall in love) and I appreciated how his dark secrets weren’t given away all at once either. I was on pins waiting to hear exactly what had taken place after he was tortured and why he continued to live amongst the Wyandot. Surprisingly though it wasn’t his brutal torture but the scene where he drops to his knees in front of his mother and begs forgiveness that got to me. There were no TSTL moments on the heroine’s part here, no dumb misunderstandings to plod through or exaggerated conflict it was all just beautifully done.
I should also mention that while this is the third part of a trilogy I read it as a stand alone with no problems whatsoever. I have of course just ordered the first two books because I can’t seem to find anything else to read that even comes close to capturing the magic I found here. Cheers...more
Opening Line: "I'd been waiting a year for this moment"
4.5~ I don’t generally read much YA stuff but Caleb and Maggie’s forbidden coming of age romancOpening Line: "I'd been waiting a year for this moment"
4.5~ I don’t generally read much YA stuff but Caleb and Maggie’s forbidden coming of age romance got to me and I found myself quite wrapped up in all their teenaged angst. I guess it was the unique story idea that first piqued my interest; that of a romance developing between the offender and his victim was too good to pass up. And once you get into it the reasoning’s as to why they get together it felt realistic. I mean they‘ve both been away for a year and things have changed, they‘ve changed and none of their friends “get” them anymore. Throw in some majorly screwed up family members, a big secret and super cool old lady and you’ve got yourselves a great story.
Told with alternating POV’s for each chapter, this was a fast read and I enjoyed getting into both Maggie and Caleb’s heads, seeing what each of them thought of the same situation. We begin with our hero Caleb being released from jail. He’s just spent a year locked up in juvenile detention for hitting a girl with his car while drunk and then leaving the scene. He’s paid his dues though and is no longer the carefree popular teen that went away. All he wants now is to go home and resume his life, -well that and turn back time. With getting released comes a few rules though, like 150 hours of community service, meeting with a transition counsellor and staying out of trouble. It’s all easier said then done.
Switching to Maggie we join her in physical therapy exercising her shattered leg and preparing to go back to school. The only thing that gets her through the day now is her scholarship to Spain. It seems since the accident she’s no longer one of the popular kids, they all think she’s a freak and Maggie can’t wait to get out of this town and away from their whispers and stares.
Through circumstance Maggie takes a job as a companion for old Mrs Reynolds (who turned out to be one of my favourite characters) Coincidentally she’s also just hired Caleb through his community service. I guess in a town as small as Paradise they should have expected to run into each other but what neither had expected was that it would only be the other that could truly understand what they’re going through. Caleb’s family is really messed up; his sister is a Goth ghost, his mother acts like nothing has happened and his father is just gone. And then there's his ex-girlfriend, beautiful, seductive and full of poison. Maggie’s days of playing tennis are over and her overprotective Mum (eek) is dating her boss. What an embarrassment.
Bound together by the tragedy yet forbidden by their parents and a court order to be together a tentative friendship begins, quickly developing into something neither of them had expected or can stop. A bittersweet, moving love story, now I only wish I had Return to Paradise because the ending here leaves you hanging. I’ll definitely be reading more from Simone Elkeles. Cheers ...more
I really enjoyed this, a fascinating and inspirational read even if you’re not a cycling fan or into sports biographies. As the title states this is “I really enjoyed this, a fascinating and inspirational read even if you’re not a cycling fan or into sports biographies. As the title states this is “not about the bike” well not completely anyways, of course the bike is always present (even on Lance’s sickest days when he could barely stand from the chemo treatments he still managed to go for a wobbly ride around the block) but I would say more than half of this story deals with Lance’s brutal battle with cancer and his miraculous recovery. We also learn about his childhood and growing up kinda poor in a single parent home, his early days as a triathlete, falling in love and his 1st marriage (this was written in 2002) and a surprisingly detailed account about the IVF that allowed for the birth of his first child.
It’s well written, honest and unflinching, as some of what we read doesn’t always paint Armstrong in the most favorable light. Other reviewers have mentioned his ego (huge) and his single mindedness when it came to racing and training, bordering on obsession. I am of the mind that you don’t become the best in the world without developing an ego, without becoming preoccupied. I mean it takes everything to get to the top so personal relationships are bound to suffer. On that note while Armstrong praises his (now ex-wife) Kit I was shocked at how he treated her, expecting her life to just revolve around him. At one point she gives up everything in the States and follows him to Europe to just “be there” while he trains, then on a whim Lance quits the tour and he expects her to just pack up the house and follow him back home while he sorts himself out and plays golf.
When Lance is diagnosed with cancer it’s the first time in his life that cycling is not the foremost thing in his life however he handles his treatment and recovery like a big race. Finding the right doctors and learning everything he can about his disease. We the reader get the story down to the smallest of details; from the day he just didn’t feel well, through diagnosis, gut-wrenching fear, denial, dealing with the backlash from his team and sponsors and then a single minded focus on beating cancer through his day to day struggle through operations, chemo and near death. I actually had no idea just how sick he was, not only was the cancer in his testicle but he also had tumors in his chest and brain, his odds of survival at one point were as low as 20%.
His fight to make a comeback into the cycling world is almost as grim as his cancer itself; no team would touch him so there was a political side as well as a physical side to his return. And just because he was in remission and well enough to race didn’t mean his mind was in the game either. I found it fascinating how he entered into a sort of survivor’s guilt phase where he didn’t want to ride, he just wanted to play golf, eat crappy food and be a bum, like he didn’t know how to go back to his life before cancer.
If you’re into cycling obviously this is a must read. The longest chapter here deals with his first Tour de France win and it’s exhausting and totally exhilarating, leaving me feeling like I was grinding up the Alps and Pyrenees amidst a mass of spandex. (Yay me) There is also a freakin ton of inside information regarding well, just about everything you ever wanted to know about “the Tour” and cycling in general, specifically covering European terms, customs, the training regime and accounts of competitions and what it takes to get there. Yup the doping issue is brought up as well, and because Armstrong was an American winning a European dominated race he was tested persistently,(always negative) with such claims as his cancer treatments had given him an unfair advantage!
Opening Line: "He sauntered past the two shirtless, muscle-bound bouncers, the C-note he slipped the man on his right earning his passage through ClubOpening Line: "He sauntered past the two shirtless, muscle-bound bouncers, the C-note he slipped the man on his right earning his passage through Club Madrone's front door--and a quick grope over his ass."
This was some damn fine M/M romantic suspense, however I’d have to admit that I struggled a bit with the first 'part' of Mexican Heat, being more of a romantic and not really into the whole Scarface gangster aspect. (Yeah I kept picturing Tony Montana’s world) This is a great action adventure though and the second 'part' which I absolutely adored more then made up for (my) shaky beginnings.
As well as a fantastic story the love scenes here are very, very good, with an intriguing balance set between dominance and submission. That first encounter in the nightclub office… Wow, now there’s a definite multiple read scene.
I also loved Antonio’s sweetness; his understanding and unwavering love of Gabriel and the slow removal of his ‘Gatito’s’ walls will just break your heart. There were a couple of things I didn’t “see” coming and one predictable reveal, although that didn’t bother me as it just made sense to the overall story. All in all a worthy read from the M/M genre with action, romance, suspense, tequila drinking (games), undercover cops, drug lords, mob boss’s, gun play, explosions, misguided vixen’s, sweet love makin and more twists and turns then the worm in the bottom of the bottle.
Police Detective Gabriel Sandalini is deep undercover for Italian mob boss Ricco Botelli, willing to do almost anything at this point to bring the shark down. When he randomly hooks up with a sexy and dominant stranger at a night club Gabriel never expects to see the man again, and that’s just the way he likes it. However when his boss Botelli teams up with the Mexican mob Gabriel’s sultry nightclub stranger -Antonio Sanchez, makes a reappearance, as the drug lords lieutenant.
Now it looks like Gabriel is going to have to take down his lover too. That is if he can make it through the next couple of days. Because his boss’s fiancée Gina can’t keep her hands off him, Sanchez is watching his every move (and making a few of his own) and if that weren’t enough of a distraction he may have just been made by the cartel. Then here’s the whole man love issue and I don’t imagine that’s taken too lightly in the lawless gangster world either. Yes Gabriel has his hands full and while part 1 of this book maintains a level of breathtaking suspense part 2 gives us a heart warming romance. And that’s just how I like it. Salud....more
Opening Line: "Xcor saw his father killed when he was but five years past his transition." **Spoiler Free** Ah yes, how sweet it is to be back with the Opening Line: "Xcor saw his father killed when he was but five years past his transition." **Spoiler Free** Ah yes, how sweet it is to be back with the Black Dagger Brotherhood. It was with some anticipation (understatement) that I cracked open the 489 pages I’d waited almost a year on, and it was with baited breathe that I began. Wondering exactly what direction JR Ward was going to take this 9th instalment in? Well I can tell you that with this one she does not disappoint, giving us fans exactly what we've been waiting for and then some.
Starting where (Lover Mine) left off and with her usual flair (the first 4 words will have you smiling) we get; multiple POV’s, evolving story lines, ass-kicking action and major injuries to most of the Brotherhood. We revisit past characters(Jose del la Cruz) while being introduced to new ones, including (among others) the intriguing ‘Band of Bastards’. This group of 6 is around to stay and with them comes an endless supply of future story possibilities.
With blasts of tension, humour, romance and way erotic love scenes we witness a couple of characters fall apart, see unrequited love, get major hints of things to come, and while laughing with Rhage and Fritz in the billiards room we also worry about the future of the King. Even though our main love story here is not as dominant as in past books, I have no complaints as Ward manages to include and give us moments with each and every member of the Brotherhood mansion in one way or another. And while I ached for Qhuinn and Blay, then there was V. And oh the V. True?
As much as this is pegged as Payne and Manny’s book LOVER UNLEASHED really belongs to Vishous and isn't it great (understatement) to be back in his, intricate, messed up, dirty lil mind. Along with Butch and Jane this trio goes to some very dark places, taking us right along for the excruciating ride and finally putting to bed (so to speak) Butch and V’s relationship once and for all. I loved revisiting V and through him, hearing from the Cop again as well as getting to know Jane better-who has at last stopped feeling like a ghost (I may forgive Ward yet for killing her) And in the afterward, those quiet moments spent between Butch and V well … in his words, “I have no words. Sixteen languages, but no words.”
All this awesomeness has of course been wrapped up with Ward's unique style of writing although this time there's a different vibe to it and it took me a while to put my finger on what it was. The multiple f-bombs, rap references and Wardisms are still here but she's managed to stop jumping around as we did in LOVER MINE with Ghostbuster storylines and Old Country flashbacks.
She's also toned down the product placement and riddle filled sentences ((i.e.“A gust of wind went Nike across the flat landscape" And with less 'Lessers' to contend with here (much like in(Lover Unbound)and them operating without a visible leader's POV the entire story flows better and you don't find yourself grumbling, wanting to skip ahead. Overall this feels more like one of the original books from the series then the urban fantasy-ish instalments of late.
Regarding Payne and Manny; I enjoyed this couple, verily I did. I’ve loved Manny from the first time we met him and enjoyed getting to know him here. His interactions/revelations with Butch are hilarious as is his discovery of Jane and the whole BDB world. Payne wasn’t as tough as I was expecting although she does manage to rescue herself while spending a considerable amount of time paralyzed. Manny’s method of healing her is very... Marvin Gaye and although their actual HEA is kinda corny I liked how Ward found a way to keep them together.
In the end Ward leaves us smiling with contentment (although I had been hoping for a mating ceremony and not the one you’d expect) and with events wide open for future stories that I can't wait to discover. I just wish it wasn't so far away because after spending just a few days with the BDB I'm not ready to let them go yet. See ya next year boys, stay safe. True.
Oh I've also just learned that book #10 will be Tohrment’s story. Wow that's bound to be a tearjerker. Cheers ...more
Opening Line: “The ragged tops of tall palms rustled quietly in a furnace like breeze and the sky pressed down over the Moorish city of Na’Jar.
Oh thisOpening Line: “The ragged tops of tall palms rustled quietly in a furnace like breeze and the sky pressed down over the Moorish city of Na’Jar.
Oh this was fun, whisked away to the desert land of Sheik princes, royal palaces, camels, date palms, espionage and love among the sand dunes. Not my normal fare to be sure but I really enjoyed this. Author Loreth Ann White has outdone herself with the amount of research she must have put into this story. I actually felt like I was in Africa with the sun and sand on my skin, a bejewelled scarf covering my head and a camel lurching beneath me. It was a fantastic escape.
And while this is set up a bit like the old fashioned bodice rippers -kidnapped by a handsome prince/harem situation this is definitely a contemporary romance. Our heroine is tough, independent and smart while our Sheik is realistic in the ways of running his country and modern in his thinking and dealings with women. With a sweet romance, entertaining espionage story and a couple of desert treks the only thing here that annoyed me was that the entire conflict between the H/h was based on a lack of communication (just tell him/her already) which always drives me crazy.
Nikki Hunt is on the run from her past, having lost everything seven years ago she’s changed her name, became an aid worker and is now travelling across a war torn country in Northern Africa. It’s no place for a woman, especially one in charge of a group of sick orphans. With the borders closing around her Nikki finds herself trapped and at the mercy of the “Dark King” of Al Na’Jar. Begging his help for safe passage to the Atlantic and medical aid for her children. What Nikki hadn’t counted on was being held hostage in his palace and or that she would feel such an attraction to this secretive regal man.
Prince Zakir Al Arif needs a wife in the worst kind of way. To ascend the throne he must first be married and it’s going to have to be before his progressing medical condition becomes public knowledge too. Zakir doesn’t have time to seduce a woman, which makes Nikki perfect for the job of his Queen. Not only does she speak Arabic and know the ways of his people she also appeals to his fondness of western ways. Now all he has to do is convince her that a marriage of convince would benefit both of them without falling in love. However when a traitor is revealed amongst his people and Nikki commits the ultimate act of betrayal Zakir’s time may have just run out. ...more
Opening Line: "Gabriel Rossiter unzipped his pants only far enough to free his…"
Well, what can I say? Another fantastic addition to the I-Team seriesOpening Line: "Gabriel Rossiter unzipped his pants only far enough to free his…"
Well, what can I say? Another fantastic addition to the I-Team series (#4) I’ve come to the conclusion that Pamela Clare can do no wrong, as each book in this series is unputdownable. Just excellent romantic suspense that never dumbs down the reader. Actually I think that’s what I appreciate most about her writing (besides the smoking hot love scenes) the fact that Clare writes a clever story with characters you can believe in, faults and all. I never catch myself going yeah right, that’s ridiculous with one of her books and I usually learn a thing or two as well.
And DAMN, let’s just get this out of the way, can she ever write a drool worthy hero. Gabe… oh my god do they get much yummier than him (acknowledging all her past heroes of course.) But Gabe, the climber, the descriptions of him scaling rock faces, hanging on by his fingertips while his muscles bulge and tense just about did me in. These men of Pamela’s truly are in a league of their own. How could a girl ever choose a favourite?
“Wearing only his dark green uniform trousers he was climbing on the underside of an overhanging lip of rock perhaps thirty feet above the ground. She couldn’t see any ropes…”
“His body moved like she’d never seen a body move before, powerful arms reaching for handholds, fingers gripping holds she couldn’t see, his feet finding their own invisible purchase. His body seemed weightless, muscles bunching and shifting in their own rhythms as he worked his way along the length of the overhang, his motions strong and beautiful. Oh. My.”
So yeah now that I’ve got that out of my system. Naked Edge is actually a very sweet love story in amongst all the bullets and danger, revolving around journalist and Navajo nation member Katherine James and “Rock Jock” Park Ranger/adrenaline junkie Gabriel Rossiter. I won’t go into the plot as there are already so many fabulous reviews out there but I will say that there was a shocking event towards the end that I had to read twice because I just couldn’t believe it and add a couple of things I loved.
-Loved that Marc Hunter and Darkangelo had significant page space here, so that as well as giving us updates on their lives we get to see that their new bromance is progressing well (Dorkangelo) these guys are hilarious together. I can easily see Gabe joining their ranks.
-Loved all the Navajo nation, Diné history and language and have to compliment Pamela Clare on her extensive research and the time and love she puts into every one of her stories. It is noticed and appreciated.
-Loved, loved, loved the epilogue. 10 months later which really gives you an insight into their HEA and how their new life together is progressing. Very well I might add! Cheers 381jb4...more
Opening Line: " Marine Corps Captain Zachariah Clark was so tuckered out he could barely put on his uniform, much less speed up the process."
This was Opening Line: " Marine Corps Captain Zachariah Clark was so tuckered out he could barely put on his uniform, much less speed up the process."
This was a pretty good Harlequin Blaze. Not as formulaic as some I’ve read because our couple here does everything backwards. It was fun watching them fumble along, finally getting to know each other after 18 months of marriage (I’ll explain later) However this loses points for the stalker/suspense storyline used to carry the plot along and a heroine described on the back cover as “steely" but who for the most part I‘d just call a bitch. I will say that Julie Miller writes amazing love scenes though and that’s really what saved this for me.
At Your Command starts with a bang. Marine Corps Captain Zachariah Clark has just spent a week having the best sex of his life with a women he picked up in a bar (truthfully they picked each other up) He’s now just 5 hours left before reporting to his base in Quantico Virginia and active duty in the Middle East. So of course they have more steamy sex before Zachariah impulsively asks her to marry him. Becky (still in an uncompromising position) replies simply “Okay”
18 months later Zachariah (who the author never refers to as Zach and honestly what woman calls out “Ooh Zachariah” during sex? This just bugged me. Anyways, 18 months later Zack is Stateside on a short leave and now nursing a serious case of PTSD as well as several ugly scars. He’s had very little communication with Becky during his time away (it was classified) and yet here they are together again, knowing only that they have great chemistry together but almost nothing about the others life or who they really are.
Becky’s a busy divorce lawyer and as it turns out also an East Coast heiress which should give Nebraska farm boy Zack pause for concern especially when he learns she hasn’t yet told her parents she’s married. Becky isn’t very empathetic where her husband is concerned although we do get some honest conversations regarding whether they can make this work or if their entire relationship is just based on sex.
So to keep things moving along Becky begins receiving threatening phone calls, letters and even part of a bomb on the hood of her car (which is ironic because Zack is a demolitions expert) we also get some very silly moments in the head of Becky’s stalker while he rips up photographs and says nasty psycho things along with several sub-characters to keep you guessing his identity.
Because Beck’s parents don’t know she’s married Zack is forced to pose as her bodyguard when she returns home to the family mansion. Sleeping in separate bedrooms the two finally get to know each other and even go on a few dates. During this time we meet Becky’s cancer stricken mother and except for the mammogram preaching done here (once would have been enough) She became one of my favourite characters. Lily and Zack’s sweet relationship and the fact that she sees and knows all is awesome. The stalker storyline reaches its explosive conclusion and I’ll admit I sighed at the touching ending.Cheers ...more
Opening Line: "At times like these, Deputy Cameron KcKay suspected his life would've been easier if he'd stayed a simple cowboy."
As I’ve said before LOpening Line: "At times like these, Deputy Cameron KcKay suspected his life would've been easier if he'd stayed a simple cowboy."
As I’ve said before Lorelei James can do no wrong with her Roughriders series. Somehow she always manages to keep the storylines fresh and the numerous sexcapes just different enough that they never feel formulaic or repetitive. We’re also guaranteed updates on the ever growing Mckay family and usually a couple of surprises or a tragedy just to keep us on our toes. Of course theres always all kinds of hot and sexy love-making goin on but ultimately it’s the addictive stories and sweet romances that keep me coming back for more.
Here with book 7 we finally get smoking hot ex-soldier Cam and Ukraine transplant Domini’s story. These two have been circling around each other for several years/books now but because both are dealing with physical and emotional scars, forging a relationship has proved difficult. Cam’s also worried that his need for dominance in the bedroom will scare away the soft spoken and shy Domini. However once he learns that’s exactly what she’s looking for all bets are off. Domini craves a man that will dominate her in every way and that’s exactly what she’s going to get with Cam. This is one soldier used to issuing orders.
Their relationship starts out more like a business arrangement than a love affair with rules discussed regarding the Dom/sub parameters, birth control and what they’re going to tell people regarding their dating status. However it soon blossoms into a true partnership with depth, understanding and value. And as soon as this couple can stop keeping secrets, truly baring themselves they’ll heal each others wounds inside and out.
I’d been looking forward to Cam’s story ever since he was injured inRough, Raw and Ready returning to Mckay country as deputy for the local sheriffs department. And just as I knew I would, I fell hard for this damaged ex-soldier. Cam’s body image issues and PTSD haven’t been glazed over here and they're dealt with in a realistic manner. He doesn’t want anyone’s pity and his subsequent seclusion from the family, inability to ask for help, fear of falling, nightmares and even allowing Domini to see him naked during sex (or his missing leg at all) are believable yet heartbreaking.
My only issue (maybe that’s not the right word because I sure as hell enjoyed it) would be the bizarre 3-way thrown in with Cam’s mysterious military buddy. This character and ménage came out of nowhere and seemed not only gratuitous but didn’t add anything to their story either IMHO.
So I’m not going to give away the plot because as usual tons of shit happens and it was so much fun discovering it as I went along. I’ll just say this was another great read that (as always) left me wanting more. Cheers...more
Opening Line: "Marcie Sullivan drove into the small town, her sixth small mountian town of the day, and found herself face-to-face with a Christmas trOpening Line: "Marcie Sullivan drove into the small town, her sixth small mountian town of the day, and found herself face-to-face with a Christmas tree trimming."
AVRC is my first Robyn Carr book which would make me...you guessed it, a Robyn Carr virgin. Anyways, this isn’t the type of contemporary romance I usually read (I like a bit of action, suspense or the occasional vampire in my mix) However the Virgin River series is so hugely popular and was recommended to me by a ton of people so I just had to check it out.
...And I’m happy to say that except for the author’s unusual fixation with an outhouse I got sucked right into this heart tugging romance. Enough so that I didn’t want to read anything else when I finished and have gone back to start the series at the beginning.
Yes this is book #4 in a series of 13 (and counting) however that doesn't seem to have any bearing on this particular story (I think because it’s a special Christmas edition). Sure there were a few characters I might have enjoyed more if I’d know their ‘story’ but this stood just fine on its own and centered pretty much solely on Ian and Marcie’s heartbreaking journey of love and healing.
The best word I could use to describe Robyn Carr’s writing is comfortable. It’s just relaxed and easy and felt like I was reading about friends or I imagine if you’re well into the series like coming home. Carr never once had me shaking my head thinking that’s wrong or ridiculous or the H/h would never do that. The story flows very well too, is funny in parts and heart wrenching in others and except for letting the outhouse become a character of its own, left me wanting more. I feel like Carr could become the sort of author I’d pick up when nothing else is striking my fancy and know that I’d enjoy it.
Marcie Sullivan is looking for closure; she’s come to Virgin River to find her husbands Sergeant and best friend. The man responsible for saving Bobby in Iraq and giving her three years to say goodbye while he slowly died from his battle injuries. As Marcie cared for her husband she forged a friendship (through letters) with his sergeant Ian, pouring out her heart, frustrations and sadness to a man she’d never met. Then suddenly the letters stopped and soon her husband was gone too. Now a year later Marcie still can’t seem to move on with her life, she’s decided she has to find Ian. To talk to him about what happened over there and make sure he‘s okay.
But locating Ian hasn’t been easy, nobody’s seen him for years and his family has all but written him off. After following several leads Marcie at last finds her hero but he doesn’t want to be found and definitely doesn’t want to be reminded of Iraq. Ian’s living far off the grid of society, a recluse in a rundown cabin in the woods with no amenities. Yes that’s right an…outhouse (dun dun dah) Ian Growls at Marcie to leave him alone, sounding much like the bear he now resembles what with all that hair but Marcie refuses to go until she completes her mission. Of course this leads to her almost freezing to death, catching hypothermia and Ian having to save and care for her until she’s better (It is a romance after all)
Marcie’s character is a bit of a goof and I really liked her and her adventures with living in a rustic cabin. I found it odd though that suffering a burn from not knowing how to light propane stove was hilarious while a flu/cold was a matter of life and death? I also didn’t find this quite as romantic as I’m sure others will as I have lived in the bush without power and it loses its appeal mighty fast especially in the winter. So while some might think it quaint that they cook on a woodstove, and read by candlelight, I cringed.
Anyways you don’t need to know much else, all the townsfolk turn up in one way or another and Marcie and Ian forge into a new type of friendship, one with benefits. Oh and it all happens right around Christmas. Sigh....more
This was a complete surprise as I’m not usually one for the Harlequin's but FIRST COMES TWINS piqued my intOpening Line:"What a quaint little island."
This was a complete surprise as I’m not usually one for the Harlequin's but FIRST COMES TWINS piqued my interest for several reasons. To start with it contains two of my favourite romance tropes; that of the tortured hero and reacquainted lovers. It also takes place on a small island which is where I live. The island here is Mirabelle and it has been so well explored that it almost becomes a character within its own right, filled with lighthouses, beaches and a fascinating group of islanders each with their small town idiosyncrasies and problems.
Helen Brenna has written a sweet love story here, full of longing, heart tugging regrets, reacquainted families and healing. She’s also done a wonderful job covering PTSD and the loss of a limb without making her hero a cripple. Speaking of Noah, what a great character; just tormented and damaged enough that you can’t help but fall a bit in love as we watch him face his first love again and begin to heal.
Photojournalist Noah Bennett has come back to Mirabelle Island to recover after losing his leg covering yet another war zone. Ironically it’s the island and its inhabitants that has kept him running all these years but he‘s never been able to forget it. Now under deadline to finish his latest book and suffering from post traumatic stress as well as phantom leg pains, he’s shutting down and grabbing the bottle.
Sophie can’t believe Noah is back on ‘her’ island. How dare he return after leaving her heartbroken all those years ago? Sure she married his older brother soon after but he’s gone now too, leaving her a widow with teenaged twins and a hotel to run. It’s hard to stay mad at the shell of a man that’s come back though and Sophie reasons that the sooner she helps him recover the sooner he’ll leave Mirabelle. She just hopes its before he breaks both of their hearts. Cheers! ...more
Opening Line: “Ethan had long grown used to the sinking expressions people cast him when they realized it was he who darkened their doorsteps—but in tOpening Line: “Ethan had long grown used to the sinking expressions people cast him when they realized it was he who darkened their doorsteps—but in the East End rookeries this tendency seemed even more pronounced.”
Does anyone else find it near impossible to write a review about a book you absolutely loved? You can't ever say quite the right thing or express adequately how much it affected you. How much you loved the characters, the heartache, the passion and the drama. It always ends up sounding like a big pile of cheese, and really how many different ways are there to say amazing?
I guess I should start by letting everyone know that they were right. This was fantastic (there’s one) placing as one of my top historical reads ever. I only wish now I hadn’t waited so long, because Ethan stole my heart. What a great hero. To watch someone as cold, damaged and emotionally shut off as Ethan fall and allow someone into his heart was just… sigh. His confusion, his denial and in the end his willingness to do anything to have her, to keep her, borders on obsession. And then there’s this big lie hanging over him and his guilt over how he’s inadvertently destroyed her life which he then tries to make up for which only succeeds in pushing her away just when he’s realized he can’t live without her. Gah, this is how romances are meant to be –not necessarily reviews though.
What a great love story, what a great couple because as much as I fell for Ethan I equally adored Maddie. These two are equals, Their banter, flirtation and verbal sparring is some of the best I’ve ever read and sexy, jeez that carriage ride after the masquerade ball and oh let’s not forget the shopping extravaganza homage to Pretty Woman in Paris. Yeah.
Not many books have the ability to give me actual emotions but Kresley Cole managed it here in spades; smiling, sighing, cheering, crying and at one point yelling at Ethan (you fool) to get away from those two floozies and go the hell home.
I should also mention that I read this as a standalone and other than Cole’s odd way of backtracking the story and then doing a whole lot of showing not telling (of events that happened in the previous 2 books yet took place during this one) I had no real issues.
Ethan MacCarrick has been out for revenge for the past 10 years, seeking to destroy the Von Rowen family who tortured and viciously scarred his face for a crime he didn’t commit. Once a handsome and successful philanderer, woman now shun him, turning away from his brutal scar with disgust. As a consequence he’s hardened his heart and sworn off women altogether. After bankrupting and exiling the Von Rowen’s Ethan still finds that his anger has not been appeased, so when their daughter comes of age he makes it his mission to seduce and ruin her then cast her aside as his final act.
However when he meets Madeline he’s also met his match, she’s unlike anyone he’s ever known and he’s confused by his feelings. This is where the story takes on a Beauty and the Beast quality because Maddie doesn’t care about his scar or his hostile demeanour. She’s only out out for herself, trying to ensnare a husband of means before she faces a life of squalor and ultimately prostitution. So who’s playing who here? And what are they to do when the heart has a mind of its own? Taking us from London through the slums of Paris and inside Scottish country manors. We witness gun fights, cholera epidemics and some of the sweetest, heart wrenching dialogue written. This is a story I won’t be forgetting. Cheers
“You canna do this—take my goddammed heart and then leave me! You think I will no follow”
“Somewhere along the way, he’s fallen in love with her—or as much as possible for a man like him, with the lies between them.”
Opening Line:"Adam McPherson hovered in that murky place between awareness and sleep, clinging desperately to the dream."
I’ve really been enjoying RhoOpening Line:"Adam McPherson hovered in that murky place between awareness and sleep, clinging desperately to the dream."
I’ve really been enjoying Rhonda Nelson’s Uniformly Hot series from Blaze. They’re uncomplicated, sexy little reads, with relatable, fun characters and a charming small town draw. Here with The Soldier we return to Bethel Bay South Carolina for Army Ranger Adam McPherson’s story.
We first met Adam in (Letters from Home) which was his brother Levi’s (very good) story. Injured by a roadside bomb while serving in Iraq, Adam returned home missing half his leg and struggling to accept his new limitations. The only thing keeping him going these days is his resolve to return to active duty as soon as he’s fit enough and leave this small town behind. Adam is a soldier and always will be, unfortunately now it’s sometimes all he can do just to get out of bed, his body may be on the mend but his psyche is struggling to catch up.
Enter Winnie Templeton, she runs the local bakery, is a bit of a jock and has been in love with Adam since, well… forever. She can see that he’s struggling and slowly retreating into himself so she issues a challenge knowing that the competitor in him will come out swinging.
Before long Adam is helping coach a teen girl’s baseball team and talking freely about his prosthetic leg. Winnie also gets him swimming, running, flirting and finally noticing what’s been in front of him all along. How could he not have “seen” her before? And because this is Blaze it doesn’t take long for our couple to hit the sheets, the bakery counter and Winnie’s life long ambition of Bethel Bay’s lover’s lane.
Of course from the moment our couple enter into the love zone there’s a time limit on their affair because Adam is determined to return to Iraq and there’s simply no future for a career soldier and a small town girl.
I much as I enjoyed this story I have to mention how off putting it was to watch the heroine practically begging for the hero to notice her. From the start it was a very unequal coupling. I mean Adam had known his whole life that Winnie had feelings for him and kept rejecting her, and even when he finally “noticed” her it felt a bit like; oh well Winnie’s here and she’s offering so I might as well sleep with her. I felt sorry for Winnie who had loved Adam forever and never been able to find anyone else. You could tell that their future wouldn’t include any of her plans they’d be going or doing whatever Adam decided.
Still this is a fast paced easy read that I’ve probably put too much thought into. Cheers ...more
"I would not make a good husband. I do, however, make an excellent lover"
This was a great read that kind of snuck up on me, especially once I started "I would not make a good husband. I do, however, make an excellent lover"
This was a great read that kind of snuck up on me, especially once I started picturing Johnny Depp as our roguish hero. Yes indeed, he would make a fine British cowboy, ala Jack Sparrow on a cattle drive, attempting to woo the heroine into bed with his clever, wicked tongue and laughing eyes. Anyways that’s what gets me through the day.
Harrison Bainbridge is a scoundrel and I absolutely adored him. The second son of an English earl “Harry” has been banished by his father for his substantial gambling debts and womanizing and sent to the wilds of 1865 Texas to clean up his act. Partnering up in a cattle muster isn’t really his idea of a good time, (it is actual work after all) however Harry can’t resist the opportunity to spend time with the saloon keepers outspoken daughter. Her daring business venture is a gamble and that is of course what Harry lives for.
Jessye Kane has dreams of wealth and independence after having her heart and reputation destroyed by her first love. She doesn’t trust men, doesn’t want or need a husband and certainly isn’t going to fall for the smooth talking Harry. He’s just heartache waiting to happen. However during the long months on the dusty trail the two get to know each other and Jessye realizes that there’s more to Harry then the devil-may-care attitude he portrays to the world. In fact Harry may just have a conscience and he might also be just as damaged and vulnerable as she is. Isn’t that a scary thought, because that’s a man she could love…
The flirty back and forth banter between our couple here as they try not to fall for each other is really fun; in fact I enjoyed most of the dialogue and definitely chuckled through Harry’s one liners. I also loved how we never really knew for sure if he was cheating at cards or not. I swear that man would wager his very soul.
It was towards the end of the book though that Lorraine Heath managed to capture my heart with this story too. After Harry is horribly injured, Jessye attempts to nurse the now stubborn, bitter man back to health. He can’t stand her pity or the way she looks at him these days and may just break her heart to recapture the outspoken sassy girl he used to know.
This is part 2 from the Rogues in Texas trilogy. And while I read this as a stand alone I wouldn’t recommend it as there were holes in the story that were never completely filled in and the beginning chapters were a bit confusing. Besides from what I can tell Harry’s brother's story (A Rogue in Texas) which continues on here, looks super good. ...more
Opening Line; "It was their shoes that gave them away”
I liked this, I really did but… SHOOT TO THRILL is a roller coaster ride in more ways then one. TOpening Line; "It was their shoes that gave them away”
I liked this, I really did but… SHOOT TO THRILL is a roller coaster ride in more ways then one. This 1st in a trilogy takes us from Manhattan to the Sahara and starts out with huge potential. A sexy tortured hero on the run, action filled storyline, smoking hot love scenes and some seriously funny dialogue. And except for the H/h’s names (Kick and Raine really!?) I wondered how I’d managed to miss author Nina Bruhns until now? Unfortunately though as the book progressed things kinda fell apart. Granted the whole story requires a huge suspension of reality (in a Romancing the Stone sort of way) but still, there’s a fine line between going along for the ride and the ridiculous.
Kick Jackson is a junkie on the run. This former CIA spec-ops sniper has had enough of being owned by “Zero Unit” and all the bloodshed. In fact if it hadn’t been for his little addiction to painkillers (developed after the last mission went bad) chances are the Unit wouldn’t have been able to find him at all. As it stands though they’ve offered him a deal he can’t refuse; identify and take down a known terrorist and they’ll tear up his contract… one last mission. Yeah right. The problem is he’s going to be going through withdrawal pretty soon and that’s where the kidnapping comes in. Nurse Raine Martin will do nicely, one last affair before he ships out (and more then likely gets killed) and a safe place to detox. The thing Kick hadn’t counted on was Raine getting thrown into the deadly international spy game or that he’d end up caring.
One of my biggest problems here was with the heroine who while remaining TSTL throughout also manages to transform from wimpy, useless and agoraphobic to (in the author’s words) a warrior; able to wield a knife, carry a gun, detonate bombs, kill and generally save the day while still having childish arguments. It was too much -I kinda hated her. Then there was also the issue of our couple having sex at the most inappropriate times, like outside of a terrorist compound in the Sahara sand dunes while trying to rescue a POW.
Anyways I won’t be too harsh because there’s a lot to like and with several of the storylines continuing throughout the trilogy I know I'll be continuing on. I really enjoyed Bruhns’ style of writing, filled with witty dialogue and fantastic sub plots and secondary characters. “Pig’s” sporadic POV was heart wrenching and intriguing as I tried to figure out how he fit into everything. And I absolutely adored Gina and Van Halen. However in saying that, because their storyline was so combustible (jeez the sex on the table scene!) I also found myself disappointed when we returned to the main storyline. Kick and Raine paled in comparison to those two, and when your secondary couple outshines your main it isn’t a good thing. Cheers people!...more
Suzanne Brockmann’s Tall, Dark and dangerous series is in the process of being re-released as 2-for-1’s with Opening Line: "Frisco's knee was on fire"
Suzanne Brockmann’s Tall, Dark and dangerous series is in the process of being re-released as 2-for-1’s with fancy new (and quite sexy) covers. And I have to tell you I am now all about the SEALs and can’t put this series down. These well written quickie romances are each just different enough that they all feel fresh and unique while still connected as a whole, with delicious alpha male heroes and just the right amount of suspense action and melodrama to keep you coming back for more.
Alan “Frisco” Francisco is the 3rd SEAL to have his story told and he hit my soft spot as he’s the tortured hero we’ve been hearing about since he was injured during a mission in book 1 Prince Joe. Five years have passed since then and Frisco has undergone numerous operations and extensive rehab trying to repair his shattered knee, Told that he would never get out of his wheelchair, Frisco’s had it all along in his mind that one day he would return to active duty. After all if he can’t perform as a member of the SEAL team then what good is he to anybody?
When we begin Frisco has just been let go from rehab, being told that he’s as fixed as he’s ever going to get. He refuses to accept this news or the job he was just offered teaching upcoming SEALs. Frustrated, angry and in constant pain Frisco retreats to his seldom used 2nd floor condo in San Felipe and hit’s the bottle. What the hell is he going to do with the rest of his life now? Before long we are introduced to Frisco’s well meaning and of course beautiful neighbour Mia Appleton, she’s a teacher and wants very little to do with her rude and often drunk neighbour. Cringing as she watches him struggle up the stairs, leaning heavily on his cane unwilling to accept her or anyone’s help.
When Frisco’s wayward sister shows up on her way to detox and leaves her 5 year old daughter Natasha in his care he feels helpless. What does he know about kids and how on earth is he going to look after this neglected little girl. Now I’m not one for children in my romances but this situation worked for me as Frisco never baby talked her and their interactions were often comical. ‘Tasha’ draws Mia and another neighbour Thomas (who I hope to see more of) into the fold, filling Frisco’s life with obligations and meaning.
When Mia sees how he is with Tasha she re-evaluates her opinion of him and a friendship soon develops. However as the two grow closer and it appears that Mia might have genuine feelings for him Frisco begins to panic, what could he possibly offer this beautiful woman? He’s disabled, a shell of the man he used to be and with some very dark demons to work thorough. She deserves so much more; she deserves a man that’s whole. (Or possibly me!)
As Frisco pushes Mia away trouble comes calling, in the form of his sisters nasty ex boyfriend who’s looking for the money she stole. Kidnapping, gunplay, car chases, love scenes and hand to hand fighting ensues and (thankfully) Frisco finally learns to ask for help so the rest of Alpha team shows up as well. And here Brockmann cleverly gives us tidbits of information on our former heroes while enticing us with new ones whose stories are yet to come.
This was a fantastic read that I can see myself coming back to again and I definitely recommend this series.
Opening Line: “Go wide! Go wide! Come on Skyler pass the ball!”
Line Of Fire is book #4 in in the romantic, suspenseful and sexy firefighters of statioOpening Line: “Go wide! Go wide! Come on Skyler pass the ball!”
Line Of Fire is book #4 in in the romantic, suspenseful and sexy firefighters of station five series. This time through we get apparent Brad Pitt lookalike Tommy Skylar’s story. At 23 he’s the youngest member of ‘A’ shift, a former star quarterback, Tommy had dreams of going to the NFL until the death of his brother in Iraq changed everything. Striving to make his parents proud Tommy joined the Fire Dept but still isn’t sure it’s where he wants to be.
So far I’ve really enjoyed this series, I mean how could you not? With hard bodied firemen heroes, smoking hot love scenes, and exciting action-suspense storylines it’s always a great ride. Part of the fun in reading these books is also the anticipation of how many trips to the hospital our heroes will have to endure before they get the bad guy and win the girl. Jo Davis just loves to beat up her men and it’s become a bit of a game for me counting the injuries. I also like how all the books are connected with updates from past characters and continuing story arcs. Here we get to catch up with 6-Pack, Zach, Julian and their Captain Sean’s ongoing struggle with the bottle.
ER nurse Shea Ford has been trying to avoid Tommy’s irresistible charm and ongoing advances. She thinks that he’s way too young for the strong feelings he brings out in her and that she’d be much safer dating Prescott, a boring city planner. After Tommy lands in her ER (the 1st time) Shea finally concedes to a date and the two fall for each other pretty quickly after that.
Of course while all the romance is taking place we also have an arsonist on the loose and while I didn’t find his POV particularly interesting, his bad guy antics do enable Sean to finally hit bottom and land Tommy in the hospital again, this time with surprisingly devastating injuries. Ironically I had just been saying to myself; Davis is taking it easy on her hero when whammy a burning building collapses on him, changing his future forever.
All in all a pretty good read although I have to admit it’s my least favourite from the series. I had a tough time feeling the connection between Tommy and Shea or believing that he was ready for a HEA at 23 especially when he read like such a mama’s boy. And then there was the gratuitous anal sex scene at Tommy’s parents house which I suppose was meant to show the depth of their love(?)in a Lora Leigh sort of way however I found it unnecessary and weird especially considering Shea‘s secret. A lot of times this just felt like Davis was going through the motions with stilted, fluffy dialogue and an almost repetitive story line. Still I can’t wait to read Sean’s conclusion to this series next in Ride the Fire. ...more