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Friday, March 31, 2017

The Highland Duke by Amy Jarecki

Talk about going to my happy place, we have a scotsman who happens to be a duke. Seriously, you can't go wrong there. Anyway, Amy Jarecki has come out with a new series Lords of the Highlands.  The story takes place early 1700s where you find the Jacobite uprising. Definitely an interesting period. I would definitely recommend reading the author's note's after reading the story. I know this helped me out a lot with so my issues with the story.

Anyway, George Gordon (aka Geordie) who happens to be the Duke of Gordon. Now he's in an area where he's not suppose to be fighting the good cause, but he's injured. Arika Aryes happens to find him and basically rescues him from death. Basically, they are on the run for most of the book. While trying to escape a perilous death they fall in love. The end. Just kidding.

Actually, The Highland Duke is pretty good. We have Geordie who  is stuck of the confines of his title and he happens to fall in love with a tinker (gypsy). Gypsy were looked down upon, so to fall in love with her would be pretty bad. Anyway, he sees that she is sweet and kind, so it's easy to fall in love with her. Akira at first sees a stubborn man, but learns more about him and comes to love him. Yes, there love is tested as the story goes on. It's not easy being a duke and falling for someone who is deemed below a commoner. So, there relationship is an interesting dynamics.

Anyway, I totally enjoyed The Highland Duke and I look forward to read more of this series. I hope to see one of the characters in this story get his own story eventually.

Copy provided by Forever Romance via NetGalley

Rating:
4 Stars

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Forever Romance Spotlight + Excerpt + Giveaway: A Small-Town Bride by Hope Ramsay


A SMALL-TOWN BRIDE
Chapel of Love, #2
Hope Ramsay
Forever
On Sale: March 28, 2017



The second book in USA Today bestselling author Hope Ramsay's Chapel of Love contemporary romance series about a small-town wedding chapel is perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber, Robyn Carr, and Sherryl Woods.

Amy Lyndon is tired of being the Poor Little Rich Girl of Shenandoah Falls. In her prominent family, she's the ordinary one - no Ivy League education and no powerful career. But when her father tries to marry her off, she knows it's finally time to stand up for herself, despite the consequences. Now that she's cut off from the family fortune, her first challenge is to fight her attraction to her handsome new boss.

When Amy shows up looking for work with his landscaping crew, Dusty McNeil thinks there's no way such a pampered princess will ever get her hands dirty. But as Amy proves him wrong and gets down to the nitty gritty, Dusty's admiration turns to like, then lust - and then love. But can a high-society woman like Amy ever fall for a man like him?

Excerpt:

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Foolish Bride by A.S. Fenichel (Review)

I decided to take a chance on the Foolish Bride. The first book in the series was so-so, but showed promise to the series. We met Elinor in Tainted Bride. She's portrayed as a ditz in the first book, so thinking it might be interesting. Anyway, she's been burned by Sir Michael Rollins, and she had to withstand some scandal. However, the final straw was when he called off the wedding, because he wasn't whole. Basically lashed out her, instead explaining that he might be able to father children in a rational way. I totally get it, he was angry at the world, and her father didn't help the situation at all.

Anyway, she decides she's done playing the flighty airhead, and decides she wants a backbone. I struggle with this transition, because she started to lash out at everyone too. Tis a good thing she has good friends who stood by her side even when she was being a B. Once Michael came to his senses, all he ever wanted was Elinor's happiness. He might not have handle the situation with tact, but he did love her enough to let her go. However, things start to look up and he feels that he good be the man she needs. Yet, there are few challenges and obstacles ahead. You the know the road to true love isn't always the easiest.

All right, I almost gave up Foolish Bride. I seriously didn't like Elinor's attitude. She was kind of cruel and mean. I did press forward with the story, because I did like Michael. Both of the characters did grow as the story continues and they learn to love the people they have molded. Actually, it wasn't until about halfway through the story I had a change of heart on my feelings. I did start to enjoy the story. The beginning was a little rough for me, but it was a pretty good ending. Plus, the story got good during and after the house party. Overall, I liked Foolish Bride. I'm glad I stuck with the story.

Copy provided by Lyrical Press via NetGalley

Rating:
4 Stars

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Forever Romance Spotlight + Excerpt + Giveaway: The Highland Duke by Amy Jarecki


THE HIGHLAND DUKE
Lords of the Highlands, #1
 Amy Jarecki
Forever
March 28, 2017




Blurb

Indie author Amy Jarecki makes her print debut with a brand-new series about rugged Highland lords.

She'll put her life on the line for him . . .

When Akira Ayres finds the brawny Scot with a musket ball in his thigh, the healer has no qualms about doing whatever it takes to save his life. Even if it means fleeing with him across the Highlands to tend to his wounds while English redcoats are closing in. Though Akira is as fierce and brave as any of her clansmen, even she's intimidated by the fearsome, brutally handsome Highlander who refuses to reveal his name.

Yet she can never learn his true identity.

Geordie knows if Akira ever discovers he's the Duke of Gordon, both her life and his will be forfeit in a heartbeat. The only way to keep the lass safe is to ensure she's by his side day and night. But the longer he's with her, the harder it becomes to think of letting her go. Despite all their differences, despite the danger-he will face death itself to make her his . . .

Excerpt:

Monday, March 27, 2017

Hard Justice by Lori Foster (Review)

I actually had a hard time with this cover. I was thinking, dude this isn't how I picture Justice. The deeper I got into the story, I was like okay now it make sense. Now to get the good stuff of Hard Justice. We learn that Justice is still having a hard time coping he's no longer MMA fighter. He still believes he has some fight in him, but he knows he's never going to be a great one. He's slowly accepting the fact that he's going to be a bodyguard. Now he's getting to his second assignment which involves Fallon Wade.

Justice is trying ever so hard to keep it all professional, but he seems something in her. However, he's trying to have the hands off in his mind. While Fallon is trying to spread her wings cause she's led a shelter life. At first they have a communication issues. He's trying to do his job, while she wants to have fun. On top of that Fallon is trying to find herself, because she hasn't much experience in life. The one time she did, well, it didn't go too well.

I adore Justice, because deep down he's a big ol' teddy bear that can kill if needed. Fallon is so sweet and innocent. I enjoyed Hard Justice. I'm excited about this series. I like that you see the guys come help Justice when he needs a little more help. Overall, I thought this was a pretty good read, and I can't wait for more.

Copy provided by Harlequin via NetGalley

Rating:
4 Stars

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Barclay Publicity Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: Legally Charming by Lauren Smith


A workaholic lawyer comes home during a Halloween party and finds a princess sleeping in his bed. Find out what happens next in LEGALLY CHARMING, first in Lauren Smith’s newest #contemporaryromance #newadultromance series, Ever After!




Synopsis:

THE RIGHT DRESS CAN CATCH THE EYE OF PRINCE CHARMING…

Felicity Hart has one goal: Completing her masters in art. Falling in love isn’t part of the plan. She reluctantly agrees to attend a Halloween party with her best friend. After sneaking away from the party and falling asleep in an unoccupied room, she wakes to the sexiest pair of eyes she’s ever seen. Eyes that belong to the one man who could turn her well organized world upside down. When he flashes that wicked, panty-melting smile at her the vow to not fall in love seems impossible…

EVERY PRINCE IS LOOKING FOR HIS SLEEPING BEAUTY TO KISS…

Jared Redmond used to be the ultimate bad boy. But now his legal career is taking off and the partners of his firm are trusting him with high-dollar real estate transactions. Jared’s king-size bed is empty. But when he arrives home on Halloween to find a princess sleeping in his bed – his all work and no play attitude goes out the window. There’s nothing he wants more than to explore the hidden desires of this mysterious beauty and show her just how much of a bad boy he really is by fulfilling her every fantasy.

WHEN MIDNIGHT STRIKES AND COACHES TURN TO PUMPKINS…


Underneath the glitter of this fairy tale romance, Felicity and Jared might have found true love. But the mounting pressure of their real lives takes hold again and Jared and Felicity are pulled further and further apart. Can they find their fairy tale ending or will they be left with the dying embers of what could have been?

My Thoughts:

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Starlight Bridge by Debbie Mason (Review)

A few weeks ago I read Starlight Bridge, and I thought I was going to hate the story, because of one of the character. The problem was she's a secondary character, but at the same time she kind of plays a major role in Griffin Gallagher's life. Seriously, I wanted to throat punched Lexi. I wanted to throat punched her for most of the book. To top it all off she's pregnant, so I was torn because of her character. However, the urge to throat puncher was overwhelming. As the reader I shouldn't be focusing on Lexi, but more on Ava and Griffin's second chance at love. Even then I wasn't sure how I felt about that. Yes, Griff should have probably have tried to figured out why his wife loved him so much then all of the sudden wants a divorce. Then again they were young and both a little hot headed.

Don't get me wrong I did like Ava and Griffin's reunited love, but every chance they would draw closer so one would try to tear them apart. I didn't have a problem with Colleen as the ghost, because she's the only one who was on team Ava.

Overall, Starlight Bridge wasn't a bad read once the situation with Lexi got taken care of. How it was handle was a bit overdramatic. I didn't have problem wanting to throat punch Lexi, but having her redeemable was a little too much. I liked Griff and Ava, and they are good together. So far, the Harmony Harbor books aren't grabbing my attention like her Christmas books. I'm not sure I want to continue. On one side I do, because I have to see Colleen get to her final resting place, but at the same time, do I want to deal with the series. There are a ton of people who love this series. I don't know.

Copy provided by Forever Romance

Rating:
3 Stars


Saturday, March 18, 2017

Tease Me, Baby by Katie Reus (Review)

Tease Me, Baby is a super quick read with Fallon O'Connor and Brad Fulton. This insta-love kind of read is super fast. Basically Fallon is about ready to leave, but is having doubts. Brad is determine to get with her no matter how much time they have together. Seriously, that's the gist of the story.

Anyway, this read is sweet and steamy. Wholly moly was there heat packed in quickly. Brad and Fallon are trying to find the right footing for there insta-relationship. Overall, Tease Me, Baby was cute. Not overly steam, but not completely clean for those who like clean romance. But perfect who are looking for that super quick read and need a little heat.

Copy provided by author.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Nocturne by Elizabeth Ellen Carter (Review)

I had a chance to read Nocturne by Elizabeth Ellen Carter. Honestly, I don't know how I feel about the story. I finished last week and I'm still processing. Nocturne wasn't bad story, but it also didn't stand out to me. I tried to see where it's categorized as in the romance-land, and it came out to be a gothic romance. I can see where you people see that. I mean the location is kind of dark and dreary with sinister feel. The heroine Elle not sure how she fits into the picture as the new governess. We also have the hero Thomas who is a shadow of himself living with his brother who happens to be the Earl. Then I also felt that it wanted to go in an inspirational kind of read, but never quite did. There were phrases that kind of made me think that.

Like I said Nocturne wasn't a bad read, but didn't wow me. I think story probably should have been longer, but it is what it is. There are those who loved the story. It's more like meh to me.

Copy provided.

Rating:
3 Stars

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Audiobook: Deadly Obsession by Katie Reus (Review)

A couple weeks ago I had a chance to listen to Deadly Obsession by Katie Reus. Okay this has been sitting my audible collection for sometime, and I'm finally getting to it. I wanted a little suspense in my life. Oh man, the bad guy is super creepy and a freak. I honestly didn't know who the dude was till the end. However, he was one messed up kind of dude who had an obsession for Lily Carmichael.

Now Lily is suffering from PTSD, and is trying to cover her issues. By the way this got on my nerves and the reason she left the area. How she handled the situation was pretty messed up when she broke up with Braden Donnelly. She should have told him and let him believe her or been dick. We don't know what he would have done, because she never gave him a chance.

Basically, she comes home for her aunt's funeral, and a bunch of things start to happen that put her life in danger. Of course this draws Lily and Braden together. They try to figure out what the heck is going, and at the same time solve a problem that has been bugging Braden.

Lily kind of bugged me, because she had this need to prove that she can do it on her own attitude. I get that she wanted to prove that she was strong, but it drove me nuts. I like Braden, because he had a good head on his shoulders. Plus, he didn't want to get hurt by Lily again, after all he did get burned.

Okay, the story was super creepy. The narrator, Eliza Foss, does an amazing job with this story. There were times I was glad I was listening to the story during the day. She was able to capture each of the characters voice. The villain's voice still creeps me out. She would be someone I would be willing to listen read another suspense story.

Overall, I liked Deadly Obsession. I had to listen to the story, and I wanted to know who the killer was. However, this is an older Katie Reus book, and it might not have the same feel as her newer books. I still enjoyed the story, and would be willing to listen to it again.

Copy provided by author.

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Forever Romance Spotlight + Excerpt + Giveaway: Starlight Bridge by Debbie Mason


STARLIGHT BRIDGE
Harmony Harbor, #2
Debbie Mason
Forever
February 28, 2017




A second chance for romance...

Hidden in Graystone Manor is a book containing all the dark secrets of Harmony Harbor, and Ava DiRossi is determined to find it. No one—especially not her ex-husband, Griffin Gallagher—can ever discover what really tore her life apart all those years ago. With Griffin back in town, it's more important than ever that she find the book before someone else does. Because her ex is still angry with her for leaving him. And he still has no idea Ava never stopped loving him...

Ava is no longer the vibrant, happy woman Griffin had once loved and married, and he would do anything to bring back the sparkle to her brilliant green eyes. But what's never changed are the sexy sparks of attraction between Ava and Griffin, and he won't give her up again without a fight. He knows there's the real possibility of a future together...if the truth doesn't burn the bridge between them forever.

Excerpt:

Saturday, March 4, 2017

InkSlinger PR Excerpt + Review + Giveaway: Blush for Me by Kristen Proby


From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby, comes a steamy new standalone romance in her bestselling Fusion Series…
BLUSH FOR ME!



About BLUSH FOR ME:


New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby continues to delight the senses with the latest novel in her delectable Fusion series.


As the take-charge wine bar manager of Seduction, Portland's hottest new restaurant, Katrina Meyers is the definition of no-nonsense, and she isn't afraid of anything. Well, almost anything: she hates to fly. When she's forced to travel on a death trap with wings, the turbulence from hell has her reaching for any safe haven—including the incredibly handsome guy sitting next to her.

Ryan "Mac" MacKenzie hasn't been able to get his sexy seatmate out of his head. The way she clung to him stirred something inside him he didn't think existed: tenderness. As the owner of a successful wine touring company, Mac thinks he's got a handle on what life can throw at him and he's not prepared for any surprises, especially in the feelings department. And when he brings a tour into Seduction, he sees the petite spitfire he just can't forget.

Mac is determined to discover what else they have in common besides fine wine and the inability to keep their hands off each other. But what will it take for two stubborn people to realize that what they have is so much more than a hot chemistry between the sheets and to admit to falling in love…?

Excerpt:

InkSlinger PR Review + Giveaway: Mastering Her Senses by Laura Kaye

 

Decadent… Sensual… Forbidden…

12 Masters. 12 Desires. 12 Fantasies Come to Life. Meet the Masters of Blasphemy…






About MASTERING HER SENSES (Blasphemy #2, 2/21/17):



12 Masters. Infinite fantasies. Welcome to Blasphemy…

He wants to dominate her senses—and her heart…


Quinton Ross has always been a thrill-seeker—so it’s no surprise that he’s drawn to extremes in the bedroom and at his BDSM club, Blasphemy, where he creates sense-depriving scenarios that blow submissives’ minds. Now if he could just find one who needs the rush as much as him…

When an accident leaves Cassia Locke with a paralyzing fear of the dark, she’ll try anything to get help. Ready to fight, she knows just who to ask for help—the hard-bodied, funny-as-hell Dom she’d always crushed on—and once stood up.

Quinton is shocked and a little leery to see Cassia, but he can’t pass up the chance to dominate the alluring little sub this time. Introducing her to sensory deprivation becomes his new favorite obsession, and watching her fight fear is its own thrill. But when doubt threatens to send her running again, Quinton must find a way to master her senses—and her heart.

My Thoughts:

Friday, March 3, 2017

Tasty Book Tours Guest Feature + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: His Cowboy Heart by Jennifer Ryan



Meet My Hero


Ford Kendrick is a genuine nice guy, trying to do the best he can for his family, ranch, and the woman he loves, even when he sends her away for her own good. It’s a sacrifice he’s willing to make for her happiness. But when she returns broken in heart and soul, he’ll do everything he can, even if it’s to just be the friend she desperately needs. Ford isn’t about to give up on Jamie until she’s well and happy again. His patience, unwavering dedication to her recovery, and steadfast resolve to push her to be better and give her a helping hand when things don’t go her way all help Jamie to overcome her obstacles. But it’s his love through the good times and bad that bring them back together.

His Cowboy Heart
Montana Men #6
By: Jennifer Ryan
Releasing February 21, 2017
Avon Books





Blurb

Bound by honor and by love…
That’s a Montana Man

Ford Kendrick has often dreamed of the day that Jamie Keller would come home to Montana. After high school, she needed to leave—and he, duty-bound to rescue his family’s ranch, pushed her to go. The Army made Jamie a hero, but Ford still sees the gorgeous, loving woman who lit up his whole world.

Every day since she left, Jamie has longed for Ford. One glimpse confirms it: the sexy, dangerous-looking cowboy left a hole in her heart that nothing else can fill. Yet the battle scars she bears—inside and out—won’t let her trust anyone enough to get close.

Ford wants to bring Jamie back to the life they dreamed of building. But locked somewhere in her memories is a dark truth that threatens her safety. It’s a battle Ford won’t let her fight alone, not when he’s determined to keep her by his side, now and always… 

My Thoughts:

Thursday, March 2, 2017

RockStar PR Spotlight + Review: Going Down Hard by Carly Phillips

Going Down Hard
Billionaire Bad Boys #3

Carly Phillips
October 11, 2016

Blurb:

A stand-alone Billionaire Bad Boys novel.

Billionaire Bad Boys: Rich, Powerful and sexy as hell.

Derek West rose from poverty to take the tech world by storm. He's sexy, confident and gets any woman he wants. And who he wants is Cassie Storm, the rich girl he’s never been good enough for.

She’s desperate to save her family company and there’s only one man who can help. But Derek isn’t interested in helping. He wants to possess both the company and the woman he’s never been able to forget.

His plan? To screw her out of his head. Except once he’s had a taste of Cassie, he doesn’t want to let her go. Her family remembers where he came from, and they won’t allow it. When the truth about their pasts comes to light, though, it may be Cassie who’s going down hard.

My Thoughts:

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Tasty Book Tours Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Perfect for You by Candis Terry


Perfect For You
Sunshine Creek Vineyard #2
By: Candis Terry
Releasing February 28, 2017
Avon Books






Blurb
Meet the Kincade brothers: they’ll do what it takes to protect their legacy--but what happens when love gets in the way?


Declan Kincade has spent so much time chasing success he’s almost forgotten how to just live. Lately though, his all-business routine has been thrown into disarray. Brooke Hastings is the best employee Dec’s ever had: polished, capable, and intelligent. After four years, he’s just realized that she’s also smoking hot. But their working relationship is too valuable to stake on a fling, no matter how mind-bendingly pleasurable it promises to be.

What’s worse than never meeting the right man? Finding him, and then working side-by-side every day while he remains absolutely blind to your existence. That is, until one temptation-packed road-trip changes everything. Teaching her gorgeous, driven boss how to cut loose and have fun is the toughest challenge Brooke’s ever faced. But it’s one that could give both of them exactly what they need, if Dec will take a chance on a perfect—and perfectly unexpected—love.

My Thoughts: