The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig (Review)

About 10 years ago I purchased The Secret History of the Pink Carnation, I'm a sucker for a pretty cover. It wasn't even the original cover, but the reprint. The story was published back 2006, and I happen to stumble upon the reprint. I started the story, and felt the story dragged. It wasn't what I was expecting at the time, and I thought it was boring. I put the book down, because it wasn't calling my name. However, I did go back to the story, and story does pick up. 

Now fast forward to the present. I have read majority of the books in the series. Actually loved the series, but stories weren't coming out fast enough, so I had to put the series on the back burner. Life got ahead of me, so I never finished the series. I decided to make it my goal this year to finish the series, but I have to go backwards before going forward. Here I am starting the series again, and starting with The Secret History of the Pink Carnation. 

What makes this series an interesting one is the fact we start off in the present with Eloise Kelly trying to do a dissertation on the Pink Carnation, but she's blocked by one of the ancestors of the story Colin Selwick. Eloise finds away to read about the Pink Carnation, and begins the story of Amy Balcourt and Lord Richard Selwick. The story stays mainly with them. We see how many puts forth her dream in being in a league with Purple Gentian. We watch it transfer back to the present.

When I first read this book, it was an okay read, and I struggle. I eventually finished it and was emotionally invested with Eloise and Colin. Their story continues even after Amy and Richard find happiness. This go around, I found myself enjoying the story a lot more than I did when I first read the story. The Secret History of the Pink Carnation is not for everyone. If you have a the patience to stick out the story you might enjoy it. Also, if you are looking for a historical accurate story, this is not your story. If you are needing an escape you might want to take an adventure with Amy and Richard. 

Purchased this book years ago.

Rating: 4 Stars

Mr. Malcolm's List by Suzanne Allain (Review)

I have to say that Mr. Malcolm's List by Suzanne Allain is a cute read. Those who like their historical romance reads to be accurate might want to take a pass on this story. However, if you are looking for something light and kind of fluffy, you might enjoy Mr. Malcolm's List.

Okay we have Jeremy Malcolm who has a list of what he wants in a wife. He plans to stick with it. However, his friends sister took offense to not being even worthy to garner his attention that she cooks up a plan to use one of her friends to take down Mr. Malcolm. This is where we meet Selina Dalton. Selina is a vicar's daughter, which makes her unlikely to deceive Mr. Malcolm. Actually, she wasn't a big fan of the plan from the beginning.

Mr. Malcolm was pompous, but he did feel something for Selina. However, Julia tried to play fast on loose with her friendship with Selina, and almost cost Selina everything. I felt that Selina was a pawn throughout the book, and I felt bad for her.

Overall, I liked the story, and it's definitely not for everyone. When I opened my thoughts, those who are wanting more close to historical accurate aren't going to like this story. If you are looking for something that is light, you found it in Mr. Malcolm's List.

Copy provided by Berkley via NetGalley

Rating:
4 Stars

Dare to Lie by Jen McLaughlin (Review)

First off, lets talk about the cover of Dare to Lie. Seriously, it is drool worthy. Sigh. Okay, moving on. We finally get to Scotty Donahue. Scotty wanted to make a change, and clean up Steel Row, which is a tough rode ahead. Anyway, working for the DEA he felt he could. Now the leader of Son's needs a favor done, and he felt that Scotty would be perfect to watch over his baby sister.

Okay, I struggle with the beginning of this story. I wasn't sure I was going to finish the story, but I press forward. Dare to Lie did get better as the story moved on. I really enjoyed the end of the story. However, getting to the end was a little of a struggle. I liked Scotty and Sky together. It was struggle for them to be together. Overall, it was an okay read.

Copy provided by Berkley via NetGalley

Rating:
3 Stars

Dirty Scoundrel by Jessica Clare (Review)

Totally loved the cover of Dirty Scoundrel, and I also heard good things about this story, so it was a heck yeah. I didn't know what I was getting into when I started to read. All I heard was the hero was a bit of a jerk. Okay, I have a weakness for jerky heroes that redeem themselves by the end.

Okay, Clay Price is a real jerk at the beginning, but you know what I can understand where he was coming from. Deep down he wasn't an a-hole hero. I don't think he knows how to be one. Anyway, he went into Natalie Weston's home turf to show her who was boss and give her what she was missing, and leave. Yes, that sounds really bad. His intentions are pretty awful, but deep down he's a good guy, just a dumbass for a bit.

Natalie is pretty sweet, and still the same person, but has falling on hard times. She can't refuse Clay's indecent proposal, because it would give her the stability she hasn't had in years.

I liked Dirty Scoundrel, because both Natalie and Clay feel that they are the injured party, and technically they are due to someone else's machinations. They don't realize at the time. However, they both needed to grow and mature. I like how they eventually figure out what the heck happen and where their love went wrong. I like this second chance revenge love story. Yes, Clay went into planning to be dick, and prove he doesn't need Natalie. Natalie is a victim during this story. I felt so bad for her, she was a pawn. Fortunately, everything works out, and all the wrongs are rectify. Overall, Dirty Scoundrel was a pretty good read, and there are some heartbreaking moments. However, a satisfying read. I can't wait for more in this series.

Copy provided by Berkley

Rating:
 4 Stars

Author's Pal Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Loving You Easy by Roni Loren

Loving You Easy

Loving on the Edge, 9

Roni Loren

Berkley

Sept 6, 2016

Blurb

Three lovers really click in the latest from the New York Times bestselling author of Call on Me—
Cora has an amazing sex life. She’s beautiful, daring, and the most popular submissive in Hayven. Too bad none of it’s real...

IT specialist Cora Benning has figured out the key to her formerly disastrous love life—make it virtual. In the online world of Hayven, she’s free of her geek girl image and can indulge her most private fantasies with a sexy, mysterious master without anyone in her life discovering her secrets. Until her information is hacked and she finds herself working to fix the breach under two very powerful men—one who seems all too familiar...

Best friends and business partners Ren Muroya and Hayes Fox were once revered dominants. Then Hayes was wrongfully sent to prison and everything changed. Ren wants to get back to who they were. Hayes can’t risk it. But when they discover the new IT specialist is their online fascination, and that she’s never felt a dominant’s touch, the temptation to turn virtual into reality becomes all too great…

My Thoughts:

Tame the Shame (Blogger Shame Review Challenge): Yours All Along by Roni Loren

Yeah, not doing so hot on this challenge. I'm going to blame my move. Yep, that is it. Well, this is number three in taming that shame. Woo-hoo! I'm hoping to get another done by the end of the month. Anyway, here is today's shame selection Yours All Along by Roni Loren. 

Dare to Stay by Jen McLaughlin (Review)

Before proceeding any further, you must read Dare to Run, because Dare to Stay picks up after a certain point. You have to read Dare to Run to understand why Chris is trying to break apart his road to hell. Stop right here, because there is a spoiler from the previous book. Sorry, it has to happen, because it's the starting point of Dare to Stay.

Chris was perfectly fine with building his personal road to hell. Hell he didn't mind lay brick by brick, but when he realize what he had become after Dare to Run he decided it was time to atone for his crime. Yeah, when you try to kill your best friend/blood-brother and make it look like his brother his brother was trying to off him is a pretty low point in life. Yep, my mouth dropped when I read that and that was when I knew I had to continue with the series, I had to find out how Chris's story played out. So, glad I did. Yes, I was a little hesitant at first, because I did have a rough start with Dare to Run, but Dare to Stay excellent read. I mean Jen had me at the beginning with Chris basically dying in the alley when Molly stumble upon him, and she decided to take him in. Granted it probably wasn't the best idea of Molly, I mean her father died by a thug. However, she felt this was a sign from her father to help Chris out. She definitely need a change in her life. Haha, I bet she never expected this.

Chris and Molly are polar opposites. She's sweet, bubbly, and light shines all around her, while Chris is dark, dangerous, and everything he touches dies. However, he would love to have a little light in his life even though he doesn't deserve that. However, throughout the story he aims to do things right through Scotty, Lucas's brother.

All right, Dare to Stay is pretty awesome. We get to see more of Chris's good side. You would never know he had one, but starts to show it. Yes, he's still a ruthless killer, but now he only kills if he has to. Molly makes him a better person. Miss Sunshine is great influence on Chris. She doesn't change herself to be with Chris; she tends to be her same self, which is pretty awesome. The Sons of Steel Row is something to keep an eye out on. This is a series you can't pick up in the middle, you have to read from book one. Granted you wouldn't be totally lost. If you are into dirty, gritty, underworld, gangs, The Sons of Steel Row might be your kind of read.

Copy provide by Berkley via NetGalley

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Author's Pal Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Wanderlust by Roni Loren

Wanderlust

Roni Loren 

July 19, 2016

InterMix

Book Blurb:

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Loving on the Edge series and Off the Clock, a story of sex, love, rock & roll, and a reporter who’s about to learn a new meaning for staying on top of her assignment...

Restaurant critic Aubrey Bordelon is never at a loss for words to describe her meals in the fancy restaurants of New Orleans. But after her magazine’s high-profile music reporter falls ill, she finds herself out of her element and in a sea of screaming fans awaiting Wanderlust’s lead singer, Lex Logan. The sound of his voice gives her goosebumps, and the stage presence of the hard-bodied rock star takes her breath away. So when he pulls her onstage for a sexy stunt, she knows she’s in real trouble.

Lex doesn’t want to pretend that the sparks on stage between him and Aubrey never happened, but it certainly makes the fact that she’s writing a story on his band all the more dangerous. The last thing he needs is some nosy reporter revealing their problems to the world. But the sexy Southern belle doesn’t give up easily, and soon, he’s wondering if the best way to chase her off the story is to coax her into his bed…

My Thoughts:

The Wicked Duke by Madeline Hunter (Review)

First off, I haven't read the previous book. I actually have them, because Herding Cats & Burning Soup glowed about these books, also I LOVE the covers. They are sitting in a box getting ready to move to Oklahoma with me. Anyway, I can't honestly tell you that if it would be beneficial to read the previous books or not. How I felt you could read this book without worrying.

As you read the story, you learn that Lance lived the life of the spare. Half the time he didn't remember what he was doing. He eventually found himself with the Dukedom and the prime suspect of murder. Sucks to be him. Basically, he's been living like a monk. No more, and try to find out who killed his brother. That's pretty much what's going on. How does Marianne Radley playing into this story. Well, her loving wonderful uncle decides he's going to blackmail Lance into marrying one of his relations. Isn't he so wonderful? He would prefer his own daughter, but she has a few issues. Lucky for him he has a wonderful niece. I adore Lance, because he refused to be coerce into marriage. The best way to scare off a young lady would be his natural self. Now Marianne is a unique young woman, who doesn't frighten easily. Honestly, they should have come to understanding, but that would be too simple. Basically these two play a game of cat and mouse, which never ends well with two people trying not to marry anyone.

Overall, I did like these two characters. I liked how they started to work together to figure out who killed his brother. However, we learn a lot about his brother and looks are not always what they seem to be. Even though Lance was wild and wicked, you knew who he was up front. I didn't like Marianne's uncle. He was definitely a piece of work. He makes my crazy Uncle Joe look like a decent guy, and that's bad. Honestly, I didn't think Lance was all that wicked, especially when you got to know his decease brother. If you are looking for something to read, you might consider The Wicked Duke.

Copy provided by Berkley via NetGalley.

Rating:
4 Stars

InkSlinger PR Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Take Me Home Tonight by Erika Kelly

 

Erika Kelly's TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT is rocking readers' worlds everywhere! We can't wait for you to get your hands on it. Known for passionate heroes and strong women, book 3 in Erika's Rock Star Romance Series, TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT, is no different! Check out everything we have for you on this amazing title and then go grab your copy today. Calix and Mimi's story is sure to please and keep you turning pages long into the night!

 

About TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT:

A rocker gets a taste of unexpected passion in the latest red-hot Rock Star Romance from the award-winning author of I Want You to Want Me.

Calix Bourbon might seem like a free spirit, but that’s all a front. In reality he’s just trying to keep his fractured family together while working as a session musician. When Blue Fire hires him to replace their keyboardist, Calix is determined to make the most of the opportunity—but he can’t help being distracted by the band’s sexy personal chef.

Mimi’s temporary gig is great, but she has her heart set on auditioning for a televised cooking show. There’s just one problem: she only has a week to acquire the skills necessary to survive the competition. Luckily, the band’s new keyboard player can teach her exactly what she needs, in the kitchen and in the bedroom...

My Thoughts:

All They Ever Wanted by Tracy Solheim (Review)

So, reading All They Ever Wanted by Tracy Solheim took a little longer than I expected. Nothing is wrong with this story, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Life wasn't working with me, so it took a little longer than expected. Okay, I haven't read Back to Before, but I totally want too. Yes, there are a few of the characters that would be found in the first book. It might help, because the story is moving forward. However, it's pretty easy to pick up the story from All They Ever Wanted, because the story focuses more on Miles McAlister and Lori Hunt. Lets get started.

Miles is politically driven and would do practically anything to make his political career the best. However, his family has a few skeletons that kind popped up and I'm guessing the first book. Best way to describe him he's politically driven. He projects himself as someone who is doing right. When he comes across Lori, he doesn't trust her.

Okay, Lori is hiding a big secret. Oh my gosh, I was dying to know what it is and how it could harm the McAlister. Boy it's a juicy secret, and we get tidbits here and there. It isn't until we draw closer to the end when we find out the whopper of a secret. It's scandalous and it made me feel bad for Lori. I hate when people judge to a person cause of their parent. People would have judge Lori, because of her family. I could understand why she kept her secret. I admire Lori for what she did, because she wasn't doing it out of selfishness, but out of love for someone.

A pretty amazing story. We have Lori and Miles pretty much at each others throats. Miles wondering what kind of secret Lori is hiding and Lori trying to keep her secret from leaking out and causing harm to the McAlister family. You have Miles who has no desire to love another again after his first love, but it has a way of seeking in when least expected it. There is so much in the story. I mean you have McAlister's family dynamics, Miles and Lori's attraction, Miles political aspiration and if he's willing to sell his soul for it. He comes close to selling his soul, good thing he has a good friend. Such a great story, and I can't wait for McAlister's. Patience was never my strong suit, I guess I will learn it. It was worth the time I spent, and I might have to reread again.

Copy provided by author

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

A Covert Affair by Katie Reus (Review)

I have love the Deadly Ops books they have been fantastic. They seem to be packed with suspense and danger. However, A Covert Affair wasn't my favorite. Don't get me wrong it was good, but it was missing a few things for me. With the previous books it started out with a bang, and had you hanging on the seat your pants. Here we go:

By the end of Edge of Danger, Ortiz is hurt badly. Scary bad. Now he's recover and about to go out on his first op after the incident. Man, Ortiz has been beat up pretty bad in this series, he definitely deserves a happy ending. Anyway, mission bound to figure out if one guy is behind the missing women in the area. He also finds out that a past relationship might have ties. Eek.

Amelia Rios and Nathan Ortiz had a relationship when they were younger. However, she ended it abruptly and Nathan never understood. Second chance love story. However, their reunion is a little harder get fixed, because 1) the mission 2) the secret Amelia has been holding on to. When Nathan finds out about the reason for Amelia breakup, he's hurt. He has to process and focus on the case.

All right, A Covert Affair was a good read, but it lacked something for me. It might be the massive explosion within the first couple of chapters or a scary car chase. There is a car chase in the story, but nothing like the previous ones. Rocky start to the reunion, which I understand need to be done. Even towards the end I wasn't satisfy. I wonder if they found Tessa or Danita, because they are mention in the book quite a bit, but I didn't see them. I guess I have to assume they were rescue and found, but still I want to know for sure. Yes, there is a little twist on person was, and I'm not sure if there is going to be any more books. The ending kind of left that open in a sense. I do hope there is more, because I love the series even if A Covert Affair isn't my fave. Katie is still a wonderful writer and her stories do grab your attention. Others have loved this one, but it was okay.

Copy provided by Berkley via NetGalley

Rating:
3 1/2 Stars

Audiobook: All I Want by Jill Shalvis (Review)

There is a downside to listening to an audiobook, actually a couple: 1) Spelling characters names right, because there can be so many variations and spelling that it could get ugly. 2) Quotes. There are some awesome quotes and unless I have a paper in front of me they aren't going to get down. However, All I Want is still a fantastic book. Seriously, can it get better than this? Technically it can, but we aren't going to focus on that. Oh no, we are going focus on the goodness of Parker and Zoe.

The last couple of books have been focusing on Stone family. Now everyone has moved out and Zoe is left with just a house. Granted everyone is still in Sunshine, but she's feeling like an empty nester and doesn't know what to do. So, when Wyatt asks if one of his buddies could stay with her, why not. The first time we meet Parker is hysterical. I mean Zoe totally mistakes him as her blind date and gives him a big old kiss. What a welcome. *Laughing hysterically* Anyway, I love Zoe. I mean she had to be the strong one when they were all growing up. Her parents were total flakes. Maybe not in the typical sense, but that their own self-importance was too much to take care of their kids. Basically, Zoe has made a fortress to protect her heart from anyone coming into radius. There is more about her fortress (of solitude). When Parker crashes into her life, he kind of turns it upside down.

Now Parker is married to his career. No one is getting in his area, because that carries too much risk. I love Parker, because he was able to get into Zoe's fortress. Even when he did handy stuff around the house, and he try to play it off that she did the job. Zoe's on to him.

HOLY MOLY do these guys get hot. Not kinky stuff, but a I need a little fan. There are some parts I'm blushing myself. Melt me into a puddle of goo. Parker is the total package, and he's trying to catch a bad guy too. This was time well spent. Plus, Karen still does an amazing job at reading All I Want. Now I totally want a story for Kel. He seems to strike out with the Stone girls. Darn it I want more Magnetism books, which I HOPE there is more. Anyway, a great time listening to All I Want.

Rating:
5 Stars

Audiobook: Still The One by Jill Shalvis (Review)

A couple of weeks ago, I finished Then Came You, and I mention that I couldn't wait to see what happens to Wyatt's sisters. Well, Still The One focuses on Darcy. In Then Came You I really liked Darcy and I couldn't wait for her. She just seem so sassy, snarky, and not a people person. She sounds like a lot of fun. Plus, she gives AJ a run for his money.

I love AJ. He's fun, carrying, and every now again he does something stupid. When it comes to Darcy, he's not the brightest. Both of them like each other, but AJ doesn't want to get involved with Darcy, because her situation reminds him of another. Actually, Darcy is a lot stronger than what AJ gives her credit for, and he slowly comes to the realization. However, it doesn't stop him from sticking his foot his mouth.

Karen does an amazing job at narrating Still The One. She has a talent making the character come to life. Jill is the one to make these characters lovable. I love these and they are fun to watch. I mean Darcy and her snark doesn't let AJ get away with anything. It's pretty cool to see how far Darcy progresses since her accident. Plus, AJ needs a little snark in his life.

Overall, Still The One is fun-filled read that has you cracking up. Yes, there is an emotional element to the story, because it makes the story oh so much better. Take a ride with AJ and Darcy and see what kind of trouble these two come up.

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Dare to Run by Jen McLaughlin (Review)

Things I absolutely LOVE: The Cover! Oh my gosh when I saw this I almost wet myself with excitement. Seriously, that is a damn sexy cover. So, I was pumped about the book and I enjoyed Jen previous books. Totally amp to start Dare to Run.

Then I started to read Dare to Run, and it was a struggle. I didn't have trouble with story being dirty and gritty, my trouble was pacing. Yes, Lucas and Heidi had a great chemistry, but Lucas would keep her at arms distance feeling he wasn't good enough. After all she looked like an angel. I think I would have been okay had Lucas straight up told Heidi she was in eminent danger instead of being so damn secretive. She knew who he was and what gang he belonged, so it would be such a stretch. Instead she felt more like a prisoner at times.

There were times I had to ask myself why am I continuing the story. We saw a lot of Heidi's thoughts with "oh my gosh he's so hot, but he's trouble I can't get involved with him." Those aren't the actual words, but close enough. Then we have Lucas saying similar things, "I can't involved with her, because she's too good for me." Vital information here: past experience equal out the playing field, but both are closed mouth.

The parts that I enjoyed the most were the parts he thought his brother, Scotty, was trying to kill him. I'm thinking oh damn that's fucked up, but still add a little action. I also liked when his best friend, Chris, would pop in here and there.

I was about to blow this book, but it was a last 25% where it started to get good. The last portion of Dare to Run had me and I had to find out what the hey is going on. Things start to go down and I wonder how the hell the next book is going to play out, because of everything that went down in Dare to Run. Chris is an interesting character to say the least and I'm curious.

Overall, Dare to Run rough start and I almost gave up. I didn't mind Lucas's cocky, asshole personal, but when he found his week spot for Heidi it was all downhill for him. I liked Heidi, because her bullshit reader didn't stand Lucas's asshole personal (granted on some level it wasn't all played up). Not a bad read, and I hope that the rest gets better.

Copy provided by Berkley via NetGalley

Rating:
3 Stars

Off the Clock by Roni Loren (Review)

Last week I was suppose to post a review, but life wasn't working with me. I had plan to read this book while on the plane to California. However, things happen like I started getting a splitting headache and to top it all off I just didn't want the guy who was sitting next to me read over my shoulders. Granted it wasn't likely, but a possibility. This isn't a story you want to read when others are around, unless you have the ability to mask the flush. Which I have no talent, so those hot and heavy scenes would have caused me to flush around so many people. Yep, I'm a wuss, and I'm okay with that. Plus, who really wants to feel hot and bother around other people?

Roni Loren can do no wrong when it comes to heavy, heated reads. Get ready people and turn on the fan, cold shower, or whatever cools you down, because Roni brings the heat into her new book Off the Clock. Talk about starting a series with a bang, here we meet Marin Rush who is a student when she first meets Donovan West. They have instant chemistry. Eventually they acted upon the instinct, then Donovan kind of freaks out when he realizes Marin is a virgin, which causes her to run off. They don't see each for 10 years later where they become colleagues at The Grove. During the 10 years they each had pave their own paths. For instance Marin had to basically raise her little brother after their mother's death, while Donovan was making his way as the Orgasm Whisperer. So, when they meet up again Donovan can't seem to get Marin out of his mind even though they are colleagues. Plus, he's screwed up, and believes he's unable to love anyone. He also believes once he slacks off some of his lust for Marin he will be cured of her. This is where we see some kinky, hot stuff.

Okay, Off the Clock isn't for those who don't like sex in their reads. There are some hot, heavy scenes that will have wanting the cold winter air. So, if this sounds like your kind of fun, you might want to have at it. If you are prone to blushing you might want to keep this read no where near the public, because it will get you all hot and bother, and aching for cold shower. Plus, it gives you a glimpse of some of the characters at The Grove and I can't wait to see what happens next. At end of the book there is a quick little story that stars two characters in the story and they get a happy ending. The two characters are cute together, and both memorable patients. If you need a little steam look no further and give Off the Clock a go.

Copy provided by Berkley via NetGalley

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Audiobook: Then Came You by Jill Shalvis (Review)

I love Jill's stories, and I adore her Animal Magnetism books. Plus, Karen White does an amazing job with reading these books. However, I struggle with Then Came You. My problem stemmed from Emily. Don't get me wrong she's a sweet kind girl, but there is only so much I'm counting down until I get the hell out of here before you want to hurt a person. I should be more sympathetic towards Emily, because I was like her when I first moved to Montana. I guess I can start to see why it's annoying. It just seem like every five minutes she was telling Wyatt or anyone else that she's getting out of there once her year of torture was up. That got on my nerves.

Basically, Emily gets a internship in Sunshine and she was hoping for LA instead. I can understand that I mean glitz and glam, and chance to meet a celebrity while helping their pooch. However, that wasn't in her cards, nope she gets stuck in Sunshine. The best part was when she comes across Wyatt, who happen to be a one night stand in Reno at a Veterinarian Conference. I loved that she accused him of stalking her. Priceless. Anyway, they make everything clear that what happen in Reno stays in Reno, but I always thought it was Vegas. However, their attractions have other plans and they basically get together, but not really. They are just having fun, after all she's leaving at the end of her year so why bother making it more than fun.

My problem with Emily was she wanted Wyatt to open up to her, but she kept saying she was leaving at end of her year. Now, I have no problem with wanting to leave, I completely understand after all I'm a California girl too, and we Southern Cal's tend think it's the best part of the state. We are a hard headed breed. I can understand why Wyatt didn't want to open completely up to Emily, because she had automatically started put an end date in place why bother getting to know a person if you there's an expiration date. I totally get that Emily felt the need to take care of family, but it was time for her let go and see what happens. It's hard for an enabler to let go and let the others make their own mistakes, but Emily was hurting herself too. She didn't see that most of the time, I'm glad her sister put in perspective. However, Emily being hardheaded, it took a few times.

Now Wyatt. Oh my gosh, love the guy. He was so sweet and carrying, and absolutely yummy. He was hot nerd who loves animals. The reason I love him so much was he never wanted to take anyone's choice away, which stems from how he grew up. His parents were ambassadors and they would end up moving all the time, which he never got a say. He didn't want to take away someone else choice. This infuriated Emily, because she thought knowing what was right and telling the person they should do the right thing was the right thing to do. This was hard for Emily to learn; that whole being an enabler conflicts with giving others a choice.

Overall, Then Came You still has that light fun you will find in other Jill Shalvis books. Yes, I struggle with Emily throughout the book. Seriously, I wanted to smack her upside the head more than once. Adore Wyatt. He's the it guy. The man had patience to put up with Emily's "I'm leaving in a year." I can't wait to see what happens with Wyatt's sisters. Karen does an amazing job with the characters in Then Came You.

Rating:
3 1/2 Stars

Author's Pal Spotlight + Excerpt + Giveaway: Off the Clock by RoniLoren

Off The Clock

Pleasure Principle, 1

Roni Loren

Berkley 

January 5, 2016

Book Blurb:

FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE LOVING ON THE EDGE NOVELS, THE FIRST IN A SENSUAL NEW SERIES

Overtime has never felt so good…

Marin Rush loves studying sex. Doing it? That’s another story. In the research lab, Marin’s lack of practical knowledge didn’t matter, but now that she’s landed a job at The Grove, a high-end, experimental sex therapy institute, she can’t ignore the fact that the person most in need of sexual healing may be her.

Dr. Donovan West, her new hotshot colleague, couldn’t agree more. Donovan knows that Marin’s clients are going to eat her alive unless she gets some hands-on experience. And if she fails at the job, he can say goodbye to a promotion, so he assigns her a list of R-rated tasks to prepare her for the wild clientele of The Grove’s X-wing.

But some of those tasks are built for two, and when he finds Marin searching for a candidate to help her check off her list, Donovan decides there’s only one man for the job—him. As long as they keep their erotic, off-the-clock activities strictly confidential and without strings, no one will get fired—or worse, get attached…

Excerpt: 

2015 Top Picks & Honorable Mention Reads

Last year was a little hard to make the favorite reads, since I was working mainly from my iPad for the holidays. So, I forgo the list. Since this year I was home I had decided to make my list. I decided to go month by month for my list, so here we go:

January:

Author's Pal Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Break Me Down by Roni Loren

Break Me Down

Loving on the Edge, 8.5

Roni Loren

InterMix

October 27, 2015

Book Blurb:

The New York Times bestselling author of Call on Me invites you to discover the thrill of control as one couple wrestles for power in and out of the bedroom…

Samantha Dunbar needs to forget Gibson Andrews. When he trained her to be a domme, she experienced just how hot things could get with the sexy executive. She was ready to hand him everything—including her heart. But Gibson backed away, declaring them incompatible. He’s a dominant, and Sam’s no submissive.

But after an attack shakes Sam to her core, Gibson tracks her down at her family’s rundown farmhouse and makes her an offer. He’ll stay the week and be hers in every way—a helping hand for the renovation and a willing lover in her bed. He swore he’d never give up control to anyone again, but he hasn’t been able to touch another woman since Sam. Maybe a week alone with her will cure him of his relentless craving.

But one taste only makes them want more, and Sam and Gibson are drawn in deeper than ever. The man who won’t give in has just met the girl who won’t give up…

My Thoughts: