Blogger Shame Review Challenge 2018: Waking Up With a Billionaire by Katie Lane

We finally have tackled another book that has been my TBR pile forever. YAY!!!! I'm glad I have finished Waking Up With a Billionaire, because it now completes the series. I would recommend not reading this story as a standalone. There are a few things that happen in the previous books that come back in Waking Up With a Billionaire, epecially Chloe's past. Other than that this was book was a pretty good read. I did enjoy Chloe and Grayson's interaction. 

The Good Luck Charm by Helena Hunting (Review)

I adore Helena Hunting writing. I mean her stories are always funny, witty, and entertaining. When I saw that The Good Luck Charm was coming out, I had to read the story. Seriously, I had a good time with Lilah and Ethan.

We have a second chance love story with The Good Luck Charm. Lilah and Ethan have a history. They were friends, then lovers, and finally they broke up. Both were hurting by Ethan's decision, but are too stubborn to fix it. Fast forward to eight years later, and they are brought together again. Now Ethan is going to do everything in his power to get them back together, after all it must be fate.

Lilah isn't sure about Ethan, and through most of the story she's guarding her heart against Ethan. He did break once, why would she want that to happen again. Ethan was dumb when he broke up with Lilah the first time, because he thought he was doing the right thing. We have him trying to win Lilah again. He has work cut in the story.

Anyway, I did enjoy The Good Luck Charm, Lilah had to overcome her fears with being hurt again. I love one the quotes in the story "Love has the potential to cause pain. It's a risk, and I think this is one worth taking." Sometimes love is a risk, but it's worth it. Anyway, I did have fun with Lilah and Ethan in this story. So, if you are a sucker for second-chance love stories, The Good Luck Charm is your read.

Copy provided by Forever Romance via NetGalley

Rating:
4 Stars

One and Only by Jenny Holiday (Review)

During the week of July 18-22, I did the One and Only read-alone. It was neat to see what others thought of the story as I read. Now, my thoughts for reading One and Only by Jenny Holiday. Overall, it was an all right read. I had a little trouble with the story, it wasn't the main characters fault, it was a the bride's fault. Oh my goodness, I wanted to beat the crap out of her, because she was so extreme. Bridezilla would be an understatement for her. Now if the story was solely on Cameron and Jane I would probably loved the story. When they were out doing stuff together and getting to know one another, it was a pretty good story. The times we had the bride pop in, "I was like, NOOOOOO!"

When the focus was solely on Cameron and Jane, I had a lot of fun. I mean Cameron was reckless, but you learn the reason why he was reckless. Everyone expected him to be a screw up, but Jane started to see through his facade. Jane got stuck with Cameron, playing the babysitter. As the story started to progress, Jane enjoyed her time with Cameron.

Like I said One and Only was a pretty enjoyable read, except when I wanted to throat punch the bride. I did love the time between Jane and Cameron. I'm curious on what's going to happen to the other bridesmaids. Anyway, for the most part it was a cute read.

Copy provided by Forever Romance via NetGalley

Rating:
3 Stars

Blogger Shame Challenge 2018: Wild Heat by Lucy Monroe

I have decided to take up the Blogger Shame Challenge again. This time I set my bar a little low, this way I can accomplish it, and if I read more than my four it will be bonus. First up is Wild Heat by Lucy Monroe. Now I feel really shameful for waiting so long on reading this title, because it was pretty good. Even though it dealt with some heavy subjects in the story, it was still a pretty good read.

Forever Romance Spotlight + Giveaway: The Highland Guardian by Amy Jarecki

THE HIGHLAND GUARDIAN 

Lords of the Highlands series, #3

by Amy Jarecki

Forever

December 19, 2017 

"A must-read new release. Seriously complex and historically detailed, this book kept amazing me with its unassuming tenderness and sweeping prose."―BookRiot

He has sworn to protect her... Captain Reid MacKenzie, Earl of Seaforth, is a man of his word. During a harrowing battle at sea, the heroic Highlander makes a vow to a dying friend to watch over the man's daughter. His plan: send the child to boarding school as quickly as possible so he can continue his mission. But Reid's new ward is no wee lass. She's a ravishing, fully grown woman, and it's all he can do to remember his duty and not seduce her himself.

But he might be her greatest threat... Miss Audrey Kennet is stunned by the news. First this kilted brute tells Audrey her father is dead, and next he insists she marry. But as Reid scours England for the most suitable husband, Audrey soon realizes the brave, brawny Scot is the only man she wants--though loving him means risking her lands, her freedom, and even her life.

A Scottish Lord for Christmas by Lauren Smith (Review)

A Scottish Lord for Christmas was probably the gut wrenching of all the Sins and Scandals series. So, we have Lady Rowena Pepperwirth, she's the younger sister Milly. She's sweet, biddable, and about to enter her first season. Everything is new and exciting, but she catches the eye of Lord Forres. Quinn MacCauley needs to find a wife to raise his daughter, and fill some other needs. He's taken by Rowena and how much she cares for his daughter. His goal is to make her his wife and keep her at arms length. However, there is one problem, Rowena is the kind of person to love everyone with her whole heart. Plus, she's willing to take on the challenge of healing Quinn with her love.

Oh man, see where this can break your heart. We have one who is willing take a chance on love, and the other too scare to love again. A Scottish Lord for Christmas is a fairly fast read, and with little conflict other Quinn battling his feelings for Rowena. After all he never wants to forget his first love. Can he learn to love Rowena the way she's meant to be love or is he going to suck the life out of her. It doesn't help that his servants want to continue to honor the memory of his first wife. They are a bit nasty to Rowena. Fortunately, she has his daughter and his sister on her side. Overall, a pretty good read. Mainly a sweet one too.

Copy provided by Forever Romance.

Rating:
4 Stars

Forever Romance Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: The Bachelor Contract by Rachel Van Dyken

The Bachelor Contract

Bachelors of Arizona 

Rachel Van Dyken

Forever Romance

November 28, 2017

A second-chance romance from the #1 New York Times bestseller of The Bet, Matchmaker and Elite series!

She's everywhere.

Ex-wife.

Love of his life.

The last person in the world he wanted to see...ever.

And now that he's working beside her every day, he can't escape her. Her scent, glimpses of her smile, even the tension in the air that makes his body hum with the kind of need he'd only experienced with one person-all of it is driving him over the edge.

Brant Wellington was certain of three things:

Alcohol wasn't going to solve this.

He really was losing his F-ing mind.

And his gorgeous ex-wife was going to be the death of him.

My Thoughts:

Forever Romance Review + Giveaway: Once Upon A Maiden Lane by Elizabeth Hoyt

Once Upon a Maiden Lane

Maiden Lane, 12.5

Elizabeth Hoyt

Forever

November 14, 2017

A stand-alone novella from New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Hoyt!

Miss Mary Whitsun is far too intelligent to fall for the rakish charms of a handsome aristocrat. But when the gentleman in question approaches her in a bookshop, mistaking her for his fiancée, Lady Johanna Albright, the flirtatious encounter only raises more questions. Could Mary, a servant raised in a St Giles orphanage, actually be Lady Joanna's long-lost twin sister? If so, Mary has been betrothed since birth---to the rakishly handsome artistocrat himself . . .

Henry Collins, Viscount Blackwell, is far too intrigued by Mary to let her go so easily. He's drawn to her sharp mind, indomitable spirit, and the fiery way in which she dismisses him---ladies simply don't dismiss Lord Blackwell. But as Mary makes her first hesitant steps into society, she can't help but wonder if she truly has a place in Henry's world---or in his heart.

My Thoughts:

Forever Romance Spotlight + Excerpt + Giveaway: No Other Duke Will Do by Grace Burrowes

No Other Duke Will Do

Windham Brides, 3

Grace Burrowes

Forever

November 7, 2017

One of Amazon’s Top Romance Picks for November

"Compelling, sympathetic characters and a rare blend of passion and humor result in another exquisite gem from a master of the genre. Gorgeously done."―Library Journal, starred review

Julian St. David, Duke of Haverford, is barely keeping his head above water in a sea of inherited debts. Though he has a long-term plan to restore the family finances, his sister has a much faster solution: host a house party for London's single young ladies and find Julian a wealthy bride.

Elizabeth Windham has no interest in marriage, but a recent scandal has forced her hand. As much as she'd rather be reading Shakespeare than husband-hunting, she has to admit she's impressed by Julian's protective instincts, broad shoulders, and, of course, his vast library.

As the two spend more time together, their attraction is overwhelming, unexpected... and absolutely impossible. With meddling siblings, the threat of financial ruin, and gossips lurking behind every potted palm, will they find true love or true disaster?

Excerpt:

Forever Romance Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Totally His by Erin Nicholas

Totally His

Opposites Attract, 3

Erin Nicholas

Forever

October 31, 2017

Sophia Birch loves nothing more than the spotlight--as long as she's playing a part. A theater geek from an early age, Sophia now runs a little hole-in-the-wall playhouse that feeds her passion... even if it sometimes makes it hard to feed herself! And then one night it all nearly goes up in smoke. Desperate to save the only copy of an irreplaceable script, Sophia rushes back into the burning building.

Police officer Finn Kelly knows crazy when he sees it. And a woman running back into a burning building definitely qualifies as crazy. She also happens to be incredibly sexy. But when he finally finds her ruffling through drawers and refusing to leave, his only option is to carry her out over his shoulder....and then decide whether to arrest her. 

My Thought:

Forever Romance Excerpt + Giveaway: Back In The Game by Erin Kern

Back In the Game

Champion Valley, 2

Erin Kern

Forever

October 31, 2017

Stella Davenport wasn't made for small-town life. Sure, teaching ballet in Blanco Valley, Colorado, is great, but she longs for the chance to perform in a big city. Stella swore she'd never let anything get in the way of her dream-until sexy, broad-shouldered Brandon West walks back into her life. Stella is determined to resist him, even if arguing with Brandon is sexier than any foreplay.

For Brandon, it's always been just him and his son, Matt. Knowing that love only leads to heartbreak, he isn't looking to expand his family any time soon. Stella, with her long, gorgeous legs and infectious laugh, is a breath of fresh air he didn't even know he'd been missing. But when she's offered her dream job in Chicago, will he be willing to put his heart on the line?

My Thoughts: 

Forever Romance Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Duke of Desire by Elizabeth Hoyt

Duke of Desire

Maiden Lane, 12

Elizabeth Hoyt

Forever

October 17, 2017

A LADY OF LIGHT
Refined, kind, and intelligent, Lady Iris Jordan finds herself the unlikely target of a diabolical kidnapping. Her captors are the notoriously evil Lords of Chaos. When one of the masked-and-nude!-Lords spirits her away to his carriage, she shoots him…only to find she may have been a trifle hasty.

A DUKE IN DEEPEST DARKNESS
Cynical, scarred, and brooding, Raphael de Chartres, the Duke of Dyemore, has made it his personal mission to infiltrate the Lords of Chaos and destroy them. Rescuing Lady Jordan was never in his plans. But now with the Lords out to kill them both, he has but one choice: marry the lady in order to keep her safe.

CAUGHT IN A WEB OF DANGER…AND DESIRE
Much to Raphael’s irritation, Iris insists on being the sort of duchess who involes herself in his life—and bed. Soon he’s drawn to both to her quick wit and her fiery passion. But when Iris discovers that Raphael’s past may be even more dangerous than the present, she falters. Is their love strong enough to withstand not only the Lords of Chaos but also Raphael’s own demons?

My Thoughts:

Forever Romance Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Most of All You by Mia Sheridan

Most of All You

Mia Sheridan

Forever

October 17, 2017

"Heartbreaking...inspiring, uplifting and raw..." ― RT Book Reviews, A 5-star Gold Pick

A broken woman . . .

Crystal learned long ago that love brings only pain. Feeling nothing at all is far better than being hurt again. She guards her wounded heart behind a hard exterior and carries within her a deep mistrust of men, who, in her experience, have only ever used and taken.

A man in need of help . . .

Then Gabriel Dalton walks into her life. Despite the terrible darkness of his past, there's an undeniable goodness in him. And even though she knows the cost, Crystal finds herself drawn to Gabriel. His quiet strength is wearing down her defenses and his gentle patience is causing her to question everything she thought she knew.

Only love can mend a shattered heart . . .

Crystal and Gabriel never imagined that the world, which had stolen everything from them, would bring them a deep love like this. Except fate will only take them so far, and now the choice is theirs: Harden their hearts once again or find the courage to shed their painful pasts.

My Thoughts:

Maybe This Christmas by Jennifer Snow (Review)

I finally finished Maybe This Christmas, and it was an all right read. I liked the romance between Emma and Asher. I'm not a friends to lovers kind of person. They started off as friends, then they added with benefits. Let's be honest that always works out in the best. Fortunately, they did progress to something more, but it took some time. Emma wanted to move out the benefits to real relationship, Asher didn't want to ruin a good thing. Good thing Emma had a busybody sister. By the way, I wanted to deck her sister throughout the book. SERIOUSLY! DECK HER!

Emma's sister bothered me, I had to stop reading a couple of times because of her sister. She was bitch, and she belittle her sister about her choices in life. I personally think she was a little jealous, but that's my opinion. I think her sister should have apologized to her, but oh well. However, if her sister didn't try to intervene in her life Asher would have missed out on something special.

Overall, Maybe This Christmas, wasn't a bad read. I did like most of the story, except the parts when her sister came into the picture. I'm surprise I still have molars. I did like Asher and Emma, they were cute together.

Copy provided by Forever via NetGalley

Rating:
3 1/2 Stars

Forever Romance Spotlight + Excerpt + Giveaway: Maybe This Christmas by Jennifer Snow

Maybe This Christmas

Colorado Ice, 3

Jennifer Snow

Forever 

September 26, 2017

All wrapped up . . .

One more game. That's all that stands between NHL star Asher Westmore and a major career milestone. But then his brother bashes him against the hockey boards, sidelining him for months. Over Christmas holidays, no less. If staying off the ice doesn't drive him crazy, staying with his family will. The only bright spot amidst the mistletoe and twinkle lights: His best friend, Emma, is a physical therapist. And working out with her improves his body and his spirit.

One last time. Emma Callaway was in trouble the minute she and Asher added benefits to their friendship. How is she supposed to resist a funny, caring guy who makes her toes curl? Her heart was safe while he lived in a different state. Now that he's back home recuperating, though, it's only a matter of time before she blurts out her feelings. Emma's only hope is that with a little holiday magic, she'll get the best Christmas gift of all.

Excerpt:

A Gentleman Never Surrenders by Lauren Smith (Review)

After reading An Earl By Any Other Name I was super excited to read the next story. When found out the next story was about Owen, I couldn't wait. I mean Owen did something extremely stupid in the first book, and he kind of deserved what he got. I mean desperate times call for desperate measure. Anyway, when I read the blurb I was like who's Milly. Still super excited, then I started reading I was like, "Oh it's her". Yes, I wasn't too sure about the heroine. If you read An Earl By Any Other Name you might agree with me on this. Serious, Milly happens to be Mildred Pepperwirth, and she's definitely not a pleasant kind of person, or so I thought.

All right so Owen needs funds and Milly has a ton of funds; however, Milly wants to marry for love. After all she wants a relationship like her mother and father. She thought that if any guy wanted to get to know the real her would try to see past her prickly exterior. Yes, Owen is a fortune-hunter, but it wasn't his doing. He wants a wife who is willing to share her fortune to help restore his land. Basically, he tries to compromise Milly's younger sister, but got Milly instead. Now he's trying to make the situation the best he can. Milly is devastated, because her dream is over. Yes, I can go on, but I think you get the gist.

Actually, Owen and Milly are a better match for one another, and they do get to know one another. However, it's not all sunshine and roses, they have to learn to get to know one another and build trust. Seriously, not an easy task when one decided to try to compromise the other.

Overall, I did like A Gentleman Never Surrenders, because we get to see sides of Milly and Owen we didn't get to see. Milly is an actually a decent person. She's not the mean cold-hearted person we see in the first book. I have to say that I actually love Owen. He's a really good guy, stupid at times, but an overall good guy. Now I do have one grip. This story should have definitely longer, or at least an epilogue. Seriously, something happens at the end I'm like "What the heck, seriously!".  So, I'm hoping one of the characters does get a story, and maybe it would give a better understanding of the ending of A Gentleman Never Surrenders.🤞  Other than that it was a pretty good read, and by the end I liked Milly and Owen.

Copy provided by Forever Romance via NetGalley

Rating:
4 Stars

Forever Romance Spotlight + Excerpt + Giveaway: A Gentleman Never Surrenders by Lauren Smith

A GENTLEMAN NEVER SURRENDERS 

Sins and Scandals, 2

Lauren Smith

Forever Yours eBook

September 12, 2017

Love is worth a little scandal.

Owen Hadley needs a wife. Preferably a wealthy one. Alas, there aren't a great number of heiresses willing to marry a rogue of no particular fortune---luckily, if there is ever a gentleman capable of melting a lady's chilly heart, it's Owen.

Milly has had enough of the marriage mart. If matrimony means giving up her freedom for a foppish husband, then society can take their idea of marital bliss and toss it. But when the ton's most notorious rogue mistakenly makes his way into her bedchambers, Milly finds herself unexpectedly and unwillingly at the altar . . .

Yet the more time she spends with her new husband, the more Milly starts to wonder if the marriage she never wanted may be the best thing that's ever happened to her. Now it's up to Owen to convince Milly that what started as a mistake is anything but---and that every night with him will be more wonderfully scandalous than the last.

Excerpt:

Forever Romance Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Here Comes the Bride by Hope Ramsay

Here Comes the Bride

Chapel of Love, 3

Hope Ramsay

Forever

August 29, 2017

There goes the groom . . .

For Professor Laurie Wilson, planning her wedding to longtime boyfriend Brandon Kopp has been a whirlwind. But somehow, between all the cake tastings and dress fittings, she never imagined being left at the altar. In the aftermath, she does what any sensible woman would—she swigs champagne and considers keying his car. Until someone knocks on her door with a much better idea for revenge.

Best man Andrew Lyndon thinks Laurie's better off without Brandon. But Laurie's father—and Andrew's boss—isn't going to accept anything less than a reconciliation. And he's made it Andrew's problem to solve. So Andrew decides to make Brandon jealous by setting Laurie up on a string of "dates." After a couple of weeks, Brandon will be begging Laurie to take him back. But Andrew's plan works a little too well because suddenly he's the one falling for Laurie—and planning a proposal of his own.

My Thoughts:

Forever Romance Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: The Playboy Bachelor by Rachel Van Dyken

The Playboy Bachelor

The Bachelors of Arizona, 2

Rachel Van Dyken

Forever

August 29, 2017

She's no Sleeping Beauty. And he's definitely no prince . . .

Margot McCleery could have lived her whole life without seeing Bentley Wellington again-her ex-best friend and the poster boy for Hot, Rich Man-Whores everywhere. But Margot's whiskey-augmented grandmother "buys" Bentley at a charity bachelor auction, and now suddenly he's at her door. Impossibly charming. Impossibly sexy. And still a complete and utter jackass.

Bentley's just been coerced by his grandfather to spend the next thirty days charming and romancing the reclusive red-haired beauty who hates him. The woman he abandoned when she needed him the most. Bentley knows just as much about romance as he knows about love-nothing. But the more time he spends with Margot, the more he realizes that "just friends" will never be enough. Now all he has to do is convince her to trust him with her heart . . .

My Thoughts:

Forever Romance Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: When The Scoundrel Sins by Anna Harrington

When the Scoundrel Sins

Capturing the Carlisles, 2

Anna Harrington

Forever

August 29, 2017

Six years ago, a childish prank perpetrated by the reckless Quinton Carlisle ruined Annabelle Greene's reputation and any chance she had at securing a successful marriage.  Incensed, she moved to her beloved estate on the Scottish border and has reveled in the solitude...until now when the contents of a family will are revealed.  Suddenly, Belle's single status may cost her the only home she's ever known.  Now, with her only marital prospect a horribly greedy and completely undesirable man, Belle knows just the person to rescue her-the one person who owes her for his bad behavior...

There's nothing Quinn Carlisle wants more than to get out from his older brother's shadow and make a name for himself abroad. So when a mysterious letter arrives, promising adventure, he rushes to the Scottish border...only to find that Belle laid a trap for him.  The awkward, shy bluestocking whom he so enjoyed tormenting is gone, replaced by a graceful, elegant woman who ignites a desire in him he can't resist.  Can Quinn help her save her home-and win her heart in the process?   

My Thoughts: