Murphy's Law by Lori Foster (Review)

For those who have been reading Lori's books forever, you might remember this title with a different cover. Yes, Murphy's Law is a reprint with a brand spanking new cover, that's a little more drool-worthy. The over cover is adorable, but this one is drool-worthy. I'm still fairly new to Lori books I didn't know it was a reprint. I basically wanted to read this book because of the cover. By the way this is a book two in a series, and I would strongly recommend getting Jude's Law before starting Murphy's Law. I wasn't completely lost, but it would be a good recommendation to read the first book to get the gist of what happen to the bad guy and why he's seeking out revenge on Ashley Miles.

We have Ashley who grew up in a not so pleasant way. Her family life wasn't the best, but she had an awesome friend. Anyway, in social situation she's a bit confrontational, but it's her self protection mechanism. Now Quinton Murphy is intrigued by her. Hey he's willing to work past her prickly side. Her prickly side isn't the easiest thing to break through, but Quinton is willing to work on.

Anyway, once we get past May and Jude's wedding the focus is on Ashley and Quinton and their relationship. However, their relationship comes with a bumps and a mad man. Overall, Murphy's Law was a pretty good read. It's an older contemporary, because some of the items in the story. However, still pretty good read. So, if you are in the mood for a prickly heroine and a little overprotective alpha, Murphy's Law is your book.

Copy provided by Zebra via NetGalley

Rating:
4 Stars

Tasty Book Tours Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Three Weeks with a Princess by Vanessa Kelly

Three Weeks with a Princess
The Improper Princesses #2

By: Vanessa Kelly

Releasing June 27, 2017
Zebra

Blurb
In Vanessa Kelly s captivating series, three young women are descended from royalty in the most improper way. But that doesn’t stop them from pursuing lives rich in adventure. . .

Lia Kincaid, illegitimate daughter of the Duke of York, comes from a long line of notorious women. Raised by her grandmother, formerly mistress to the late Marquess of Lendale, she has little hope of a respectable marriage. But the new Marquess, her childhood friend, Jack Easton, would make a very desirable protector . . . if he weren t too honorable to take her to bed.

It s bad enough being saddled with a title he never desired. Now Jack must resist the beautiful woman he desires far too much. Duty calls, and he is duty-bound to choose a wealthy bride. But then Lia makes another outrageous suggestion: asking Jack to devise some tests to find her the perfect paramour. Tests that involve flirting, kissing, and other pleasurable pursuits. Tests that, in a matter of weeks, could transform friendship into the ton's greatest scandal, igniting a passion even duty can t deny. . . 

My Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tours Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Baron by Joanna Shupe

Baron
The Knickerbocker Club #2

By: Joanna Shupe

Releasing October 25, 2016 
Zebra

Blurb

New York City’s Gilded Age shines as bright as the power-wielding men of the Knickerbocker Club. And one pragmatic industrialist is about to learn that a man may make his own destiny, but love is a matter of fortune . . .

Born into one of New York’s most respected families, William Sloane is a railroad baron who has all the right friends in all the right places. But no matter how much success he achieves, he always wants more. Having secured his place atop the city’s highest echelons of society, he’s now setting his sights on a political run. Nothing can distract him from his next pursuit—except, perhaps, the enchanting con artist he never saw coming . . .

Ava Jones has eked out a living the only way she knows how. As “Madame Zolikoff,” she hoodwinks gullible audiences into believing she can communicate with the spirit world. But her carefully crafted persona is nearly destroyed when Will Sloane walks into her life—and lays bare her latest scheme. The charlatan is certain she can seduce the handsome millionaire into keeping her secret and using her skills for his campaign—unless he’s the one who’s already put a spell on her . . .

My Thoughts:

Shadow Falling by Rebecca Zanetti

I don't know how much to stress, but read the first book and novella. Don't be like me and start with Shadow Falling, you will be missing some key elements and have to play catch up. You all have been warned. With that said, I did finish Shadow Falling. For an apoplectic-end of the world situation Shadow Falling is a pretty good read. It had me wanting to go back to see how this all went down. If you jump in the middle of the story, and it grabs you to go back, it's a pretty good read.

Basically, we have world in chaos. Different groups trying to survive, while you have one crazy dude who has his own agenda. You have a group that wants to make the world habitable. I mean the Scorpius bacterium isn't going away, not they need to find a way to live with it and survive. Which they are making slight progress. You all also have a relationship developing between Vivienne Wellington and Raze Shadow. With the world being in such chaos is it a good idea for these two to get together. Anyway, the story continues to build while they try to take down President Atherton while figuring out to survive. So far there are only one group which are the Pure which do not have the bacterium. How long before that group doesn't get the bacterium? The importance to find a way to live Scorpius. The double D's are in Shadow Falling Danger and Drama. Overall, a pretty good read. This read like it could be post-apoplectic movie. So, if you are into that kind of thing, Shadow Falling is your read.

Copy provided by Kensington via NetGalley

Rating:
4 Stars

Right now the 1st book is on sale. 
If you would like a chance to read a copy of Shadow Falling click on the link: http://sillymelody.blogspot.com/2016/09/kensington-spotlight-excerpt-giveaway.html

Midnight Heat By Cat Johnson (Review)

Midnight Heat by Cat Johnson was a nice read. There wasn't too much drama, which there could have been more. Here's why:

We have Phoenix Montago who grew knowing she was adopted, and doesn't wonder about her birth mother. She was okay knowing the fact that she was adopted, but when she requests a copy of her birth certificate cause she lost her original, she finds out who her mother is and starts to wonder. She sets out to find her mother to get answers to questions never had before this moment. All right, I have no problems with this. Everyone eventually wonders where they come from when they have been adopted. Phoenix sets out for this adventure. However, there are few bumps in the road, like the fact her mother moved to Oklahoma, and there is some guy taking back the stuff to there. Poses a challenge on meeting the lady who gave birth to you.

Now Justin Skaggs is picking up the stuff for Bonnie Martin to take back to Oklahoma when he stumbles upon Phoenix. He doesn't know if could trust or if she's some weird person who wants to hurt Bonnie. Understandable. He ends up getting to know Phoenix and likes being around her. However, Justin comes with his own set of problems. Him and his mother are still grieving the lost of Jeremy (his brother). Now his mother hasn't been handling it all that well, and I think she needs grief counseling. Hey, everyone handles grief differently, and there is reason for her behavior. My issue about this situation is how it was handle in the story. By the end she was starting to be social and working towards being human again. I have no problems with it, but I would have liked to see how it was handled not poof she's starting to feel better. How did she overcome this debilitating depression? One minute she's down, next she's working her way being healthy again.

My other issue was Phoenix finding out birthing family, then telling her adopted parents what she did after the fact. Her adopt parents were happy to see her and willing to bring her into the family. Cool. Works for me. What didn't work for me was it was glossed over when she decided to be truthful her adopted parents. How did they handle the news, were they hurt by her actions? I don't know. Someone was hurt by this, but it's glossed over.

The romance between Phoenix and Justin was super quick and everything was starting to fall into place. Yes, there could have been a little more drama. It wasn't a bad read, but it wasn't a great read. There were some gaps that bothered me. Some people loved this book. It was an okay read.

Copy provided by Zebra via NetGalley

Rating:
2 Stars

Tasty Book Tours Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Kill Without Mercy by Alexandra Ivy

Kill Without Mercy
ARES Security #1

By: Alexandra Ivy

Released December 29, 2015
Zebra

Blurb

From the hellhole of a Taliban prison to sweet freedom, five brave military heroes have made it home—and they’re ready to take on the civilian missions no one else can. Individually they’re intimidating. Together they’re invincible. They’re the men of ARES Security.

Rafe Vargas is only in Newton, Iowa, to clear out his late grandfather’s small house. As the covert ops specialist for ARES Security, he's eager to get back to his new life in Texas. But when he crosses paths with Annie White, a haunted beauty with skeletons in her closet, he can't just walk away—not when she’s clearly in danger…

There’s a mysterious serial killer on the loose with a link to Annie’s dark past. And the closer he gets, the deeper Rafe’s instinct to protect kicks in. But even with his considerable skill, Annie’s courage, and his ARES buddies behind him, the slaying won’t stop. Now it’s only a matter of time before Annie’s next—unless they can unravel a history of deadly lies that won’t be buried.

“A fantastic blend of romance and suspense…thrilling to the end.” --Mary Burton, USA Today bestselling author

My Thoughts:

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:

Tasty Book Tours Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Josette by Kathleen Bittner Roth

Josette
When Hearts Dare #3

By: Kathleen Bittner Roth

Releasing September 29, 2015

Zebra

Blurb

"An exciting new voice in historical romance." --Anna Campbell, award‑winning author of What a Duke Dares

"Monsieur Andrews, welcome to my home."

At the smoky, velvet sound, Cameron swung around. Every function in his body--heart, breath, blood ceased to function.

She was lovely. More than lovely.

Tendrils of raven hair framed a face so exquisite, it disarmed him. Her mouth, a soft, dewy pink, parted. And those eyes, as dark as Creole coffee, intelligent and assessing, roamed over him and then back to take hold of his. He needed to step closer, to stroke her skin. To possess her. But would his wealth and worldly experience be a match for the free-spirited Cajun-born widow?

Across the oceans, between worlds old and new--two lost souls find themselves at a crossroads.

My Thoughts:

PUYB Spotlight + Review: Not Always a Saint by Mary Jo Putney

Not Always a Saint

The Lost Lords, #7

Mary Jo Putney

Zebra

August 25, 2015

“Adventure, passion and pure reading pleasure!”  –Jo Beverley

After the death of his sweetheart when he was at university, Daniel Herbert buried his grief in medical studies and his passion for healing. Viewed as a saint by those who know him, in his own mind he never quite manages to live up to his own high standards.

Most men would be thrilled to learn they’ve inherited a title and estate from a distant relative, but Daniel is appalled because the burden of wealth will interfere with his medical calling.  Warily he accepts that he must enter society and seek a wife—a sensible woman who can oversee his properties, leaving him free to continue his work. He does not expect to become intoxicated by a woman called the Black Widow, who is as mysterious as she is shockingly beautiful…

Jessie Kelham’s looks have always been a curse. Now alone with a young daughter and a perilous secret, she is in need of protection. But dangerously attractive Daniel Herbert is not the kind of husband she has in mind. If he recognizes her, the demons of her past will surely erupt. Yet they cannot keep apart—and soon they are drawn into a union that may bring joy—or shattering danger…

My Thoughts:

PUYB Blog Tour + Review: What To Do With a Duke by Sally MacKenzie

What To Do With A Duke

Spinster House, 1

Sally MacKenzie

Zebra

August 25, 2015

Blurb: 

Welcome to the charming, fatefully named village of Loves Bridge, where a woman destined for spinsterhood can live a life of her own choosing—or fall unexpectedly, madly in love…

Miss Isabelle Catherine Hutting would rather be lounging in the library than circling the ballroom in search of a husband any day. So when Cat hears that the town’s infamous Spinster House is open for a new resident, she jumps at the chance to put all this marriage business behind her. But first she must make arrangements with her prospective landlord, Marcus, the Duke of Hart—the most handsome man she’s ever seen, and the only man who’s ever impressed her in the least…

With her wit, independent spirit, and not least of all her beauty, Marcus can’t help but be stirred by Cat. It’s terribly unfortunate he’s not looking to marry, given the centuries-old curse that left his family with the Spinster House to begin with. No duke shall live to see his heir’s birth. But is there a chance the curse could be broken—in true fairy-tale fashion—by an act of true love? The race to Happily Ever After is about to begin…

My Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Giveaway: How to Marry a Royal Highlander by Vanessa Kelly

How to Marry a Royal Highlander
The Renegade Royals # 4  

By: Vanessa Kelly  

Releasing June 30, 2015

Zebra

Blurb

Illegitimate yet thoroughly irresistible, the Renegade Royals are leaving behind their careers as daring spies for the greatest adventure of all…

At sixteen, Alasdair Gilbride, heir to a Scottish earldom, fled the Highlands and an arranged betrothal. Ten years later, Alasdair must travel home to face his responsibilities. It’s a task that would be much easier without the distracting presence of the most enticing woman he’s ever met…

After one escapade too many, Eden Whitney has been snubbed by the ton. The solution: rusticating in the Scottish wilderness, miles from all temptation. Except, of course, for brawny, charming Alasdair. The man is so exasperating she’d likely kill him before they reach the border—if someone else weren’t trying to do just that. Now Eden and Alasdair are plunging into a scandalous affair with his life and her reputation at stake—and their hearts already irreparably lost…

My Thoughts: 

Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: The Lady Hellion by Joanna Shupe

The Lady Hellion
Wicked Deceptions # 3

By: Joanna Shupe

Releasing May 26, 2015

Zebra

Blurb:

A Marquess’ daughter, Lady Sophia Barnes doesn’t take no for an answer. Especially when she’s roaming London’s seedy underground…dressed as a man.

A rabble rouser for justice, Sophie’s latest mission is to fight for the rights of the poor, the wretched—and the employees at Madame Hartley’s brothel. She’s not concerned about the criminals who will cross her path, for Sophie has mastered the art of deception—including the art of wearing trousers. Now her fate is in her own hands, along with a loaded gun. All she needs is instruction on how to shoot it. But only one person can help her: Lord Quint, the man who broke her heart years ago. The man she won’t let destroy her again…

The last thing Damien Beecham, Viscount Quint, needs is an intrusion on his privacy, especially from the beautiful, exasperating woman he’s never stopped wanting. A woman with a perilously absurd request, no less! For Damien is fighting a battle of his own, one he wishes to keep hidden—along with his feelings for Lady Sophia. Yet that fight is as hopeless as stopping her outlandish plan. Soon all Quint knows for certain is that he will die trying to protect her…

My Thoughts:

The Daring Exploits of a Runaway Heiress by Victoria Alexander (Review)

Oh boy, where to begin. I have been dreading to write my thoughts for sometime. First off, I do love Victoria Alexander writing. She tends to have fun plots and characters, but I just couldn't get into this story. I tried, and I hoped it would get better. However, it fell flat from my expectations. So, here we go.

If you have been reading Millworth Manor books you would remember Lucy The Shocking Secret of a Guest at the Wedding. She use to be engaged to Jackson, but he ended up finding love. Now Lucy is all alone in London and she's going to make the most of this adventure. Okay, I'm all for that. You sense a but, and there is. Here we go. If you remember Lucy, she was the perfect heiress and didn't do anything wrong. She was calm and collective. Part of the reason she was like that was cause she grew up in a strict environment. What happens to a person when they have been given freedom? Yep, she goes wild, and with the help of a great-aunt's diary. Basically Lucy decides to do everything her aunt never got a chance to do. Some of the things were quite scandalous and others kind of tame. However, she's doing this in LONDON and in a way touting societal rules. She doesn't do this on purpose, but it has caught the ton attention. On some level I felt that she was acting like a spoiled child. I don't think I would have had a problem her doing the list that was created if she felt that it was more for her than her dead aunt.

Then we have Cameron. He was okay. However, he was looking for his big story to prove to his father that he was a good writer. So, he happens to hear about Lucy's exploits and feels that he should check them out. He gets mistaken as a detective to keep an eye on her. He kind comes off a bit pompous, but he's trying to keep an eye out on Lucy in a cagey way. Yes, it's wrong what he does, but he admires her spirit for doing the things she does. Slowly he develops a crush on her.

I thought story was a bit meh. It just didn't wow me like other stories. However, it's bound to happen. I felt a little bored at times while I was reading, and I didn't feel that Cameron and Lucy really connected romantically until the very end. Some will love this, and I just found the story okay. Will I stop reading Victoria's books? No, I still enjoy her writing. I look forward to other books. The writing was good, but I just didn't feel connected to the story.

Copy provided by Zebra via NetGalley

Rating:
2 Stars

Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: Midnight Ride by Cat Johnson

Midnight Ride
Midnight Cowboys #1

By: Cat Johnson

Releasing April 28th, 2015

Zebra

Blurb

One bucking bronco…

Oklahoma ranch hand Tyler Jenkins is too young, too sexy, and too damn wild to be tied down by any single woman—for more than a few steamy hours…

One hard-working widow…

Widowed rancher Janie Smithwick is too busy paying off her debts to play rodeo with a reckless young cowboy like Tyler—no matter how hot he gets her…

One midnight ride they’ll never forget…

As a rule, Janie should be dating a man her own age, like her handsome neighbor Rohn—not the twenty-four-year old ranch hand he employs. But once Tyler gets Janie alone—held tight in his arms, pressed against his hard muscled body, burning with desire—the widow realizes that some rules, like broncos, are meant to be broken…

My Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Giveaway: The Daring Exploits of a Runaway Heiress by Victoria Alexander

The Daring Exploits of a Runaway Heiress
Millworth Manor # 5  

By: Victoria Alexander

Releasing April 28th, 2015

Zebra

Blurb

To Do:

Swim naked in the moonlight

Play in a high stakes card game

Ride an elephant

Be painted sans clothing.

Take a lover…

Lucy Merryweather has inherited a fortune—and her great-aunt’s list of unfulfilled wishes. What better way to honor her memory than by accomplishing as many of them as possible? And with Lucy’s family an ocean away in New York, nothing stands in her way—if one ignores the private investigator hired to spy on her.

Yet Cameron Effington is infuriatingly difficult to ignore…

As a reporter, Cameron is always looking for a good story. An American heiress running rampant between Millworth Manor and Mayfair is the perfect subject. Not to mention captivating. And extremely kissable. And if Lucy believes he’s a detective? Well, the truth should never get in the way of a good story—or hinder delicious, impetuous passion…

Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: The Harlot Countess by Joanna Shupe

The Harlot Countess
Wicked Deceptions # 2

By: Joanna Shupe

Releasing April 28^th, 2015

Zebra

Blurb

Lady Hawkins’s debut was something she’d rather forget—along with her first marriage. Today, the political cartoonist is a new woman. A thoroughly modern woman. So much so that her clamoring public believes she’s a man…

FACT:  Drawing under a male pseudonym, Maggie is known as Lemarc. Her (his!) favorite object of ridicule: Simon Barrett, Earl of Winchester. He’s a rising star in Parliament—and a former confidant and love interest of Maggie’s who believed a rumor that vexes her to this day.

FICTION:  Maggie is the Half-Irish Harlot who seduced her best friend’s husband on the eve of their wedding. She is to be feared and loathed as she will lift her skirts for anything in breeches.

Still crushed by Simon’s betrayal, Maggie has no intention of letting the ton crush her as well. In fact, Lemarc’s cartoons have made Simon a laughingstock…but now it appears that Maggie may have been wrong about what happened years ago, and that Simon has been secretly yearning for her since…forever. Could it be that the heart is mightier than the pen and the sword after all?

My Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: The Courtesan Duchess by Joanna Shupe

The Courtesan Duchess
Wicked Deceptions # 1

By: Joanna Shupe

Releasing March 31, 2015

Zebra

Blurb

Can a bold-faced lie lead to everlasting love? One by one, the impetuous heroines in the Wicked Deceptions series intend to find out, each in her unique way…

How to seduce an estranged husband—and banish debt!—in four wickedly improper, shockingly pleasurable steps...

1. Learn the most intimate secrets of London’s leading courtesan.
2.  Pretend to be a courtesan yourself, using the name Juliet Leighton.
3.  Travel to Venice and locate said husband.
4. Seduce husband, conceive an heir, and voila, your future is secure!

For Julia, the Duchess of Colton, such a ruse promises to be foolproof. After all, her husband has not bothered to lay eyes on her in eight years, since their hasty wedding day when she was only sixteen. But what begins as a tempestuous flirtation escalates into full-blown passion—and the feeling is mutual!

Could the man the Courtesan Duchess married actually turn out to be the love of her life?

My Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: How to Plan a Wedding for a Royal Spy by Vanessa Kelly

How to Plan a Wedding for a Royal Spy

Renegade Royals # 3

By: Vanessa Kelly

Releasing January 6^th, 2014

Zebra / Kensington

Blurb

Whether as spies or lovers, the Renegade Royals—illegitimate sons of England’s Royal Princes—are bold, skillful, and a force to be reckoned with…

A war hero returned from Waterloo should be able to indulge in a bit of bad behavior. Instead, Captain William Endicott is summoned by his father, the Duke of York, to investigate an assassination plot. The unlikely suspect: William’s former sweetheart. Will can’t believe that innocent Evie Whitney could be mixed up in anything so nefarious. Then again, almost everything about Evie has changed—except for his body’s instinctive response to hers…

Just as Evie’s life is finally coming together, Will saunters back into it. Should she slap him—or seduce him? Even as she tries to decide, scandal pushes her toward marriage with a man she can neither trust nor resist—and into the heart of a deadly conspiracy…

My Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tour Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: Tall, Dark and Royal by Vanessa Kelly

Tall, Dark & Royal
The Renegade Royals # 2.5

By: Vanessa Kelly

Releasing November 25^th, 2015

Zebra / Kensington

Blurb

He's the man behind the mission to track down the illegitimate children of England's Royal Princes and help them get their due. But his deepest desire is far more personal… Magnificent and stubborn.

Fourteen years apart had not changed Chloe Steele, or Dominic Hunter's love for her. He'd been a street urchin, a boy raised at court, and finally a magistrate, yet he'd never belonged anywhere--except by her side. Now Chloe devoted herself to girls threatened by scandal--like she had been. But she was in danger, and Dominic was determined to help--and hopefully make up for lost time…

Even in childhood, Dominic had made Chloe feel safe. Now she also felt thrillingly flustered by the powerful man he'd become, and by the longing he inspired. Because Dominic meant not only to protect her, but to untangle the lies that had separated them. Yet for Chloe, surrendering to temptation may be easier than risking a future that could ruin them both…

My Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Alanna by Kathleen Bittner Roth

Alanna

When Hearts Dare # 2

By: Kathleen Bitner Roth

Releasing November 4^th, 2014

Zebra/Kensington

Blurb

Wolf caught the faint scent of cinnabar and roses.

The girl turned her head and stared boldly at him, her cool demeanor at odds with the fire in her look. And then her lips parted, as if she needed more air. A punch of lust hit Wolf’s groin.

There was pure sin in his startling blue eyes.

The moment hung suspended between them, and then expanded as his feral gaze held hers. Stranger? Not to Alanna. He went by the name of Wolf, and he was a legend in these parts, known from San Francisco to Boston as a relentless tracker of lost persons. His quest to find his mother's killer would lead him to Alanna...and his destiny.

In his arms, she would never be lost again…