Sentinel of Darkness by Katie Reus (Review)

Sentinel of Darkness was a pretty good read. We have Dagen who is a pretty sexy dragon that basically stuck his foot in his mouth when he notice this little human, Keva. Keva has had a pretty hard life. Even though she was saved by a shifter, she's pretty leery of shifters. One bad relationship kind of ruins that trust, so Dagen has his work cut for him.

This is a fast past novella. We watch Dagen try to show Keva that he's a decent guy, and not all shifters are terrible people. The story  made me love Dagen. He's a totally hot and wonderful hero. I like Keva, but there were moments I want to say he's a good guy. However, she had trust issues to work through. It's a nice story that makes me love dragons even more.

Copy provided by author.

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

TLC Blog Tours Spotlight + Review: Lone Star Christmas by Delores Fossen

Lone Star Christmas

Coldwater Texas, 1

Delores Fossen

HQN

September 25, 2018

A family crisis brings him home…
Just in time for Christmas

Cattleman Callen Laramie has no intention of returning to his hometown of Coldwater, Texas, until a Christmas wedding and a family secret convince him he has no choice. And when he’s reunited with his childhood crush, the girl who’d always been off-limits, Callen knows leaving might not be so easy this time.

Shelby McCall is as pretty as a Christmas snowfall, and Callen wants to kiss her under the mistletoe…and the Christmas tree…and the stars. But once Shelby knows the whole truth behind this homecoming, will their holiday fling come to an abrupt end? Or will she accept the gift of his heart?

My Thoughts:

Dream by Carly Phillips (Review)

Dream is probably my favorite out this whole series. Out of all the heroines Andrea didn't drive me nuts. I mean she had her moment towards the end. However, I could tolerate her the most. She seemed pretty leveled headed throughout the story. She knew she screwed up her friendship with Kyle, because a controlling jerk. She realize she was dumb, but by the time she realize she made a mistake it was too late.

Now Kyle. He's a likable character, and he can hold a grudge. When we see him, he's still kind of pissed at Andrea. Who can blame the guy they have been friends forever, and breaks the friendship cause of a dude. Of course, he didn't have all the facts.

Anyway, Dream is about two friends that rekindle their friendship and possibly more. However, there are bumps along the way that make this story wonder is Andrea is going to let her dream go again. This is my favorite in the series. However, Andrea does have a stupid moment, and I wanted to slap her. I liked Kyle, because he was willing to let Andrea do it her own way, which was probably the dumbest thing. Hey he supported his woman. Overall, a pretty good story.

Copy provide author via RockStar PR

Rating:
4 Stars

Avon Romance Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Hot Winter Nights by Jill Shalvis

Hot Winter Nights

Heartbreak Bay, 6

Jill Shalvis

Avon 

September 21, 2018

Who needs mistletoe?

Most people wouldn’t think of a bad Santa case as the perfect Christmas gift. Then again, Molly Malone, office manager at Hunt Investigations, isn’t most people, and she could really use a distraction from the fantasies she’s been having since spending the night with her very secret crush, Lucas Knight. Nothing happened, not that Lucas knows that—but Molly just wants to enjoy being a little naughty for once . . .

Whiskey and pain meds for almost-healed bullet wounds don’t mix. Lucas needs to remember that next time he’s shot on the job, which may be sooner rather than later if Molly’s brother, Joe, finds out about them. Lucas can’t believe he’s drawing a blank on his (supposedly) passionate tryst with Molly, who’s the hottest, smartest, strongest woman he’s ever known. Strong enough to kick his butt if she discovers he’s been assigned to babysit her on her first case. And hot enough to melt his cold heart this Christmas.


My Thoughts:

Audiobook Review: And One Last Thing... by Molly Harper

For the longest time I was afraid to read And One Last Thing... by Molly Harper, I have been reading her paranormal stuff and loved it. Seriously, LOVED her stuff. However, I was a little afraid that I wasn't going to like this story, because it didn't have vampires or werewolves. A true fear, so I kept this far from my mind. I have basically have done all the Half-Moon Hallows books, I even tried Naked Werewolves books, and I started the Mystic Bayou books. So, I was running out of options to read/listen to Molly Harper. I decided to take a chance. So, fearful on what going to happen, which I shouldn't have. I started the story and I was hooked. Seriously HOOKED! I had so much fun with And One Last Thing.... Who would have guess?

Anyway, I absolutely loved Lacey Terwillirger. At first she's kind of down trodden, and doesn't know how to pick up the pieces of her life. However, it's amazing what she can do when you are stuck in a cabin and your only neighbor is a recluse cranky man. Basically, she rebuilding her life, and rediscovers who she is in the long run. It takes some trials and errors. It was fun watching her fumble along the way. I love that she learns to live with out her cheating ex. It's fun to see her interaction with Monroe, the recluse neighbor. They are a hoot together.

Overall, I was worry for nothing with And One Last Thing..., seriously I had fun. I laugh, and tried not get choked up, because I was out in public while listening to this story. I was thinking Sammy the Shark needs her own story and a love life, I mean it would be interesting after all she's a divorce lawyer. Great time. So much so that I had to listen to the story again. Also Amanda Ronconi does a super job.

Rating:
5 Stars

Hunting Danger by Katie Reus (Review)

We finally get Gage and Nova together in Hunting Danger. They have been skirting around one another for the past four books. However, I think it was worth the wait. Possibly this is best book so far. we still have one more to get to. Anyway, we have action and danger lurking through this story. Lite on the romance, but it's kind of a romance budding when you are in emanate danger. Also the obvious reason, can't fall for a co-worker, because what if it goes south fear.

Basically, Nova's friend is in danger, and Nova wants to rush off to save her all by herself. Fortunately, she has friends looking out for her otherwise it would have gone down hill fast. Gage has the hots for her, but doesn't feel that he's good enough for Nova. Why take a chance when you feel that she's out of your league. Anyway, they take a trip to Montana to save the friend, of course it doesn't go as plan, and this is where the story gets a little more interesting.

Yes, Hunting Danger does pick up the suspense a little more once they get to Montana and being chase by the bad guys. Nova and Gage have there fee issues, because of work, and feeling unworthy for the other. We have it all cleaned up towards the end, but we also have a little teaser of the ultimate plot that has been going on for sometime. Overall, Hunting Danger is probably favorite of the series. I liked Nova and Gage's story.

Copy provided by author

Rating:
4 Stars

The Governess Game by Tessa Dare (Review)

The Governess Game was a pretty good read. I did enjoy this story a lot, but The Duchess Deal was way better. Don't get me wrong this was a fantastic read, and Tessa Dare does an amazing job with the banter between these two. However, I think the stars of this book would have be Rosamund and Daisy along with Daisy's doll Millicent. Seriously, that was hilarious. They would have a funeral everyday for Millicent. That was too much, but so good. However, Chase took it like a chance. He was given guardianship over Rosamund and Daisy, and he's trying to make it through until they can send them away to school after all he's a horrible example of a guardian. He stumbles upon Alexandra Mountbatten who he mistaken as the governess.

Chase basically believes he found the perfect governess, but slowly finds out he was totally wrong. However, he's stuck with her, and her unorthodox ways of teaching. Again, she's not a governess, but a clock tuner. Chase basically has closed off his heart to everything, so Alex is going to break through his wall.

Yes, The Governess Game is like your typical aristocrat wanting the governess story. At the same time there are little quirks that make it a little different. For instance, the death of Millicent. I'm telling you that's hilarious, the ways she dies. We see deep down that Chase has a heart, but is fearful of letting it out. After all bad happens when he's suppose to care. Overall, The Governess Game is a pretty good read. I had a good time, and I can't wait for of this series. So, if aristocrats and governess are your thing, you are going to enjoy The Governess Game.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Audiobook Review: Accidental Sire by Molly Harper

I actually listened to Accidental Sire a few months ago, and I'm just getting to writing my review. I'm guessing this is the end of the Half-Moon Hollow books, because I'm not sure who else needs a story. I guess Molly could write side stories for the characters. Who knows what is going to happen, but I'm pretty sure this is the end.

So, we finally get a story for adorkable Ben Overby, who thought his life wouldn't be mixed up with vampires after he was dumped by Gigi. I guess he was wrong. Meagan Keene was "accidentally" killed in thrilling ultimate frisbee throwing contest. Anyway, she accidentally bites Ben and turns him with just a bite. Now they have to learn to live with one another and get past the issue that Meagan turned Ben.

I loved Accidental Sire. I love both Meagan and Ben. I think my favorite is Meagan, because she feels so alone. At times in the story, she does. A lot of her issues stem from being put in the foster care system. When Ben learns more about her past, he kind of feels bad for the way he treated her, but at the same time he's trying to cope with being turned himself. Each of them have learning and growing in this story. Along with that, they are trying to stay hidden from some crazed person.

Accidental Sire is one of my favorite in the series. If this book is the end of the series, I'm glad that it end on a high note. Also Amanda Ronconi does amazing job with this story. Especially Georgie's part. Yes, we get to see a lot more Georgie in here, and her and Meagan have a special bond. Overall, loved this story. I laughed, cried, and was over joy when it all worked out for Ben and Meagan.

Rating:
5 Stars

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. 

Audiobook Review: Better Homes and Hauntings by Molly Harper

YAY! I have tackled another Blogger Shame book. However, I kind of cheated here, I ended up buying the audiobook and it was good thing. Seriously, I would have given up on Better Homes and Hauntings a long time ago. It's not a bad story, but there's a lot going on in the story. SOOOO much going on, and at times it was a bit overwhelming. So, had I read this book and tried to keep up with what was going on, I would have thrown in the towel. So, I had an Audible book credit, and need of a book I decided to give this one a shot. I'm glad I did, otherwise this would be sitting my shelf for even longer. 

Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Love Like Ours by Melissa Foster

Love Like Ours

Sugar Lake #3

By: Melissa Foster

Releasing Sept 11, 2018

Montlake

Blurb

One wrong move, and she meets a guy with all the right ones…

Talia Dalton lives her life on cruise control. Despite her successful career as a professor, she prefers protecting her broken heart to taking chances. She’s calm, cool, collected, and steady. Until the morning she takes her eyes off that familiar road and almost runs over the sexiest man she’s ever seen. It may not be the best way to start the day, but it might be the type of shake-up she needs.

Male dancer Derek Grant has goals, and nothing is going to get in the way of achieving them. As a graduate student and the sole caretaker of his ailing father, he hasn’t much time for relationships. Then Talia crashes into his life. Sweet, pretty—and so buttoned-up that he can’t wait to help her cut loose.

For Derek, falling in love was a beautiful accident waiting to happen. And it might be exactly what Talia needs—if she’s willing to let go of the past and embrace every surprise Derek has to offer.

LOVE LIKE OURS is being published by Montlake (an Amazon imprint) and won’t be available on other ebook retailers, but you can download a FREE Kindle ereader app to read it here, or order the paperback.

My Thoughts:

Author's Pal Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: The Marquess and the Maiden by Robyn DeHart

The Marquess and the Maiden

Lords of Vice, 2

Robyn DeHart

Entangled Scandalous

September 10, 2018

Harriet Wheatley is the mastermind behind the Ladies of Virtue's quest to rehabilitate the gentlemen of the ton. So when it comes to selecting her own target, she knows who to choose: Oliver Weeks, Marquess of Davenport—the most extravagant wastrel in all of London.

Known for his opulent lifestyle, Oliver isn't surprised by Harriet's confrontation. It's obvious Harriet longs for any way to take him down a notch. She says she'll help him find a bride, but he knows it's only because it gives her the excuse to chastise his indulgent ways.

Oliver has good reason for his flagrant overspending, but Harriet will hear nothing of it. So he has no choice but to teach the lady a lesson, even if it means risking his heart to the hard-headed and fiery woman.

My Thoughts:

InkSlinger PR Review: Flirting with Forever by Kendall Ryan

Flirting with Forever

Kendall Ryan

September 3, 2018

I've waited years for the perfect girl, yet she was right in front of me all along.

My best friend, Natalie, has been by my side through everything. Leaning on my shoulder, borrowing my sweatshirts…and making my pants too tight when she flashes me that sassy smile that drives me crazy.

But she has no idea about that last part. She doesn't have a clue I've felt this way about her for years.

Until one night after too many cocktails, we fall into bed together.

I'm flirting with my forever…she just doesn't know it yet.

This book is a sexy, slow-burning best-friends-to-lovers romance with a guaranteed HEA and no cheating. Dive in, and get ready to melt for Cam!

My Thoughts:

Spotlight + Review: Hard Sell by Lauren Layne

Hard Sell 

21 Wall Street, 2

Lauren Layne

Montlake

September 4, 2018

Blurb

He’s a Wall Street wolf. She’s been hired to tame him. From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne comes a wildly sexy novel of business and pleasure.

Twenty-eight and filthy rich, Matt Cannon is the youngest broker on Wall Street. He may be a “boy wonder,” but he’s every inch a man. Ask any woman—any night. But when Matt’s latest fling makes scandalous headlines, his clients get anxious, and his bosses at Wolfe Investments level an ultimatum: keep his assets zipped, get a “real” girlfriend, and clean up his act. Only one woman can help Matt with something this hard.

For PR genius Sabrina Cross, the best fixer in Manhattan, playing Matt’s steady is going to be a challenge, even if it’s just for show. They already have an explosive history, she can’t stand the cocky party boy, and worse—she can’t stop thinking about him. So who’ll dare to break her “no touching” rule first? Because when that happens, Matt and Sabrina’s game of let’s pretend will get so hot it could set both their reputations on fire.

 “Layne can always be counted on to create an engaging, steamy, and thoroughly rewarding reading experience.” —RT Book Reviews

My Thoughts:

Author's Pal Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: The Honeymoon Trap by Christina Hovland

The Honeymoon Trap

Christina Hovland

Entangled Amara

August 20, 2018

Book Blurb:

How to Survive Your Next Relationship Disaster 101

Step 1: Get pumped. Your new house, in your new town, comes with a sexy and shirtless man next door. Score!

Step 2: Don’t let your freak-out show when Mr. OMG Shirtless turns around—and it’s your old crush.

Step 3: Hold your head high when you run into him again on the first day of your new job—literally—and spill coffee all over yourself.

Step 4: Stay calm when he introduces himself as your new boss…and then announces that your first assignment is to go on a fake honeymoon together.

Step 5: Keep your $h*t locked tight when the new boss/old crush and you are forced to sleep in the same room…with one bed.

Step 6: Try to ignore just how freaking hot he is, and how much you want to touch him…

My Thoughts:

All The Way by Kristen Proby (Review)

Let me start by saying I was super excited to see that Kristen Proby  had a new series coming out, and it was a must read. So, I got my little hands on All The Way. I started reading, and I liked London Watson and Finn Cavanaugh. They were both pretty good characters at the beginning. As the story progress, I had trouble liking London. I think part of my problem with her was she would get upset with Finn for doing somethings, and he wouldn't understand why she was upset. I was even having a hard time understanding her reasons.

Anyway, the story was pretty much them getting to know each other, but they needed to work more on their communication skills. They seriously were lacking, but that's understandable with new relationships. All The Way was an all right story. I wish they would have played up the brother's addiction problem a little more, instead of having it all come out in the end. There were a few things I was thinking London was a bit naive in thinking. I liked Finn a lot more than London. I just couldn't generate any sympathy for her. I think if there was a little more backstory between her brother and herself I would had more. All The Way was a pretty even keel read with London and Finn getting it on a lot. It wasn't bad, but it was a little too much at times. I'm hoping the series is a little better, and this was just this is the first book and it's going to get better. Overall, it wasn't a bad read, but not a great one. One of the things that I love about this book was the cover, because it does match a scene in the story.

Copy provided by William Morrow

Rating:
3 Stars

Audiobook Review: How to Date Your Dragon by Molly Harper

I tend to listen to Molly Harper books on audible books, mainly because they are hilarious. When I saw that she had a new book on audible I had to grab it. Plus, it had dragons. Well, this story is a little different from her previous book. I didn't laugh out loud from the get go. It took little time to get into the story. I did listen to the story for the second time to see if I still felt the same way, and I did. It was a little easier to get into the story the second time, but it wasn't as funny as the Jane Jameson or Half-Moon Hallow books. 

We have Jillian Ramsay, and she's an all right character. Kind of quirky. Then we have Bael Boone who happens to be the sheriff of the town. We see that Molly tries to make these characters be light and fun, but it kind of falls flat. There are a few characters I think would be fun to read, like the Mayor Zed Berend. 

There are some good parts, but it wasn't like the previous stories I have read and listen to in the past. I hope the series gets a little better. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. The other thing I had an issue with was with the dual narration. Which I understand, because it has a dual point of views. Amanda Ronconi does a great job like always, and Jonathan Davis doesn't do a bad job. Yet, I'm so use to Amanda reading these books, so he was okay. I think those who have read Molly previous books might be a little disappointed. 

Rating:

3 Stars

Born to be Wilde by Eloisa James (Review)

Where to begin with Born to be Wilde? I loved this story. I loved the last book, but I think with this series they have gotten better and better. At the end of Too Wilde to Wed we got a hint of what was going on with the story. We find out that Lavinia Gray and her mother are destitute. So, Lavinia needs to come with a plan to secure the two of them. In Born to be Wilde, we see Lavinia put the plan in motion. It starts off as an epic fail. EPIC! However, Parth is willing to help Lavinia find a wealthy husband. That's when it starts to get interesting.

Okay, Parth and Lavinia have a strain friendship. They seem to rub one another the wrong way. However, as the story develops it's not that don't like each, but more they are trying to hide their feelings for one another. I love these two characters. They bring out the worst and the best out of each of each other. We watch Lavinia's character grow so much in this story, because she's force to learn about her inner strength. Parth has to go through some changes to; I mean he has to channel his love for Lavinia not come out as disdain. So, it's a lot of fun to watch these. 

Anyway, LOVED Born to be Wilde, and I can't wait for the next book. Seriously, you get a little tease at the end of the story, and my mouth was agape. Even without the tidbit on what's to happen it's a fantastic book. Those who have loved the previous books are still going to love the next installment. You can start this book without starting with the first book, but there are a lot of characters that are involve with this story. Plus, you don't want to miss out on the previous books. 

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss.   

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

InkSlinger PR Spotlight + Review: Love Machine by Kendall Ryan

LOVE MACHINE

By Kendall Ryan 

July 16, 2018

A best-friends-to-lovers standalone romance from New York Times bestselling author Kendall Ryan.

She says she needs some help ... in the bedroom.

Come again? No, really come again.

Sweet, nerdy, lovable Keaton.

She's my best friend and has been for years. Sure she likes numbers and math, and thinks doing other people's taxes is fun. And I like ... none of that stuff. She's obsessed with her cat and reads novels I'll never understand, and yet we just click. There's no one I'd rather share breakfast burritos with or binge watch hours Netflix. She's my person. And so when she takes off her glasses and asks me to help her improve her skills in the bedroom, I barely have to think about it.

Of course I'll help her. There's no one better for the job.

I've been there for her through everything, why should this be any different?

But what happens when she's ready to take her new-found confidence and move on?

My Thoughts: