Restless Rancher by Jennifer Ryan (Review)

I finally finished Restless Rancher by Jennifer Ryan. First off, I would recommend reading Dirty Little Secret first. You can read this without reading the first book, but it will make a lot more sense if we you do so.

In this story we get to know Austin Hubbard, who is trying to pick up the pieces of his life after his father takes everything away from him. His best friend's girlfriend send her friend Sonya Tucker. They didn't have a great start, but it's partly his father's fault.

I liked this story, because Austin and Sonya has the same dreams. They both want a home and a family to call their own. Yet learn this as they remodel Austin's grandfather's home. However, there is more than desires to rebuild a new life. We find that we have a terrible father, and you don't realize how terrible he is until you draw closer to the end. Jennifer does a wonderful job in drawing you into the story. Yes, you have romance budding between Austin and Sonya, but you also he him rebuild himself.

Overall, a pretty good read, and I can't wait to see what is going to happen with the series. Especially with the little sample at the end of the story.

Copy provided by Avon

Rating:
4 Stars

Avon Spotlight and More: One Fine Duke by Lenora Bell

One Fine Duke
School for Dukes, 3
Lenora Bell
Avon
July 30, 2019

USA Today bestselling author Lenora Bell returns with her third book in the sexy School for Dukes series.

Ready.

Raised in the countryside by her overprotective uncle, Miss Mina Penny’s dream of a triumphant London season is finally here. She determined her perfect match long ago: Rafe Bentley, the wickedest rake of them all. There’s only one very large, very unyielding obstacle: Rafe’s brother Drew, the reclusive Duke of Thorndon.

Aim.

This was supposed to be simple. Duke goes to London. Duke selects suitable bride. Love match? Not a chance. But when Drew meets Mina, she complicates everything. How can a lady armed with such beauty and brains fall for his irresponsible degenerate of a brother? Drew vows to save her from heartbreak and ruin, no matter the cost.

Desire!

But Mina is no damsel in distress. She’s daring, intuitive, passionate…and halfway to melting Drew’s cold heart. And although Mina thought she knew exactly what she wanted, one breathtakingly seductive kiss from Drew changes everything. Now Mina must decide between long-held dreams and dangerous new desires. Could her true destiny lie in the arms of a duke?

Excerpt:

The Me I Used to Be by Jennifer Ryan (Review)

I wasn't sure about The Me I Used to Be, because I heard of lot mix reaction. However, I decided to take a chance on the story. Let me tell you the first part of the story ripped me to shreds. I didn't expected to need a box of tissues for the first 10 chapters of the book. Yes, grab that box, because you are going to need them to make it through the first half part of the story.

Evangeline is one tough cookie. She had to be strong for her family, and the sacrifice she made on their behalf. Her family was cruel, but they assumed the worst of her. With her strong will to survive, she was able to make new life for herself. Before she could do that, she had to conquer the past.

I absolutely loved Evangeline strength of character, and how she grew as a person. She also helped her family to grow and rebuild.

There's a lot going on in The Me I Used to Be. We have a young woman trying to take down the issue that caused her fall, and rebuild from that. We also see the conquering heroine find happiness in the end. She totally deserves it after what she been through. Definitely can be a book club selection. So much to talk about, especially when you have a protagonist like Evangeline. Groups can talk about why they think it was important for her to go to jail. A lot to talk about. The main focus of the story is Evangeline's growth, but there's romance that pop up in this story, and a little suspense. Jennifer Ryan does like to add a little of that to her story. Overall, a pretty good read.

Copy provided by Harper Collins

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Avon Review + Excerpt: Say No to The Duke by Eloisa James

SAY NO TO THE DUKE
The Wildes of Lindow Castle
Eloisa James
Avon Romance
6/25/19

Could she possibly refuse a duke’s hand—in favor of a sardonic, sinful rake?

Lady Betsy Wilde’s first season was triumphant by any measure, and a duke has proposed—but before marriage, she longs for one last adventure.

No gentleman would agree to her scandalous plan—but Lord Jeremy Roden is no gentleman. He offers a wager. If she wins a billiards game, he’ll provide the breeches.

If he wins…she is his, for one wild night.

But what happens when Jeremy realizes that one night will never be enough? In the most important battle of his life, he’ll have to convince Betsy to say no to the duke.

My Thoughts:

Author's Pal Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Mr. Misunderstood by Sara Jane Stone

Mr. Misunderstood

Sara Jane Stone

March 4, 2019

Rule #1: Maintain Control.

You think you know me. The cars, the penthouse, the reputation for delivering women to that “Oh, yes, Gavin” moment… Yeah, I’m the bad boy billionaire who drives your fantasies. 

But I’ve traveled a long road to get here. And I played by the rules—the ones I wrote to guarantee I didn’t return to whom I was before. 

Until now. The pictures, the story—it’s my past coming back to haunt me. I’ve lost control. And to get it back, I need to change the story.

So I asked my best friend and neighbor for help. Kayla agreed—if I support her growing pack of four-legged misfits. 

My life is under control again.

Only I’m falling for my best friend. Now, my New York City apartment is full of rescued pups, my country retreat looks more like an animal sanctuary, and Kayla’s guarding her heart. 

And I’m running out of time to prove the girl next door belongs with the billionaire.

My Thoughts:

Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Ryan

Let me say that I LOVED Dirty Little Secret! Honestly, I wasn't sure what I was going to find with Jennifer Ryan's latest book. All I knew was I liked her previous books, therefore I will like this one. Actually, I'm totally excited to see what Jennifer has in store for the rest of the series. Dirty Little Secret had me grasping for more.

I absolutely loved the characters. We had Noah and Annabelle Cordero who grew up with John Cordero. Both weren't his biological children, but he raised them as his own. Then there's Roxy Cordero who was John's actual biological child, but never recognized her as his own until after his death. John had his secrets, and they were reveled until after his death. They shook and rocked Noah, Annabelle, and Roxy's world. Now all three of them have to live with the terms of his will, which seriously pissed Noah off. Yes, Noah and Roxy had a rocky start. It was mainly Noah induced. However, Roxy is smart and knows what she needs to do to make sure the ranch is thriving. Eventually, they find the balance and understanding, but not the easiest with Roxy's past lurking in the background.

Anyway, Dirty Little Secret had me begging for more. I seriously can't wait for the next book. I love the story between Noah and Roxy. I love that she understood Annabelle's needs. An amazing story! Probably my top read for this year. I can't wait to see what Roxy's sisters have in store with the series. I hope the next story involves Sonya. Actually it doesn't matter which sister, I just need another story. Austin sounds like he's in need of desperate help. By the way I love how Jennifer gives a little tease of whats to come. It's subtle, but it's there. Anyway, LOVED Dirty Little Secret, and I can't wait to see what the other Wild Rose Ranch has in store.

Copy provided by Avon

Rating:
5 Stars

True to You by Jennifer Ryan (Review)

I finally got to finished True to You by Jennifer Ryan. Don't get me wrong, I liked the story. We have DEA Special Agent Dawson King aka Flash, who is getting out of prison. He's undercover, and he's going after Iceman. He has a plan, but he didn't count on falling for Iceman's daughter, Cara Potter.

So, I read this over the course of a few months. The things I remember about this story are Cara has a hard believing Flash is who he says he is, she wouldn't be wrong. However, she starts to warm up to him, and things start to get heated between them and around them.

I like these two characters. Flash is pretty awesome, because he's trying to do a job, and tries to be as honest to Cara as he can be. By the way is super hard when you're undercover. Cara is trying to live her life, and trying to avoid her father. Which isn't always easy since his business is all around. Then there's Iceman's crazy brother. He's pretty out there.

Anyway, I liked this story when I had chance to read it. You might want to consider reading these books in order, because they build on one another. Now, I need to go tackle Bennett's story.

Copy provided by Avon

Rating:
4 Stars

Kiss Me At Christmas by Valerie Bowman (Review)

Today, we have Kiss Me At Christmas, which is featuring our favorite Bow Street Runner, Daffin Oakleaf. Now in this story we learn all sorts of juicy details about his life. Don't worry all his secrets aren't reveal right away, he's like a safe when it comes to his life. We've seen Daffin in previous books. He has been quite a big help, and Valerie figured he needed his own happy ending. Seriously, the man doesn't like Christmas. Again, we learn his reasoning in the story.

Now in the last book we saw Daffin flirt with a certain Lady Regina who happens to be cousin to his good friend. There was some serious flirting in A Duke Like No Other, but nothing serious. Anyway, Regina is approaching her 30th year of life, and her Great Uncle would like to see her married and secured. Gotta love when you have an edict to marry. Anyway, the guy she's kind encourage to marry is not one of her top picks. If she had her way, she would rather be single. I wouldn't blame her meeting that pompous jerk I would want to stay single. She comes up with this bright idea to give her virginity to someone she has some interest in, which happens to be Daffin. Let me say that was probably the most awkward situation in her life. It only gets more awkward when she needs Daffin's help, because her life is in danger. The awkwardness gets a little better.

Anyway, Regina's life is in danger, and it's Daffin to the rescue. Valerie always has pretty good banter between her characters, so it's always fun to watch her characters fall madly in love. Yes, you will find there are little hiccups here and there with there romance, but it makes all so much fun to read. We get a little hints about the road ahead for the Duke of Huntley. Overall, Valerie brings another fun read to her Playful Brides books in Kiss Me At Christmas. Have a little holiday fun with Daffin and Regina.

Copy provided by author.

Rating:
4 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:

Rainy Day Friends by Jill Shalvis (Review)

I started  Rainy Day Friends expecting to be a sobbing mess. There were a few moments where it was touch and go. However, I didn't become a blubbering mess, and I enjoyed the story. Lets beginning with Lanie Jacobs. She's a mess. Emotionally she lost her confidence, and that's all on her husband. He did a number on her and she didn't know until he passed away. Which makes her want to close off from people. What he did was probably worse than a lot of things. Anyway, emotional reck and developed an anxiety issues. Then we have Mark Capriotti who is dealing with his own issues. He has a nosey family, and is raising twin girls. One of the girls doesn't speak a word, but understand whats going on around her.

So, we have two characters who both have a lot on their plates. We have Lanie who has basically sworn off men, while we have Mark who has burn by an ex and doesn't really want to form lasting relationship. Plus, he uses his daughters as a human shield. He uses the excuse that his daughters need to come first. Which is fine, and they should, but you shouldn't use them as an excuse not to get burned again. As we read the story, we see that they worm under each others skin.

Then we have River. Now River basically has hunted down Lanie, because they are linked together. However, Lanie doesn't know this, but develops a friendship with River. This makes Rivers task harder than expected. This budding friendship does go through a lot through the story, and it almost ruins Lanie and Mark's relationship. Not in the way you are thinking.

Anyway, Rainy Day Friends is mainly about two women trying to find a fresh start, but they need get pass their past. They have to work together figure out how they can merge forward. Also, there's a little romance. A romance that helps Mark and Lanie that helps them put faith in love again. Rainy Day Friends is a great story for a book club selections, because of all the themes that are going on in this story. So, if you are in need of a book club selection, you might give Rainy Day Friends a try.

Copy provided by Harper Collins.

Rating:
4 Stars

A Duke Like No Other by Valerie Bowman (Review)

First off, the cover art of A Duke Like No Other is absolutely gorgeous. So, with this gorgeous covers comes an incredible read of a second chance love story. Yes, I'm about to gush on how much I loved A Duke Like No Other.

So, we have General Mark Grimaldi who is up for a major promotion, but there's one catch he needs to prove the he can be a family man and find a wife. However, he already has a wife, but has been estranged for 10 years. Now he needs to convince his wife to come back to England to play the doting wife. Sounds easy.

We have Nicole Huntington Grimaldi who has been living in France these past 10 years minding her own business when her husband walks back to her asking for this huge favor. Well, she has a favor to ask in return.

In A Duke Like No Other we have these two people who are still in love with one another, but are too stubborn to forgive one another. Actually, I blame Mark for most of the problems in this story. Trust me he's stubborn as all one can get. You see the flashbacks on their relationship. Each of them provides a glimpse of what they had, and what led to the fracture in their marriage. So, we get a chance to watch them weave back their lives together and fix the problem, but it seriously takes time them the whole book to fix their stubbornness.

Overall, I loved A Duke Like No Other. It's beautifully written. This book happens to be my favorite in the series. The other one that was my favorite was the first one. I love how the characters are masterfully written to be flawed and stubborn. Each knows how to out stubborn one another. Yet, it's still a beautiful second chance love story.

Copy provided by author.

Rating:
5 Stars

Avon Romance Review + Excerpt: Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas

Hello Stranger 
Ravenels, 4
Lisa Kleypas
Avon Romance
February 27, 2018


New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas delivers a scintillating tale of an unconventional beauty who finds passion with the spy who can’t resist her

A woman who defies her time
Dr. Garrett Gibson, the only female physician in England, is as daring and independent as any man—why not take her pleasures like one? Yet she has never been tempted to embark on an affair, until now. Ethan Ransom, a former detective for Scotland Yard, is as gallant as he is secretive, a rumored assassin whose true loyalties are a mystery. For one exhilarating night, they give in to their potent attraction before becoming strangers again.

A man who breaks every ruleAs a Ravenel by-blow spurned by his father, Ethan has little interest in polite society, yet he is captivated by the bold and beautiful Garrett. Despite their vow to resist each other after that sublime night, she is soon drawn into his most dangerous assignment yet. When the mission goes wrong, it will take all of Garrett’s skill and courage to save him. As they face the menace of a treacherous government plot, Ethan is willing to take any risk for the love of the most extraordinary woman he’s ever known.

My Thoughts:

The Art of Running in Heels by Rachel Gibson (Review)

The Art of Running in Heels was a pretty good read. Okay, this is Lexie Kowalsky all grown up, so those who have read Simply Irresistible get to see this. Now for those who are jumping into the story with out reading about her mother, like me, you I think it's a safe bet you will be okay. All I know is Lexie and her mother have similar tendency, they are both runaway brides.

Now trying to figure out where to beginning with this story. I thought it was a cute read. We have Lexie who has decided that getting married on reality TV is probably not the best thing, but she doesn't man up, oh no she runs. So right there makes the story interesting. She basically crashes Sean Knox's flight, and has no clue who he is. While he recognizes her as the coach's daughter. They basically hit it off. Things get a little complicated and they need to have a fake relationship. By the way, love fake relationships. We all know it's down hill for both of them. Now all they need to figure out is how to make this fake relationship as a real one.

Yes, I thought this story was super cute read. I thought Sean and Lexie were adorable together. I love how she kind of drives him crazy, but deep down he loves it. As I got closer to the end, I was thinking this story could use an epilogue. I thing seeing these two a little down the road would probably helped the story, but then again that's my opinion. However, The Art of Running in Heels was still a cute read. If you are a fan of fake marriage and reality tv, you might consider reading The Art of Running in Heels.

Copy provided by Avon

Rating:
4 Stars

The Right Kind of Rogue by Valerie Bowman (Review)

Talk about getting heart palpitations, The Right Kind of Rogue wasn't an easy read.  Seriously, we have I worried for Meg Timmons throughout the story. I had cause for worry, because she enlisted the help of Lucy Hunt. No good ever comes when she gets in the thick of things, but does she causes some havoc on Meg's life. Luckily it all works out for Meg, but there were some nail biting instants.

We have Meg who has been in love with Hart Highgate since she was 16. A long time to be in love with a guy. Anyway, she decides to put aside her dreams of Hart realizing she's the woman for him, and decides to find a husband. However, Lucy gets involve to help her win Hart, because there is hope that he loves her too. Hart decided it was high time to find the perfect wife, and help Meg find a husband too. This is where the nail biting comes into play. This was rough seeing Hart fight his feelings, but wasn't quite sure if he had feelings for Meg. Seriously, it was stressful. Plus, it gets a little ugly at this time.

Anyway, Valerie is masterful at making a story come to life, even one that makes you anxious you hope that everything goes according to plan. Yes, you will find bumps along the path in the story, because there's always bumps when Lucy gets involve. The Right Kind of Rogue is like a Romeo & Juliet kind of story. Fortunately, no one ends up dying. It's a happier ending that story. Like I said the road to true love is a little bumpy, and Hart's a bit stubborn. He's kind of a jerk towards Meg. I'm surprise no smacked him upside the head, which would have been perfectly acceptable. Valerie brings out another fun read in the Playful Brides books.

Copy provided by author

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Harper Collins Review + Excerpt: Pupcakes by Annie England Noblin

Pupcakes

Annie England Noblin

William Morrow Publishing

October 10, 2017

Sit! Stay! Speak! author Annie England Noblin’s novel takes one woman starting over, adds an aging pug named Teddy Roosevelt, and proves the power of a well-baked dog treat.


All she wants is a settled-down life.

What she gets is a dog—and a whole new normal . . .
There he stood in the doorway: overweight, depressed and nearly homeless—a pug named Teddy Roosevelt. Teddy was Brydie Benson’s latest problem, arriving on top of her messy divorce and sudden move. Brydie needed a place to start over, so this rent-free home seemed a great idea. She just never counted on Teddy, or his owner, the Germantown Retirement Village’s toughest customer, Pauline Neumann.

And because rent-free doesn’t mean bills-free, Brydie gets a night-shift job at a big-box grocery. Whoever guessed there were so many people who wanted baked goods after midnight?

Then, she gets an idea—why not combine her baking skills with her new-found dog knowledge? And so her store Pupcakes is born. Along with a new start comes a possible new love, in the form of Nathan Reid, a local doctor with a sassy Irish Wolfhound named Sasha. And as fall turns to winter, and then to Christmas, Brydie begins to realize that life is a little bit like learning a new recipe for puff pastry—it takes a few tries to get it just right!

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 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: The Forbidden by Jodi Ellen Malpas

The Forbidden

Jodi Ellen Malpas

Forever

August 8, 2017

A new story of dangerous temptations from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the This Man trilogy.

Annie has never experienced the 'spark' with a guy - the kind of instant chemistry that steals your breath and blindsides you completely. Until a night out with friends brings her face to face with the wickedly sexy and mysterious Jack. It's not just a spark that ignites between them. It's an explosion. Jack promises to consume Annie, and he fully delivers on that promise.

Overwhelmed by the intensity of their one night together, Annie slips out of their hotel room. She is certain that a man who's had such a powerful impact on her and who could bend her to his will so easily, must be dangerous. But she's already in too deep. And Jack isn't only dangerous. He is forbidden.

“Every kiss, every sexy scene, every word between this pair owned a piece of my soul. I could read this book a hundred times and still react as if it was the first time. The Protector is a top 2016 fave for me.” –Audrey Carlan, #1 bestselling author of The Calendar Girl series

My Thoughts:

Forever Romance Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Too Scot to Handle by Grace Burrowes

TOO SCOT TO HANDLE

Windham Brides, #2

Grace Burrowes

Forever

July 25, 2017

As a captain in the army, Colin MacHugh led men, fixed what was broken, and fought hard. Now that he's a titled gentleman, he's still fighting—this time to keep his bachelorhood safe from all the marriage-minded debutantes. Then he meets the intriguing Miss Anwen Windham, whose demure nature masks a bonfire waiting to roar to life. When she asks for his help to raise money for the local orphanage, he's happy to oblige.

Anwen is amazed at how quickly Lord Colin takes in hand a pack of rambunctious orphan boys. Amazed at how he actually listens to her ideas. Amazed at the thrill she gets from the rumble of his Scottish burr and the heat of his touch. But not everyone enjoys the success of an upstart. And Colin has enemies who will stop at nothing to ruin him and anybody he holds dear.

My Thoughts: