The Duke and I by Julia Quinn (Review)

I decided to try out the Bridgerton series, since it has been popular on Netflix. Now have I watch the series, no. I tried, but I couldn't get into it. Shocker. However, I had no problem diving into reading The Duke and I. Instead of joining everyone on watching Bridgerton, I have decided to dive into what started that Netflix series. Granted my late to this part, it's fine. The funny thing is I have most of these books, and I had to only purchase a couple more books. Let's dive into the first book, The Duke and I.

In this story we get to know Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. By the way Simon is friends with Anthony who happens to be the older brother, I love that Bridgertons are protective of one another. However, Daphne and Simon cook up this grand idea of pretending to court one another. Simon stays off the marriage mart and Daphne might have more opportunity for suitors. We know how well that goes. Nothing like a fake courtship to stir things up. 

Anyway, I'm a fan of fake courtships. I enjoyed the story. I liked how Daphne was accepting of Simon and his issues. She was very understanding. I guess growing up with a gaggle of siblings it becomes second nature. I didn't mind Simon, and his quirks. I mean I would avoid marriage if my father was a POS. I would totally let the line die. I appreciate that Daphne was able to find herself when her husband was being a douche. Overall, pretty good book to me. Since most of you have read this, and I'm a little late to the game. 

Purchase this when it was on sale a long time ago. 

Rating:

4 Stars

His Majesty's Mistake by Jane Porter (Review)

I can't remember if I read this or I just bought it because it intrigued me. Looking back on my blog it looks like I just bought it on a Walmart trip planning to read. Here we are almost 10 years later finally getting to this story. I wanted a quick read, and Harlequin Presents is great for a quick read. Today, I bring you His Majesty's Mistake by Jane Porter.

We have Princess Emmeline d'Arcy she always felt "unworthy and impossible to love." You find out the reason why. Then we meet Sheikh Makin Al-Koury,  and believes Emmeline is flighty, self-center princess. Now you wonder how could he be around her when he can't stand her, glad you ask she's masquerading as assistant. Well, his assistant looks alike and so they traded places so she can meet with the father of her baby and tell him what was going on. Anyway, he finally figures out what's going on, and since it's a short story we are going stop there.

I like the story, I felt bad for Emmeline, because she was looking for love in all the wrong places. We have a handsome Sheikh wanting to save her once he got the full background. Great little quick read. In need a quick pick me up, or escape you might like.

Not sure where I got this little gem, it's been almost 12 years. 

Rating: 4 Stars

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

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

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

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

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

Purchased this book years ago.

Rating: 4 Stars

The Perks of Loving a Scoundrel by Jennifer McQuiston (Review)

When this book first came out, I had started The Perks of Loving a Scoundrel. The sad thing was I so close to finishing the story, but something stopped me from reading. I put it aside, and I finally finished the story. I'm kicking myself, because I was soooo close to the end😫. Moving on. 

Truth be told, the story was meh. I think part of the reasons I stopped reading the story was I had other things pressing, and I figure I can put this aside. It has taken me a few years to come back to the story, and I had to restart the story. We meet Mary Channing who came to help her sister out, but her sister had other ideas. Her twin sister wanted Mary to experience a season, and possibly find love. However, Mary is content with her nose in a book. Then we meet Geoffrey Westmore, a well known scoundrel. Always scamping around London, but he accidentally gets trapped into marriage with Mary. All she wanted to do is prevent an assassination plot that they over heard together.  

We have a mouse heroine and a rake of a hero. West is trying to keep Mary safe, but she doesn't want to be left out of action. Both finding that they might actually find themselves please to be together. There were a few surprises I didn't expect. Overall, not a bad read. I'm glad to finally finish the story. 

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss (also own the story)

Rating:

3 1/2 Stars

Her Night with the Duke by Diana Quincy (Review)

I was excited to read Her Night with the Duke by Diana Quincy, because I read her very first book and I loved it. Honestly I had high hopes. Don't get me wrong it was pretty good read. I really like the beginning of the story, because we had so much sexual tension between Hunt and Leela. Both of them trying to fight their feelings. Hunt trying to marry Lady Victoria, which happens to be Leela's step-daughter. However, they are more friends than step-mother and step-daughter. 

The pacing of the story was going great for the first half of the story. However, the pacing slows down when a certain event happens. I felt that the latter half of the story felt like filler. I actually put the story down for sometime. I felt myself trying to finish the story. I wanted to scream at Hunt, there is a reason for Leela to turn you down you dolt. 

Overall, it was a pretty good story, but to me it felt like it was starting drag. I'm intrigued by other characters story. Hunt was a dolt at times. Leela was a strong heroine. I liked that she didn't simper when things didn't go her way, but made them happen. It's a pretty good start to a new series. 

Copy provided by Avon

Rating:

3 1/2 Stars

Audio Review: Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews

The funny story is I checked out story from the library, but in audio form. I had a feeling I had the book, but wasn't 100% sure. I found it in my room, which is fine. I still listen to the story. I actually enjoyed listening to Burn for Me. I have to say that this is my first Ilona Andrews book, and I enjoyed the story. So much so that I have requested the next story. Which I will be listen to book two, but you need to hear my thoughts on Burn for Me. Here we go:

Burn for Me is market as a romance novel, and there are some hint of romance. Like I said a hint. The story focuses on Nevada Baylor trying to get Adam Pierce who is a pyrokinetic Prime. However, she gets tangle with Connor "Mad" Rogan. Rogan is trying to find his cousin's son. Yet, there is a lot going on in this story that you don't learn until the end. Kind jaw dropping with all that happens. Nevada and Rogan need each to stop what is going on. Yes, there is sexual tension between these, and they pretty much fight each other feelings through most of the story. They come pretty close.

Anyway, a good start to a new series. Yes, we get to see more of these two in the next book. Mainly cause they never completely get together at the end of this story, so we got to see if they will ever get together. There is a cliffhanger. If you are not a cliffhanger fan you might not want to pass on this, but if you are looking for adventure you might take a chance on Burn for Me.

Copy originally came from Buns and Roses, but checked out from the Library

Rating:
4 Stars

Angel in a Devil's Arms by Julie Anne Long (Review)

First off, I absolutely love this cover. Who doesn't love the bright color yellow dress. You look closer to Lord Bolt's expression, purely priceless. I mean it's a look that says, "Why are you dress, and there's a nice comfy bed with me in it?" In a sense the cover fits. For a good portion of the story we have Lucien and Angelique playing a cat and mouse game. They both want each other, but Angelique is trying not to cave to these feelings. There are parts in the story where I felt I probably read the first book in the series. It might be helpful, because Angelique and Delilah have a connected past. However, Angelique trying to keep her past hidden.

We have Lucien who has risen from the dead, and making the life of his father and his wife a living hell, or planning on it. I mean the Duchess of Brexford is a hateful woman, and it's time to put her in her place. The Duke is a pretty weak man to beginning with. Good thing Lucien didn't inherit that from his father (the Duke).

Overall, Angel in a Devil's Arms was a pretty good. I mean it starts out with a plot of revenge, but motives change as Lucien developed more character. I love that Angelique was able to move on from her past. I can't wait to see what happen with the other characters in The Grand Palace on the Thames.

Copy provided by Avon

Rating:
4 Stars

What a Difference a Duke Makes by Lenora Bell (Review)

What A Difference a Duke Makes was a fabulous read. It was one of those reads that I had to make myself stop reading to sleep. I had a lot of fun reading this title. We have Mari Perkins who would be a cross between Mary Poppins and Maria from the sound of music, with a dash of country bumpkin. She's not cut out to be a governess to a Duke's kids, but then no one is. The Duke of Banksford kids are rambunctious, and they have scared off every governess. However, Mari isn't a governess, but who has to know. SHE NEEDS THIS JOB.

Edgar Rochester is a Duke in trade. Oh the scandal. He doesn't really have time for his kids, and he needs the help. When Mari pops in his life he's not sure on how to feel about it, but something magical starts to happen.

Overall, I had a lot of fun reading What a Difference a Duke Makes. Mari was a fun character with lovability, and wanting to help these children. Edgar was a good father, but a little distracted with work.

Rating:
5 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:

Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Devil's Daughter by Lisa Kleypas

Devil's Daughter 

Ravenels, 5

Lisa Kleypas

Avon 

February 19, 2019

Although beautiful young widow Phoebe, Lady Clare, has never met West Ravenel, she knows one thing for certain: he’s a mean, rotten bully. Back in boarding school, he made her late husband’s life a misery, and she’ll never forgive him for it. But when Phoebe attends a family wedding, she encounters a dashing and impossibly charming stranger who sends a fire-and-ice jolt of attraction through her. And then he introduces himself...as none other than West Ravenel.

West is a man with a tarnished past. No apologies, no excuses. However, from the moment he meets Phoebe, West is consumed by irresistible desire...not to mention the bitter awareness that a woman like her is far out of his reach. What West doesn’t bargain on is that Phoebe is no straitlaced aristocratic lady. She’s the daughter of a strong-willed wallflower who long ago eloped with Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent—the most devilishly wicked rake in England.

Before long, Phoebe sets out to seduce the man who has awakened her fiery nature and shown her unimaginable pleasure. Will their overwhelming passion be enough to overcome the obstacles of the past? Only the devil’s daughter knows…

My Thoughts: 

TLC Book Tours Spotlight + Review: The Lady Travelers Guide to Deception with an Unlikely Earl by Victoria Alexander

The Lady Travelers Guide to Deception with an Unlikely Earl

The Lady Travelers Society, 3

Victoria Alexander

HQN

November 20, 2018

Set sail for love in this sparkling new adventure in #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander’s Lady Travelers Society series.

Harry Armstrong has spent years in Egypt, recovering relics and disregarding rules. Now he’s back in England with a new title and a new purpose: penning his exploits. But his efforts are overshadowed by London’s favorite writer about Egypt—a woman they call The Queen of the Desert, of all things. Worse, her stories—serialized in newspapers and reprinted in books—are complete rubbish.

Miss Sidney Honeywell didn’t set out to deceive anyone. It’s not her fault readers assumed her Tales of a Lady Adventurer in Egypt were real! Admitting her inadvertent deception now would destroy her reputation and her livelihood. But when the Earl of Brenton challenges her to travel to Egypt to prove her expertise, accompanied by his dashing, arrogant nephew, what choice does she have but to pack her bags?

With the matchmaking founders of the Lady Travelers Society in tow, Harry is determined to expose Sidney’s secret. But the truth might not be as great a revelation as discovering that love can strike even the most stubborn of hearts.

My Thoughts:

Audiobook Review: The Dangers of Dating a Rebound Vampire by Molly Harper

YAY, we have finally got to Gigi Scanlon story. When we first meet Gigi she's 17 year old girl, who got in a little trouble consorting with psycho vampire in the first book. Now she's all grown up in The Dangers of Dating a Rebound Vampire, boy is her life an adventure.

All right, grown up Gigi has been around vampires for a while, she dated a psychotic one, and you would think she would avoid them after her mishap. That would be a nope, but she's in search of one that is dark and mysterious. Plus, she's decided to do a summer internship at the council office in order find him.

Nikolai Dragomirov is basically fascinated by Gigi. She draws something out of him. However, things get a little crazy when he starts attacking her. Now it's up to Nik and Gigi to figure out what the heck is going on, and how they are going to stop it.

Again, Molly Harper definitely knows how to write a fun story. This is they type of story that you just read/listen for fun. There's a lot that is going on. We have Gigi working at the council office, falling for a dead guy who is trying to kill her, but he's a good guy. Trust me Nik is a good guy. There's some shady stuff going on at the council office. Okay shadier than normal. Let's go with Ophelia is a little crazier than normal, but all in all a fun read. LOVE NIK AND GIGI! Seriously, they are so perfect for one another.

Since, I have been listening to this series on my phone, it was little harder this time. Partly, because when I listened to the story it sounded like Iris to me not the Gigi voice in first book. Then again I thought about it, and it probably would have been a little annoy to listen to Gigi voice from the first book throughout this whole book. Don't get me wrong I love Gigi, but I guess Gigi's voice had to grow up too. I still believe that Amanda Ronconi , and she does a fabulous job on reading these books. If I didn't then I wouldn't keep going back to them. Seriously, I re-listen to them. Anyway, fantastic narrator.

Overall, LOVE this story!

Rating:
5 Stars

InkSlinger PR Review + Excerpt: The Coaching Hours by Sara Ney

The Coaching Hours

How to Date a Douchebag, 4

Sara Ney

February 5, 2018

THERE ARE NO DOUCHEBAGS IN THIS STORY.

Well, there are, but they’re not who this story is about.

This story is about me—the coach’s daughter.

When I moved to Iowa to live with my dad, the university's take-no-prisoners wrestling coach, I thought transferring would be easy as pie—living with my father would be temporary, and he'd make sure his douchebag wrestlers left me alone.

Wrong on both counts.

ASSHOLES ALWAYS COME OUT OF THE WOODWORK WHEN THE STAKES ARE HIGH.

A bet is placed, and I'm on the table. After one humiliating night and too much alcohol, I find the last nice guy on campus. And when he offers to rent me his spare bedroom, I go all in. It’s time for the nice guy to finish first.

Midnight chats and spilling my problems turn to lingering touches. Lingering touches turn to more.

And the ultimate good guy has the potential do more damage than any douchebags ever could.

My Thoughts:

InkSlinger Audiobook Review: A Cold Dark Place by Toni Anderson

A Cold Dark Place 

Cold Justice, 1

Toni Anderson 

March 25, 2014

Justice isn't always black or white.

Former CIA assassin Alex Parker works for The Gateway Project, a clandestine government organization hell-bent on taking out serial killers and pedophiles before they enter the justice system. Alex doesn't enjoy killing, but he's damn good at it. He's good at dodging the law, too--until a beautiful rookie agent has him wondering what it might be like to get caught.

FBI Special Agent Mallory Rooney has spent years hunting the lowlife who abducted her identical twin sister eighteen years ago. Now, during an on-going serial killer investigation, Mallory begins to suspect there's a vigilante operating outside the law. She has no choice but to take him down, because murder isn't justice. Is it?
Sometimes it's cold and dark.

When Mallory starts asking questions, The Gateway Project management starts to sweat, and orders Alex to watch her. As soon as they meet, the two begin to fall in love. But the lies and betrayals that define Alex's life threaten to destroy them both--especially when the man who stole her sister all those years ago makes Mallory his next target, and Alex must reveal his true identity to save the woman he loves.

My Thoughts:

Blogger Shame Review Challenge 2018: Everything She Wanted by Jennifer Ryan

Another one bits the dust, today we are taking a look at Jennifer Ryan's Everything She Wanted. Let me say that I prefer, Jennifer's Montana Men, but I'm willing to try another book in this series. It wasn't a bad read, but I kind of struggle with the heroine. Don't get me wrong, Kate Morrison is pretty awesome, yet there were times I'm like are you serious you have a baby to watch. It's not a sexiest thing, it's more like: Yes, you have been mainly on your own, but your nephew's mother just died don't go all vigilante and get yourself killed kind of thought. However, she can seriously kick butt, and she wants justice for her sister. 

Stepbrother, Mine by Opal Carew (Review)

First off, I didn't know that Stepbrother, Mine actually started out as a serial. Yeah, it was a serial. Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of serials. Fortunately, St. Martin press actually combined the volumes together to form a book, and I happen to find this at the bookstore. Of course, they had a put a sexy cover, and it was a must buy. Also, I have read other books from Opal Carew and had enjoyed them. Here we are reviewing.

So, we have a taboo kind of read, but here's the thing: I didn't think it was all taboo.  I actually have a valid reasons: 1. They were only 10 years apart in age, and he was technically out of the house by the time they met. So, that would be more of a reason why it's taboo. 2. They were only step-siblings for 2 years. Now had they been step siblings when she was 6 and he was 16, and they lived in same house for more than 5 years. That would have been more an ick factor. I guess for some it would have been taboo, but then again I would think of it like terms of the movie Clueless. I mean Josh and Cheri did get together in the end. Enough of why I didn't think it was all that taboo.

Since Stepbrother, Mine was originally a serial, it's actually broken down into three parts. I actually like the flow of the parts. They flow into one another very nicely. Part one focuses on Dana and Mason reconnecting. They both find that they like one another. However, Mason is trying to keep Dana safe, and Dana wants a more from Mason. After all they both feel this connection that goes deeper. Part 2 focus on Mason and Dana explore passions together. Part 3 when everything implodes, and the reunite.

Overall, I liked Stepbrother, Mine. However, a lot of this story is pretty unrealistic. If you are one of those people that is going to nitpick on the impracticality of the story, you are going to want to steer clear of this one. Dana is willing to sell her virginity to the highest bidder. Okay, I think it's pretty genius idea in some ways. Opal goes into detail why she had. Sometimes, you can't get grants after a certain point of educations, and she didn't want to get a student loan. Being a virgin she's probably unlikely to jump into BDSM shortly after losing that card. There's some impracticality. If you are willing to overlook those kind of factors you might enjoy this how steamy read. I gave you my reasons why it's not really taboo. Especially, when they actually hooked up they are 10 years older, she's 26 and he's 36. It was a pretty good read.

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Escape to You by Jennifer Ryan (Review)

I finally finished Escape to You by Jennifer Ryan. Don't get me wrong, it was a pretty good read. The beginning was a little slow. However, you can't rush things when it comes to physical and emotional abuse in a story.

Anyway, we have Beck, but if you are a fan of Jennifer Ryan, and have read her Montana Men books you would remember him more has Trigger. However, a lot has gone down, he's coming to a point in his life that he's not sure if he wants to keep to doing undercover work. He doesn't know who he is when when Ashley Swan stumbles into his life. Now Ashley is an Hollywood actress who seemed to disappear out of nowhere, and now she's trying to escape her psychotic so-call friend. I think Jennifer has top herself on psychotic bad guy.

There's a lot that goes on in this story. 1) We have Ashley and Adam trying to figure out if they should trust Beck. 2) Beck trying to find himself again. 3) Brice (the bad guy) trying to manipulate the system to find Ashley. So, the story kind of goes back in forth between the scenes Beck and Ashley learning to cope to Brice being psychotic. This is where the story starts to get interesting and kind of nail bitting at times. About this time Escape to You starts to build momentum, which in turn gets good.

Overall, Escape to You is a pretty good read. I like this story, because it wasn't an insta-love. Then again I think it would have been weird to have someone abused to loving someone she doesn't know. Ashley had to learn to trust Beck, and Beck definitely had to find himself. I also like that we also have the underline backstory, which was the reason on leave. I like how Jennifer worked that into the story. So, if you are in search of something new, and need the drama to build, Escape to You might be the book for you.

Copy provided by Avon.

Rating:
4 Stars

Audiobook Review: Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men by Molly Harper

The Jane Jameson books are the reason I have decided to keep my audible books membership active. Seriously, Molly Harper knows how to make a girl laugh out loud. Well, we continue with the perils of being a vampire with Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men. Good lord, the antics in this story. Jane's still a vampire, but she finds herself getting in danger. Before her undead life she had a completely staid life. However, undead life is an adventure. A lot happens in this story, that continues to turn her life upside down. Her sister is  still pretty pissed at her. Her grandma Ruthie has met her male counterpart. However, that's not all. Oh no; we have Zeb and Jolene's wedding. What kind of wedding didn't have a problem or two. Anyway, as we read/listen we see Zeb start to get cold feet in a way, and starts manifesting in weird ways.

A lot is going on in Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men. We have Jane who is adjusting to being a vampire, and getting a hang of her life. She doesn't know where she stands with Gabriel, but he still loves her. There a wedding planning from hell. I mean when your best friend starts hitting on you it gets a little awkward. You finally get a chance with the boy you have had a crush on since grade school and find out he's a douche. Seriously, there's a lot going on in this story. Overall, this was a great escape from the real world. Plus, Amanda Ronconi does a fabulous job on narrating. Molly Harper does write a fun story, but Amanda seems to bring these character personality to life with her narration. Need a break from life, I would recommend to visit Jane's life, and she would make you feel about your life. Plus, I would recommend reading the first book in the series.

Library Find Audiobook Review: Haunted Destiny by Heather Graham

I have decided to try the audiobook selection at my local library, and I happen to find Haunted Destiny by Heather Graham. I figured what the heck, I haven't read/listen to a suspense book in a while. The one Krewe of Hunters I did enjoy, so why not try another, which brings us to the Haunted Destiny. The narrator for this particular story was Luke Daniels. I have to say he did alright. It took me a little time to get use to his reading style, but once I did he did an all right job.

Haunted Destiny is 18 in the Krewe of Hunters series. Don't worry if you haven't read any of the previous books, you will be fine. Yes, you will see Jackson Crow on this case, but he's not the hero of the story. Nope that honor goes to the local area agent Jude McCoy. They basically are trying to find the Archangel Killer, they believe he's on the Destiny. They're not sure what to think of Alexi Cromwell, after all she has a special gift. Yep, she can talk with ghost. Both Jude and Alexi have suffer some kind of lost in their lives which kind of draws them together. They both have a special kind of gifts, but one doesn't realize he has a gift.

Haunted Destiny wasn't a bad read. It took a little time to get into the story. It wasn't until it got to middle that Haunted Destiny started to get interesting. Yes, once people started going missing and deaths happen it definitely picked up. I liked how the ghost of the ship were willing to help Jude and Alexi catch the Archangel Killer. Like I said not a bad read.

Local Library Find (Plus, I have it on Kindle)

Rating:
3 1/2 Stars

Avon Romance Spotlight + Review + Excerpt: Cajun Crazy by Sandra Hill

Cajun Crazy

Cajun, 11

Sandra Hill

Avon 

November 28, 2017

Welcome back to New York Times bestseller Sandra Hill’s Cajun country, where love heats up the Louisiana bayou . . .

Former Chicago cop Simone LeDeux is back home in the bayou, sharing a double wide in the Pearly Gates trailer park to help her mama recover from surgery. Her one rule: no Cajun men. Loved and left by too many double-crossing Cajuns, Simone puts bad experience to good use by opening Legal Belles: an agency that uncovers cheating spouses.

Suddenly she’s confronting a two-timer about to swindle his wife out of millions and antagonizing New Orleans bigwigs over an illegal sex club. Adam Lanier learns of the dangerous game Simone is playing . . . and the sexy single dad comes to her aid. Known as a rogue in the courtroom and a player in the bedroom, the ragin’ Cajun has Simone triply on guard.

With their crazy chemistry, danger on their trail, and infamous LeDeux relative Tante Lulu working her magical matchmaking, the bayou has never been this steamy.

My Thoughts: