Her Renegade Cowboy by Lora Leigh (Review)

This book was a mistake for me, and probably should have stopped after a few chapters. I regret not DNFing Her Renegade Cowboy. I thought this would have more suspense than what was in here. However, you know what got me to read this book was the cover, and the promising book blurb. 

Yes, Levi Roberts is an undercover US Marshall, and former Army Ranger. He's playing a cowboy on Lily's cousin's ranch. He's not there most of time cause he's at Lily's house getting it on. Lily is a school teacher. You are probably thinking she's sweet and kind. Wrong! She's sassy, and a firer ball. She could be with her students, but you don't really see her interacting with her students. 

Majority of this book takes place around Lily's house. Honestly, you don't really feel the impending doom that her life is in until the last portions of the book. I probably should have put this story down, after the first time. I trudged on trying to read the story. If you are looking for a story that has more suspense you aren't going to find it here. Now if you are looking for hot steamy read, and not really going anywhere, this my friend is your read.

Copy provided by St. Martin via NetGalley

Rating: 1 Star

Audiobook Review: Party Games by RL Stine

After finishing You May Now Kill the Bride I was still on an RL Stine kick. Okay more along the lines of Fear Street, so I decided to give Party Games a go. 

We have Brendan Fear who is a wiz at video games, and loves to program them. He also throws amazing birthday bashes. Rachel Martin has a crush on Brendan Fear, and is totally stoke when she gets invited to the big birthday bash. That's when things turn a little weird for Rachel and Brendan.

Okay, Party Games kept me on my toes. I liked the story. However, it was a decent read or listen. Would I check this story out again? Probably not. The funny thing is I actually bought this book for my daughter, because I wanted her to try out RL Stine. There is a book two and I might try it out, but I think I might hold off on the story. 

Copy provided by Local Library

Rating: 3 Stars

My One True Highlander by Suzanne Enoch (Review)

I got a chance to check out My One True Highlander by Suzanne Enoch earlier this month. I do not recommend reading No Ordinary Hero backwards. I would recommend you go in order. Somethings would make more sense if you read them in the proper order. Just a suggestion. 

In this story, we meet Marjorie Forrester who happens to be the sister of the Duke of Lattimer. When she gets the letter from her brother saying he's going to marry, but she shouldn't come up there. After all, winters are pretty harsh. Everything starts to fall apart when she heads up north. 

We also meet Graeme Maxton, who is a Viscount and a chieftain. He's trying to stay a float when the Duke of Dunncraigh makes an offer, but in return he must kill the Duke of Lattimer. However, Graeme doesn't like the offer, and doesn't trust the Dunncraigh. His brothers happen over heard things and decided to take things their hands, and they kidnap Marjorie. 

This story has some lulling points, but it was a good read. The nightlight of the story was Connell, Graeme's little brother. He's so adorable and has a soft heart. He kind of stole to story, which is fine. Marjorie is kept captive until they figure out what to do. Of course they fall in love, but I think that was a giving. Overall, not a bad read.I guess I need to read the first book, since I have read these totally backwards. 

Copy provided by St, Martins via NetGalley

Rating:

3 1/2 Stars

A Devil in Scotland by Suzanne Enoch (Review)

I finally got a chance to checkout A Devil in Scotland by Suzanne Enoch, and I have to say that I love Callum MacCreath. He's so swoon-worthy. At the beginning he had a wild streak that cost him the loss of the girl he loved. He was a little too slow to the gun and lost her to his brother. Callum was also good at causing trouble, which got him banished from his home. This helped him grow and mature. He also never planned to return to Scotland, but life has other thoughts. Now we have Rebecca the girl that broke his heart. However, she's in the dark on what is afoot. She believes that Duke of Dunncraigh is honorable, but deep down she's not sure about it.

I really enjoyed this story, but I'm going to advise that you read these stories in order and not go the route I did which is going backwards. I mean the Duke of Dunncraigh is a pretty shady guy and you will see this in previous stories. I did enjoy that Callum and Rebecca eventually work together. However, Callum has some serious disbelief that Rebecca was on the up and up, and was in the same league as Dunncraigh. Rebecca's daughter is ADORABLE in this story. She kind of makes the story. I would reread this story because of the daughter. Feisty would best describe her. Overall, a really good read.

Copy provided by St. Martin via NetGalley

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

St Martin Cover Reveal + Excerpt: Handle With Care by Helena Hunting

I have to say that I love Helena Hunting's books they are so much fun. I can't wait to read this book. What do you think of the cover? I personally love the cover. It's so adorable! Anyway, there's an excerpt, unedited. What do you think of the book so far?

NOTE: This is an unedited excerpt and is subject to change.

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

I Flipping Love You by Helena Hunting (Review)

I Flipping Love You was definitely a fun read. We have Pierce Whitfield who basically stops in Rian Sutter in the middle of a grocery story isle mistaking her for her twin sister Marley. Rian is thinking what the heck. So, begins an interesting courtship.

We have Pierce trying to get a chance to go out with Rian and will practically do anything to get that chance. While Rian is pretty leery about Pierce. He's wealthy, good-looking guy, and also she has a secret past. Those secret past. Anyway, these two have more things in common than just attraction, they have a thing for flipping homes.

Helena Hunting is such a fun author read. She tends to bring to life fun characters, with fun drama. Some of the things her characters say are hilarious. So, if you are looking for something fun and light to read, you might want to trying I Flipping Love You. This book is tied to a series, but you can start with any book and will be okay. In this series they focus on the couple in the story.

Copy provided by St. Martin via NetGalley

Rating:
4 1/2 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

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

The Crown Prince's Bride by Donna Alward (Review)

First off, The Crown Prince's Bride is an adorable read. It's the second book, and you don't have to read The Playboy Prince and the Nanny. However, I would still recommend reading it, because you actually see how far Raoul has come. In the first book he was pretty devastated, and he's finally finding himself after his loss. He's slowly realizing he wants to move on. He starts noticing Stephani. Now Stephani has been there the whole time, and she's always wanted someone like Raoul.

We see a budding romance between Raoul and Stephani. It's adorable, because they don't know if they want to pursue the relationship. I mean it could get a little awkward. First off, Stephani was cousin to his decease wife, and she's also his personal assistant. Feelings are a little complicated. Mainly Raoul is facing a personal battle of should he move on or not.

Like I said The Crown Prince's Bride is an adorable read. Not much in the drama department. Plus, it's a fairly quick read. So, if you are in the mood for something light and sweet, The Crown Prince's Bride is calling your name.

Copy provided by St. Martin via NetGalley

Rating:
4 Stars

InkSlinger PR Review + Giveaway: Deal Breaker by Tara Leigh

Deal Breaker

Billionaire Bosses, 2

Tara Leigh

Swerve

November 14, 2017

Nixie Rowland is having a bad day. Rushing home to drown her sorrows in ice cream and reality television, she decides to take a shortcut to the subway where things take a turn for the worst. But Nixie’s bad luck doesn’t end there—the white knight who comes to her rescue is none other than the Dark Knight of Wall Street, a cocky Manhattan mogul whose ego barely fits inside his penthouse. To her horror, Nixie discovers the sizzling attraction between them is off the charts, and rising fast. Spending the night in his bed does nothing to lower the heat… And everything to set her heart on fire.

Nash Knight doesn’t have room in his life, or his heart, for anything beyond one-night stands or casual flings. And he certainly doesn’t make a habit of rescuing damsels in distress. Except that this particular damsel slips beneath his armor, the vulnerability she covers with a false show of bravado hitting him somewhere deep. Nixie is everything he never wanted… And exactly what he needs.

With Nixie on the run from a controlling ex, and Nash trying to salvage a business deal at risk because his conquests in the bedroom are overshadowing his wins in the boardroom, there’s one simple solution for them both: a marriage in name only. But when lust becomes love, will their untamed emotions be a deal breaker?

My Thoughts:

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

Foreward PR & Marketing Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: Grigori by Lauren Smith

Girgori

Brothers of Ash & Fire,

Lauren Smith

October 3, 2017

Swerve

He’s one of the last of a powerful but vanishing bloodline …

Grigori Barinov is the eldest in an ancient line of dragon shifters and the guardian of his family’s lands and fortune. Sworn to protect their history and magic, he won’t rest until he neutralizes any threat to their existence. When he discovers an ancient manuscript that exposes his family and their dragon lineage has fallen into a mortal woman’s hands, he knows he must get the book back by any means necessary. If that means seducing a nosy American woman with an intoxicating scent, he is more than willing to carry her off to his palatial home deep in the heart of Russia.

She’s the one woman who could expose him to the world…

Madelyn Haynes has never fit in. As an adopted child she grew up in a loving home but never felt as though she belonged. Plagued by mysterious dreams she’s had of a silver scaled beast ever since she was a little girl, she is convinced dragons are real. While in Russia working on her PhD in mythology in order to escape the ridicule from fellow professors, she unexpectedly crosses paths with the sexy and dominating Grigori, and after just one night with the man whose eyes seem to burn, she starts to change inside. Isolated in the Russian wilderness Grigori calls home, Madelyn can’t help but fall under his sensual spell, yet something deep inside her calls out that she can’t trust him. She has to show the world dragons are real to salvage academic reputation, even if it means costing her the heart of the dragon she’s falling in love with.

My Thoughts:

InkSlinger PR Spotlight + Review: Eye Candy Anthology

A frightfully good time! Dive into these Halloween novellas from bestselling authors Tijan, J. Daniels, Helena Hunting, Bella Jewel and Tara Sivec. Featuring stories set in the worlds of their popular series.

Tijan’s Fallen Crest crew are back for a weekend of mischief that takes a sinister turn; all four couples from J. Daniels’ Alabama Summer series gear up for Halloween in their own sexy ways, with a special surprise at the end; Helena Hunting’s characters from Shacking Up plan a Halloween gala that features a few ghouls and witches; Bella Jewel brings the chills and thrills in her suspenseful take on Halloween night; and Tara Sivec gathers the Holiday family together one last time as they try to make this ghostly holiday one to remember—or one they’d rather forget… 

Cozy up with a mug of hot cider on a dark night and fall under the spell of this Halloween anthology!  

My Thoughts:

The Playboy Prince and the Nanny by Donna Alward (Review)

Yes, I totally wanted to read this story for the title. I mean who doesn't want to read about playboy prince who falls for a nanny. I mean it's a fairytale in the making. So, we have Diego Navarro who is the a prince to an island I believe. Anyway, he's the spare, which he gets to live his life the way he wants. However, he needed home after tragedy hits, and he decides take responsibility. Basically, he hires a young lady to become the new nanny after his sister-in-law and the children's nanny tragically die. Rosalie Walters (Rose) is hired and she falls in love with the children and also Diego. But she needs to remember her place, she's the hire help. However, Diego makes her forget that from time to time.

Okay, The Playboy Prince and the Nanny is a very sweet story about you guess it a nanny and a prince. It's a fairly easy story to get into. We have both Diego and Rose trying to do their duties when lines get a little muddy. Yes, Diego is trying to reform his playboy image, because he wants to prove to his brother he's more than a spare. Rose is trying to upstanding nanny that she is. Of course their is something fishy going on in the background, but you don't notice until Diego does something to save the families reputation. Overall, a very sweet read with close door romance scenes. So, if you are looking for a sweet romance that will warm your heart, The Playboy Prince and the Nanny is call your name.

Copy provided by St. Martin via NetGalley

Rating:
4 Stars

The Bad Luck Bride by Janna MacGregor (Review)

All right I was super excited to get a chance to read The Bad Luck Bride, I mean it sounded like it be fun. Here's the blurb:

All were shocked at the announcement of the “cursed” Lady Claire Cavensham to Lord Alexander Hallworth, the Marquess of Pembrooke, especially since she is already engaged to another unfortunate Lord. Perhaps she will make it to the altar this time with one of these fine gentlemen! —Midnight Cryer

No one is left breathless at the imperious pronouncement of her engagement to Lord Pembrooke more than Claire. She hardly knows the dangerously outrageous man! But after three engagements gone awry and a fourth going up in glorious flames, she isn’t in a position to refuse...

Alexander requires the hand of his enemy’s fiancée in marriage in order to complete his plans for revenge. It’s his good fortune that the “cursed” woman is desperate. However, what begins as a sham turns into something scandalously deeper...

By all means the story sounds pretty good, I mean we have a curse and revenge. However, The Bad Luck Bride wasn't what I was expecting. I honestly thought it would play up more of the revenge plot, but the more I read the revenge thing kind of disappear. By the way, it had to because of the circumstances of the story. What boils down about this story is a lack of communication and being honest, which is a horrible way to start a marriage. I had a hard time with Lady Claire for most of the book. A lot of that has to deal with the fact she couldn't open up with what causes her panic attacks. This is one the things she should have told her husband from the get go. Oh well. Pembrooke should have told Claire after they were marry why he did what he did. However, he never did. We find both of them afraid to communicate. There's a lot of miscommunication. Other than that issue, the writing was pretty good, and actually Claire's cousins sounds quite interesting. So, I'm curious about them.

Overall, I struggled with The Bad Luck Bride. I liked the beginning, and I thought the ending was sweet. The middle was a little rough. Am I willing try the next book, sure. You never know I might be surprised with the next one. Anyway, the story didn't work for me, but there are others who absolutely loved it.

Copy provided by St. Martin via NetGalley

Rating:
2 1/2 Stars

St. Martin Spotlight + Excerpt: The Bad Luck Bride by Janna MacGregor

The Bad Luck Bride 

The Canvensham Heiress, 1

Janna MacGregor

May 2, 2017

All were shocked at the announcement of the “cursed” Lady Claire Cavensham to Lord Alexander Hallworth, the Marquess of Pembrooke, especially since she is already engaged to another unfortunate Lord. Perhaps she will make it to the altar this time with one of these fine gentlemen! —Midnight Cryer

No one is left breathless at the imperious pronouncement of her engagement to Lord Pembrooke more than Claire. She hardly knows the dangerously outrageous man! But after three engagements gone awry and a fourth going up in glorious flames, she isn’t in a position to refuse...

Alexander requires the hand of his enemy’s fiancée in marriage in order to complete his plans for revenge. It’s his good fortune that the “cursed” woman is desperate. However, what begins as a sham turns into something scandalously deeper...

Excerpt:

Never Trust a Pirate by Valerie Bowman (Review)

Valerie's books are always a delight to read. They tend to be witty and fun. She tends to have heroes and heroines who can match each with words. Yes, you do find that in Never Trust a Pirate. For the longest time Rafe thought his brother was dead, eventually, he found out that he was Oakleaf. Anyway, Cade always consider himself the black sheep of the family and that totally suited him, and his assignments. However, he gets a little side tracked when an enticing ladies maid stumbles into his lap, Danielle LaCrosse. Yet, there is more that meets the eyes with this ladies maid.

Never Trust a Pirate definitely keeps you on your toes. Between all the spying you have fantastic banter going on between Cade and Danielle. I like these two characters individually. Cade is a wonderful scoundrel. Who doesn't love a scoundrel? I adore Danielle, because she's strong, independent, and she doesn't know the power she yield's on Cade. Yes, Valerie produced another wonderful story in her series. We get to see Delilah again, and that girl; I truly hope she gets a book one day, because dude she needs one. Anyway, if you are in search of adventure, spying, and banter, look no further Never Trust a Pirate has you cover.

Copy provided by author & publisher.

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Audiobook Review: Irresistible Force by D.D. Ayres

Why has this taken me so long to read D.D. Ayres? Seriously, I need to kick myself for not discovering her sooner. The funny thing is I have a couple of her books in my Kindle. *Head/desk* That's okay, time to rectify the situation.

Anyway, I listen to Irresistible Force by D.D. Ayres narrated by Jeffrey Kafer. Of course Jeffrey Kafer does an amazing job reading, and LOVE his voice. Honestly, I couldn't put my phone down when it came to this story. Oh my goodness D.D. Ayres did an amazing job at keeping my attention with this story. Basically, we have James Cannon which he's to die for yummy. He's such an awesome hero. Talk about dreamy good looks, but all round good guy. Even after what Shay does to him, he goes in for the rescue. Totally my hero. Then we have Shay Appleton who is having a rough time when James comes into her life. All I could think of Bonnie Tyler's Holding Out For A Hero as I was listening to Irresistible Force.

Overall, Irresistible Force was an amazing story. There were a couple of time where Shay drove me nuts, but James makes up for that. This is a story where it's worth revisiting in the future. Like I said, Kafer does an amazing job and he's part of the reason I got this book. Now I need to get the rest of the book in the series.

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

St. Martin Review + Excerpt: Ready Set Rogue by Manda Collins

Ready Set Rogue 

Studies in Scandal, 1

Manda Collins

St. Martin Paperbacks

January 3, 2017

From the bestselling author of The Lords of Anarchy series, comes the exciting first installment of Manda Collins’ new Studies in Scandal series: READY SET ROGUE. Collins is back in the Regency era with a passionate, yet unexpected romance that comes in the wake of a thrilling murder mystery.

 When scholarly Miss Ivy Wareham receives word that she’s one of four young ladies who have inherited Lady Celeste Beauchamp’s estate with a magnificent private library, she packs her trunks straightaway. Unfortunately, Lady Celeste’s nephew, the rakish Quill Beauchamp, Marquess of Kerr, is determined to interrupt her studies one way or another...

Bequeathing Beauchamp House to four bluestockings—no matter how lovely they are to look at—is a travesty, and Quill simply won’t have it. But Lady Celeste’s death is not quite as straightforward as it first seemed…and if Quill hopes to solve the mystery behind her demise, he’ll need Ivy’s help. Along the way, he is surprised to learn that bookish Ivy stirs a passion and longing that he has never known. This rogue believes he’s finally met his match—but can Quill convince clever, skeptical Ivy that his love is no fiction?

Don't miss Ready Set Rogue, the first in Manda Collins' new series set in Regency England!

My Thoughts: