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:

Blog All About It: Red

Since this months theme is about Red, I figure I should type my post in red. Fitting. Anyway. At the beginning of the month it seems like everywhere red explodes onto the scene. I mean with Valentine's Day being in this month. However, I decided not to write about Valentine's Day or about chocolate boxes that are red hearts. Oh no, I decided to write about my red phone that we never use. I love the color red, which is the reason I bought it. So, we have a land line, but we mainly use our cellphones for our main communications. The land line has come in hand, for instance when my phone was needing a charge, I was able to use my cute red phone. It rings constantly with telemarketers, I love my message on there. So, if you ever call it you will hear, "This is the May family if you really know us, then you will call our cell phones have a nice day." 

Devil In Spring by Lisa Kleypas (Review)

Can I tell you how much I love Pandora's story? Seriously, I LOVE HER! She's not an ordinary young woman. Her mind is going 90 mph, and going all sorts directions. When she accidentally entraps Gabriel, her first thought is I'm not marrying him. He's puzzled by that, her feelings toward marriage. After all, he's trying to do the right thing, and he's stuck with a girl who doesn't want anything to do with him. Puzzled and intrigued. Gabriel puts on this facade that he's pretty perfect, except for his mistress. Overall, he's on the up and up. Now he's kind of stuck with this high-spirited girl.

I love Devil In Spring, because we see that through most of the story Pandora trying to show how unsuitable she would be to Gabriel. Gabriel has no clue, but he wants this enchanting creature. His family adores her natural charm, and he kind of enlist their help to figure out a way to show Pandora it will be all right. Gabriel is a lot of fun, because he's such a stand up guy. At first he wants to marry her because it's the right thing to do, but he starts to fall for her hard and fast.

I kind feel like Pandora as I'm righting this, because there's so much I want to tell you about this story. At the same time I can't, because I don't want to spoil. Yes, Pandora does stumble onto something sinister, and I think this plot line carries into the next story. However, the main part of the story is about these two people who accidentally find themselves in a compromising situation. They both need to compromise what they are willing to give and take for happiness.

Rating:
5 Stars

Marrying Winterbourne by Lisa Kleypas (Review)

Okay, I bought this when this first came out, because I LOVED the first book. I loved the fact that Lisa was bringing a new family, and each of the character brings dynamic to the story. At the end of Cold-Hearted Rake Kathleen does something that pretty much pissed off Rhys Winterbourne, and the wedding is called off. At the time Helen was extremely confused, and not sure how she should feel. By the start of Marrying Winterbourne we see Helen do something ballsy, and she changes the course of her life. However, in Marrying Winterbourne we find out some deep dark secrets about the Ravenel which involve Helen. Actually, the secrets that lie in this story explain why Helen is the way she is.

Rhys is definitely ambitious, and he's willing to take down anyone who gets in the way. In some aspects he scares Helen. She truly fears that his ambition will be the reason they won't get married, and there's more to her fear. Helen is an extremely sweet, shy girl, and she's falling everyday in love with Rhys. However, she has a fear that once he learns the truth about her past, he's not going to want anything to do with her. It's a huge burden for her to carry, and she carries it through most of the book. I love how Rhys softens a little for Helen, because she needs that. After all she never really received that as a child. There parents were special. 

Overall, Marrying Winterbourne is still a pretty good read. I love that see the whole family throughout the story, but at the same time they are in the background. However, the Ravenel's do know how to bound together in a time of need. I can't wait to see how the other children behave. 

Rating:

4 Stars

InkSlinger Spotlight + Excerpt + Giveaway: Devil in Tartan by Julia London

From New York Times bestselling author Julia London, comes DEVIL IN TARTAN—the fourth novel in her Highland Grooms Series! 

DEVIL IN TARTAN releases on February 20, 2018. Pre-order your copy today!

DEVIL IN TARTAN Synopsis:

Lottie Livingstone bears the weight of an island on her shoulders. Under threat of losing their home, she and her clan take to the seas to sell a shipload of illegal whiskey. When an attack leaves them vulnerable, she transforms from a maiden daughter to a clever warrior. For survival, she orchestrates the siege of a rival’s ship and now holds the devilish Scottish captain Aulay Mackenzie under her command.

Tied, captive and forced to watch a stunning siren commandeer the Mackenzie ship, Aulay burns with the desire to seize control—of the ship and Lottie. He has resigned himself to a life of solitude on the open seas, but her beauty tantalizes him like nothing has before. As authorities and enemies close in, he is torn between surrendering her to justice and defending her from assailants. He’ll lose her forever, unless he’s willing to sacrifice the unimaginable…

Excerpt:

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:

The Schemer by Avery Flynn (Review)

Tyler Jacobson is pretty awesome. I mean he built himself out of nothing. The title is fitting, he's definitely a schemer. Growing up on the wrong side of the tracks does that to a person. We see that he has built himself up a perfect kind of life, but there is one person that is getting under his skin, Everly Ribinski. They kind of hate each other. Here's the problem between these two, they get off on the wrong foot. They have a simple misunderstanding, but they both interpreted the wrong way, so the things kind of escalate into straight up crazy. Each of them tries to out maneuver one another, until the attraction explodes.

Okay, these two were burning hot from the very beginning, it would have been all fine and dandy had they actually talked with one another and explain their actions, but no. They both run hot thinking the other is out to get them, and it's not until a little ways down the story they come together, and trying to work one another out of the system. Which is a total logic reasoning until someone or both fall in love. Tyler and Everly grew up the same way, and both worked their ways to where they are today. Each of them looking something, but in essence the same thing, and they don't even realize it. Towards things get a little heated, and little more emotional. I like these two characters, because they both have flaws, yet they balance one another out. However, they are kind of blind on what they want and what they actually need, which is each other. We get see Tyler's ex-fiancee in this story, both she's a piece of work.

Overall, The Schemer was a pretty good and entertain read. I had fun between Tyler and Everly. I hope we get to see Hartigan's in there own stories. Seriously, that is my wish. So, if you are in the mood for some escalating antics, The Schemer is your read.

Copy provided by Entangled via NetGalley

Rating:
4 Stars

Beyond Scandal and Desire by Lorraine Heath (Review)

Okay, it's been a while since I last read a Lorraine Heath book, which is kind of crazy I love her books. She tends to be an auto-buy at the story. Then again it's those amazing covers. Anyway, I actually liked Beyond Scandal and Desire, even though it had a slow start. Boy did story start to get interesting when we started to see Mick Trewlove's revenge plan start to play out. I have to say there is a little twist, I didn't see coming towards the end. Lorraine does a pretty good job at adding this little twist.

Alright, in Lorraine's new series we follow the lives at these adults who happen to grow up as bastards. The first up is Mick, the oldest. He also finds out that he's the child of the Duke of Hedley. He grew up without the privilege of his Hedley's other son, all he wants to do is be claimed as a bastard. However, Hedley has no desire, so a plot of revenge ensue. Boy is there a lot of collateral damage, and one of them is Lady Aslyn Hastings. All Mick wants to do is seduce her away from the heir, but we starts to admire Aslyn. We see a problem happening, Mick has to make a decision on what is best: continue on the set course or let it go.

Oh my goodness, I really liked Beyond Scandal and Desire, and the title is so fitting. Lorraine does a pretty good job with this story, and we even see Mick's brothers and sisters. I look forward to the other story, especially Fancy. However, being the youngest we probably won't see who she marries for awhile. However, there are other interesting siblings. Mick and Aslyn is a wonderful story. Yes, you do need to be patient, because it's building to something big. Everything starts to make sense on why Aslyn is so shelter. Overall, it's a beautiful story.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Dangerous Witness by Katie Reus (Review)

I liked Dangerous Witness. I think I liked it more, because it moved the overall plot. You see the undercurrent of what is going on with Redemption Harbor. However, the story focuses on Brooks and Darcy's relationship, kind of. Basically they broke up because his father was butting in, but Brooks was an idiot, and assume the worse. You know what they say about assuming. Anyway, Brooks still has feelings for Darcy and decides to check on her, which is totally normal. Okay, he realizes that is bordering on stalker territory. Good thing he does this, because he's able to come back into Darcy's life. Darcy isn't sure about him, because he was a complete douche about the breakup. However, she needs him when things get a little scary.

Actually, Dangerous Witness is pretty low-key, and it doesn't get interesting until the danger level start rising. However, you see towards the end that something building, but your not quite sure. There relationship is pretty mellow. Plus, we have Darcy's sister's wedding that is covering for something sinister. Overall, it was an okay read. I hope the danger and romance gets a little amps up in the next books. I hope something is brewing between Nova and Gage. I mean there is love-hate tension between those two.

Copy provided by author

Rating:
3 1/2 Stars

Blog Tour Review + Giveaway: Runaway Groom by Lauren Layne

Runaway Groom

I Do, I Don’t – Book 2

Lauren Layne

January 30, 2018

Loveswept

Blurb
For one charming playboy, getting cast on a Bachelor-esque reality TV show is the shock of a lifetime—until he finds love where he least expects it.

Gage Barrett’s reputation as a ladies’ man has been greatly exaggerated, but none of that matters after a drunken bet lands him on Jilted, a reality TV show that matches runaway grooms with wannabe brides. Now he’s stuck at a Hawaiian resort with nineteen women competing to drag him back to the altar—and one contestant who’s even more miserable than he is. Gage has no idea how feisty, independent Ellie Wright wound up in the cast, but it’s obvious she hates his guts. And if there’s one thing Gage likes, it’s a challenge. . . .

Ellie can’t believe she let her best friend talk her into exchanging her dignity for a glorified bikini contest. Still, she could use the exposure—her business is struggling—and she’ll probably be one of the first to get eliminated anyway. But Gage isn’t the shallow jerk Ellie anticipated—and he’s in no rush to send her home. As stolen kisses turn into secret trysts, she finds herself losing track of what’s real and what’s for the camera. With the wedding finale looming, this runaway groom is tempting Ellie to start believing in storybook endings.

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. 

Avon Romance Review + Excerpt: About That Kiss by Jill Shalvis

About That Kiss
Heartbreaker Bay, 5
Jill Shalvis
Avon
January 23, 2018

When love drives you crazy . . .
When sexy Joe Malone never calls after their explosive kiss, Kylie shoves him out of her mind. Until she needs a favor, and it’s a doozy. Something precious to her has been stolen and there’s only one person with unique finder-and-fixer skills that can help—Joe. It means swallowing her pride and somehow trying to avoid the temptation to throttle him—or seduce him.

the best thing to do . . .
No, Joe didn’t call after the kiss. He’s the fun time guy, not the forever guy. And Kylie, after all she’s been through, deserves a good man who will stay. But everything about Kylie makes it damned hard to focus, and though his brain knows what he has to do, his heart isn’t getting the memo.

… is enjoy the ride.
As Kylie and Joe go on the scavenger hunt of their lives, they discover surprising things about each other. Now, the best way for them to get over “that kiss” might just be to replace it with a hundred more.

My Thoughts:

Social Butterfly PR Release Blast + Review: Sidelined by Marquita Valentine

Sidelined

Marquita Valentine

January 23, 2018

Sidelined, a sexy all-new STANDALONE from Marquita Valentine is NOW AVAILABLE!!!

It was supposed to be the happiest time of my life.
And it was, until my husband left me.
On our honeymoon.
For the wedding planner.

Now I all I want to do is get over the humiliation with the one man I shouldn’t.
Except he's avoiding me at all costs.

But I'm not going to let Aiden McHugh get away. He might be the hottest quarterback in the NFL and my older brother’s best friend, but he doesn't intimidate me. He promised to help me and I’m holding him it… even if it means I have to convince him one seduction at a time.

Until the seduced becomes the seducer.
I no longer want to get over my ex; I just want Aiden.
My Thoughts: 

Tempt Me by Carly Phillips (Review)

Talk about a tempting read. This past week I read Tempt Me by Carly Phillips. I'm going to have to say that I liked this story more than the first book. Don't get me wrong I did like the first book, but I loved Austin Rhodes. He's definitely a swoon kind of hero. Pretty protective those around him, and adores his daughter. Seriously, those seen when he's with his daughter, Bailey, could pop an ovary. Totally lovable. Then we have Mia Atwood, the nanny. She's adores Bailey likes she was her own kid. I love that she tried to avoid her attraction to Austin. She tries to be a good nanny.

I enjoyed Tempt Me. There' more to the story than Austin and Mia trying to fight there attraction. There's a little draw that happens. Okay, it's fairly complicated drama that Austin and Mia's past kind of intervene on their happiness. I love that Mia wants to protect Bailey at all cost, even sacrifice her feelings for Austin.

Anyway, I really liked Tempt Me. It was a tempting read, because the guy on the cover is pretty yummy. I liked the story. It was a fairly fast read, with a happy ending. I can't wait for more of these Bodyguard Bad Boys. 

Copy provided by author via RockStar PR

Rating
4 1/2 Stars

InkSlinger PR Cover Reveal: Fireball by Nazare Andrews

 

Today we are celebrating the cover reveal for FIREBALL by Nazarea Andrews. Fireball is an adult contemporary romance, standalone novel, and it kicks off the brand new River Street Bar series. It will be released on March 8! 

Add FIREBALL to Goodreads

BIG NEWS

Nazarea is re-launching her READER GROUP.

You can get exclusive news, sneak peeks, and more!

FIREBALL 

River Street Bar series, #1

Nazarea Andrews

A Standalone Contemporary Romance

Coming March 8

Blurb:


He’s infuriating…

Dempsey Jones has been a nuisance my entire life, the straight-laced Boy Scout grown up to be a firefighter, of all things. He was the one helping kittens out of trees and old ladies cross the road while I was lighting cherry bombs with my best friend in abandoned buildings, and now that we’re all grown up—even if my Dad doesn’t agree—he’s still just as annoying.

She’s impossible…

Taite Ridley has been a constant my whole life, the curly haired mischievous daughter of the police chief, charming and devious and alluring. She was wild in ways I never dared to be and too big for our little town. But she’s here, a small town cop, and I can’t avoid her, even if I wanted to. 

And I don’t want to. 

It’s like mixing fire and gasoline and when these two collide, someone is gonna get burned…

Excerpt: 

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

Man Candy by Jessica Lemmon (Review)

First and foremost, I love the cover of Man Candy. I think it has to do with the candy in the background, and the guy isn't bad looking. So yeah, I read this book, because of the cover. I enjoyed the parts that focus on Dax Vaughn. He was totally yummy, and sweet. Oh my gosh talk about a guy who could go with the flow. Seriously, he puts up with a lot of crap from Becca. Now Becca Stone is probably not my top pick in the heroine department. Let me tell you, she drove me crazy. She's pretty flighty and kind of does her own thing. She's not super reliable. However, Dax falls for this girl. Her kind of lifestyle fits what Dax wants at this time. Yet, the more time they spend together, the more he wants to be in Becca's life.

Things I liked about this book. I liked that these two were kind of stranded. Yeah, Becca could have stayed at the restaurant will, but she took a chance to see if Dax would let her stay. They made good use of the time. I love Dax. Even with his own issues about relationships, he was willing to make it work with Becca. I really like that he let Becca dictate how the relationship went, and I liked that it drove Becca crazy. Seriously, she needed a taste of her own crazy.

Becca is one of the main reason I struggle with this book. There were times I wanted to strangle her. Moments where I was like Dax it's okay to find another girl, she don't want you.

In all and all, Man Candy wasn't a bad read. I wasn't a fan of being in Becca's head, but I did love being in Dax. Dax made the book worth reading. I did like the fact that Becca did come to her senses. I think what drove me crazy was Becca would say things along the lines "you probably think this stupid of m." Which I would think, YEAH. Most of the time, I was kind of humming theme to The Facts of Life. Overall, not a bad book, but not a great book.

Copy provided by LoveSwept via NetGalley

Rating:
3 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

Blogger Shame Review Challenge 2018: His Best Mistake by Diane Alberts

I feel so accomplished here, I finished another Blogger Shame book. Seriously, this is super exciting. I finally read His Best Mistake by Diane Alberts. So, here is my thoughts on this title.