Delicious (Camos and Cupcakes, #1) by Melissa Schroeder

Blurb:

Allison Bradley has always known what she wanted.

At thirteen, I decided to be a nurse. That very same year, I fell in love with Ed Cooper. Sure, I was barely a teenager and he was one of my older brother's buddies from boot camp. I didn't care. I was in love or lust...or something. He consumed my every waking thought.  Sadly, fifteen years later, I'm still infatuated and he sees me as a little sister.

Baker Ed Cooper has a problem.
When she was a teenager, Allison was  a sweet nuisance.  Now, I want to take a bite of her to see just how sweet.  I'm beyond infatuated with her but she's my best friend's little sister. Definitely against the bro code. Every time she comes into our shop--which is just about every freaking day--I lust after her. If her brother knew, he would definitely kill me.

One drunken kiss changes everything.
The moment Allison's mouth hits mine, I know there's no going back. Just one taste of her turns me into an addict. Even though I know I'm not good enough for her, once I've had her in my bed, I know I'm not giving her up.

Warning: This story includes so much sweetness from the strawberry lemonade cupcakes to the sexy giant of a baker you might end up with cavities. There are meddling best friends, an older brother who needs to get his own life, and so much frosting used in inappropriate ways you'll probably die of embarrassment. Or I will. Maybe not. Listen, just buy the book and get ready for sweet, hot, over the top kind of romance that will leave you craving for more than cupcakes. You're welcome.

My review:

Absolutely smashing! Delicious is a combination of sweet and spicy that makes it a delight for the brain.

Allison has had a crush on Ed Cooper since she was thirteen. She isn’t a kid anymore and Ed Cooper is back and hotter than the ovens he bakes his scrumptious creations in. Ed has been back from the Army and he and two buddies have put Ed’s skills in the kitchen to work in their bakery. He has noticed his friends little sister is all grown up but his wanting her breaks the bro-code. Fate has a way and when these two get together they are combustible.  This story is told with wit and love and I relished each word.

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Raven's Haven: Fighting for Forgiveness by Cassidy K. O'Connor

Blurb:

Raven’s Haven, a gym dedicated to teaching women self-defense becomes something more, a beacon of hope for survivors. The Self-Rescuing Goddess Club, nine women from different backgrounds, with different circumstances come together to learn how to live, love, and trust again.

***

Absolution...That is all Mason Stephenson wants. He needs to atone for failing to save his sister. Mason dedicates his life to rescuing people in need of help. Through self-defense classes, he teaches women how to be strong and gives them the confidence to live life again. Always thinking of others, he doesn’t realize the woman he saves from being attacked in her car is going to change his life forever.

Mia Chapman thought her day was going like any other until suddenly it wasn’t. Attacked while walking to her car, a surprise hero intervenes and rescues her. It doesn’t take long for her to see Mason is special, but she worries his past will keep him from feeling he deserves love and acceptance.

Mason can’t forgive himself for what he thinks is his part in his sister’s death. Will Mia be strong enough to help him heal or will he be doomed to live his life searching for forgiveness?

My review:

Raven's Haven: Fighting for Forgiveness is a sweet tale of redemption. This book has all the feels. A man who protects and respects women. A young woman who teaches the teacher to forgive himself. And a group of women you just want to hug. I loved this story.

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A Pack of Vows and Tears (The Boulder Wolves #2) by Olivia Wildenstein

Blurb:

In the seductive follow-up to A PACK OF BLOOD AND LIES, Ness Clark’s heart and legitimacy are again put to the test.

She thought the fight was over but it was only just beginning.

Ness Clark's place amongst the Boulders and at Liam’s side is compromised. First, when her cousin claims Ness helped him elude his death sentence. And then, when August Watt, Ness’s childhood friend, comes home to Boulder.

Although August’s plan was to pledge himself and return to active duty, he finds himself incapable of leaving. This becomes problematic for Liam and Ness, because a mating link has clicked into place between Ness and the ex-marine. If not consumed, the link will fade, but that’ll take months. How long and hard can two people fight a physical attraction that renders their bodies unreceptive to anyone’s but their mates?

Ness is tired of fighting, tired of having to prove herself worthy of her pack’s trust and of her Alpha’s affection. But when an enemy pack arrives and threatens the Boulders, she has two choices: step aside and let the wolves who have pushed her away fend for themselves, or step up and help them fight the newcomers.

Ness has never stepped aside…not for anyone.

Why would she start now? 

My review:

A Pack of Vows and Tears answers some questions and gives us new ones to worry about. Ness is growing stronger and more secure in herself. Her relationships with August and Liam are even more complicated and I can’t wait until the next book to see where she ends up. I really enjoyed this exciting tale.

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Southern Sass and Killer Cravings (Marygene Brown #1) by Kate Young

Blurb:

Life has always been sweet on Georgia’s Peach Cove Island, but a case of murder has Marygene Brown down in the pits . . .

For generations, the women of the Brown family on Peach Cove Island have been known for their Southern sass and sweet homemade desserts at their beloved Peach Diner. Since their mother's passing two years ago, Marygene has been stuck in Atlanta while her sister Jena Lynn has been running the family business. Now Marygene has left her husband and returned to her hometown, where she can almost feel Mama's presence.

But all is not peachy back home. Marygene has barely tied on an apron when a diner regular drops dead at the counter. When it turns out the old man's been poisoned, Jena Lynn is led away in handcuffs and the family eatery is closed. Now, to save her sister and the diner, Marygene must find the real killer. With some startling assistance from her Mama's spirit, Marygene will be serving up a special order of just desserts . . .

Includes Seven Recipes from Marygene’s Kitchen! 

My review:

Southern Sass and Killer Cravings by (new to me author) Kate Young is down right adorable. Marygene is down but not out and headed back home. But things at home have changed too and when she is sitting right next a diner regular as he dies things get very real. I really like Marygene. This is an exciting cozy mystery with twists and turn you won’t expect. I look forward to future adventures with Marygene and the gang.

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Pit & Miss Murder (A Barkside of the Moon Cozy Mystery Book 4) by Renee George

Blurb:

When Lily Mason's uncle is accused of murdering a prominent Moonrise citizen, the amateur detective and her loyal pit bull Smooshie must dig out the truth and find the real killer. 

Integrating isn't easy for a shifter in an all human town, but Lily Mason is finally making it work. She has love in her life, enjoys a great job, attends community college, and best of all, her fixer-upper house is nearly livable. She couldn't be happier. 

Until her Uncle Buzz is accused of murder.  

A prominent member of the community has been found murdered in the parking lot of her uncle's cafe,The Cat's Meow. And thanks to a contentious relationship with the victim, Uncle Buzz is the number one suspect.  

Now Lily, Smooshie, and the Moonrise gang must solve the murder before Lily's only family ends up behind bars. 

My review:

Pit & Miss Murder is an adorable cozy mystery that even cat lovers will love. Lily, Parker, Smooshie and Elvis are back and up to their eyeballs in various shenanigans happening around Moonrise. This is a fast paced romp that had me giggling like a 12 year old on sugar. I adore this series.

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Her Redeemed Hero: Federal Paranormal Unit by Terri A. Wilson

Blurb:

Washington Bender should have fought harder. He should have made better choices. Life is full of should-have’s, and living in the past is a waste of time. Until that past comes knocking at the door. As a US Marshal, Washington protects paranormal witnesses, but a call from his sister pulls him back to protect the pack he walked away from and face the woman he should have never left. 

Axelle Michaels takes care of other people’s kids but struggles to take care of her brother. When he falls into a wrong crowd that includes the alpha of her pack, he makes a wrong turn that could get him killed. Now, she has to trust her first love to save her brother and her pack. Can she forgive him from walking away and turning his back on her when she needed him most? 

My review:

Her Redeemed Hero is a second chance romance with teeth. After making the choice 18 years ago to cut and run and making other bad choices since Washington Bender has been given the opportunity to work off his sentence by working with the FPU Marshalls. He is smart and strong both assets to the job. But choices have consequences and the folks back home are dealing with the fall out of Washington’s abandonment years ago. Now he has to go back and face the past. He isn’t worried that his body can take it but his heart may not survive.

This is a sweet story of getting it right the next time and a forever kind of love.

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Treason in Norfolk (X-OPS: The Unclassified Files #1) by Paige Tyler

Blurb:

An unlikely meeting…
Agent Eden Bristow never thought she’d end up fighting mafia-types in an alley right before her sister’s wedding, much less that one of the thugs would be a shifter like her. But what surprised her more was the hot-as-hell soldier who jumped into a bullet firestorm to help her. Scratch that. What surprised her more was the fact he saw her shift and he didn’t freak out. What are the chances she’d meet a man she was not only attracted to, but who could be trusted with government secrets? Slim. One who's willing to step into the mess that is her family? Priceless. So where do they go from here?

An undeniable love.
Sergeant Travis Dempsey was in Virginia for his sister’s graduation. The last thing he expected was to stumble upon a beautiful DCO agent who could kick a bad guy’s ass and still look good in the process. Scratch that. The last thing he expected was for her to have claws and lust-inducing bright green eyes. Feline shifter? Those kinds of things didn’t exist… but they do. And everything about the gutsy, independent woman is drawing Travis in, until he’s falling head-over-combat-boots for her.

But Eden is caught up in something dangerous. And trying to protect her baby sister may get them all killed before Travis has a chance to tell Eden how he feels. 

My review:

Everybody wants to be loved and accepted for who they are. Eden Bristow is a feline shifter and covert agent with the DCO. Not exactly conducive to meeting guys who accept her claws and all. Former Army Special Forces soldier Travis Dalton meets Eden when they both stop Eden’s future brother in-law and his bff from being mugged. Eden is amazed when Travis doesn’t flinch at the sight of her fangs and claws. Travis has seen so much that Eden’s add ons don’t faze him. He thinks she is the hottest thing he has ever seen. Eden is tough and sweet and so is Travis. These two make your heartstrings sing. I really love the X-OPS Series by Paige Tyler and this is a fantastic addition.

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McGyver (Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club #13) by Candace Blevins

Blurb:

Iris Wendel, daughter of an uber-billionaire control freak, is on a rebellious path. With her college days coming to an end and her trust fund on the line, it’s time to make some changes. But when she drives her roommate to a party at the RTMC compound, the gathering of rugged, sexy, dangerous biker werewolves changes everything for Iris.

Face-to-face once again with the only woman he’s ever loved, Danny “McGyver” Franklin refuses to let Iris slip through his fingers this time. He’s no longer the poor, backwoods redneck from her past. McGvyer’s a man now — strong, confident, relentless, and a valued member of the RTMC.

Iris knows Danny is her soul mate, but she’s terrified her father will destroy him all over again. Danny’s playing for keeps, and he’s not about to let anything — or anyone — come between them, especially not Iris’s overbearing father. In a showdown for power and control, can McGyver and his wolf show them who’s boss and hold on to the woman they’ve always loved?

My review:

McGyver is a smoking hot second chance romance and a terrific addition to the series.  Danny “McGyver” Franklin is a big bad biker with an even bigger brain but his heart has only ever beat for Iris the daughter of an uber-billionaire control freak. When these two reunite it is off the charts hot. Now they need to keep her father from ruining it for them again but McGyver isn’t a scared 17 year old anymore and he has his biker family backing him up. Money can’t buy everything. I really enjoyed this story. The very rich may be different but they still put their pants on one leg at a time and the heart wants what the heart wants.  I loved this from cover to cover.

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American Fairytale (Dreamers #2) by Adriana Herrera

Blurb:

Fairy-tale endings don’t just happen; they have to be fought for.

New York City social worker Camilo Santiago Briggs grew up surrounded by survivors who taught him to never rely on anything you didn’t earn yourself. He’s always dreamed of his own happily-ever-after, but he lives in the real world. Men who seem too good to be true…usually are. And Milo never ever mixes business with pleasure…until the mysterious man he had an unforgettable hookup with turns out to be the wealthy donor behind his agency’s new, next-level funding.

Thomas Hughes built a billion-dollar business from nothing: he knows what he wants and isn’t shy about going after it. When the enthralling stranger who blew his mind at a black-tie gala reappears, Tom’s more than ready to be his Prince Charming. Showering Milo with the very best of everything is how Tom shows his affection.

Trouble is, Milo’s not interested in any of it. The only thing Milo wants is Tom.

Fairy-tale endings take work as well as love. For Milo, that means learning to let someone take care of him, for a change. And for Tom, it’s figuring out that real love is the one thing you can’t buy.

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

My review:

I LOVE THIS STORY! This story starts out with a dirty talking one-time event and then morphs into a sweet love story. This couple is just adorable without being too cute. I loved that the characters were older and knew what they wanted. I loved Camilo Santiago Briggs and respected the way he stood up for himself. I really liked that Thomas Hughes was aware of the advantages white privilege gave him even though he felt like he was passing. This story covers a lot of ground but the heart of it is the love story between Tom & Milo. Highly recommend.

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Magic, Mystery & Zombies: YA starter set - Isandro by Elle Klass

Wet your whistle with a taste of award winning author Elle Klass young adult fiction. There's something for everyone who can't get enough teenage heroines and heros, including new release Isandro Volume 1 of the hidden journals. 

Disclaimer:
You may experience uncontrollable laughter, nail-biting and hair tugging as well as a desire to continue reading and even share with a friend or neighbor.

What's Inside:
Baby Girl - In the Beginning and Moonlighting in Paris
Zombie Girl - Premonition and Infection
The Bloodseekers - The Vampires Next Door
Hidden journals - Isandro

Isandro by Elle Klass

Blurb:

The hidden journals are those found by Alistair in Opal’s home in St. Augustine. Each story is unique.

Pressured by two bullies at school, Isandro takes them into his father’s study in search of something he saw, something that he hopes will make the teasing stop. It’s there they find a secret room and the voice begins. It calls Isandro, pulls him into its clutches, and he discovers what the secret room really houses. It isn’t the only nightmare he faces. His parents have kept secrets from him that may cost him his very lifeblood. 

My review:

Isandro is a part of a box set. Isandro is a young man coming into his own when his curiosity gets him into trouble he may not survive. Isandro discovers there is a whole lot out there he never knew about. This is an exciting introduction that will leave you wanting to know more.

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Shouldn't Have You (Fractured Connections #2) by Carrie Ann Ryan

Blurb:

I've been many things in my life: daughter, friend, student, lover, wife…and now, widow. Getting past those labels and finding who I could be without them was the hardest thing I've ever done.
Then I became friends with Brendon Connolly. 
Every time I look at him, I see a past, I see a present, and I’m afraid if I look too hard, I’ll see a future.

~~~

I've known Harmony Wynham since before she got married. Before she lost everything. I didn’t know that one day she wouldn’t be just my friend but the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.
Only I don't think that can happen. 
Not when every time she looks at me, she sees what she lost, and I can only see what I can't overcome.
I love her, even though I shouldn't. Somehow, we need to find a balance. 
Because if we don't, walking away will be the hardest thing I've ever done—even if it's the only thing I should do.

My review:

Sweet and angsty second chance romance. This is Brendon and Harmony’s story. Friends in the past and present but what will the future hold for these two? If they can get out of their own heads they could have it all. I really liked Harmony. There were times I wanted to put Brendon through a wall. All in all a very sweet read.

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Black Hollow: Resurrecting His Heart by J.C. Layne

Blurb:

Julian Anders owns the Raven’s Call Mortuary in Black Hollow, Mass. Julian chooses to be behind the scenes in the mortuary and prefers his life to be the same…solitary. Truth is, this choice is a result of his curse. 

Julian is a necromancer. He despises the curse and using his powers; powers that have cost him relationships in the past. Staying alone is the best way to protect himself…he won’t go through that sort of pain again. 

Jenner Channing’s grandfather has just passed away and something is off about his death. She doesn’t buy that it was of natural causes, and obviously, neither does the Medical Examiner. When Jenner asks for help to get to the bottom of her grandfather’s death, Julian and his employees, Ella and Deron (and the resident ghost, Agnes), jump in to help her find closure. 

The last thing Jenner expected was to find herself falling for Julian Anders. 
The last thing Julian expected was for Jenner Channing to capture his heart. 

As the investigation unfolds, will the challenges prove to be too much for their budding romance or has Julian finally found someone to accept him, curse and all? 

My review:

This book defied all my preconceptions. Julian Anders is a necromancer unlike any I’d read before and I truly fell for him. This was a sexy sweet story that left me with a smile. I’d been worried that the author was going to rush the romance while the heroine was still vulnerable but I should have had faith. It was handled tactfully with humor and understanding. I truly enjoyed this story.

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Seduced by Days (Night and Day Ink #2) by Milly Taiden

Blurb:

Stephanie wants Bryan and Brent Day. She's dying to get the two tattooed and pierced hot men naked and in her bed. But how will she cope when she realizes they want the same for her? And when the night is over, will she be willing to see more with them? 

Reader Note: This title contains explicit sexual material.

My review:

Seduced by Days is a smoking hot m/f/m tale. Sexy tattooed and pierced twins want Stephanie, what’s a girl to do.  This is a sizzling lunchtime get away.

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Tainted Love by Livell James

Blurb:

Austin is left with no place to go, working a dead in job, and living out of his car. His family left him with nothing other than the clothes on his back and the broken-down car he is living in. Until one day a beautiful blue-eyed girl walks into his job and demands he listen to her. The secrets of his family’s past begin to unwind. 

Haley was moved from her world to live on her own in our world away from the others. She left to be protected from the things the Other World offered, but what she wasn’t expecting was for the voices to lead her right back into the depths of the Other World. 
Will these two be able to fight through the craziness that is tearing them apart? Can fate really bring them together or is the love to Tainted? 

My review:

Tainted Love takes place in a wonderfully crafted world created by the author. A young man finds out that his life has been a lie and the news is delivered by the most beautiful girl he has ever met. The chemistry between the two is off the charts. I really enjoyed this story.

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Borderland: (The Sleeping Court Short Story) by Dagmar Avery, K. Margaret, Stella Price

Blurb:

Things in Faerie are moving along and Verity is settling into her life as Queen. Her guard are all settling into their lives as well, and Quinn, well hes really interested in protecting his sister. 

Join Queen Verity as she gives her Guard and new Princess something they both desire: a chance to meet their parents.

My review:

This one is for the fans. If you haven’t read The Sleeping Court series then this is not for you. Queen Verity gives a gift to Quinn & Alyx. Like the rest of this series it is smoking hot but this episode is also really sweet.

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A Twist in the Tail (The Oyster Cove Guesthouse #1) by Leighann Dobbs

Blurb:

FROM THE AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF THE USA TODAYBESTSELLING MYSTIC NOTCH SERIES… 

‘Talk about inconvenient. Not only did I have a dilapidated mansion and no money to repair it with, two cats I had no idea how to care for and a room full of cranky guests waiting for their breakfast, I also had a dead body on my hands.’ 

Josie Waters has to admit she may have acted a bit hastily when she agreed to purchase the Oyster Cove Guesthouse – a charmingly gabled Victorian mansion on the breathtaking Maine coast – from elderly family friend Millie Sullivan. But Josie was desperate to flee Ohio and in particular her ex-husband, a chef who loved his job so much he left her for it. And anyway, how hard can running a guesthouse be? 

The truth is, Oyster Cove Guesthouse is a mouldering money pit with falling-in roof and a cohort of regular guests who are as mischievous as a litter of kittens. And Millie keeps dropping by to dispense unasked-for advice. And Josie might have made a mistake in promising to adopt Oyster Cove’s two resident cats Nero and Marlowe, and treat them in the manner to which they’ve become accustomed. Josie has never had a cat before… let alone two feisty felines who think they own the place. 

Ok, it’s not going well. At least it can’t get any worse, Josie thinks. Until her first guest ends up dead. 

My review:

A Twist in the Tail is a sweet and sassy cozy mystery that will have you purring with delight. Crime solving kitty’s help solve the murder of a thoroughly repugnant individual. There are no shortage of suspects but it takes a feline mind to figure it out. Fun, fun, fun.

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Diggin' Up The Dirt (Kenni Lowry #7) by Tonya Kappes

Blurb:

Sweet as honey, soured by murder! 

Everyone in Cottonwood loves the new bakery, Sweet Shop. Until a Cottonwood resident is found dead with a half-eaten donut in her hand. 

Sheriff Kenni Lowry has her hands full. With a new murder in town and a new deputy to train, she’s not sure if she’s ever gonna get this booger solved. 

Sheriff Elmer Sims comes to the rescue, stepping up as Kenni’s ghost deputy. As the ex-dead-now-ghost deputy and Kenni’s Poppa, there’s clues beyond the sprinkles in the donut that only he can see. 

Add to Kenni’s stress, Finn Vincent’s, Kenni’s hunky boyfriend and new sheriff of Clay’s Ferry, parents have come to town to meet Kenni and her parents. And Kenni’s mama ain’t too happy. As they say in the South, nobody’s happy if mama ain’t happy. 

With Poppa’s keen insight and Kenni’s determination, Kenni focuses all her attention on bringing the killer to justice before the yeast rises and another dead body turns up. 

Save room for dessert. You don’t want to miss this Southern mystery! 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - 

DIGGIN’ UP THE DIRT by Tonya Kappes | A Henery Press Mystery. If you like one, you’ll probably like them all. 

My review:

Diggin' Up The Dirt is a fantastic addition to the series. Poor Kenni, she has a murder and a string of thefts to deal with all while dealing with her momma and Finn’s momma too. This was a fun read with an eclectic group of suspects. I love the dynamic Kenni has with Finn and her momma. I look forward to the next installment.

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