Not Just Make Believe by Sandra Sookoo

Blurb:

Andrea Peterchef is the reluctant new nanny to troublemaking nine-year-old Piper, and even though her first day ends with tomato-soup puke, her outlook improves over a sexy conversation with Piper’s guardian, Max. His voice evokes an image of her perfect man, but he’s a workaholic. Andrea can see Piper craves the love and stability of a family, and she’s determined to do what it takes to make that happen.

Maxwell Gildenthall is a stockbroker haunted by the 9/11 deaths of his girlfriend and his cousin-- Piper’s dad. Deadlines and data define his life -- not baby dolls and Disney videos. When his plus-sized au pair badgers him into spending more time with Piper, he realizes he’s been neglecting the child, and the chance to be near his pretty nanny is a bonus. Away from emotion-numbing work, he’s racked by guilt and pain, which threatens the fragile relationship he has with Andrea. It will take more than a spoonful of sugar to make these problems go down smoothly.

Review:

I never know what I’m going to get with Sandra Sookoo.  She writes in just about every genre and makes up a few as she goes along.  This book came out in 2009 but I just got my grubby paws on it.  This is a sweet, sassy and fun story that has a few aww worthy moments in it.  I shows a little age but is definitely worth the read.

Taming the Alpha (Crescent Moon #1), Claiming His Mate (Crescent Moon #2), Tempting His Mate (Crescent Moon #3) by Savannah Stuart

I read these three sexy shifter novellas one right after the other.  Although characters carry over they can each be read stand-alone with no major loss of storyline.

Taming the Alpha (Crescent Moon #1)

Blurb:

After a year of lusting after his sexy employee, werewolf pack-leader Grant broke his no-involvement-with-humans rule and made a move on Talia. A month later the sex is still red hot and everything between them is perfect. Or so he thought. Until the night he shows up at her place expecting their usual ritual of mind-blowing sex and finds out she has other plans. And they don’t include him.

When Talia announces she’s tired of being his last priority, Grant realizes he might lose the only woman he’s ever cared about. He has to do something fast to fix their relationship, but she’s completely unaware that he’s not human. He’s not above using sex to bind her to him, but when she wants more than that he has a risky decision to make. If he admits the truth he risks not only his heart, but the safety of his pack and the existence of all supernatural beings as well.

Review:

Grant is Alpha.  All Alpha.  He is the Alpha of his pack a job that keeps him hopping as well as his regular job so he really doesn’t have a lot of time to devote to a relationship.  Talia thinks Grant is hot and sex with him is off the charts but she wants more (GO TALIA) and tells him so. When Grant is flabbergasted that this little human is telling him off (one of my favorite scenes btw) she shuts him down.  It is fun watching the almighty Alpha have to work to get the “little human” to take him as mate.

Claiming His Mate (Crescent Moon #2)

Blurb:

She thought the house was empty when she broke in…

When jaguar shifter Lauren Hayes breaks into an alpha’s home to steal back what rightfully belongs to her pride, she doesn’t expect to be tackled by Max McCray, second-in-command of the Kincaid wolf pack. As punishment for her crime the sexy wolf shifter demands that she stay with him for one week. Knowing she’ll start a war between her pride and his pack if she doesn’t, she has no other choice but to agree, even if the thought of being near him 24/7 makes her scared that she won’t be able to hide her growing attraction to him.

Now he has a week to make her his…

Max has waited months to make a move on the sexy jaguar shifter and now that she’s broken shifter rules, he’s not letting her go. He doesn’t care that he’s a wolf and she’s a jaguar, claiming her forever is the only thing that matters. Unfortunately, not everyone likes the idea of him being with a feline shifter. Max is forced to choose sides between Lauren and members of the pack he’s sworn allegiance to in order to protect the woman he knows is his destined mate.

Review:

Cats and Dogs, Jaguars and Wolves same thing right?  We met Max in Taming the Alpha (Crescent Moon #1) as Grants second.  Max is an okay guy but has been having a hard time finding the time to find his mate (a jaguar of all things)  First he had admit to himself that she was indeed the on for him and then his mother was killed and he has to go after the vampires that killed her and then he had to recover from that.  Then Grant and Talia get married and go on honeymoon so he is in charge so he can’t go after his little cat so imagine his surprise when he catches her breaking into Grants house to steal something.  This is a sexy fun cats and dogs read. 

Tempting His Mate (Crescent Moon #3) (ARC provided by publisher through NetGalley for a fair and honest review. )

Blurb:

She ran from him once…

Wild one night stands are not Ella Hayes’s style, but with her confidence at rock bottom after a devastating betrayal and her painful departure from her jaguar pride, who could blame her for falling into bed with a sexy wolf? She never thought she’d see him again. And never in her craziest dreams did she expect to come face-to-face with him on her first day with the Kincaid wolf pack. Sleeping with Asher had been one of the most intense experiences of her life—but now she wonders if they could have more.

He’s not letting her go again…

Tired of life as a lone wolf, shifter Asher has joined his cousin’s pack. The last person he expected to see was the sexy woman who ran out on him in the middle of the most incredible night of his life. The Ella he meets now is nothing like the wild, sensual woman he let his guard down with, but he likes both sides of the complicated female. But now somebody—or something—sinister is targeting Ella, and Asher moves quickly to get her under his roof and under his protection. Keeping the sexy female safe and proving they belong together are two missions he doesn’t plan to fail. Because this time, he’s playing for keeps.

Review:

This was the best of the three novellas in this series yet.  I love Asher.  He is frickin’ hot.  Asher has finally come home after wandering as a lone wolf.  He doesn’t expect to meet the hot little jaguar that ran out on him working for his pack as an accountant.  Ella needs a new start so when her friend Lauren (from Claiming His Mate (Crescent Moon #2) ) tells her about a job with the Kincaid pack she jumps at the chance.  She doesn’t expect to run into Asher, ever.  She doesn’t do one night stands and getting together with him was an anomaly except now she wants to turn that one night stand into a lifetime.  Smoking hot sweet and fun quick read.

A Santini Christmas by Melissa Schroeder

Blurb:
Join the Santinis as they gather together not for the joy of the season, but in crisis. One major event throws everything they hold dear into jeopardy, causing Joey to travel back to the memories of when she and Papa first fell in love. Joey Antonio doesn’t have time for men. Her focus is on saving money for art school. She definitely doesn’t need some jarhead Romeo bothering her. True, every time they run into each other she finds herself more attracted to him—not to mention the kisses he steals are becoming addictive. Still, no matter how sexy the Marine is, she isn’t a woman who is willing to risk her heart. Stewart Santini, known to everyone as Papa, is convinced Joey is the woman for him. Sexy, smart and tough—exactly how he likes his women. He finds himself falling even before he knows what hit him…but there is one problem: Joey is willing to share her bed, but not her life. Papa knows Joey is surprised when he agrees to a casual affair, but he has other plans to set him motion. This is one Marine who will battle to win the most precious thing in the world to him: Joey Antonio’s heart.

Buy Link: Amazon

Click here to read an excerpt 

About the Author: From an early age, Melissa loved to read. First, it was the books her mother read to her including her two favorites, Winnie the Pooh and the Beatrix Potter books. She cut her preteen teeth on Trixie Belden and read and reviewed To Kill a Mockingbird in middle school. It wasn’t until she was in college that she tried to write her first stories, which were full of angst and pain, and really not that fun to read or write. After trying several different genres, she found romance in a Linda Howard book. Since the publication of her first book in 2004, Melissa has had close to fifty romances published. She writes in genres from historical suspense to modern day erotic romance to futuristics and paranormals. Included in those releases is the bestselling Harmless series. In 2011, Melissa branched out into self-publishing with A Little Harmless Submission and the popular military spinoff, Infatuation: A Little Harmless Military Romance. Along the way she has garnered an epic nomination, a multitude of reviewer’s recommended reads, over five Capa nods from TRS, three nominations for AAD Bookies and regularly tops the best seller lists on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Since she spent her childhood as a military brat, Melissa swore never to marry military. But, as we all know, Fate has her way with mortals. She is married to an AF major and is raising her own brats, both human and canine. She spends her days giving in to her addiction to Twitter, counting down the days until her hubby retires, and cursing the military for always sticking them in a location that is filled with bugs big enough to eat her children. Visit Melissa’s website at http://melissaschroeder.net

My review:
We met Joey Santini as the mother of the Santini boys in each of their stories. We knew she was an exceptional woman, strong with a heart of gold.  In A Santini Christmas we learn how she and Papa met and more about how she came to be the woman who could raise Leo, Marco, Gianni and Vincente.  Laugh, cry and sigh as Papa fights for his life and the woman he loves.

Fried Pickles and the Fuzz by Calico Daniels

Blurb:

Big Creek might be a stereotypical small town but even they have drama.

Heather loves her little café, and her best customer is the county Sheriff. She’s been waiting months for him to ask her out…maybe she won’t have to wait much longer.

Bronson feels at home in Big Creek even though he hasn’t been the Sheriff for long. Small towns have their perks and a pretty café owner who cooks like an angel certainly doesn’t hurt. Now, if he could only get over his nerves and drum up the gumption to ask her out.

Throw in a gossip mill, a redneck festival and an ill timed attempt to help and you end up with some laughs, some ruffled feathers and a town that is…. Redneck Fabulous.

Review:

I admit it though I’d never heard of this author I saw the title and couldn’t resist.  This is a quick sweet and funny read that will leave you smiling and feeling good about the world.

Chain of Illusions (Bringer and the Bane #3) by Boone Brux

Blurb:

Rell has lived in the Shadow World for thirteen years as a Demon Bane, the formerly vivacious young woman now the demonic enemy of the immortal Bringers. But when she is given the chance to become human again—and a full-powered Bringer—Rell isn’t sure if it’s better to be a demon in the Shadow World or to risk her life for her humanity.

For two years Siban had been tortured in the Bane prison, only to fall in love with the beautiful demon who helped him escape. Tormented by the thought of never seeing her again, he maintains a life of solitude. So, when Rell’s human body is rescued from the Shadow World, he will do anything to be with her—even if it means challenging death to become a Bringer too.

But once their Bringer transformations and training are completed, Siban and Rell must join a mission to go deep in the Shadow World to rescue others trapped by the Demon Bane King. And what they discover destroys everything they knew about the Demon Bane. The lovers must learn to trust themselves, each other, and their new powers if they’re going to make it out alive.

Review:

I received an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is the third in a strong romantic fantasy series.  This is Esmeralda "Rell" and Siban's story.  Like the books before there is a ton of action and adventure but we also get a boatload of surprises in this book.  We find out more about the past and are given clues as to the future.  If you are looking for a well-rounded, well written tale with heroes, magic and monsters this is for you.

Oh! Hoaley Night! (Hoale Construction Mysteries, #4) by Declan Sands

Blurb:

Sometimes going home is clarifying. Sometimes it's just plain deadly!

Adam travels to Candlelight, Indiana to visit his parents for Christmas. When he arrives he discovers somebody has killed a man and dumped him in the manger of the living crèche at the local church. Unfortunately, all signs lead back to Adam’s father as the murderer. A sheriff with a grudge and a small town more interested in gossip than reality, convince Adam that it will be up to him and the gang to clear his father’s name.

Review:

m/m

I love this series!  This book was incredibly sweet sexy and fun.  There are some laugh out loud moments as well as some sigh and swoon.  Adam and his dad have had their issues mostly regarding Adam’s sexuality and normal father son stuff so going to his parents for Christmas is not his idea of a great tie.  When his dad is accused of murder it is up to Adam and his friends to find out who the real killer is.  

Covet's November releases and contests

Covets have all the sexiness, emotion, and happily ever after that readers have come to expect and love from Entangled. They are firmly grounded in the contemporary world, but each novel brings in supernatural twists, breaking the contemporary and paranormal rules, alike. To find out more about their titles, chat with authors, participate in special events, and to find out what books you’ll be coveting next, visit the Entangled website, follow them on Twitter, LIKE their Facebook page, and join the Book Club.


Today I'm happy to be featuring Covet's November releases which is very exciting because in celebration of these three great new books, they are on sale for just $0.99 for the first week of release only. So they are perfect to download and read over the long holiday weekend between all the hussle and bussle for a nice little break.

Also, make sure to hop on twitter tonight, 11/25 at 8PM to join in the #CovetBash. The authors of these fabulous books will be joining in the fun, and there will be lot's of chances to win prizes, including a grand prize giveaway of Covet's entire backlist to one lucky winner! Details here.

Parts & Wreck by Mark Henry

Wade Crowson, a brutish and brooding playboy and veteran vivisectionist for the Parts Department, runs into more than he bargained for in new partner, Lucid Montgomery, a quirky beauty with a bizarre secret and a string of psychiatric diagnoses she tries hard to keep hidden. Loving Luce will stamp a demonic target on her back and thrust Wade into a frenzied whirlwind of hilarious misunderstandings and, quite possibly, a stripping gig for emptynesters. Can they withstand the savagery of an exorcism (with or without the split pea soup) and come out alive and …in love?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads

Operation Saving Daniel by Nina Croft

At eighteen, Melissa seduced her best friend Julia's brother only to run away shortly after. While Daniel was her fairytale prince, Lissa didn’t believe in happy ever afters.

Ten years and a near death experience later, Lissa is ready for a husband and family. But a cry for help from Julia puts that dream on hold. Daniel is acting weird and he’s about to marry his long term girlfriend—AKA The Evil One. Someone needs to save him.

Daniel has never stopped loving Lissa. Ten years ago when he gave her a little freedom, he always intended that one day they would be together. Right up until the moment he was bitten by a werewolf. Now, Daniel has to hide what he is. He won’t risk anyone else, especially the woman he loves.

But Lissa is back. Their attraction is stronger than ever and Lissa is nothing if not tenacious.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads

The Awakening: Britton by Abby Niles
The Awakening #3

"I would lick that man up one side and down the other."

Half-shifter and lead SPAC agent, Val Calhoun, has listened to women gush over the Don Juan of the precinct for the last four years. Yeah, Detective Britton Townsend is hot and has stunning blue eyes, but that foul mouth he saves only for her? What a waste of good looks. And no way does Val want that mouth anywhere near hers.

When the shifter community is threatened, Val is assigned to the case…and fails. So the High Council turns to the rogue shifter they'd sentenced to twenty years as a human--that same obnoxiously sexy Detective Townsend. And sends the two arch-enemies deep into the North Carolina Mountains-—together, and alone.

Being stuck in a tiny honeymoon cabin with Miss Castration and only one bed is definitely not Britton's idea of a good time. But the High Council doesn’t take no for an answer. After his shifter abilities are restored, Brit is once again susceptible to the dreaded, irreversible bonding instinct, the Drall. Thankfully, all he’s ever felt for Val is intense loathing, no reason to worry. Right? All he has to do is solve this case pronto, and he can go back to his footloose Casanova ways. That is, if they don’t kill each other first. Or worse...fall in love.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads

Missed the first book in the Awakening series? While these books stand alone, it can be fun to go back and see how the other couple got together. And in celebration of book #3's release, book one, The Awakening: Aidan is on sale for just $0.99 as well, so grab it while you can!

The Awakening: Aidan by Abby Niles
The Awakening #1

Is the gift of eternal love a blessing or a curse? After years of counseling grieving shifters, psychiatrist and half-shifter, Dr. Jaylin Avgar has become jaded on shifter mating. She wants to marry a human and forget about the love for eternity crap. Then she meets Aidan O’Connell, an infuriatingly laid back shifter who represents everything she doesn’t want. Yet, the more he pursues her, the more she craves a future with him. Only one thing stands in her way: death. Can she overcome her fear of losing Aidan to the one guarantee in life? Millionaire consultant, Aidan O’Connell knows he’ll one day meet a woman who’ll awaken an unrelenting mating instinct. Unfortunately, that woman is Jaylin, who has no qualms about telling him that he and his so-called eternity can shove it. When she pushes him away, he takes a drastic step so she can no longer escape. The close proximity throws the instinct into overdrive. Can he control the need engrained in him until he’s certain she will reciprocate the bond, or will a moment of weakness doom him to hell on earth?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway