Tease Me (Semper Fi Marines #1) by Melissa Schroeder

In this first book in the spin off from Melissa Schroeder’s Santini Brothers series we meet Bran Johnson one of MJ's brothers. Bran has known Tess since high school when both their dads were stationed together. They kept in touch through college and loosely afterwards but now Bran has been assigned to the same duty station and he has noticed that she is all grown up now. Tess has been half in love with Bran since high school but he was always a player. She knows he isn't the type to settle down so she offers to be friends with benefits. But Tess isn't the only one who has changed so now it is up to Bran prove he is in it to win it for life. 
This is another terrific sweet and sexy story from Melissa Schroeder. Melissa Schroeder knows the military and it shows. 
I received a copy from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Honestly I loved this friends to lovers story.

Bend To His Will by Sam Crescent

Rancher Neal Haney is a Dominant and a total jerk to family friend Sandy Breeden. He doesn't think she could understand his lifestyle. Sandy has loved Neal since she turned 18. Now 25 she is at her wits end they've been circling each other and it’s time to force his hand. When they come together it is like nothing each other has experienced before but Neal still seeks to protect her from himself and cruelly pushes her away. Sandy may be submissive but she isn't a pushover either and if he keeps pushing he may very well lose the best thing that has ever happened to him.
Even knowing why Neal keeps pushing Sandy away I cringed every time he spoke so cruelly to her. I had a really hard time trying to figure out what Sandy saw in him. But as my Mama used to say “every pot has its lid” and Neal was the lid to Sandy’s pot. This is a push me pull you kind of story but worth it when you get to the end. 
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Orion Rising (Orion #1 & 2) by Cathryn Cade

This is actually the first two books of Cathryn Cade’s sexy scifi Orion series. 

Tyger, Tyger Burning Bryght – The maiden voyage of the space ship Orion is delayed which put the navigator Tryon Jag off schedule and now the 6 foot plus of man-tiger has gone into a mating frenzy and to top it off eco-terrorists have sabotaged the auto-nav computer.  If Tyron can’t get it together the ship and crew will crash and burn in the asteroid belt around the planet Bryght.  Tyger female Calla is an interpreter on staff and volunteers to help bring Tryron out of mating madness.  Things get smoking hot and it isn’t just the computers burning.

Her Commander – War hero Steven Craig is Captain of the Orion.  After the sabotage done to the Orion on her maiden voyage he is determined to keep her safe.  Everyone coming aboard is scanned and he has the best security force money can buy.  Tessa Alligon is a cadet in the Serpentian Guard and as such the Captain considers her off limits.  When Tessa catches him in a moment of weakness he gives in to his desire for her.  His morning after regrets don’t go over to well with Tessa but he has bigger issues it appears there is another saboteur on the Orion. 

These stories just go to prove that no matter where or when or even what species the male is he is going to screw up.  Good thing they are sizzling hot and total sex gods or they might never dig themselves out.

The Bridesmaid: A Novella by Julia London

 Trains, Planes, and automobiles oh my!  In this short sweet novella by Julia London, Kate is headed home to Seattle from New York for her cousin’s wedding and Joe is headed there to take a new job.  They meet in the airport and share a couple of not so friendly encounters but with the bad weather and air traffic controllers strike fate seems to keep throwing them together.  As they travel cross country they get to know one another and it seems that fate has introduced them only to have them at either end of the country.  Can they make a long distance romance work?  Should they even try? 

Julia London has put together a wonderfully sweet and funny road trip romance.  Read it for a quick escape.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review.  This book goes on sale October 1^st.

Demon Hunting in the Deep South (Demon Hunting #2) by Lexi George

Blurb:

The warrior and the wallflower . . .

Shy, self-conscious Evie Douglass tries to stay under the radar, especially when her nemesis Meredith Peterson, aka The Death Starr, is anywhere around. Meredith and her bitch posse of skinny girlfriends have tormented Evie since the seventh grade, calling her names like The Whale and Thunder Thighs.

Evie tries to stay invisible, but that’s not an easy thing for a plus-sized gal to do in a small town like Hannah, Alabama. She finds it doubly hard to avoid Meredith’s wrath once she takes a job at the lumber mill. You see, Meredith’s husband is Evie’s new boss. Translation: more torture time for The Death Starr.
Evie thinks things couldn’t get much worse until the morning she finds Meredith’s bloody body sprawled across her desk. Typical Meredith, she gets herself dead mere days after a very public scene in which Meredith accuses Evie of having an affair with her husband. Worse, the murder weapon is found in Evie’s car.

Suddenly, Evie is the Number One suspect in a sensational murder case. But she’s got bigger problems. Hannah is infested with demons—soul sucking, body snatching creatures of evil—and, for some reason, they want Evie. The only thing standing between Evie and death or possible possession is a hunky blond demon slayer named Ansgar.

Ansgar is a Dalvahni warrior, a supernaturally gorgeous race whose sole purpose is to hunt down and capture rogue demons.

Evie could almost swear that Ansgar is interested in more than demons. He seems interested in her. Ridiculous, of course, because he’s sex on two legs and she’s…

Well, she’s Whaley Douglass.

To add to Evie’s troubles, Meredith doesn’t even have the decency to stay dead. She shows back up as a ghost and she’s more of a beyotch than ever. Meredith has deathnesia—she can’t remember who killed her—leaving Evie to solve the mystery herself, or go to jail for a murder she didn’t commit.

My Review:

I am what you might call a “Damn Yankee”.  That is a northerner who comes to the south and stays.  After 20+ years I still have culture shock.  Lexi George has captured the culture and flavor of the south and made it hilarious.  Evie and Addy wouldn’t be half as funny had they not Bitsy’s expectations to live up to.  I was worried about this book because I wasn’t too fond of Ansgar in the first book.  Yes he had his moments but for the most part he was just an a$$.  He is still an a$$ in this book.  I like that he didn’t get an instant make over.  But he has some redeeming qualities and if Evie can forgive him so can I.  If you are looking for a fantastically funny read pick up this book.  I promise you won’t regret it.

Chasing the Shadows (Nikki & Michael #3) by Keri Arthur

Nikki and Michael have been together for four months and for two of them Michael has been gone doing a job for the Council.  Nikki is upset because Michael refuses to involve her in his work.  She is bored.  So when Jake calls her from San Francisco about a job she is so there.  As Michael is finally on his way home he gets word from the Council they need him in San Francisco for a job.  Want to bet it’s the same case Nikki & Jake are working. Nikki’s gifts are growing and she will need them when she and Jake go after a mad vampire bent on revenge.  The more dangerous it gets the more Michael wants to protect Nikki.  He has got to know that she will never be happy as less than a full partner.  Can Michael keep her safe without alienating her for good?

Another fantastic paranormal tale filled with murder, mystery, and romance. Ms. Arthur is a gifted storyteller who creates a world so real you have no problems imagining it.  Her characters make you laugh, cry and sigh. This series just keeps getting better and better.  I look forward to the next installment.

I’d like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Winning the Boss's Heart by Hayson Manning

Blurb:

Mason Christian has twelve weeks to flip something old into something new for his Japanese client, and then he’s getting the hell out of Footsteps Bay, New Zealand. Not even his temporary cook and secretary—the feisty, luscious Billie McLeod—will deter him. There’s no denying she makes him feel alive. More alive than he’s felt in three years...

Billie has one dream: save enough money to go to college. That’s why she’s agreed to work for hard ass, all-business-no-pleasure Mason Christian—a man who has every intention of destroying through "modernization" the town’s most cherished historical home. But before she can say see ya, she realizes she’s signed the dotted line and is contractually bound for eighty-four days.  Working with male perfection every day is awesome with a capital A—as long as they can stick to a hands-off policy that gets harder every day...

My Review:

This is a sweet, funny and often sad story about two lonely hearts that  have the capability of healing each other with love if they will only let it in.  Well Mason needs to take the chance.  Billie has so much love to give but a bad marriage has made her question her ability to be what a man needs.  When these two find their HEA it is like the sun coming out from behind a cloud. 

Thanks to Entangled: Indulgence for giving me the chance to read and review this wonderful story.

Demon Hunting in Dixie (Demon Hunting #1) by Lexi George

While at Authors After Dark I attended “Are You Smarter Than A Romance Author” sponsored by Dianna Love. While there she introduced Lexi George and asked her to give us a short reading from her book Demon Hunting in Dixie. She had us rolling in the aisles with laughter. I had to purchase and read this book. It was no fluke this is one hilarious book. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next in the series. Blurb: A warrior, a demon, and the girl next door. . . Looking For Trouble Addy Corwin is a florist with an attitude. A bad attitude, or so her mama says, 'cause she's not looking for a man. Mama's wrong. Addy has looked. There's just not much to choose from in Hannah, her small Alabama hometown. Until Brand Dalvahni shows up, a supernaturally sexy, breathtakingly well-built hunk of a warrior from—well, not from around here, that's for sure. Mama thinks he might be European or maybe even a Yankee. Brand says he's from another dimension. Addy couldn't care less where he's from. He's gorgeous. Serious muscles. Disturbing green eyes. Brand really gets her going. Too bad he's a whack job. Says he's come to rescue her from a demon. Puh-lease. But right after Brand shows up, strange things start to happen. Dogs talk and reanimated corpses stalk the quiet streets of Hannah. Her mortal enemy Meredith, otherwise known as the Death Starr, breaks out in a severe and inexplicable case of butt boils. Addy might not know what's going on, but she definitely wants a certain sexy demon hunter by her side when it all goes down. . .

It Takes Two (Counting on Love #2) by Erin Nicholas

This is the second in a series but can be read stand alone. This is a quick paced funny sexy romance that had moments were I was about in tears either from laughing and/or from sadness. This is a story of a woman trying to come to terms with a disease that will mean major life style changes. She is afraid that they will force the man she loves to ultimately be miserable so she is pushing him away before they both get hurt. I was right there with him when he gets miffed because she didn’t trust him enough to give him the choice. The title says it all… It Takes Two to make a love affair work. I devoured this book and now have to wait for the next installment.

The Dysfunctional Test by Kelly Moran

Camryn Covic comes from a large extended ethnic family. She is having a bad day. He boyfriend has been sleeping with her boss and is dumping her. Her boss has the guy now and fires her and to top it off her apartment is going condo and she can’t afford to buy in. Jobless and homeless she is resigned to moving back in with her family until she can find a new job. Her younger sister is getting married and her family is expecting her to bring her boyfriend. Her single status at her sister's upcoming wedding will be fodder for disaster. The bride-to-be convinces Cam to ask Troy, an old friend, to pretend to be her boyfriend for the wedding. She is shocked when he agrees. They are total opposites. She is uptight and always in control and he is a laid back ladies man. But when it comes down to it they have a history and they truly “get” one another. Troy wants to remind Cam that love and magic are possible but can he do it without falling for the one woman he shouldn't want? This is one seriously funny book. At first I wanted to slap Cam for allowing herself to feel the way she did about herself. But once I met the family I understood better. I loved Troy from the start. Kelly Moran wrote this one from the heart. You can feel the love she has for these characters and you can’t help but love them too. I like to thank Ms. Moran for giving me a copy to read in exchange for an honest review. This book goes on sale September 24th

Midnight Lies (Wildefire #2) by Ella Grace

Samantha Wilde, one of the Wilde triplets, has left her job as a police officer in Atlanta and moved back to Midnight to work with her sisters and get over her relationship with Dr. Quinn Braddock.  They broke up when Quinn was accused of murdering his ex-wife.  He didn’t do it and Samantha was the one who went the extra to find evidence to exonerate him but her initial doubt played havoc with their relationship.  It appears that Quinn too is having a hard time with their breakup because he shows up in Midnight wanting to start over.  When a woman is murdered in Midnight just like Quinn’s ex Samantha is determined to show Quinn she believes in him even if it may cost her own life.

Dr. Braddock has issues, lots of issues.  Of course so does Samantha.  Together they are wonderful, apart not so much.  Samantha believes in romance and after Quinn’s disastrous marriage he is less than thrilled with the concept.  This is a story of second chances and redemption.   This book has it all - murder, mayhem, and romance. It also has small town gossip and backstabbing, hunky men and steamy southern nights.  I can’t wait for Bri’s story. 

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

This book goes on sale September 24th

And enter Lynsay Sands Readers Choice Awards for a chance to win a Mac

All The Colors Of Love by Jessica Freely

This book was not what I was expecting.  I was expecting a YA m/m coming of age story and it is that but it is so much more.  There are several threads running through this often times painful story but the underlying theme is love and the nature of love and in the end like love it was so worth it.

Harry’s father is a monster, not literally but a monster all the same.  He knows what love is but has never experienced it or left himself open to it and it has colored his view on life and in turn he has made Harry’s life a living hell.  Now at a new boarding school Harry has for the first time found a friend in his roommate brainy, gay comic book artist Antonin.  Antonin has survived some traumatic childhood experiences and with his over-protective mother and extended family come out of it with a great and giving heart.  Now Harry’s father wants to destroy all the light that has come into Harry’s world since he and Antonin have become friends.  Will love concur all or will evil triumph?

I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.  This book will keep me thinking for a long time to come.  Take nothing at face value and have a tissue handy.  This book was at times emotionally tough to read but then there were moments of pure joy.  

And enter Lynsay Sands Readers Choice Awards for a chance to win a Mac

Ritual Magic (World of the Lupi #10) by Eileen Wilks

I have this love/hate relationship with Eileen Wilks.  I love her Lupi series but I hate it takes a year between installments.  I rush to buy the book and read it through quickly to see what happens and then I read it again more slowly to pick up what I may have missed the first time through.  Lily & Rule may just be my second favorite literary couple after Roarke & Eve Dallas.  I love that Ms. Wilks shows that even the best couples have to work at their relationship.

In this installment Lily & Rule are getting married (finally, I mean this is book 10!) in two and a half weeks.  Rule has been working with Julia (Lily’s mother) to make it happen.  While out celebrating Julia’s birthday she is struck with sudden memory loss.  She remembers nothing after the age of 12.  It is up to Lily to find out whether it was caused by magic and if so why and by whom.  When they discover that there are others with the same symptoms they discover the problem may just be world threatening.  With some victims losing years of memory and others their lives, Lily must discover what on earth—or beyond—connects them.

I LOVE THIS SERIES!!! Eileen Wilks has created a fantastic world where magic, Dragons, Lupi, Gods and demons mix with uzi’s and cell phones.  Her stories are a well written mix of romance, mystery, magic and action without the testosterone overload you might get in other series.  Rule is the consummate alpha; strong, caring but not above admitting his mistakes or taking advice from others.   

And enter Lynsay Sands Readers Choice Awards for a chance to win a Mac

Getting Rowdy (Love Undercover #3) by Lori Foster

Freekin’ amazing! First the cover is fabulous.  Second, sexy bad boy Rowdy Yates gets brought down by bartender Avery Mullins.  Like the other books in this series you can read it stand-alone but you will enjoy it more if you have read Run the Risk (Love Undercover #1) and Bare It All (Love Undercover #2). 

Rowdy has come up from an abusive childhood where he lived to protect his sister Pepper first from their parents and then from their former boss when she witnessed him killing a man.  Now Pepper is happily married to Detective Logan Riske and Rowdy for the first time has no responsibilities except for himself.  When the bartender at his new bar starts getting prank calls and strange cars start following her Rowdy has someone new to protect but can he protect his heart? 

I love Lori Foster’s romantic suspense novels.  They have hunky alpha men and smart sassy women, sweet lovin’ and a mystery you just have to solve.  She also infuses each book with a sly sense of humor that often comes out of nowhere and makes you laugh out loud. 

I’d like to thank Ms. Foster for giving me an ARC to read and review.  The opinions here are mine and mine alone.  I am really looking forward to Dash’s story.

This book goes on sale September 24^th

And enter Lynsay Sands Readers Choice Awards for a chance to win a Mac

Bare It All (Love Undercover #2) by Lori Foster

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Getting Rowdy (Love Undercover #3) and went back to see what I’d had to say about the previous book Bare It All (Love Undercover #2) turns out I hadn't written anything.  I’m not sure why.  So I've read it again and it still stands up as a terrific read.  Lori Foster writes great character driven romantic suspense.  And I was smitten with Reese and Alice all over again.  And while some of the action is over the top you can’t help but love a hot guy who admits his mistakes and rescues dogs.  I loved watching Alice come into her own.  She reminds us that quiet doesn't necessarily mean weak.  Another great escape from Lori Foster.

To Catch a Princess by Caridad Piñeiro

It is now about three years after the events in The Prince's Gamble.  Prince Alexander and his very Special Agent Kathleen Martinez have married and just had a child.  Now it is Princess Tatiana’s turn.  Unfortunately events have taught Tatiana that she can’t trust easily.  So what is she to do when she finds out that everyone she holds near and dear to her have been keeping secrets from her?  Her parents have arranged a marriage for her and that just won’t fly.  When she finds out that her “family friend” the hot cop Peter Roman is in fact living incognito and is the guy her folks have set her up with she is pissed!  How can everybody have been keeping secrets this big from her?  Unfortunately Peter may be the one guy she will have to trust to keep her safe but can she trust him with her heart?

Check your brain at the door and just go with it.  This is a fun fantasy of the rich and famous.  I got a kick out of it.

Hell Without You by Ranae Rose

As anyone who reads my blog knows I am a huge fan of Ranae Rose.  I think she has out done herself with this book.  Hell Without You is a second chance love story that will pull every string you have. 

Donovan was the boy from the wrong side of the tracks.  Clementine was the girl with the crappy home life who shouldn't be with him but their hearts know better.  To protect him Clementine goes away and cuts off all contact.  Now seven years later Donovan is back in their hometown struggling with PTSD from his stint in Afghanistan and trying to make a new start with his auto repair shop.   Clementine never planned on coming back to town or seeing Donovan but fate had different plans.  Can they make it work this time or will the past repeat itself?

I've read and re-read this book and probably will reread it again.  I can’t get enough of these two.  Thanks so much Ms. Rose for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Phone Kitten by Marika Christian

I want more!  I loved this funny romantic mystery.  I do hope the author intends to turn this into a series.  I know I for one want to see what happens next.  Through a series of events Emily ends up as a “phone actress” in order to pay the bills and continue in school.  When one of her clients ends up dead Emily convinces herself she needs to find out who killed him as she was one of the last people to have contact with him.  Turns out there are a lot of folks who didn’t like him (go figure).  Oh and then there is the “hot History guy” from school.  How do you tell your new boyfriend that you are a “phone actress” and still maintain his respect?

Do pick up this very sweet and funny mystery.

Party Naked (Cocktales #1) by Mari Carr

Short hot and surprisingly sweet story.  Usually when you have a quick read like this it is either super sexy or sweet so when I found both in this story it made my day.  Stephanie Harper is working hard to make her dreams come true.  Despite her degree in psychology she is working as a bartender as part owner of Books and Brew.  She doesn't believe in love as she’s seen her mother try and fail repeatedly.  When she gets a ticket from hot cop Jarod Nolan and he follows it up with a visit to Books and Brew she wants to party naked can Jarod convince her that they can have more? 

I read this in one sitting and can recommend it as a quick feel good story.

Reforming the Cowboy: A South Beach Book by Marisa Cleveland

Blurb:

Country singer Billy Hardy needs to get back on the charts. His manager assures him headlining the opening of a cafe in South Beach is his best chance at getting back to the big time. If he fails, his career is over for good this time.

Lacey Durant can't believe opening night includes the country singer she crushed on through college. And her customers agree he's dreamy. But his playboy reputation threatens her cafe's image and she can't afford that. She insists Billy stay with her so she can keep an eye on him, and thwart overenthusiastic fans.

Billy's charms and Lacey's sexy curves prove more than either can resist, but she refuses to be just another lyric in his well-known songs of heartbreak.

Review:

Oh my goodness!  This is a melt your heart romance if I've ever read one.  Billy is a man in need of second chances at love and music.  He has been disappointed by both in the past.  Lacey is trying to move on from a bad marriage and Billy may be the key to starting her future.  Can these two broken hearts cure each other and start anew?  Read and watch. 

Thanks to Entangled Indulgence for giving me the opportunity to read and review.

I'm Back!

My husband & I went on a 2 week trip to Canada to celebrate 20 years of marriage.  We had fun but are glad to be home and once again sleeping in our own bed.  I discovered that I cannot read on a plane or on a bus or in a car but I can read on a train so I was able to do a little reading on this trip but not a whole lot.  Needless to say I've got some catching up to do.  I did read Jayne Castle's (aka Jayne Ann Krentz) Deception Cove.  You either love or hate these books.  I love them.  I wish my dust bunnies were as entertaining and helpful as the ones in this series.  I also got in a few short romances and will tell you about them over the next few days.  But right now I've got laundry and catching up to do.