A Champion's Hero (Champions Gate #2) by Kelly Abell

Blurb:

When Connie Champion’s dream is within reach, she has to go for it, right? But leaving her family behind to go on a USO tour overseas is one big scary step. But take it she does and soon finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of long rehearsals, international travel, and the chance to sing in front of thousands of soldiers–and tour with the infamous Trevor Thornton, country music’s hottest star. She’s loving it! Everything seems perfect until her brother, Bishop, announces his engagement to Darbi, the nanny. After seeing them together, Connie longs to ditch her solitary life and find her own true love.

One scary step leads to another, and, in a blink, Connie goes from zero romances to two–and a shot at stardom. Sven Christensen is what every girl dreams of–a financially stable, handsome, and dependable man. Logan Richards is troubled, exciting, and a bit of a bad boy. Not to mention, she’s attracted the attention of the hottest country singer to boot. When circumstances turn a bit dicey on the tour, where will Connie’s loyalties fall? Who will win her heart and be this Champion’s hero?

My review:

A Champion's Hero is Connie’s story. Connie is out and on her own singing for the troops in a USO show. Sven is the guy she left behind. Connie has to decide what her path is and whether there is room for Sven. This is a sweet tale of love and determination and a really good story. Bring on Dusty and Quinton’s story.

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The Sweet Unknown (The Dank Courts Book 3) by Dagmar Avery, K. Margaret, Stella Price

Blurb:

A quest fulfilled, and a new king on her arm, Gobeth Argos has a lot of work to do, starting with the bonding of her king and herself, as well as introductions to the rest of the Nightmare Courts. 

Bringing the chancellors from the Sluagh to heel is first on the agenda; especially because she knows they are involved in foul play and a plot to give their courts to the goblin king, Huron. 

Her king’s emergence will not only set everyone straight, but bring old enemies out of the shadows, and truths long buried to the surface. Blood will be spilled, and allegiances will be formed. 

A war is coming, one that has been brewing since long before she was born, one that will test those she loves, her allies, and even Faerie itself. And with the war comes new opportunities and the blossoming of faerie in a way they never thought possible. 

My review:

The Sweet Unknown picks up right where Calling to the Deep left us hanging. Gobeth finds her king and he is the perfect guy to help her slap down the insurrection among the Sluagh. But they are the smallest of Gogo’s problems and she is going to need all her men and help from the other courts to take on the Goblin King and the Hobs. With all the changes in Faerie and despite being the Nightmare Courts it seems that love is stronger and what keeps them keeping on. This terrific addition to the series is filled with action, adventure and love.

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The Blacksmith Queen (The Scarred Earth Saga #1) by G.A. Aiken

Blurb:

When a prophesy brings war to the Land of the Black Hills, Keeley Smythe must join forces with a clan of mountain warriors who are really centaurs in a thrilling new fantasy romance series from New York Times bestselling author G.A. Aiken. 

The Old King Is Dead
 
With the demise of the Old King, there’s a prophesy that a queen will ascend to the throne of the Black Hills. Bad news for the king’s sons, who are prepared to defend their birthright against all comers. But for blacksmith Keeley Smythe, war is great for business. Until it looks like the chosen queen will be Beatrix, her younger sister. Now it’s all Keeley can do to protect her family from the enraged royals. 
 
Luckily, Keeley doesn’t have to fight alone. Because thundering to her aid comes a clan of kilt-wearing mountain warriors called the Amichai. Not the most socially adept group, but soldiers have never bothered Keeley, and rough, gruff Caid, actually seems to respect her. A good thing because the fierce warrior will be by her side for a much longer ride than any prophesy ever envisioned …

My review:

The Blacksmith Queen is a fabulous first in a series. G.A. Aiken has created a wondrous world filled with centaurs, elves, dwarves and other fantastic beings. This story features strong women and a smart plot that will keep you flipping pages. This story is told with humor and heart and I can’t wait for further adventures.

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Luscious (Camos and Cupcakes #2) by Melissa Schroeder

Blurb:

When by the book Harry Bradley gets thrown together with his sister’s best friend EJ, opposites don’t just attract, they explode.

She’s my sister’s best friend. A woman who calls to me on every level, but she can’t stand me. Our one date ended when she deemed it over and left–before we even ordered food. So I shouldn’t want her.

But I do.

Still, I’ve mastered controlling my emotions and my lusting…well, mostly. Of course, when she suggests we work together to promote both of our businesses, I jump at the chance. That chance leads to a kiss…and so much more.

Now, if I can just restrain my control freak ways, all will be well.

Warning: This book includes more cupcakes (of course), meddling friends, romance book references, a gun-toting Grandma, a trip out of state, wine, more cupcakes, and a dirty talking hero who not only surprised the heroine, but also this author. I’m not embarrassed…not really. Okay, maybe a little…a lot. Never mind. Just know that you have been warned and I will not be held responsible for any blushing in public. Also…CUPCAKES.

My review:

Luscious is the story of lickable former soldier, now partner in a cupcakery, Harry Bradley and his sister’s best friend EJ. I adore EJ. She is smart, driven and confident in everything but love. Harry reminds me of my husband so much. Patience can be sexy. I thoroughly enjoyed watching these two find each other and come together. This is a sexy, fun read that will leave you with a smile on your face and in your heart.

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Sapphire Flames (Hidden Legacy #4) by Ilona Andrews

Blurb:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews comes an enthralling new trilogy set in the Hidden Legacy world, where magic means power, and family bloodlines are the new currency of society…

In a world where magic is the key to power and wealth, Catalina Baylor is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, and the Head of her House. Catalina has always been afraid to use her unique powers, but when her friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina risks her reputation and safety to unravel the mystery.

But behind the scenes powerful forces are at work, and one of them is Alessandro Sagredo, the Italian Prime who was once Catalina’s teenage crush. Dangerous and unpredictable, Alessandro’s true motives are unclear, but he’s drawn to Catalina like a moth to a flame.

To help her friend, Catalina must test the limits of her extraordinary powers, but doing so may cost her both her House–and her heart. 

My review:

FANTASTIC! I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed the first in this new arc of the Hidden Legacy world. With Nevada safely married to Mad Rogan we get Catalina’s story. Catalina is a siren and can make people love her till they want to love her to pieces so she has to use her powers carefully. Catalina is now the head of House Baylor and their grace period is coming to an end. Thus starts a high energy romp that will keep you enthralled. The excitement is non-stop. Action, adventure and love. Can’t wait for the next installment.

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Wishful Thinking (How To Be The Best Damn Faery Godmother In The World (Or Die Trying) #1) by Helen Harper

Wishful Thinking (How To Be The Best Damn Faery Godmother In The World (Or Die Trying) #1) by Helen Harper

Blurb:

Muddled magic. Missing faeries. She’s having one spell of a day at work… 

Saffron Sawyer aspires to rise from the magical world’s bottom rung. But when her wish to join the renowned Office of Faery Godmothers is granted, bullies make her first day on the job unbearable. And to add to her misery, she discovers that someone is abducting her coworkers one-by-one. 

Desperate to prevent another kidnapping, she scrambles to piece together the clues. After teaming up with the handsome and powerful Devil’s Advocate, she uncovers a strange connection between the disappearances and her lowly former gig. But when Saffron learns her promotion was only a ploy, she vows to ruin the devious plan. 

Can Saffron muster enough magic to trap the villain before she’s sacked or stolen? 

Wishful Thinking is the first book in the refreshingly original How To Be The Best Damn Faery Godmother in the World (or Die Trying) urban fantasy series. If you like determined heroines, enchanting spins on old tales, and clever twists and turns, then you’ll love Helen Harper’s captivating story. 

Buy Wishful Thinking to watch a spunky sprite strut her stuff!

My review:

Wishful Thinking (How To Be The Best Damn Faery Godmother In The World (Or Die Trying) #1) by Helen Harper is a smart and sweet fairytale/cozy mystery. Saffron Sawyer is sharp and determined and I simply adore her.  Saffron is the best at what she does but wants to become a Faery Godmother. She has the right stuff but not the right pedigree. When she is given the chance to become a Faery Godmother she is determined to be the best damn Faery Godmother in the world (or die trying). Join Saffron as she and the Devil’s Advocate join forces to find the missing and show that just because she wasn’t born with a silver wand doesn’t mean she wasn’t born to do the job. I really enjoyed this story and am really looking forward to the next installment in this series.

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Pretty Little Fairies: A New Adult Fantasy Romance by Sophie Stern

Blurb:

A fairy king. A dark fae. An attraction that could kill them both. 

My sister needs a potion or she’s going to die. The stakes are high when I wander into Dark Falls, but they’re even higher when I meet someone who could change…everything. Dark fairies aren’t allowed in the capital city. We aren’t allowed anywhere. Ever. 

The fairy king is a notorious asshole who only looks after himself. He doesn’t care if his people starve. He doesn’t care if the world burns around him. Not as long as he has his girls and his admiration. 

But when I’m captured, the fairy king might also be my only chance at escaping before it’s too late.

My review:

Pretty Little Fairies is a different kind of fairytale. This one is filled with magic and magical beings but in this one the girl saves the guy. I LOVE IT! This was a short fun filled read that will leave you with a smile.

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Georgia Misfits (The Romy Files Collection Book 2.5) by Shelly Small

Blurb:

Wondering why Romy's team is so understanding of her being an empath? Well here are their stories that will help you dive into these men a little more.

My review:

This book introduces you to Romy’s new team. Have you read Georgia Roots Revealed and Georgia's Forsaken? You will understand and enjoy this so much more if you’ve read those first. Working with and believing in Romy’s gift as an empath isn’t easy for a non-believer and Romy has taken her fair share of abuse so when she finds a group of guys who not only believe but welcome her it is a great relief. This story introduces her team and gives us an idea of why they are so accepting. I can’t wait till their next case and see how they grow together as a team.

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Love Notes (A Dark Romance) by L.K. Shaw

Blurb:

There are only two things in this world I give a shit about. 

My beloved piano, and 
the music I create with it.

Except a year ago, the music in my head disappeared, and I now live in a world of silence. 

Until my gaze lands on her. 

I don’t know who she is, but the moment I lay eyes on her, a symphony begins to play and the melodies ricochet through my mind. 

She’s my inspiration. My muse. 

Mine to take. Mine to keep. 

My review:

Warning! This book may set off triggers for kidnapping and non-con sex. Damian and Avery start off rough and at odds but end up learning about love together. I’m not a big fan of dark romance and the first couple of chapters bothered me but once I got past the really dark stuff this turned out to be a sweet and erotic tale of two damaged people finding each other.

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Unhuman Acts (Only Human #7) by Candace Blevins

Blurb:

The final book in the Only Human series...

A life-and-death situation changes everything, and Kirsten has to make fast decisions about how badly she wants to live, and in what form. She’s steadfastly maintained she’s Only Human, but what if she suddenly isn’t? 

Unhuman Acts is two books in one, listed as Part One and Part Two. 

Note: This is book seven in an urban fantasy series that must be read in order. The series starts with Only Human.

My review:

Rest well, hydrate, then dive in. This book sucked me in and kept me enthralled till the very last page. I’m exhausted. This book tore me up emotionally and physically and still left me with a smile. The author wraps up most of the questions from the previous books and we get to see old friends and enemies. I’m not as sad as I usually am at the end of a series because of the amount of crossover in this authors works. The author has knocked this one out of the park I don’t think anyone who has read this series will be disappointed.

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Voodoo on the Bayou (A Cajun Magic Mystery #1) by Elle James

Blurb:

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Elle James, the 1st book in the Cajun Magic Mystery Series 

Don’t piss off the Voodoo Queen… 

Craig Thibodeaux’s tangled with the wrong person. Cursed by Bayou Miste’s notorious Voodoo Queen, he’s destined to be a frog by day and a man by night. If he doesn’t find someone to love him by the next full moon, he’ll remain amphibious for the rest of his days. 

Elaine Smith came to Bayou Miste to investigate the source of pollutants and finds herself in need of a bodyguard when she gets too close to revealing the source. Though suspiciously absent during the day, handsome local Craig Thibodaux offers to be that bodyguard in her forays into the swamp at night. 

Together, they discover the culprits and a magical desire neither expected to find in the blackest waters of the bayou. 


Note: This book was published by Dorchester Publishing as TO KISS A FROG in 2005 and by Entangled Publishing in 2013 as VOODOO ON THE BAYOU.

My review:

Voodoo on the Bayou is a delightful romp in the swamp! Confirmed bachelor Craig Thibodaux gets cursed to be a frog during the day man at night unless he can find someone to love. Dr. Elaine Smith came to Bayou Miste to investigate the source of pollutants and to get away from her cheating ex. Neither is looking for love but there is magic in the bayou. I loved this sweet and sexy mystery.

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Dragons' Prize (Nightflame Dragons Book 4) by Milly Taiden

Blurb:

**Grab this sexy story in the Dragonflame Series and fall in love with two dragon warriors**

Reagan Brooks hopes that being a surrogate on planet Daeria will end the violence in her life. Earth gave her nothing but pain and she needed a fresh start. Except, now that she's there, she questions if this was the right decision for her. She doubted the massive alphas were the right men for her. Too late to change her mind. Time to sink or swim.

Ryse and Brazen, dragon shifter enforcers for the king, want a mate they can love and cherish and are willing to wait forever for her. When Ryse comes home with Reagan in tow, Brazen is caught off guard and wary. She’s beautiful and perfect, but haunted. She’s closed off her heart and refuses to trust. He’s not sure they’ll ever reach her.

Ryse and Brazen do their best to show Reagan they love her and will never hurt her. But her past won’t let her accept their love, no matter how hard she tries to put it behind her. When her mates are taken from her, it’s time for Reagan to fight or lose the love she dreamed of. A love she never truly believed she’d find in a planet full of predators. 

My review:

Starting over can be hard. When you’ve never had it easy you should be used to it right? Reagan has been abused all her life. Running away to become a surrogate on planet Daeria gets her away from her past. Can she build a future with not one but two hunky dragon shifters who claim she is their fated mate? She is strong enough to survive but is she strong enough to trust and love? Sometimes letting go is the hardest thing of all.

This is a wonderful story of new beginnings and the healing power of love with some fun and sexy adventures along the way.

Buy links:

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Public Affairs: Hollywood Nights by Cara North

Blurb:

Liberty only wanted to get the man out of her hotel and her life. Darcy thought he could leave and never look back. Fate had other plans. Liberty learns the hard way what happens when she falls for a working actor and becomes a part of a public affair.

My review:

Public Affairs: Hollywood Nights by Cara North tells the story of falling for someone in the public spotlight. Darcy is a hunky Hollywood star. Liberty is a regular woman trying to make her way in the world.  I loved this short, sweet and sexy story. I loved that Liberty is older and that it doesn’t bother Darcy at all. I truly enjoyed.

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Jack: Grime and Punishment (The Brothers Grime #1) by Z.A. Maxfield

Blurb:

The Brothers Grime is Jack Masterson's way of helping people in crisis after disability ends his career as a firefighter. Jack's people get to a scene long after the physical trauma ends. They don't solve crime or rescue the victims. They help people move on. The new job is all Jack wants or needs, until he gets the call about old flame Nick Foasberg's suicide.

Ryan Halloran's cousin Nick has been on a downhill slide for a long time. Despite that, Ryan does everything he knows to help. Ryan only understands part of what happened between Nick and Jack in high school, but after Nick's suicide, Ryan agrees both he and Jack need closure. They work together to clean the scene and despite the situation, heat flares between them.

Jack is keeping a painful secret and fighting his attraction to Nick's lookalike cousin, Ryan. Ryan calls himself a magnet for lost causes and worries Jack might be the next in a long line of losers. Despite his misgivings, despite the past and the mistakes they've both made, Jack gives Ryan something to look forward to, and Ryan gives Jack a reason to stop looking back, in Grime And Punishment.

My review:

After a slow start I was sucked in and couldn’t put this story down. Jack and Ryan are adorable together. I love the two epilogs as well. This was a great story of love and forgiving yourself with a great supporting cast of characters. I really liked this story and will be looking for the next in the series.

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Alpha Rising (Bull Creek Chronicles #1) by Robbie Cox

Blurb:

Three alphas, each with their own agenda, but all wanting to rule Bull Creek.

Disenfranchised with his family, Dimitri Everest is tired of his father making his life decisions for him, especially after watching his brother, Fitz, get railroaded into an arranged mating. Now, Dimitri's ready to leave the paranormal town of Draven Falls, but where will he go? He's never left home before? And what about his sister, Lainie? Could he really leave her behind?

​

Neal Porter has found his destined mate, but the intoxicating pull of the call has blinded him to his true calling - alpha of Bull Creek. However, humans and witches are being driven from their homes, and the Paranormal Council back in Draven Falls wants Neal replaced, and now, they think they've found the perfect candidate. If only he will agree to leaving home.

​
However, there's a third alpha who has ruled the small town from the shadows, and he has no intention of releasing his hold on Bull Creek. He'll stop at nothing until the humans are run off and Neal Porter is firmly under his thumb.


Three alphas want to rule Bull Creek, but only one can come out on top. Will Dimitri be able to bring order back to a town ruled by chaos?

My review:

Alpha Rising tells the story of how Dimitri came to Bull Creek and a bit about its founding. Alpha Rising explores the nature of an Alpha and what exactly a good alpha is supposed to be. This story reads a little like a prequel as it leaves you wanting more. 

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Guarding Reese by R.S. McCoy

Blurb:

Not everyone is special enough to earn a guardian angel. Only the special few, the fated ones, those destined for greatness—they are the wards of a celestial being solely focused on their well-being and prosperity. Reese Townsend is one of those special people. 

All his life, Reese has been guarded by the angel Cassius. But unlike most angels, Cassius isn’t very good at protecting or watching or even keeping out of sight. As a child, he frequently forgot to hide his presence from Reese, and as boys, the two became close friends. When Cassius’s failure to protect Reese resulted in a major injury, the two were separated indefinitely. 

Now, Cassius is given a second chance to get it right. Nine years have passed since he’s seen Reese, and if he doesn’t fuck it up, he’ll get to watch over him for every day of his life. But Cassius has never been very good at keeping his distance and old habits die hard.

My review:

Guarding Reese is a sweet m/m love story. I enjoyed the characters enough to forgive the predictable plot. Reese is a gifted musician who lost his inept guardian angel Cassius nine years ago. Now Cassius is back and has one job… This is a wonderful tale of love and destiny.

Buy links:

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Have Lizard, Will Travel (Double-Oh Shifters #1) by Eve Langlais & Mina Carter

Blurb:

A lizard of many faces, he not only must save the world, but also convince a lady to pet his reptile.

International agent Simon is on a mission. And it isn't to avoid the shoe of the woman he's sent to spy on.

This undercover operative must find a dangerous recipe book before it's too late. The fate of shifterkind depends on him.

But if it comes down to saving the lovely Petunia or the world…his trouser-lizard wants a say. 

My review:

Have Lizard, Will Travel is a silly, sexy shifter tale that will have you giggle-snorting into your wine. Simon is a sexy super spy and a lizard shifter sent to protect the abducted scientist’s daughter Petunia. Hilarity and lust ensue. This was a total romp.

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Playing in Tune: Book Three of the Back on Track Series by J.C. Layne & Giveaway

Blurb:

After the horrible events that Mitch and Jes have endured, the couple sets about the arduous task of putting their lives back together. Each of them is dealing with their own issues, as well as trying to support each other. Thankfully, they have their friends and family…and most importantly, each other, to cling to. 

Jes has been left with some physical side effects that at times, can be debilitating. Mitch has physically recovered, but emotional demons have a stronghold on him. Both are frustrated in their healing. 

Even so, life marches on. Peach Buzz Studios is still abuzz with bands coming and going. Mitch continues to record his new album. Brett and Jes’s new label imprint, Crash and Burn Records, is about to be publicly debuted. 

Will the aftermath of their harrowing ordeal impact their relationship or can their love for each other carry them through anything…even this? 

My review:

Playing in Tune is an emotionally charged story that will leave you with a sigh on your lips and a smile in your heart. Mitch and Jes have been through hell. In this the third book of the series they begin to recover and grow ever closer. I really needed this book. I needed to know that there was a light at the end of the tunnel. This book may be read standalone but will be so much better if you’ve read the first two books.

Buy links:

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Bad Panther (Alien Guardians of Earth #1) by Donna McDonald

Blurb:

Dr. Sugar Jennings has a problem. Bad Panther has the purr-fect solution. 

Dr. Sugar Jennings is an Archaeologist and an Ancient Earth Historian. She’s also the host of a very old, very ancient artifact of enormous power. Everyone wants Sugar dead because of it. They want the power she possesses, but she can’t let them get it. Desperation drives her to seek help but no one is willing to risk their own life in the job of protecting hers. Or no one did until a mercenary Panther Shifter decided she might be worth the trouble. Now all she has to do is convince the ancient artifact she carries not to kill Axel for trying to help her. 

Axel Rodu is a rogue Panther Shifter and heir to Lyran throne on Earth. His work for the agency is special contract only but even their toughest problems barely keep his boredom at bay. Has he earned the name Bad Panther? Depends on who you ask so long as you don’t ask his newest client. Ironically though, Axel has no intentions of using Dr. Sugar Jennings to worsen his reputation. He has one job to do concerning the archaeologist and one job only. By order of his queen, whatever it takes, he must make sure Dr. Jennings stays alive until the artifact is done with her. 

My review:

Bad Panther is a sexy, sometimes silly sci-fi/paranormal romance. Prince Axel Rodu is an alien/human hybrid panther shifter who has a reputation as a heck of a warrior and something of a manwhore. Dr. Sugar Jennings makes the whole story for me. Despite her unfortunate name Sugar is extremely smart and driven. When she finds an ancient alien artifact people come out of the woodwork to take it from her by any means necessary which means she needs help keeping herself safe. Enter “Bad Panther” Axel Rodu. I enjoyed this romp.

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