Love Beyond Loyalty (The Outsiders #3) by Rebecca Royce

Blurb:

Gabriel Ward has no problem with the fact that he's an Outsider. Hell, he's always known he was different. What he takes issue with is the idea that he has to follow any destiny at all. He's always taken care of himself, and there's no way he's going to start following rules now. 

Loraine Peacock can speak to animals. Other than that, she thinks she's just a regular woman making her way in the world. She figures it's not that weird. Many people have unusual abilities. 

But when Gabriel and Loraine are forced together by the very destiny he denies, they will both have to accept their legacy and join the Outsiders in their quest to defeat the ultimate evil. That is, if they can survive long enough to find their way to their most important destiny of all: love. 

CONTENT ADVISORY: This is a re-release title. 

My review:

Mmmm Gabriel.  We met Gabriel in the earlier books.  He is hot, powerful and enigmatic.  I have looked forward to learning more about this Outsider who grew up alongside the Demon he is destined to kill. 

Rebecca Royce does not disappoint.  Gabriel is powerful but flawed and it is his flaws that make you just want to hug him.  But that right goes to his soul mate sweet and quirky Loraine.  In this installment we find out a bit more about the Outsiders and their soul mates and are introduced to a couple more.  The Demon Sebastien gets a bit more frightening and the Prophecy gets that much closer. 

I am loving this series and cannot wait for the next installment.

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Busted (Barnes Brothers #3) by Shiloh Walker

Blurb:

From the national bestselling author of Wrecked and Razed comes an emotionally charged story of undeniable passion and life-affirming love… 

Like his brothers Zach and Zane, Trey Barnes thought he had found the love of his life. But fate had other plans. A widower who’s had to raise his five-year-old son on his own, Trey has not allowed himself to be with another woman. Until he meets Ressa Bliss at—of all places—a children’s library program. The beautiful librarian is wonderful with his son, Clay, but every time Trey even considers asking her out, he is tortured by guilt.

Fate is indeed fickle. When the two meet again at a conference, this time the attraction is too powerful to resist. But is their connection and passion strong enough to survive Trey’s deep inner torment?

My review:

When I asked to review this I wasn’t aware that it was the third in a series.  It didn’t make a bit of difference.  This book stands well on its own.  This delightful romance is filled with twists and turns and the occasional fall and you have to find out what happens next.  This story tells of the long road back to living by a widower writer and a librarian who has her own shadows.  The fact that they are each responsible for the life of a child plays well into the story.  This is a terrific read that will leave you with a smile.

Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

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Romancing Austin Review & Giveaway

Romancing Austin by Riley Bancroft, Evelyn Berry, Cara Carnes, Jax Garren, Irene Preston, Rebecca Royce, and Chandra Ryan

Blurb:

Former rock star Dex Reed throws a wild comeback party in his Austin penthouse, and seven romances heat up the night. 

No Quitting Allowed, Rebecca Royce 
One last assignment and then Lana is quitting her job, quitting Austin, and moving on with her life. Until Jake stumbles into her and changes the direction of her whole world. 

Twisted, Cara Carnes 
Caleb "Colt" Douglas agreed to close out Twisted Delirium's sold out world tour with a gig at SXSW for one reason--win back the woman he left behind. 

Do Over, Chandra Ryan 
When life offers Juliana a fresh start, will she follow her heart or play it safe? 

Consortium, Riley Bancroft 
Record exec Holt Michaelson married the enigmatic Chloe to keep his assets safe from a vindictive competitor, but after a fiery encounter with his new wife, he's determined to claim her as his own, body and soul. 

Tall Order, Irene Preston 
Dylan made the worst mistake of his life when he chose his career over Aston, but tonight he'll take a risk on Aston even if it's too late. 

Enchanted, Evelyn Berry 
Stripped of her magic, fairy princess Aurora is torn between her duty to her imperiled family and to a brilliant musician who holds the key to their freedom...and her heart. 

One Night with the Vampire, Jax Garren 
Tonight Alex will finally possess the woman he's craved, but Sofia's dangerous family secrets threaten to tear them apart. 

My review:

Seven fantastic authors share their love for the city of Austin, Texas and its music festival South by Southwest (SXSW) by writing stories that take place there during the festival.  They are loosely connected by Dex Reeds party. This is a terrific compilation by some wonderfully talented authors.  And they say nothing good comes out of Texas…

  

No Quitting Allowed, Rebecca Royce  -  The only books I’ve read by the fabulous Rebecca Royce have been paranormal so reading this contemporary was fun.  Ms. Royce has brought the magic of Austin to a NYC girl.  This story was a lot of fun and I really got a kick out of Lana and Jake.

Twisted, Cara Carnes – I was iffy about this story until the middle.  I didn’t get Shasta until then.  I loved Psycho Bets her best friend and Caleb was hot.  Worth the read.

Do Over, Chandra Ryan  - Who knew getting stood up at the altar was the best thing that could happen to a girl?  Julie did much better the second time around.

Consortium, Riley Bancroft – The review copy I received didn’t contain this story

Tall Order, Irene Preston  - m/m This is a sweet second chance romance.  Win/Aston was sweet and kind of geeky and Dylan deserved a second chance.  I was glad he got to experience both sides.

Enchanted, Evelyn Berry  - The first of two paranormal stories in the collection.  I liked Dallas and Aurora. This story was a great blend of sweet and sexy.

One Night with the Vampire, Jax Garren – I liked the story but have to admit I wanted to know more about Cash and Rhi than Alex and Sofia.  Guess I will have to check out this authors back list.

All I can say is run and get this collection.  I took the best vacation in Austin without leaving my chair.

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review

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The Way of the Warrior review

The Way of the Warrior by Suzanne Brockmann, Julie Ann Walker, Catherine Mann, Tina Wainscott, Anne Elizabeth, M.L. Buchman, Kate SeRine, Lea Griffith

Blurb:

EIGHT PASSIONATE LOVE STORIES ABOUT AMAZING MILITARY HEROES BY BESTSELLING AUTHORS:
Suzanne Brockmann, Julie Ann Walker, Catherine Mann, Tina Wainscott, Anne Elizabeth, M.L. Buchman, Kate SeRine, Lea Griffith

To honor and empower those who've served, all author and publisher proceeds go to the Wounded Warrior Project.

The Wounded Warrior Project was founded in 2002 and provides a wide range of programs and services to veterans and service members who have survived physical or mental injury during their brave service to our nation. Get involved or register for programs and benefits for yourself and your family online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

"It is a proud privilege to be a soldier." —George S. Patton Jr.
"We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us." —Winston Churchill

My review:

Hot As Hell by Julie Ann Walker – A scary yet fun story about a SEAL and the Ambassadors assistant.  Classic Julie Ann Walker heat and humor.

In Plain Sight by Catherine Mann – Stacy and Gavin were first loves but she wanted home and stability and he wanted to make something of himself so they parted ways.  Gavin became a PJ for the Army and Stacy married an abusive ass.  Now Gavin is back and Stacy is divorce but her ex doesn’t quite see it that way.  Can Gavin protect her? Can he protect his heart? A great story with a lot of twists.

Torn by Kate SeRine – This is a second chance romance.  It has always been Sadie for Joe but she doesn’t know that.  Now he has been injured and she has helped him through it.  He is back home fighting PTSD and his feelings for her but someone is sending threats and he may just be the guy to keep her safe.  Sweet and sexy.

War Games by Lea Griffith – Secrets, upon secrets, upon secrets.  This has the former military/black ops feel to it.  Lots of action and suspense plus a bit of romance.  Rook and Vivi make quite a team if they can live that long.

Beauty and the Marine by Tina Wainscott – I loved this story!  Former Marine Griff hides his scarred face and body away at his family’s hunting and fishing camp.  Kristy has scars of her own, placed on her by her stalker.  Her security detail wants to capture the stalker before he manages to do worse so they are setting a trap at Griff’s camp.  Kristy manages to get Griff to forget about his scars and live again but will it cost Kristy her life?  The romantic suspense in this one is off the charts.

NSDQ by M.L. Buchman – THIS WAS MY FAVORITE in the whole book!  I haven’t read this author before (aren’t anthologies/box sets the best for finding “new to me” authors) but I will be checking out his back list for sure.  This story stars a true hero.  When faced with the choice of her or her crew and passengers there was no thinking about it Combat Search and Rescue chopper piolet  Army Captain Lois “Superwoman” Lang pulled the maneuver saved them and ended up with a couple of medals and a missing leg and the knowledge that her crew and passengers survived.  But it may cost her everything she has worked for.  She lived to fly.  Now she has to deal and Kendall Clark civilian Black Hawk specialist from Sikorsky may just be the man to help her start over.  I loved these characters and so will you.

SEALed with Passion by Anne Elizabeth – After a night of passion at his best friends wedding Navy SEAL Jonah lets the woman who has stolen his heart go.  He doesn’t plan on seeing her when he goes to his buddies house to help finish it up on his down time.  The fire is still there and he finds out that they have been apart because he misunderstood an overheard conversation.  Can she forgive and forget? Can communication get these two together? Fun second chance romance.

Home Fire Inferno by Suzanne Brockmann – A SEAL team short story by the woman who owns the genre.  We get to visit with some old friends and watch how the home team pulls together when Jenn Gilman goes into early labor.  It’s Suzanne Brockmann nuff said.

 

The proceeds from this book go to the Wounded Warrior Project.

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The Duke and The Domina: Warrick The Ruination of Grayson Danforth (Lords of Time #2) by Jenn LeBlanc

The Duke and The Domina: Warrick The Ruination of Grayson Danforth (Lords of Time #2) by Jenn LeBlanc 

Blurb:

Grayson Locke Danforth, in his wildest of dreams, would never have expected two things. 

The first was to be recalled from India by Queen Victoria where he worked for the quiet purposes of the crown. He must now become the Duke of Warrick after the tragic deaths of his father and brothers. However, tragedy is entirely in the eyes of the beholder and Grayson never wanted the title, or to return to his family. Grayson wanted to remain invisible, an outcast, a man in exile for the way his body and mind behaved. 

The second was to be forced into marriage with a woman from the 21st century.  Lulu is no mere woman, however, she was a switch and worked as professional Dominatrix. When she wakes up in a strange house, a strange world, a strange body, she isn't quite sure what to think and is certain she's dreaming. Until the next day, when she's married off to a man she cannot control her want of. 

Lulu and Warrick begin a life together that she could never have imagined. A life she could never have hoped for after being taken from everything she ever knew. Trust doesn't come easily to either of them, but it's the only thing they have. 

Grayson will have to give in to his need to submit in order to get his wife to open up and allow him to possess her fully in return. 

It's a cautious dance between two people who have never known trust, or love.

My review:

When I got this book I hadn’t read the one before it The Rake and the Recluse : REDUX (Lords of Time #1) because it was initially released as a serial.  I believe it made the beginning of this book read a little slower as I scurried to catch up.  Once I figured out who the players were in relation to each other the pace picked up.  This is an intelligent, well written, erotic historical/time shift that will enthrall you as it did me.  The dance between Warwick and Lulu is balanced precariously shifting to and fro as you wait for them to get balanced or get truly hurt.  The secondary characters, those introduced in The Rake and the Recluse : REDUX (Lords of Time #1), are fun and provide a lightness that this story needed.  I liked them enough that I am now going back to read the first one.  If you like your historical romance with a bit of kink this book is for you.

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review

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Champagne and Bullets (Military Moguls #1) by Olivia Jaymes

Blurb:

Almost fourteen years ago, Sebastian Gibbs left Amanda Rosemont at the altar just days before the wedding. He told her it was because he wanted to serve his country after 9/11. It was the truth but only part of the story. 

Amanda has rebuilt her life since Seb left and has done a pretty damn good job of it. Great friends, her own business, and a peaceful life. She hardly ever thinks about Seb anymore. She’s completely over the hurt and devastation. 

Hired by Seb’s mother to plan a party for him, Amanda is thrown back into his life. She’s determined to keep her distance but just seeing him again shakes her to the core. How will she ever be able to hold herself together for this job? 

Seb never stopped loving Amanda. He’d walked out thinking he was doing the right thing. But one look at the woman he’s never stopped loving and he knows there isn’t anything he won’t do to win her back. But the first thing he must do is tell her the real truth of why he left. 

Series description: 
Money. Champagne. Diamonds. And the most precious of all… Love. 
Three men born into wealth and privilege. Growing up together – they worked hard and played even harder. Now back in civilian life after serving their country, these hot alpha males are primed… ready for passion and their very own happily ever after. 

My review:

This second chance romance will tug at heart strings you didn’t know you had.  Sebastian is 5 years older than Amanda.  They were scheduled to be married but 911 happened and he left her 4 days before the wedding to join the military.  Amanda moved on and married but neither of them have forgotten their love.  Now she is divorced and he is back in town starting over.  Can they get over past hurts and try anew?  Should they?  Champagne and Bullets is a fun sexy read by the fantastic Olivia Jaymes.  I just bought the next two books in this series.

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Wolf's Seduction by Diana DeRicci

Blurb:

Three sexy wolf-shifter stories that will capture your heart in a twisted web of suspense, lust, and true love. Howling optional.

WATCHING HER EVERY MOVE 
Agent Jonas Dreyer has been working night and day to intercept valuable memory chips before they are delivered into the wrong hands. A happily confirmed bachelor with good reason, he never expects for the woman who is struck by his suspect in a wild foot chase to be the one, his mate.

Neither do they expect her to be targeted as the only person who may know where the vanished chips may be.

ALPHA AWAKENING 
An afternoon spent avoiding his sister places Rush Donovan on a collision course with Fate. Interrupting a possible violent disturbance brings him face to face with the one woman he never wanted to meet. His mate.

LOVE'S LEARNING CURVES 
Dario Acardi has enough stress in his life. His family is hounding him to marry, his father wants him to take over as head of the pride, and his cousin needs to borrow the car. All he wants is a little peace.

But now that a certain cougar has decided Sheridan is the woman he needs, Dario has to convince her that what she believes isn't true at all. That size isn't what rules the heart. And perfection really is in the eye of the beholder. 

My review:

I LOVE shifter stories.  This book contains 3 wonderfully quick and smoking hot stories. 

WATCHING HER EVERY MOVE  - Stacee is in the wrong place at the wrong time and is bowled over by the bad guy who is being chased by Agent Jonas Dreyer.  Agent Jonas Dreyer is bowled over by Stacee.  He goes above and beyond to protect her from the bad guys but can he protect his heart?  Fun, suspenseful and sexy.

ALPHA AWAKENING - Rush Donovan never wanted to be Alpha and he sure doesn’t want to find his true mate after watching his mother wither and die after losing his dad leaving him to raise his sister Sheridan.  But life happens and the heart wants what the heart wants and his heart wants Kay.  It helps that he is a cop and Kay has a crazy ex she needs help escaping from.

LOVE'S LEARNING CURVES  - The first 2 stories in this book are about wolf shifters.  In this book Dario Acardi is a Cougar shifter who falls for wolf shifter Sheridan.  I’ll admit to falling big time for Dario.  He is sweet, sexy, supportive and just dominant enough to trip my trigger.  This story is proof that dogs and cats can get along very well.

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