Friday 31 July 2015

REVIEW - Ten Days in Tuscany (Men of the Zodiac #4) by Annie Seaton

The Book
Release Date: 14 April 2015
Goodreads Link

One lie will ruin everything… 

Gia Carelli waits tables in her small Tuscan village, dreaming of a life in which her overbearing family allows her to move to Florence to pursue art. Everyone expects her to marry a nice local boy and raise a horde of bambini, but when a gorgeous, wealthy stranger visits, Gia wonders if maybe her stars are about to change. 

Nic Baldini has returned to his Tuscan Villa for a much-needed break from the responsibilities of his powerful family. Struck by local artist Gia Carelli's raw talent and passion, he finds himself wanting to help her...and lies about his identity in order to gain her trust. But as their patron-protegée relationship is quickly eclipsed by desire, Nic realizes that one tiny lie could cost him the woman he's falling for

My Opinion  2 STARS
**My thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing LLC, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

I am completely gutted.

This is the first Entangled book that I have not been able to finish. EVER!!

I don't know if it is the story or the writing, but nothing has compelled me to carry on reading. From a woman who can read a book in a day it has taken me well over 10 days to get to 71%, the last 5% by skimming.

On paper this looked like a good read for me, and I have read and enjoyed other books from this author.

Tuesday 28 July 2015

REVIEW - Desperate Domination (Bought By The Billionaire #3) by Lili Valente

 The Book
Release Date: 28 July 2015
Goodreads Link

WARNING: This is a white-hot, panty-melting, boundary-pushing read. Not intended for the faint of heart.

"You're mine. You belong to me. You will always belong to me. Because no one has ever made you feel the way I have."

Jackson Hawke might be a monster, but he's Hannah's monster. They belong together and she's determined to show Jackson she can love every part of him-light and dark, cruel and gentle, lost soul and Dominant man.

Jackson knows he doesn't deserve her. He is broken and twisted and wrong inside, but when Hannah touches him it feels right, he feels right in a way he hasn't in so long.

Can a monster learn to become a man again? Or will dark forces from the past claim Hannah's life before she can claim his heart?

* * Desperate Domination is the 3rd in the Bought by the Billionaire romance series and ends in a CLIFFHANGER. For maximum enjoyment it should be read after books one and two.* *

*Divine Domination, the final book in the series, will release summer 2015*


My Opinion  5 STARS
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review.**

Holy Batman, this book was hot.  Hannah and Jackson have a chemistry that leaps off the page.

Yes, Jackson can act like an add, yes he has his problems, but he can also be sweet and admit when he is wrong.  The man still has a conscience but doesn't realize that all is not lost.

Hannah can see past his facade to the man hidden deep within, she is a strong woman and helps him even when he is being difficult.

There is a he'll of a cliff hanger but some of the previous unanswered questions have been answered, but others have cropped up.

I can't wait to see what happens next!!

REVIEW - Eight Second Angel by Jessie Evans

8SecondAngelBanner

Eight Second Angel: The Ballad of Lily Grace (Lonesome Point, Texas Book 7)
Jessie Evans
Releases July 28th

8SecondAngel

Synopsis
Love is heaven that hurts like hell…

Rodeo cowboy Canyon O’Donnell is a champion with more national titles than any pro bull rider in history. He’s also one week away from ending his own life. Haunted by mistakes from his past, Canyon isn’t looking for redemption, let alone love. But when a beautiful girl with her own tragic past practically falls into his lap, he can’t resist taking her under his wing. He can’t promise her forever, but maybe he can help ease her pain.

A little over a year ago, Lily Lawson was murdered. Now she’s back on earth in a new body, sent to redeem a lost soul before it’s too late. But her first good will mission is complicated by a powerful attraction to the tortured cowboy she’s been sent to save. Soon she wishes she could promise Canyon forever, but she only has a few days and time is running out. 


Lily’s willing to do whatever it takes to save Canyon’s life. But what if the one thing he needs—her love—is the one thing she can never give?

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1KUhQMt

Excerpt 
Thoughts of tomorrow’s encounter should have filled her head too full to dwell on the pretty cowboy splashing around in the water below, but her brain had other ideas. Her sleep-deprived synapses were weary of stressful thoughts and eager for something to take her mind off heavier issues. Consequently, she had a hard time keeping her eyes from Canyon’s muscled back as he swam to the far bank and an even harder time controlling her response to the moment he emerged from the river, his soaked shorts clinging to the curves of his ass. The man had one phenomenal backside. No doubt about it. Swallowing hard, Lily wrenched her gaze from the swimming hole, taking her time spreading her towel out on the rocks near the bend in the river, doing her best to pull herself together. She wished Canyon hadn’t known about this particular spot. All the other tourists were down at the well-marked river beach with the manned lifeguard stand, which meant they were alone here, with nothing to distract Canyon from noticing that she was practically drooling all over herself. She’d never been ruled by lust before—she’d only slept with two men, though she’d certainly been attracted to others—but a bear claw had never tasted as delicious as the one at the donut shop last night, either. Time away from a human body had sharpened her senses, making her a slave to every sweet-smelling scent on the breeze, each bite of suddenly magical-tasting food, and the hunger to feel another body warm against hers. Preferably Canyon’s, the way it had been last night. It was all sorts of wrong, probably akin to a nurse lusting after her patient. She’d been sent here to help this man, not think about how good he looked in a swimsuit. She was ashamed of herself, but not so ashamed that she could keep her eyes from drifting from the romance novel she’d purchased last night to where Canyon frolicked in the water. Romance had clearly been a bad choice. She should have brought poor Grace’s well-worn copy of The Bell Jar and spent an hour inside the mind of a depressed genius, instead. But she was tired of sad, depressing things. She didn’t want to think about being in a body her sons wouldn’t recognize or that the man she would always love like a piece of her own soul was married to someone else. She didn’t want to think about only having a week to save a good man’s life or what waited for her on the other side of this brief return to earth.
     
The Lonesome Point Series:
LonesonePointCoverCollage2015

Leather and Lace:  Kindle  |  Nook  |  GooglePlay  |  iBooks  |  Kobo
Saddles and Sin:  Kindle  |  Kindle UK  |  Nook  |  GooglePlay  |  iBooks  |  Kobo
Diamonds and Dust:  Kindle  |  Kobo |  Nook  |  iBooks
12 Dates of Christmas:  Kindle  |  Nook  |  GooglePlay  |  iBooks
Glitter and Grit:  Kindle  |  B&N  |  GooglePlay  |  iBooks
Sunny with a Chance of True Love: The Ballad of Ugly Ross:  Kindle  |  iBooks   | Kobo   | Nook
Chaps and Chance:  Kindle  |  iBooks
Ropes and Revenge:  Kindle  |  Nook  |  Googleplay  |  Kobo  |  iBooks


My Opinion  5 STARS
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

I am so happy that we get to revisit Lily Grace Lawson on her return to earth in order to save another.

Lily shows her compassionate and true self as she helps Canyon find a reason to live after the death four years ago of his son. A death that he feels entirely responsible for and believes his life should be forfeit.

Unfortunately Canyon did not foresee Lily and her purity coming into his life and instantly turning his world upside down.

This is a must read in the series.

jessie
                 The Author
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessie Evans, gave up a career as an international woman of mystery to write the sexy, contemporary Southern romances she loves to read. 

 She's married to the man of her dreams, and together they're raising a few adorable, mischievous children in a cottage in the jungle. She grew up in rural Arkansas, spending summers running wild, being chewed by chiggers, and now appreciates her home in a chigger-free part of the world even more. 

 When she's not writing, Jessie enjoys playing her dulcimer (badly), sewing the worlds ugliest quilts to give to her friends, going for bike rides with her house full of boys, and drifting in and out on the waves, feeling thankful for sun, surf, and lovely people to share them with.

Tuesday 21 July 2015

BLOG TOUR (Review) - Montana Cherries by Kim Law




The Book
Release Date: 28 July 2015
Goodreads Link

After her mother’s tragic death, Dani Wilde had no choice but to abandon her dreams. She left Columbia University and returned to her family’s Montana cherry farm, intent on being a maternal figure to her brothers. Now the kids are grown, and it’s finally her time to fly. Her sights are on New York City, and nothing will stop her—not even an old flame with gorgeous green eyes.
Celebrity photographer Ben Denton hasn’t seen Montana in years—and hasn’t spoken to Dani since “that night” so long ago. When he discovers he’s a dad to a four-year-old—and the child’s mother refuses to care for her—Montana and the Wilde farm spring to mind. The orchard is the only place that’s ever felt like home, but will the warmth of the Wilde family be enough to help Ben figure out how to be a father?
As the Wilde family gathers for the yearly cherry harvest and Dani struggles to figure out what she really wants in life, she discovers the shocking truth about her own mother—and learns that following her heart may lead her to her dreams after all.
BUY LINKS:
Amazon US  |  B&N  |  BAM  |  Powell's  |  Amazon UK

My Opinion  5 STARS
**My thanks to NetGalley and Montlake Romance, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This is the first book that I have read by this author and after this book, I would certainly not hesitate to read more of her work.

This book may be light on the romance, but the drama of the story really grips you with the emotions that both Dani Wilde and Ben Denton feel.

For Dani, after having taken care of her father and brothers since her mothers death 10 years ago, she is FINALLY on the road to living her dream and moving to New York.  She character shows endless love to her family and great loyalty, but things start to go a little wrong when an old childhood sweetheart returns with a daughter he didn't know he had.

Ben is still in love with Dani and is patient and kind towards her, but lets her know what he wants.  He is there when she needs him, he anticipates what she needs, and she helps him connect with his daughter.

After a shocking discovery that turns Dani's world upside down, Dani closes in on herself for self preservation.  It may hurt a few of those around her, but she does it for good reasons.

Even though this book was light on the romance, I really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters in the book.  I honestly hope that there are other books after this one for the other brothers as they deserve a HEA.

I would certainly recommend this book for the story and for the HEA.


The Author
As a child, award-winning author Kim Law cultivated a love for chocolate, anything purple, and creative writing. She penned her debut work, “The Gigantic Talking Raisin,” in the sixth grade and got hooked on the delights of creating stories. Before settling into the writing life, however, she earned a college degree in mathematics and then worked as a computer programmer. Now she’s living out her lifelong dream of writing romance novels. She’s won the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award, has been a finalist for the prestigious RWA RITA Award, and has served in varied positions for her local RWA chapter. A native of Kentucky, Kim lives with her husband and an assortment of animals in Middle Tennessee.

CONTACT LINKS:

Friday 17 July 2015

REVIEW - The Spaniard's Kiss by Nina Croft

The Book
Release Date: 14 July 2015
Goodreads Link

Looking for a passionate read? Don't miss Indulgence's latest romance...


One moment
will change their friendship forever...

Widow Isobel Sinclair knows it's time to move on, and she believes the next chapter in her life involves a baby. All she needs is a man to help her with the finer details. Unfortunately, right now the only man in her life is her husband's best friend, Rafael Sanchez. And an incredibly wealthy, super-hot player is not exactly family material.

That's okay since she wants a baby sans the husband part.

Billionaire playboy Rafael has carefully hidden his longing for Isobel over the years. He's wanted her from the moment they met. When desire sparks between them, Rafael faces a choice beyond imagining: give Isobel what she wants...or lose her forever. He has a good reason why a child can't be in his future, but telling Isobel the truth could destroy everything.

My Opinion  4 STARS

**My thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing LLC, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

It's a friends to lovers story with a bit of a twist.

Isobel is a young widow at 24, she married her best friend at eighteen but he died two years ago.  Rafael (Rafe) was her husbands best friend and therefore became a friend of Belle, but he was instantly attracted to Belle, but has had to hide his feelings for years.

A chance encounter at a hot pool turns things around so they both may get something that they both want, but there are conditions involved that Rafe puts in place just in case.

Isobel just wants to move on with her life, but doesn't realise how miserable she had been until Rafe takes her to England with him from her farm in Spain.  

One secret is hidden from us until the end of the book where Rafe professes his family secret, and its not one I saw coming.  Both put off what could have been said earlier because they are both unsure of the reactions they will get from the other, otherwise they could have been happier earlier.

As an Entangled romance, we are guaranteed a HEA, and this one does not disappoint.

Monday 13 July 2015

REVIEW - Heavy Secrets (Bowen #3.5) by Elle Aycart

The Book
Release Date: 30 June 2015
Goodreads Link

Christy Sheridan has come a long way from the physical and emotional wreck she used to be. She's made Alden her home and is happily engaged to a man who loves and accepts her for who she is, curves, quirks, and geekiness included. Life is good. Until mommy dearest blows into town to "help" her clueless daughter seal the deal. 

Cole Bowen is experiencing a world of firsts: first time in love, first engagement, first Valentine's, first in-laws. He's found the woman of his dreams, so he figured dealing with Martha Sheridan was a small price to pay. That is before his monster-in-law plants herself in their home and inside Christy's head, stirring up old demons and destroying her newly regained self-esteem. And while his hands are full with trying to neutralize their meddlesome guest, a mysterious phone call turns his world upside down.

With ghosts from the past resurfacing and threatening to tear Cole and Christy apart, can they make it to the wedding they both so desperately want, or will heavy secrets send their relationship to the breaking point?

My Opinion  5 STARS
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review.**

I LOVE this series and was a very happy person when I was asked if I would like to review this novella.  

All of the Bowen men are Allah's, however Cole still struggles to let down his emotional barriers. Christy has come such a long way with her body issues and confidence. She is able to see the bigger picture even though her mother is doing her best to knock her confidence back down.

The book finishes on a cliff hanger of sorts leading into another book that I cannot wait to read.

REVIEW - The Prince's Runaway Lover (Men of the Zodiac #7) by Robin Covington

The Book
Release Date: 14 July 2015
Goodreads Link

Waiting for a new Men of the Zodiac romance from Indulgence? Meet Libra...
Sign: Libra
He's hot, irresistible...and he will always make sure you're satisfied.
Crown Prince Nicholas Lytton was never supposed to be ruler of Callanos. He was the "spare to the heir," pursuing a decadent life of the rich and royal - extreme sports, physical pleasures, and glorious irresponsibility. Until his brother died. Now Nick is to be coronated king, and no one believes he's ready.
The best way to secure his crown is to do the unthinkable...find a queen.
While Isabel Reynolds works in the palace gardens, she has no desire to draw the attention of the way-too-flirty, would-be king. For she's not the woman everyone thinks she is. Even if she wanted - or was tempted by - the promise of love, it would only end in disaster. Because while Isabel may be able to catch a king, her secrets would only destroy him...

My Opinion  5 STARS
**My thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing LLC, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

So, we have Prince Nicholas, who is inheriting the throne after the death of his brother and his father, who is alive is unable to rule due to medical conditions. Having been a bit of a rebel before hand, and not expecting to have to take on the throne, he is having a little trouble adjusting, let alone with others seeming to think that he is unfit to rule.

Isabel is running from her past life and is trying to get on with her job, but after having met Nicholas running early one morning, finds that he is soon singling her out. There is heat between them and Nick lets no challenge go, especially with someone has has piqued his interest for the first time in ages.

Neither are prepared for the feelings that soon grow from lust, but a spanner is thrown into the works when Isabels past come back to bite her.

We of course get a happy ending being an Entangled romance, and it is an easy/lazy afternoon read.

Tuesday 7 July 2015

BLOG TOUR (Review & Giveaway) - Searching for Always (Searching For #4) by Jennifer Probst



The Book
Release Date: 30 June 2015
Goodreads link


New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Jennifer Probst sparks a blissful mind-body connection as her sexy, satisfying (Kirkus Reviews) new series continues!


Shes an expert in helping others de-stress, but Arilyn Meadows is running on fumes. Along with her job counseling singles seeking soul mates at the Kinnections agency in Verily, New York, shes a yoga teacher, animal shelter volunteer, anger management therapist, and helping hand to her beloved grandfather. No time to find Mr. Rightbut after discovering her yogi boyfriend in a compromising asana, Arilyn would rather dog-sit for her honeymooning friend Kate than risk her heart on another downward dog. And when police officer Stone Pettyradiating masculinity and bad-boy attitudeis sent to her for mandatory lessons in cooling off when the job gets too hot, Arilyn vows to ignore his seductive glances and sexy grin. But theres no halting their sizzling flirtationa red-hot, high-speed chase thats breaking all the limits.

PURCHASE NOW
Amazon US  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Kobo  |  iTunes



My Opinion 5 STARS
**My thanks to the author and Gallery Threshold Pocket Books for providing me with a free copy for an honest review.**

We met Office Stone Petty in the previous book where he and Arilyn had pretty heated words right from the beginning.  Nether like the other, but seem to bait the other letting anger rise.

Officer Petty however ends up in Arilyns anger management course and both want to end up on top, trying to get a rise out of the other and driving them insane.  Both win points along the way.

However the baiting leads to other things when they can't stop thinking of each other, and when Arilyn takes matters into her own hands in regards to an abused dog, Stone makes her pay for his silence.

The wit between the two as well as the heat keeps you turning the page, no matter what else you need to do at home, or work.  I couldn't put this book down and just felt compelled to complete it.

Loved cranky old Mrs Blackfire and Poppy.

Another must read from Jennifer Probst.




Author Information
Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasnt stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a masters in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.
She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon's Best Books for 2012. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases and her street team.



GIVEAWAY
Help pet rescue shelters by posting a picture of your rescued pet, or sharing your favorite shelter, and using the hashtag #SEARCHINGFORRESCUES. 4 shelters will get a $50 prize (winners choose) and 1 additional person will receive a prize pack from Jennifer Probst. 


Friday 3 July 2015

REVIEW - Searching for Beautiful (Searching For #3) by Jennifer Probst

The Book
Release Date: 26 May 2015
Goodreads Link

The highly anticipated third novel in the Searching For series from Jennifer Probst, “one of the most exciting breakout novelists” (USA Today), featuring a runaway bride and the man who wants to be more than just her best friend...

Genevieve MacKenzie has her life completely under control. About to wed the charming Chief doctor at the local hospital, she’s an up-and-coming surgeon with everything she could ever want. Until an escape through the church window on the day of her wedding sends her life into a tailspin...and flings her right into her best friend’s arms.

When Wolfe catches his best friend falling out a window on her wedding day, he doesn’t ask questions. He whisks her away, determined to watch over her and discover the truth behind her desperate escape. But when his feelings turn more than platonic, he realizes he may risk his most important relationship in order to protect his damaged heart, and the woman he loves.

Can Genevieve and Wolfe’s friendship turn into something deeper—or is it already too late for true love?

My Opinion  5 STARS
In the previous book we saw a somewhat reserved Genevieve especially after her engagement, she seemed stressed and unhappy even then.

Genevieve runs on her wedding day and it is her on male best friend that finds her and whips her away from the inevitable chaos.  He also fields friends calls and texts until she is ready to face the music.

Wolfe has always been a strong character and here he shows no difference, however we do get to see his sweeter, softer side when he looks after Gen.

Both realise what they have been missing when they get back together as friends, however it does not take long in confined quarters until the friendship turns into something else.

The book is both funny and sweet and shows how friends are always there for anything.

We also meet Office Stone Petty who stars in the next book along with Arilyn.

Another must read from Jennifer Probst.