REVIEW - The Wrong Man (Alpha Men #3) by Natasha Anders

The Book
Release Date: 4 September 2018
Goodreads Link

No commitments. No expectations. No way this could possibly go wrong…right?

Former special-ops soldier Sam Brand is used to getting what he wants. What he wants is to unbutton the buttoned-down, sweet, and shy Dahlia McGregor. He’s hot to find her wild side. She’s eager to let him explore it. So he makes his proposition—no strings, no hurt feelings, and no promises—save for one: she’ll have the time of her life.

After a broken engagement, Lia’s looking to someday find the right man and settle down. That’s some day. Now it’s all about the night. A hot, meaningless fling with a magnificently weathered blue-eyed stud like Sam couldn’t hurt: he’s sexy, and sure he’s arrogant, but best of all, he’s here. In other words, he’s perfect…for now.

But when Sam is wounded in the line of duty and left in Lia’s tender loving care, all bets are off. Because the more time they spend together, the more it becomes clear: this “one night” deal is getting steamier and lasting longer than they counted on. It started as a fun little game. Is it possible they could be playing for keeps?

My Review  3 STARS
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

“Hello there, Miss Priss,” he greeted softly, his eyes taking in her cap-sleeved, knee-length, sky-blue dress with the high neck and slightly flared skirt. “You’re looking very pretty and proper this evening, and you know what that does to my blood pressure.”

I liked the ending to this series, and this one focuses on Dalia (Lia) and Sam Brand.

Lia is very proper and wants a husband, wears prim clothes and does not swear, Sam is another type of person.  For one he's English and two he says what he think, uses no filters and swears quite a bit.

The pair spend a lot of time together when Sam uses Mason's house as a convalescence house after he is stabbed on the job.  He uses Lia's sweet nature agains her, but it backfires a little bit when he seems to crave her more and more.

A mutual agreement for a fling whilst he is there and the pair are getting closer and closer whilst denying that they actually really like the island.

With an interfering sister, illness and recovery thrown into the mix along with a stubborn pop star, the pair eventually find that they don't want to be apart.

The epilogue give happy endings for all three sisters five years down the line as their families expand.

I did enjoy this book, but felt that book two was the best one.

REVIEW - CourtShip (Best Friends #1) by Noelle Adams

The Book
Release Date: 23 September 2018
Goodreads Link

Three years ago, I found her drunk on my doorstep, crying over a television show that betrayed her. A year later, we were best friends. She taught me how to laugh, and she set me up on double dates. Sure, I occasionally felt an attraction to her that went far deeper than friendship, but I could pretend it wasn't important.

Now she's everything to me. My life has reshaped itself around her. I'm not allowed to want her for more than my best friend. But I do anyway. I want everything from her, and fighting my heart doesn't work anymore.

CourtShip is a friends-to-lovers romance novella spanning three years of a changing relationship, written entirely from the hero's point of view.

My Review  4 STARS
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This a quick novella that takes place over three years and focuses on the changing relationship between Courtney and Shipley from the moment they meet to the present day.

Both Shipley and Courtney struggle to open up with other people, but it is Courtney that brings Shipley back to life and they find in each other someone dependable and someone who is there for them.

We watch as Shipley struggles with his feelings, the book is told from his point of view, and the physical responses that Courtney bring out in him.  

This is a very fast read and leaves you feeling happy that they both manage to sort out their feelings and what they want from each other.

A cute read that will leave you feeling satisfied.

REVIEW - Crime Boss Baby: A Billionaire Mafia Love Story (Bad Boys and Babies Book 3) by Krista Lakes

The Book
Release Date: 18 September 2018
Goodreads Link

From New York Times bestselling author Krista Lakes comes a sensual, standalone mafia romance that will have you turning the pages at record speed. 

I am a mafia princess. 

My family is making me marry a rival crime boss. 

At first, I go along with it because it's important to my family. But then I meet him. 

Dante is dangerous and sexy as sin. I want him physically and mentally. His talented fingers and mouth have me panting for more before he even knows my real name. 

But there are parts of my past that can ruin everything. My mother's murderer is catching up to me. If he finds me, he could ruin everything. Not only that, not everyone in Dante's family is as excited about the wedding as they appear. 

And then, there's news that both overjoys and terrifies me. I'm pregnant. 

Can Dante save me and give me the future we both desire? Or will my past destroy everything and everyone that I care about?

My Review  3 STARS
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This book is the third book in the series and can be read as a stand alone.

Although this book is good , i still preferred the first two as this one just felt a little bit rushed to me and just didn't give me the same happy warm fuzzies that the other two did.  

Cara is a strong character with a hurt that she has kept hold of, and when the past comes back to her life it takes her a little while to get her head around what is happening and how she can come out of it alive and kicking on top of those pushing her down.

Dante is from another mob family and most of the time he seems kind and caring, but occasionally we see glimpses of the harder man beneath, but he never really seemed to fit the part for me and things happen between the pair so fast it just doesn't fit quite right for me.

This book is still a good holiday read, though i may not pick this one up again.

REVIEW - Destined for You: Magnolia Valley by Cora Reed

The Book
Release Date: 26 July 2018
Goodreads Link

For journalist Astrid Jones, Magnolia Valley, Montana was where she was happiest. When she gets divorced and then unceremoniously fired in less than six months, she hopes her hometown will work its magic and help her get her life back on track. 

All she has to do is avoid her ex-boyfriend, Ethan, and focus on writing a story that will restart her career. Leaving Ethan broke her heart, but she knows she can never be the woman he deserves. 

Astrid is headstrong, gorgeous, and always fighting for the underdog—and even at eighteen Ethan knew he’d found the one. But when he proposed to her the night before they went to different colleges, she said no and left without a backward glance. 

Since then, Ethan has kept everyone at a distance. But after years of work becoming a veterinarian and joining a practice, Ethan’s goal to open an animal sanctuary and make amends for a tragedy in his past is within reach. He knows he should stay focused and keep his distance from Astrid. 

But Ethan has never been very good at staying away from Astrid. And when the story Astrid uncovers puts her in danger—Ethan has to stay close and protect her. Soon, their rekindled passion is heating up the cold winter nights. As Ethan discovers more of Astrid’s guarded heart, he realizes he can’t let her go without a fight this time. 

Yet as their love grows, outside forces threaten to destroy everything they are trying to build. Will they find the courage to fight for a second chance at love?

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

This is the second book in the series and can be read as a stand alone as the novel very much only focuses on Ethan and Astrid and is read from Astrid Point of view.

The characters are relatable and also have their problems and insecurities, but manage to overcome them and be there for each other when it matters most.  Especially as Astrid reporters nose lands he in a spot of trouble. 

Astrid also proves she is there for Ethan in helping him organise a fundraiser for an animal sanctuary in memory of his friend and when there needs to be a venue change, Astrid really rally's round to make it happen.

I really like these characters and we were also introduced to a few more characters along with a tie-bit on who will next get their story, Nora and Alek.

I really recommend this book.

REVIEW - The Billionaire's Baby Arrangement by Krista Lakes

The Book
Release Date: 11 September 2018
Goodreads Link

From New York Times bestselling author Krista Lakes comes a sexy standalone novel about a billionaire and the indecent proposal he gives the local barista.

Billionaire CEO Jackson Weathers needs a family for a PR boost, and I've signed a contract agreeing to give him one. A doting girlfriend in public. A wedding ceremony to invite all the socialites to. And finally, a baby for him to parade around, to show he's really a wholesome, down-to-Earth man.

I've tried to remain cynical about it. He's going to make all my dreams come true. So what if it's supposed to be a loveless marriage?

Only, his tenderness in private has me hooked. The way he kisses me drives me wild. When we make love, I lose myself to him. His body feels like it was meant to be on top of mine, like we fit together like two puzzle pieces. I can't help but begin to fall for him.

I can't tell him, or I risk losing everything. And nobody else can find out about our little "arrangement" or it will destroy his reputation. Still, I feel like I have to know how he feels, before the marriage, before the baby, before I give my entire life over to him.

Is it still just pretend?

My Review  4 STARS
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This book follows the same rules as other books in this trope and the characters soon find that actually they get along well together and things quickly go from a like of the other person to more, especially as from the first time they make love their is no condom.

Jackson is only ever a lovely guy to Emma from the beginning and is only ever honest, he just forgets once to let her know something that ends up hurting her.

Emma has great friend that helps her when it is needed and Jackson has a great PR lady who kicks his butt when he needs it too.

Enjoyed this story and look forward to more of the authors work.

REVIEW - Family Doctor's Baby: A Doctor and Nurse Love Story (Bad Boys and Babies Book 1) by Krista Lakes

The Book
Release Date: 7 September 2018
Goodreads Link

From New York Times bestselling author Krista Lakes comes a sexy standalone novel about the baddest bad boy doctor and the sweet little nurse that he falls for. 

When I left my small hometown years ago, I never expected to come back. I certainly never expected that when I did, I'd be working for him. 

He's the town's doctor. He's supposed to be a respectable member of society, a pillar for the community. He's supposed to have come a long way from the bad boy who rode a motorcycle in high school. 

But he hasn't. One glance from those lustful eyes looking at me tells me that he has the same voracious appetites that he did when we were younger. 

Only it's not quite the same stare. It's more urgent. It's more intense. I'm not the same nerdy girl who tutored him. I've grown up, developed fertile curves that I know he finds irresistible. 

In this small town, rumors travel fast, and the family doctor can't be seen as a player. So he does try to resist. And I do too. But with every smoldering glance and moment of sexual tension, we find our barriers breaking down. 

After a stressful night of touch-and-go baby delivery, a moment of elation overcomes our inhibitions. It seems like maybe we'll need to confront those rumors sooner rather than later, especially before I begin to show the results of that night. 

Can I give this doctor the family he has always desired?

My Review  4 STARS
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

We start this book when Hannah has recently moved back home to be closer to her parents as her father is dying of cancer.  Dr Jacob Matthews was a boys that she helped tutor and her teenage crush, however now he is her boss.

Neither Jacob or Hannah had intended on moving back home once they had left, however a failed relationship sent Jacob home and his bad boy ways seem to be a thing in the past.

It is his teenage crush Hannah that turns his world back to a happier place.

I loved the connection the pair have together, even with the turmoil of the very small minded town around them.  Both stand up for each other in the way that they can and both show inner strength and that they can rise above the nastiness that is thrown their way.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.

REVIEW - The Best Man (Alpha Men #2) by Natasha Anders

The Book
Release Date: 10 April 2018
Goodreads Link

It has all the makings of a picture-perfect wedding. There’s just one detail that could have used a little more planning…

Hulking ex–rugby player Spencer Carlisle has crushed on Daffodil McGregor since high school. On the field he knew the moves. Off, he was a clueless clod who never gained an advantage. Rejected and rebuffed, his infatuation finally cooled—like ice.

Now, it’s impossible not to feel the chill—since he’s the best man and she’s the maid of honor at their siblings’ wedding. For the sake of harmony, they’re calling a truce.

Daff has her reasons for being a cynic when it comes to romance. And twice as many for not letting on that she finds Spencer attractive—although she’d rather gnaw off her thumb than admit it. Still, there’s more to the sweet and sexy lug than meets the eye. Maybe he is the one who can heal her emotional scars. Maybe he’ll give her a second chance. Because Spencer could be Daff’s own best man—if it’s not too late to come to terms with the past.

My Review  4 STARS
This is the second book in the series and we met both Spencer and Daff in book one as Daffodil is one of Daisy's sisters and Spencer is Mason's brother.

This books lots of revelations,  Why Daff was nasty to Spencer at school, Daff finds out what she truly likes and finds herself, Mason and Spencer have a family shock, Daisy and Mason get married and wee get an introduction to Dahlia (Lia) and the man that is going to be her happy ever after.

Spencer proves time and time again that he has brought Mason up and has instilled in both of them old fashioned manners and ways.  I mean, who else carry's around a hanker-chief in their thirties.

I loved Spencer, how he is protective of his family and those he is close to.  I also liked how Daff has started to stick up for herself and finds peace in herself.

I really enjoyed this story and i am looking forward to see how Lia's story will turn out.

REVIEW - Blood Drenched Conquest (Ryze #3) by N. Isabelle Blanco

The Book
Release Date: 11 September 2018
Goodreads Link

Soleria 

When a human male breaks your heart, it can feel like your life is ending.
When an immortal goddoes it . . . well, I learned the hard way that can lead to actual death.
The last few years I’ve been isolated except for my two best friends Ismini and Evesse.
Until they both went missing.
Until I started searching for them and connected with the last thing I expected. 
A pair of white eyes.
He ruined me. All because I was stupid enough to give in.
Too weak to fight him.
His scent.
His taste.
Everything about that god possessed me. I knew he’d be the end of me. I knew it.
I couldn’t stay away regardless . . . 
And he drove me to suicide. 
Now I’m back.
I’m different.
A monster I cannot recognize.
A monster thirsting for blood . . . 

Ianthen 

The end of the last war is a day I’ll never forget.
How could I? It’s the day my best friend prophesied I would one day die.
I, the primal God of the Hunt, the first of his kind, dead. Gone.
All because of a female.
I lived nearly fourteen millenia waiting.
No, running.
Until shebarreled into my dream and turned everything upside down.
I ran again. 
I hurt her.
I tore out the very heart I would die for.
Because of my actions, I had to watch her die. 
Now she’s back.
She’s more different than any of us could have ever predicted.
Lost to the obsession for Conquest that has awakened in her veins.
A female I’m determined to save before death finishes consuming me.

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

Holy Moly, so much action and romance packed into these little pages that just HAD to be kept turning, sitting on the edge of my seat at times waiting to see what was going to happen next.

We have met Sol and Ianthen in the previous two books and Sol is another female with a very strong backbone with a past in magic on her mothers side.  Ianthen is the God of the Hunt and therefore good looking of course and he has a twin sister.

So much happens in this book from when Ianthen is originally given his prophecy to the time now when Ianthen and Sol get a happy ever after in a completely different dimension.

All the other gods have parts to play, there is war, half bonded pairs getting worse in their symptoms, worlds in different dimensions, sex, falling in love, witch magic, new powers and immortality.

I seriously cannot rave about this but, better yet, this series, any higher.  I have had this series alway in my head since the author first published way back when, then had to wait as she got her rights back and rebranded and expanded the series, telling it more how she wants.  Seriously i have not minded the wait as book three is that good.

Only problem now is that i have to wait another year for book four to come out lol.

REVIEW - One More Moment (Band on the Run #3) by Samantha Chase

The Book
Release Date: 4 September 2018
Goodreads Link

Julian Grayson is taking a break

...from his cheating fiancée
...from his band
...from his life in the spotlight

Charlotte Clark is devoted to her work
...to save the world
...to help the homeless
...to get a broken man back on his feet

When Charlotte Clark offers to pay for Julian Grayson's coffee, the world-famous drummer assumes she wants something from him. But Charlotte has no idea who he is, and Julian can't resist keeping up the charade—being incognito is a novelty and a relief. He'll have to tell her...eventually. But as Charlotte cheerfully undertakes to transform his life, Julian realizes there's something about her that gives him what he hasn't felt in years: hope.

Shaughnessy Brothers: Band on the Run Series:
One More Kiss (Book 1)
One More Promise (Book 2)
One More Moment (Book 3)

Praise for One More Promise:
"Another winner for this heartwarming series." —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
"Chase just gets better and better." —Booklist
"Sexy, touching...both fun and heart-wrenching." —Kirkus Reviews

My Review  4 STARS
**Copy Provided by Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an honest review**

This can totally be read as a stand alone story, but i would bet it would still be nice to know more of the previous characters stories, however enough is given in this book to keep you in the know.

Charlotte is a hard worker with a passion for her job helping the homeless find their feet in the most careful and sensitive way.  It is a misunderstanding thinking that Julian is a little like the people that she helps out daily that sends these two into a happiness that they thought may never happen for them.

Julian has only just got back from a three month road trip after a dramatic ending to his previous unhealthy relationship.  He is surprised that someone is doing something for him for nothing, let alone that she does not recognise him.

The pair work really well together, it is only Julians past that is keeping him from seeing how his past is hurting the new relationship that he wants with Charlotte, however he certainly is good at organising help for Charlottes work and getting hands on with the helping.

I really enjoyed this book, the sex scenes were what my mother describes and 'closed door' scenes, however there was still heat and certainly chemistry between the pair that scorched the pages.

I will certainly have to go back to books one and two at some time, just to finish off the series :)

COVER REVEAL - Fireworks (True North #6) by Sarina Bowen

The Book
Release Date: 13 November 2018
Goodreads Link

Skye Copeland is on paid leave from her broadcasting job after accidentally drawing a wiener on the traffic map.

Let that sink in. Like it’s her fault the traffic pattern created a perfect schlong? 
Skye isn’t laughing. She needs this job. And that’s the only reason she’s willing to chase down a story in her least favorite place—that hell on earth known as Vermont.
A quick trip. In and out. Much like - never mind. She can sneak into the town that once tried to break her, get the story and slide back into the good graces of her producer. Easy peasy.
But things go sideways the moment she steps over the county line. Her stepsister is running from a violent drug dealer. And the cop on the case is none other than Benito Rossi, the man who broke Skye’s teenage heart.
His dark brown eyes still tear her apart. And even as she steels herself to finally tell him off after twelve years, the old fireworks are still there.
Things are about to go boom.

FIREWORKS is up for pre-order at:

⭐Amazon: http://geni.us/AmazonFireworks 

⭐iBooks: http://geni.us/AppleFireworks 

⭐Kobo: http://geni.us/KoboFireworks 

⭐B&N: http://geni.us/BNFireworks 

Amazon:http://geni.us/BsAmazon 

iBooks: http://geni.us/BsIbooks 

B&N:http://geni.us/bsbreach 

Kobo: http://geni.us/bskreach 

Google:http://geni.us/bsgreach 

Sarina Links:

https://www.sarinabowen.com/

https://www.facebook.com/authorsarinabowen

https://twitter.com/SarinaBowen

https://www.instagram.com/sarina.bowen/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7737308.Sarina_Bowen

REVIEW - But First Coffee by Sarah Darlington

Title: But First, Coffee

Author: Sarah Darlington

Release Date: September 10th 2018

Series: Love & Coffee, Book 1

BLURB:
She’s the boss.

I’m only a barista in her company.I really don’t give a f**k about her one way or the other.

And then there’s Doug Maddox, a man with a lot of power over me. He’s blackmailing me. Making me spy on her. I’m supposed to find her weaknesses and destroy her. But the closer I get, the more the lines between us start to blur.

She’s sweet. She’s kind. She’s sexy as hell.
Why am I the only man who see’s this?

So now I’m stuck—between keeping my sister safe against Doug, because that’s what’s really at stake here, and these feelings I can’t deny for a woman who shouldn’t mean anything to me.

I know what I have to do. I’ll destroy her.
It doesn’t matter if I have to destroy my own heart in the process.

Amazon US * Amazon UK * Amazon AU * Amazon CA
**read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited

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About Sarah Darlington

Sarah Darlington, a New Adult and contemporary romance author, lives in Virginia with her husband and two children. Best known for her Kill Devil Hills Series, she's also a former flight attendant, with a degree in school counseling, who harbors a huge passion for traveling. She's especially set on visiting all 50 states.
Find Sarah Online:

Website • Instagram • Facebook • Goodreads

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

This book contains romance, suspense happy endings and the openings into book two of the series.

Joe Coffee is being interviewed by Lana Bitterman the owner of Java Bean as he has a reputation in her company and she wants to promote him, however things are not quite what they seem.

The chemistry between the two right from the beginning has the flames leaping of the pages and even though he is a little younger it doesn't seem to matter and Joe finds himself telling Lana things that he really does not mean to let slip.

Both Joe and Lana work well together in both the bedroom and at work, however when a plot is uncovered and blackmailing is also revealed the pair work together to sort out the wrinkles and kinks in order to get their lives back on track.

I really loved this book and the opening into the next book with Joe's little sister.

REVIEW - Blossoms of the Heart by Khardine Gray

The Book
Release Date: 3 September 2018
Goodreads Link

The most intense and passionate romance you'll read this year.

Why do I fall for guys I can’t have?
Okay, it’s not guys –plural.
It’s just one guy.
THE guy.
When I was 18 he stole my heart.
Tai was the guy I wasn’t supposed to have…
The tattooed rebel my mother told to stay away from me.
My heart stopped beating that day.
I was off- limits to him and he was forbidden to me.
I never thought I’d see him again.
He stayed away, just like my mother demanded.

Until… fate decided to hand us an all-access card eleven years later. Leaving it to us to work out the kinks.
We got to see what could have happened if we got together.
Then it became complicated….
The passion and heat between us is wild.
Scorching hot and consuming.
He wants more. So much more…
But I can't give him more…
This time it’s not my mother telling me I can’t have him.
It’s life …
Because …  now I have a secret.
A secret that could tear us apart. 

My Review  4 STARS
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This is the first time that i have read this author and i really enjoyed this book.

We start off in America where Phoebe has left her husband and is trying to get on with her life, however her ex-husband is not playing nice.

It is her father and a close family friend that brings her back to Japan, her second home and the man that was her first crush and her first kiss.

The chemistry between the two really leapt off the page and i really wanted to hurt both the ex-husband and the mother at times yet Phoebe's father is a sweetheart.

Phoebe has another man in Japan who is like an uncle and father and a best friend there, and being familiar with the language and culture she is the perfect person with her studies of dead languages to help decode an old diary.

I really enjoyed this book and will certainly look to read more books by this author in the future.