Tuesday, November 26, 2013

"Hard As It Gets" By: Laura Kaye

18680106
Hard As It Gets
By: Laura Kaye
Synopsis
Tall, dark, and lethal...
Trouble just walked into Nicholas Rixey's tattoo parlor. Becca Merritt is warm, sexy, wholesome--pure temptation to a very jaded Nick. He's left his military life behind to become co-owner of Hard Ink Tattoo, but Becca is his ex-commander's daughter. Loyalty won't let him turn her away. Lust has plenty to do with it too.
With her brother presumed kidnapped, Becca needs Nick. She just wasn't expecting to want him so much. As their investigation turns into all-out war with an organized crime ring, only Nick can protect her. And only Becca can heal the scars no one else sees.
Desire is the easy part. Love is as hard as it gets. Good thing Nick is always up for a challenge…
My Thoughts
   Whew! I feel as if I’ve just finished the fastest ride of my life and I don’t know if I was ready to get off or not! The beginning of a new series full of tattoo artists, military men, and bad asses, Laura Kaye is crafting an amazing new world I know I want to be a part of.
    Becca first comes to Nick when her brother goes missing. Not knowing Nick, and with just a cryptic message from her brother, Becca approaches him for help. Unfortunately for Becca, Nick knows secrets about her family he isn’t keen to share, nor does he want to help the daughter of his greatest enemy.
    Nick finally relents and agrees to take on whatever may be going on in Becca’s life. Ok, now here is where I’m gonna go a little wonky. This first book sets the stage for the entire series and I don’t want to give enough away to ruin it for you as you read it. Rest assured though, Becca had no idea what her Dad had been up to during his time in the military, nor how deadly or diabolical her Father’s enemies truly are. To aid Becca, Nick brings in friends from his Military Unit to come to Becca’s aid, which I’m sure will fill out the rest of Kaye’s Hard Ink series.
     Nick and Becca are fantastic characters. Becca is smart, which matters to me a great deal because it seems like there are so many dumb heroines now adays. She isn’t content to sit back and be a princess that needs rescuing. She actively is participating in the search and rescue of her brother, wherever that may lead. Nick honestly doesn’t know what to do with this forceful woman but he is more than willing to do what it takes to get the job done.
     Full of fun sexy times, great sexual tension, and engaging dialogue, Hard As It Gets is one of my favorite books of the year. A most promising start to a great new series, I’m all for tattooed bad ass heroes fighting for whats right. Kaye can write a heck of a romance and always keeps me coming back for more. Brava!

***Go and get this book now!! AMAZING!!***

Hard Ink Series
1. Hard As It Gets (November 2013)
2. Hard As You Can (February 2014)
    
Book Details
Publisher: Avon
Date of Publication: November 26, 2013
ISBN: 978-0062267887
# of Pages: 368
Source: From Publisher for Review - Avon

Monday, November 25, 2013

"Dragos Takes a Holiday" By: Thea Harrison Review

Dragos Takes a Holiday (Elder Races, #6.5)
Dragos Takes A Holiday
By: Thea Harrison
Synopsis
The Bermuda Triangle. Pirates. The Peanut. What could possibly go wrong?Dragos Cuelebre needs a vacation. So does Pia, his mate. When the First Family of the Wyr head to Bermuda for some much needed R&R, it's no ordinary undertaking - and no ordinary weekend in the sun. Between hunting for ancient treasure buried beneath the waves and keeping track of their son, Liam—a.k.a. Peanut, whose Wyr abilities are manifesting far ahead of schedule—it’s a miracle that Pia and Dragos can get any time together.
They're determined to make the most of each moment, no matter who tries to get in their way.
And did we mention pirates?
My Thoughts
     I’ve been a fan of Thea Harrison since her first book featuring Dragos and Pia. Those many moons ago when I first read Dragon Bound, I was immersed in her fantastical world with gryphons, harpies and dragons. It has seemed as if the books have slowly lost that spark that brought me to them, I saw that spark again with Dragos Takes a Holiday.
     A short story in the Elder Races universe, the 90 pages are a simple short jaunt into the world of Dragos and his now wife, Pia. After all of the traumatic events that have occurred during and since the previous book, “Lord’s Fall,” featuring this couple, Dragos is exhausted. Tired of fighting for everything he has, tired of defending his lands and his power, he is weary of the future and wants for a simpler life. Pia sees these same issues and suggests they take an easy weekend away from the supernatural and just enjoy life.
      That’s all this story is, a weekend away from the Elder world but its so much more. A great character piece, I loved the interaction of Dragos and Pia. It brought back the fabulous memories of Dragon Bound and how utterly lovely I once found this world. Smart and funny, you can't help but snort once in a while at how the ancient Dragos views the world. Its been enjoyable to see the characters change and evolve throughout the series and I honestly can say, I would read anything featuring these two people.
     Sweet, short and sexy are the three best words to describe Dragos Takes a Holiday. Another chapter in the great Elder Races saga featuring two beloved characters from the series. No great drama, no new characters, just a simple happy story about characters we already love. Brava Ms. Harrison!


Elder Races
1. Dragon Bound

2. Storm’s Heart


4. Oracle’s Moon

4.5 Natural Evil

4.6 Devil’s Gate

5.5 The Wicked

6. Kinked

6.5 Dragos Takes a Holiday

Book Details
Date of Publication: November 28, 2013
# of Pages: 90
Source: Netgalley - for Review

Sunday, November 24, 2013

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?


Welcome to the
Brunette Librarian's Blog!


I'm so happy to say -
It's Monday!!
What are you Reading?


Graciously hosted by...
Book Journey
 


What I've Read This Week...
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Love Me Not
By: Reese Ryan
 
Abandoned by a mother who chose drugs over her, Jamie Charles barely got out of her own addiction alive. Now, she pours her pain into her art while pouring drinks at a local bar. To Jamie, love is a four-letter word—until she meets Miles, a charming ad exec with piercing blue eyes who makes no secret about his desire for her.

Miles Copeland has family demons of his own, but his unhappy upbringing drove him toward hard work and success. He's determined to win Jamie over, and when he finally does, it's worth every moment he spent waiting. But when he confesses that he's falling for her, she panics. Sex is one thing, but love requires more than she can give.

Jamie can't deny her feelings, but she's haunted by her past. Miles knows his heart, but Jamie's lingering doubts have him questioning their future. It might take the threat of losing him forever for her to realize that refusing to let love in is the worst mistake of all.
 
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A Tale of Two Dragons
By: G.A. Aiken
 
Braith of the Darkness likes going through life unnoticed. Not an easy task for a She-dragon of royal descent. But the evil plots of her father are turning her quiet, boring life upside down, and she has now become the enemy of the most vicious queen her kind has ever known. But for once, Braith won't have to fight alone. Not when the warrior dragon of her dreams is willing to risk everything to save her neck.

Addolgar the Cheerful wishes he could say he’s helping the pretty royal strictly for honorable reasons - but he'd be lying. It’s not his fault, though! He didn't tell Braith of the Darkness to have the most delicious tail he’s ever seen! Yet before Addolgar can get his very strong claws on that tail, heads are going to roll. Just hopefully not theirs...
 
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Beautiful Bitch
By: Christina Lauren
 
Picking up where Beautiful Bastard left off, Chloe Mills and Bennett Ryan continue their steamy, combative relationship.

Just when Chloe’s career starts to take off, Bennett wishes it would all slow down long enough to spend a wild night alone with his girlfriend. But after he refuses to take no for an answer, Chloe and Bennett find themselves with two plane tickets, one French Villa, and a surprising conversation that, predictably, leaves them wrestling under the covers.
 
17831619
Beautiful Beginning
By: Christina Lauren
 
Back when not being able to stand each other also meant not being able to keep their hands off each other in Beautiful Bastard, neither Bennett nor Chloe could have seen this day coming.

An exasperated bride who just wants to elope. A determined groom whose only focus is getting to the wedding night. And—of course—a whole lot of name calling.
 
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I Want My Hat Back
By: Jon Klassen
 
A bear almost gives up his search for his missing hat until he remembers something important.    
 
What I'm Reading Now...
Crossing the Line (Battered Hearts, #3)
Crossing the Line
By: Kele Moon
 
Wyatt Conner is a hard man. A sixth generation sheriff in his hometown of Garnet. A former MMA fighter. His life is about following the rules and making sure everyone else in Garnet follows them too.

Before life hurt him, Wyatt was different. Love had once blinded him to his upbringing and made him defiant against anyone who tried to separate him from the girl he loved. He easily broke laws to ensure her safety.

When she left it destroyed him.
Now she's back.

Tabitha knew coming home was a mistake, but family obligation demanded it. She wasn’t expecting to run smack into the love of her life the same day she returned.

Despite the danger, Tabitha is powerless against the wild rush of desire that explodes between them the moment she finds herself in Wyatt’s arms again. She needs a second chance too, but she can't risk Wyatt finally discovering the real reason she left.
 
What are you reading this week????

Friday, November 22, 2013

"Stealing Home" By: Jennifer Seasons Review

Stealing Home (Diamonds and Dugouts, #1)
Stealing Home
By: Jennifer Seasons
Synopsis
Love may be just a game, but the baseball players in Jennifer Seasons' sexy diamonds and dugouts series— they're playing for keeps!
Mark Cutter has it all: a lucrative baseball career, fast cars, and faster women—and all thanks to his priceless good luck charm. At least, that's what he thinks before Lorelei Littleton shows up. Next thing he knows, he's waking up alone, the sexy brunette has vanished, and his good luck charm is gone. More than a little curious about the wicked-hot cat burglar and determined to get his property back, Mark's going to track down the thief and make her pay—big time.
Maybe Lorelei feels a tiny bit guilty for stealing Mark's good luck charm, but when it's worth $100,000 and the money could save her niece's life? She's not losing sleep over it . . . but him? Lorelei can't get the ballplayer with the bad attitude out of her head. And now he's come after her with more than just revenge in his eyes. Lorelei has a choice: turn over the charm and lose the money, or keep it and risk losing everything . . . including her heart.
My Thoughts
     When I was thinking of ways to describe Stealing Home, one thought kept going through my head...this book is just plain fun. I had actually read the second book  Playing the Field, first, and I enjoyed it so much I came back to pick this one up. A great book for an afternoon read, filled with fantastic characters, a hot romance and a feel good ending.
     Mark Cutter is one the biggest baseball players in the sport today. He has the money, he has the women, he has the fame. It isn’t until a woman he meets in a bar steals his lucky charm that he actually even begins to question that life may not be as wonderful as he thinks it is.
    Enter the mysterious woman who stole said lucky charm - Lorelei. Desperate to get her niece the surgery she needs, Lorelei finds a way to get the money; by stealing hot shot Mark’s lucky charm and giving it to his evil ex-wife. It isn’t until she gets to know Mark that she realizes the robbery may not be as easy as she once thought. As she slowly falls in love with Mark, Lorelei finds herself with conflicting feelings of right and wrong and realizes things may not be as black and white as she once thought.
      This book sounds kind of convoluted but it really isn't. Lorelei needs that money and even though she sounds like a bad person, you the reader love her. She’s kind of like a Robin Hood, trying to save her family. If she has to steal from the rich, so be it. Mark is kind of a dumb jock but evolved throughout the romance to become the man Lorelei needed.
     The Diamonds and Dugouts Series is easily going to become a favorite of many romance readers. Filled with laugh out loud moments and solid characters, you find yourself drawn into the story and emotionally connected to the characters. A great read for a summer afternoon, be sure to checkout the sequel, Playing the Field with the same great characters and amazing chemistry!


Diamonds and Dugouts Series
1. Stealing Home (April 2013)
2. Playing the Field (July 2013)

Book Details
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Date of Publication: April 2, 2013
# of Pages: 100
ISBN: 9780062271440
Source: Personal Purchase

Thursday, November 21, 2013

"No Good Duke Goes Unpunished" By: Sarah MacLean Review

No Good Duke Goes Unpunished (The Rules of Scoundrels, #3)
No Good Duke Goes Unpunished
By: Sarah MacLean


Synopsis
In NO GOOD DUKE GOES UNPUNISHED, the mysterious Temple is at best an inveterate womanizer who ruined his father’s future duchess, and at worst, a cold-blooded killer who murdered his future stepmother.
No one has seen Mara Lowe since she disappeared from her bedchamber on the morning of her wedding twelve years ago—leaving behind a drunken Temple.
Despite vehement claims of innocence, Temple was exiled from society, stripped of his funds and left to survive on his own.
He is the brawn behind the Fallen Angel club, and has given up on ever returning to society, until the missing Mara shows up and begs for his help.
My Thoughts
    Sarah MacLean is simply one divine author. I’ve been waiting for the battle hardened Temple to get his own book, and finally after what seems like forever waiting, I finally get my reward! Great characters, fabulous storyline, and sizzling sexual tension create one of the best romances of the year.
    Temple has always been the bruiser of the Fallen Angel club. Accused of being a murderer, Temple seems to have lived his life on the fringes of society. No one for sure confirming or disproving the one night Temple woke up covered in blood and a society darling missing.
    Mara Lowe had a good reason for disappearing that fateful night and now must reveal herself or risk her brother being ruined. Understandably, when she visits Temple and he realizes he has been framed for a murder he didn’t commit, there are a few sparks. Temple is furious and will only help Mara’s brother, if Mara herself basically ruins her reputation and comes back to society to clear his name.
     The sexual tension is high in this one and if anything it made me turn the pages faster. How far is Mara willing to go to save her brother, when she has duties that lie elsewhere? How can she balance the two halves of her old and new life. And Temple, whew. He’s a wipe your brow kind of hottie that I absolutely fell in love with. A great couple, Temple and Mara start with a simmer and end with a bonfire that burns bright.
      One of my favorite things about this series is the camaraderie between the owners of the Fallen Angel. Temple is fun loving, ornery, tough, and utterly masculine. Yet you can truly understand these other men are true friends and their friendships are tested to the limit. The dialogue between these rakes and former rakes, will make you laugh, shake your head, or just plain smile. So stinkin’ fun!!
     One of my favorite reads of the year, No Good Duke Goes Unpunished tells the story of professional fighter Temple and the strong, brave misunderstood Mara Lowe. Temple deserved a hell of a book and boy did he get it. Sizzling sexy times abound and only whet your appetite for the finale coming in 2014. All I have left to say is Thank You Sarah MacLean!!

Note: No good Duke Goes Unpunished is the third book in the The Rules of Scoundrels series. Be warned, if you haven’t read the others some aspects of this story may not make sense. I’m not saying you have to read the others, but it does help.

Book Details
Publisher: Avon
Date of Publication: November 26, 2013
# of Pages: 384
ISBN: 978-0062068545
Source: Edelweiss - for Review


A little blurry but here's Sarah! Isn't she sweet?

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday - "The Sum of All Kisses" By: Julia Quinn


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly book meme where we let everyone know what books we are eagerly anticipating the release of.

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine

The Sum of All Kisses (Smythe-Smith Quartet, #3)
The Sum of All Kisses
By: Julia Quinn

Hugh Prentice has never had patience for dramatic females, and if Lady Sarah Pleinsworth has ever been acquainted with the words shy or retiring, she's long since tossed them out the window. Besides, a reckless duel has left this brilliant mathematician with a ruined leg, and now he could never court a woman like Sarah, much less dream of marrying her.
Sarah has never forgiven Hugh for the duel he fought that nearly destroyed her family. But even if she could find a way to forgive him, it wouldn't matter. She doesn't care that his leg is less than perfect, it's his personality she can't abide. But forced to spend a week in close company they discover that first impressions are not always reliable. And when one kiss leads to two, three, and four, the mathematician may lose count, and the lady may, for the first time, find herself speechless ...

Publication Date: November 26, 2013

Sunday, November 17, 2013

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

Welcome to the
Brunette Librarian's Blog!


I'm so happy to say -
It's Monday!!
What are you Reading?


Graciously hosted by...
Book Journey
 


What I've Read This Week...

Woman in a Sheikh's World
Woman in a Sheikh's World
By: Sarah Morgan
 
With a client list hotter than the Zubran desert, wedding planner Avery Scott shouldn't be surprised that her latest client is Crown Prince Malik of Zubran—the man who once lit her body on fire…before steamrollering over her heart.Determined to ignore Malik's lethal charm, Avery makes a very personal not-to-do list:

1. Not being Malik's intended, our relationship must remain 100 percent professional.

2. His arranged bride might have run away, but I mustn't distract him—for the kings of Zubran, duty always comes first.

3. However luxurious the Bedouin tent—and smoldering the tension—pride dictates the touch I crave stays strictly forbidden.
 
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Why Grizzly Bears Should Wear Underpants
By: The Oatmeal
 
Why Grizzly Bears Should Wear Underpants is the second variety comic collection and fourth book from the comedic mastermind behind TheOatmeal.com, Matthew Inman. Classics from the website, including “Dear Sriracha Rooster Sauce,” “What It Means When You Say Literally,” and “What We Should Have Been Taught in Our Senior Year of High School,” are featured alongside never-before-seen works of epic hilarity that will delight veteran and newbie Oatmeal fans alike
 
What I'm Currently Reading...
18631417
Love Me Not
By: Reese Ryan
 
Abandoned by a mother who chose drugs over her, Jamie Charles barely got out of her own addiction alive. Now, she pours her pain into her art while pouring drinks at a local bar. To Jamie, love is a four-letter word—until she meets Miles, a charming ad exec with piercing blue eyes who makes no secret about his desire for her.

Miles Copeland has family demons of his own, but his unhappy upbringing drove him toward hard work and success. He's determined to win Jamie over, and when he finally does, it's worth every moment he spent waiting. But when he confesses that he's falling for her, she panics. Sex is one thing, but love requires more than she can give.

Jamie can't deny her feelings, but she's haunted by her past. Miles knows his heart, but Jamie's lingering doubts have him questioning their future. It might take the threat of losing him forever for her to realize that refusing to let love in is the worst mistake of all.
 
Sooo, what are you reading this week?

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday - "No Good Duke Goes Unpunished" By: Sarah MacLean


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly book meme where we let everyone know what books we are eagerly anticipating the release.
Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine

16240497
No Good Duke Goes Unpunished
By: Sarah MacLean

A rogue ruined . . .

He is the Killer Duke, accused of murdering Mara Lowe on the eve of her wedding. With no memory of that fateful night, Temple has reigned over the darkest of London’s corners for twelve years, wealthy and powerful, but beyond redemption. Until one night, Mara resurfaces, offering the one thing he’s dreamed of . . . absolution.

A lady returned . . .

Mara planned never to return to the world from which she’d run, but when her brother falls deep into debt at Temple’s exclusive casino, she has no choice but to offer Temple a trade that ends in her returning to society and proving to the world what only she knows . . . that he is no killer.

A scandal revealed . . .

It’s a fine trade, until Temple realizes that the lady—and her past—are more than they seem. It will take every bit of his strength to resist the pull of this mysterious, maddening woman who seems willing to risk everything for honor . . . and to keep from putting himself on the line for love

Expected release: November 26, 2013

Monday, November 11, 2013

"Roman Holiday 1: Chained" By: Ruthie Knox Review

Roman Holiday 1: Chained
Roman Holiday 1: Chained
By: Ruthie Knox
Synopsis
Ashley Bowman is having a bad week. Reeling from the death of her beloved grandmother, she returns to the Florida Keys only to learn that a heartless Miami developer has gotten hold of the crappy vacation rentals she calls home. Ashley has one day to clear out before Roman Díaz destroys the only place in the world that matters to her. Chaining herself to a palm tree in the bulldozers’ path seems like a good way to stop him . . . until she realizes she should’ve brought food and water. And pants. Also, it would help if the evil developer weren’t so ridiculously hot.

The last thing Roman Díaz needs is some sun-kissed blond protester getting her picture in the newspaper and messing up his plans. He bought the property fair and square, and the resort he wants to build on the site is the key to realizing his highest ambitions. But when a hurricane blows through, Roman has to hustle Ashley to safety if he wants to protect his reputation—and that means giving in to her unreasonable demands.

Roman needs to learn a little compassion, and Ashley’s decided to teach it to him . .  even if she has to drag him all over the Eastern Seaboard to do it.
My Thoughts
     I am totally starting this review off with this simple statement: I cannot wait to get my hands on Part 2. With that said, Ruthie Knox is at the top of her game with
Roman Holiday 1: Chained. As always, she gives us great character development, steamy scenes, and an enticing story line that leaves us wanting for more.
      Ashley Bowman begins the story strapped around a tree fighting evil real estate mogul, Roman Diaz. Roman is bulldozing her Grandmother’s prized vacation rentals, with her grandmother’s permission mind you, but Ashley feels they are being torn down unjustly. To battle the evil Roman, Ashley think its a good idea to protest.
      As with all of Ruthie’s characters, both Roman and Ashley are more than what they seem. Chaining herself to a palm tree seems like a good idea to Ashley, a way to make a difference when her world is falling apart. Roman is uber-successful and used to things falling into place; when faced with this protester, he thinks she will fall easily under his will. Unfortunately for him, Ashley is more than a simple protester, and before he knows it, she has talked him into a road trip in exchange for her stopping her protest.
      I’m so stinkin’ excited about Part 2 I could do a dance. Great characterization means fantastic characters that I desperately want to read about. Honestly, there are five parts so I’m only 20% done and I can’t wait, when I’m usually still trying to get into a story. I don’t know if I like the serialization of the story, but all in all, a great beginning to another Knox classic! 
Book Details
Publisher: Loveswept
Date of Publication: November 11th, 2013
ISBN: 978-0345546970
# of pages: 40
Source: Netgalley - for review

Sunday, November 10, 2013

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

Welcome to the 
Brunette Librarian's Blog!
 
I'm so happy to say -
It's Monday!! 
What are you Reading?
 
Graciously hosted by...



What I've Read This Week...
Beautiful Player (Beautiful Bastard, #3)
Beautiful Player
By: Christina Lauren
A bombshell bookworm. A chronic Casanova. And a lesson in chemistry too scandalous for school.

When Hanna Bergstrom receives a lecture from her overprotective brother about neglecting her social life and burying herself in grad school, she’s determined to tackle his implied assignment: get out, make friends, start dating. And who better to turn her into the sultry siren every man wants than her brother’s gorgeous best friend, Will Sumner, venture capitalist and unapologetic playboy?

Will takes risks for a living, but he’s skeptical about this challenge of Hanna’s…until the wild night his innocently seductive pupil tempts him into bed- and teaches him a thing or two about being with a woman he can’t forget. Now that Hanna’s discovered the power of her own sex appeal, it’s up to Will to prove he’s the only man she’ll ever need.
 
The Rosie Project
The Rosie Project
By: Graeme Simsion
An international sensation, this hilarious, feel-good novel is narrated by an oddly charming and socially challenged genetics professor on an unusual quest: to find out if he is capable of true love.

Don Tillman, professor of genetics, has never been on a second date. He is a man who can count all his friends on the fingers of one hand, whose lifelong difficulty with social rituals has convinced him that he is simply not wired for romance. So when an acquaintance informs him that he would make a “wonderful” husband, his first reaction is shock. Yet he must concede to the statistical probability that there is someone for everyone, and he embarks upon The Wife Project. In the orderly, evidence-based manner with which he approaches all things, Don sets out to find the perfect partner. She will be punctual and logical—most definitely not a barmaid, a smoker, a drinker, or a late-arriver.

Yet Rosie Jarman is all these things. She is also beguiling, fiery, intelligent—and on a quest of her own. She is looking for her biological father, a search that a certain DNA expert might be able to help her with. Don's Wife Project takes a back burner to the Father Project and an unlikely relationship blooms, forcing the scientifically minded geneticist to confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie—and the realization that love is not always what looks good on paper.

The Rosie Project is a moving and hilarious novel for anyone who has ever tenaciously gone after life or love in the face of overwhelming challenges.
 
How about you??
What are you reading this fabulous week??

Saturday, November 9, 2013

"Turn and Burn" By: Lorelei James Review

15808862
Turn & Burn
By: Lorelei James
Synopsis
Tanna Barker is a world champion barrel racer. But her personal life has been less of a success, and she’s feeling adrift. After her mother’s unexpected death, her father has remarried, and sold the Texas ranch she called home. Now a rodeo injury has left the restless spitfire holed up in Muddy Gap, unsure what her next move should be.
Until she meets her match in a wild, wild cowboy
Veterinarian August Fletcher has always put his job first. He’s never found a woman who could handle his on-the-road lifestyle. But when sassy, sexy Tanna blows into town, he finally finds the woman of his fantasies. And there’s something between them, but she claims she’s been burned by love ’em and leave ’em road dogs before. How can Fletch prove that he’s in it for the long haul, and that their sizzling relationship is better than winning any rodeo medal? It’ll take some sweet persuasion to convince Tanna that Muddy Gap is where she belongs.
My Thoughts
      Lorelei James has done it again! What Jaci Burton did to racecar drivers and J.R. Ward did to Vampires, James has done to cowboys. She has taken an excellent cast of characters, plunked them in the middle of Wyoming, and created amazing romances each and every time. Turn and Burn, her newest release, may be my favorite so far, featuring daredevil horserider Tanna and sweet Veterinarian, August “Fletch” Fletcher
     Tanna is heading to Wyoming from her home state of Texas following the death of her Mother and a pretty horrific injury that severely hurt her and caused the death of her horse. As she arrives, penniless, alone, and starved for attention, she meets Fletch, the town’s Vet. 
     Fletch is different than James’ other heroes. While there is plenty of hot sex, for which James’ cowboy books are known for, this novel seemed much more charged mentally and emotionally. Fletch understands Tanna has been emotionally scarred and I enjoyed their journey together in helping to realize her fears and overcome them. Tanna is scarred and her journey to being the rider she once was is not smooth sailing. James tackles these topics head on in a realistic manner and everything isn’t all right in an instant.
     While I loved the naughty parts, Turn and Burn had just the right mixture of emotional connection to create an amazing story that made me wish it didn't end. The only disappointment I had, was the ending, because I would have liked a bit of a update on what had happened with the other characters from previous books. The sense of community is wonderful and there is truly a world built within these books.
     Turn and Burn is a fantastic addition to the world James has created. I loved the mixture of fast talking Texas girl Tanna and laid back Fletch. Each is so different from what the other is used to and find missing piece in one another. Great characters, a fun story, and even better sex scenes equal another hit from Lorelei James.


Book Details
Publisher: NAL Trade
Date of Publication: August 6, 2013
# of Pages: 368
ISBN: 9780451413963
Source: From the Author for Review

Thursday, November 7, 2013

"Neighbors" By: L.S. Murphy Review

Neighbors
Neighbors
By: L.S. Murphy
Synopsis
Rena Woods has a great life. She recently landed the contract to decorate the home of basketball wife, Cecilia Hood, her business is growing, and this contract could make her the elite decorator in St. Louis. Rena’s sacrificed her personal life for her company without a single regret. When Staff Sergeant C.J. Riker moves in across the hall, Rena can’t stand to be around him. He may be on the volcanic side of hot, but his attitude sucks. Riker does whatever he can to get under Rena’s skin.
After a massive blow to her business sends Rena on a self-destructive binge, Riker is there to save her from doing something she might regret. Could there be more to Riker than meets the eye? And will he open up enough to Rena to tell her how he lost his leg or shut out love forever?

My Thoughts
     Neighbors is my first book from Ms. Murphy but definitely won’t be my last. This is a novella done right, with plenty of character background, a riveting romance, and a satisfying and richly romantic ending. Adorably dorky in places and heart wrenching in others, Rena and Riker’s story took me away for an enjoyable evening.
    Rena is unimpressed when ex-Marine C.J. Riker moves in across the hall from her. A serious interior designer in St. Louis, Rena is working hard to build her business and she just doesn’t have time for the new surly neighbor. Over laundry and a few boring evenings, Rena finds that there may be more to her neighbor than a bad attitude.
    Riker has moved to St. Louis after several tours in the Marines. Horribly hurt during an attack, Riker has lost one of his legs. A bad attitude and a negative outlook on life have become the norm, until the neighbor across the hall, seems to challenge his views.
    Murphy does a lot of storytelling in her 65 pages and it doesn’t seem as if any word is wasted. Rena is smart and independent, and doesn’t give Riker any sympathy for missing his leg. Sure he’s went through traumatic events, but life is for the living. Riker is mad, bad, and strong but with Rena he’s different. She doesn’t take his gruff and understands his need to be normal.
    Fun and smart, Murphy’s Neighbors is an excellent novella length romance. Moving along nicely, you find the characters to be both sweet and fierce, and never seem to get bogged down by unnecessary details. As opposed to most of the romances I read, I would rate this one as a G, so no naughtiness but plenty of sexy. A great offering from a fabulous Missouri author, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for L.S. Murphy!


Book Details
Publisher: Entangled: Flirt
Date of Publication: November 11, 2013
# of Pages: 65
Source: From the Publisher for Review