"Along Came Trouble" By: Ruthie Knox Review

Along Came Trouble

By: Ruthie Knox

Synopsis from Goodreads

An accomplished lawyer and driven single mother, Ellen Callahan isn’t looking for any help. She’s doing just fine on her own. So Ellen’s more than a little peeved when her brother, an international pop star, hires a security guard to protect her from a prying press that will stop at nothing to dig up dirt on him. But when the tanned and toned Caleb Clark shows up at her door, Ellen might just have to plead the fifth.

Back home after a deployment in Iraq and looking for work as a civilian, Caleb signs on as Ellen’s bodyguard. After combat in the hot desert sun, this job should be a breeze. But guarding the willful beauty is harder than he imagined—and Caleb can’t resist the temptation to mix business with pleasure. With their desires growing more undeniable by the day, Ellen and Caleb give in to an evening of steamy passion. But will they ever be able to share more than just a one-night stand?

My Thoughts 
      Oh my gosh. Seriously. I keep repeating how much I enjoy Knox’s writing and how it can’t possibly get any better and I am always proven wrong. Along Came Trouble is my fourth Ruthie Knox book and I can safely say that I have loved each and every one.
    Along Came Trouble begins with a bang and whole lot of chaos. Ellen’s brother is a rockstar who has a rocky romance going on with her neighbor, hence a need for Ellen and her son to have security from all the crazy paparazzi. Yet when that security actually shows up, Ellen doesn’t want any part of it. Being an independent female, she thinks and knows she can take care of her own family and doesn’t need the silly precautions.
    Knowing the way great romances go, can’t you imagine that the said “silly” security wiould be any other than her HEA, Caleb? After spending years in the military and on deployment, when Caleb finally returns to his hometown, he opens a security business. Trying to help his parents, reconnect with his sisters, and begin his own business has Caleb in a tailspin and stressed to the max. Yet when he meets Ellen, who is headstrong and wants absolutely nothing to do with him or his supposed security.

“I snuck out for the first time in my life this morning and got caught.”

“The first time in your life?” 

“And then I ran into my ex-husband, which I try very hard never to do and he called me ‘Els’ and told me he wanted to see more of me and Henry, which is nightmarishly bad.” 

“And then this big, angry man showed up and drilled holes in my house -” 

“And played with your kid for an hour." 

“-and gave my son all kinds of ideas about how he should get his own screwdriver, and maybe a drill for his birthday. And this obnoxious guy sent circus-freak workmen over to make even larger holes in my house without permission -” 

Caleb pointed his index finger, a pistol of emphasis, and said, “Because he’s trying to keep you safe, despite your stubbornness.”

     Caleb and Ellen are so perfectly matched. They are both so independent and just so straight forward, which ensures the verbal sparring between the two is superb! Ruthie Knox’s stories are always fun but perhaps my favorite aspect of her novels is the interactions between her characters. Original and just plain fun, she can take you from a smile to an out loud laugh in just moments.

Book Details

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group

Publication Date: March 11, 2013

# of Pages: 350

ISBN: 978-0345541611

Camelot Series

How to Misbehave

Along came Trouble

Goodreads / Ruthie’s Twitter / Ruthie’s Facebook / Author Website

"Hot Ticket" By: Olivia Cunning Review

Hot Ticket

By: Olivia Cunning

Synopsis from Goodreads

There are things in bassist Jace Seymour’s past that he is unwilling to share with anyone. To cover his guilt and anguish, he seeks dominatrix Mistress V (Aggie) to temporarily placate his inner turmoil. Aggie doesn’t have much use for men–besides the power rush she gets when they’re begging for mercy at her feet–but Jace isn’t like her usual clients. His cool defiance and unexpected dominance in the bedroom drives her to distraction and quickly steals her heart. When circumstances threaten Jace’s position in Sinners, Aggie must help him regain his rightful place in the band while showing him that time and love can heal all wounds

My Thoughts
     Finally! I think my favorite rockers are back after that fiasco that was Trey’s book. This book actually comes third in the series, despite being released fourth. Hot Ticket tells the story of Jace, the bass guitarist and most quiet member of the band and Aggie, the badass chick he gives his heart to.
     Little has been known about Jace in the previous books. He’s quiet, standoffish and in Rock Hard we see his initial introduction to Aggie. Many of the events in the story happen concurrently with the previous book, so its a good idea to have at least read Rock Hard  to understand what is happening in the background and why the characters are behaving the way they are.
    Aggie is a pretty rad girl. She works as a dominatrix, which I was a little unsure of to begin with, but it totally works with the book. Jace has tremendous guilt over his past, specifically about relationships with his parents. He feels he has to be punished, has to be hurt but Aggie sees beyond that. She sees the uncertain young boy beneath this tough facade.
     I think its important to mention again that this is actually the third book in the series yet was released fourth. I really wish the publisher hadn’t made this decision and had actually released the books in series order. It greatly diminished my enjoyment of the series but I think Ms. Cunning has been redeemed! I was instantly transported to the events of book two and had no problem going back.
    Aggie and Jace worked really well together. Both a bit broken, both a bit shattered, as their relationship grows they heal one another in ways they never thought possible. I thought the characters were well written and the pace moved well. My favorite though is the band! I love revisiting old characters and finding out what’s happening with Brian, Sed, Trey and Eric. All in all a well rounded addition to the series that I enjoyed ever so much!

I received this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

Book Details

Publisher: Sourcebooks

# of Pages: 400

Date of Publication: February 13, 2012

ISBN: 978-1402245831

Reviews for the rest of the Sinners Series

In order of release - not series order

Backstage Pass - Book 1

Rock Hard - Book 2

Double Time - Book 5

Hot Ticket - Book 3

Eric’s Currently Unnamed Book - Release Fall 2013

Olivia Cunning Links & Sites

Olivia Cunning’s Website

Facebook

Goodreads

Twitter

"How to Misbehave" By: Ruthie Knox Review

How to Misbehave

By: Ruthie Knox

Synopsis from Goodreads

What woman can resist a hot man in a hard hat? Beloved author Ruthie Knox kicks off her new Camelot series with this deliciously sexy original novella, in which a good girl learns how to misbehave . . . with all her heart. 

As program director for the Camelot Community Center, Amber Clark knows how to keep her cool. That is, until a sudden tornado warning forces her to take shelter in a darkened basement with a hunk of man whose sex appeal green lights her every fantasy. With a voice that would melt chocolate, he asks her if she is okay. Now she’s hot all over and wondering: How does a girl make a move? 

Building contractor Tony Mazzara was just looking to escape nature’s fury. Instead, he finds himself all tangled up with lovely Amber. Sweet and sexy, she’s ready to unleash her wild side. Their mutual desire reaches a fever pitch and creates a storm of its own—unexpected, powerful, and unforgettable. But is it bigger than Tony can handle? Can he let go of painful memories and let the force of this remarkable woman show him a future he never dreamed existed?

My Thoughts
     Ruthie Knox knocks my socks off time and time again. I know its corny but its sooo true! As I was beginning How to Misbehave, I couldn’t help thinking...Knox’s other books take place on a) a country wide bicycle ride and b) subway stations and tunnels. Why would I be surprised that her newest book takes place during a tornado?
     How to Misbehave begins with a storm; a huge, huge storm that has sirens blaring and tornadoes firing everywhere. Finding shelter in a basement with Tony isn’t exactly what Amber had planned on doing when she arrived at work. She’s the stereotypical good girl, catholic school, two boyfriends, no cursing. He’s everything she’s not.
     Tony is also apprehensive of Amber. She’s shy but he’s intrigued. And its in the darkness of the basement, where they find what lies beneath each other's outward appearances. Tony is scared of the dark and Amber may be a little more naughty than she’s been led to believe.
     A classic case of opposites attracting, I think the reason I liked this novella so much was its realness. In life there is awkwardness, there are uncomfortable silences. I think so many romances today are just instant attraction, and while these two did like one another I don’t think it was until it was completely dark and they bared themselves emotionally that they truly connected.
     Knox’s trademark wit and hilarity are very apparent in Tony and Amber’s interactions. He knew exactly what to say to needle her and I spent most of the book smiling and shaking my head at his orneriness.
     I really really really liked this book, can you tell? I will give a note of caution however, when you finish this one, immediately buy Along Came Trouble because its just as good if not better and the hero is Amber’s brother. Utterly unique and definitely an emerging author (a new favorite of mine, to be sure) Ruthie Knox’s new title makes me want to misbehave, if just a little if my reward is Tony.

Book Details

Publisher: Loveswept

Date of Publication: January 28, 2013

Camelot Series

How to Misbehave                        Along came Trouble

Goodreads / Ruthie’s Twitter / Ruthie’s Facebook / Author Website

"The Officer Breaks the Rules" By: Jeanette Murray Review

The Officer Breaks the Rules

By: Jeanette Murray

Synopsis from Goodreads 

Captain Jeremy Phillips believes in doing his duty...both as a son and as a friend. This means that he should obey the "friend code" and stay away from his best friend's little sister. Too bad Madison O'Shay doesn't believe in his code and is ready to break all of the rules.

As a Navy nurse, Madison is finally stationed next to the man she's been dreaming about for years. And she's ready to launch a full-scale attack to show this thoughtful, handsome Marine that they belong together.

My Thoughts
    Jeanette Murray was the author of one of my favorite military romances of the year, The Officer Says I Do. I remember reading that story and thinking, if Timothy’s sister Madison and his hot friend Jeremy DON’T get together, I am going to be so angry! Well folks, I’m happy to say they finally do get together and the wait was sooooo worth it!
Jeremy is tired of his military life. He wants something more, and while he may not know what he wants now, he knows he wants something different. He’s tired of the lifestyle and is ready to do something different, specifically writing fiction. Beyond wanting this huge life change, Jeremy finds himself attracted to his best friend’s sister, Madison...a big no no!
Madison on the other hand is in love with her life. She loves her job, has awesome friends, has just moved into her own apartment and finds herself attracted to her brother’s best friend, Jeremy. Do you see where this is going? Oh yeah, definitely headed to the (insert air guitar sounds) Friend zone!
Perhaps what stuck with me most was the characters. Sure the romance was sweet and I wanted these two utterly different people to find one another, but they were always just so funny. Madison wanted Jeremy and she’d go to some crazy lengths to get him, which just makes you laugh. She seemed to stalk him like a lion and reading it was just plain fun.

He motioned with his head to the motorcycle. 

Again with the ear splitting shriek. “You’ll let me drive it? Your baby?” 

“It’s not my baby,” he grumbled. 

“Coulda fooled me.” She ran a hand reverently over the handlebars, and his skin tingled with the reminder of what those fingers felt like over his own body.  

“So that’s why we’re out here, in the empty lot.”  

“Always best to learn somewhere you can’t kill anyone.”

     I would be remiss if I didn't mention, Jeanette Murray does an excellent job of writing military romances realistically. She brings up the controversial issues and hardships of military life, such as base living, deployment and reenlistment. As Jeremy is trying to find out what he wants to do with his life, he finds himself wondering if he can leave behind the military life for good. It’s an agonizing decision and one excellently handled.
Murray’s newest book is an excellent addition to her military romance series and one hot tamale. I loved Madison and Jeremy and I’m gonna go out on a limb and say I may have liked it a bit more than The Officer Says I Do. I love this world she has created and the men she has populated the military base with. Her heroines are so confident and self-assured, I find myself enjoyin’ the kick butt feel of it all. Can’t wait for the next one!

Book Details

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Date of Publication: January 1, 2013

# of Pages: 352

ISBN: 978-1402265433

"Leave Me Breathless" By: Cherrie Lynn Review

Leave Me Breathless

By: Cherrie Lynn

Synopsis from Goodreads

Leather and lace don't strike sparks. Or do they?

It's Valentine's Day, but Macy Rodgers isn't feeling the love. Aside from a torrid, one-night fling in a backseat a few months back, her love life has been sorely lacking, but fortunately she has devious friends who feel like playing Cupid. Wouldn't they be shocked to learn that the match they've made for her is the same one that steamed up the back of that '69 GTO...

Seth "Ghost" Warren has just returned to town after an extended absence. Between his grandmother's failing health, his job as a tattoo artist, his band's gigs, and a crazy ex that won't leave him alone, he's stretched thin. Cautious cowgirl Macy is the last thing he needs thrown into the mix.

She's all country, he's all heavy metal—and Macy knows that if anyone can propel her out of her rut, it's Seth. But when their worlds collide, it's anyone guess if they'll survive with their hearts intact.

My Thoughts

     Everyone in the blogosphere was talking about Leave Me Breathless so I decided to jump on the bandwagon and try out Cherrie Lynn. A cute story that is pretty much the epitome of opposites attract, I found myself drawn to Ghost. A hottie who has a troubled past and tattoos, yum! Now Macy, she’s where I found myself withering a bit and wanting to smack my head into a wall once in awhile.

     So up front, I have not read the other two books in the series. After finishing the story, I promptly went to Barnes and Noble and bought the other two, but I did go into this book blindly. That said, it didn’t bother me at all to pick up on these other characters stories as the third in the series. One note though, apparently Macy and Ghost had a very brief one night fling in the second book, so this story takes up a little while after that.
    Macy is a fairly insecure 20-something who enjoys the rush of life Ghost gives her when she is around him. She rode horses as an adolescent and now cares for her parents business, so she’s pretty much responsibility personified. She views Ghost as everything that she isn’t, irresponsible, unruly, a lawbreaker. Ghost sees Macy as stability.
    The romance is sweet and comes together fairly quickly, yet I was still a little disappointed. I don’t know if I was just hoping this book was going to rock my socks or what, but Macy just drove me crazy. She was so insecure about different aspects of her life and at times it just seemed so contrived. She wanted to be with him, she was attracted to his rebellious attitude, yet didn’t want to get too involved for fear of what could be. I guess those are realistic problems but during the course of the story they just didn’t work with me, it just seemed like to much back and forth.
     All in all Leave Me Breathless is an ok story with a fun romance but somewhat crazy people. I know I’ve dogged the characters a bit but I liked the story so much as to buy the other two in the series, so it wasn’t that bad. The heroine drove me a little crazy but beyond that, I enjoyed how the sexy tattoo artist fell in love with the rodeo queen.

Book Details

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Date of Publication: November 6, 2012

# of Pages: 276

ISBN: B008Z436F4

"Lord's Fall" By: Thea Harrison Review

Lord's Fall

By: Thea Harrison

Synopsis from Goodreads

In the latest Novel of the Elder Races, two mates find themselves on different paths, torn between their duty to the Wyr and the passion that binds them… Before she met Dragos, half-human/half-Wyr Pia Giovanni was alone and on the run. Now she’s mated, pregnant and heading south to repair the Wyrs’ frayed relationship with the Elves. Being separated from Dragos is painful, but for the good of the Wyr demesne they need to figure out how to be partners—in more places than just the bedroom. In New York to preside over the Sentinel Games, Dragos is worried about his mate, but knows that finding two replacement sentinels is essential to show the rest of the Elder Races just how strong and brutal the Wyr demesne can be. But as the Games heat up, Pia’s negotiations with the Elves take a turn for the dangerous, straining her bond with Dragos and threatening everything they hold dear…

My Thoughts
     I almost took a day off of work to read the sequel to Dragos’ and Pia’s love story, following Dragon Bound, but I’m sad to say it would have been a wasted day. Normally Thea’s books take me mere hours to go through as I devour each word. Unfortunately I felt this book was so mired in conflict that the original spark simply diminished.
     First off, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this book to people who have not read Dragon Bound or any of the others in the Elder Races series. I’ve read all of them and there were still parts where I had to go back to another book to find out exactly what was happening or who so and so was. It wasn’t a huge problem, but it was enough of one to become a bit distracting.
     Lord’s Fall begins as Pia is leaving New York and heading down south to where the Fae have their headquarters. She is going to try to negotiate a peace between the warring cultures. Pia is venturing out on her own, without her mate Dragos, due to the ongoing hostilities and because coincidentally the Sentinel games area also occurring at the same time.
     I’m ashamed to say it, but I almost didn’t finish this book because it was so boring for me. In Dragon Bound, I loved Dragos. He was so naughty, quick witted, and self-assured. Pia was smart and wasn’t about to let anyone boss her. In this title everything seemed to different. Very little of that spark was there since most of the time the couple spent time apart. Much of the novel dealt with internal squabbling between royals of the different species and I frankly lost interest.
     That’s not to say though, when Pia and Dragos finally reunite after what seemed like forever, it wasn’t explosive. I heaved a sigh of relief when they finally were reunited, because hey, that’s what I came to the party for.

As soon as her skin didn’t throb from the heat, she ran forward. She barely felt her feet touch the ground. As she approached him, Dragos shifted into his human form and raced toward her, his bronzed, machete hewn features thrown into dark shadow by the intense glow in his eyes.

When she was still a few yards away, she leaped. He snatched her out of the air and clenched her to him as she wrapped arms and legs around him. He went to his knees, holding her so tightly she couldn’t breathe, and his Power enveloped her. One tremendous hand cupped the back of her head. She closed her eyes and laid her head on his shoulder as he put his face in her neck.

Neither one said anything. Their bruising hold on each other said it all.

     I feel somewhat bad for not enjoying the book as other reviewers have and at times it almost seemed like I wasn’t even reading the same book they had read. I did finish, after several days of faltering through and skimming much of the battling. Thea Harrison is normally a wonderful and dynamic author who is usually an autobuy for me, but for some reason Pia and Dragos’ followup fell flat. If you are a fan of the series I’d suggest reading this one, but otherwise please check out Dragon Bound. It’s sooooo much better!

Book Details

Publisher: Berkley

# of Pages: 281

Date of Publication: November 6, 2012

ISBN: 978-0425251065

"The Lady Most Willing" By: JQ, EJ, and CB Review

The Lady Most Willing

By: Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Connie Brockway

Synopsis from Goodreads

During their annual Christmas pilgrimage to Scotland to visit their aged uncle in his decrepit castle, the Comte de Rocheforte and his cousin, Earl of Oakley, are presented with unique gifts: their uncle has raided an English lord's Christmas party and kidnapped four lovely would-be brides for his heirs to choose from ...as well as one very angry duke, Lord Bretton. As snow isolates the castle, and as hours grow into days, the most honourable intentions give away to temptations as surprising as they are irresistible.

My Thoughts
     A total fan girl for Julia Quinn and Eloisa James, I have been waiting for this book since I first saw the cover. So stinkin’ excited, you have absolutely no idea. While the story was a little bit different than what I thought it was going to be, I thoroughly enjoyed The Lady Most Willing.
     The tale opens as a Scottish Laird bemoans his two nephews and their never finding proper wives. What should he do but kidnap some suitable young ladies and deliver them to the said nephews? Naturally hijinks ensue and instead of kidnapping two ladies, four young ladies are kidnapped and a sleeping duke!
    The Duke and Catriona may have been my favorite couple, but not by much. I loved most of the characters truly but I did laugh out loud at one point. I’ll have you know, I may or may not sleep with a dog at the end of my bed, so it kind of hit home a bit. :)

He did not so much roll his eyes as flick them upward in impatience. “No, I meant here. At Finovair. I was shivering all night.”

"Didn’t you have a fire in your room?”

“Yes, but I fear it was a mirage. And it was dead by morning.”

Catriona gave him a sympathetic nod. “My father says it’s why Scots marry young.”  

At this, the duke paused. “I beg your pardon?” 

“For warmth,” she clarified. “It’s tremendously difficult to heat these old castles. I usually sleep with my dog.”

Bretton nearly spit out his tea.

"Laugh all you want,” Catriona said with an arch little smile, “but Limmerick weighs seven stones. He’s like a furry hot water bottle that never goes cold.” 

“Limmerick?” 

She turned back ot her food. “My Grandfather was Irish.”

     Within the story there are really two strong romances, a third so-so romance,  and a fourth if you stretch it a bit. The stories fit seamlessly together and I honestly have no idea which author wrote which portions. I do know though that I enjoyed the entire story arc immensely and instead of seeing three different stories, I see one story with six main characters. The only real bad thing I can say is the nature of the beast, the length of the stories left a little bit to be desired in character development. Not much in the naughty department but a solid romance by some of America’s most beloved authors that I would definitely recommend.      

I received this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Details

Publisher: Avon

Date of Publication: December 26, 2012

# of Pages: 384

ISBN: 978-0062107381

Other books you may enjoy

The Ugly Duchess By: Eloisa James

The Duke is Mine By: Eloisa James

It’s In His Kiss By: Julia Quinn

When the Duchess Said Yes By: Isabella Bradford

Love the Authors? Find out more!

Julia Quinn’s Website /JQ’s Goodreads

Eloisa James’ Website /Eloisa’s Goodreads

Connie Brockway’s Website /Connie’s Goodreads

"Rock Chick" By: Kristen Ashley Review

"Rock Chick"

By: Kristen Ashley

Synopsis from Goodreads

Indy Savage, cop's daughter, rock chick and used bookstore owner, has been in love with Lee Nightingale, once bad boy, now the man behind Nightingale Investigations, since she was five years old. No matter what ingenious schemes Indy used to capture his attention, Lee never showed an interest and Indy finally gave up. Now Indy's employee, Rosie, has lost a bag of diamonds and bad guys are shooting at him. When Indy gets involved, Lee is forced to help. Complicating matters, Lee has decided he's interested, Indy's decided she's not. But she can't seem to keep Lee out of her life when she's repeatedly stun gunned, kidnapped and there are car bombs exploding (not to mention she's finding dead bodies).

Indy's best bet is to solve the mystery of the diamonds before Lee. Lee's challenge is to keep Indy alive and, at the same time, win back her heart

My Thoughts

    If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you’ll have seen that I have went on a huge Kristen Ashley kick. While all of her books have a first person view, I found that “Rock Chick” had a different feeling to it. Less of a strict romance and more of a humorous suspense, “Rock Chick” is a fun romp that reminded me of Stephanie Plum of Janet Evanovich fame.

    Indy has been in love with Lee Nightingale her entire life, but he only sees her as his little sister’s friend. Tired of rejection, Indy has went on with her life but all the while keeping Lee in the back of her mind. Keep in mind that Lee has a mysterious, cop like job that no one really knows about beyond Lee is totally bad ass.

    So when people start shooting at Indy, who does she call but mysterious Lee? There is a whole mystery involving diamonds, crazy friends, drag queens, and stun guns. There is even a car blowing up, which is pretty much a hallmark event in any Evanovich book as far as I’m concerned. Funny and fast paced, but the part I enjoyed the most was definitely the character interactions.

    Lee is attracted to Indy, but has been biding his time until he has a stable home life...which is pretty much never going to happen, so when he finds the chance to get close and protect Indy, he takes it. Love me some Lee! He knows Indy is borderline crazy but totally accepts it and never tries to change her.

     While this Ashley book had a different feel than the other titles I’ve read by her, I absolutely loved the Stephanie Plum feel. I’m excited to read the rest of the series and am crossing my fingers that a lot of the characters cross over and appear again. At times a bit over the top, but the situations work perfectly in conjunction with the rest of the story. Haven’t found a Kristen Ashley book I don’t like yet, and for less than $3 a book they are a perfect price for a poor soul like me.

Book Details

Publisher: Kristen Ashley

# of pages: 412

Date of Publication: December 8, 2012

ISBN: 978-184923184

"The Sweetest Tattoo" By: Cameron Dane Review

"The Sweetest Tattoo"

By: Cameron Dane

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Tattoo artist Kelsie Cole cannot believe her brother would give his best friend use of his cabin the same week he promised it to her. She had been butting heads with straight-laced John McBride since they were kids. John McBride only takes one week of vacation a year, and there isn’t any way he’s driving down a mountain back to Raleigh just because Kelsie Cole is already standing on the porch staking her claim when he arrives. The cabin has two rooms, and they are adults. They can share a space for seven days. It’s not like they’re attracted to each other or anything, right?

My Thoughts  

   Are you tired of hearing about “Fifty Shades of Grey?” Well me too, we’ve all read it and know what its about, lets move on. Yet I find myself drawn to those wild lists on Goodreads or Amazon that promise, If You Liked Fifty Shades, You’ll Like This. Most of those lists are books that don’t appeal to me in the least, but I decided to try “The Sweetest Tattoo.”
    Kelsie Cole is a tattoo artist, a little on the chubby side, with pink hair and a pretty outrageous personality. Taking a vacation from her tatooing business, she heads up to her family’s cabin in the woods. Who does she find there but her brother’s best friend, John. John is about as straight-laced as you can be while also being a CEO of a business. Calm, collected and poise seems to be John’s way of life.
    “The Sweetest Tattoo” was an interesting take on two completely different people. Pink haired chunky tattooed girl vs. buttoned up CEO is about as opposite as it gets.  I’m going to be totally honest, I’m a chunky girl without the pink hair and it took some pretty big suspension of fact for me to see these two together. Besides the differences in their professions and mannerisms, their financial and just personalities seemed to really clash. It was fairly hard to suspend belief to see this romance with nothing in common except for a childhood crush. Hard to do, but no impossible.
      Dane writes a pretty basic romance with a twist. I enjoyed the heroine but John just drove me up the wall. He supposedly had has this crush on Kelsie for years and has never acted on it, but suddenly being near her for one day brings it to the forefront? Meh.  When I finished, I had a hard time imagining these two staying together in life.
     Kelsie and John have a sweet little romance within “The Sweetest Tattoo” but I found it pretty unbelievable. Short and cute, don’t get me wrong, I just don’t see these two characters loving one another in the long term. An ok book but probably won’t pick this author up again, I would suggest this romance for people who enjoy short romances with a little fluff.  

Book Details

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

Date of Publication: 2008

# of Pages: 76

ISBN: 978-1595784773

Blog Tour & Review: "Navy Seal's Promise" By: Soraya Lane

Navy Seal's Promise

By: Soraya Lane

Synopsis from Goodreads

With only 48 hours back on home soil for Christmas, United States Army Corporal Saskia Cullen is desperate to spend every minute with her young son. So when heavy snowfall closes JFK airport and she misses her connecting flight, she’s devastated. Until Navy SEAL Luke Gray offers to keep her company… and then personally finds a way to get her home. 

Luke is back in the US on leave, waiting to hear the details of his next mission, and Saskia proves to be a pleasant distraction. And when he hears that she needs to get home to see her son, he’s prepared to do anything to help the sexy single mom. Trouble is, he hadn’t planned on falling for anyone, let alone a beautiful soldier about to return overseas.

About the Author

As a child, Soraya dreamed of becoming an author. Fast forward more than a few years, and Soraya is now living her dream! Working as a freelance writer and now a professional author too, she writes every day and loves her job. Soraya describes being an author as "the best career in the world", and she hopes to be writing romance for many years to come.
 

Soraya loves spending her days thinking up characters for books, and her home is a constant source of inspiration. She lives with her own real life hero and son on a small farm in New Zealand, surrounded by animals and with an office overlooking a field where their horses graze.
For more information about Soraya, her books and her writing life, visit www.sorayalane.com or follow her on twitter @Soraya_Lane. She would love to hear from you.

Website / Facebook

Excerpt

                “Luke?”

                He raised his eyebrows but didn’t look at her again, the snowflakes suddenly falling with more insistence on the windscreen, making it hard for him to see.

                “Shit, hold on.”

                She did as she was told, obeying Luke’s command. “How the hell can you see through that?” she asked.

                He grimaced. She could see a tightness in his face that hadn’t been there before.

                “I can’t, but I need to find somewhere safe to pull over.”

                Her heart dropped. They weren’t even half way there and the storm was coming in so bad she was starting to think they could be snowed in for the rest of the day. Or worse.         

                Luke had slowed the vehicle to a crawl, but now they’d come to a dead stop. He opened his door and jumped out before she could protest, disappearing into the whiteout without a jacket on, before reappearing and leaping back into the truck.

                “Luke you must be frozen.” She unbuckled herself and reached out to him, hand hovering before closing over his arm.      

                Luke stayed still, his body no longer shivering like it had been when he’d stepped back in. She hesitated, stayed still, wondering if she’d done something wrong.

                “I don’t think we’ll be going anywhere for a while,” Luke told her, his voice husky and low, turning away only to flick the hazard lights on.

                Saskia swallowed then nodded. “Okay.”

                They both stayed still, staring at one another. Until Luke reached out a hand, broke the silence and stillness and reached for her, his palm cupping her cheek. “I will get you home, Saskia. No matter what happens, I promise.”

                She gulped again, not able to break their gaze, staring into the depths of Luke’s dark chocolate eyes like a spider trapped in its own web. Saskia didn’t answer him, just slowly nodded. He still hadn’t moved his hand, and it was no longer cool, warming up from its connection with her skin.

                It seemed like she wasn’t breathing, like she couldn’t have breathed if she tried, as if there wasn’t enough oxygen to even make it possible. Until Luke moved closer to her, his mouth hovering over hers, and suddenly all she could do was suck back short, silent bursts of air.

                “Saskia…” As he murmured she leaned closer, couldn’t help herself.

                But it was Luke who kissed her. His lips grazed hers so gently, so carefully, that she thought she’d imagined it. She reached her hands up, cupped his face with one, mirrored his action, and clutched at his shoulder with the other. A shiver licked its way down her spine, made her lean closer into him, and Luke didn’t need any further encouragement.

                “Hey,” he suddenly said, pulling back slightly and looking down at her.

                Saskia knew she was blushing – her face was burning. “Hey,” she whispered back.

                They stared at one another again, like they had before. Not saying a word, but Saskia’s mind was racing. Was she actually doing this? Making out with a guy she’d known for less than 24 hours, and ready to rip her clothes off it meant staying close to him?

                “We might be stuck here for awhile,” he said, voice low as he glanced out the window. They were surrounded by white. “Maybe quite a while.”

                Luke cleared his throat, but Saskia didn’t miss what he was trying to hide. His eyes flickered past her, only for a second, but not fast enough for her not to keep up.

                She glanced over her shoulder, made certain there was nothing else there, that he was actually thinking what she was. That he was struggling to look at her for the same reasons she was struggling to look at him.

                Luke’s eyes said it all. They were inquisitive, mesmerizing… hungry. And her fingers were itching to touch his face again, her lips tingling, ready to be covered with his.

                She was having that problem with not enough air again. Because she wasn’t this kind of girl. She’d never had a one-night stand, never done anything reckless with a man before, never done anything risqué in her personal life. Not ever.

                Screw it.

                Saskia flicked her tongue over her lips, nervously moistening them, before closing the distance between Luke’s body and hers. She leaned in closer, kissed him full on the mouth, and pushed back his shoulders as she landed in his lap, straddling him.

                She’d flown halfway across the world for a 48 hour trip home, and she was damned if she was going to waste it. She might not be able to make it to where she was supposed to be going, but she sure as hell could make it a trip stuck in the snow that she’d never forget. 

My Thoughts
      A wonderful Christmas story that is equal parts romance, sweetness, and pure aww moments, Navy Seal's Promise definitely delivers! Luke and Saskia are both military and off for a few days for Christmas. Saskia is trying to make it home to her son and poor Luke doesn't have anyone to go home to. What else should happen than for Luke to move heaven and earth to get Saskia home, even through a snow storm? One of the reviewers on Goodreads said the only bad thing about this story was never wanting it to end, and I'd have to agree. Sweet, with great characters and a wonderful premise, I'd recommend Navy Seal's Promise to anyone with an hour or so to spend in this wonderful world that Soraya Lane has created. AND look at that cover, YUMMO! :)

Book Details

# of Pages: 79

Date of Publication: September 27, 2012

Author Soraya Lane - Goodreads Page 

Other Tour Dates in December

3 – Guest Blog & Review @ From the TBR Pile

5 – Review @ Me & Reading

6 – Spotlight & Review @ The Brunette Librarian

7 – Interview @ Books-n-Kisses

10 – Guest Blog @ Hesperia Loves Books

13 – Interview @ Claire Ashgrove

18 – Interview & Giveaway @ Laurie’s Thoughts & Reviews

20 – Review @ Reviews by Molly