Review: Bargaining With a Rake

Bargaining With a Rake by Julie Johnstone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm hooked. This is a well written historical romance with robust characters that you love and hate. Alex is the perfect alpha male hero and Gillian is smart with a witty tongue.

Gillian finds her self caught up in a web of family secrets and is being forced into an unsightly marriage in order to protect her sister. She employs the help of the notorious rake Alex, in order to secure a marriage proposal from his American business partner so that she and her sister can escape to America and avoid scandal. Alex has secrets of his own, and together they discover that perhaps there is forgiveness for the past that has ruled them for so long.

I enjoyed this story so much, I hated to see it end. This is the first book I have read by this author and I am excited to read the rest of the series.

View all my reviews

Review: Dear Aaron

Dear Aaron by Mariana Zapata
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Mariana Zapata. She has mastered the art of the slow burn romance. She never rushes the characters together, it's an evolution of relationships that the reader gets to be a part of. I have read the Wall of Winnipeg and Me several times now, and will probably read it again some day. However, this book for me was not all that I have come to expect from one of her books. I enjoyed the email exchanges, I was a little shocked that over 50% of the book is just the characters interacting through email and chat. But still I didn't hate it. I probably would have given this book five stars if the Epilogue had given me more! I felt a little cheated. I read every word of Aaron and Ruby getting to know each other, and then the end was just like. See ya! I could not believe it. I could have used a little more, like a wedding scene or even, gosh anything!

So please, let me just say, if you want to read Mariana Zapata at her finest, pick up the Wall of Winniepeg and Me or Kulti. Please don't give up on her. This was an okay book, but this was not the M.Z. greatness we have gotten from previous books.

With that said, bring on the next one, I'll gladly read it.

View all my reviews

Review: Royal Design

Royal Design by Sariah Wilson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was so happy when I won this book from the Goodreads Giveaway. I have really enjoyed The Royals of Monterra series. Bellamy and Enzo are a good addition to the clan. This was the first book I've read with the interactive content, and although I found it a tad distracting it was a neat feature to experience.

Bellamy gets the news we've all been waiting for, she's a Princess! The best part is we get to see more of Lemon in this book, her shenanigans always make me laugh. Lemon makes her an offer she can't refuse and Bellamy signs up to turn her life around. Enzo is assigned as her bodyguard, but they already know each other from when he came to town to spy on her for her now deceased father.

Overall I enjoyed this story, I always love a series when characters from previous books make an appearance and there is plenty of that in this book. Although Bellamy and Enzo are not my favorite Royal couple, I still found them to be entertaining.

View all my reviews

Review: The Last Good Cowboy

The Last Good Cowboy by Kate Pearce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved this second chance romance about Ry and Avery. This is the first book I read in this series, and although I'm sure there's some backstory I'm missing surrounding the other couples and the missing mother, it did not ruin this book for me. Ry and Avery both have things to overcome, Avery had a near fatal rodeo accident years ago and Ry is struggling with his family drama. The supporting characters in this book are endearing and I found myself wanting to know even more about them! Overall, this is a very enjoyable Cowboy read.


*I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley

View all my reviews

Review: Finding Our Forever

Finding Our Forever by Brenda Novak
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cora is looking for her birth mom, what she didn't expect to find was Eli. I enjoyed this story so much. I was a bit hesitant at first, with the whole secret keeping story line, I was worried I'd find the story too predictable. However, as usual Brenda Novak found a way to make the storyline new and interesting. I enjoyed Eli's character so much. The perfect ratio of brooding and wounded by life, mixed with the willingness to let Cora in. Intriguing and entertaining, I'm anxious for the next book in this series.

View all my reviews

Review: The Hooker and the Hermit

The Hooker and the Hermit by L.H. Cosway
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I've been hearing about this book for a while. So I decided to finally read it for myself. Overall I enjoyed this book, however, there were a few eye roll moments for me. That is not to say it wasn't a well developed story, I just felt like some aspects of it were a bit lacking. For the most part, I liked the dynamic of Ronan and Annie. I enjoyed the supporting characters as well. There are some pretty terrific one liners in this book and I found myself laughing out loud in several parts. I can't put my finger on it but there was just something about this story that seemed a bit forced, or trite. I haven't decided if I'll read the rest of the series, but maybe.

View all my reviews

Review: Ain't He Precious?

Ain't He Precious? by Juliette Poe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sweet and Fun!

Yes. Yes he is precious!! Although short, it certainly was a sweet second chance story. There wasn't a lot of angst or conflict, just your normal every day figuring it all out. The characters and dialogue in this book are believable and entertaining. Being a Yankee transplant to the South I enjoyed Paps so very much! Overall, I loved this book. What a wonderful introduction to the town of Whynot. I am looking forward to the rest of this series.

View all my reviews

Review: Delay of Game

Delay of Game by Catherine Gayle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fans of the Portland Storm series know that Catherine Gayle knows how to create the perfect book hero. Cam Johnson is no exception, he is the perfect combination of manly and sweet with an almost too good to be true (thank goodness it's fiction) disposition. The Story of Cam and Sara is sweet and infuriating, I loved the interaction between Cam and Scotty (the coach and also Sara's dad), and felt myself firmly on team Cam. This is a wonderful addition to the series.







View all my reviews

Review: Switch

Switch by Adriana Locke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Graham is by far my favorite Landry brother! I enjoyed this story so much. The only draw back of this series so far is that Book 4 has not been published yet! Excited for the next installment of the Landrys!


View all my reviews

Sugar Daddy - Sawyer Bennett

So I wrote the below review just minutes after I finished this book last month. I thought, well it's a bit rough so I'll edit it before I actually post it. I have changed my mind, I think I am going to keep it just as it is. If you read this book you will understand my burst of emotion in this review. I really don't find many books I rate 5 stars but somehow this author manages to get them out of me!


 Have you ever finished a book, and the curse words swimming through your head would kill someone dead if ever muttered out loud? Well be warned, this is one of those curse inducing cliff hanger endings that will have you singing the authors accolades while you simultaneously wish horrible things on her. I love you but I hate you Sawyer Bennett.

This emotion inducing story features Sela, who survives something completely horrible on her sixteenth birthday and works her way forward in life just trying to put the pieces back together. A life derailed by a revenge plot that is complicated by the incredibly handsome and powerful Beck, who gave her hope, but is it enough?

Reading this you kind of know what is going to happen, but you wish it wouldn't. But then it does, and I found myself just hoping that it isn't really what happened, but it is. Does this make any sense?

Once again Ms. Bennett has delivered a story with characters you love and hate. Characters you root for and those you wish would trip on something sharp. I am completely bummed that I have to wait six months for the next installment of this story. I was truly not ready for it to be over.

Well done, well done.


I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Something More Than This - Barbie Bohrman

This is a very witty, romantic read from Barbie Bohrman. I found it at times to be laugh out loud funny, and pretty delightful.

Katy Lewis is a sports reporter whose Best Friend Dylan is her boss. I love her female best friend Mimi, who I found at times balanced out the story line of Katy's indecision between the love of the present (Dylan) and the love of her past (Connor). Mimi provided some much needed comic relief and I very much enjoyed her character. Also, the dynamic between Katy and her brothers was refreshing and heartwarming.

Connor was the boy who broke her heart, and when he returns to her life, Katy must make a crucial life choice. This story was light on angst, but provided just enough to make the story interesting. The dialogue between characters was fantastic and I especially loved the ending.

Once again Barbie Bohrman has given us an enjoyable read!


I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

On The Rocks - Kim Law

On The Rocks is the third book in the Turtle Island series. Now I haven't read any of the other books in this series, so I honestly don't know if I'm missing anything. I will tell you there is mention of characters from previous books but it doesn't seem to hinder this story. With that said, I truly found this book enjoyable!

Ginger and Carter were very close friends in high school. Carter moved away, married and has now returned to Turtle Island when what he thought was the perfect life, turned out to not be so perfect. In fact it turned out to be pretty disastrous.

Ginger has stayed on the island and taken over her fathers boating business. I love that Ginger is a tom boy, and is able to take care of herself. She's at an impasse in life and tired of waiting for Mr. Right, but hoping that he's out there somewhere.

There's a lot of common ground between these two characters. I found it to be a very compelling, entertaining story and stayed interested the entire time. I will definitely check out some of the other books in this series.


I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Final Move - Victoria Denault

I've been waiting and waiting for this book to come out. So I did squee out loud when I saw it on my NetGalley shelf. When you love a series this much and have to wait for the next book, expectations have had time to grow and grow and grow. Sometimes this causes a book to fall short, however, that is NOT the case with this book!

I just adore this series. It's got everything, hot hockey players, well developed story lines and characters that touch your heart in the most amazing ways.

Devin and Callie had a brief sexual encounter several years prior to being reunited in this story.  Devin is separated from his wife and taking care of his young son. Callie is a self proclaimed commitment-phobe who is exactly what Devin needs. There are so many things I would love to say about this story line, but I don't want to give anything to away!

I love that Devin exhibits a sensitive side, and although it's incredibly hard for him to admit failure, I enjoyed him as a character that realized his flaws. Add into the mix independent and responsible Callie, and it made for a really interesting and engaging read.

I highly recommend this series, I personally am anxious for more!

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Fractured Heart - Scarlett Cole

The Fractured Heart is the second book of the Second Circle Tattoos series.  I will start by saying that I loved, loved, loved the first book. This one, well I liked it an awful lot.

This story is of Cujo and Drea. As the best friends to Trent and Harper they are working together to throw their pals and engagement party. Now Cujo and Drea haven't necessarily gotten along in the past and there's all sorts of back and forth with the party planning. I do love Cujo's character though and although at times I found Drea a little annoying, her character quirks were also endearing at times.

A bonus in this story is the suspense thrown in with Drea witnessing an abduction, which added another layer to the story that I found rather intriguing.

Overall I found this book enjoyable! Check it out today!

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Happy New Year!

As you can see, I took the entire month of December off. This was not by design, but rather it just sort of worked out that way! So far this year has not turned out as I hoped, I did not win the power ball, and I have not had copious amounts of time to blog! Here's hoping things will turn around soon :)

I might not have been blogging, but I was certainly reading. I have lots of reviews in store for the next few weeks. I managed a mere 66 posts last year so I have decided to challenge myself and see if I can at least do 75 this year!

As always, I am thankful for each and everyone of you that take the time to read my blog (all four of you!). I am also grateful for the wonderful authors that keep churning out books so that I'll have something to blog about! (I know this is the only reason they are still writing, right?)

In any case, happy 2016 to you all and happy reading!

The Irish Warrior - Ashley York

Ms. York has done it again. This Novella is a wonderful addition to the Norman Conquest series her fans have come to adore. I enjoyed reading about Sean and Tommy (Thomasina) so much. This is an action packed, historical romance with just the right amount of hero, action and romance.

Tommy finds herself in quite the predicament. Her drunkard father has betrothed her to the worst kind of man, and her brother is doing what he can to save her. She disguises herself as a lad but when she stumbles upon our hero Sean, he sees her for the lass that she is. Sean is recovering from a case of unrequited love and meets Tommy just in time to save his heart. This is a fast paced story, but not rushed in any way. It delivers delightful side stories without bogging down the main theme. I could go on and on, but just check it out and see for yourself.

This is a definite must read. Completely entertaining and enjoyable!
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Essential Jagged Ivory - Lashell Collins

The Awesome thing about this series, is you can now read it in it's entirety. All five books, all in one volume! This is my favorite way to read a series, because I hate the waiting!

 If you love Rock and Roll romance, then this series is definitely for you! I adored it. There are five books, and each book follows one of the members of Jagged Ivory, delivers up a good hearty romance, and swoon worthy heros. What more could you ask for? Noah, Cory, Benji, Buzzy, and Otis each have their own unique story.  One of the things I truly liked about this series is the common theme throughout of family loyalty and the bond that can't be broken. It also reminded me that sometimes family is not who is blood related to you, but the people in your life that are there by choice.  I certainly have my favorites (Noah and Benji), but I won't spoil the stories for you. If you like rockers, you'll love this series. I'll wait and let you tell me who your favorites are!

Try it out, I don't think you will be disappointed.
Happy Reading!

Purchase it on amazon.

Accidentally Hers - Jamie Beck

Accidentally Hers, by Jamie Beck is a story packed full of dynamic characters that tackles a serious subject in a unique and interesting way.

Grey Lowell moves to Colorado and puts all he has into a ski expedition company. Things are going well, until he is hit by a drunk driver. He goes to physical therapist Avery Randall. Who just happens to be the sister of the man who struck him down with his car.

As things heat up between Avery and Grey, the complications begin to mount and mount. After all, Avery is torn between her attraction to Grey and family loyalty to her brother. Grey is just trying to insure all that he has invested in his business is not lost.

Avery has a somewhat annoying personality, but she is also in an impossible situation. I love the "meet cute" in this story, before all heck breaks loose. Grey will certainly be on some book boyfriend list in the future. This character has all the perfect romance hero qualities.

Overall, I found this to be a very enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more books by this author.


I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Friction - Sawyer Bennett

I keep seeing recommendations for books by Sawyer Bennett. In fact, I have several on my To Be Read list.  Yet until this book, I had not read a single one. WHAT is wrong with me? I will immediately start working through the other SB books on my list because if they are anything like Friction, I will not be disappointed.

This is the story of Leary Michaels and Reeve Holloway, two high powered attorneys. Leary is representing a family friend in a malpractice case against a surgeon. Reeve is the swoon worthy attorney defending the case.

I love the edgy, honest writing in this book. I had such a hard time putting it down. It's definitely one of those books that make you want to ignore everyone in your life and just keep reading. The chemistry in this book is amazing. I love that the heroine is a successful, confident professional.  I love that Reeve is an honorable man. I love that Leary had a strong female mentor. I love so so so many things about this book. I think it's safe to say, I Love this book!

With that said, I'm giving this one of my rare five star reviews, because I enjoyed it so much and thought about it for days after I finished reading.

Pick it up here and see for yourself. The book releases October 27th, 2015. Pre-order:  Buy it on amazon The best part is, this will be a Kindle Unlimited book!

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This Love of Mine - Miranda Liasson

This is book two in the Mirror Lake series by Miranda Liasson. Although this is book two, it certainly can stand on its own.

Meg is a devoted bridal shop owner who has had a crush on her brothers best friend for a long time. The problem is, her brother died in a tragic accident and Ben has always felt he was responsible for not being able to save him. This is a wonderfully developed story with dynamic characters. It is a beautifully written story of second chances. There was the commonly used theme of "pretend couple", but it is written in a way that is fresh and new. There are so many things working right in this story. Some sadness, romance, plenty of laughs and of course a happily ever after.

One of my favorite things lately in Romance novels is a strong grandmother character. The grandma in this book was so funny. I especially love that they included the cake recipe in the end. If you haven't read this, what are you waiting for?



 ARC requested through Netgalley, and kindly provided by Amazon Publishing in exchange for a honest review.