A very intimate seduction
Chicago fashionista Winter Dupree is ready to take the exclusive lingerie boutique she started with her sisters to the next level. Plans are in place to unveil Bare Sophistication's racy new line during the city's high-profile winter Fashion Week. Then Winter discovers who she'll be sharing the spotlight with for this glittering event—gorgeous, arrogant bachelor Taheim Reed, her once blind date from hell! The masquerade gala is the ideal affair for the brilliant marketing tycoon to debut his men's nightwear line. But Taheim's off-the-charts attraction to his cohost—the free-spirited beauty he vowed never to date again—could open him up to heartbreak. His emotional walls have been sky-high since a devastating past betrayal taught him to be wary. Until one kiss from Winter reopens the floodgates of his passion… Now there's no turning back, even as a seductive schemer jeopardizes their second chance at forever.
Oh, these two stole my heart away!
What started as the worst date ever, causing them to avoid each other as much as possible in the future, turns into something worth holding on, something to cherish, something you are not able to ever forget... The way Taheim and Winter are brought together because of the circumstances of their careers, after the disaster date from hell, forces them to be courtly to each other in the fashion events in Chicago, even though few fights might have broken out. They just can't agree on anything, even when they agree on the matter. Until coincident puts Winter in Taheim's bedroom, in her exclusive lingerie, and Taheim knows, that is a view he will never forget. Crazy bet brings them closer together, and they start to talk to each other, like they haven't talked to anyone in a long while. They end up taking a trip together, and while traveling, opening up to each other, sharing things they never want to talk about, baring their souls, deepest secrets, and vulnerable hurts from their past. With each others support, they both face people from their past that hurt them, they get out of their comfort zone, take risks they didn't take before, and completely fall for each other while doing it all. I loved the characters, they are real, honest, loyal, solid people, tough and strong when needed, yet open and vulnerable inside. They don't create unnecessary drama with each other, but have faith and trust in each others actions, thoughts, and feelings. A thought provoking, enjoyable, heartfelt romance ~ Five Spoons
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Snowbound at Christmas
Christmas Colorado #5 By: Debbie Mason Releasing September 29, 2015 Forever
Surviving the holidays will take a Christmas miracle . . .
Ex-cop Cat O'Connor is bored working for her sister, Chloe, as a personal assistant on the set of her soap opera. Until Chloe gets an opportunity to audition for the role of a lifetime and asks her identical twin to substitute for her on the soap with no one the wiser. It's a perfect switch-until Cat attracts the attention of the mysterious Mr. Tall, Dark, and Way-too-handsome leading man. Grayson Alexander never thought being snowbound in the charming town of Christmas, Colorado, for the holiday would get so hot. But between working with sexy, tough Cat on set and keeping his real reason for being there under wraps, he's definitely feeling the heat. And if there's one thing they'll learn as they bring out the mistletoe, it's that in this town, true love is always in season
Drama, secrets, suspense, murder attempts, a little bit of romance and a mean girl makes up this fun and whimsical holiday novel.
There are so much happening in this story, with lots of intriguing characters, and so much drama, it made the tale interesting, and me turning the pages fast. Cat is feeling low, she doesn't like her job as a security person for her twin sister. Her previous relationship ended her in interrogation with the FBI, losing her job, and completely broke. But the attempts to harm Chloe are frequent, and walking away just isn't an option for her. Grayson just wants to take a vacation from his FBI job, but his grandmother escaped from the nursing home, again, ending up her being kicked out of there, his cousin needs his help, with a case for his security firm, and he ends up undercover as an actor in a soap opera, with his grandma as his agent. I liked Cat and Grayson together, they really did have chemistry and attraction between them. Through the story they don't have that much uninterrupted time together, to get to know each other, so the relationship doesn't have time to develop into anything more meaningful. But the author did give the relationship a meaningful ending. I enjoyed most of the secondary characters as well, they have a lot to give to the development of the plot. I know Chloe was written as the mean, self-absorbed twin, but she got old for me real fast, and her mean spirit started to be a bit too much for me. She did try for redemption towards the end, but I have a hard time believing she could achieve it, change so much. I think there comes a time when people have to stop blaming their childhood, and take responsibility for their actions, but Chloe seemed hopeless in that regard. There's a lot of mystery in the story, with the non stop murder attempts. Those were crafted so, that the reader can wonder on the possible culprits, and no obvious guilty person was pointed out, until the conclusion. There are enough suspects to go around on the set of the soap opera, so the suspense does keep a hold in the reader's mind. Snowbound at Christmas is well written, filled with witty banter, mistaken identities, twist and turns in the plot, one explosive Christmas tree, with family and friends who stand by you no matter what, and promise of the future with 'the one' for Cat and Grayson ~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Cat and his lordship did a weird little dance as they both tried to get out of the closet at the same time. Obviously he was just as anxious to end their forced confinement. She shoved him. "Go, go."
"That was close," he said as he exited the closet, straightening his jacket. "Whatever did you say to her?" "It doesn't matter. What were you doing here?" He scratched the back of his neck, a splash of color deepening the tanned skin at his cheeks. "I thought it was my dressing room. Phil pointed me in this direction." "Molly's name is on the door." "Which was unlocked as Phil informed me it would be. So I assumed--" "If it was an honest mistake, why didn't you say as much to Molly instead of hiding in the closet?" "You mean the closet you were occupying at the time?" Annoyed by the way her stomach fluttered in reaction to that smooth, accented voice, Cat headed for the door. "Not that it's any of your business, but I was looking for Chloe's favorite pair of Louboutins. She thinks Molly stole them." "Ah, well, I can understand the need for skulking about then. Did you find them?" Opening the door, she peeked into the hall to make sure no one was around. "No, I didn't. What about you? Did you find what you were looking for?" she asked casually, hoping to trip him up. "As I was in the wrong dressing room, no, I did not. Perhaps you could direct me. I'd prefer not to bother Phil again." He joined her in the hall, his hands in his pockets. "Sorry, no idea. But you might want to return whatever you stole from Molly's dressing room." She nodded through the open door at the coffee table. "Kit Kat, you wound me. I am not a thief." She closed the door. "Not buying it, your lordship. I saw you put something in your pocket." He removed his hands and raised his arms. "Check for yourself." There was a challenge in his eyes, one that was at odds with his relaxed demeanor. So she took him up on it and searched the pockets of his jacket. When she found nothing but a piece of lint, she patted him down. Fighting an urge to kick herself when her hands skimmed over his hard-muscled torso. "You're very good at this. One would almost think you were an officer of the law." "Been patted down before, your lordship?" "Well, there was this delicious--" "Sharing's overrated. You can keep that little tidbit to yourself." She held up the teabags she discovered in the inner pocket of his jacket. They weren't exactly incriminating, but still . . .
DREAMS OF HER OWN
Dreams Come True #3
Rebecca Heflin
Releasing November 2015
Soul Mate Publishing, LLC
Can even the unlikeliest of dreams come true?
He sees a spinsterish misfit.
If the Guinness Book of World Records had a category for the worldâs most boring life, Millie Stephens knows she would hold the record. After the plain, strait-laced personal assistant is saved by a total stranger from becoming New York Cityâs latest traffic fatality, she has a disheartening epiphany: her lifeâs highlight reel didnât exist. Determined to step out of the shadows and take a walk on the wild side, she starts Millie-style â by making a list. She sees a stereotypical thug. That total stranger, bad boy Ian Brand, is more than the sum of his parts. Beneath that sexy, tattooed exterior is a man with a painful past whoâs desperate to both hide and overcome his disability in the pursuit of his dreams. But his decision to bid on a large construction project could both lead to his downfall and reveal his secret. Will Millie and Ian look beneath the surface and see thereâs more to each other than meets the eye?
If the Guinness Book of World Records had a category for the world's most boring life, Millie Stephens knew she would hold the record.
Bundled up in her brown wool coat against the chill of a New York fall, she hurried down the Brooklyn sidewalk to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription for her boss. As personal assistant for best-selling romance author, Darcy Butler-Ryan, Millie kept her calendar, edited her manuscripts, handled her social media, and through her agent, Gloria Madison, scheduled her public appearances, among other duties. Since Darcy had become pregnant, Millie had also taken it upon herself to run errands and generally oversee Darcy's health and well-being. Thus, the trip to the pharmacy for Darcyâs anti-nausea medication. She consulted the day's to-do list to see what other errands were on it. Lists were her life. They provided organization, structure, and a sense of accomplishment. She loved ticking things off her list so much that if she accomplished something that wasn't on the list, she'd write it down just so she could have the pleasure of marking it off. She had a list for everything. Errands. Tasks. Books to be read. Special dates to remember. If something needed doing, she had a list for it, all appropriately categorized, of course. Shoving her errand list into her coat pocket, she stopped at the corner and waited for the walk signal. As soon as the light changed, she stepped out into the pedestrian crosswalk, anxious to get to the pharmacy and out of the cold. She glanced to her left and froze, as a delivery truck barreled down the street as if the red light meant nothing. And as if she truly were invisible. Fear stole her ability to move and she scrunched her eyes closed hoping death would at least be quick. She strived for invisibility, but now sheâd give anything to stand out. Next thing she knew she was yanked from behind and hauled up against a hard object, bands of steel around her waist, her feet dangling in the air. âAre you okay?â a gruff male voice asked, his breath warm in her ear. She nodded, unsure if she could do any more than that. âIâm going to set you back on your feet. Do you think you can stand?â Nodding again, she realized the hard object at her back was a manâs chest, and the steel bands were his arms. She slid down his body and felt the sidewalk beneath her feet. A wave of dizziness washed over her. âBreathe,â her rescuer encouraged. He turned her to face him, his hands on her shoulders, and she looked up and into eyes the color of a winter-gray sky, earnest with concern. His already tousled sandy blond hair ruffled in the wind whipping around the corner, and his chin bore the stubble so many women were fond of. She inhaled deeply, drawing in the scent of something spicy and leathery. âBetter?â She nodded, still speechless. âYou should always wait after the signal changes before you cross a street. Iâve got an appointment. Youâre sure youâre okay?â She nodded. âBe more careful next time,â the stranger in the leather jacket said before he turned to walk away. Millie managed to put one foot in front of the other for another block before coming to a bus stop and collapsing onto the bench. Her legs shook, her hands quivered, and she struggled to take in a deep breath. All she could think about was how your life was supposed to flash before your eyes when confronted with a near-death experience, and hers . . . didnât. Instead it was like a film projector that had run out of film â just a blank screen. What did that mean? It meant, Millicent Grace Stephens, that your life has been so boring that the highlight reel was nonexistent. Her thirtieth birthday was right around the corner, and what had she accomplished with her life? Not much, that's what. Sure, she had a bachelor's in literature, summa cum laude, with a focus on the Middle Ages from Sarah Lawrence College. She had a job she loved. And she could support herself. Other than that, she might as well have become a nun for all the excitement her life held. She recalled the hard strength of her rescuerâs chest against her back. The rough and tumble look of him. Sheâd bet her first edition autographed copy of Edith Whartonâs Age of Innocence, that his life wasnât boring. That if he had a near-death experience heâd have a highlight reel worthy of an action movie. Rising on still-wobbly legs, she drew in a long, slow breath, and resumed her errand in an I-almost-died daze. a Rafflecopter giveaway
Rebecca Heflin is an award-winning author who has dreamed of writing romantic fiction since she was fifteen and her older sister snuck a copy of Kathleen Woodiwiss' Shanna to her and told her to read it. Rebecca writes women's fiction and contemporary romance. When not passionately pursuing her dream, Rebecca is busy with her day-job as a practicing attorney. Rebecca is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), Florida Romance Writers, RWA Contemporary Romance, and Florida Writers Association. She and her mountain-climbing husband live at sea level in sunny Florida. Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
When Summer Nichols inherited half of the Circle W Ranch, she didn't know her rodeo-riding, bad boy ex-boyfriend came with the deal. But sure enough, Tyler Warren, the man who broke her heart and left her in Marietta years ago, is back and living on the ranch again, claiming he wants no trouble. He's certainly not back to rekindle their decade ago romance.
Ty only wants what's rightfully his, and then he's gone, but not even family secrets and Summer's seemingly deep betrayal can keep him from remembering the good times he had with the preacher's sweet, beautiful daughter, once upon a time. Summer is more woman than he expected... Will Ty seize his second chance, uncover the real truths of the past, and claim Summer's love again? The 2015 Montana Born Rodeo series Claim Me, Cowboy by Charlene Sands Hold Me, Cowboy by Alissa Callen Keep Me, Cowboy by Nicole Helm Choose Me, Cowboy by Barbara Ankrum
When Ty returns to his hometown, Marietta Montana, the last thing he expects is to find the love of living in his childhood home.
As the secrets start to reveal, and there are several of them, he is determined he was right at the age of 18, to ride away from the town, and should have never returned. I liked Ty, he is very straight forward, he is honest, he doesn't hide his feelings, and he has a generous heart. The way he doted his daughter, took care of her, and made sure she had everything she needed, was adorable. Summer chose her hometown against Ty in her teens. She is the good girl of the town, preacher's daughter, and couldn't, wouldn't leave Marietta, when Ty asked her to go with him. Now, years later he is back. Despite of everything that has happened in their lives since then, the feelings are still there, and burning hot. The passion and attraction between them is something they can't ignore, and are not willing to. Ty and Summer obviously belong together, but are the secrets going to be too much, is there too much hurt and pain in their history, that they can build a lasting relationship? Forgiveness is needed, understanding and maturing, so the past can be left behind, and focus on the possibilities in the future. The story flows freely from the pages, and was a delight to read. It is a novella length, so a quick read, but the story is satisfying, it made me smile and at times wonder about life. Ty had a lot he needed to process, past events and hurt to absolve, to be able to go on. The growth and the process of that is shown clearly, as well as the characteristics of the fine man he has grown up to be. Looking forward to the rest of this new series, it seems to be full of enjoyable characters, a sweet romance, and passion that can change their lives. ~ Four Spoons
The Cowboy's Second Chance
As president of the Lone Star Cowboy League, rancher Carson Thorn is committed to serving his community of Little Horn. But when high school sweetheart Ruby Donovan returns, his steadfast pledge is tested. Ruby left town twelve years ago — taking money from his father and breaking Carson's heart in her wake. Now she's asking for his trust — just as her brother becomes Carson's prime suspect in the rash of recent ranch thefts. Carson is torn. His town is depending on him for justice, but one look in Ruby's eyes has him questioning everything he thought he knew—about truth, about love and about the wisdom of second chances…
The little community at Lone Star is in uproar and chaos. Someone is stealing from nearly all the ranches, nothing big, nothing that makes sense, just a few things here and there. And not only that, someone anonymously helps out those in need, things just appearing, and no one knows from where. People are pointing fingers, blaming each other, and the town is torn.
In the midst of all this turmoil, Carson's sister drops off her little son, and says she can't do it anymore, and leaves. Ruby doesn't have it much better. She had to quit her job in the city, come back home to take care of her grandmother, the ranch is failing, her brother is blamed for the thievery, and she has to face Carson again, after twelve years. For Ruby and Carson to find a moment of peace to work in their past, and trying to build something new and lasting, is a miracle. There's so much going on in this town, the disorder is immeasurable. The amount of compassion, forgiveness and trust that is needed to build a bridge over the past hurt, is inestimable. The characters in this story have all faced hard times, have all seen the ugly side of life, and are trying to make it better. Not only for themselves, but to others around them as well. The message of the story comes through clear, when grace and mercy is shown upon us, the least we can do, is to give it to others around us as well, who have hurt or done wrong to us. This is the book one of the new series, and just learning about the people in this community, and the odd crimes happening in the neighborhood, I think this will be an interesting series to follow, and learn more about the destiny of the folks at Lone Star ~ Four Spoons
The Littlest Matchmaker Of Them All…
Quinn Bravo is a committed single dad—emphasis on single. The millionaire bachelor is focused on his four-year-old daughter and his fitness business. So while he's intrigued by his beautiful new interior decorator, Quinn resolves to keep the chemistry at a simmer. Until one night together causes their attraction to burst into flame… After her ex-husband betrayed her, local good girl Chloe Winchester returned to Justice Creek, determined not to risk her heart again. Still, maybe she can live out some teenage fantasies with sexy Quinn while redecorating his house. But first Chloe will have to avoid falling for one adorable little girl and the man of her dreams!
Talking about a story taking you by surprise... This is a powerful, empowering story about a woman, who has always lived by her controlling and snobbish mother's wishes and orders, only to find out the 'perfect' husband was not only a cheater, but also abusive.
Now back in her hometown, she is trying to find her feet again, learn to stand up for herself, to protect herself, and fight back when necessary. In the midst of all this, the boy from her childhood, the one who caught her eye already then, but whom she was afraid to approach, moves back as well. And right into her life. Everything between Quinn and Chloe is so natural, the lightness and ease they have with each other is lovely, the passion they bring out in each other is hot, and the peace of mind they have in each others company goes beyond what Chloe dreamed of. But to have their HEA, she has a few battles to fight first. The story is refreshingly different, there's no doubt in Quinn and Chloe's mind about each other, it is the threatening behavior of her ex, Ted, and the problems with her mother, that are keeping them from walking down the altar. And as Chloe works with her issues, both in her mind, and by taking self-defense classes, the danger escalates, the fear takes hold, until everything comes to a crashing halt. The story has sweet, adorable, passionate love story, a big meddling family that would do anything to help you if needed, controlling mother issues, cutest four year old, with danger elements mixed in. I loved how Chloe faced her biggest fears, and overcame them, not giving up on her right for happiness, love, and her own family, while the matter of domestic abuse was handled with care, dignity and respect towards the victim ~ Five Spoons
Subject: Navy SEAL Gray Jackson
Objective: Stay on mission. And out of her bed. Surgeon Laney Parker is on her honeymoon. Alone. Without her cheating fiancé, she's enjoying her nonrefundable "vacation" at Fantasy Island, an exotic resort filled with lush greenery, white beaches and staff who apparently grant every sexual request. Including an unbearably hot massage therapist whose touch turns Laney to molten lava… Laney has no idea that Gray Jackson is actually an undercover Navy SEAL who's supposed to keep his hands off. Or that Gray wants to take total control. To give Laney just what she—hell, what they both need. Gray can grant her every erotic wish, just as long as he keeps his cover. And just as long as their sexy little tease doesn't go beyond the week…
I absolutely love it, when story surprises me positively, like this one did. Here we have a story, that doesn't only have steaming hot, and I mean sizzling, fantasy filled romance, but also there's action and danger from the military opp the SEALs are on, there's medical emergencies, with the addition of fun, humor, and blazing hot massage at the resort.
Gray is tough, rough, and grouchy commander of the team. He likes his motorcycle, he lives for his job, he doesn't do relationships, and he rather not do verbal communication cause he doesn't do it well. Laney is trauma surgeon, she likes order and planning, she is tough, rational and capable in her job, but sweet and accommodating in her personal life. Her ex fiance cheated on her, she is alone on her honeymoon, and in need of some wild, dirty, and racy fantasies. Gray and Laney are perfect together, because they are so much opposite, they make a perfect match for each other. The time together they have, is supposed to be temporary, but feelings rarely ask for permission to enter the picture. And when things get dangerous, when it is a matter of life and death, Laney and Gray don't have the chance to the goodbye they wanted. The story just pulled me in, it is hot, fun, and entertaining. Gray and Laney are not only sizzling hot, but there are tender, adorable elements to their road to happily ever after. The steps they have to take to get there, are clearly marked, and it is a joy to see them both having the a-ha moment, when they realize there's more in the play than just fantasies. And boy, does Gray learn how to communicate, also verbally... A completely swoon worthy speech, that he himself wished to have flash cards for. A delightful, sweet, and thrilling tale, a true treat! ~ Five Spoons
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SIT! STAY! SPEAK!
A Novel
Annie England Noblin
Released Sept 9th, 2015
William Morrow
Addie Andrews is living a life interrupted. Tragedy sent her fleeing from Chicago to the shelter of an unexpected inheritanceâher beloved auntâs somewhat dilapidated home in Eunice, Arkansas, population very tiny. There she reconnects with some of her most cherished childhood memories. If only they didnât make her feel so much! People say nothing happens in small towns, but Addie quickly learns better. Sheâs got an elderly next door neighbor who perplexingly dances outside in his underwear, a house needing more work than she has money, a best friend whose son uncannily predicts the weather, and a local drug dealer holding a massive grudge against her. Most surprising of all, sheâs got a dog. But not any dog, but a bedraggled puppy she discovered abandoned, lost, and in desperate need of love. Kind of like Addie herself. Sheâd come to Eunice hoping to hide from the world, but soon she discovers that perhaps sheâs finding the way backâto living, laughing, and loving once more.
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Annie England Noblin graduated with an M.A. in Creative Writing from Missouri State University and currently teaches English for Arkansas State University. Her poetry has been featured in such publications as the Red Booth Review and the Moon City Review. She lives with her son, husband, and four rescued bulldogs in the Missouri Ozarks. In addition to her writing, Noblin started working with rescue organizations across the country ten years ago, and has never looked back. The work she does serves as an inspiration in everyday life, as well as in her writing.
She sighed and pushed her blond hair off her neck, piling it high on top of her head. Her thoughts went back to Chicago. To Jonah. To what life had been like before sheâd inherited a house that needed more work than she had money. Jonah would have liked this house, she thought. Addie knew that if he were here, they would have stayed in town after the funeral. Jonah would have picked through each piece of furniture, each knickknack. He would have asked for stories about each one, stories Addie had long forgotten.
She rested her head against the coffee table. It had a glass top, something her aunt had brought all the way down here from Chicago. It wasnât worth much, as far as Addie could tell, but her aunt loved it and stuck cards from relatives underneath the glass. Each time Aunt Tilda had a visitor, sheâd tell them about whichever relative happened to be resting underneath that visitorâs coffee mug. Today there was no coffee, and there were no visitors. There was no Jonah. Addie let her hair fall back down onto her sticky neck and said out loud to no one, âIâve got to get out of here for a while.â The Mississippi River in Eunice, Arkansas, looked nothing like it had when sheâd crossed the bridge in Memphis. It was smaller, tranquil almost. Addie stood with her toes touching the water. She hadnât been down to the levee since the last time sheâd visited Eunice. Even this close to the water, it was hot outside. She found herself wishing sheâd just stayed inside with all the unopened boxes and dusty furnitureâat least there was air-conditioning. Gazing around, Addie realized that this was no longer the nice, clean picnic area that her aunt had taken her to during her childhood visits. The tables were overgrown with weeds, and there was an obvious odor of trash in the air. This place hadnât been taken care of in a long time. Addie bent down to wash out her flip-flops when she heard a noise coming from behind her. She turned around to face a small wooded area. The noise grew louder. It sounded like a whimpering, but all she saw were bushes. She shoved her feet into her shoes and walked over to the direction of the noise. She pushed her way into the first set of bushes, where a thin layer of trash covered the ground. Off to one side there was a large, black trash bag. The trash bag was moving. Addie crept closer to the bag. She bent down and touched the plastic. It had been tied in a tight knot. Digging her fingers into the plastic, Addie ripped the bag wide open. The object in the bag stirred, whimpering slightly. It lifted its head and tried to move, but failed. It was covered in blood and blood-soaked newspaper and dozens of crumpled packages of Marlboro Reds. Addie was looking at a dog.
Last hope or second chance?
Ranching was Angus Ketchum's first love -- until his last tour of duty shattered that dream. The wounded ex-soldier gets his second chance when he's recruited to go undercover to protect a widowed ranch owner. But from the moment he meets Reggie Davis, Angus can tell holding on to her land and keeping her young son safe is taking its toll. Especially when someone threatens her livelihood and her life. As the attacks escalate, Angus must rely on his combat skills to keep Reggie and her boy alive. And he must rely on his commitment to the mission to keep their powerful attraction in check.
Angus is a great hero, honorable, loyal, solid man, who doesn't use his disability to his advantage, but goes forward with his life despite it, with his dog, Ranger by his side.
Reggie is determined to keep the ranch going, to give the legacy to her son, the way her husband would have wanted it to be. She is stubborn, and independent, to the point she comes off a bit prickly at times. The attraction between Reggie and Angus is immediate, but not necessarily welcomed, since Angus doesn't want to burden a woman with his disability, and Reggie is still mourning for her late husband who died only a year ago. But the chemistry and attraction is strong, and when left alone in peril, the pull for each other is too much to fight against. There's not only danger from the series of escalating sabotage at the ranch, but the nature seems to be against them, as they are fighting to keep the ranch in working order against snow storms. The story has a great deal of danger, and potentially deadly situation, a tense atmosphere, and several suspects for the crimes committed. The romance is fast, the attraction is believable, the commitment and devotion understandable in a such a short time when you look at the personality of the characters. The secondary characters in the story are interesting and often provide moments of humor in the tale. I liked the story, it is well built and engaging, mixed with different elements of ranch life, suspense, charming characters, and new chances in life ~ Four Spoons
Bad boy Jed Hamilton is ex-special Forces and a current undercover recovery agent who’s mentally and physically tough, a lone wolf and, above all, violently allergic to commitment, permanence, and anything wedding related.
So when he learns, in the very sexy McKenna Dixon’s bridal salon, that his younger sister is getting married and wants him to be her “man of honor”, Jed wishes he was anywhere but in Cape Town. Especially now that he’ll be spending more time around the one woman who makes him consider perilous phrases like “what if” and “maybe”… McKenna Dixon loves bad boys, but her past experience with the species has led to nothing but pain and heartbreak. Jed Hamilton is exactly the type of man she should avoid, but when a nasty incident threatens her and her daughter, Jed immediately appoints himself as their protector, even though it’s not a part of his job description. McKenna is determined not to allow another bad boy to flip her life inside out, and Jed is determined to retain his bachelor status and to keep traveling and working. But, as they both discover, love does its best work when they are busy making other plans…
Very enjoyable story, a great mix of fun banter, danger, and intense attraction and sensual heat. I swear I was either smiling, or towards the end, had tears in my eyes, while reading this story. It touches emotionally, and is great entertainment at the same time.
McKenna, single mom, with adorable daughter Daisy, who so often steals the whole show. But there's more to McKenna, she is talented, tough, independent, and tuned in to the people around her. Mostly. But there's a stalker after her, and Jed offers to be her bodyguard, to keep her and Daisy safe. Jed is a complex character, with an interesting profession of being a photographer and an undercover agent. He is very secluded, self sufficient, and not used to share his thoughts or plans with anyone. The more time he spends with McKenna, the more she sees through all the walls his build, and slowly takes them down. A lively story, filled with passion, threat, peril, and enthrallment - until it ends in a cliffhanger, not really about Jed and McKenna, but still, it was just as annoying as cliffhangers usually are... ~ Four Spoons
Cherry Lake’s official photographer has a problem. The boudoir photos Carrie Logan used to do, long ago and far away, have come back to haunt her. So she turns to Ethan Nash, the mysteriously gorgeous guy with big dogs and a bad attitude, for help containing this secret and the scandal it will cause.
Ethan takes one look at the photo of young Carrie and his harsh cyber-security specialist exterior begins to melt. For some reason, he feels the need to help this beautiful photographer. He’s pretty sure she’s stuck– once something’s on the internet, it’s there forever- but he offers her his assistance anyway. There's something about her he finds irresistible... What Ethan doesn't realize is that he might need Carrie's help far more than she needs his... Will she prove to be the one he needs? Secrets of Cherry Lake series Book 1: Small Town Secrets by Roxanne Snopek Book 2: The Secret Son by Joan Kilby Book 3: Her Secret Love by Paula Altenberg Book 4: Her Secret Protector by Roxanne Snopek Book 5: The Secret Bride by Jeannie Watt
When things get tough, you surely find out who your friends are. This is also the case of Carrie and Ethan. Both of them are facing some resistance and hostility with the Cherry Lake community.
Ethan mainly because the mayor is out for him out of envy and jealousy of the property he bought four years ago, right under his nose. Carrie, well, her secret is out for all to see on the internet, with the boudoir pictures she took ten years ago. And now her business is in danger, because people don't want to be associated with her because of the pictures. The judgmental attitude of some of the people in the community really rubbed me the wrong way, and made me root for Carrie and Ethan. How they stood up for each other was adorable, and Carrie, she is so empowering, finding her place, standing up for her art, and claiming her talent. When she says she was tired of being "overlooked, ignored, forgotten, underestimated, misjudged or judged, and found wanting" I know we all have felt that way at one time or another, whether we admit it or not. And talking about finding their feet, the first kiss between Ethan and Carrie - and HIS knees are about to buckle - talk about swoon! Ethan and Carrie are so sweet together. I love how they truly see each other, who they are, and embrace it, admire it, and encourage it. They have a special connection, attraction, and chemistry. There are no sexy scenes in the story, but the heat is obvious between those two, and the promise of forever after. Special mention to Ethan's dogs, they stole my heart away, and were a great addition to the story. I loved how he worked with the community at large to teach them about dog safety. Another heartwarming story of the Cherry Lake, I am loving this series, the stories are wholesome and solid, aunt Pansy and grandpa Nate are guiding the young folks, as they fall in love, and find their place in the community. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
She closed her heart long ago. He just wants to open her mind. Sophia Henry’s red-hot Detroit Pilots series introduces a hockey team full of complicated men who fight for love.
Auden Berezin is used to losing people: her father, her mother, her first love. Now, just when she believes those childhood wounds are finally healing, she loses something else: the soccer scholarship that was her ticket to college. Scrambling to earn tuition money, she’s relieved to find a gig translating for a Russian minor-league hockey player—until she realizes that he’s the same dangerously sexy jerk who propositioned her at the bar the night before. Equal parts muscle and scar tissue, Aleksandr Varenkov knows about trauma. Maybe that’s what draws him to Auden. He also lost his family too young, and he channeled the pain into his passions: first hockey, then vodka and women. But all that seems to just melt away the instant he kisses Auden and feels a jolt of desire as sudden and surprising as a hard check on the ice. After everything she’s been through, Auden can’t bring herself to trust any man, let alone a hot-headed puck jockey with a bad reputation. Aleksandr just hopes she’ll give him a chance—long enough to prove he’s finally met the one who makes him want to change.
I like to read sports romance for two reasons, for the sports and the romance. When both of these themes are more on the background on the book, my mind starts to wander and I lose interest, sorry to say.
Auden, the college junior, who has more going on in her life than most people accomplish through their lives. Yet, she is insecure. I don't understand why she kept saying all she was to her grandparents, was a huge burden, since I didn't get that impression from the story at all. The story is told from her POV, in first person. Yet I still had a hard time connecting with her. There are several things going on in her life, that I found hard to believe, and wasn't essential to the plot, making the story just feel cluttered. Aleksandr, the cocky Russian hockey player, I actually liked. The arrogant, overly self-confident wall soon drops, and there's an emotional, caring young man inside. But I didn't feel the chemistry, even attraction between them. They connected on some levels, like the language they shared, and the loss of their parents in tragic ways, and missing them. But I think Alek wasn't in the picture long enough for them to develop the relationship they were suppose to have, considering there didn't seem to be communication between them while he was gone. I am sure there are lots of fans of YA books, who are loving this story, for me, it was a reminder once again why I normally try to stay away from the first person POV, and from YA books. There were just some events and issues that I found were childish. So even though I like sports romance genre, I wasn't the correct audience for this story or the series, but please, if you love YA books, check it out for yourself. ~ Two Spoons
Love in the Vineyard
Tavonesi Series # 7 By: Pamela Aares Releasing September 10th, 2015 SeaStar Press
From USA Today bestselling author Pamela Aares comes Love in the Vineyard, the seventh book in the Tavonesi family series featuring passion, mystery, and well-won love!
A one-night stand brought Natasha Raley the greatest gift of her life—her son. She wants to give him a better life than she had, but a gambling bet lands both of them in a homeless shelter. When the shelter director gives her a ticket to a masquerade ball, Natasha finds herself dancing with the most intriguing and mysterious man she’s ever met. Adrian Tavonesi is creating a paradise on earth in Sonoma California, determined to be worthy of his vast fortune by making the world a better place. Convinced women only like him for his money and his status, he invents an anonymous relationship with the beautiful Natasha to create a dream world for both of them. As passion flares into an all-consuming affair, the lies Adrian and Natasha have told each other threaten to ruin everything. Adrian is kind, generous, and sincere—Natasha knows he would be the ideal father for her son. But will her past and the devastating gamble she once made destroy her new world? Or will betting on the truth this time lead to the perfect, ever-lasting love?
Natasha's life hasn't been easy, the hardship in her life has built her character to be tough, resilient, and fiercely protective of her son, Taylor. She finds creative ways to survive and go around her severe dyslexia. With a last hope to get out of the desperate financial trouble, she makes a gamble, and ends up in a homeless shelter. But sometimes what might seem like the worst situation, can turn into the best thing ever happen to us.
Natasha and Taylor gets a new chance in life, a job she loves, a home of their own, and a man she could easily fall in love with. Adrian, born to a privileged life, is determined to make a difference in the world. His generous spirit, helping heart, and desire to give a chance to those who are willing to make a difference in their lives with hard work, are some of his best qualities. A chance meeting at a masquerade ball leads these two together, into a romance filled with passion and secrets. Adrian's big and loud Italian family brings humor and warmth to the tale. It is obvious how much they love and care for each other. There's a conversation between Adrian and his father, that is filled with life lessons, and is one of my favorite scenes from the book. The story has a tense, and at times dark, tone in it. Natasha has so much on her plate, but is determined to survive. She has to dig deep to find the strength to go on, when everything she built seems to come crashing down. But with resolve, and purpose, she pushes forward, opens her heart and mind to accept help, to find that there's success and happily ever after even for her. A true modern day fairy tale, with intense romance, a big meddling family, lots of baseball, and a touch of menace to give it a little spice ~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Pamela Aares is a USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author of contemporary and historical romance novels. Her contemporary series, The Tavonesi Series, explores the lives, loves, friendships and sizzling romances of the Tavonesi family.
Her popularity as a romance writer continues to grow with each new book release, so much so, that the Bay area author has drawn comparisons by reviewers to Nora Roberts. Pamela Aares writes romance books that she loves reading, particularly those that entertain, transport and inspire dreams while captivating and tugging at the heart. She takes her readers on a journey with complex characters in both contemporary and historical settings who are thrown in situations that tempt love, adventure and self-discovery. Before becoming a romance author, Aares wrote and produced award-winning films including Your Water, Your Life, featuring actress Susan Sarandon and NPR series New Voices, The Powers of the Universe and The Earth’s Imagination. If not behind her computer, you can probably find her reading a romance novel, hiking the beach or savoring life with friends. You can visit Pamela on the web at http://www.PamelaAares.com. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
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Jennifer St. George
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Penguin Books Australia
Heiress Lady Zara Ravensdale and Xavier Hunt, the gardener's son, were once inseparable. But before their romance had a chance to bloom, it was crushed by scandal and betrayal.
Xavier is now an international celebrity and sexier than sin while Zara is deep in debt, running Ravensdale Manor as an upmarket hotel to make ends meet. Unable to forget the past, Xavier returns to the manor, determined to exact his revenge on the Ravensdale family – once and for all. Together again, passions reignite and the old chemistry becomes impossible to ignore. But Xavier and Zara are both keeping secrets and neither can forget their troubled history. Will they be able to uncover the truth of that night or will Xavier's need for revenge tear them apart forever? The Billionaire's Passionate Revenge is the third book in the Billionaire series by bestselling romance author, Jennifer St George. If you love billionaire romance, don't miss this passionate read!
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She opened the French doors and walked across the lawn. The closer she came, the wider her eyes grew. The garden bed looked as if it could win gold in the Chelsea Flower Show. The tangle of weeds was now a mass of reds, yellows, creams and oranges, bordered by tiny blue flowers. Gorgeous. No wonder wealthy Americans flocked to Xavier’s landscape design business.
Her eyes strayed from Xavier’s handiwork to his muscled shoulders flexing under a white cotton shirt. She paused. The sweat-stained fabric gave extra definition to the glory that lay beneath. She grazed her teeth over her bottom lip. All that physical labor and an outdoor lifestyle had given Xavier the body of a god. Sculpted, tanned and hot. So unbelievably hot. ‘You just going to stand there, or come over for a proper look?’ Xavier called without looking up. Her pulse spiked. God. Had he caught her gawking? She strode forward as though she hadn’t been sprung ogling. ‘Xavier, this is incredible,’ she breathed. He rocked back on his heels and threw her a killer smile. Her belly performed a little fluttery dance. ‘Not too bad for a couple of hours’ effort,’ he said, casting a critical eye over his work. She moved to the far end of the garden to appreciate the splendor from another angle. ‘How did you do this?’ she asked. ‘Nothing a quick run to the local nursery couldn’t fix.’ Xavier’s brow creased. ‘But it’s not finished yet.’ ‘What are you talking about?’ She bent down and smelled a gorgeous scarlet flower. ‘What else do you need to do? It’s perfect.’ ‘Needs to be watered in and mulched. I’ll do it after lunch.’ He stood and pulled off his gardening gloves and dropped them on the grass. Stripping off his shirt, he wiped it across his sweat-glistening chest. She sucked in a quick breath. The physical nature of his job was evident in his perfectly defined muscles and golden skin. ‘I . . . I can water it,’ she said, trying to focus on the floral display and not his delicious body and the effect it was having on her own. ‘You’re supposed to be writing your book.’ ‘You!’ he exclaimed, drawing his arm across his brow, giving her a beautiful view of taut muscle. She ran her tongue across her dry lips. ‘I want the garden to live,’ he quipped. ‘If you step any closer, these flowers will wilt with fright.’ She thrust her hands on her hips. ‘I’m not that bad.’ ‘Oh no,’ he said with a laugh wrapped up with irony. ‘You just have that magic touch for turning everything green into a nice shade of brown.’ He flicked his finger down her nose. A teasing gesture from their childhood. His simple, intimate touch sent a quiver of delight through her veins. God, she’d missed him. Missed this. Having someone who knew her so well. Someone who knew her inadequacies and found them endearing. Someone who knew the dull pain of grief that never left. ‘Just because I couldn’t grow anything then doesn’t mean I’m a rubbish gardener now.’ ‘Oh yes.’ He grinned. ‘I can see how well the place has fared under your gentle touch,’ he said, sweeping his hand around to encompass the almost derelict garden. ‘Hey.’ She slapped his arm. ‘I only took over managing this place six months ago when Dad had to go into care. It takes time and love to build something special.’ A spark of merriment flashed in his eyes. ‘Read that somewhere, did you?’ She swallowed. Oh God. She had. In his latest gardening volume. She couldn’t believe she’d quoted his lines back to him. ‘Ah . . .’ ‘Chapter one, page ten of my latest book,’ he said, rubbing his temple in an exaggerated fashion. ‘If I’m not mistaken.’
He’d lost his best friend…
Logan Dorsey left the military and his job as an undercover detective, but he still couldn’t shake the nightmares that haunted him. The only thing that had ever silenced the horrors for the chiseled former Marine was the one woman that was untouchable for so many reason… She’d lost her husband… Emma Locke wrote romantic stories for a living despite the fact that her happily-ever-after had been taken away years ago. The gorgeous, blue-eyed, twenty-six year old widow and single mom had nothing in her life to connect her with the love and heat she needed to write about. Nothing to inspire that kind of passion...except the one man that was off limits. They say time heals all wounds, but can it also be enough to grow new love?
Sometimes life delivers more than we could ever dare to hope and dream for, and in this new instalment to Hope Falls series, Logan and Emma are about to be delivered with so much adoration, devotion, and love, that it will leave you breathless, and smiling, cause there's no one else, that would deserve a HEA, more than Emma and Logan.
Logan is haunted by the ghost of his past, he has witnessed and lost so much while risking his life to serve his country. The night terrors, the restlessness, and need for solitude keeps a tight hold of him and his thoughts. He lost his mother at a young age, his father was a hopeless drunk, but he and his twin brother grew up to be good men, despite the odds, thanks to their older brother, who gave up his dreams to raise the up. Logan doesn't believe in love, doesn't believe in relationships and forever, and has managed to stay away from so far. The only constant in his thoughts, is the one woman he can't even think of, his best friend's widow, Emma. Emma is a true superhero, mom and married at 16, widowed by 20, and surviving, making it all happen, on her own. Her family turned their back on her when she became pregnant, the only one she could rely on, is his son Drew's godfather, Logan, who she hasn't seen in four years, after an incident in her kitchen drove him away. Now life, and Drew, has brought them together at the cabin in the Hope Falls, and the old attraction is burning high. They are fumbling in a lust filled haze, trying to avoid the feelings they have for each other. The inner thoughts, the conversations in their heads, that they have, as they aspire to talk themselves to keep the distance, are ongoing and at times hilarious. There are several moments that are so touching, as they live like a little family in the cabin. When Drew says thanks to Logan, for taking care of his mother, it is like a tribute to all single mothers out there. Like Emma's life in general is, the sacrifices she makes, the time she invests, and the love she pours out, just hoping it is enough to Drew without a father. But Logan would do anything for Emma, they are so perfectly in tune, it is amazing and unique. His protection of her is endearing, he's one of a kind memory helps him to remember small details from their past, and for once Emma is being pampered with attention and care. And when they finally get together, the union is scorching hot, sexy and yet so beautiful. Logan and Emma are natural together, the sexy scenes are captivating, because of the feelings and emotions, Emma and Logan go through, the unity they have. It is like they see to each others soul, deep into the person they are, accept it, embrace it, admire it, and love it. Like they finally found the place they belong, their home. The story is not only filled with Logan and Emma's story, but there are several visits from the previous characters with surprises included. All Hope Falls books are stand-alone novels, but this series is filled with swoon worthy romance, memorable characters, big emotions, humor, laughter, and a few tears, in a midst of a caring community, and I would recommend every book in the series. For Logan and Emma's unforgettable and emotional story ~ Five Spoons! |