 Who is she? A single photo of herself as an infant on a beach, taken before the date on her birth certificate, throws everything Calliope Pearson knows about herself into question. Hoping to find answers, she takes advantage of her job as a travel writer to make a reservation at the Caribbean island resort in the picture. Resort security chief Mac Brody distrusts Callie on sight. After all, she looks exactly like his deceitful missing wife, Nikki, who owns half the resort. But when Nikki’s found dead, Mac's facing murder charges, and he’s sure that Callie must hold the key to proving his innocence. The deeper Callie and Mac dive into the mystery of her past, the more bodies surface. And they’ll have to learn to trust each other, or become victims of a dark danger neither could've imagined… Murder mystery, that turns out to be so much more than expected. The tropical setting of the story is amazing, alluring. It gives a great picture of the way the rich and famous vacationed, and ultimately, committed some heinous crimes. Mac, the hero is attractive, truly sexy, true alpha male. Callie is cultured, traveled the world, she is independent, stands up for herself, can protect herself, and defend herself in a fight. Together they are a great team, the attraction is palpable, the romance is realistic, steamy, and tender. Just the fact that Callie looks like Mac's missing wife, makes things a bit awkward at first! The mystery that starts to unravel in the story is not only scary and grim, it's rather unthinkable. Based on one picture, and suspicious mind, Callie runs into a thirty year old crime, that has had horrendous results. The facts that are revealed are plentiful, and at times confusing. The action that takes place is fierce, cruel, and bloody. The villain is barbaric and brutal. I am glad the author left his intentions as vague as they were, since that was already enough for me, they were so savage. The story is captivating, there's not only the thirty year old crime spree to be solved, but also arms dealing, drug dealing, mobsters, and military buddies fighting against them. It has so many twists and turns, and most of them completely unexpected, it kept me on the edge of the seat, and hanging on into every word. This truly is a thrill ride for romantic suspense junkies, like me! ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
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 When newly divorced Kate Adams is approached on the sunny deck of a California hotel by hockey star David Burke, and he invites her to dinner, she almost says no. He’s obviously younger than her. And charming. And drop dead gorgeous. But there’s also something sweet about David, so Kate—who hasn’t done anything spontaneous in a very long time—accepts his invitation. It is, after all, her fortieth birthday. However, a real romance with thirty-year-old David, whose picture is in the gossip pages as often as it’s in the sports pages, is out of the question. No matter how much she wants him, it’s just too risky. But meeting Kate has been David’s lightning strike. She’s the one for him, and he has no intention of giving up on her. So while Kate guards her fragile heart, David sets out to win her over with the same determination that drives him on the ice. And he’ll break every rule in the book if he has to. Honestly, when I picked up this book, I thought it was going to be another one of those hot hockey player romances, with only a new twist of an older leading lady. Well, yes, there was that too, but oh so much more as well, I don't know where to start. The characters were interesting, deep, and fascinating. David is not only a star of the team, and former player of another field, he has depth, and wisdom, he is caring, protective, and devoted. He has some growing up to do, the mistakes of his past and present are piling up, but he is determined in his love for Laura, and willing to learn, mature, and never give up. Kate is a mother, author, and a teacher. She has finally stepped out of the abusive nightmare of a marriage. Her emotions are raw and wide, but true and profound. To see her flourish and rise from her past, stand up for herself, embrace life and the possibilities it offers to her is a joy. It is not an easy road she has to travel, there's angst, sorrow, and lose, but also so much love, happiness, and wonder, it was a road worth taken. The secondary characters bring more layers into the tale, the ex-husband Richard and his girlfriend Marie are scary with their insane hunger for money and power. Laura, the daughter, and the story with Jack was touching and heart breaking towards the end, somehow left me wishing for another kind of ending with them. The whole story just blew me away, the emotions run high, at times the intensity and angst as high as in YA stories. The events and twists in the plot were interesting, and some unexpected. It is an emotional journey into life, that is so real, fresh, at times rough, but still so worth taking. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon at the side  Alex Sullivan may be the San Diego Barracudas' resident playboy, but he hasn't been able to forget the woman who kissed him like her life depended on it ten months ago. When he sees her again at a teammate's wedding, he can't think of anything but spending more time with her. Preferably naked. Claire Marzano lost years catering to an overbearing husband, and she's not going to answer to anyone ever again. A hot fling is just what she needs to get back in the game, and that's exactly what sexy Alex offers—one wild long weekend away, with no promises or obligations. But that one weekend changes everything. Despite knowing full well Alex isn't the kind to ever commit, Claire is falling for him. And Alex secretly imagines a future with his strong, smart "accidental girlfriend." Until a surprise announcement and an on-ice accident threaten to derail everything…or cause Alex to finally ditch his old ways and become the man Claire needs him to be. When fun and games turns into something serious, and life as they know it takes a tragic turn. At the beginning of the story Alex is a potty mouth, fun loving, hockey playing, sex driven, player. He has the enthusiasm of a child towards life, the sex drive of a teenager, and appetite for life and fun like no one else. Claire is careful with her heart, feelings, and life. The divorce has made her careful on many levels, and her self esteem has suffered from her ex-husband's treatment of her. The spontaneous way Alex introduces his lifestyle to Claire is fun and entertaining. His energy is never ending, his joie de vivre is admirable, he is charming, humorous, and engaging. As the time goes, and they get to know more of each other, and their relationship continues, to everyone's amazement, deeper feelings come into the play. Life happens, plans change, and future shifts, as unexpected events change everything. What started as a fun fling, changes everything in Alex and Claire's life. The development of the characters is shown so well in this story, at the first half of the book, Claire takes the walls down from around her, and surrenders herself into the fun and lively way of living Alex has to offer. When the time comes for Alex to 'grow up', it is not an easy process, there's past pain, future in peril, and new feelings to be dealt with. The story takes a more serious tone, and brings so much more into the plate. The conclusion of the story is pleasant, satisfying, and rather sweet, making this a very enjoyable read, and fascinating series to be followed ~ Four Spoons  Living in the small town of Rosewood, Alabama, hairdresser Pepper Anthony has one rule—never date a Chamberlain. She’s always said, “the only thing worse than being ignored by a Chamberlain is being dumped by one.” But Grant Chamberlain, town fireman, isn’t used to rejection, and Pepper has consistently turned him down since high school. She isn’t intimidated by his family; she’s one of the few who refuses to take their crap. When Grant volunteers at the charity bachelor auction, to his surprise, Pepper buys him. She hadn’t meant to, but Adelia Chamberlain dropped a cold drink in her lap, sending her leaping into the air at precisely the wrong moment. Suddenly she had a massive bill to the town and Grant at her disposal. Since the money has to come from her “restore the house” fund, she decides to use Grant for manual labor instead of romantic dinners. Grant is happy to help, sweaty and shirtless, because one way or another, he’s going to get Pepper to admit she’s attracted to him. All it takes is a small spark, and soon they’ll be fanning the flames Small town living from the eyes of a firefighter and hairdresser, who can't help but fall in love, despite the feud between their families. This story has surprising elements in it, the mystery of the peeping tom in town, and the family feud, that is messy, a bit ugly, and very hurtful, brought more components to the tale. The small town gossip was fun and light, the family meals always entertaining, and this book actually managed to make me laugh out loud several times - achievement in itself! Grant and Pepper are endearing, the fact that Grant has had a crush on Pepper since he was 14, was cute. They have an obvious connection, they enjoy each others company, make a great team, and the passion is burning hot between them. The conflict between them was real, raw, and hurtful, even though it wasn't directly about them, the ripple effect of it touched their lives as well. I admire Mr Anthony, Pepper's dad, what a stand up man he is. Also the strife wasn't drawn out long, or with too much angst, even though the ending of the story is rather dramatic. Well written, fun story from small southern town, full of interesting characters, and a touch of mystery ~ Four Spoons  First comes marriage. Then comes murder… Lauren Burke waited fifteen months and twenty-three days for her divorce to be finalized. Instead, her ex-husband went one step further—he turned up dead. And the detective working on the case is none other than Kane Hollister—the man who ran off over three years ago and shattered Lauren’s heart into a zillion pieces… It looks like Lauren, but she’s no longer the carefree girl Kane once knew. And yet he can’t deny the awareness that heats his blood at the sight of her. But when the death threats begin, Kane realizes that the killer has a new target…and it’s Lauren. Now he must protect the woman he’s always loved—and always hurt—from a vicious murderer. And when the sparks between them ignite, Lauren will have to make a choice between her life… or her heart! Angst ridden murder mystery, where nothing is what it seems to be. The mystery in the story was well built, and the idea, the plot twists were interesting. I guessed who the pearl murderer was rather early on, but that's okay. There was a lot of angst, turmoil, anxiety with with the heroine, Lauren. Of course, there were many reasons for the unrest, but I found it hard to connect with her, to like her. She was a bit moody, yes, that's understandable with everything going on in her life, but there was no excuse for the occasional childish, immature behavior. Also how she nagged to Kane about his family connections, before she knew, or asked, about the reasons for the tension in the family, was odd. Kane himself was angst ridden, too. His guilt from his childhood was overtaking everything in his life, not very rational thinking from a detective. The first half of the story seemed to go over the same matter again and again, just from the different angle. The repetition of the issues got a bit heavy after a while. If you love an angst driven murder mystery, this is the perfect story for you. I found the abundance of misery and torment awkward after a while ~ Two Spoons with a teaspoon on the side  Former undercover cop Mike Gibson has been lying low, working as a maintenance man to put his troubled younger brother through college. But when a beautiful scientist enlists Mike’s help to repair the damage done to her lab by a group of vandals, Mike finds that his, and his brother's pasts, are about to be brought to light. Laura Kane was happy having a secret crush on the hot maintenance man at Tucker University, but when the drug she was studying is stolen, Laura has a chance to get to know Mike in person. The problem is, he seems to know more about what's going on than any maintenance man should. But then the drug turns up in the wrong hands, and Mike and Laura have to decide if their own chemistry will help, or hinder, the race to save innocent lives. Sex, Lies, and Science Geeks sum it up pretty well. Laura is creating something incredible in her lab at the university, that would help many with chronic pain, after it is developed. She is fully focused on her work, fighting for the financing of the project, and has no time for a relationship. Mike is an ex-cop, who had to leave the force for being set up as a bad cop. He decides to catch the drug selling gang by himself, to clear his name. The connection and attraction between Mike and Laura is immediate, and palpable. Mike, the big protective alpha, who wants to save and protect all he cares for, is drawn to Laura, and can't get her out of his mind. Together, against Mike's wishes, they try to find what happen to the drugs stolen from Laura's lab, who is behind it, and how to catch them. The action is believable, and bold. The situations they end up is dangerous, and the possible suspects are close to Mike and Laura. The story telling is flowing well, and it is fun and entertaining, I really enjoyed the author's voice, that was humorous and pleasant. The ribbing between the characters was lively, the issues with the brothers cut deep, but without too much drama. I was surprised how openly Laura talked about her science project, that didn't seem really realistic. But other than that detail, the story was a great feast for the romantic suspense fans ~ Four Spoons  Be careful what you wish for- Meg Zabrinski, successful scientist, well-known environmental advocate, and tenured professor is as independent as they come in Montana. She doesn’t need a man in her life, but she does want to have a baby. She retreats to her isolated mountain cabin to write and ponder her future when Henry Firestone–an old rival and former secret crush from her distant past–drops out of the sky on Christmas Eve with three young children and a baby. Meg doesn’t believe in cosmic signs, but even she realizes she’d be crazy not to consider all her options. The sparks that have always smoldered between them ignite a mutual passion, but when Henry Firestone makes it clear he’s done having children, Meg is forced to accept that falling in love with Henry and his ready-made family would require her to abandon her dream. Can this “Lone Wolf” assimilate into a new pack, or is this Big Sky Maverick meant to be alone? I love that the hero and heroine are mature adults, that's rarely found in today's romance novels. They have life and history behind them, and know what they want for their future. Henry is a loving, caring grandpa, it was touching to read about his interaction with the kids, who were just adorable. Meg has achieved most in life that she has wanted, now she wants to simplify her professional life, to have a child, the one thing missing in her life. The attraction they have felt, while on opposite sides of political issues, comes to a full blown, passionate allure, when stuck on the mountain in the snow storm of the century. There were so many possibilities for a plot twists in this story - and I apology, for possible spoilers now - I wish the author would have picked up one, and fully developed it. Any one of them, would have given the story more impact, layers, and interest, now it felt scattered and superficial. There was the custody battle for Henry's grandchildren, Meg's need to have a child while Henry doesn't want one more, becoming the new family, the sorrow of loosing mother/daughter, the danger on the mountain in the snow storm, the political issues they were on opposite sides of, the surrogate motherhood, etc. Now all those issues were just glanced over. I really wanted to like this story, and like I said, the hero and heroine had so much potential for an amazing and unique tale, I wish it would have delivered that, now it was just an average love story without much depth, scoring it just barely ~ Three Spoons  Hot Texas Days Box Set Lonesome Point, Texas, Books 1 – 3 By: Jessie Evans Releasing February 16th, 2015  HOT TEXAS DAYS BOX SET Hot Texas Days, Hotter Texas Nights… Three full-length hot, suspenseful novels by New York Times Bestselling author Jessie Evans, featuring rugged, alpha cowboys and the women feisty enough to tame them. Welcome to Lonesome Point! Hot cowboys with their soul mates, sweet love stories, rambunctious friends, lessons of forgiveness and love that conquers all, steaming hot, wild passion with the one that captures your heart. Fantastic series ~ Four Spoons Leather and lace Cowboy bikers, fireworks, and romance, oh my… Wild girl, Mia Sherman, has a secret—she isn’t as fearless as she pretends. Descended from Lonesome Point, Texas’ founding family, Mia grew up hearing tales of an ancient Irish curse that followed the Shermans to America. The first-born daughter of every generation is cursed to lose her husband on her wedding night, which is one of the many reasons Mia has sworn off relationships. Until the fateful day rancher Sawyer Kane rides his Harley into her life… Can true love conquer all, even a centuries-old curse? Mia and Sawyer will be the first to find out. review: Cowboys, ghost towns, hot romance, and stalker ex-boyfriend... A cheerful group of friends in the small town Texas, charming, likable, engaging, fun and always ready for mischief. The whole story has such a joyful tone, you can feel the thick, hot summer air, the love of family and friends, and the merry ways they engage with each other. Both Mia and Sawyer has been unlucky in love before, and have some trust issues, not wanting to commit into a relationship any time soon. But the attraction is steaming hot, and the uncomplicated way they have with each other is pure joy. The more time they spent together, more of the feelings gets involved, trust is built, and passion runs hotter than a Texas summer day. Sawyer is such an alpha, protective, big and burly. But also sweet, tender and loving, so considerate and caring towards everyone around. Mia is fun, charming with a prankster side into her, she looks after her friends and family, and guides her secrets close to her heart. The ghost town is alluring. I loved how many times the big alpha cowboys said 'I don't believe in ghosts, but..' the unexplainable things happening in the ghost town brought unexpected entertainment into the story. Mia's ex, Paul, who was suppose to be in the prison, shows up in the town, and suddenly no one is safe, not least the closest to Mia. The tension, fear, and desperation is palpable, when Paul kidnaps Mia, and holds her hostage in the ghost town. Such an enjoyable and heartening story, the romance was adorable while scorching hot, the friends and family witty and fun, the suspense and action heart stopping, mixed with ghost town with unexplainable actions ~ Four Spoons! excerpt: Sawyer searched Mia’s face in the glow of the moon, the soft light making her look even sexier than she had in the yellow bulbs strung above the farmer’s market. “I really like you. A lot.” “I like you, too,” she said, her full lips curving at the edges. “But I meant what I said before, about not being ready for anything serious.” The words tried to stick in his throat, but Sawyer forced them out. He owed Mia honesty, and he wanted to make damned sure they were on the same page before things went any further. “I want to make sure that’s still okay. I wouldn’t ever want to hurt you.” Her smiled faded, but her eyes remained soft, unguarded. “You won’t hurt me.” She ambled down the stairs, stopping on the stair above his, putting them face-to-face and their lips inches apart. “I’m fine with a night, or a week, or the summer…however long feels right. And when it stops feeling right, we go our separate ways, no anger, no regrets.” She lifted her arms, twining them around his neck, sending arousal surging through his body. “This is exactly what I need, Sawyer. You are what I need, and I can’t wait to touch you. Everywhere.” Any hope of resisting vanished as that last word feathered between her tempting lips. Sawyer closed the distance between them, claiming her mouth as his arm wrapped tight around her waist, crushing her body to his. Her breasts flattened against his chest and her body heat caressed him, making his pulse spike and a moan sound low in his throat. He wanted this woman—badly. And he was past ready for them to be alone in a room with a bed, a door, and a lock to keep the rest of the world out. Sawyer lifted Mia off her feet, carrying her through the shop entrance before kicking the door shut behind them. “Up the stairs,” she whispered against his mouth. “Bedroom’s up there.” saddles and sin Even sweet cowboys have a sinful side… Robert Lawson—Bubba to his friends—is six feet, four inches of tall, dark, and handsome cowboy, with a panty-melting voice and a face made to launch a country music career. But when his family’s ranch hands go down with the flu, Robert cancels his high-profile auditions and returns home to help out. Marisol Medina has been looking for her golden ticket since she became a country music manager, but she refuses to mix business and pleasure, even if it will be hell, resisting temptation while spending a week at the Lawson family ranch with her star client. But as Marisol and Robert grow closer and the passion between them ignites, Marisol must decide if a chance at forever is worth breaking all her rules. review: Country music, ranch life, rambling families of blood and heart, and Bubba... Let me start with Bubba, because he is just a hair short of a perfect. He is kind, caring, protective, generous, sweet, loving, passionate with a taste for a mild kink... And he can sing, while he is hot as all get out. Yeah, perfect! Marisol is his sexy manager, who wants to keep all just professional between them. Marisol is tough, 'go-get-them' girl who gets things done, but she also shows kind, sweet, helpful, and generous side. She has troubled past, that she wants to keep hidden, at any cost. And it does nearly cost the relationship she is starting with Bubba, since she keeps running away with any sight of trouble. The relationship between them happens fast, the attraction is blazing, the connection between amazing. They are sizzling, wild, and hot together, desire runs free and lush. There's not much more than happens here, it is the first weeks of this adorable couple's life, as they learn to trust and love each other. It has a great message of forgiveness, moving on from hurtful past, and how love and understanding, acceptance can heal any kind of hurt, lovely story. ~ Three spoons with a teaspoon on the side excerpt: “I don’t know about the women you date,” Marisol continued. “But I’m not that kind of girl.” “What kind of girl are you?” Bubba aimed for a casual tone, but his voice came out strained. “I’m not,” Marisol said, her expression sobering. “As far as you and I are concerned, I’m not a girl. I’m a businessperson. I will use every weapon in my arsenal to get your career moving. I will flirt with club managers and be your arm candy at events until you find a cute little thing to take home to your mama, but that’s where it ends. As long as you’re my client, it’s business between us.” Bubba swallowed hard, fighting the urge to tell her that he was fine with ripping up their contract, right here and now. He’d rather have the Marisol who kissed him like she’d been dying for everything he wanted to give her than a business partner any day of the week. He’d had several managers approach him after the open mic night, but he hadn’t felt this drawn to a woman since he and Casey broke up a few years after high school. Still, no matter how much he wanted to let his heart—and cock—do the talking, he had a meeting tomorrow morning with Wendy Dann and her people. Wendy wasn’t country music royalty just yet, but she was a major star. The chance to open for an act like hers, while her original opener was out of commission for vocal node surgery, was a once in a lifetime opportunity. If he landed this job, he could tell his asshole boss at the electric company to go fuck himself, and put his five-year career as a lineman behind him. He’d been relieved to be spared his older brothers’ fates as slaves to the family ranching business—he loved his family and spending long weekends at the ranch, but he’d never felt the call of the cows the way John and Cole did—but it wasn’t his dream to maintain overhead transmission lines, either. No matter what the rest of the Lawsons had to say about it, music was in his blood. He never felt more alive, more at home, more at peace and generally right with the world than when he had a guitar in his hands and his lips inches from a microphone. Singing was the only thing that had ever lit a fire inside of him, and he didn’t want to risk losing his shot to transform his passion into a career because he was too hot for a woman to focus on the big picture. So, with a deep breath and a brittle smile, Bubba swallowed the words on the tip of his tongue and said, “Just business is fine with me.” “Good.” Marisol smiled, but Bubba would swear she sounded disappointed. “Then go get some rest and I’ll pick you up at six-thirty tomorrow. We want to be sure we’re on time. They’re making an effort to squeeze in this meeting before Wendy gets on a plane to Nashville for her week off, and we need to be there bright and early to show how appreciative we are.” Bubba nodded, plucking his new, three-hundred-dollar cowboy hat off his head and running a hand through his hair, still feeling a little strange wearing a hat for stage dressing. Back in Lonesome Point, you wore your cowboy hat so your nose wouldn’t burn off by the end of a long day working outside. He was definitely out of his comfort zone in the designer hat Marisol had picked out for him. So far, almost all the money he’d made at his gigs had gone right back into clothes and headshot photographs and half a dozen other things he hadn’t realized he needed to launch a country music career. He couldn’t afford to derail things now, when he was so close to making good on his investment. But as he swung into his truck, and Marisol crossed the parking lot to her vintage Spider convertible, Bubba couldn’t help wishing things could be different. For the first time in his life, he was defying his family’s party line and looking for a life outside of Lonesome Point. If he met someone special right now, it wouldn’t have to end the way things had ended with Casey, with a sad goodbye because most girls want to grow up and leave a small town behind, not settle in and raise a fifth generation of Lawsons with their high school sweetheart. In Bubba’s gut, he knew he’d return to Lonesome Point eventually, no matter where his new career might lead, but in the meantime he had the chance to see what it was like to date someone he wouldn’t have to run into at the supermarket every other day, someone he hadn’t known since elementary school, and whose mama wasn’t friends with his. But so far, he hadn’t met anyone who intrigued him, let alone made him think about what it might be like to fall in love again. No one but Marisol, the one woman who was off limits. “Just my luck,” Bubba mumbled as he started the truck and drove across the nearly abandoned parking lot, doing his best not to peek into his mirror at the convertible behind him. Marisol had made it clear they were never going to be more than friends and colleagues, and Bubba had learned his lesson about pining for impossible things a long time ago. Still, he couldn’t resist one last glance in his rearview as he pulled out onto the deserted street—wondering how long he’d be able to honor his “all business” promise with a woman who was everything he wanted, wrapped up in one irresistible package. diamonds and dust The home run neither of them expected… Pike Sherman is a legend in Lonesome Point, a hometown boy who made it to the big leagues. Literally. Professional baseball acquired one hell of a pitching arm and it’s latest celebrity bad boy when the gifted Pike was drafted seven years ago. Pike’s broken heart came along for the ride, too, but he kept that private. Tulsi Hearst knows she should stay far away from the brooding man her summer love has become, but she can’t resist a dance with the only man who ever made her blood rush. After a few days back in Lonesome Point, Pike can’t imagine life without the girl he left behind, but when Tulsi’s secret is revealed, his heart is broken all over again. The only thing worse than losing Tulsi, is losing six years with the daughter he didn’t know he had. review: A fantastic story about forgiving, forgetting and moving on, and how love can truly heal all kinds of hurt. What I loved about this story is that the agony and misery of the secrets revealed didn't last for long, that the characters realized love wins. Also, as soon as they saw each other again, they realized, the love from the past was still there, strong and alive. Another big plus in this story: as soon as Pike realized that, he humbled himself, set himself to be totally vulnerable, and told Tulsi about his feelings. Not pining after each other for a long time. Pike was an alpha male, with all that entails, but he was also caring, sweet and tender, considerate, and generous, just like Bubba and Sawyer, absolutely swoon worthy men. Tulsi was a great mother, 'the good girl', so sweet, but so tough. I adored Pike and Tulsi together - wow the heat was high! And with Clem they make such a lovely family. ~ Four Spoons excerpt: Tulsi stewed in her anger all day, and by the time Pike pulled up beside her in his red pickup truck as she was walking back to her aunt’s farm for supper, she was in a truly foul mood. “Tulsi?” Pike frowned at her through the open passenger side window. “What the heck are you doing here? Did you and Mia come up to watch spring training?” “No, I’m alone, and I’m working, Pike Sherman,” Tulsi said, losing the last of her cool. “I have a job that has nothing to do with you, your sister, your family, or baseball. I am a person, and I have my own dreams, my own interests, and my own life!” “Okay, okay.” Pike blinked in obvious surprise. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you.” “Well, you did,” she said, still so angry she couldn’t seem to control her mouth. “You’ve been insulting me for years.” His eyebrows lifted. “What? When have I ever—” The black car behind him on the two-lane country road blared its horn, but instead of driving away, Pike pulled over on the gravel shoulder in front of her and got out of the truck. Tulsi watched his long, lean form emerge from the driver’s side, refusing to notice how amazing he looked fresh out of the shower, with his brown hair hanging in thick chunks against his forehead and a gray tee shirt molding to his impressive chest. Instead, she focused on the fact that Pike was an entire foot taller than her five feet three inches, and how stupid she was to have spent years crushing on a boy who would have put a terrible crick in her neck if she’d ever actually kissed him. “Have I done something wrong?” he asked, waiting for her response with a lost expression on his face. Tulsi rolled her eyes, wondering how a boy on the verge of graduating from college with a three point five could be so stupid. It wasn’t like her crush had been particularly subtle. Even her big sister knew Tulsi had it bad for Pike, and Reece rarely paid attention to anything that wasn’t about Reece, still considered Tulsi a baby, and hadn’t been home to Lonesome Point in years. “Because if I have, I’m sorry. You know I love you,” Pike continued, his words sending an arrow slicing through her already suffering heart. “You’re like the sweet, less irritating little sister I never had. I really… I care about you.” Tulsi sucked in a shaky breath, pain and frustration warring in her chest, making her brave enough to step closer and pin him with a hard look. “I care about you, too, Pike, but I’m sick and tired of being treated like your little sister.” His eyes went wide with surprise, but there was something else there, too, a flicker of interest that made her bold enough to take another step toward him and add in a softer voice, “And maybe I’m not as sweet as everybody thinks I am.” “Is that right?” he asked, brow arching. “That’s right.” Something wild and brave inside of Tulsi raised its head, insisting it was time to make her stand, to grab for what she wanted before Pike was forever out of her reach. “So, as far as I’m concerned, you have two options.” He nodded slowly, holding her gaze with an intensity that made her shiver. “I’m listening.” “Either get out of my way and let me forget you,” she said, adrenaline making her pulse pound in her throat, “or shut up and kiss me.” Oh, boy. That did it… Tulsi watched the spark in Pike’s eyes kindle into a flame with equal parts fear and excitement. There was no doubt she’d captured his attention, but when he reached for her, the moment still felt surreal. She’d been fantasizing about Pike taking her in his arms for so long that when he finally did it, it felt like a dream: a scene from a movie she’d watched too many times to believe she would ever play the starring role.  New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessie Evans, gave up a career as an international woman of mystery to write the sexy, contemporary Southern romances she loves to read. She's married to the man of her dreams, and together they're raising a few adorable, mischievous children in a cottage in the jungle. She grew up in rural Arkansas, spending summers running wild, being chewed by chiggers, and now appreciates her home in a chigger-free part of the world even more. When she's not writing, Jessie enjoys playing her dulcimer (badly), sewing the worlds ugliest quilts to give to her friends, going for bike rides with her house full of boys, and drifting in and out on the waves, feeling thankful for sun, surf, and lovely people to share them with. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2014/12/hot-texas-days-box-set-by-jessie-evans.html
Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/132677-lonesome-point-texas  Your date with Bachelor #3 includes champagne and chocolate in the limo that collects you, a helicopter tour of Marietta and the surrounding mountains and valleys, and dinner at a five star restaurant in Great Falls. While oil baron Linc Brady wines and dines you, a main service will completely clean your home. Who could resist this tempting offer, but Meg Canon plans to do just that. She is only home to clean out her childhood bedroom for her brother’s new step-daughter and then she’s outta her childhood small town and back to her life in Chicago, but when she meets the sexy, renegade millionaire while she’s stuck in the snow, sparks fly and Meg is tempted to maybe stay a little longer. Linc Brady is new in town and happy to help a kid in need, but this? Technically he doesn’t owe Meg a damned thing after she bids on him, after setting him up for the Marietta bachelor auction in the first place, but her high-class city polish is his fatal weakness and makes her impossible to forget. When she agrees to come home with him, he makes it clear he’s a confirmed bachelor. This is a one-night thing. One night that turns into nine months and maybe a lifetime…? Review: There were no surprises as the story moved on, but still enjoyable, sweet read. Both Linc and Meg are charismatic and charming, easy to like and relate to. The depth of the their characters was a delight. The insight and respect of Linc towards women, as a son of a single mom, was endearing. Meg has her insecurities, caused by the adoption, often feeling an outsider, taking rejection easily and hard. The stalker in Meg's life made her even more vulnerable, it could have been played out more, but maybe that point in the storyline was just meant to make her want to go back to home in Montana even more. And as such, it served its purpose. Even though everything happens just as anticipated, it still is touching, heartwarming story, with some old friends from the previous books from Marietta, Montana, and compassionate, endearing love story that was a joy to read ~ Three Spoons  Your date with Parisian-trained chef Ryan Henderson promises you’ll get the best meal of your life cooked especially for you. His Red Velvet cheesecake is to die for – but we know he has even better desserts up his sleeve… How to win a girl in ten cakes… When Dr. Rachel Cassidy comes back to Marietta with a broken heart and a divorce under her belt, going to a Bachelor Auction fund-raiser doesn’t sound like her idea of a good time – and when her sister and friends “buy” her a dinner date with sexy Parisian-trained pastry chef Ryan Henderson, that sounds even worse. Ryan doesn’t have time for dating – he’s put his dreams to one side and come back to Marietta to look after his sick grandmother. But when he agrees to help a charity fundraiser by offering to cook a special meal to one lucky bidder, he gets more than he bargains for and discovers a woman he might just dare to let himself fall in love with. Then tragedy strikes, just when Rachel and Ryan think they might have a future, opening up old scars and pushing them apart. And if they’re to stand a chance of getting back together, then Ryan’s going to have to be seriously inventive. Can he win the love of his life with ten cakes? Review: I like this Bachelor Auction series, it has been a lovely surprise for me. First, let me just get this out there, the desserts and cakes Ryan is making are a delight, and brought back a lot of great memories to me. Made me want to go to the kitchen and create a cake again. Ah, the pastry chef in me was getting a treat indeed. Okay, back to the book review... Ryan and Rachel have both been hurt by the people they loved. Their trust is hard to come by, and they are vulnerable, fragile, stubborn and a bit ornery when it comes to issues they were let down and hurt before. Nothing happens fast, they have weeks of getting to know each other, they pretend to have just a fling, but feelings do get involved, things get complicated, and feelings get hurt. But it took ten days with glorious cakes, and true graveling from Ryan, for Rachel to give up her stubborn streak, and to be able to vulnerable, to trust again. The story is well written, with a lovely flow in it, that took me right into it, and I read it in one sitting. Yes, it is a novella, but it is an interesting story, and the issues are real, how the dementia of Ryan's grandmother was dealt with was actual and authentic, and heartwarming. The problems in the past, and current, relationships were true and raw, and how they were dealt was satisfying. The tale is easy to relate to on many levels, and great addition to the stories from Marietta, Montana ~ Four Spoons  Your date with Marietta local Beau Bennett includes a day on the slopes at Big Sky Resort, complete with a sumptuous meal in the Resort’s fanciest fine dining restaurant and door-to-door transport. Dig deep to secure the attentions of one of Montana’s most eligible – and elusive – bachelors. Lily Taylor knows Beau Bennett dislikes her, but that won’t stop her from asking him to volunteer for the Bachelor Auction she’s organized to help her friend Molly provide for her tragically injured son, Josh. If Beau’s gorgeous face, piercing blue eyes and chiseled body inspires the women of Marietta to dig into their pockets for a good cause, then Lily will do whatever it takes to secure his participation. Beau Bennett isn’t sure how he wound up on the auction block being eyed up by hundreds of eager women, but he knows who to blame for it – Lily Taylor, the sexy, distracting, off-limits best friend of his kid sister. As far as he’s concerned, the sooner this nightmare is over, the better. The last thing either of them expects is for Lily to wind up bidding on – and winning – Beau, or that their date will lead to Beau stepping in to save Lily when her past comes back to haunt her. As Beau does his best to keep Lily safe, they discover that maybe they don’t dislike each other quite as much as they thought. In fact, maybe it’s just the opposite… review: For five years, Lily and Beau have kept their distance to each other, the best way they can, considering a Beau's little sister is Lily's best friend. But it is not that they don't like each other, it's because of the sizzling chemistry and attraction between them, that they avoid each other. I was pleasantly surprised by this story, because it was more than I expected. I love when that happens. Beau is a true alpha, take charge kind of a man, but he is also caring, tender, and affectionate. Lily has had a rough start in her life, but her snarky and tough attitude, with loving, caring heart have made a survivor and champion. Just when Lily and Beau come back from their Bachelor Auction date, Lily's past comes knocking on her door. The attack, danger and threat gives new dimensions into the story. Beau's need to protect and take care of Lily is endearing. The hidden feelings of attraction start to grow, as the passion takes over. Soon Lily and Beau find themselves falling, and falling hard. Lily and Beau are scorching hot together, as well as tender, caring and loving. There's a lot of story packed into a novella here, it is well written, with a nice flow in the story, and entertaining, fun dialog, Beau and Lily are adorable together, and the danger elements give interesting layers into the tale ~ Four Spoons  After a prominent senator's son is murdered, Capitol K-9 Unit captain Gavin McCord wants answers. The senator was a mentor to Gavin, and he'll stop at nothing to bring the killer to justice. With his team of elite K-9 cops and his loyal dog, Glory, at his side, Gavin discovers that a child at Cassie Danvers's nearby foster home may have witnessed the murder. He's drawn to the determined and beautiful woman, but she doesn't want him interviewing her traumatized charges. Yet trusting Gavin is the only way to stay one step ahead of the deadly gunman when Cassie becomes a target. Capitol K-9 Unit: These lawmen solve the toughest cases with the help of their brave canine partners Bold, reckless and violent murderer is on a loose, little child has witnessed a crime, and is in danger for his life. The K-9 unit is tight and professional team of crime fighters, trying to solve a several murders, kidnapping attempts, and attempted murders. Every new crime seems to be related somehow, there are several clues, but not leads. The stakes are high, the threat is constant, and there is no safe place for the children or staff of the Children's Home. The foster home is full of children, love, and chaos. One or two of the children has somehow witnessed one of the murders, but no one is talking are admitting anything. Cassie's life is in danger, but she still does her best to protect and take care of the children. Gavin, former foster child himself, is doing his best to solve the crimes, protect the children, and Cassie, and keep his heart from Cassie. He has no room for romance in his busy life with K-9 unit. The threat to their life is constant, with many attempts of killing the witnesses. The children are scared, and feeling insecure in the presence of the danger. Chaos is held in control the best they can, leads are examined, but no real headway is made. Gavin and Cassie bond while he is investigating the crimes and protecting the witnesses. Soon deeper emotions get involved, despite the fact that both Cassie and Gavin hadn't planned for finding love in their lives. They support each other, protect each other, seeking refuge and strength in their faith in God. This is book one in a continues series, so no crime is solved. But Cassie and Gavin find each other in the midst of the mayhem, and carefully start to dream about a possible future together. It is a 'clean' romance story with possible connection in the future. But I felt too many things were left open and nothing seemed to come to a conclusion. While I enjoyed the part of the story that was told, I had hoped for a bit more 'ending', solution, completion at the end. But more is to come in the series sometime this summer. For this part ~ Three Spoons  "I ride alone," cowboy Lucas Taylor warns New Yorker Nicolette Kendall. But when she and her son, Sammy, settle into Holiday Ranch, things are about to change for the sexy straight-shooting loner. After a frightening kidnapping attempt, Lucas becomes six-year-old Sammy's beloved bodyguard…while trying—in vain—to resist white-hot sparks between him and the boy's gorgeous city-slicker mom. Nicolette can't deny the attraction either. But she's been heartbroken once too often and won't hitch her star to a cowboy interested only in a fling. Until there's a real danger to her own life…and heart! Then will she trade her high heels for cowboy boots? What a delightful story of cowboys, loyalty, family of heart, love, and mystery. I enjoyed every aspect of this story. The ranch and the cowboys working on there have a deep sense of loyalty, family, and brotherhood. The idea, and force behind Cass's idea, rescuing the 'lost boys' and building the ranch after her husband died, is commendable and admirable. Lucas is a good guy, who stands behind his word, considerate, caring, and true. The relationship he forms with Sammy is so adorable, valuable, and cute. The life lessons he packs into the 'real cowboy' sayings are priceless. Truly a swoon worthy hero. Nicolette is tough, sweet and loving mother and woman. She is not afraid to go after what she wants, and together with Lucas they not only form a team, but they have a real connection, passion, and friendship. The mystery, suspense keeps the whole ranch on their toes, as well as the reader. It has enough surprises to keep it intriguing, and twists and danger make it meaningful. The main focus is the relationships on the ranch, but there's just enough suspense mixed in as well. The story has flow and is very well written, there are many different elements to keep the interest, and I will be looking for more stories in this series ~ Five Spoons  Shocking discoveries rock the Adairs...and a determined librarian can't help falling for one of this dynasty's rugged heroes! ‘Money can’t buy happiness’...so true! Librarian Georgia Mason has seen one wealthy Adair ruin her stepmother’s life and swears she won’t get involved with his son Carson. So what if he’s a hot ex-special ops soldier who showers her with extravagant gifts? But he is the sexiest man she ever met and it’s hard to hate him for searching for his long lost stepbrother or tracking down the traitor behind his botched mission. And when Georgia faces life-threatening danger, Carson protects her, igniting their scorching passion. Maybe love of money isn’t the root of all evil, Georgia thinks. Maybe there’s more to Carson to trust, respect...and love. Unsolved mysteries and family in despair. I enjoyed the suspense side of this story. There was action, mysteries, no obvious culprits, and enough plot twists and unexpected elements to keep the story going and interesting. Now, since this is an ongoing series, some of the mysteries still are not solved, and that left few questions and curiosity in my mind. Carson is dealing with having to leave the marines, injury to his leg, death of his father, possibly murdered by his mother, and having to decide what to do with the rest of his life, and if he wanted to follow his father's steps into the corporate world - enough stress for one?! But still he was a stand up guy, considerate, nice, friendly, generous, just easy to like, very charming. Georgia, oh Georgia... She might be one of the most cantankerous heroines I have run into. She was prejudiced, judgmental, and subjective. Her dislike towards 'rich people' went overboard and was ridiculous. Her judging anyone with more money than she had, by one person's story about couple people, was irritating after a while. Cause it came up again and again. And again. Carson was patient with Georgia, and more tolerant than expected. He wanted her, and liked her, despite her judgmental character. Was there a connection? Was the romance believable? Not really, because every time Carson tried to get close to Georgia, she literally runs away, no matter where they were. So them suddenly having sex, was surprise to me, but an even bigger surprise was the ending. So like said, I enjoyed the suspense, and Carson was absolutely a swoon worthy hero. So for that... ~ Three Spoons  As a five-nation war simmers in the Caspian Sea, Captain Claudia Jean "Cee-Cee' Casperson of the Night Stalkers and Colonel Michael Gibson of Delta Force are called in to subdue the conflict. They'll need all their combined ingenuity to stop a clash that could have catastrophic global repercussions. And they'll need to do it while remaining under the radar. It'll take all the strength they have—but it will take even more for the pair to breach the walls they've built around their hearts. Military action, black ops and breathtaking romance in artfully crafted story. Claudia and Michael are top of the crop when it comes to military talent in their own fields. Both being introverts, observes of the world, that have held the world and people at a certain distance, are a bit loss with finding their soul mates, someone who has access to their hearts. Together they make amazing team, they are in sync with each other, they thought patterns aligned. They can communicate with each other with just a look or a touch, just being in the presence of each other centers them, and gives them peace, safe place to be. It was close to poetic to read about them together, they don't use many words, lots of inner thoughts and reflection takes place. But they have love, passion, and connection that is rare and amazing, fascinating. The action that takes place, both in the beginning and the end of the story is fierce and intense. The missions they undertake are nearly impossible to complete, but time after time they manage to come through, hundred percent, and alive. The technical details are plentiful, military history, and stories of the missions accomplished ample. I personally think they at times distract from the plot, drown the story, and let the reader's mind wonder, taking off from the potential of the vivid and sharp action. I enjoyed the story, it has alluring romance with charismatic characters and captivating, nail-biting action ~ Four Spoons |
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