From enemies to allies…
When archaeologist Isabel Dawson stumbles upon an unconscious man deep in the Alaskan wilderness, her survival skills are put to the test. She tends his wounds and drags him to shelter, only to discover she’s saved the life of Raptor CEO Alec Ravissant—the man who may have covered up her brother’s murder to save his senatorial campaign. With no memory of the assault that landed him five miles deep in the forest, Alec doesn’t know what to believe when he wakes in the clutches of the beautiful redhead who blames him for her brother’s death, but he quickly realizes he needs her help to uncover the truth about his lost hours. Isabel never imagined she’d find herself allied with Alec, and he’s the last man she ever expected to find attractive. But the former Army Ranger-turned-politician proves seductively charming, and he’s determined to win much more than her vote. When their quest for answers puts Isabel in the crosshairs, Alec must risk everything—his company, his campaign, and his life—to protect her.
This story has it all, thrilling suspense, frenzied action, hair-raising villains, and steamy romance, just a fair warning, it might keep you up all night reading...
The characters are strong, capable, and goal oriented. They are willing to risk it all for the truth, justice, and love. Isabel and Alec thought they were enemies, but as the adventure of a lifetime starts, and questions unravel, while more suspicion arises, they realize the only person they can truly trust, are each other. While frantically trying to find answers to the mysterious events circling them, their feelings for each other deepen fast, not only the physical attraction, but the connection is there, and the way Alec convinces Isabel of his feelings towards her, just melted my heart. The constant wariness with the suspicions makes Isabel somewhat paranoid, and understandably trust is something they have to earn from each other, while everything is playing against them. But they are not only fighting against the unknown enemy, that seems to know every step they take before they plan to take it, there's the wild, unforgiving Alaskan wilderness to be conquered. Some scenes left me breathless with the palpable fear, not necessarily against the villain, but against the wilds. I did guess the culprits behind the attacks rather early on, but that didn't dim the satisfaction of the story for me, since the events to capture of the villains, as well as the reasons for the attacks, were unknown till the end. This amazing adventure captured my mind from the beginning, with the horrifying possibilities in the hands of the evil culprits, with the restless hunt for the answers and justice, and with the spicy and delish romance, it provided for an entertaining tale ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
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Broken
Lost # 1 By: Cynthia Eden Releasing March 31st, 2015 Avon
The first novel in New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Eden's sizzling LOST series introduces the Last Option Search Team, an elite unit that must protect the only surviving victim of a serial killer.
Ex-SEAL and LOST founder Gabe Spencer is accustomed to the unusual in his job. But when knockout Eve Gray steps into his office, he's rattled. For the mysterious woman is a dead ringer for the heiress thought to be the latest prey of the serial killer who goes by the name Lady Killer. When Eve awoke in an Atlanta hospital, her past was a blank slate. Then she recognized her own face in the newspaper and vowed to learn the truth. Determined to confront the nightmares hidden in her mind, she never expects to find a partner in Gabe. As Gabe and Eve work together, their explosive attraction becomes irresistible. Gabe knows that his desire for Eve is growing too strong, bordering on a dangerous obsession, but nothing pulls him away from her. And when another Eve lookalike disappears, Gabe vows to protect Eve at all costs. While Eve may have forgotten the killer in her past, it's clear he hasn't forgotten her. Review:
Dark and edgy story, full of danger and fear, taking the intensity of a thriller into a whole new level.
This is just an amazing story that pulled me right in, and kept the hold till the end. The quick changes of the scenes in the story kept it moving on fast. The many points of view give a panoramic picture of the events happening in the search of the killer. The characters are strong, fierce, professionals, only the best of the best working for LOST, and determined to find the killer, the man hunting, tormenting, torturing the young women. The connection between Gabe and Eve is immediate, from the first time their eyes meet. The attraction grows, and is as tense as the suspense. The passion is undeniable, scorching, and powerful. Gabe's vulnerability with Eve is touching and delicate. As they learn to know each other, the trust between them is admirable, one of the kind. Stunning, breathtaking thrill ride to catch the killer, with palpable fear constantly present, mixed with raw, steaming hot romance, and team of intriguing professionals determined to find the culprit. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Award-winning author CYNTHIA EDEN writes dark tales of paranormal romance and romantic suspense. She is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller. Cynthia is also a two-time finalist for the RITA® award (she was a finalist both in the romantic suspense category and in the paranormal romance category). Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over thirty novels and novellas. Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies include hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/02/broken-lost-1-by-cynthia-eden.html
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22059324-broken?from_search=true Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/136350-lost
BROKEN by Cynthia Eden – Excerpt
“Do you think I’m a con artist or a victim?” “I think you’re a woman who has been hurt.” No denying that. “One of my team members, Wade Monroe, is contacting the Montgomery family. We’ll get DNA from them and find out—” “If I’m Jessica.” There was hope in the words. Enough hope to break his heart. Gabe nodded. “When will we know?” It would take a few days, even with the strings that he could pull. “As soon as possible,” he said, not wanting to give her a specific timetable. “Thank you.” Then, just like that, she was across the car, giving him a tight hug. “Thank you.” His arms wrapped around her, an instinctive response. She smelled faintly of flowers, a sweet scent that teased his nose, and her body was soft against his. She tried to pull away, as if realizing what she’d just done. For an instant he was tempted to hold her, to keep her close. She’s a client. Focus. He let her go, but his body ached. “I … um … I should get inside.” Yes, she should. While he was still clutching tight to his control. The control that said he shouldn’t push her. Shouldn’t want her so much. Not when she’d already been hurt so badly. Her fingers reached for the door. “Let me,” he said, voice rumbling, and Gabe climbed from the Jag. In seconds he was on the passenger side, opening her door for her. She rose, and her body brushed against his. He stepped back. Distance. He seriously needed to put some distance between then. But even with some fast steps back, he could still smell that light and sexy scent that clung to her body. And he still wanted her. “Your shrink asked me a lot of questions about you,” Eve told him as she stood temptingly close. Gabe inclined his head. “I’m sure—” “I think she wanted to know why I respond so much to you.” Oh, hell, she’d just said … He cleared his throat even as part of his body surged in quick response to her. “It’s a tense situation, you’re—” “You don’t look at me as if I’m a victim.” He stopped talking. “I mean, you know what I am, but you still look at me and seem to just see me … as a woman.” “Others see you the same way.” Doc Tyler sure did. Bastard. “It’s different with you,” she murmured as she stepped even closer to him. Her head had tilted back so she could look into his eyes. “I don’t know what I’ve felt for other men before.” Why did the idea of others have his body knotting with tension? “But I know that when I see you, I want.” A hushed confession. “I just … I needed to tell you that.” And he needed to make his self-control a hell of a lot stronger. Her lips were just inches from his, and he wanted her mouth beneath his. Wanted her lips open. Needed to taste her. “You’re the first man I’ve wanted since I opened my eyes in that hospital.” He could actually feel his control splintering. Client. Cli-- “You probably don’t want me. I—I might not be your type.” Now her gaze had fallen, as if in embarrassment. Had she really just asked if she was his type? She was probably every damn man’s type. “But you make me feel normal again, so I had to tell you—” His fingers curved under her chin. “Eve …” Her smile was a little too big. Too bright. “I don’t think I can handle anything else right now, I’m …” She pulled away. Stumbled onto the sidewalk. “I just wanted to tell you how I felt,” she told him again. Then she walked into the shelter, her steps hurried. As if she were running. From him. He stared after her. She wanted him. And she was so fucking beyond his reach. ***
The Man of the Month The last thing Taylor Krebs wants is a man. Her crazy, possessive ex-boyfriend has caused her enough drama to last a lifetime. Putting drama and men behind her she focuses on her fledgling photography business. That is, until gorgeous fireman Joe Marino--otherwise known as Mr. September on the Sexy Public Servants Charity Calendar--walks into her life. Joe wants Taylor to photograph burn victims pro bono for a book he’s spearheading for the Burn Recovery Support Group...and he’ll do everything in his power to persuade her to take on his cause.
Taylor soon finds out that she isn’t immune to Joe’s persuasive charms--both professionally and personally--and soon they are burning up the sheets. But will Joe’s secrets and Taylor’s need for quiet stability tear them apart? Or will this Man of the Month also end up being Taylor’s love for all days?
What starts as a fun and sexy story about a charity calendar photo shoot, turns up being so much more, with real, heavy issues, and real people with problems and burdens. And maybe there's too much more, since many of the topics were fast overlooked, and then moved on, maybe it could have concentrated on with just some of the topics.
Joe is a firefighter, scarred both physically and mentally in an accidental fire, at the age of 12. He is involved in the charity work, not only for the burn victims, but with the fire department as a boxer, marathon runner, and with the calendar. The scars in his body had given him issues with women, making it hard to trust, and never showing anyone his body from waist down. He is stubborn, goal oriented, he wants to protect, and fix everything for everyone. Taylor is a photographer, getting her masters degree, working as a waitress to pay the bills. For a long time she has tried to get a topic of her theses approved, with no luck. Most of her photography work is for charity, and she is struggling financially. And her ex, whom she had a restraining order in before, has started to contact her again. Stubbornly, she refuses from help in the matter. Seems like the perfect match for Joe, huh?! And they were hot, there's a connection, and they do burn up the sheets. It seemed things moved on real fast in the story, but I think the timeline got somehow lost in the tale. There's a fun big meddling family, banter between firefighters, and fancy events with the charity work, to lighten up the story. But there were some events that took place, that I raised my eyebrow for. Taylor's best friend calls Joe and tells him about the ex who is contacting Taylor again. The reason why the ex, Owen, is able to contact her, is that Taylor's mother gave him her phone number. Joe's sister tells Taylor something really personal about Joe, something he doesn't share with people in any form. And if those were not enough, there's the end conflict, where Taylor brakes Joe's trust in a fundamental way. All these events, where people broke the trust of another, were pushed aside fast and mostly overlooked. Some people might shrug their shoulders for that, and that's all good, me - I had a little issue with them. Yes, there were fun and sexy romance, with a deeper message of accepting yourself as you are, and moving on from your past. Without the issues I mentioned before, I would have given the story a higher score, but now just barely ~ Three Spoons
Australian cowgirl, Bridie Willis, travels to Montana to meet her half-brother and to escape the pain of losing her father. Headstrong and determined, she plans to spend the summer alone photographing wild animals in the backcountry.
Cowboy, Ethan Morgan, has been shaped by a childhood spent on the run. Cautious, steady and conservative, he must ensure the risk-taking cowgirl he is entrusted to babysit doesn’t ditch him let alone come to any harm. But the biggest challenge Ethan must face is to accept how Bridie makes him feel. And the biggest risk Bridie must take is to trust in her heart.
A touching, tender romance with strong characters, and a hint of danger mixed in.
The sorrow and sadness in Birdie are so real and raw. She has just recovered from the scare with her mother's cancer, when she lost her father. Now in Montana, to get to know her half-brother and his family, she is determined to get over her heartache, by riding into the wilderness, with Ethan as her guide. Birdie and Ethan are not as different from each other, as one would think. They complement each other perfectly, Ethan's calm, with Birdie's restlessness makes harmony, when they are together. The way Ethan understands her, and her loose, her need to grieve, takes care of her and gives her the place and time to say goodbye to her father, is so loving, tender, and beautiful. They are like two pieces of a whole, and their love for each other so delicate and delightful. The poachers at the wilderness brings elements of danger and fear into the story. The lovely bunch of family and friends are entertaining, and Ethan's connection with his twin brother fascinating. Touching story of dealing with grief, learning to let it go, trust in life again, and daring to love and live in the moment ~ Four Spoons
Military life may have subdued the wild child in Staff Sergeant Chance McKinley, but when he’s home on R&R, all bets are very much on at Kansas City’s casinos.
He’s barely back from Afghanistan before he volunteers to return—right about the time he’s reminded he won something more than money on the roulette wheel the last time he was Stateside. A wife. Bartender Tara Lambert could have gotten an annulment right after she and Chance wove their tipsy way down the aisle, but she’s never been one to let a man off the hook. Even if he disappeared right after their nuptials. When Tara finally tracks Chance down, he’s as irresistible as ever—and on the verge of leaving for another deployment. Their individual fires collide to burn bright and hot, but when it comes to changing the blazing paths of their lives, which will sound loudest in Chance’s ears? The call to battle, or the voice of the woman he loves?
Original and touching story, absolutely fantastic love story!
I fell in love with Chance and Tara. They are so perfect together, I don't even know who to compare them to. The beginning of the relationship might have been trite, and now it has been months that they have not seen each other. But the connection was so strong, genuine, they are both willing to give a new try, no matter what. There were so many great points in this story, I don't know where to start. The loyalty, commitment to the relationship they have is rare. Even without seeing each other, with no contact, they did hold the vows. In this story the 'I do' really meant something to the couple, even though it was given in a drunken madness. They took it, and used the verb 'do' for what it is meant to be: not an emotion, but a constant effort to hold them together, a daily choice to be true to each other, commitment in its purest form. Both Chance and Tara had not had the best of the beginnings in life, they shared the experience, bonded over it, but they are both survivals, and did not linger over the challenging childhoods. Yes, they were shaped by it, but they made the most out of it. But it had left some scars, that made them doubt of the value they hold in life. When Chance realizes he is in love, his definition of love just floored me with its realistic, basic, everyday form. When Tara and Chance are together, it is like poetry in motion, sweet, loving flow of life. The stress and longing for your spouse on deployment was described beautifully. I enjoyed the author's voice, her way of telling the story, letting it unfold for the reader. This book was a lovely surprise, absolutely a pearl, and I recommend it highly. ~ Five Spoons!
Can she heal from a tragedy too great to bear?
When Michelle Lancaster flees her hometown of Spirit, Louisiana to spend time at a beach retreat in Driftwood Bay, Florida, she only wants to run from the tremendous pain of a tragedy that caused her perfect life to shatter into pieces. But on the day when the memories become too much, a man steps into her path on the beach and causes her beloved horse Coco to almost throw her. Not to mention this is the one man Michelle has tried to avoid. But laid-back boat captain and artist Brodie Stevens has his eye on Michelle and soon, he is pursuing her with a strong-willed determination. He too is haunted, but believes that together they can heal each other. Now the driftwood cowboy must convince Michelle it’s possible to hope… and to love again.
Two lost and broken souls connecting, learning to trust each other, growing together, finding balance, and love, within each other.
The sorrow, sadness, and despair are palpable in Michelle, my heart just went out to her. Brodie seemed like an easy going beach bum, but there was so more into him, and I loved the revelations he was having about himself, Michelle, and about their possible future, right there on the beach when they meet for the first time. There's so much story fit into this novella. It is an emotional journey, it is raw and real, and it touched my heart, and has stayed with me since I finished it. The growth and healing of the characters as time passes on, and their feelings for each other deepen, is beautiful. It is a 'clean' story, and while the attraction and passion is obvious, I am glad that with all the other issues the characters had to face, the author didn't just add pages with long love scenes, it wouldn't have really fit into this story, anyway. Beautiful story about life, loss, and love ~ Five Spoons A ring of murderous hackers is casting a wide net of destruction, bringing down financial institutions and ruining lives. Detective Alex Brody must get to the bottom of the case immediately, but he needs help. Normally he'd rejoice at the idea of gaining a sexy new partner, but not this one...not a Cavanaugh. Officer Valri Cavanaugh is pulled from the ranks to assist in a case that could make or break her career. She has the tech smarts, but her new partner thinks she's a privileged brat. As they delve deeper into the mystery, these unwitting partners find they have more in common than just a case--sizzling chemistry that is both startling...and potentially deadly
Sassy banter between the new partners was a constant joyful entertainment.
Alex and Valri have a fast connection, even though Alex tries to resent her because of her huge family in, most involved in law enforcement, and her constantly running mouth. But soon the tone changes, they start to respect each others talents and abilities in the job, as well as admire each other as a person. Alex holds his attraction towards Valri as long as he can, but he didn't calculate in the fact, that Valri is stubborn as a mule, and will go after what she wants - that would be Alex. All this personal scramble is going on, while they work on the double homicide, and the rookie Valri turns out to be a magician, when it comes to computers and getting information. The story is lively and pleasant. Valri and Alex take their time, and make the effort to get to know each other, they work together well, and make a great team, partnership. The romance was rather mild and slow to come through, making the epilogue an important part of the story, giving it a satisfying ending. The hunt for the killers amongst the gamers, while lacking a bit in intensity, it was intriguing, and the possible connection to Alex gave it another interesting layer. With lots of interaction with the boisterous Cavanaugh family, repartee between the partners, and murders to be solved, the story was entertaining and fun ~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
When photojournalist, Liliana Richardson, agrees to go on assignment in Arizona, she has no idea it could cost her everything. But one wrong picture at the right moment puts her on a lethal drug cartel’s hit list. Kidnapped and held poisoner in a border town, she is certain her life is over, until the bad boy from her past shows up. Now she’s on the run with the only man who ever made her want more. Problem is: She knows she can trust him with her life, but not her heart.
Security specialist and former Marine, Jesse James Calhoun, follows a strict code. Work hard, play hard, and never get too involved. When he gets information that the wild girl from his past needs help and fast, he’s ready, willing, and able to neutralize the threat. But the spoiled girl he knew is all grown up and has a secret that someone is willing to kill for. Can he keep them alive long enough to uncover her secret? Or will she leave before he can stop a killer, taking his heart with her.
Romantic suspense, where everything is in its place, just as I like it: the action and suspense is thrilling, the anxiety and fear at times palpable. The romance is real, steamy, yet so sweet and tender that it makes you swoon.
Jesse is just the perfect hero, the protective, caring, and at times overpowering, but still lets her make her own decisions, and mistakes, but is there, having her back, never giving her too hard time about it. He just melted my heart. Liliana is fierce, self-sufficient, and self-reliant, finally facing the ghosts of her past, and while trying to do it without hurting her friends, causing her to make some questionable decisions. Together they are scorching hot. I loved how Jesse gets her, understands her, and what she needs, to do regarding the illegal issues she ran into. You can see how they come to understanding about their relationship without too much drama, and how they grow as people, find themselves in a place where they can commit to each other. The friends Jesse has, are loyal, true, and trustworthy. I loved seeing where Beth and Zach, from the previous book in the series, are going in their lives, and I am looking forward to the next installment in this series, this story was truly a delight in the romantic suspense genre! ~ Five Spoons
Romance author, Elizabeth Russell lives alone, works alone, and that’s that way she likes it. No ties, no relationships, no complications. But when her apartment is broken into and it looks more personal than per-chance, she finds herself running to the only person who can protect her—too bad he also has the most potential to crush her world.
Former Marine turned securities expert, Zach Steele doesn’t do regret or second chances. So when a sexy heartbreak from his past shows up on his doorstep, desperate for a safe place to crash, his first reaction is, Hell no. But with a stalker quickly closing in and the only woman he’s ever loved looking up at him like he’s still “that” guy, Zach offers up his protection. Working together to bring her stalker down brings them closer than ever, and Zach realizes that it’s not just Elizabeth’s life that’s in danger . . . but also his guarded heart.
The suspense starts off from the page one, and builds up from there. There's danger and fear present and palpable, and the only place Beth feels safe in, is Zach's arms.
The story builds up well, part of the story is told from the villain's point of view, giving it more depth and intensity. The author manages to hold the identity of the villain, till the end, a great achievement for a debut book. The love between Beth and Zach has always been there. The issues Beth has from her childhood home, prevents her to make commitments, or trust the love Zach has for her. Her attempts to be independent, fears of being fenced in, leads her to make some idiotic decisions while the psycho is after her. Zach has loved Beth from the first moment he saw her in high school. All his life decisions are made towards them being together one day. Otherwise, such an alpha male, has his weakness and insecurity in Beth. While protecting Beth from the madman, Zach finally has the opportunity to show Beth how their life could be together, if she would just let her fears go. Zach and Beth had chemistry, and connection. It was obvious that he was the only person she trusted, the only person she could count on. The storyline was interesting, the suspense and action were well built and timed. The love and romance were satisfying with its sweetness and passion, even though at times a bit cliche. Overall a great story ~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Past Sins Cast a Long Shadow
Dallas Phillips refuses to believe her father committed suicide, even though things were tough on his farm and he was deeply in debt. When she hears he'd told a neighbor about an upcoming windfall, she grows suspicious, and her suspicion only deepens when she realizes someone is lurking in the nearby mountains after dark. For help, she turns to Trey Jakes, local police chief—and her former lover. As they begin to investigate, another mystery comes to light. Trey's mother is beginning to remember events from thirty years ago, something shadowy that happened in the mountains, and Dallas's father was there, too. Is what happened that night connected to his "suicide"? As they search for the truth, Trey and Dallas struggle to fight their attraction, but they may not be able to fend off another force—a killer who's more than willing to kill again to make sure old secrets stay buried.
The dark and edgy beginning of the story, with accidents and murders, in the mall town up in the West Virginia mountains pulled me right in.
While the town is mourning one of the beloved residents, and wondering about the apparent suicide, the story of the people of the town starts to unfold. I could feel the atmosphere of the town, the sorrow of Dallas, as she is mourning for her father. She left over six years ago, to chase her dreams, leaving the love of her life, Trey, behind. Trey has never stopped loving Dallas, and now has a front seat view into the mystery of her father's death. The story is told from multiple points of view, nearly everyone in town gets their fifteen minutes. So much is happening in this little mountain town, and at times, I wasn't sure how it all was relevant to the tale. Part of the story is unfolding via dreams and memories from the past, drawing a timeline through two generations of the town. Trey and Dallas obviously have a connection. His patience, sweetness, protective and forgiving nature, while still a complete alpha male, made him easy to like and admire. Dallas has focused on her career for the past years, but as soon as she gets back to her home ranch, she settles down to the old farming routines, the career behind, like a shield she had used before. The passion runs hot between them, and even though the time apart, they still know each other better than anyone else. The suspense and mysteries were twined into the story masterfully. The interesting little town, and its people were fascinating, the 'who-done-it' for the murder was intriguing. Totally hooked on the story, I stayed up till 3:30 am to finish the book, to find out who did it. You can imagine my disappointment at the end, when I realized, that was not solved in this first book of the series. Also, there's no information if the next book, that comes out in September, will continue the story with Trey and Dallas, or is there another couple in the focus. ~ Four Spoons
Once is never enough! Head midwife Isla Delamere is hiding something. She might be Melbourne's most glamorous socialite, but she's still a virgin. She's never met a man to tempt her… until she's kissed by gorgeous new doc on the block Alessi Manos!
Working alongside Isla is sweet torture for Alessi—all he wants to do is strip off her scrubs! Forever isn't in his vocabulary, but he'll make sure she always remembers their one night together. Except keeping to his own rules is impossible—especially when Alessi discovers Isla's secret
Isla and Alessi have an immediate connection, there's no denying it. But Isla has lived most of her life with secrets, and there's no one she will trust them with. Not even Alessi, the first man to awaken her desires.
Isla keeps herself emotionally distant from everyone, to guard her secrets, and from the fear of letting go, and emotions from the past events to take over. While she is distant from all the other characters in the story, she also stayed rather distant from me as a reader. I had a hard time connecting with her, even though I was aware of her secrets. Alessi comes off a bit arrogant and cocky. He has his own secrets, but also resentment from his childhood as a scholarship student in a private school, where Isla also attended. He seems to have an opinion of 'people like Isla', and Isla's standoff attitude just fuels that opinion. There is a major twist in the plot that changes everything, but in my opinion, the conclusion came too fast after it. I adored the maturity ward events with the babies, how professional, caring, and passionate they were of their profession and patients. If anything, this story emphasis how important communication is, and how you have to trust the closest ones in your life, there's no room for secrets. As the story unfolds, and Isla opens up, I finally felt the connection to her as well, and enjoyed the story, that left me smiling ~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Thanks to a philandering father, ad exec Emily Rodgers knows happily ever after doesn’t exist. Relying on a man only leads to heartache. She takes care of herself, and work defines her life. But Emily soon finds herself in the hands of a real-life prince who defines the words charming and sexy. Not to mention reckless. If Prince Lucas doesn’t find a royal bride, Emily’s dream of being named a partner at the advertising firm will die.
Luc’s fun-loving ways have made him a magnet for scandal. His father gives Luc an ultimatum—find a wife on a reality TV show or be disowned. Rules require him to marry nobility, but after he meets the uptight American sent to find him find a princess bride, his search for Cinderella might be over. Too bad Emily wants nothing to do with him. Perhaps he can show her that fairytale endings can happen in real life…
Modern day fairytale story, where the prince is looking for his forever match via reality television.
The story is fun and entertaining. For the first time, someone, that being Emily, is giving it straight to Luc. No finesse, not what he would expect to hear, but the simple truth of the matter. The sparks are flying, the banter is constant, and as Emily and Luc get to know each other, while looking for a wife for him, Emily finds out that there's so much more into this prince than tabloids are saying. And maybe what they are saying are not true at all. While predictable, this story is pleasant and enjoyable. It is a clean, lively, and witty romance, a look behind of making of the reality television, and the awkward situations with dysfunctional families. Perfect, quick read for the Easter holidays for the romance lovers ~ Three Spoons
He sets her world on fire…
Mercedes Hernandez is a “nice” girl who follows the rules. As the new sheriff of Strong, California, she’s responsible for making sure everyone else follows those rules too. She’s also had more than her fair share of Mr. Wrongs in her life, so the big, rough, too handsome, always laughing smoke jumper who roars through her town going ninety in a thirty-five-mile-an-hour zone is a definite problem. Not only is he breaking the law, but he just might break her heart. Speeding tickets can’t make him behave…so it might be time to break out the handcuffs for a more personal lesson in misbehaving. And tempts her to be so very, very bad… Former U.S. Navy SEAL, smoke jumper and unrepentant bad boy of summer, Joey Carter loves fast bikes, hot women, and a good time because speed and pleasure drown the ghosts from the past. He’s never met a woman he wanted to slow down for, however, until he literally runs into the good sheriff of Strong, California. She’s sweet and sexy…and the more he acts up, the more she notices him. And he really, really likes the way she looks at him. Joey may be on his second chance with the law—but he wants a first chance at love…if he can convince Mercedes to let down her guard and let him show her that he’d be happy to play by her rules…in bed
Fun, steamy, romantic story.
Joey runs from the memories of the war by flying on the highways at night on his motorcycle. After few speeding tickets from Deputy Hernandez, the nightly rituals of being stopped by the hot cop, comes a sort of a foreplay, when the feelings of attraction come into the picture. Joey had a troubled youth, but being a SEAL fixed that side of his nature. He still likes the speed on the highway, but he has a heart of gold, always willing to help and take care of the people around him. He is charismatic, charming, very easy to like, and lust after. Mercedes Hernandez is trying to stay professional, and keep her distance from Joey, and from the feelings he is igniting in her. One mistake behind her, mistake that cost her job in the LAPD, she has a second chance in law enforcement at Strong, and Joey, being the bad boy of the town, doesn't fit into her plans. But the attraction burns hot, the lust is relentless, and there's only so long one can resist the burn. I adored Joey, he is honest, straight forward, fun, and sweet, with demons from the war. His reputation as a bad boy was based on his youth, and his numerous speeding tickets from the highway. Mercedes had a bit of an attitude, understandably, when considering the events in LA. I am glad she finally stood for what was right, and claimed her feelings towards Joey. It was a quick, spicy, fun story. I loved the humor and the ways Joye tried to woo Mercy. The plot was original, the romance was believable, even though the events moved really fast, it was an enjoyable story that made me smile ~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
The only thing more powerful than fear is desire…
A seasoned K-9 officer with the police in Maryland, Cole Jamison has left her old life behind her. With a new home and a new partner—a protective canine named Hugo—Cole is ready for fresh challenges. A crucial position on an important drug task force is exactly what she wants…until she discovers her gorgeous, infuriating ex-husband will be the DEA agent in charge. FORCE OF ATTRACTION Agent Scott Lucca may be a pro when it comes to undercover assignments, but this job is daunting even for him. Posing as a happy couple on the dog competition circuit means he and Cole need to get a lot closer than they’ve been in years. Playing a live-in couple should seem like a walk in the park compared to tracking a brutal criminal, but suddenly nothing could be more dangerous than the passionate fire they’ve rekindled… Review
Intense second chance on a relationship mixed with undercover police work, and one very dark and edgy villain after the agent and anyone he cares about.
The feelings Nicole and Scott have for each other are powerful, vivid and intense. And two years apart hasn't changed much of those feelings. Nicole walked out of their marriage after a night gone to hell, and Scott let her go. But those feelings didn't let go, and now he is willing to do anything to get her back, to fight for her this time around, and not let go. As Scott and Nicole are preparing to go undercover together as a couple, they get a change to get to know each other again, learn to work as a team, and exist in the same space without snarling at each other. The desire for each other is burning hot, and it doesn't take a long time for them to act on it. Nicole, or Nikki, or Cole, or Noel... She had many names, and only one of them was her undercover name. She was not an easy person to 'get to know', she seemed to change with each name she was called. She also pulled hot and cold with Scott constantly, understandable at the beginning from the hurt before, but I think it was played a bit too long. Scott was weary, his past undercover work wasn't the only thing eating him up, also the guilt from the failed marriage, as well as the rejection he felt from his parents, the feelings not measuring up, constantly on his mind. There's more built up in the story than action itself. The undercover operation is left on a sideline and not completely solved. The major conflict in the story comes from Scott's former undercover assignment, but that as well is quickly solved, after the action starts. The main focus of the story are the dogs, and the second chance at the relationship between Nicole and Scott. The heated love scenes are detailed, and hot. Several times during the story scenes were cut short, and the story would continue from later on, with no real sense of the timeline, or what took place after the cut off. I lost count, how many times went went back a page to see if I accidentally flipped two pages, but no. I don't know if this would have bothered me as much, if the book wouldn't have been brimming with details at times, that had nothing to do with the plot, or contributed to the story otherwise. Overall, the second chance between Nicole and Scott was interesting, the development of the characters was clear, and the conclusion real and solid. The action at the end of the story was tense and raw, even with the fast and known conclusion, had a chance to build up fear, bringing the score just at ~ Three Spoons
Since high school everyone thought Jake Bender would end up behind bars; after all, he comes from a long line of bad boys. He spent years away from the place he called home. When he finally comes back, everyone thinks he's just a punk kid all grown up who’s now running a dive bar called The Night Club. What they don't know is he heads up a special task force, which cleans up neighborhoods and makes them safe again.
Stormy Ryan has always felt more comfortable with her books than with people. She loves to spend her days within the pages of her books. When her second-hand bookstore is robbed for the third time in as many months, her employees quit leaving her to run the shop on her own. With the pressure of having to deal with her shop and people, not to mention the declining neighborhood, she is at the end of her rope. When closing up her shop late one night, she is held up and the neighborhood bad boy saves her, putting both of them at the forefront of a psychotic’s obsession. Being bad has never looked so good.
The worst kind, creepy villains, and a bad-boy fighting against them, while protecting the bookstore owner lost in her fantasy world.
Bender had a hard beginning in life, abusive father he wanted to escape from. He was recruited for law enforcement at the age of 18, and makes a career out of cleaning up the most dangerous neighborhoods in different cities across the nation. From the story I concluded he was now about 38 years old, and ready to retire after this last job. Stormy is a book-girl, owner of a bookstore in the dangerous neighborhood, rich after her inheritance at 35 years of age. I liked Bender and Stormy, I think they had chemistry and connection. They understand each other, and the way Stormy brought out Bender's inner-self he had been hiding most of his life, was kind of sweet. Bender does fall for her quickly, or like he wonders later, if he got interested while reading her file. They have some heat in between them, even though that fades into the background. The villains in this story are grisly, grim, and gruesome, cannibals. Their actions are told in detail matter, their desires described in more detail that I wanted to know. The fear, anxiety, and terror is constant, and while running for their lives, Bender and Stormy make some interesting choices, and made me question myself when it came to figuring out the time line in the story. The plot and idea for this story is unique and interesting. There were times I craved for more information and details, at times I wished I didn't have so many details, and at times I wondered what did the events have to do with the plot. Yes, I have mixed feelings about the story, even though I can say that I will not forget the villains anytime soon, unfortunately. But even though I felt like lots of important information on the character development was left out, when it came to Bender and Stormy, and their relationship, I liked them together, so for that ~ Three Spoons |