Unexpected delivery!

Lily Baker has dreamed of a family of her own for so long…but she never expected a newborn baby and a deliciously brooding man to arrive on her doorstep the very same day!

Hotshot charity boss Nic Johnson turned his back on fatherhood years ago after the devastating loss of his three-week-old son. Yet when he stumbles into beautiful Lily's life, something in his broken heart begins to heal… And after one magical, heart-stopping kiss, Nic realizes he'll never be able to let Lily go!

I enjoyed this heartwarming story!
The connection and attraction, Lily and Nic have for each other is baffling them both, it is instant, strong, and steady, yet a bit scary. Especially for Nic, who is determined to stay away from babies, after the tragic loss he has suffered.
But the pull they have for each other is magnetic. And with a little help from Nic's sister Kate, they soon find themselves living under the same roof. And helplessly falling for each other, despite all the obstacles.
I loved the characters, they are so genuine and real. They have their faults, weaknesses, and past hurt, but they are working on their issues, talking to each other, and being honest even when it hurts.
There are several entertaining scenes in the story, of what you might face when living and taking care of a baby, and going out in a public with one. Also the description of both London and Rome made me want to visit those places again.
But most of all, I loved reading about Lily, Nic and Rosie finding each other, getting to know each other, learning to trust, and finding a way to build a life together, forming a family together. A joyous story of love and life, while not hiding the other side of the coin of the hard work a relationship requires, the pain and sorrow life sometimes brings
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

SHE CAN'T ESCAPE

No matter where she runs, rodeo clown Tonya Waters's stalker always finds her.

Now he's managed to track her down on the rodeo circuit. If bull rider Seth Starke hadn't saved her, she'd be dead.

But when the handsome cowboy is injured in the ring and Tonya rescues him, Seth seems more determined than ever to keep her safe.

But can she risk staying at his Tennessee ranch and bringing danger to his family?

As her stalker gets more violent, Tonya and Seth vow to outsmart him before he makes good on his ultimate threat: if he can't have her, no one will.

Lots of great suspense, action, fear and terror in the story, that also includes a surprising conclusion. There are not many authors who can still pull a surprise at the end for me when it comes to the crime, and when it happens, I absolutely love it!
This story has a perfect balance of suspense and romance. Suspense full of twists that keeps the intensity level high through the story.
Seth and Tonya both have some serious issues to be dealt with. Seth's ex-girlfriend walked out on him when he was injured, leaving him with disillusion and a broken heart. Tonya, don't only have a stalker ex-boyfriend, who had been in prison for trying to kill her before, her other boyfriend had died in a bullfighting accident.
So the road ahead of them wasn't easy, but the attraction they feel for each other is strong, and the connection they have go deeper than an attraction, they have respect, protectiveness, and kindness towards each other, they have lots of things in common, and they work together as a seamless team. Both of them are strong and independent, and I loved them together, it was so natural, the affection between them genuine and it was sweet how they took care of each other.  
Great, charming, and likable characters, loving families, romance that makes you smile, and a string of crimes and mysteries, all presented in a solid plot to entertain and touch your heart
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

Rocco De Luca lives and loves in the fast lane. A past Formula 1 champ, he has been jetting around the world arranging celebrity charity races and partying with the world’s elite. Coming home to Isola del Fiori and filling in for his older brother for a few weeks sounds…well, boring. Until he meets Steffi Harlan.

Steffi Harlan is sophisticated, elegant, and way too smart to fall for a tanned chest and a bad-boy smile, or so she thinks, until she’s put in charge of keeping the jet-set playboy out of trouble while he’s gone. Sure, no problem. Except Steffi isn’t immune to Rocco’s charms.

They burn up the nights they spend together, and the last thing Steffi wants is to crash out and end up with a broken heart… Can they both survive love in the fast lane?

Every now and then I read one of these billionaire stories, this one I picked up because of the author. But I wasn't that impressed with the characters, or maybe I was expecting too much for a novella. I was looking forward to some major character development, with the playboy turns into a more responsible and respectable man, and the 'all work no play' assistant relaxing a bit, but sadly, I didn't really see either of these happening.
Rocco says there's more to him than just the playboy, but after a couple days of work, he gets off Steffi's bed in a morning, and go gets drunk with his best friend and four women, and the next morning when he wakes up and doesn't really remember the day before, he checks out to make sure he woke up alone, cause 'he wouldn't cheat on Steffi'. Really?
Steffi blows hot and cold towards Rocco, who has no idea what to do with her or how to be in a relationship. Steffi has issues with her father, her half-sister, even anger towards her mother. And she doesn't respect or accept Rocco's lifestyle.
I didn't feel the chemistry between these two characters, I did agree with Steffi that they didn't really have anything in common, that they could build a lasting relationship.
The environment and surroundings for this series sounds enticing, and the setting was very romantic, as well as the dates Rocco took Steffi on, Rocco just didn't convince me that there was more to him than the famous playboy that he is
~ Two Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

Hollie Thomas, the feisty, tattooed office assistant to Grayce Walters, has come a long way from living on the streets. Along with finding a job she loves, she’s found friends and safety. When her new life unravels, she faces dangers that dwarf her troubled past. Fighting to survive, she discovers that sometimes what you need the most might be found in the one person you failed to see coming.
Returning home from the war and struggling to find his way, Sergeant Nick Welby, and his bomb-sniffing golden lab, use their skill set in the last place he’d ever imagined—Seattle’s Waterfront. To protect the one woman who matters, Nick and his trusty canine partner will risk everything to rescue her and Seattle from disaster.
Embroiled in Grayce Walters’ most perilous case—a terrorist plot with the threat of deadly explosives—can Nick and Hollie work together to save themselves and each other before it’s too late?

Nick is a battle weary soldier, on a sick leave, trying to recuperate from the last mission overseas, along with his partner Talley, the golden lab. Nick is an All-American good guy, comes from a loving family with a farm, played football in high school, went to college, and he has an easy way to charm the ladies.
Hollie is a goth girl, who spent lots of her childhood on the streets, trying to hide from her meth parents. She has had it rough, and because of that has grown a tough exterior, to protect the tender heart she has inside.
Nick's insta-attraction to Hollie is jaw-dropping. And when Nick hears Hollie boss is trying to find two missing marines, he gladly volunteers to help, to be able to be around Hollie.
There was something in the beginning of the story, that didn't flow well, like it was edited with a heavy hand, and because of that, missing some sentences with vital information about the story. I had to go back several times to check what was happening, thankfully that smoothed out after a while.
The story is short, and because of that, everything happens fast, in a short period of a time. Hollie is rather prickly, and the first conflict between Nick and Hollie comes from him smiling to other woman, that Hollie reacts strongly to and walks away, making Nick  beg for a second chance. This was on their second time meeting each other, not on a date. The over the top emotional reactions happens often with Hollie, she is so insecure because of her past. But Nick is completely enthralled with her, and willing to do what it takes to convince her about his feelings towards her.
But as investigators, Nick and Hollie seem to form a good team, as they are going through the internet, finding clues to find the missing marines.
The action and suspense are more on the background of the story. And when dangerous situations arrive, they are played down and solved quickly. The romance has a Young Adult genre vibe to it, with Hollie's insecurities and angst towards relationships. The story did have some unique touches to it in the plot, and the big family of a heart, that has developed around Hollie was touching.
~ Three Spoons

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker continues her red-hot Black Knights Inc. series in rough-and-tumble Peru

"The Man" is back
Dan "The Man" Currington is back in fighting form with a mission that takes him four thousand miles south of BKI headquarters, high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. He's hot on the trail of a rogue CIA agent selling classified government secrets to the highest bidder, when Penni DePaul arrives on the scene. Suddenly the stakes are higher, and keeping Penni safe becomes Dan's number one priority.

And this time she's ready
A lot has changed since former Secret Service Agent Penni DePaul last saw Dan. Now a civilian, she's excited about what the future might hold. But before she can grab onto that future with both hands, she has to tie up some loose ends-namely, Dan Currington, the man she just can't forget. And a secret that's going to change both their lives-if they can stay alive, that is.

As a Black Knights Inc. fan, I was so excited to see that Dan is finally on his feet again, and getting his own story. He truly deserves all the happiness, with the great loss he suffered two years prior, when his wife was shot. The sorrow, pain and mourning that nearly destroyed Dan after the loss, was heartbreaking. And when he met Penni in a previous book in the series, I got so excited, and have been waiting for this story. And it didn't disappoint me!
The connection between Penni and Dan is so natural, sizzling, genuine and real. What they share is unique, and it all happens so fast, they only realize later on that there were some details about them and their lives, they might have wanted to share with each other early on. Everything is going so smoothly, they are so open and honest with each other, that when the conflict comes, it tore me apart as well. The issue between them is as real as their connection, and it was easy to understand both of their side's of the conflict, making it even more raw. But they do the work, and make the effort, with time, to find their own HEA.
The suspense in the story was intense at times. The action is close combat, bloody and scary, where no one is safe, and the outcome is uncertain.
Like always, the Black Knights Inc family loves to argue, spar, and bicker like no one else. It is fun, and brings light to the often dark side of their job. And Ozzie, oh, can't help but love him, and I can't wait until some woman makes him fall on his knees! Like typical with the series, there's already the next storyline stewing in the background, and it really puts a hook into the reader's mind. No, there's no cliffhanger ending, but through the story, there's little hints of what's to come in the future with the Knights.
A story filled with fast action, true heroes saving the day, and criminals ready to do anything to benefit their purpose, mixed with achingly beautiful, hot, second chance in life romance, a group of people who have created a family of heart, makes a tale that I didn't want to put down, and wasn't ready for it to end...
~ Five Spoons!

Just a Little Kiss
Crush # 3
By: Renita Pizzitola
Releasing August 25, 2015
Flirt

In the sizzling new novel of Renita Pizzitola’s Crush series, Felicity knows that “Summer Boys” are only good for one thing. But what if hooking up with the right guy could lead to a fresh start?

Like most of the residents of her dead-end beach town, Felicity Daniels doesn’t know what she wants from her future. Instead of college, she’s waiting tables at the local grille where she’s more likely to run into the guy who was the love of her life—until one decision changed everything. Now as this year’s tourist season kicks in to high gear, Felicity realizes that whatever she wants isn’t going to be found here.

Mason Hayes is the quintessential Summer Boy: hot, impulsive, and born without strings attached. While in town helping with the family fishing charter, he plans to have a little fun—and hopefully get over a certain girl. He’s never had a long-term relationship, but when he meets Felicity, he wonders if he’s found the girl who could change that.

With her heart still in repair, Felicity’s happy to have a distraction like Mason, but her best friend thinks he could also be her ticket out of this town. What’s the harm in using him to escape more than just her boredom? After all, he is just a Summer Boy, and they never stick around. But after one kiss, Felicity wonders if only one summer with Mason will ever really be enough.

“Felicity. Table five is yours.” Eddie rushed past, dumping some menus on the hostess stand before grabbing a water pitcher.

Our normal hostess had called in, and my best friend, Isla, wasn’t scheduled to come in until four. That left the restaurant owner seating guests while the rest of us covered the tables during the busy Saturday lunch rush.

With my notepad tucked into the small black apron tied around my waist, I headed to table five. It was the crew from John’s Charter Boats. If I had to have a large party, this was one I didn’t mind.

“Hey, John, how’s your shoulder doing?” I placed my hand on his back, careful of the sling straps. “Colby told me you had surgery.”

“Eh, it’s okay. Hardest part is being stuck on dry land. ’Bout to lose my mind over at the Bait ’n’ Tackle.”

“Well, here’s to a quick recovery. Dinnertime will be dead without your boat bringing in the day’s catch.”

He shrugged his uninjured shoulder. “Got my nephew here in the meantime.” He gestured down the table. “Colby will be showing Mason the ropes.”

He said something else, praising their abilities to fill his shoes, but his voice drowned into the background. My gaze had locked onto his nephew, who also happened to be the hot guy from last night.

He’d had his chin tilted down as he studied the menu, but at the mention of his name he lifted his gaze. It darted from his uncle to me. He tossed his overgrown hair from his eyes and smiled.

I returned the smile then shifted my gaze. “Y’all ready to order?”

I circled the table, adding the personal touch these men—and my tip jar—loved, but when I got to Mason, I locked up. It was easy to turn on the charm with a bunch of old married guys, or even the ones my age who ate up any attention, but Mason . . . Something about the way he looked at me made my face flush and heart rate kick into high gear. It was as if he wasn’t just looking at me, but studying me, trying to figure something out. His gaze tracked me as I made my way around the table . . . and I kind of liked it.

When I finally got to him, I couldn’t make eye contact. With my pen pressed to the notepad, I concentrated on writing his order instead of staring into his eyes.

“What can I get you?” My gaze flicked up, which I instantly regretted because now that I could see his eyes in better lighting, I couldn’t help but notice how gorgeous they were. Dark in color with even darker lashes.

“What’s good here?” he asked with a little smile aimed at me.

I rattled off the house specialties. “Fried shrimp. Grilled snapper—”

With an adorable smirk, he lowered his voice and leaned toward me. “I don’t like seafood.”

Around here that was sacrilegious. And a sin I committed daily. I grinned back. “The cheeseburger is pretty popular.”

His gaze dipped to my mouth and he nodded. “I’ll take that.” Then for the love of God, he winked. “Our secret.”

I laughed, but it wasn’t a laugh. It was a weird girlish giggle. Oh my God. I cleared my throat, praying Colby hadn’t heard my reaction to his cousin, and moved down the table.

After I’d gotten the last order, I darted off to grab their drinks . . . and avoid making a further idiot of myself.

As I filled glasses with ice, I snuck a peek at Mason, who was leaning over to talk with Colby. He tilted his chin slightly in my direction, and I quickly looked away. But curiosity got the best of me and I glanced back. Colby’s gaze met mine, then he frowned and shook his head.

What was that about? Had Colby seen me checking out Mason? Were they discussing it? Geez, I needed to pull it together. The last thing I wanted was Colby ragging on me about his cousin.

I hiked the tray over my shoulder and carried it back to the table. While avoiding eye contact with Mason and Colby, I passed out the drinks, assured everyone their food would be out soon then took off.

After checking on my other tables, I stepped outside to get some air. Everything about this job had felt very suffocating lately. Of course, Mason definitely added a little spark to my day, but eventually that would fade. Summer Boys were a temporary fix to my long-term boredom.

I leaned against the wall and stared at the water. If I ever did leave Port Lucia, this view would be the one thing I’d miss. I closed my eyes and listened to the sounds around me, trying to find the soft crashing of waves that always calmed me. I peeled each layer of noise away, one by one, searching for the one I needed. Seagulls. A boat horn. The wind. And . . . footsteps?

My eyes snapped open as Mason rounded the corner.

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t know anyone was out here.” He waved his phone. “Just needed to make a call.”

“Go ahead. I’m heading back inside.” I pushed off the wall and turned to go.

“Wait. Enjoy your break. She probably wouldn’t have answered, anyway.”

I glanced at the phone. She? Figures he’d have a girlfriend.

“My mom always lets her calls go to voicemail.” He shoved his phone in his pocket.

“Hey, Felicity?” One of the other waiters leaned his head out the side door. “Table nine is asking for you.”

“Let them know I’m on my way.” I turned back to Mason and hitched my thumb in the direction of the door, in an awkward see-you-later, then spun around and headed inside.

“See you around . . . Felicity.”

I turned back.

The corner of his mouth tugged up and, call me crazy, but I was pretty sure he was flirting.

“Yeah,” I mumbled and stepped inside.

As I passed the window, I glanced out. His gaze shifted to the ground, a smile still affixed to his lips. He shook his head and rubbed his neck, almost like in disbelief . . . or guilt? Maybe that call wasn’t going to be to his mom after all. Nice save on his part though.

That was the one downside to Summer Boys; it was hard to know for sure when they were truly single. Except this one happened to be related to a good friend of mine. Unfortunately I couldn’t come out and ask Colby about Mason’s relationship status without him knowing I was interested. But I had my ways of getting the answers I needed. And if all went well . . .

Hello, Mason; goodbye, summer boredom.

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Renita Pizzitola is the author of New Adult contemporary romance and Young Adult fantasy. When not writing, she can be found feeding her caramel macchiato addiction and reading just about anything she can get her hands on. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and two children.




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Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan, two of the FBI's most valuable agents, are preparing for their next big assignment—their wedding—when Colin's brother Mike alerts them that onetime friends from his military past are on Sharpe and Donovan home turf on the Maine coast. Now private security contractors, they want to meet with Mike. One of them, an FBI agent named Kavanagh, is supposed to be on leave. What is he investigating—or does he have his own agenda?

Mike zeroes in on Naomi MacBride, a freelance civilian intelligence analyst who, aside from a few hot nights, has never brought him anything but trouble. Newly returned from England, Naomi clearly isn't telling Mike everything about why she's snooping around his hometown, but he has no choice but to work with her if he wants to uncover what's really going on.

But the case soon takes a drastic turn—Emma is targeted, and a connection surfaces between Naomi and Kavanagh and a recently solved international art theft case. Not every connection is a conspiracy, but as the tangled web of secrets unravels, Emma and Colin face their greatest danger yet. With everyone they know involved, they must decide who they can trust… or lose everything for good.

Several mysteries, unexplained events happening on both sides of the Atlantic, for several of the many characters of the story.
It took me till about the third of the story, to really figure out what, who, and where was going on. But that's on me, I believe this series is something that should be read in order.
There are about dozen main players to follow. No one trusts no one fully, they all are keeping secrets from each other, even the ones engaged to be married.
It is not easy to follow the story, the point of view changes constantly, and to keep everything in line takes an effort.
I had a hard time connecting with the characters, mainly, I believe, because they seemed so emotionless. When I don't get the emotional connection with the people I am reading about, it feels like the story is just going through the motions. Even Emma's kidnapping, and the escape felt flat. I'm sure that's just me, and sometimes you just can't connect with the author's style of writing. I know there are lots of fans of the series, who will enjoy this new adventure. But even though lots of mystery and  suspense was involved in the tale, it didn't stand out, or have the intensity I crave in a suspense novel.
~ Three Spoons

From New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas comes the first book in a compelling, emotionally resonant series set in a remote west Texas town—where family can be made by blood or by choice…

Rancher Staten Kirkland, the last descendent of Ransom Canyon's founding father, is rugged and practical to the last. No one knows that when his troubling memories threaten to overwhelm him, he runs to lovely, reclusive Quinn O'Grady… or that she has her own secret that no one living knows.

Young Lucas Reyes has his eye on the prize—college, and the chance to become something more than a ranch hand's son. But one night, one wrong decision, will set his life on a course even he hadn't imagined.

Yancy Grey is running hard from his troubled past. He doesn't plan to stick around Ransom Canyon, just long enough to learn the town's weaknesses and how to use them for personal gain. Only Yancy, a common criminal since he was old enough to reach a car's pedals, isn't prepared for what he encounters.

In this dramatic new series, the lives, loves and ambitions of four families will converge, set against a landscape that can be as unforgiving as it is beautiful, where passion, property and pride are worth fighting—and even dying—for.

Beautifully crafted novel, where words flow out like poetry, unexpected connections are made, and destinies changed while life happens.
Despite the a bit slow start of the book, the stories of the characters soon enticed my mind, and I was hooked. What seems like separate stories of different people in the town of Ransom Canyon, Texas, are tangled together like only in a small rural town life can.
They all come from different walks of life, a widowed senator's son, a rancher, who thought everything worth loving was lost in life, an ex-convict who for the first time in his life finds a place to belong, a young man ready to face the life and its challenges.
There is a bundle of people introduced in this lively small town, loyalties formed, friendships developed, and love found with unexpected people.
And when a crime happens in town, a crime that puts lives in danger, they all come together as one, to protect their own.
It is a refreshingly different kind of novel, a bit dramatic and dark toned at times, filled with fascinating characters, both friends and lovers. There's danger, passion, humor and secrets. And as many of the journeys are just beginning in this first book of the series, it surely creates an interest and engage the reader's mind. Looking forward to find out more about the people in Ransom Canyon in future installments
~ Four Spoons

Immortal Matchmakers, Inc.
Immortal Matchmakers #1
By: Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
Releasing August 24, 2015
Self-Published

BECAUSE…dysfunctional immortals need love, too.

ANDRUS

Once the most powerful immortal assassin ever to exist, this demigod now spends his days pining for the girl who got away: Helena. Doesn’t help that he’s also Helena’s full-time nanny slash bodyguard. But now that the apocalypse is over and her husband, the vampire general, has returned home for good, it’s time to move on.

But can Andrus let go of the woman he secretly loves?

Cimil, Goddess of the Underworld and owner of Immortal Matchmakers, Inc., knows the solution is finding another gal. The right gal. But getting a woman to date this callous, unrefined, coldhearted warrior will prove to be the biggest challenge of her existence. Good thing they’re in L.A.

When aspiring actress Sadie Townsend finds herself one week away from being thrown out on the street, the call from her agent is like a gift from heaven. But when she learns the job is teaching the world’s biggest barbarian how to act like a gentleman, she wonders if she shouldn’t have asked for more money. He’s vulgar, uncaring, and rougher around the edges than a serrated bread knife. He’s also sexy, fierce, and undeniably tormented.

Will Sadie help him overcome his past, or will she find her heart hopelessly trapped by a man determined to self-destruct?

Commotion erupted in the restaurant, snapping Sadie back into awareness that she was lying on the restaurant floor underneath this large man, who was actually assaulting her.

“You think you can take me down with a little knife?” he snarled.

“Dammit, Andrus. You barbaric asshole,” barked the man’s date, “she was not trying to attack you, she was trying to serve you meat.”

A moment passed as the man stared into her eyes, still lying right on top of her, his cock nestled right up against her crotch. She felt his heart pounding away in his chest, the rhythm strangely matching her own frantic beats, like two war drums pounding together.

Ohmygod. What am I doing enjoying this?

You are not. You’re offended!

Yes. I am.

His eyes moved to her lips and then a cocky, devious smile worked onto his mouth. “Whoops. Guess I overreacted,” he said in a slow, deep unabashed voice.

He thought this was funny? He’d knocked the wind out of her and everyone was staring while she’d experienced an embarrassingly erotic moment that proved she was nuts or completely hard up for a man. Or into having public sex.

“Fucking asshole,” she snarled, catching her air, “get off.”

A wicked little smile flickered across his lips. “Perhaps later,” he whispered. “At present, I’m on a date.”

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New York Times and USA Today bestselling Romance author, host of the radio talk show, Man Candy, on Radioslot.com.

When San Francisco native Mimi Jean went on an adventure as an exchange student to Mexico City, she never imagined the journey would lead to writing Romance. But one MBA, one sexy husband, and two rowdy kids later, Mimi would trade in corporate life for vampires, deities, and snarky humor.

She continues to hope that her books will inspire a leather pants comeback (for men) and that she might make you laugh when you need it most.

She also enjoys interacting with her fans (especially if they're batshit crazy). You can always find her chatting away on Facebook, Twitter, or saying many naughty words on her show MAN CANDY on Radioslot.com !

Find out more about Mimi and upcoming books at www.mimijean.net.

Author Social Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Blake Smiley searched the country for just the right place to call home. The professional triathlete has traveled the world, but Thunder Point has what he needs to put down the roots he's never had. In the quiet coastal town he can focus on his training without distractions. Until he meets his new neighbors and everything changes.

Lin Su Simmons and her teenage son, Charlie, are fixtures at Winnie Banks' house as Lin Su nurses Winnie through the realities of ALS. A single mother, Lin Su is proud of taking charge and never showing weakness. But she has her hands full coping with a job, debt and Charlie's health issues. And Charlie is asking questions about his family history—questions she doesn't want to answer.

When Charlie enlists Blake's help to escape his overprotective mother, Lin Su resents the interference in her life. But Blake is certain he can break through her barriers and be the man she and Charlie need. When faced with a terrible situation, Blake comes to the rescue, and Lin Su realizes he just might be the man of her dreams. Together, they recognize that family is who you choose it to be.

A great life lesson in the story, how you can overcome the most difficult situations in life, if you determined to do so.
This story, while the blurb indicates is about Blake and Lin Su, is more of a summary and an update on all the previous characters in the series. Blake and Lin Su's relationship is really slow to develop, they go from dislike to interest to a first alone meeting by 70% of the story.
Blake is truly the perfect hero. He is not only handsome, sexy and successful. He is also kind, patience, caring, generous, all around great guy. His development with the training is shown with a great detail, also his mental and emotional development is evident, how he leaves his past relationships, and wants to build something more solid, permanent, life-lasting. I loved his relationship with Charlie, Lin Su's son. It was genuine, mentoring, and real. Charlie was the absolute star of the story, such a charismatic and charming young man.
Lin Su is not easy to like. She is stubborn, inflexible, and headstrong. To the point that she is willing to uproot her life, just to make a point. She has an extreme need for constant control, doesn't listen others well, and at times her stubborn streaks come off selfish. I wanted to shake her so many times.
With lots of detailed updates with the people from the series, there was also detailed training information into triathlon and Ironman competition. I found it interesting, to the point, but I wish there would have been more about the relationship developing between Blake and Lin Su. They get surprisingly little time and focus in the book, considering there's also time for a great conflict in their shortly viewed romance. A conflict that came to such an abrupt ending, overcome  by just a one hug. And since there was pages, if not chapters devoted for triathlon training, and so many detailed visits with the secondary characters, that didn't have anything to do with the main story line, I kind of  expected more developed relationship as well.
~ Three Spoons

Lydia Kincaid's shipping back to Boston, but she's not happy about it. She left to get away from the firefighting community—her father was a firefighter, her brother's a firefighter and, more important, her ex is a firefighter. But family is number one, and her father needs her help running the pub he bought when he retired. Soon, Lydia finds it hard to resist the familiar comfort and routine, and even harder to resist her brother's handsome friend Aidan.

Aidan Hunt is a firefighter because of the Kincaid family. He's had the hots for Lydia for years, but if ever a woman was off-limits to him, it's her. Aside from being his mentor's daughter, she's his best friend's sister. The ex-wife of a fellow firefighter. But his plan to play it cool until she leaves town again fails, and soon he and Lydia have crossed a line they can't uncross.

As Aidan and Lydia's flirtation turns into something more serious, Lydia knows she should be planning her escape. Being a firefighter's wife was the hardest thing she's ever done, and she doesn't know if she has the strength to do it again. Aidan can't imagine walking away from Boston Fire—even for Lydia. The job and the brotherhood are his life; but if he wants Lydia in it, he'll have to decide who's first in his heart.

Shannon Stacey is one of my top five favorite authors. I love her books, they are filled with smart, charismatic characters, humor, families that you love, and great swoon worthy romance. Heat Exchange is a book one of the new series of Boston firefighters, and I got completely lost in the story, so that I lost the track of time.
Lydia and Aidan both have some package they have to deal with. Aidan's family is not the most loving and supportive, and Aidan feels like the Lydia's dad has been more of a father figure to him than his own ever was. Lydia has always felt she played a second fiddle to the firefighter brotherhood, with her father, ex-husband, and brother. She promised to herself never to get involved with another firefighter again.
But the attraction between Aidan and Lydia is strong, and something they have to hide from people around them.
I loved how their feelings grew for each other. They are fantastic together, they fit so naturally with each other, the chemistry is hot, the sexy times are steamy, but it's not only about that. They have a real connection, understanding, and friendship as well.
There's a secondary plot on the side, the reason why Lydia came back home, the marriage problems her sister Ashley is having with her firefighter husband Danny. I enjoyed both of the sisters stories, how the stories were developed, and how they had to do the hard work in their relationships, to make it work, to build for the future together.
The struggle firefighters and their families have, with the time and mind consuming work they do, the priorities they have to set, and danger of their work, was well played in the story.
There were times I was laughing out loud, and times when I teared up, the story swept me away and touched my emotions. The brutality of the choices these everyday heroes have to make, the danger of their job, the families that support them, and the sacrifices they have to make were so well described in the story. But also there was a celebration of love, the kind that have your best in mind, always, and supports you no matter what. I can't wait to see, where this series will go.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

Laid Out
Worth the Fight # 4
By: Sidney Halston
Releasing August 18, 2015
Loveswept

Perfect for fans of Monica Murphy and Cecy Robson, Sidney Halston’s scorching new MMA romance proves there are no holds barred when it comes to seduction.

Growing up an Army brat, Violet Channing could never meet her dad’s high expectations. But in the eyes of her best friend, she could do no wrong. He even insisted that he should be her first kiss. Now Cain Sorensen is all grown up, hardened by years in special ops and always looking for a good fight. Tall, with striking blue eyes and impossibly blond hair, he’s a modern-day Viking warrior. Of course, Violet’s all grown up, too, and she’s ready to surrender to his every command.

Cain knows he’s bad for Violet. His work is dangerous, and his hobbies are downright deadly. As a private mercenary and a mixed martial arts fighter, he could never let such an innocent soul into his world. And yet his most grueling combat training is no match for Violet’s killer curves, hot touch, and suggestive glances. Now all of Cain’s most explosive fantasies are coming true—but once they cross the line between friends and lovers, there’s no turning back.

I have a love/hate relationship with this story. Might sound a bit strong, but hear me out.
I loved the characters, they are well thought out, the author showed how they grew as people, how they worked on their numerous issues, and how they felt deeply, intensely, and thoroughly.
I loved Cain and Violet, both as individuals and together. They have so much history, like only people growing up together can have. He had always been her hero, fighting for her since a kid to protect her. Everything he had done in his life, has somehow been connected to her. He was her first kiss, a kiss that changed them both. They have so much fire in between them, the chemistry is burning hot, the feelings they have for each other are like lava. When Cain starts to give her dating lessons, things get complicated.
Because originally, it wasn't just Cain and Violet growing up together, there was also Jeremy. The man Violet was engaged to, before he died in the war, Cain's best friend. And that brought lots of complications, issues, and hurt between Violet and Cain.
The pain, sorrow, and damage that was done to their relationship, by mixed messages, leaving when things got difficult, and by being a jerk, I hated it. Cause it went on and on. It seemed like they were stuck in this behavioral model, and couldn't get out of it. It is obvious that they love each other, the feelings are palpable on every page. But the communication between them, and not just from Cain, is lacking, to say it mildly, and the pain that cost is agonizing. And to top it off, Cain is using illegal fighting as an excuse to get rid of the frustration, guilt, and anger he has, creating dangerous situations.
I got emotionally invested in these characters, I felt for them, their joy, love, and the deep pain they cause for each other.  I was a blubbering mess towards the end, when it seems everything is lost, and that is why I have such a strong investment in the story, that I actually have a love/hate relationship with it. But the author brilliantly gives the characters the keys to their believable HEA, with an epilogue that leaves the reader thirsting for the next story in the series
~ Five Spoons!

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Sidney Halston lives her life by one simple rule: “Just do it.” And that’s exactly what she did. At the age of thirty, having never written anything other than a legal brief, she picked up a pen for the first time to pursue her dream of becoming an author. That first stroke sealed the deal, and she fell in love with writing. Halston lives in South Florida with her husband and children.




Author Links: Facebook | Twitter | Website | GoodReads

They can't escape the heat…

Magdalene Deluca isn't the damsel-in-distress type. But if she has to involve a stranger in a dangerous chase through South America, she's glad Finn Kavanagh's the guy she sucked into her problems. Very glad. The man oozes sex and magnetic confidence. And since their connection is steamier than the sultry rain forest, why waste time resisting him?

Finn's peaceful vacation is blown to bits the second Mags strides into view. For years he's ignored his family's pleas to settle down. Now he's falling hard for a blonde force of nature who's allergic to commitment. First he has to keep Mags safe as they search for her missing parents. Then they can determine if it's time to stop running—and take a chance on the wildest thrill he's ever known…

An amazing adventure, mixed with unpredictable, dangerous situations, steamy romance and lots of humor.
Finn and Mags might appear to be total opposites, Mags is a punk girl, who is easily distracted, a little wild side and lots of kindness, and no interest to settle down in a relationship. Finn, the former love-them-and-leave-them type, is finally planning to settle down, he likes to plan, to be organized, and prepared for any situation. But no one could be prepared for the situation they face in South America, while trying to rescue her parents from the drug lord's farm.
When Finn and Mags are not fighting against the drug lord's hit men, or the thugs on the street, they face the dangers of the nature, the rivers and  Amazon wilderness.
I love the chemistry they have, they are fun together, the conversations that often end up in banter are entertaining, not to mention the hot attraction ready to explode between them. Mags' issues with her missionary parents were real, and the way she embrace Finn's gigantic family is endearing.
I loved this story, it is engaging, it was hard to put down. The peril Finn and Mags are in, was serious, filled with dangerous moments and constantly present fear. But the jeopardy was perfectly balanced with cultural exploits they run into during their trip, and the adorable romance developing between them. A complete winner in my eyes!
~ Five Spoons

There's only one way to keep secrets buried…

If only it had been something else that brought Lissa Sherman and Mack Jackson back in touch after so many years. Something—anything—other than the murder of Mack's father. Even worse, Lissa's car had been used as the murder weapon.

Thirty-five years ago, four friends went out joyriding and ended up in a terrible accident that left one dead and the others with no memory of that awful night. Now two more people, including Mack's father, have been murdered, and if the lone survivor knows why they're being targeted, she's not talking.

Even as Lissa and Mack find themselves drawn together in the midst of tragedy, the mystery deepens when someone comes after Lissa, too. Is the danger to her tied to the other deaths, or are two killers at work in town? Now Mack has to fight an unknown attacker as well as his feelings for Lissa, but it may be that he can't win either battle

Such an incredibly intense suspense, filled with rather creepy kind fear and danger, that gives you the goosebumps, while you are reading. A book that was hard to put down before morning hours..
There is so much happening in this small town, and in the story, and so many voices telling their point of view of the tale, that it can feel chaotic at times, but I believe, it also gives a good picture of the chaos going on in this small town, suddenly filled with fear, because of the heinous crimes happening in their midst.
If there's any blessings at the time of despair and fear, it was how easily, and effortlessly, if not painlessly, Lissa and Mack found each other again. The love between them never died over the years, and they were able to pick from where they left, as soon as the misunderstandings between them were cleared. They recognize the need to fill in the caps, but the feelings for each other was true, deep and filled with passion.
Violent action and heightened danger keep you on the edge, while the sweet reunion of the high school sweethearts melts your heart, and the ending leaves you hanging on till the last part of the story is told
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side