How to Lose a Bachelor
By: Anna Banks Releasing Nov 9th, 2015 Entangled Bliss
When Rochelle Ransom auditioned for the dating show Luring Love, she had big plans for winning the prize money to help her favorite charity–and if she won the hot bachelor's heart, even better. But at the last minute she finds out the hot bachelor is her ex-boyfriend, Grant Drake. Desperate to keep her distance from him, she'll do anything–and everything–to get voted off.
Years ago, Rochelle broke Grant’s heart, and he's out for revenge. There's no way he'll vote her off. After all, vengeance is a dish best served red-hot...and on live television. When her hilarious antics to get kicked off the show escalate, Grant’s reminded why he fell in love with her the first time. Now he isn't sure which might be more fun... Seeing how far Rochelle is willing to go to get away or how far he will to keep her forever
Grant crossed his arms. “Really? Because I asked around too, and several of our lovely contestants said the ‘wardrobe malfunction’ was that she refused to put on any dress chosen for her. You realize why she wore a FSU shirt, don’t you, Richie. I hate that team. And as for ratings, I don’t give a rat’s—”
“Please, lower your voice. This isn’t as bad as it seems.” “What did you say to her to make her stay? Don’t give me anymore BS about loopholes in contracts, either.” Richie pressed his fingertips together thoughtfully. “You say this woman was the love of your life, yet you don’t even realize what she’s doing. I find that difficult to believe.” “You said she was the love of my life. I told you to let her go.” “Not going to happen, Grant. Besides, I thought you’d be happy about this turn of events. About what it means for you.” Grant scowled. “Are you incapable of being direct?” “Isn’t it obvious, Grant? She’s making what I would call a tremendous effort for you to vote her off. Which means she still has feelings for you.” “You have a warped sense of reasoning.” She might have feelings for him, but they sure as hell weren’t romantic in any way. What, she was trying to woo him with a sweatshirt that smelled like hot dumpster trash? Richie was crazy. “She can’t stand to be around you because of all the feelings your presence dredges up. Is that so hard to understand?” Grant blinked. It actually wasn’t; he could relate. He wished he could turn off the memories her presence provoked in him. “You can’t let her run wild on the set, Richie. She’s making a joke out of your show. Don’t you care about that?” Richie laughed. “She’s doing exactly what I’d hoped she’d do. The question is, are you going to let her beat you at this game?” Grant took the seat behind him and leaned on Richie’s desk with his forearms. Of course, she was trying to get voted off the show. She hated his guts, and had an entire decade to let this medley of hatred and anger simmer. This was her loophole. Her way of getting out of the contract. “You don’t know Chelle. She won’t give up. These tantrums will only get worse.” “Look,” Richie said with a sympathetic sigh that barely hid his delight. “There’s a fine line between love and hate. Haven’t you ever heard that? She obviously has strong feelings toward you. It’s up to you to change the nature of those feelings.” Grant wiped a hand down his face. Changing Rochelle’s mind about anything had always been a challenge. But changing her heart? Was that even possible? “You handled yourself quite well last night,” Richie continued. “Very composed for the situation.” “Am I just supposed to ignore her behavior? That’s not fair to the other women.” Richie smirked. “Do you even remember the names of any of the other women?” Touché.
NYT Bestselling YA author of The Syrena Legacy series: OF POSEIDON (2012) OF TRITON (2013) OF NEPTUNE (2014). Repped by rockstar Lucy Carson of the Friedrich Agency. I live with my husband and daughter in the Florida Panhandle. I have a southern accent compared to New Yorkers, and I enjoy food cooked with real fat. I can't walk in high heels, but I'm very good at holding still in them. If you put chocolate in front of me, you must not have wanted it in the first place.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
Author Release Day Giveaway http://annabanksbooks.com/preorder-giveaway-two-kindle-fires-up-for-grabs/
0 Comments
Do you believe in love at first sight?
Allie McHale is spending this brutal Christmas Eve snowstorm in a barn in Marietta, Montana when suddenly she hears a horrible crash on the freeway near her ranch. She discovers a handsome lone survivor, a prisoner in handcuffs, and despite her apprehension about harboring a criminal, she rescues him anyway. Jacob Reeves, on his way to Seattle to testify against his organized crime family, is miraculously saved by the most beautiful woman he’s ever laid eyes on, who has every reason not to trust him, but getting through a freezing Christmas Eve forces them to work together to survive. During the long night, their chemistry is off the charts and Jake realizes that Allie could be the love of his life. But as soon as the storm is over, he’ll be gone. Is Jake destined to break both of their hearts, or will a Christmas tragedy end in a miracle?
A Christmas novella filled with magical moments.
The blurb got me completely, the interest was born, and the beginning of the story is enticing and tense, the elements of the snowstorm, coming birth with Cece, the accidents, death, prisoner... Just filled with exciting elements. And it was, exciting. And the birth of Cece's 'baby horse' was sweet, and magical on the Christmas night. And I liked Jake and Allie. Allie was grieving for her father, and Jake in an impossible situation with his family and law. The snow storm could have given the story the possibility to stretch out for a little longer, there was enough happening that the story could have carried a little bit more substance. Now all is happening in one night, the Christmas night, and the ending left me wanting, wanting more, wanting better conclusion to Jake's problems with the law and family, and just more depth to the feelings between Jake and Allie, and consequences of the unsafe sex. But as the story is, it is cute, it has the Christmas magic in it, and the birth in the stables, reaching the score just to the ~ Three Spoons
A COWBOY FOR ALL SEASONS
Four generations of Dempseys have struggled to turn the Dos Estrellas ranch into a successful cattle operation. Gabe Dempsey vows to keep the dream alive, even if he has to share ownership with two half-brothers, who are virtual strangers. They are also pressuring him to sell—which will happen over his dead body. Luckily, Reese McGraw is the trustee of his father's estate, and she's on Gabe's side. For now. Reese is happy to support Gabe in his fight to keep the ranch—but is her support a conflict of interest? His brothers seem to think so. Gabe and Reese's growing feelings for each other are a problem, too. But maybe it's one that will be solved by the magic of Christmas!
A heartwarming story about hard times, family loyalty, and finding the support, and love, at the unexpected places.
I enjoyed the story. The characters are likeable, real with flaws like all of us, but charming and interesting people. The brothers are faced with a hard task, after their father left the ranch for them to deal with, all together. They haven't had a relationship with each other, and the tension is palpable in the house. The brothers, and the ranch, are facing hard times, with financial difficulties after the long illness of their father, and other hardship, unexpected situations they suddenly face. Just about everything that can go wrong, does. But despite the difficulties, they slowly come together, take responsibility seriously, and work together towards the same goal, instead of fighting against each other. At the same time as Gabe tries to work with his brothers, mourn for his father, and trying to understand his last will, take care of his mother, and run the ranch, he goes and develops feelings for the one person he shouldn't. Reese is not only the trustee of the will, but the daughter of Gabe's dad's worst rival. But the connection between them is undeniable, noticeable, and kind of cute. The stolen kisses are burning in their mind, and the feelings get all tangled up. What I liked most about the story was the way they fought to get out of the trouble, they took their responsibility, and stood behind their actions. Nothing was easy, everything came with a price, and very few things went the way they wanted, a lot like real life. The story has spunk, the strength of the characters comes forward, and love always wins. Looking forward to more in the series! ~ Four Spoons
In New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson's novel, a Westmoreland learns that rules are meant to be broken!
Rule number one for Bailey Westmoreland: Never fall for a man who would take her away from her tight-knit family's Colorado home. So why is she following rancher Walker Rafferty all the way to Alaska? Bailey tells herself she owes the sexy loner an apology, and once she gets there, it's only right to stay and help him when he's injured…isn't it? Before long, Bailey realizes home might be where you make it—if Walker is ready to take all she has to offer.
As I was building up the blog post, and getting links to the book, I realized that the fact that I wasn't overly impressed with the book is in a big minority. Oh, that happens. Of course, I jumped into a middle of a long running series, without really knowing that. So there were mentioned and updated a lot of people, whom didn't have a direct connection to the plot, and I thought might have not been necessary.
Also, I wasn't really fond of Bailey at the beginning, she is very opinionated, judgemental, and pushy. She constantly goes, both mentally and physically, where she's not welcomed, even after being told so. So she comes off like she doesn't care of others or respect them and their boundaries. When she shows up at Walker's house in Alaska uninvited, and expects to be able to stay for a couple of days, I was shaking my head... But Bailey and Walker do have great chemistry, and the heat between them is sizzling. The attraction pulls them into an intimacy, that they both have avoided for a long time. And Bailey kind of grew on me, or she grew up a bit, but was much easier to tolerate towards the end. Overall an interesting look of a family, that seemed to be growing with a yet another limb to the family tree. ~ Three Spoons
Forever Your Earl and Scandal Takes the Stage
The Wicked Quills of London # 1 & 2 By: Eva Leigh Avon Romance
FOREVER YOUR EARL: The Wicked Quills of London # 1
Publishing with Avon on September 29, 2015 Eleanor Hawke loves a good scandal. And readers of her successful gossip rag live for the exploits of her favorite subject: Daniel Balfour, the notorious Earl of Ashford. So when the earl himself marches into her office one day and invites her to experience his illicit pursuits firsthand, Eleanor is stunned. Gambling hells, phaeton races, masquerades…What more could a scandal writer want than a secret look into the life of this devilishly handsome rake? Daniel has secrets and if The Hawk’s Eye gets wind of them, a man’s life could be at stake. And what better way to distract a gossip than by feeding her the scandal she desperately craves? But Daniel never expected the sharp mind and biting wit of the beautiful writer, and their desire for each other threatens even his best laid plans. But when Eleanor learns the truth of his deception, Daniel will do anything to prove a romance between a commoner and an earl could really last forever.
But Lord Ashford up close was rather...appalling. It didn't seem right that a man so blessed by fortune and title should also be so attractive.
His dark brown hair was fashionably cut and artfully tousled, as if he'd recently risen from a lover's bed. Given his reputation, that was most likely possible. He had a broad forehead, a coin-clean jawline, thick brows, and eyes that, even with yards between her and him, stunned her with their blue clarity. Naturally, he had a mouth that looked very adept at kissing and...other things. He moved with a long-limbed ease that betrayed his skill as a sportsman. His ink blue coat fit the broad width of his shoulders, and his cream and gold-embroidered waistcoat defined the shape of his torso—his tailor on Jermyn Street produced excellent work. Snug doeskin breeches were tucked into polished Hessians that came from Bond Street. Truly, he was quite alarming. “Miss Hawke?” he asked sharply, coming to stand in front of her paper-cluttered desk. “I wasn't expecting a female.” “Neither were my parents,” she answered, “but they learned to adapt. How might I help you, my lord?” Though she felt an obligation to ask the question, she braced herself for what was sure to be a scorching lecture. He removed his hat and set it aside. Then he held up an issue of The Hawk's Eye and began to read. “'Lord A—d, a figure well-known to our assiduous and genteel readers, was lately seen in the company of a certain Mrs. F—e, whose late husband made his considerable fortune through the manufacture and sale of a woman's garment we blush to mention in these virtuous pages.'” He tossed one of the issues to the ground. “Wrong.” “You cannot deny—” But he wasn't done. Holding up another issue of the paper, he read again. “'It may or may not stun our honorable readers to learn that the notorious Lord A—d has not amended his ways following the duel over Lady L., from Y—shire, and has been espied with another married lady of questionable character, at the late night revels hosted by the equally rakish Mr. S—n. Yet it was noted by our keen-eyed intelligence that this married lady was not the only female vying for the earl's favors.'” This paper he also cast to the floor. “Wrong.” She herself had written those pieces, and while they weren't matchless examples of English prose, she was still rather proud of them, as she was of all her labors. To have her hard work thrown to the ground like so much garbage was rankling. “I assure you, my lord,” she said bitingly, “The Hawk's Eye strives for the greatest of accuracy.” She had a network of sources which she used regularly to provide information. Many members of the aristocracy were in dire need of funds, and they gladly turned on each other in order to maintain the pretense of effortless wealth. Eleanor always paid her informants to keep them returning. Whether or not they lied to her just to collect payment wasn't her concern, but she always preferred it if she could validate their statements. Sometimes that meant going out and conducting a few investigations. But she was a very busy woman—writing articles, editing countless others, managing the paper’s finances—and didn't always have the time. She had to earn a living, after all. And men like the earl didn't.
| B &N| iTunes | Kobo
SCANDAL TAKES THE STAGE: The Wicked Quills of London #2
Publishing with Avon on October 27, 2015 Successful playwright Maggie Delamere has no interest in the flirtations of noblemen like Cameron, Viscount Marwood. She once paid dearly for a moment of weakness… and vows to rebuff the wildly persistent-and irritatingly handsome-scoundrel at every turn. But when pressure to deliver a new play hampers her creativity, an invitation to use his country estate as a writer’s retreat is too tempting to resist... For years, Cam has admired Maggie’s brilliant work and he can’t pass up the opportunity to discover if the beautiful, mysterious playwright is as passionate and clever as the words that flow from her quill. He’s never offered a lady his bed without being in it, but if it means loosening Maggie’s pen-and her inhibitions-he’ll do exactly that. But soon Cam’s plans for seduction become a fight for Maggie’s heart. He’s more than the scandalous, carefree rake society believes him to be… and she’s the only woman who has ever noticed.
Both Ashford and his wife were elegantly attired for a night out. Lady Ashford, in particular, glowed in blue. Though she was a countess, she prided herself on being a working woman. Yet Cam felt certain that the substantial sapphires around her neck and hanging from her earlobes were placating gestures to her husband. Ashford tried to spoil her at every turn.
The couple stood unfashionably close. Ashford had his hand on the small of his wife’s back. After kissing Lady Ashford’s gloved knuckles and giving his old friend’s hand a shake, Cam said wryly, “I’m older than I thought, since I’m certain that my eyes are failing. This can’t be Lord and Lady Ashford actually leaving their home. Joining those of us who haven’t found wedded bliss.” “It’s not our fault that the female population of London considers you an irredeemable rogue,” Ashford said. His wife smiled warmly. “To women, his reputation acts as a lure, not a deterrent.” “And yet they’ll find themselves sorely disappointed,” Cam noted, clasping his hands behind his back. “Because this piece of beefsteak is not for sale at Smithfield market.” Ashford shook his head. “Don’t tell your father. He comes to me almost once a fortnight, despairing of you ever finding a wife.” Cam rolled his eyes. His father was also Ashford’s godfather, and ever since his friend had married, the efforts to see Cam settled and applying himself to the business of getting an heir had redoubled. “So much labor,” Cam said with mock sorrow, “and for so little an outcome.” “You are determined to remain a dedicated bachelor, then?” Lady Ashford pressed, ever the journalist. She used her matching blue fan to cool herself against the oppressive heat in the theater. “I have a younger brother,” Cam noted. “He has three qualities in his favor that I do not.” Holding up his hand, he enumerated each aspect on his fingers. “One: he has already taken a bride of suitable lineage and fortune. Two: they have produced a child. And third: he has no compunction about assuming the role of Marquess of Allam should anything happen to me.” Shrugging, Cam said, “There are no obstacles to me continuing to live my life as I so desire it. Free of entanglements.” Free of disappointment. His parents had a remarkably happy marriage. Whilethey didn’t show affection in public the way the Ashfords did, at home, it was another matter. His mother and father were devoted to each other, brushing hands, exchanging looks, even—God help him—sequestering themselves in the middle of the day in the bedchamber. It hadn’t been a love match, but it had become one, and Cam knew things like that occurred rarely. What had happened with a seasoned rake like Ashford was the exception, about as common as finding a pearl in an apple. The only place where love happened consistently was on the stage. It wasn’t meant for the real world. Not meant for him. He’d only find disenchantment if he tried for what couldn’t be. Which is why he always kept his amorous encounters temporary.
| B &N| iTunes | Kobo
EVA LEIGH is the pen name of a RITA® Award-nominated romance author who writes novels chock-full of smart women and sexy men.
She enjoys baking, Tweeting about boots, and listening to music from the ‘80s. Eva and her husband live in Central California. Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
Mother for His Children
Single father Shane McCoy has his hands full trying to run a ranch while raising two-year-old twins. His children clearly need a mother's guiding hand. An encounter with a lovely stranger on a train platform offers an unconventional answer to his predicament when she suggests a marriage of convenience. Tessa Spencer needs a fresh start far from her con man father's schemes. His latest scrape has made her the target of a vengeful outlaw. Shane's isolated ranch provides refuge, and his children easily win Tessa's affections. But as her checkered past resurfaces, only honesty and trust will make this family Christmas the first of many…
A heartfelt romance, with lots of hope for a better future, joy of family, and healing power of love.
It is pure serendipity that Tessa and Shane meet one day, but that meeting changes their lives for good, and for better. Shane is in a difficult situation with his twins without mother, and Tessa is running from the outlaws, trying to find a safe, secure place to renew her life, with good intentions and honest living. Their problems are solved with a marriage, or so it seems. Owen and Alyssa, the twins, are sure to steal hearts, they are adorable, and I love how they had such a central stage in the story. The marriage between Tessa and Shane isn't easy, and the author writes very honestly about it, giving a clear and fair picture how important honesty, trust, and communication is in a relationship. Both Tessa and Shane wants what is best for each other, both wants the other one be happy, and the marriage to work, but since the communication is not working well between them, they are going about it from the opposite angles, causing all kinds of problems. I liked the story, the author's voice is very pleasant, and the story has a lovely flow, as is unfolding. The elements of danger bring another layer to the tale, and also to the relationship between Tessa and Shane, as well as the whole town. A mix of humor, romance, rough life on the prairie, a town who's not afraid of nothing ~ Four Spoons
I Need a Hero Men in Uniform #0.5
By: Codi Gary Releasing October 20, 2015 Avon Impulse
Sergeant Oliver Martinez joined the military to serve his country—not plan parties.
But after a run-in with his commanding officer, Oliver is suddenly responsible for the Alpha Dogs Training Program’s upcoming charity event. Worse, he’s got to work with the bossiest, sexiest woman he’s ever met—who just happens to be the general’s daughter. When it comes to military men, Evelyn Reynolds is not interested. And with the opportunity to launch her new PR firm at the charity event, she doesn’t have time for some sexy, arrogant jerk with a hero complex. Evelyn is determined to keep things professional—if only she can ignore how Oliver’s muscles fill out a t-shirt and the infuriating way he makes her heart pound. But when tempers flare and a scorching kiss turns into so much more, Oliver and Evelyn will have to decide if this attraction is forever…or just for now. Excerpt:
Oliver Martinez sat stiffly in the wobbly office chair, the room stifling despite the hum of the air conditioner above his head. He wasn’t usually the nervous type, being that military police didn’t allow time for panic, but facing off against General Reynolds, the man who pretty much held his career in the palm of his hand . . .
Well, he figured he had a right to sweat with the way the older man was staring him down. “What do you have to say for yourself, Sergeant?” General Reynolds asked. A thousand excuses ran through his mind, but none of them would appease the general, Oliver knew that. He hadn’t become an MP to be liked; even his family knew he wasn’t a people person. He was hardworking, sharp as a tack, and a mean son of a bitch when you got on his bad side—qualities that made him an excellent MP. And military police was exactly where Oliver belonged. He got to bust heads and keep order; it was structured, and there were rules. He was the good guy. But this time, he had stepped in a big old pile of shit trying to play the hero. “I did what I thought was right, sir,” Oliver said. “You instigated a confrontation with a civilian that turned into an all-out bar brawl,” General Reynolds said. Although his tone and outward expression seemed calm, Oliver hadn’t missed the eye twitch on the left side of the general’s face. The man was beyond furious, and nothing Oliver did or said was going to make things better for him. Why had he decided to go out with the guys on Friday? His buddies from group therapy, Dean Sparks and Tyler Best, had convinced him that he needed to get out and blow off some steam. He hadn’t expected to take down some rowdy kid or have the cops called on them. The civilian police had been cool, though, once he explained the situation, and as they hauled the kid off for drunk and disorderly, he’d thought that was the end of it. Until he’d shown up for work this morning only to have Tate tell him he wasn’t on rotation and that the general wanted to see him. Oliver hadn’t had any idea what the meeting was about, but he’d never expected to get his ass chewed over something that wasn’t even his fault. “It wasn’t a brawl, sir. I contained and subdued him too fast for that.” Oliver regretted his words the moment they left his mouth. They sounded arrogant, and that wasn’t going to score him any points. Especially since the civilian in question was the general’s son. Despite knowing this, Oliver tried again to explain his side. “I just mean, and with all due respect, sir, that the civilian was drunk and harassing several women, and when I politely asked him to leave them alone, he threw the first punch.” General Reynolds’s salt and pepper mustache twitched, and Oliver wondered for half a second if the general was messing with him and if he was secretly amused that his son had been taught a lesson in respect. “I don’t care if he threw a hundred punches. You should not have engaged. You did not have to break his nose or sprain his wrist while you were restraining him.” Okay, so he wasn’t amused. But no matter how angry the general might be, Oliver wasn’t going to apologize for roughing up the little punk. The kid had thrown a sucker punch that had lit fire to Oliver’s jaw, and it was still sore. And if the kid hadn’t fought him so damn hard, he wouldn’t have gotten hurt in the first place. Would he have handled things differently if he’d known who the kid’s dad was? Maybe. But there was nothing Oliver could do about it now except take whatever punishment was meted out to him. “It seems to me you could use a little time out of the field to learn how to channel your aggression . . . in other ways,” General Reynolds said. Now the general was smiling, and unease swept over Oliver. “Have you heard of the Alpha Dog Training Program?” General Reynolds asked. “Yeah, I know a few of the guys running things,” Oliver said. And neither Best nor Sparks had been happy about it at first. The Alpha Dog Training Program was the brainchild of some PR expert hoping to create a good public image for the military by training shelter dogs for specialty jobs like military, fire, police, search and rescue, and therapy. And if the animals-getting-a-second-chance angle didn’t just make you weepy, the dogs were being trained by troubled kids under the supervision of MPs. It was meant as an alternative punishment for nonviolent juvenile offenders. Instead of being locked up in a detention center with months of community service tacked on top, they were sent to Alpha Dog. They shoveled shit, fed and cared for the dogs, and learned how to teach them basic obedience. The place was set up with barracks for up to twenty-five kids at a time. The goal was to give them a skill and refocus their energies. The program even helped them with job placement at several Sacramento veterinary hospitals and rescue organizations. It was a better deal than most kids in the system got. “Well, I’m glad you’re familiar with it, because you’re going to help organize and promote their upcoming charity event,” General Reynolds said. Oliver choked in surprise. “I don’t know anything about fundraising!” The general’s eyes narrowed and glittered. “Well, this will give you a chance to develop a new skill.” Oliver just sat there, weighing his options. If he pitched a fit and accused the general of abusing his power because Oliver had hurt his son’s delicate feelings, he’d be committing career suicide. “How long will I be out of the field, sir?” he asked. “Until I think you’re ready,” General Reynolds said. Oliver nodded grimly. The only option open to him was to bite the bullet and do the job. “You’ll report to the Alpha Dog Training Program today. The event coordinator will be there at eleven to give you instructions on what you’ll be doing. I do hope you take this time to learn some discipline, Sergeant Martinez.” Fuck you. Taking a deep breath, Oliver stood up and saluted the general. As soon as he barked, “Dismissed,” Oliver was out the door, wishing he was headed home to beat the hell out of his punching bag. This whole morning had sucked donkey nuts, and the last thing Oliver wanted to do was be around a bunch of teenagers or his friends. Not that Best and Sparks weren’t good people, but he knew that the minute they found out about his little time-out, they were going to laugh it up. Especially Best. Review:
Absolutely adorable story, with fun and charming characters, and sweet dogs, who steal your heart away.
This story is truly a feel-good romance, I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading it. The characters have charisma, the banter is hilarious, they are not afraid to use their words in any situation, defending whom they love. Oliver and Eve are so perfect together, they both have flaws, but the kind heart, giving nature, and the stubborn streak in both of them does not give up easily, and they are willing to fight for what they want. The steaming physical attraction between them develops into something much more, as they spent time together, while working for the benefit. There are many laugh out loud moments, especially with Beast, oh that dog with all his problems melted my heart completely. Word of warning, this story might make you want to run for the local shelter to adopt a pet! This is the first story in the series, a novella, and this series definitely looks like something entertaining and fun to follow. Can't wait to read the next story, cause this was so delightful! ~ Four Spoons
| B & N | GooglePlay | iTunes | Kobo
An obsessive bookworm, CODI GARY likes to write sexy small-town contemporary romances with humor, grand gestures, and blush-worthy moments.
When she’s not writing, she can be found reading her favorite authors, squealing over her must-watch shows, and playing with her children. She lives in Idaho with her family. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
AGENT UNDERCOVER
DEA agent Tyler Griffin must stop a drug cartel that's using an Idaho Christmas tree farm to smuggle narcotics across the Canadian border. But to do his job, Tyler needs the cooperation of farm owner and widowed mother Heather Larson-Randall—whose informant brother died on Tyler's watch. Tyler knows a crucial piece of evidence is hidden somewhere on the property. But getting the protective mother to trust him is the hardest part of his mission. As threats against Heather mount, he vows to keep her and her child safe…and clear the farm of danger before Christmas. Northern Border Patrol: Keeping the US-Canadian border safe..
This was a great, entertaining story, with a message of trusting God even in during the worst moments of your life.
The story has an intense start, and the build up from the beginning, holds well through the story. The drugs being smuggled through the Christmas tree farm set the stage, with many different agencies involved, and Heather with her son Colin in the middle of it. Heather's brother Seth had fallen into the temptation of easy money, had died for his mistakes of getting involved with the drug cartel, and now has gotten his sister and her son in danger as well. The characters in story are charming, they have depth, distinctive personalities, and are captivating. I liked how Taylor reminds Heather again and again to trust God, when things went wrong. They looked for God's guidance, protection, and wisdom. The trust in Him was unbreakable. The things Taylor said about forgiveness, the importance of it, not letting anger and bitterness to poison our minds and heart, but forgive to even those, it seems too hard to do, to save your own soul. The action and suspense in the story is well built, with some twists. There were moments that made me raise my eyebrows, but mostly very tense and believable hunt for the culprits at the farm. The story has lots holiday spirit, a lovely Thanksgiving feast, and a lonely agent, who finally opens his heart and mind to the possibility of love, family and a happily ever after future ~ Four Spoons
Wrongly imprisoned for murder, renowned horse trainer Greta Colton gets sprung by Tyler Stanton's falsified alibi.
The incredibly handsome oil tycoon's desire has been burning for Greta ever since they met. Now that she's no longer his brother's fiancée, he wants her in his bed and working in his corral. In that order. Throwing caution to the wind, Greta accepts Tyler's brazen invitations. And with danger mounting, they reluctantly risk their hearts. But when a shocking Colton secret surfaces, can Tyler protect Greta from a treacherous family reunion? Someone means to kill her…and take all that's hers!
This is a great finale for the series!
The story has just enough recap of the previous events, to keep up with all the Colton siblings and their loved ones. Also the previous crimes committed are mentioned, and since the ending of the last book, we have known who the culprit was, so there was no secret on that regard either. I adore Taylor, he is so straightforward and honest. He doesn't hide his feelings and goes after what he wants. And he gets results, as well. Greta is mesmerized by this Stanton brother, even though conflicted by his family connection to her former fiance. The story has much more focus on the romance developing between Greta and Taylor, that the suspense. The possible attack is constantly on the back of the mind, while Grete works on Taylor's horse Sugar, and Taylor guards her back. The weeks go by, they spent time with her family, and get to know each other in a rather intensive way, spending all their time together. And when the attacks come towards Greta's life, it is serious, fierce, and potentially fatal. I have truly enjoyed the Colton family saga, the stories and the family has captured my mind with sweet, forever kind of romance, family loyalty, and all standing together against the danger towards their family unit. A great series and a fascinating family ~ Four Spoons
As author Heather Heyford pours a final glass in her series following three Napa wine heiresses, a newcomer must work her way into a tightly-knit family whose bond has been fermenting for years…
Though they each have their own ambitions and are known to be competitive—even with each other—the St. Pierre sisters are fiercely loyal. Chardonnay and Merlot are thrilled about Sauvignon’s wedding day, and it’s slated to be the soirée of the decade among Napa’s most elite residents. Given the family’s notoriety, it almost stands to reason that their eccentric father, Xavier, would arrive by helicopter. But no one could have anticipated the wedding surprise he’d brought along with him… The product of one of Xavier’s many affairs, Sake is introduced as the half-Japanese sister the St. Pierre girls never knew they had. She struggles to break into clique-ish Napa society—and getting in with her sisters is proving more difficult than nabbing a ’74 Cabernet. It seems only high-end realtor Bill Diamond can tell there’s more to Sake than meets the eye. Afraid of repeating her mother’s mistakes, Sake just hopes that getting drunk on love won’t leave her with a hangover of rejection…
This was a really a heartwarming and different kind of story. Sake has had a rough childhood, and is hiding behind this thug act she is putting out. She dropped out of high school, never finished her drivers ed, she is living with an alcoholic man, but she loves baking, and is working in her dream job in a bakery.
The way Sake talks makes her sound immature and dull, when she is anything but. She has serious emotional scars from her childhood, and feelings of not being enough, or seen constantly bother her. Through the story and the events she goes through while living in her father world, for the first time in her life, she slowly grows up, learns to appreciate herself, love herself, gets her life in order, builds relationship not only with her father, but with her sisters as well. Bill, the realtor, she stumbles on the moment she lands in Napa, gets roped into a sort of a friendship with Sake. They are rather perfect for each other, but it takes time for both of them to realize that as well. This is a sweet coming of age meets from rags to riches sort of a story. Seeing Sake bloom in her new life, to learn to stand on her own feet, and to accept help when it is needed was heartfelt, her relationship with Bill adorable, with Taylor, the dog, adding to the story its own spice ~ Four Spoons
A family to heal him?
After a rocky beginning, midwife Bonnie Reid is surprised when the head obstetrician Jacob Layton offers her and her little daughter, Freya, a place to stay. Bonnie's looking for a fresh start, but she didn't expect it to be with brooding--and totally gorgeous--Jacob... Family life has never been an option for Jacob--especially after his recent cancer diagnosis. Yet the Christmas magic Bonnie and Freya bring into his home makes Jacob feel more alive than ever! It's supposed to be temporary, but can Jacob really let Bonnie go?
I loved the energy of this story, from the hassle of the ward, to the quietness of their home, to the magic of Christmas time seen by the eyes of a child. I loved it.
The maternity ward daily life, the emergency calls they get, the joy of healthy babies, it all brought a huge smile on my face, just adding into the Christmas spirit of the tale. As was the mother with a child, and no place to live. How easily they made a family unit, the adorable connection Jacob formed with Freya, how he went out of his way to include her in with him and Bonnie. The unusual way Jacob and Bonnie's friendship is formed, just underlines what a good man he is, and how caring and giving his soul is. Both Bonnie and Jacob are struggling with issues of the past, Jacob is recovering from cancer, a cancer he watched his mother die from. Bonnie left Scotland behind her, to build a new life of Freya and herself, after the betrayal of her husband and a close friend. With Jacob's secrets and Bonnie's tough time with trust and hiding things from each other, the relationship they are forming, is about to get rocky. With the serious issues the characters are facing, their development, their acceptance of the reality, and learning to hope again, learning to trust and love, is shown so clearly and beautifully. I loved this story, the meaningful passage, the Christmas spirit, and the loyalty, love, and joy the characters found within each other. A perfect, lovely Christmas tale, indeed ~ Five Spoons |