Review: All I Want for Halloween by Marie Harte

All I Want for Halloween by Marie Harte
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance

ISBN: 9781492656531
Release Date: September 26, 2017
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

TONIGHT, SHE PLANS TO LET GO.

Dressed up and anonymous, Sadie Liberato feels powerful, sexy and free. Where better to lose herself than a masked party?

Gear Blackstone's cheating ex and scheming best friend have managed to spin his life into a serious downward spiral. At least with a mask on he can cut loose for one night. And cut loose he does—with the sexiest, snarkiest chick he's ever met.

After a scorching-hot encounter, Sadie and Gear are desperate to find each other in real life. But can the heat last when the masks come off?

All I Want for Halloween is anything but ordinary thanks to its unique characters. I love heroines in particular who break the mold and Marie Harte definitely delivered with Sadie. Sadie is a breath of fresh air. She’s blunt, often cranky, has no patience for BS, and isn’t exactly what you’d call a people person. I loved that she is confident and outspoken and I honestly just plain liked her. She was hurt in the past pretty badly and I was rooting for those walls around her heart to come down. Gear is her perfect match. He’s equally blunt and grouchy and has also been burned in the past by people he trusted. Nevertheless, he falls fast and hard for Sadie and doesn’t give up even when she’s wary of trusting him with her heart. I loved that these two wonderfully flawed characters actually like things about one another that others might not. Their romance is not only seriously hot, it’s fun.

The road to happily ever after isn’t always a smooth ride for Sadie and Gear, but luckily for them they both have family on hand to support them when the going gets tough. Neither the Liberato nor the Blackstone clan is your average family, and I adored that about them. The entire cast (discounting evil exes and backstabbing former best friends) is irreverent, good-hearted, and charmed the heck out of me. I liked them all so much that I hated to say good-bye at the end of the book; I really hope Ms. Harte has stories in store for Sadie and Gear’s siblings (especially if the attraction between their brothers turns into something more). All I Want for Halloween is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Harte and it’s a total treat. I can’t wait to read more of her work.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Waiting on Wednesday: Make Me Yours by Rebecca Brooks

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights eagerly anticipated upcoming releases!

I love Rebecca Brooks's Men of Gold Mountain series. The stories are sexy and entertaining and the characters are wonderfully flawed (I have a soft spot in particular for flawed heroines). The teasers for Claire's story have me really excited to read it, which is why my Waiting on Wednesday pick this week is Make Me Yours.

Title: Make Me Yours
Series: Men of Gold Mountain, Book 4
Author: Rebecca Brooks
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen
Release Date: October 9, 2017

Book Description (from Goodreads):

Claire Collins has always been good—except when it comes to bad boys. Or one bad boy in particular: a tattooed musician as skilled with her body as he is with his guitar. But he wasn’t ready to be a father, so she left him to raise their daughter on her own. Only fate had other plans, and suddenly, Ryan is back in her life, disrupting everything. This time, though, she’s determined not to lose her heart…even if she still craves his touch.

Ryan Thomas never expects to see Claire again—especially not in a small mountain town in Washington on the last show of his comeback tour. But when the lights come on, there she is, more beautiful than ever. One incredible night with her won’t be enough… But he’ll have to prove he’s not the man he used to be, if he wants to keep her—and his family—for good.

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Review: Untold by Shannon Richard

Untold by Shannon Richard
Series: Country Roads, Book 7
Publisher: Forever Yours
Genre: Contemporary Romance

ISBN: 9781455565122
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N
Shannon Richard Reading Order

Sometimes love has a plan of its own…

Brie Davis came to Mirabelle, Florida, for one thing: the funeral of her birth mother-a woman she never had a chance to know. Now Brie must sort through her mother's life to get the answers she was denied. She plans to leave as soon as she can…except the sexy veterinarian makes Brie's pulse beat faster than she's willing to admit.

Finn Shepherd knows Brie's only in town for a short while, but he can't stay away. Instead he finds himself looking for more reasons to keep her close. Finn's already had his fair share of heartbreak, yet Brie makes him want to take that risk again. Now all Finn has to do is convince her to take a chance on him…before she disappears from his life forever.

Shannon Richard’s Country Roads comes to a close with the heartwarming Untold. Finn and Brie’s story has everything I’ve come to expect from Ms. Richard’s books: a sweet (with a dash of spice) romance, endearing characters, and a story that can tug on your heartstrings at the most unexpected moments.

Finn Shepherd had his heart broken eight years ago and he’s never wanted to risk that kind of pain again. Then Brie Davis comes into town and just plain knocks him off his feet. Brie is in Mirabelle for the funeral of her birth mother – the infamous Bethelda Grimshaw. Brie never knew the woman, but now she’s inherited everything, including some animosity from people Bethelda hurt. Brie is a charming heroine with a good heart and a deep-seated need to know where she came from. I adored her from the first and wanted her to find happiness in Mirabelle and with Finn. Finn is a caring, loving, sexy hero whose past has made him wary of entering a relationship. When he and Brie decide to enter a no strings attached affair while she’s in town, it’s clear that these two are going to find themselves entangled sooner rather than later. Finn and Brie fit like lock and key; they’re truly perfect for each other on every level. I loved watching them fall into a relationship and fall in love almost without realizing it. Their romance is by turns sweet and sensual and I was rooting for them to get the happily ever after they so deserved.

Untold is the seventh full-length book in the Country Roads series and though it can be read as a standalone, there are some minor spoilers for the previous books in the series. As a fan of the series, I was thrilled to briefly visit with past Country Roads heroes and heroines and see where they are now. Ms. Richard also gave me something I didn’t know I wanted: a look into the life of Bethelda Grimshaw. I absolutely hated Bethelda in previous books because she was so cruel. Learning about her alongside Brie ended up tugging on my heartstrings more than I expected. Ms. Richard doesn’t excuse Bethelda’s actions in any way, but I really did like getting a greater understanding of the character.

I’ve enjoyed getting to know the residents of Mirabelle throughout the Country Roads series. While I’m sad to see the series come to a close, Finn and Brie’s romance is really a great ending. Untold is simply a lovely story from beginning to end.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: Going Dark by Monica McCarty

Going Dark by Monica McCarty
Series: The Lost Platoon, Book 1
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Romantic Suspense

ISBN: 9780399587702
Release Date: September 5, 2017
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

Like Rome’s Lost Legion, a SEAL platoon goes on a mission and vanishes without a trace.

After walking into a trap on a covert op in Russia, the men from top secret SEAL Team Nine are presumed dead. Not knowing whom they can trust, and with war hanging in the balance, the survivors must go dark and scatter around the globe.

Marine ecologist Annie Henderson joins her new boyfriend on a trip to the Western Isles of Scotland to protest a hazardous offshore drilling venture. When she realizes that she may be swept up in something far more dangerous than she’d intended, there is only one man she can turn to…

She and the mysterious but sexy dive boat captain haven’t exactly gotten off to the best start, but something about his quiet confidence makes her think that he’s the kind of man she can depend on. Because he’s gruff and guarded, she can tell Dan Warren has secrets. But she could never imagine how high the stakes are for him to keep his cover, even as he risks everything to protect her…

When things go horribly wrong on a mission in Russia, the surviving members of SEAL Team Nine are ordered to scatter and go dark. It’s been two months since everything went to hell, and Senior Chief Dean Baylor is now living under the radar in Scotland, working as a dive boat captain. He doesn’t need any complications, especially if they come in the form of beautiful marine ecologist Annie Henderson. Annie is on the Isle of Lewis to protest a potentially hazardous offshore drilling venture, but when she learns the activists she arrived with are up to something dangerous, she has no one to turn to for help except for the even more dangerous looking dive boat captain. It’s the second time in two months that things go south for Dean, but he’s not about to let anything happen to Annie, even if it means risking blowing his cover.

Monica McCarty starts off her Lost Platoon series with a bang. Going Dark is an intense, interesting, and engaging romantic suspense. I’ve enjoyed Ms. McCarty’s historical romances in the past, so I was thrilled to discover that she’s every bit as adept when it comes to romantic suspense.

What sets Going Dark apart from a lot of the military romances I’ve read lately is the characters. Badass heroes are a dime a dozen, but while the members of SEAL Team Nine are definitely strong alphas, they’re not over the top (which I was grateful for). Dean is a strong, resourceful, straight-shooting conservative hero. He’s both sexy and endearing, but he doesn’t have the best opinion of people like Annie, who he considers liberal academics in their ivory towers. Annie is a liberal vegetarian marine ecologist who is an idealist at heart. Though she can be naïve, Annie won me over because she truly has a good heart and is trying to make the world a better place. The two seem like total opposites, but they actually fit one another perfectly. I loved that they were able to discuss their different ideologies and that they actually listened to one another when they were disagreeing. Ms. McCarty did a great job of showing where Dean and Annie came from and the events that shaped them and their beliefs. It’s not an easy thing to do, particularly given the current political climate, which is why this really stood out to me. I read most of Going Dark in one sitting because I really enjoyed the dynamic between Dean and Annie.

The suspense plotline involving eco-terrorists balanced out the romance and kept the story moving at a good pace. While I enjoyed this storyline, I’m definitely more invested in the overarching series plot. I want to know who betrayed SEAL Team Nine and why. One of the people looking for answers is Colt, a former member of Dean’s platoon. The subplot involving Colt and his ex-wife, Kate, had me on the edge of my seat. The two of them made such a strong impression that they almost threatened to steal the show. I say almost, because Dean and Annie were definitely the heart and soul of the story and they really left a good impression on me. I finished Going Dark a well-satisfied reader and I cannot wait to see what Ms. McCarty has in store for the rest of the Lost Platoon.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: Under Pressure by Cathryn Fox

Under Pressure by Cathryn Fox
Series: Dossier, Book 3
Publisher: Entangled: Scorched
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance

ISBN: 9781974565368
Release Date: September 4, 2017
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

Veterinarian, Reese Scott can't believe it when her dossier contains vouchers to Mexico to go cage diving with sharks. And when not being intimidated by sea creatures, she's supposed to be having hot monkey sex with a stranger. So why would her best friend Cole Rayburn be involved in her adventure?

Except when Cole takes his shirt off, and she sees he's filled out in all the right places, she can't help but want a closer look…touch. Too bad he'll always see her as the tomboy from next door. When she finds herself inside a shark cage and in his arms, she knows she has to do something about it.

But what if she tries to seduce her best friend and he rejects her? More importantly…what if he doesn't?

Under Pressure is a fast-paced, seriously hot friends-to-lovers romance. As that is one of my favorite romance tropes, I was eager to dive into Reese and Cole’s story. Author Cathryn Fox did not disappoint – Under Pressure was the perfect mix of sweetness and spice.

Reese and Cole have been best friends for years, but each is too fearful of damaging their friendship to let on how much they want the other. An adventure-filled vacation is just the push they need to take the leap from friends to something much more. Ms. Fox did a great job of establishing Reese and Cole’s bond in a short amount of time. Because Cole and Reese do have such a strong foundation, it’s not unbelievable that they fall in love so quickly as they’re pretty much there to begin with. There’s no false drama in the story (which I appreciated), only two people understandably wary of damaging the most important relationship in their lives.

As individuals, Cole and Reese are incredibly likeable. As a couple, they are smokin’ hot with excellent chemistry in bed and out. And when you add in that they can also be quite sweet together, it’s easy to see why they’re such an easy couple to root for. All in all, Under Pressure is a quick and sexy romance that will leave you smiling. I adored Cole and Reese and I’m looking forward to more of Ms. Fox’s Dossier tales.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: My Fair Lover by Nicole Jordan

My Fair Lover by Nicole Jordan
Series: Legendary Lovers, Book 5
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genre: Historical Romance

ISBN: 9780553392579
Release Date: August 29, 2017
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

Lady Katherine Wilde believes she has crushed any lingering romantic feelings toward Brandon Deverill, who spurned her six years ago. And now that the rough-edged rogue needs polishing to claim his inheritance, she’s willing to strike a practical bargain: Kate will mold the brash privateer into an acceptable English nobleman if Deverill will safeguard her from brigands on a voyage to recover lost family treasure. However, the soul-melting kiss that seals their agreement just may reignite blazing passion.

Brandon’s fortitude was sorely tested when he turned Kate away from his bed all those years ago. Even a rake such as he wouldn’t seduce an innocent beauty before sailing into battle. But now that he’s inherited a title and must take a suitable bride, he sets his sights on Kate. Though he fiercely desires her, true love is a notion that baffles him—until their adventure turns perilous and Brandon realizes he’d gladly trade his life to save the woman who has captured his heart.

Six years ago Lady Katherine Wilde was in love with Brandon Deverill and attempted to seduce him. At the time he was about to leave to fight in a war against the British, so Deverill chose to do the honorable thing and turn her away. Now there’s peace between their countries and Deverill has inherited a title, which means he needs a suitable wife. Who better to find him a wife than consummate matchmaker Kate Wilde? Kate agrees to his plan in exchange for Deverill taking her to France and helping her search for what’s left of the ship her parents died on. She will model Deverill into the ideal English gentleman and introduce him to the perfect candidates for matrimony. What she doesn’t know is that he has no plans to mold himself into the perfect husband for some strange woman – he fully plans on seducing and wedding Kate. All he needs to do is convince her to give him a second chance and they could have a love that is truly legendary.

The ultimate matchmaker finally meets her match in My Fair Lover. Though this fifth book in Nicole Jordan’s Legendary Lovers series gives a few nods to the story of Pygmalion, Kate and Deverill’s story is more of a second chance romance than a twist on a literary legend. As I happen to be a sucker for a good second chance romance, I didn’t really mind this, particularly since My Fair Lover started out with such promise.

Deverill and Kate have fantastic chemistry at the start of the book. She is determined to be proper and not to let him seduce her, while he is equally determined to tempt her, challenge her, and ultimately win her back. Their back-and-forth was charming and the dialogue was flirty and fun. But once things started to get steamy between Kate and Deverill, the book, well, lost its steam. The obstacles in the way of their happily ever after – both internal and external – felt a bit forced as it was clear the two were meant to be together, wanted to be together, and the reasons they weren’t were fairly thin. The snappy connection that characterized Kate and Deverill’s relationship in the beginning gave way to sensual scenes that were entertaining but not as original or fun. In addition, the storyline involving Kate’s search for her parents’ sunken ship, a pirate with a grudge against Deverill, and the pirate’s lovelorn mistress just fell flat. Perhaps a shorter format would have served the characters better, but as it stands Kate and Deverill were delightful together and I was rooting for them to get their happily ever after. So while My Fair Lover had its ups and downs for me, I did finish the story a satisfied reader.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: Compromised in Paradise by Samanthe Beck

Compromised in Paradise by Samanthe Beck
Series: Compromise Me, Book 3
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance

ISBN: 9781974565627
Release Date: August 28, 2017
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

Stressed out hotel heiress Arden St. Sebastian is in Maui for one thing and one thing only. Work. But when the hottie at the bar buys her a drink to end all frilly umbrella-and-glow stick drinks, she can't help but accept his unspoken invitation. When they get back to her villa, however, and the sexy moment of truth arrives, she can't…quite…get there. Again.

ER resident Nick Bancroft can handle a night of fun, anonymous sex, but he draws the line at a fake orgasm. He makes his mystery woman a deal. He'll take care of her little stress-induced orgasm problem if she'll spend the next six days exploring the island with him, no questions asked.

A week of island relaxation on the arm of the sexiest man she's ever met? Arden's game. As long as she keeps her identity secret, she's got nothing to lose…except her heart.

Arden St. Sebastian has nearly reached her breaking point. Between playing intermediary for her parents and constantly fielding calls and texts from her father interfering in her personal and professional life, Arden is constantly stressed. So when she spies an incredibly gorgeous man while in Maui for work, she decides it’s time for a little play. Arden was recently burned by a boyfriend who tried to use and blackmail her, so she’s wary of letting this handsome stranger know her identity. So why not enjoy a little fantasy? No names, just one night of fun. Except she’s under so much stress that when things get hot, she isn’t able to fully, well, enjoy it.

Nick Bancroft has no problem going along with the stunning mystery woman’s plan. But when he realizes she’s faking it, he offers her a deal: he’ll help her with her problem if she’ll give him six days of relaxing and exploring Maui. If he succeeds, she’ll tell him her real name. If not, they can part strangers. Only things get more complicated once they realize that their island fling is starting to feel like something more.

Compromised in Paradise is h-o-t HOT. Samanthe Beck has delivered the ultimate fantasy vacation in Arden and Nick’s story. It’s a sensual, fun, wonderfully entertaining read.

Arden and Nick are both incredibly likeable characters, which makes it easy to fall into their romance. Past experience – and multiple reminders of what happened from her father – has made Arden wary of trusting someone to want her, not her name and connections. As for Nick, his past has made him sell himself short when it comes to relationships. While neither of them is looking for more than a one-night stand, when they start their adventure it’s clear that it won’t be long before they’re falling in love. The two of them have fantastic chemistry that makes the pages of Compromised in Paradise fly by. Their erotic adventures are seriously steamy – Nick definitely knows how to show a lady around Maui. But the quieter moments are just as important as the two of them come to realize that a few days in paradise will never be enough.

Compromised in Paradise is the third book in the Compromise Me series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. Fans of the first book, Compromising Her Position, will delight in getting a brief visit with Rafe St. Sebastian (the scenes with him and Arden make me smile). I’ve adored every book by Samanthe Beck that I’ve read and Compromised in Paradise is no exception. It’s sexy, flirty, and just plain fun to read.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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