Review: Bad Boyfriend by K. A. Mitchell

Bad Boyfriend by K. A. Mitchell
Series: Bad in Baltimore, Book 2
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Male/Male Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9781609286224
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link

For ten years, Quinn kept his partner’s secret while Peter stayed firmly in the closet. In return, he gets sucker punched by Peter when he informs Quinn that he not only cheated on him, but that he is leaving Quinn to marry the woman he got pregnant. Quinn, who has been a part of Peter’s family for a long time, is expected to put up a good front and keep Peter’s secret. Quinn dutifully does…until he’s asked to be the baby’s godfather. With the baptism only a day away, Quinn has had enough. He’s going to show up and make a statement – and what better statement can there be than showing up with the young, gorgeous, eyeliner-wearing guy he picks up at a club?

Eli is nothing like Peter, which doesn’t just mean good things for Quinn in bed. Eli’s quick, kinky and can put on a good show. He convinces Peter’s family that he and Quinn are madly in love. What neither man expects is for Eli’s lie to slowly turn to truth. But each man has baggage from their past that just might ruin their shot at a future.

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” is a saying that holds true for both heroes in BAD BOYFRIEND. Author K.A. Mitchell puts both Quinn and Eli through the wringer, but manages to do so without ever dragging the buoyant BAD BOYFRIEND down. Quinn has a horrible ex that definitely deserves to be punched – repeatedly. Eli’s background is even harder. He’s been on his own since high school when his parents threw him out for being gay. He’s made his own way in the world, refusing to play by any rules but his own and – when he’s with Quinn – he is never anyone but his true self. I love all these things about Eli. Ms. Mitchell broke my heart and then made me smile with both Eli and Quinn. It was easy to become invested in BAD BOYFRIEND because I wanted these two to get the happily ever after they deserve with one another. The only thing that pulled me out of the story a bit was the emphasis on the age gap between Eli and Quinn. Quinn is thirty-five to Eli’s not-quite-twenty-three, but maturity-wise, they aren’t too far apart. Still, a number of people – including those that know Eli best – harped on their ages which drew me out of the story after a while. It didn’t lessen my interest in Eli and Quinn’s love story, however.

BAD BOYFRIEND shines when Ms. Mitchell focuses on her heroes, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t secondary characters worth smiling over. Kellan and Nate, the heroes of Ms. Mitchell’s first BAD IN BALTIMORE book, BAD COMPANY, are there for Eli when he needs them the most. You don’t have to read BAD COMPANY to enjoy BAD BOYFRIEND, but if you have, you’ll no doubt enjoy – as I did – revisiting Kellan and Nate.

BAD BOYFRIEND is a fast-paced, entertaining romance with red-hot love scenes and two heroes who are sure to win readers’ hearts. I adored this book, and I can’t wait to re-read Eli and Quinn’s story soon!


Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here with permission from Romance Junkies.

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Sunday in Review

It’s update time again :)

Below are the newest reviews I’ve written here and on Joyfully Reviewed. The master list and categorical lists on the right-hand side are updated as well.

Reviews for upcoming releases:
- Once Upon a Tower by Eloisa James (available 5/28/13)
- Lover Be Mine (Legendary Lovers, Book 2) by Nicole Jordan (available 5/28/13)
- It Had to Be You (Lucky Harbor, Book 7) by Jill Shalvis (available 5/28/13)
- How to Tame Your Duke by Juliana Gray (available 6/4/13)
- What the Duke Desires (The Duke’s Men, Book 1) by Sabrina Jeffries (available 6/18/13)

All other new reviews:
- Legacy (The League of Illusion, Book 1) by Vivi Anna
- Wicked as She Wants (Blud, Book 2) by Delilah S. Dawson
- Merger to Marriage (Boardrooms & Billionaires, Book 2) by Addison Fox
- How to Pursue a Princess (The Duchess Diaries, Book 2) by Karen Hawkins
- The Brazen Amazon (Alliance of the Amazons, Book 3) by Sandy James
- The Devil’s Heart (The Chattan Curse, Book 3) by Cathy Maxwell

Upcoming reviews:
- Rise of the Gryphon (Belador, Book 4) by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love
- Don’t Bite the Bridesmaid by Tiffany Allee
- Skies of Steel (The Ether Chronicles, Book 3) by Zoë Archer
- The Seduction of Elliot McBride (Highland Pleasures, Book 5) by Jennifer Ashley
- Mystery Man (Dream Man, Book 1) by Kristen Ashley
- Wild Man (Dream Man, Book 2) by Kristen Ashley
- Skinny Bitch in Love by Kim Barnouin
- Down for the Count (Dare Me, Book 1) by Christine Bell
- Down and Dirty (Dare Me, Book 2) by Christine Bell
- Flirting with Rescue by Sidney Bristol
- Nerds Are Freaks Too by Koko Brown
- Lover Unexpected by Brindle Chase
- Ninja Cupcakes by T.A. Chase
- How to Ravish a Rake (How to Series, Book 3) by Vicky Dreiling
- Soul Weaver by Hailey Edwards
- Some Like It Hot (Rising Star Chef, Book 2) by Louisa Edwards
- Hot Under Pressure (Rising Star Chef, Book 3) by Louisa Edwards
- A Beginner’s Guide to Rakes by Suzanne Enoch
- Just in Time (Alaskan Nights, Book 3) by Addison Fox
- Cowboy Take Me Away (Rainbow Valley, Book 1) by Jane Graves
- Trouble at the Wedding (Abandoned at the Altar, Book 3) by Laura Lee Guhrke
- Lust After Death (Love-Bots, Book 1) by Daisy Harris
- Studenstein (Love-Bots, Book 2) by Daisy Harris
- One Night Steined (Love-Bots, Book 3) by Daisy Harris
- Hotter Than Ever (Out of Uniform, Book 9) by Elle Kennedy
- Midnight Games (Killer Instincts, Book 3) by Elle Kennedy
- Time Untime (Dark Hunters, Book 22) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
- True by Erin McCarthy
- Kiss of Steel (London Steampunk, Book 1) by Bec McMaster
- Keeping Secrets in Seattle by Brooke Moss
- Blood Persuasion (Immortal Jane Austen, Book 2) by Janet Mullany
- Educating Elizabeth by Kate Pearce
- Redeeming Jack by Kate Pearce
- Raw Desire by Kate Pearce
- Soul Sucker by Kate Pearce
- Blind Her with Bliss (Tilling Passions, Book 1) by Nina Pierce
- Nights of Steel (The Ether Chronicles, Book 4) by Nico Rosso
- Elemental Heat by Cristal Ryder
- Rock-Hard Heat by Cristal Ryder
- Finn’s Redemption by Sierra Summers
- Sully’s Sweet Salvation by Sierra Summers
- Trust in Me (Rancho Del Cielo, Book 5) by Dee Tenorio
- Primal Law (Alpha Pack, Book 1) by J.D. Tyler
- Easy by Tammara Webber

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Review: It Had to Be You by Jill Shalvis

It Had to Be You by Jill Shalvis
Series: Lucky Harbor, Book 7
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: May 28, 2013
ISBN: 9781455521128
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N
Jill Shalvis Reading Order

There’s bad luck and then there’s the kind of luck Ali Winters has been having. In just one day she finds out her boyfriend’s been cheating on her, she’s about to be kicked out of her home, and almost the entire town thinks she’s stolen fifty thousand dollars. Ali’s at her wit’s end and has no idea how to go about either clearing her name or finding a new place to live. She gets the surprise of her life when she receives a helping hand from a sexy San Francisco police officer.

Detective Lieutenant Luke Hanover has come to Lucky Harbor for some peace and quiet in the wake of a tragedy. What he finds is a gorgeous B&E perp in the middle of his kitchen. Luke doesn’t want a houseguest, but there’s just something about Ali he can’t resist. And even though he’s on vacation from the force, he soon finds himself neck-deep in Ali’s case. Luke only plans on staying in Lucky Harbor for three weeks, but the longer he’s around Ali, the stronger the pull to stay becomes.

The Lucky Harbor series is pure magic! With every book I know that Jill Shalvis is going to make me smile, even before I crack open the cover. It Had to Be You is no exception; it’s a wildly entertaining story filled with characters I adored and a romance that hits all the right notes.

Ali’s a bright, cheerful heroine anyone would love to have as a friend, which makes her a fabulous heroine. She’s had a string of bad luck and I spent much of It Had to Be You hoping she’d catch a break. Luke hasn’t had it easy either. He’s a man who needs to make peace with his past in order to have the future he deserves. As a pair, Luke and Ali are dynamic and the sparks they strike off one another are red-hot and lots of fun.

It Had to Be You is the seventh book in the Lucky Harbor series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. A few past heroes and heroines appear in the story, most notably Sheriff Sawyer Thompson of Head Over Heels. The Lucky Harbor series has primarily been groups of trilogies and It Had to Be You kicks off the newest trio of romances. While Luke and Ali are the heart of It Had to Be You, their best friends Jack and Leah did steal a few scenes and have me on the edge of my seat as I wait for the next Lucky Harbor book, Always On My Mind.

Ms. Shalvis has created something truly special with her Lucky Harbor series and It Had to Be You showcases exactly why I find these books irresistible. It Had to Be You is warm, funny, and quite simply a joy to read.

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Waiting on Wednesday: Perfect Fling by Carly Phillips

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

I adore Carly Phillips's Serendipity's Finest series, but after reading the excerpt for Perfect Fling, I'm REALLY excited to read this book. Smart good girl and sexy bad boy? Yes, please :)

Title: Perfect Fling
Series: Serendipity's Finest, Book 2
Author: Carly Phillips
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Jove
Release Date: July 30, 2013

Book Description (from Goodreads):

Erin … The Good Girl
Assistant District Attorney, Erin Marsden, is Serendipity’s quintessential good girl. The only daughter of the ex-police chief, she has never made a misstep, content with her quiet, predictable life … or so she thinks. Until Cole Sanders returns to town with heated interest in his eyes and shadows in his past.

Cole … The Bad Boy
After seven years of deep undercover work in New York City, Cole returns to Serendipity to help his aging father and to find his moral compass once more. Not to get involved with wholesome Erin Marsden. Even as a rebellious teen, he knew a girl like Erin was off limits and that hasn’t changed. But neither one of them can resist their off-the-charts chemistry and a one night stand brings complications neither Erin nor Cole expected.

The Attraction … Off the Charts!
Then Erin’s current case plunges her into a killer’s crosshairs. With more at stake than anyone knows, Erin succumbs to Cole’s take-charge attitude. As a bodyguard, he’s the best. As a lover, he’s even better. But there’s more than the matter of Erin’s safety at stake. And Cole must forgive the sins of his past and prove to himself – and to Erin – that he’s capable of the love and the forever she – and their baby – desperately need.

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Review: Hex Appeal anthology

Hex Appeal by Ilona Andrews, Jim Butcher, Rachel Caine, Carole Nelson Douglas, P.N. Elrod, Simon R. Green, Lori Handeland, Erica Hayes, and Carrie Vaughn
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Genre: Urban Fantasy
ISBN: 9780312590727
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link
Ilona Andrews Reading Order

“Retribution Clause” by Ilona Andrews
When a successful — and much hated — lawyer murders his wife, POM insurance adjusters Adam and Siroun are called upon to fulfill the “retribution clause” in the dead woman’s insurance policy. But nothing is simple in post-shift Philadelphia; not even for insurance adjusters. And completing their obligation just might cost Adam his life.

I confess, I picked up the Hex Appeal anthology for this story. Set in the world of Ilona Andrews’s Kate Daniels series, “Retribution Clause” follows Adam, a frost giant and cousin to the Kate Daniels character Saiman, and his partner Siroun, a woman who is more than what she seems. Like all of Ilona Andrews’s stories, “Retribution Clause” is filled with vivid imagery and fascinating twists and turns of the imagination. Siroun and Adam were interesting characters and the dynamic of their partnership was fantastic, making their story an irresistible read. Here’s hoping Siroun and Adam make their way to Kate’s Atlanta, because “Retribution Clause” left me wanting to see more of these two.


“Holly’s Balm” by Rachel Caine
Resurrection witch Holly Caldwell has a strong stomach, but the case she’s helping out with is one of the most gruesome she’s ever seen. A serial killer is bringing his victims back from the dead so that he can torture and murder them all over again. If hunting a murderer wasn’t difficult enough, a twist in the case has potentially deadly consequences for Holly’s lover, the recently resurrected Andy Toland.

I absolutely loved “Holly’s Balm.” Author Rachel Caine has penned a unique story that made me eager to snap up Holly and Andy’s first story, “Death Warmed Over.” At the heart of “Holly’s Balm” is Andy and Holly’s relationship. Holly constantly feels like her relationship with Andy is running on borrowed time and the sense of urgency, the specter of potential loss, had me avidly turning the pages of the story, desperate to see if things would work out for Holly and Andy. The case Holly and Andy are thrown into is undeniably horrid. Ms. Caine throws intriguing twists and turns into the story throughout this case and the building adrenaline makes for one heck of a climax to “Holly’s Balm.” I finished the story a well-satisfied reader and I cannot wait to read more of Ms. Caine’s work.


“Outside the Box” by P. N. Elrod
Marsha Goldfarb is a low-level witch working for The Company, and it’s her job to register and help orient new vampires. But for Marsha and her vampire partner Ellinghaus, what should have been a regular night at work turns into something far more complicated.

Even vampires and witches can’t escape bureaucracy in P. N. Elrod’s world. I liked the premise of “Outside the Box”and found myself wanting to learn more about The Company and the various kinds of vampires mentioned in this story. “Outside the Box” is a bit of a slow-starter, but when it picks up it’s an engaging read. There’s definite chemistry between Marsha and Ellinghaus and I’d really like to read more about these two.


“The Arcane Art of Misdirection” by Carrie Vaughn
Blackjack dealer Julie had thought she’d seen it all, but for the past two nights someone’s been cheating at her table and she can’t figure out how. If that wasn’t strange enough, Vegas magician Odysseus Grant shows up and shows her that there’s more to the world than meets the eye. Julie’s life will never be the same.

Illusions abound in “The Arcane Art of Misdirection.” I loved the concept that there’s magic all around us, only that we miss it because we don’t expect to see it. Julie and Grant’s hunt to find a cheater with magical powers is utterly engaging and Carrie Vaughn’s writing made me feel like I was actually in the story alongside Julie and Grant.

Odysseus Grant is a character in Ms. Vaughn’s Kitty Norville series, and I have to say, I liked both him and Ms. Vaughn’s writing style enough that I’m definitely adding the first Kitty Norville book to my “to be bought” list. Here’s hoping Ms. Vaughn brings Julie into the series as well, for she and Grant are a great pair with lots of potential.


Hex Appeal is an urban fantasy sampler that is sure to please fans of its nine authors and should provide great introductions to the work of the authors whom readers are unfamiliar with. Almost all of the stories in Hex Appeal appear to come from established series, but having only read Ilona Andrews’s Kate Daniels series and Erica Hayes’s Shadowfae Chronicles I can safely say that most of the stories can be read as standalones. The only one in which I felt like I was missing something by not reading the series was Carole Nelson Douglas’s “Snow Job.”

Aside from the four stories highlighted in this review, there are five more diverse worlds to explore, including a Dresden Files short story from genre heavy hitter Jim Butcher, a rather unusual — to someone who has not read the series — Nightside offering from Simon R. Green, Delilah Street and Phoenix Chronicles stories from Carole Nelson Douglas and Lori Handeland respectively, and a sassy Shadowfae Chronicles adventure from Erica Hayes. All in all, I recommend Hex Appeal to urban fantasy enthusiasts — it’s a satisfying collection that whets the appetite for more.


Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here with permission from Romance Junkies.

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Waiting on Wednesday: Decadence by Riley Shane

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

I love Riley Shane's work and Bed, Breakfast and Bondage might just be one of my favorites of hers. So it's no surprise that I'm looking forward to the release of Decadence, which is about the hero and heroine of Bed, Breakfast and Bondage. Even better, all books in Loose Id's Spring Fling line are free the first week of release :)

Title: Decadence
Series: Emerald Valley, Book 1.5
Author: Riley Shane
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Loose Id
Release Date: May 21, 2013
Riley Shane Reading Order

Book Description (from Goodreads):

One secret...
Anaya Levi loves her life. She’s the innkeeper and co-owner of Emerald Valley Bed & Breakfast, she has a successful side job as a photographer, and best of all, she’s married to her soul mate, sexy celebrity chef Devlin Levi. Then Naya’s orderly world is turned upside down with the news that she’s pregnant.

One night...
Though she wants a child desperately, having one this soon wasn’t in her plans and it’s making her panic. To make matters worse, she hasn’t told her husband yet. Before she does, Naya needs to connect with her husband in a way their workaholic schedules just haven’t allowed.

One decadent surprise.
Sex, chocolate, and a favorite pair of handcuffs ensure that this is a night neither Naya nor Devlin will ever forget. But how will Devlin react to the news that their lives are about to change forever?

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Teaser Tuesday: Down for the Count by Christine Bell

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I'm reading a couple of books at the moment, but I couldn't resist posting this very funny teaser from Christine Bell's Down for the Count. Props to the heroine for keeping it together long enough to deliver a stinging set-down.

Teaser:
"What it looks like is that you’re having sex with one of my oldest friends in the linen closet of our reception hall. Unless, of course, she’s lost something in her vagina and you were gallant enough to try and fish it out for her. With your penis. If that’s the case, I suggest using a larger lure."
*Down for the Count (Dare Me, Book 1) by Christine Bell, page 7


Book Description:

Truth or dare...

When Lacey Garrity finds her groom in flagrante delicto in the reception hall closet with her bridesmaid, she’s saved by her best friend’s older brother—childhood tormentor, crush, and boxing bad boy Galen Thomas. Galen’s solution is both exciting and dangerous. What better way to forget the mess of her life than go on her honeymoon with a hot guy who can’t promise anything beyond today?

...or TKO?

Galen had been counting on Lacey’s wedding to put her out of reach—and out of his mind—once and for all, but their steamy Puerto Rican escape is testing all his boundaries. Now that Lacey’s embracing her inner bad girl, Galen is tempted to throw in the towel and claim her for himself. But with the biggest fight of his career on the line and an important business merger threatening to derail Lacey’s resolve, their romance might be down for the count before it even begins.

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Review: Merger to Marriage by Addison Fox

Merger to Marriage by Addison Fox
Series: Boardrooms & Billionaires, Book 2
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9781622660919
Release Date: May 13, 2013
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N
Addison Fox Reading Order

Mayson McBride has never been one to walk on the wild side. However, when Mayson meets Holt Turner — the handsome best friend of her new brother-in-law — at her sister’s wedding, she throws caution to the wind for a single night. It was the perfect night…until Mayson realizes that her plan for no-strings-attached sex had some life-changing consequences.

Holt can’t get Mayson out of his mind, but when he sees her again a few months after their one-night stand he’s shocked to learn that he’s going to be a father. For Holt, Mayson’s pregnancy sparks a need for permanency he’s never felt before. But Mayson doesn’t want a merger of a marriage, she wants love. Can Holt convince her there’s more between them than a baby? He might not have a chance, if someone from his past has their way…

Merger to Marriage is flirty, fun, and wholly entertaining. Author Addison Fox drew me into Mayson and Holt’s story from the very first page and I found myself devouring the tale in one fell swoop.

Mayson and Holt are two people brought together first by passion and then by the results of said passion. Though the news came as a shock to both of them, I like that both Mayson and Holt handled the surprise pregnancy in an adult manner. Holt’s desire to marry Mayson and protect her from his mother’s machinations is logical, particularly since Ms. Fox shows how ragingly manipulative his mother is. Though Holt screws up from time to time, I was rooting for him to realize he loves Mayson and wants to marry her for emotional as well as practical reasons. As for Mayson, she’s a heroine I have to adore. She’s smart, caring, and doesn’t back down from a fight. She and Holt are a great pair and the chemistry they have is palpable all throughout Merger to Marriage. The only thing that kept Merger to Marriage from being the perfect read (to me) was the plotline involving Holt’s mother. While I found this storyline to be interesting, the resolution of it was rushed and took place primarily offstage, which left me feeling a bit disappointed.

Merger to Marriage is the second book in Ms. Fox’s Boardrooms & Billionaires series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. Though I haven’t read the first book, Tempting Acquisitions, after finishing Merger to Marriage I’ll definitely be picking up Keira McBride’s story. I love all three McBride sisters and their relationship was every bit as compelling as the romance between Holt and Mayson. All in all, I recommend Merger to Marriage. Ms. Fox is an author whose books I adore and I can’t wait to read more about the fabulous McBrides!

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Waiting on Wednesday: Midnight Games by Elle Kennedy

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

I LOVE Elle Kennedy's Killer Instincts series* - it's dark, gritty, and completely irresistible. The fact that Ms. Kennedy has been building up to Trevor and Isabel's story since book 1... Well, that just makes me want Midnight Games even more.


*I confess, I love all of Elle Kennedy's books.

Title: Midnight Games
Series: Killer Instincts, Book 3
Author: Elle Kennedy
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Signet
Release Date: August 6, 2013
Elle Kennedy Reading Order

Book Description (from Goodreads):

She wears a thousand deadly identities. He sees through them all.

A master of disguise, Isabel Roma spends her life pretending to be other women. Normally, her emotions are reined in tight—but sexy mercenary Trevor Callaghan has a knack for getting under her skin. The elite operative’s quiet strength and raw magnetism affect her in ways she’s never felt before, a distraction that can quickly turn deadly in their dangerous line of work.

After putting his tragic past behind him, Trevor is ready to focus on his future—and he damn well intends for Isabel to be in it. When their entire operation is thrown into chaos, Trevor enlists Isabel’s talent for deception. And as they attempt to save their team in a world where the stakes are high and the danger is grave, Trevor must convince Isabel that the woman beneath all the disguises is the one worth having...

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Addison Fox Book Order

Click on series title to jump to a particular reading order:

Alaskan Nights
Boardrooms & Billionaires
Dangerous in Dallas
The House of Steele
Sons of The Zodiac

Alaskan Nights

Genre: Contemporary Romance

1. Baby It's Cold Outside
Walker Montgomery and Sloan McKinley
My Review

2. Come Fly With Me
Mick O’Shaughnessy and Grier Thompson
My Review

2.5. From This Moment On
Jason and Kate

3. Just In Time
Roman Forsyth and Avery Marks
My Review


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Boardrooms & Billionaires

Genre: Contemporary Romance

1. Tempting Acquisitions
Nathan Cooper and Keira McBride

2. Merger to Marriage
Holt Turner and Mayson McBride
My Review

3. The Billionaire's Demands
Booth Harrison and Camryn McBride
My Review

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Dangerous in Dallas

Genre: Romantic Suspense

1. Silken Threats (available 2/1/15)
Tucker Buchanan and Cassidy Tate

2. Tempting Target (release date unknown)

3. Risky Business (release date unknown)

4. Dangerous in Dallas (release date unknown)


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The House of Steele

Genre: Romantic Suspense

1. The Paris Assignment
Campbell Steele and Abigail McBane

2. The London Deception
Finn Gallagher and Rowan Steele

3. The Rome Affair
Jack Andrews and Kensington Steele

4. The Manhattan Encounter
Liam Steele and Isabella Magnini


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Sons of The Zodiac

Genre: Paranormal Romance

1. Warrior Ascended
Brody Talbot and Ava Harrison

2. Warrior Avenged
Kane Montague and Ilsa

3. Warrior Betrayed
Quinn Tanner and Montana Grant

3.5. Wave of Memories
Aiden Cage and Meg

4. Warrior Enchanted
Drake Campbell and Emerson Carano


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Please note: This page was written by me, so as always, please visit the author’s website for up-to-date, author-verified information as well as for information books that have not yet been included to this list.

http://www.addisonfox.com/

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Giveaway alert: Perfect Fling by Carly Phillips

I love Carly Phillips's Serendipity's Finest series (see review for book 1, Perfect Fit, here), so I was excited to learn that Ms. Phillips is doing a giveaway on Facebook. I'm seriously hoping I win - after reading the excerpt for Perfect Fling, I'm dying to read the book.

Giveaway Link

About Perfect Fling:

In the picturesque town of Serendipity, New York, three siblings have grown up in the shadow of their proud and respected police chief father. But what do love, fate, and fortune have in store for the next generation of Serendipity’s finest?

Assistant District Attorney, Erin Marsden,is Serendipity’s quintessential good girl. The only daughter of the ex-police chief, she has never made a misstep, content with her quiet, predictable life … or so she thinks. Until Cole Sanders returns to town with heated interest in his eyes and shadows in his past.

After seven years of deep under cover work in New York City, Cole returns to Serendipity to help his aging father and to find his moral compass once more. Not to get involved with wholesome Erin Marsden. Even as a rebellious teen, he knew a girl like Erin was off limits and that hasn’t changed. But neither one of them can resist their off-the-charts chemistry and a one night stand brings complications neither Erin nor Cole expected.

The Attraction … Off the Charts!
Then Erin’s current case plunges her into a killer’s crosshairs. With more at stake than anyone knows, Erin succumbs to Cole’s take-charge attitude. As a bodyguard, he’s the best. As a lover, he’s even better. But there’s more than the matter of Erin’s safety at stake. And Cole must forgive the sins of his past and prove to himself – and to Erin – that he’s capable of the love and the forever she – and their baby – desperately need.

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Review: Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel

Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel
Series: Gone With the Respiration, Book 2
Publisher: Del Rey
Genre: YA Paranormal
ISBN: 9780345523341
Blue Ribbon Rating: 3 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link

Ever since the news that zombies exist was revealed, the people of New Victoria have been divided on whether or not the undead should be allowed to live. Nora Dearly falls into the zombie supporter camp — which wouldn’t be a surprise even if the love of her life, Bram Griswold, wasn’t a zombie. With tensions rising in New Victoria and more attacks against zombies occurring every day, it’s clear that there can be no peace for the young lovers. Nora, Bram and their allies must face off against deadly foes, both alive and undead, if they hope to keep New Victoria from falling into civil war.

Love and honor must battle prejudice, terrorism and evil in DEARLY, BELOVED. The second GONE WITH THE RESPIRATION novel is a much darker book than its predecessor, DEARLY, DEPARTED. Author Lia Habel has delved further into the fantastic world she created, raising new questions that have me looking forward to the third book in the series.

Nora, Bram and their friends must face fear and hatred from both anti-zombie humans and a faction of increasingly militant zombies. There’s a lot going on in DEARLY, BELOVED, which makes the plot difficult to succinctly describe, so I’ll leave the joy of discovery to the readers. I will say that, unlike the first book, not every event is interrelated. As a result, DEARLY, BELOVED is a bit of a slow burn book; it’s the last third of the story that is simply impossible to put down.

Ms. Habel isn’t afraid to get gritty when it comes to showing just what Nora and Bram are up against. While I appreciate Ms. Habel’s vivid storytelling — I did have a visceral reaction to the book, after all — at times I felt a bit sad reading DEARLY, BELOVED for there seemed to be no spark of hope for the characters I’d come to care about. Thankfully, Ms. Habel pulls through in the end and even though there are still so many obstacles standing in the way of Nora and Bram’s happiness, I finished the book feeling optimistic.

As I mentioned before, DEARLY, BELOVED is the second GONE WITH THE RESPIRATION book. I highly recommend reading DEARLY, DEPARTED before picking up the sequel, for DEARLY, BELOVED picks up right where the first book left off with not too much explanation of previous events.

Ms. Habel has delivered a wonderfully imaginative story with DEARLY, BELOVED and I finished the book wanting to read the next GONE WITH THE RESPIRATION book.


Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here with permission from Romance Junkies.

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Review: The Brazen Amazon by Sandy James

The Brazen Amazon by Sandy James
Series: Alliance of the Amazons, Book 3
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 9781426895456
Release Date: May 6, 2013
Buy it here: Carina Press
Sandy James Reading Order

Thwarting an Ancient with a thirst for destruction (and who has demigod helpers hell-bent on throwing the world into chaos) is all in a day’s work for Air Amazon Gina Himmel. But her latest assignment — protecting techno wiz Zach Hanson from demigods who would kill him and take his place — has an unexpected complication that throws Gina off balance. For all her experience in battle, Gina’s a novice when it comes to dealing with sexy brainiacs like Zach. The attraction is mutual, but Gina believes it’s a mistake to get involved with the man she’s supposed to be guarding. Luckily for her, Zach doesn’t agree…

The Alliance of the Amazons series just gets better and better! The Brazen Amazon features a tech geek with the desire to be something more and a tomboy Amazon who deserves a man who sees and appreciates her for who she truly is. Zach is brilliant, and his immersion in the tech world doesn’t keep him from accepting the magic-filled world Gina lives in. Gina, in turn, is confident in her position as an Amazon, but sexist ex-coworkers and preconceived notions of what it means to be a woman have made her vulnerable when it comes to her personal life. As a pair, Gina and Zach are dynamite and I adored them together (though I admit Megan and Johann from The Impetuous Amazon still have the number one spot in my heart). While Gina and Zach fell in love a bit too fast to feel completely organic, I was happy to follow these two wherever author Sandy James led them.

The Brazen Amazon is the third book in the Alliance of the Amazons series, and I definitely recommend reading The Reluctant Amazon and The Impetuous Amazon before diving into Gina and Zach’s story. Ms. James continues to build on the world she has created and the developments in The Brazen Amazon that have an impact on the series’ overarching storyline are fantastic. I can’t go into detail without spoiling the story, but I will say that there are some great twists and turns in this book that remind me why I fell in love with this series in the first place.

A host of secondary characters help further bring The Brazen Amazon to life. I enjoyed revisiting Rebecca, Artair, Megan, and Johann, and the updates Ms. James wove in about their lives were delightful. The changelings Beagan and Dolan continue to be my favorite characters in the series and this time around I actually liked the goddesses, Ix Chel, Gina’s patron goddess, in particular. The most important supporting character was, however, Sarita, the Water Amazon. Like Megan and Rebecca in the first two books, Sarita and Gina are particularly close. It was such a pleasure to learn more about Sarita and Gina in The Brazen Amazon and with the way things are shaping up, Sarita might just be my favorite Amazon of them all. I finished The Brazen Amazon wanting to dive right into Sarita’s book, The Volatile Amazon, but sadly I have to wait until it’s released. I’m looking forward to the final confrontation against the “big bad” of the series and though Ms. James hasn’t said who Sarita’s hero is, after finishing The Brazen Amazon I have my fingers crossed for a certain someone.

The Brazen Amazon is unique, interesting, and wholly entertaining. I can’t wait to see where Ms. James takes the Amazons next!

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Review: Perfect Fit by Carly Phillips

Perfect Fit by Carly Phillips
Series: Serendipity's Finest, Book 1
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9780425259719
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link

Michael Marsden has never felt like he fit in with his perfect family. But when his dad takes ill, Mike leaves his job as an undercover cop in Manhattan to take over as the temporary Chief of Police in Serendipity. Restless in his new role, Mike can’t wait to leave his hometown and get back to the anonymity of the city. Then he reconnects with someone who changes his whole way of thinking.

Months ago, Officer Cara Hartley had a one night stand with Mike. Now he’s her boss, which makes things awkward since the attraction between them burns hotter than ever. It’s not long before they find themselves in a relationship, but even though Cara knows Mike’s going to leave once his father recovers, she can’t help falling for Mike. Then a cold case she’s investigating starts unearthing secrets that could mean trouble for Mike’s family and Cara realizes that everything is about to change.

Author Carly Phillips kicks off her SERENDIPITY’S FINEST series with a PERFECT-ly wonderful romance. PERFECT FIT is an engaging, sensual and utterly addictive read.

As the title suggests, Mike and Cara are a PERFECT FIT. That doesn’t mean it’s an easy road to happily ever after for them — far from it. Mike’s got deep-seeded commitment issues stemming from insecurities he has about his place in his family. Cara, in turn, is the daughter of an abusive father and is understandably wary about relationships as an adult. Both have issues that stand in the way of their romance, but they’re realistic problems and concerns. Even though they mess up at times, the way Cara and Mike care for each other as they fall in love often brought a smile to my face. So too did Mike’s relationship with his siblings, whose stories I cannot wait to read.

The SERENDIPITY’S FINEST series is a continuation of Ms. Phillips’s SERENDIPITY series, so while PERFECT FIT can be read as a standalone, fans of the SERENDIPITY series will surely be thrilled to revisit many of their old favorite heroes and heroines. I absolutely loved seeing many of the same characters again because it made me feel like I was a part of the Serendipity community.

A dash of mystery and a subplot involving a domestic violence victim adds a darker element to PERFECT FIT and provides some action outside of Cara and Mike’s sexy romance. I adored PERFECT FIT and I’m incredibly excited to read the next book in the SERENDIPITY’S FINEST series, PERFECT FLING!


Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here with permission from Romance Junkies.

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