Saturday, October 31, 2015

Review: Unsung by Shannon Richard

Unsung by Shannon Richard
Series: Country Roads, Book 5
Publisher: Forever Yours
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9781455565108
Release Date: November 3, 2015
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N
Shannon Richard Reading Order

One Night in Nashville

Harper Laurence has been jilted on her way to the altar. Desperate for some time away from her friends and family, Harper takes off for Nashville-only to meet a hot, scruffy, tattooed stranger. A man she liked a little too much, and who left her the teeniest bit…well, pregnant.

Liam James is an up-and-coming country musician, who just found his muse. Ever since their weekend together, Liam hasn't been able to forget the curvy, vivacious woman who left him wanting more, even as she inspired some of the greatest songs he's ever written. He's determined to convince Harper that he's the guy for her…and that the best love songs can never be unsung.

Shannon Richard proves that some things are just meant to be in Unsung. The fifth Country Roads novel is a sinfully sexy story of love at first sight, second chances, and going after what you want. It’s a fantastic book that I practically devoured in one sitting, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to read because you’re sure to fall in love with Harper and Liam.

Liam is an up-and-coming county music star whose world is turned upside down when he meets Harper in a Nashville bar. Their attraction is instantaneous, but after two decadent nights together Harper takes off. She came to Nashville to forget that it was supposed to be her wedding weekend, but after forty-eight hours she knows that what she felt for her ex-fiancĂ© is nothing close to what Liam makes her feel and it terrifies her. But when Harper finds out she’s pregnant, she knows she has to face her fears and talk to Liam. And she will, just as soon as she wraps her head around the fact that her whole life is about to change.

Only fate has a trick up its sleeve – Liam’s brother is engaged to one of Harper’s friends. When Harper and Liam unexpectedly meet again at a party, everything comes out and the two of them realize that if they’re going to have a child together, they’ve got to have more to go on than desire and an instant connection. What follows is a sensual, heartwarming fall into love filled with plenty of ups and downs. Harper is a confident woman, but Liam’s growing success as singer brings a whole lot of stress – groupies, paparazzi, and a painfully obnoxious actress hoping to use Liam is a lot for anyone to take on. Add in pregnancy hormones and a relationship that’s just in its beginning stages and it’s clear that Harper and Liam will have to work hard to get that happily ever after. The realistic obstacles Harper and Liam face take Unsung from fairytale to a grounded – but equally compelling – romance.

What makes Unsung shine are its characters. Harper is a strong, confident, relatable woman who is wonderfully flawed and completely endearing. Liam is a h-o-t HOT, swoon-worthy hero with talented hands and a fantastic voice. He’s also totally head over heels for Harper in the most adorable way. Separately, they’re great characters and I’ve liked them both since meeting them in previous Country Roads stories. As a couple, they are impossible to resist and I simply could not stop reading their story.

Unsung is the fifth book in the Country Roads series, but it can be read as a standalone. Fans of the series are sure to be pleased that their favorite Country Roads heroes and heroines play strong supporting roles. I always enjoy my trips to Mirabelle, Florida, and the only complaint I have about Unsung is that I finished it wanting more Country Roads stories 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.

Shannon Richard Book Order

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


Country Roads

Country Roads

1. Undone
Brendan King and Paige Morrison

2. Undeniable
Jaxson Anderson and Grace King

3. Unstoppable
Bennett Hart and Melanie O'Bryan

4. Unforgettable
Nathanial Shepard and Hannah Sterling
My Review

4.5. Undressed
Logan James and Abby Fields
My Review

5. Unsung
Liam James and Harper Laurence
My Review

6. Uncontrollable
Tripp Black and Beth Boone

7. Untold
Finn Shepherd and Brie Davis
My Review

top


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.shannonrichard.net/

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Review: A Talent for Trickery by Alissa Johnson

A Talent for Trickery by Alissa Johnson
Series: The Thief-takers, Book 1
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Historical Romance A Talent for Trickery Cover
ISBN: 9781492620501
Release Date: November 3, 2015
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

The Lady is a Thief

Years ago, Owen Renderwell earned acclaim-and a title-for the dashing rescue of a kidnapped duchess. But only a select few knew that Scotland Yard’s most famous detective was working alongside London’s most infamous thief…and his criminally brilliant daughter, Charlotte Walker.

Lottie was like no other woman in Victorian England. She challenged him. She dazzled him. She questioned everything he believed and everything he was, and he has never wanted anyone more. And then he lost her.

Now a private detective on the trail of a murderer, Owen has stormed back into Lottie’s life. She knows that no matter what they may pretend, he will always be a man of the law and she a criminal. Yet whenever he’s near, Owen has a way of making things complicated...and long for a future that can never be theirs.

Sparks fly when a titled London investigator is forced to ask the (former) criminal he once loved for help in A Talent for Trickery . Author Alissa Johnson charmed the heck out of me with this first Thief-takers novel. Lottie and Owen’s story is bright, engaging, and filled with memorable characters who will keep you turning the pages late into the night.

Owen is an incredibly appealing hero, one who is everything that is honorable. He’s also smart enough to admit when he needs help, and he risks his own pride and heart by asking Lottie for her assistance on his current case. Though it’s been eight years, it’s clear that Owen’s feelings for Lottie are as strong as ever, and the way he sees the true her and loves Lottie for all that she is made me smile. As for Lottie, she is an endearing mix of strength and vulnerability. When she was younger, she was forced to act as her father’s accomplice; a fact which still causes her shame. In the wake of his death, she put everything she had into forging a new life for the sake of her sister and brother. Lottie is incredibly intelligent and fiercely protective of her siblings. She also still carries a torch for Owen, though she doesn’t want to admit it. Lottie wasn’t given the whole story about her father’s death and what happened immediately after, so she is wrong in hating Owen, but her logic is understandable. Their mutual attraction is palpable from the start, even though there’s distrust and wariness between them. Once the air is cleared between them, Owen and Lottie make a truly dynamic couple.

Though it’s clear Owen and Lottie fit one another like lock and key, that doesn’t mean their road to happily ever after is an easy one. Issues regarding social class and opinions on morality aren’t things that can be ignored, especially given Lottie and Owen’s respective positions. There’s also the not-so-small matter of someone who seems to be targeting the Walker family. Not all of Lottie’s father’s secrets died with him, and said secrets may or may not be tied to Owen’s current case. The mystery plotline fleshes out A Talent for Trickery, adding exciting twists and turns to the story and making it all the more compelling.

A Talent for Trickery is the first book in the Thief-takers series, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what Ms. Johnson has in store for readers with future books. If my suspicions are correct, Lottie’s intriguing sister, Esther, will get a book of her own one day and I’m truly excited – I’m not at all ready to leave the Walker family behind. If you enjoy historical romances with unusual heroines and a heartwarming love story, then you won’t want to miss A Talent for Trickery!


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.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Review: The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett

The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance The Anatomical Shape of a Heart Cover
ISBN: 9781250066459
Release Date: November 3, 2015
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N
Jenn Bennett Reading Order

Artist Beatrix Adams knows exactly how she’s spending the summer before her senior year. Determined to follow in Da Vinci’s footsteps, she’s ready to tackle the one thing that will give her an advantage in a museum-sponsored scholarship contest: drawing actual cadavers. But when she tries to sneak her way into the hospital’s Willed Body program and misses the last metro train home, she meets a boy who turns her summer plans upside down.

Jack is charming, wildly attractive…and possibly one of San Francisco’s most notorious graffiti artists. On midnight buses and city rooftops, Beatrix begins to see who Jack really is-and tries to uncover what he’s hiding that leaves him so wounded. But will these secrets come back to haunt him? Or will the skeletons in Beatrix's own family's closet tear them apart?

The Anatomical Shape of a Heart is a completely charming, utterly addictive, and – best of all – wholly unique story that’s sure to make you smile. Bex and Jack are wonderfully quirky and their spirit and heart make the pages of their book fly by.

Bex is a rising high school senior who hopes to be a medical illustrator. It’s a competitive field and she hopes to win a museum-sponsored scholarship contest by drawing real cadavers. But when she misses the last train home, she’s stuck taking the night bus. It’s there she meets Jack, another rising senior who is unlike anyone Bex has ever met. Jack is handsome, quick-witted, and unique. He’s also a notorious graffiti artist with a major secret. Their chance meeting and flirtation leads to more and soon the two are having breathtaking adventures and falling harder for one another than either could have imagined.

It’s easy to like Bex and Jack. They’re both smart, refreshingly different characters with big hearts that carry a few scars from the past. I won’t spoil the story by revealing what they’ve been through, but author Jenn Bennett gives both her protagonists fully fleshed-out histories and families that are important to the story. In fact, every character is fully-realized and beautifully drawn, imperfections and all.

The Anatomical Shape of a Heart isn’t all late-night escapades and cadaver drawings – there are family struggles, heartbreak, and consequences that have to be faced. The book tackles mental issues, divorce, and more. Most of all, the story has hope. Hope gets our hero and heroine through the dark times and makes you believe they can face any challenge on the road ahead. I loved the sense of realism imbued in the story. Ms. Bennett does a great job of mixing it with the breathless fall into love and the heady sense of adventure and freedom Bex and Jack feel when all of San Francisco is laid at their feet. Jack and Bex’s romance is joyful and completely spellbinding. I dare you not to fall for them and their tale.

Jenn Bennett is an auto-buy author for me no matter what genre she writes in. The Anatomical Shape of a Heart is Ms. Bennett’s first foray into the young adult genre and makes me believe there’s nothing she can’t write. The Anatomical Shape of a Heart made me laugh, tear up, and smile. I absolutely adored Bex and Jack and their quirky, witty, captivating romance is one I’m sure to enjoy again and again.


Note: In the UK, Australia, and New Zealand The Anatomical Shape of a Heart is titled Night Owls.

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.

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Review: What Happens Under the Mistletoe by Sabrina Jeffries, Karen Hawkins, Candace Camp, and Meredith Duran

What Happens Under the Mistletoe by Sabrina Jeffries, Karen Hawkins, Candace Camp, and Meredith Duran
Publisher: Pocket Books
Genre: Historical Romance What Happens Under the Mistletoe Cover
ISBN: 9781476786087
Release Date: October 27, 2015
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N
Sabrina Jeffries Reading Order

Stunned by the heat of an unexpected kiss on a cold winter’s eve, two strangers from vastly different worlds turn hotheaded principles into burning passion in Sabrina Jeffries’s delightful yuletide story, The Heiress and the Hothead. In the snowy Scottish countryside, Karen Hawkins’s rakish duke has an unforgettable holiday encounter in Twelve Kisses when the alluring lady he surprises under the mistletoe is not who he expected, but a long-lost love with a score to settle. In By Any Other Name, Edinburgh is aglitter for Christmastime as Candace Camp sends a curious gentleman in hot pursuit of an intriguing lady in disguise—one who refuses to reveal her true identity, though she fears he has already stolen her heart with his kiss. In Sweetest Regret, will the festive spirit of the season sweep Meredith Duran’s feisty heroine beneath the mistletoe—and back into the arms of the dashing rogue whose carelessness soiled her reputation and sent her into exile in London?

In this all-new story collection sparkling with sexy charm and heartwarming wit, four beloved bestselling authors reveal the mix-ups and make-ups, the missed chances and golden opportunities that come but once a year.

“The Heiress and the Hothead” (Sinful Suitors, Book 1.5) by Sabrina Jeffries
Sparks fly when an English journalist hell bent on mill reformation meets a spirited American mill owner in “The Heiress and the Hothead.” I’ve been waiting for Amanda and Stephen’s story ever since Sabrina Jeffries teased their attraction in The Art of Sinning and I wasn’t disappointed. Both Amanda and Stephen have caring hearts and are both a bit unusual given the time period. They have excellent chemistry and fit one another perfectly, but years of seeing mill owners’ abuse of powers makes Stephen a bit too focused on his work and his cynical view of mill owners threatens to blind him to the fact that Amanda clearly isn’t like the men he reports on. Their passionate back-and-forth makes the pages of their story fly by, and I had no doubt that Ms. Jeffries would give these two a satisfying happily ever after. “The Heiress and the Hothead” is sure to charm Sinful Suitors fans. How can it not? It stars a vibrant hero and heroine who want to make the world better and adds in a dash of sensual holiday cheer.


“Twelve Kisses” by Karen Hawkins
Years ago, Marcus Sutherland and Kenna Stuart were engaged. But after a horrible fight a month before their wedding, Marcus left the country and Kenna married someone else. Now Kenna is a widow and when she and Marcus are thrown together at a holiday party, scandal threatens both their names. But when they find themselves trapped alone together in a snowstorm, things start to get interesting.

There’s nothing quite like a snowstorm to bring together two people who never stopped loving each other. Mistakes and misunderstandings have long kept them apart, but when forced to confront each other, it becomes clear that Kenna and Marcus are still meant to be. “Twelve Kisses” is fast and fun, but it isn’t the most memorable of Karen Hawkins’s stories. I liked “Twelve Kisses” well enough, and though it’s connected to author Ms. Hawkins’s Princes of Oxenburg series, it can easily be read as a standalone.


“By Any Other Name” by Candace Camp
Rylla Campbell’s brother is missing and she’s determined to find him before Christmas. Dressed as a young man and taking her hunt to gambling dens, Rylla runs into trouble… Only to be rescued by the handsome Gregory Rose. What follows is a story of a determined man chasing down a woman who is attracted to him, but who refuses to give him her real name.

“By Any Other Name” is a charming story that’s fast-paced, if a bit fluffy. I liked Rylla and Gregory, but their fast fall into love when they don’t know much about each other took a bit too much suspension of disbelief for me. Still, author Candace Camp has a good sense of humor and the story made me smile more than once. Perhaps a longer format would have suited this story better, but as it stands “By Any Other Name” is sweet and enjoyable.


“Sweetest Regret” by Meredith Duran
Two years ago, Lucas Godwin broke Georgiana Trent’s heart. Now it’s Christmas and her diplomat father has ordered Lucas to help Georgie find a stolen letter of great importance at a holiday house party. With no other choice, the two must work together. Both carry hurt and resentment toward the past, but their forced closeness brings some surprising truths to light.

“Sweetest Regret” is my absolute favorite story in this anthology. Normally I’m not a fan of “big misunderstandings,” but Meredith Duran makes it work in this absolutely lovely tale. Georgie is a smart woman who has always been relegated to the role of wallflower. Lucas is a handsome, charming man who has been forced to claw his way up the diplomatic ranks due to the circumstances of his birth. Lucas and Georgie were instantly attracted to each other when they met in Munich, but what charmed me was their attraction wasn’t simply physical. Their conversations and shared interests are what made them fall in love. When outside forces tore them apart and caused misunderstandings on both sides, both Lucas and Georgie were deeply hurt. Now they have to risk their hearts and open up if they hope to find happiness again. It isn’t easy, but Ms. Duran makes the ups and downs worth it. “Sweetest Regret” is sensual and fun, with a healthy dose of Christmas spirit, but it’s the honest emotion between Lucas and Georgie that truly makes this story shine.


What Happens Under the Mistletoe is a delightful collection of Christmastime historical romances. Fans old and new of Sabrina Jeffries, Karen Hawkins, Candace Camp, and Meredith Duran will surely find themselves charmed by these fast-paced and fun stories. Though the stories aren’t connected, What Happens Under the Mistletoetruly feels like a unified anthology and it’s a great collection to curl up with by the fire this winter.


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.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Review: Stars of Fortune by Nora Roberts

Stars of Fortune by Nora Roberts
Series: The Guardians Trilogy, Book 1
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Paranormal Romance Stars of Fortune Cover
ISBN: 9780425280102
Release Date: November 3, 2015
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

To celebrate the rise of their new queen, three goddesses of the moon created three stars, one of fire, one of ice, one of water. But then they fell from the sky, putting the fate of all worlds in danger. And now three women and three men join forces to pick up the pieces…

Sasha Riggs is a reclusive artist, haunted by dreams and nightmares that she turns into extraordinary paintings. Her visions lead her to the Greek island of Corfu, where five others have been lured to seek the fire star. Sasha recognizes them, because she has drawn them: a magician, an archaeologist, a wanderer, a fighter, a loner. All on a quest. All with secrets.

Sasha is the one who holds them together—the seer. And in the magician, Bran Killian, she sees a man of immense power and compassion. As Sasha struggles with her rare ability, Bran is there to support her, challenge her, and believe in her.

But Sasha and Bran are just two of the six. And they all must all work together as a team to find the fire star in a cradle of land beneath the sea. Over their every attempt at trust, unity, and love, a dark threat looms. And it seeks to corrupt everything that stands in its way of possessing the stars…

It takes both love and magic to fight back the dark in Stars of Fortune. The first book in the Guardians trilogy blends friendship, adventure, danger, magic, secrets, and romance together to create a story that is classic Nora Roberts.

Sasha is an artist who has never truly opened herself to the visions that haunt her. That is, until she can no longer deny the dreams of lost stars and the five people who will join her on a quest to find them before an evil goddess does. With only her visions to guide her, Sasha travels to Corfu, where she meets the men and women who will not only become allies, but family. Unlike Sasha, Bran, Riley, Sawyer, Annika, and Doyle know quite a bit about the fallen stars, which helps the suspension of disbelief over how quickly they all join forces. Each member of the team has their secrets, and as the six become a team those secrets are steadily uncovered in the most delightful ways. I loved watching the various relationships among the team develop, and I absolutely adored seeing them become the team they’re meant to be. The search for the first star – the fire star – is almost secondary to the group’s development, but that doesn’t mean the story lacks for action. The evil goddess who is also hunting the stars isn’t a force to be dismissed, and it’s clear that our six heroes are in for one heck of a fight.

Stars of Fortune is about all six of the Guardians trilogy protagonists, but Sasha and Bran are undeniably the heart of the book. It was great watching Sasha come into her own over the course of the story. She’s quieter than the rest, but no less strong (though she doesn’t see it at first). Bran is a magician with more than a few tricks up his sleeve, and he complements Sasha perfectly. Their romance is simply lovely and I couldn’t resist smiling as the two of them slid from interest to lust to love.

I’m a huge Nora Roberts fan, and having read most of her books I can definitely see strains of the familiar throughout Stars of Fortune. To me, it seemed that there are a number of things this story has in common with some of Ms. Roberts’s other magic-laced trilogies. While this didn’t bother me at all, it was noticeable enough that readers who might not be as pleased should take note.

Stars of Fortune is a fun, fantastical tale that I absolutely adored. I can’t wait to see how Sasha, Bran, Riley, Doyle, Sawyer, and Annika develop over the course of the Guardians trilogy, and I’m really excited to discover what supernatural surprises Ms. Roberts has in store for readers!


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

Monday, October 19, 2015

Review: Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls by Jes Baker

Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls: A Handbook for Unapologetic Living by Jes Baker
Publisher: Seal Press
Genre: Non-Fiction Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls Cover
ISBN: 9781580055826
Paperback Release Date: October 27, 2015
EBook Release Date: November 17, 2015
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls is a manifesto and call to arms for people of all sizes and ages. With her trademark wit, veteran blogger and advocate Jes Baker calls people everywhere to embrace a body-positive worldview, changing perceptions about weight, and making mental health a priority.

Alongside notable guest essayists, Jes shares personal experiences paired with in-depth research in a way that is approachable, digestible, and empowering. Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls is an invitation to reject fat prejudice, fight body-shaming at the hands of the media, and join this life-changing movement with one step: change the world by loving your body.

Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls is an interesting, important book on the body love movement that speaks to everyone, not just the titular “fat girls.” Author Jes Baker fearlessly tackles the body positive movement, taking on not just sizeism, but racism, classism, ableism, and more. Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls encourages women and men of all sizes to challenge what has become completely ingrained in our society: the idea that one type of body (whatever that may be) is the ideal and that anything less is unworthy of love, respect, or dignity.

Intellectually, most of us know that the ideal body image the media sells us is not only physically unattainable for 95% of the population but is also simply corporations capitalizing on people’s wants and fears. However, the way this image has pervaded every aspect of our lives makes it difficult for many of us to fully love our bodies, to fearlessly face a world where we are constantly made to feel “less than,” and to accept the love from ourselves and others that we deserve. Not only that, this picture of the perfect man or woman has an impact on every aspect of our lives, and if you don’t fit in it affects you socially, medically, etc. Ms. Baker’s research and discussion regarding how body love can change the world is insightful. I may not have agreed with absolutely everything in this book, but that’s ok. Ms. Baker challenged my viewpoint and made me look at things in a different light. What she and her contributors succeed in doing by opening up is to make you think, and their words are sure to inspire you to question the information you’ve been fed all your life. Because everybody, absolutely everybody, deserves love, acceptance, compassion, and understanding.

There are simply too many topics in Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls to talk about and for me to try and summarize each would do the book a great injustice. Ms. Baker does her best to be inclusive in talking about the body love movement and her care in doing so makes the book all the better. This is truly the best book on body love I’ve read yet and if you go in with an open mind, you will mostly likely find something to inspire you. Ms. Baker has an intelligent, powerful, funny voice that shines and makes Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls a must 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.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Review: How the Scoundrel Seduces by Sabrina Jeffries

How the Scoundrel Seduces by Sabrina Jeffries
Series: The Duke’s Men, Book 3
Publisher: Pocket Books
Genre: Historical RomanceHow the Scoundrel Seduces Cover
ISBN: 9781451693492
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N
Sabrina Jeffries Reading Order

The third deliciously sexy novel in the New York Times bestselling Duke’s Men historical romance series, featuring an investigator who sets out to find gypsies—and unexpectedly finds love.

Investigator Tristan Bonnaud has one aim in life—to make sure that his half-brother George can’t ever ruin his life again. So when the pesky Lady Zoe Keane, the daughter of the Earl of Olivier, shows up demanding that the Duke’s Men find a mysterious gypsy woman, he seizes the opportunity to also hunt for a gypsy friend who knows secrets about George. Tristan doesn’t expect to uncover Lady Zoe’s family secrets, as well…or end up falling for the woman who will risk all to discover the truth.

How the Scoundrel Seduces is a bright, light-on-its-feet romance with irresistible characters and a heartwarming romance. I can always count on Sabrina Jeffries to deliver an addictive, entertaining story, and Tristan and Zoe’s book is no exception.

As a young man, Tristan Bonnaud’s life was shattered when his father died and his legitimate eldest half-brother cast him out and tried to ruin his life. He has since rebuilt himself from the ashes and is now determined to do whatever it takes to get leverage over George. He doesn’t have time for some silly society girl and her claims of mysterious Romany parentage. But Tristan quickly finds out that Lady Zoe Keane is anything but silly and her case might just help him with his own cause. What Tristan and Zoe uncover, I’ll leave for readers to discover on their own. I will say that their journey to uncover secrets from their past leads them to danger, forces them to confront their fears, and – best of all – helps them find the love they yearned for.

What makes How the Scoundrel Seduces shine is its characters. Zoe is an unconventional lady; her impulsive nature, uncommon beauty, and tendency to dress with “dash,” make men who aren’t after her fortune shy away. Tristan – who has no love for aristocrats – quickly finds himself captivated by Zoe. I loved that Tristan not only saw the real Zoe, but adored her for it. Tristan, in turn, is a scoundrel in the very best sense. He’s got a roguish sense of humor, but don’t let his words fool you. Tristan carries internal scars he hides well, but Zoe sees the whole of him. Together, he and Zoe are a dynamic pair. The chemistry they have fairly crackles on the page and, quite simply, they made me smile.

How the Scoundrel Seduces is a lovely tale of owning who you are, regardless of what society thinks of you. Zoe, Tristan, and the beloved members of their families are all endearing characters who make the pages of the book fly by. How the Scoundrel Seduces is the third book in The Duke’s Men series, but it can be read as a standalone (though I highly recommend all four books). Historical romance fans, be sure to check out How the Scoundrel Seduces – you won’t regret it!


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.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday: The Final Move by Victoria Denault


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

I love a good hockey romance, so of course that alone would catch my eye. I read Victoria Denault's last Hometown Players book, Making a Play, and even though it was hit-or-miss for me, the excerpt from The Final Move has me incredibly excited to get my hands on it. I really want to see how Devin and Callie work out :)

The Final Move Cover Title: The Final Move
Series: Hometown Players, Book 3
Author: Victoria Denault
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Forever Yours
Release Date: December 8, 2015

Book Description (from Amazon.com):

Hockey legend Devin Garrison thought he blew his shot. But his relationship with Callie Caplan just went into overtime.

Sexy, rich, and one of the biggest stars in the NHL, Devin Garrison has always been the one who had it all. That is until his marriage falls apart and he realizes he has to start over. If he's honest, there has only been one woman who ever really excited him-Callie Caplan. They shared a night that was hotter than the late-summer sun, but in an instant-Callie was gone, pretending it never happened.

Callie Caplan isn't the wild child people think she is. It's true she's avoided relationships, but only because she's seen how crazy love can be. And her messy, imperfect life is crazy enough without opening her heart to a man-even one as picture perfect as Devin. But when fate brings them back together-just as they need each other most-Devin is determined to convince Callie that what she's feeling is real. And this final play may be their chance at forever...

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Review: The Rebel by J.R. Ward

The Rebel by J.R. Ward
Series: The Moorehouse Legacy, Book 1
Publisher: HQN
Genre: Contemporary Romance The Rebel Cover
ISBN: 9780373776306
Source: Publisher
Blue Ribbon Rating: 5 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link
J.R. Ward Reading Order

For Frankie Moorehouse, White Caps is more than just a Bed & Breakfast. It’s her childhood home…and it’s falling to pieces. Frankie’s worked herself to the bone trying to keep her parents’ legacy going, while supporting herself, her sister and her grandmother, and she’s barely making ends meet. And when her chef up and quits one night, it’s the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

Nate Walker is the rebel in his family. He’s not a corporate suit, but a chef making his own way in the world. While driving through the Adirondacks, Nate’s car breaks down, and he’s forced to hoof it to the nearest residence, which just happens to be White Caps. The disastrous kitchen that greets him puts Nate in his element, but beautiful, frosty Frankie Moorehouse knocks him off-balance. He convinces her to hire him for the summer, but the more time Nate spends around Frankie, the harder it is for him to imagine leaving her. What will happen when the summer comes to an end?

J.R. Ward may be known as a powerhouse paranormal author, but she’s every bit as strong in the contemporary romance genre. THE REBEL is an utterly fantastic book, filled with love, passion, hardship, discovery and humor. I love this book, plain and simple.

Frankie and Nate are two characters who don’t take the easy road in life, but work long and hard – and often against the odds – to achieve their goals. They’re people that you not only have to like, but respect. The romance between them both fires the blood and warms the heart, making for a wonderfully satisfying love story. In addition to Nate and Frankie, Ms. Ward brings the entire cast of supporting characters to life in THE REBEL so perfectly that I felt like I could simply fall into the story. I cared about these characters and their struggles, so I was invested in THE REBEL and finished it wanting to dive into THE PLAYER and THE RENEGADE, the other two Moorehouse siblings’ books.

For those unfamiliar with THE MOOREHOUSE LEGACY series, THE REBEL is a re-issue of BEAUTY AND THE BLACK SHEEP, which Ms. Ward wrote as Jessica Bird. I’m ecstatic that the Moorehouses’ stories are back in print, for this is a series that’s not to be missed!


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

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.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday: Cold-Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas


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

Lisa Kleypas could write a shopping list and I'd be excited to read it. Fortunately for me, my Waiting on Wednesday pick is Ms. Kleypas's upcoming historical romance, Cold-Hearted Rake (first in an as-yet unnamed quartet). I LOVE Ms. Kleypas's historicals (Devil in Winter is one of my all-time favorite books) and I'm so, so excited she has returned to the genre.

Cold-Hearted Rake Cover Title: Cold-Hearted Rake
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: October 27, 2015
Lisa Kleypas Reading Order

Book Description (from Amazon.com):

A twist of fate...
Devon Ravenel, London's most wickedly charming rake, has just inherited an earldom. But his powerful new rank in society comes with unwanted responsibilities...and more than a few surprises. His estate is saddled with debt, and the late earl's three innocent sisters are still occupying the house...along with Kathleen, Lady Trenear, a beautiful young widow whose sharp wit and determination are a match for Devon's own.

A clash of wills...
Kathleen knows better than to trust a ruthless scoundrel like Devon. But the fiery attraction between them is impossible to deny—and from the first moment Devon holds her in his arms, he vows to do whatever it takes to possess her. As Kathleen finds herself yielding to his skillfully erotic seduction, only one question remains:

Can she keep from surrendering her heart to the most dangerous man she's ever known?