Review: Serendipity by Carly Phillips

Serendipity by Carly Phillips
Series: Serendipity, Book 1
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9780425243831
Source: Publisher
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link
Carly Phillips Reading Order

Faith Harrington grew up in the lap of luxury and never left it…until her father being sent to prison for running a Ponzi scheme was followed up by finding out that her husband was a cheating jerk. Faith needs a fresh start, and she’s determined to get it in her home town of Serendipity where she wants to start her interior design business. Unfortunately, some people in Serendipity are putting the blame for the sins of the father on Faith. What’s more, the mansion Faith grew up in is now home to notorious bad boy Ethan Barron. What’s a woman to do? Well, when Ethan hires her to redecorate his home, a woman like Faith takes the chance. But will she also take a chance on the scoundrel who’s always sent her heart racing?

Author Carly Phillips starts off her SERENDIPITY series with a bang! SERENDIPITY is passion and fun, past mistakes and new beginnings all rolled into one.

Faith is a woman who is determined to claim her life as her own, and she’ll work her butt off to make a success of herself. Faith is beautiful, intelligent and wealthy, but what makes her a fantastic heroine is her hard work and likeability. Ethan, in turn, is a former bad boy who has returned to Serendipity to make amends and reconnect with his family. Sadly, his past makes it hard for people – especially his brothers – to see the man he has become. I flat-out adored Ethan and not only did I want him to find love with Faith, I wanted him to get the acceptance he craves. To her credit, Ms. Phillips doesn’t make it easy for Ethan. I was every bit as invested in Ethan and Faith’s individual journeys as I was in their romance.

Ms. Phillips could have easily fallen into one of the well-known contemporary romance patterns with SERENDIPITY – ex-bad boy falls for good girl/princess. But Ms. Phillips takes the best parts of that romance archetype and then spins her own unique story from here. There are twists and turns in SERENDIPITY that I didn’t see coming, and I LOVED them. I finished SERENDIPITY with a smile on my face, delighted by Ethan and Faith’s utterly charming romance. Bring on the next SERENDIPITY novel, DESTINY!

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.

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Review: Destined Mate by Katie Reus

Destined Mate by Katie Reus
Series: Werewolf Mates, Book 1
Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne Cravings
Genre: Paranormal Romance
ASIN: B005N99JFK
Source: Publisher
Blue Ribbon Rating: 3 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link

It’s been nearly a century since Angela has seen Knox, the man she loves. Knox is a werewolf Alpha, and she fled his embrace when she was turned into a vampire. Now a vampire friend of Angela’s has been kidnapped by a werewolf, and Angela plans to rescue her. But when she sneaks onto Knox’s land; her former lover captures her. This time, however, Knox isn’t willing to let Angela go. But will their rekindled romance ruin any chance for peace between their two species?

Passion, politics and the paranormal go together perfectly in author Katie Reus’ novel, DESTINED MATE. Readers will hit the ground running in DESTINED MATE, and the fast pace doesn’t let up. Strains of the movie Underworld slink through this sexy tale. The former star-crossed lovers in this story must overcome prejudice from both species. I was fascinated by the paranormal politics in DESTINED MATE, almost as much as I was interested in the romance. Ms. Reus had me cheering Angela and Knox on, and I avidly read DESTINED MATE to see how these two would get their happily ever after. And you know they will - it’s clear that Angela and Knox are, yes, destined to be together.

Sensual, exciting and entertaining, DESTINED MATE is sure to delight fans of paranormal romance.

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.

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Review: I Want Candy by Susan Donovan

I Want Candy by Susan Donovan
Series: Bigler, North Carolina, Book 2
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9780312536220
Source: Publisher
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link

Candace Carmichael enjoyed living the high life until the Florida real estate market crashed. Suddenly out of a job and in debt up to her ears, Candy has no choice but to return to her hometown of Bigler, North Carolina. The adjustment is anything but smooth, yet despite the constant stream of disasters there’s one bright spot to Candy’s return; Sheriff Turner Halliday. Turner is an old friend of Candy’s, but the sparks that fly between them are totally new. Candy would love to see the sexy sheriff out of uniform, but two things are holding her back; first, Turner’s a widower who still wears his wedding ring and second, Candy has no intention of staying in Bigler permanently. Will Candy and Turner be able to let go of their pasts and create a future – together – unlike any either had ever dreamed of?

I WANT CANDY makes me say “I want more of Susan Donovan’s books!” The bright and fun sequel to CHERI ON TOP has humor and heart to spare, making it a delightful read. Candy and Turner are characters who thought they had it all together, but clearly their lives aren’t as figured out as they thought they were. It was a joy to watch them learn what they wanted out of life, whether it was the ability to move on and find love again or learning that it was okay to find a new dream when the old one failed. Ms. Donovan had me cheering for Candy and Turner to get together, but more importantly, she had me eagerly turning the pages of I WANT CANDY to see how the two protagonists developed over the course of the story.

I WANT CANDY is a tasty treat from start to finish. Candy and Turner are a couple you can root for and the oftentimes zany residents of Bigler will make you chuckle. Fans of contemporary romance with a healthy dose of comedy are sure to enjoy I WANT CANDY.


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.

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Review: Mummy Dearest by Josh Lanyon

Mummy Dearest by Josh Lanyon
Series: The XOXO Files, Book 1
Publisher: JustJoshin Publishing, Inc
Genre: Male/Male Contemporary Romance

Source: Original Publisher
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link
Josh Lanyon Reading Order

In the world of academia, it’s publish or perish. But for Drew Lawson, his weekend is turning into a case of publish and perish. Drew’s out to write an article on the mummy of Princess Merneith, but he’s got to rush his trip to a small museum in Wyoming to do so, or his relationship with his boyfriend will be as dead as the mummy he’s studying. Drew is convinced he can make the whirlwind trip work...until Fraser Fortune puts a kibosh on his plans.

Fraser is the host of a reality TV show, and he’s set to film a documentary on the supposed Halloween curse of Princess Merneith. He won’t let a stuck up professor like Drew take up the time that he and his crew need to make their show work. However, he offers Drew a deal: he’ll give Drew the time he needs to examine the mummy if they can film it. What neither man takes into account is the attraction between them. As the day goes on, the pair finds that the real Halloween excitement is what’s happening off camera.

Mummies, legends and some Forties Hollywood schlock blend beautifully with a burgeoning relationship to deliver the fun romantic caper, Mummy Dearest. Josh Lanyon’s writing is delightfully energetic in this first installment of The XOXO Files.

Fraser may have irritated Drew in the beginning, but he’s sure to charm readers from the start. His sparkling personality and genuine niceness are compelling. And while Drew may – at first – seem like a bit of a stick-in-the-mud to Fraser, he’s actually an incredibly likeable protagonist. Each man has flaws, but they’re minor and serve to add dimensionality to their characters. Quite honestly, both Drew and Fraser are men I wish were real, if only so I could befriend them. They’re smart, funny and have an affinity for cheesy silver screen horror flicks that I appreciate.

Mummy Dearest was a joy to read all the way through. It’s fast-paced and fun, with snappy dialogue and endearing heroes. I couldn’t ask for more from Lanyon...except, perhaps, for the next XOXO Files story. Even though Mummy Dearest has a wonderfully satisfying conclusion, I can’t wait to see where Lanyon takes Drew and Fraser next!


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

FTC Disclosure: I received the e-book edition of Mummy Dearest for free from the original 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: Deceive Her With Desire by Nina Pierce

Deceive Her With Desire by Nina Pierce
Series: Dangerous Affairs, Book 2
Publisher: Seaside Publications
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Blue Ribbon Rating: 3 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link

After her latest girlfriend breaks her heart, landscaper Deirdre Tilling is ready to give up on finding either Mr. or Ms. Right. Deirdre is determined to find someone to simply have a good time with, and the gorgeous man she meets at a party fits the bill perfectly.

Undercover DEA Agent Ayden Scott can’t believe his luck. Not only is Deirdre gorgeous, likeable and great in bed, but she’s just been employed by the suspected drug lord he’s determined to bring down. Ayden thinks he can use his new connection to Deirdre to help him build his case, but he doesn’t count on her being caught in the cross-hairs. Nor does he count on his feelings for her going deeper than simple lust. What will happen when Deirdre learns his true identity? If the drug lord has his way, Ayden won’t live long enough to find out.

Passion and suspense go hand-in-hand in Deceive Her With Desire. Author Nina Pierce knows how to turn up the heat and keep it on high, which makes Deceive Her With Desire a deliciously erotic read. Couple that with the danger brought about by Ayden’s case and you’ll find that Deceive Her With Desire is definitely a high-octane thrill of a read.

Deceive Her With Desire is the second story in Ms. Pierce’s Dangerous Affairs series, but it can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the other Dangerous Affairs books, but I enjoyed Deceive Her With Desire so much that I’ve already bought the first book in the series, Blind Her With Bliss. All in all, I enjoyed Deceive Her With Desire, and I’m looking forward to reading more about the endearing Tilling family.


Note: Deceive Her With Desire was previously published as Love's Bounty and the series was previously titled Tilling Passions.

Note 2: 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.

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Review: Full Circle by Avery Beck

Full Circle by Avery Beck
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9781609285852
Source: Publisher
Blue Ribbon Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link

Elisa Haley once dreamed of being a veterinarian. But when she came home from college, pregnant and abandoned, it seemed as if she’d given up her dream. Nine years later, Elisa’s almost done with a degree in Public Relations, and she’s determined to show her gossipy hometown that she’ll leave them all in the dust and make a success of herself somewhere else. Elisa is sure nothing can deter her from her plans. That is, until Dr. Liam Barton walks into her brother’s vet clinic.

In college, Liam was in love with his roommate’s girlfriend, but he was forced to watch Elisa suffer with the jerk. Liam was always Elisa’s friend…save for one night when he was more. Now, Liam is determined to make the small town of Windy Flats his home. He’s shocked to meet Elisa again and discover that she’s changed in a lot of ways from the woman he once loved. Still, Liam is drawn to Elisa, and the passion that ignites between them is too hot for either to resist. But Liam wants a family, and Elisa wants to hightail it out of Windy Flats. A relationship between them would be impossible – especially once Liam discovers a secret that Elisa has been keeping from him.

Both good things and bad tend to come full circle as author Avery Beck deftly shows in this aptly-titled romance. Ms. Beck takes mistakes, pain and loss and balances them with passion, hope and second chances. FULL CIRCLE broke my heart at times, as Elisa and Liam both had to deal with painful obstacles that blocked their path to happily ever after. But FULL CIRCLE isn’t all “storm and stress,” so to speak; as Elisa and Liam break through the barriers that separate them, there’s love, lust and happiness to be found.

Ms. Beck’s signature knack for meltingly sensual love scenes and relatable, delightfully imperfect protagonists are showcased in FULL CIRCLE. FULL CIRCLE is a wonderfully satisfying read that I could not put down until I’d finished. I adored Elisa and Liam’s story, and I can’t wait to read Ms. Beck’s next book!


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.

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Review: A Most Dangerous Profession by Karen Hawkins

A Most Dangerous Profession by Karen Hawkins
Series: Hurst Amulet, Book 3
Publisher: Pocket Books
Genre: Historical Romance

ISBN: 9781439175941
Source: Publisher
Blue Ribbon Rating: 5 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link

Moira MacAllister has been a spy, a thief and a con artist, but never before has a job been so important. An enemy has kidnapped her daughter, and to get the child back, Moira has to steal an ancient onyx box. But someone besides her unwanted employer is also looking for the box…a man Moira fears she cannot outwit; her husband.

Robert Hurst has never forgiven Moira for tricking him into marriage. Unfortunately, he also has never been able to get Moira out of his mind. While searching for an onyx box that holds the secret to finding a family heirloom, Robert’s path crosses with Moira’s once again. This time, however, Robert is not about to let his wayward wife go. She’s hiding something from him – something important. But will Moira’s secret be the thing that brings them together? Or will it be the final straw that breaks their marriage apart?

I have a new favorite Karen Hawkins book; A MOST DANGEROUS PROFESSION! There’s an energy in A MOST DANGEROUS PROFESSION that buoys the book along at lightning speed. The sources of that energy are Moira and Robert. I love nothing more than a great thief meeting her match, and Moira definitely meets her match in her husband. Individually, both Moira and Robert are lively, endearing characters. As a pair, they have a reckless, wild passion that, when paired with their intelligence and kind hearts, make them impossible to resist.

Ms. Hawkins delivers one heck of a ride in A MOST DANGEROUS PROFESSION, and I did not want to put Moira and Robert’s book down. In the engaging HURST AMULET series, this book stands out. And given the teasing glimpses Ms. Hawkins has given regarding Michael Hurst and his heroine, I am excited as all get out to read the next HURST AMULET tale!


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.

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Review: Festive in Death by J.D. Robb

Festive in Death by J.D. Robb
Series: In Death, Book 39
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Futuristic/Mystery/Suspense

ISBN: 9780515154153
Source: Publisher
Blue Ribbon Rating: 5 out of 5 — Recommended Read
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link
J.D. Robb Reading Order

How do you catch a killer when all of your suspects had the means, motive and opportunity to do him in? That's the question for NYPSD Lieutenant Eve Dallas when she investigates the death of Trey Ziegler. Ziegler was a personal trainer, but it wasn't a fight over burpees that did him in. The more Eve learns about her victim, the more it's clear that he belonged behind bars himself. Loathing the victim doesn't stop Eve from working the case, but Eve will have to balance blackmail, drugs and kitchen knives with mistletoe and mayhem as she prepares for something even more frightening than a stone-cold killer: her husband's annual Christmas party.

The IN DEATH books are often dark and intense, but every so often there's a story with some incredible fun mayhem mixed in with murder. FESTIVE IN DEATH is a holiday treat, blending Eve unraveling a murder mystery with her facing down holiday shopping, a Christmas party and her greatest fear: Trina the hair stylist.

What makes FESTIVE IN DEATH so memorable for me are all the personal moments woven into the tale. Eve's life has grown so much from when we first met her in NAKED IN DEATH. She has a lot of people she cares about now in her life, and she doesn't truly realize how much that number has grown until she is faced with the daunting task of buying Christmas gifts for everyone. She also has to balance her work with the social life she's acquired as Roarke's wife, something she is actually getting far better at than she realizes. She's still the same Eve at her core, but it's so much fun to see how she's grown and watch her interactions with others. The number of small moments between Eve, Roarke and their loved ones makes FESTIVE IN DEATH a book that's particularly enjoyable for longtime fans of the series.

Holiday fun aside, Eve has to investigate a murder case with a truly horrible victim. To say that Ziegler is a rat is an insult to rodents, but that doesn't mean Eve slacks off. The case is an incredibly interesting one, and even after reading this story multiple times I still enjoy watching Eve put the pieces of the puzzle together.

FESTIVE IN DEATH is wonderfully entertaining and the look author J.D. Robb gives us into Eve and Roarke's life makes this story shine. Ms. Robb knows how to write gut-wrenching cases, but this relatively lighter book is a welcome break from the darkness. It may sound odd to say a murder mystery is fun, but that's exactly what this book is. I loved everything about FESTIVE IN DEATH and I'm sure other fans of the series will too!


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.

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Review: The Closer You Get by L. A. Witt

The Closer You Get by L. A. Witt
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: M/M Erotic Contemporary Romance

ISBN: 9781609285524
Source: Publisher
Blue Ribbon Rating: 5 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link

Kieran Frost is a slut, and he knows it. He loves the single life and relishes both his hot one night stands and playing the third with his friends Rhett and Ethan. When Rhett’s daughter asks him to meet her newly out of the closet friend, Alex, Kieran figures he’ll do the guy a favor and show him around Seattle’s gay nightlife. Kieran doesn’t mind the attraction that sparks the instant he meets Alex. Why not be the one to introduce Alex to the pleasures of sex? It’s not like Kieran doesn’t have the experience and – when it comes to Alex – Kieran doesn’t mind going slow. But tangling with this virgin doesn’t just mess with Kieran’s sheets. Suddenly, the self-described manwhore finds that his perfect plan to help Alex explore his sexuality before they each go their separate ways has a problem. The more time Kieran spends with Alex, the less he can imagine ever letting the other man go.

I LOVE this book! With THE CLOSER YOU GET, author L. A. Witt has delivered an incredibly engaging romance with two heroes that captured my heart and supporting characters that charmed the hell out of me.

Both Alex and Kieran are on a journey of self-discovery, though only one of them knows it. Alex grew up having to hide the fact that he is gay and now, at twenty-one, living in a place where he can be out, he feels lost at sea, unsure of where to start when it comes to claiming his sexuality. It was a joy to watch Alex go from shy virgin to confident lover. Ms. Witt makes this transition believable, which is part of the reason THE CLOSER YOU GET shines. Kieran is the perfect person to help Alex come out of his shell. He’s knowledgeable, comfortable and straightforward when it comes to sex and men, but those aren’t the only reasons why he’s a great guide for Alex. Kieran is also patient and truly cares about Alex, and these aspects come through loud and clear from the start.

Kieran is a man who is easygoing on the outside but has inner scars that have the potential to bring his burgeoning relationship with Alex to a screeching halt. The most important obstacle is the fact that Kieran does NOT want a relationship. He’s not commitment-phobic, and he does believe in love. He has just borne witness to – and often been trapped in the middle of – too many failed relationships. Kieran is terrified of getting hurt which is, of course, why I was so desperate to see him find lasting love with Alex.

As a pair, Kieran and Alex are smoking hot. Ms. Witt makes sensual exploration a real treat in THE CLOSER YOU GET. But what resonated with me wasn’t the heat Alex and Kieran generated but rather how the pair fell in love, almost without knowing it. There was beauty in how they almost seamlessly slid into a relationship, and I didn’t want to put down THE CLOSER YOU GET because I felt like I had to keep reading until Alex and Kieran found that magic “happily ever after.”

THE CLOSER YOU GET is the sequel to THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US, and Rhett and Ethan, the heroes of that book, play strong supporting roles in Kieran’s story. Not having read THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US, I can safely say that THE CLOSER YOU GET can be read as a standalone. However, I was sufficiently intrigued by what Ms. Witt reveals about Rhett and Ethan’s history to want to read THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US.

THE CLOSER YOU GET is a gorgeous romance that I loved from beginning to end. Successive re-reads have not dimmed my pleasure in reading THE CLOSER YOU GET, and I look forward to revisiting Alex and Kieran yet again in the near future.


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.

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Review: Unmasked by J.J. Wynn

Unmasked by J.J. Wynn
Series: Venice Falls, Book 1
Publisher: J.J. Wynn
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

ISBN: 9781478149798
Source: Author
Blue Ribbon Rating: 3 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link

High school student Jack Newhouse has two dreams; going to culinary school and winning the heart of childhood friend Ashlynn Yuan. Fate seems to have a quirky sense of humor, for while studying Casanova, Jack is given an antique mask said to belong to the legendary lover. Suddenly Jack — who never seems to attract girls — has women falling all over him. Is it coincidence or does the mask have some sort of magical power? And if the mask is magic, does Jack really want to use a supernatural accessory to win Ashlynn?

Author J.J. Wynn starts off her VENICE FALLS series right with the charming story UNMASKED. Jack and Ashlynn are two bright teenagers with a shining future ahead of them…if they can get through to their parents that they need to leave their hometown for college. There’s a sweetness to both of them that makes it easy to be entertained by UNMASKED. It was lovely to watch Jack and Ashlynn work their way around teenage awkwardness and misunderstandings in order to build up the courage to reveal their feelings for one another. All they need is a little push, and they get that from the Casanova mask. Is the mask magical? Perhaps it is. Then again, perhaps it isn’t. Whether or not there’s magic at work doesn’t really matter; the important parts of UNMASKED are Jack and Ashlynn working for the future they want, both in terms of romance and schooling. Things do tend to fall into place a bit too easily in UNMASKED for the story to be realistic, so you do have to suspend disbelief with this story. Still, UNMASKED is a genuinely sweet read that’ll make you smile.


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 author 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: Beck and Call by Nicole Morgan

Beck and Call by Nicole Morgan
Publisher: Totally Bound
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance

ISBN: 9780857156068
Source: Publisher
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4 out of 5
Original Review Link

Jenny Jacobson loves managing the Arcadia hotel, but the owners’ penny-pinching ways are making her life a living hell. The Arcadia needs a new maintenance man in the worst way, but Jenny – who definitely isn’t handy with a tool belt – has been doing the work herself. When an attempt to fix the plumbing in a room leads to disaster, Jenny is saved by Beck, a handy man who’s good with his…tools. Attraction sparks instantaneously, but is it possible for Jenny to fall for a man she barely knows anything about?

BECK AND CALL is one supremely satisfying, sexy romance. Author Nicole Morgan takes readers on a fast and hard journey from lust to love, and it is one incredibly erotic trip.

While the red-hot sex appeal of BECK AND CALL shouldn’t be understated, at the heart of the story are Jenny and Beck. Jenny is a hardworking woman in a bind. Her boss wants her to cut corners where none can be cut, so as a result she’s close to working herself to death. She needs someone like Beck who can carry part of the heavy load she carries. Beck charmed me with how determined he was to care for Jenny. He never doubts her strength and her abilities, but he wants to help, which makes him a perfect hero in my opinion.

BECK AND CALL is an entertaining read from start to finish. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Morgan’s work!


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.

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Review: A Novel Seduction by Gwyn Cready

A Novel Seduction by Gwyn Cready
Publisher: Pocket Star
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9781451612646
Source: Publisher
Blue Ribbon Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link

To snobby book critic Ellery Sharpe romance novels are at the bottom of the literary barrel. But when she gets in trouble for trashing the biography of a well-known romance publisher, Ellery is forced to choose between keeping her job and writing an article that is a love letter to the romance genre. If the assignment alone wasn’t enough to make Ellery want to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge, the man hired to take the photos for the article would seal the deal.

Axel Mackenzie knows that this job is his last chance to win back Ellery. Axel knows that although he’s a changed man, it won’t be enough, so he turns to romance novels for help…specifically, the insanely popular Kiltlander. To his surprise, Ellery falls in love with Kiltlander, and Axel learns a thing or two about love from the book’s protagonists. Will romance novels be what brings one former bad boy and his romance novel-hating book critic to the happily ever after of their dreams?

A romance novel featuring a heroine who hates romance novels but is forced to give them a try. When I read the premise of A NOVEL SEDUCTION, I just knew this book would be tons of fun. Happily, I was right. Author Gwyn Cready takes her skeptical heroine and hero on a journey of self-discovery via romance novels that will make you smile.

Axel is one heck of a hero. He’s a former party boy who has since learned his lesson and grown up. Ms. Cready gives enough flashbacks and information on Axel’s past for readers to truly appreciate how he’s grown. I liked that I didn’t just see the perfect hero. Axel’s flaws endeared him to me and made me root for him on his quest to win Ellery back. Ellery, in turn, is a heroine who could have been unlikeable at the hands of a lesser author. She’s the type of person who has never read a romance novel, yet passes judgment on the entire genre and thinks herself above it. Every romance reader I know has met someone like that. Now if only those of us in the real world could do what Ms. Cready does to her heroine and force her to read a couple of romance novels. Watching Ellery as she learns that there’s more to romance novels than she thought was a pleasure. What was also a lot of fun was hearing about the three different books she read. Ellery tries an adult paranormal romance that has Twilight-level fame, a historical romance and then the famed Kiltlander, Ms. Cready’s homage to Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander.

A NOVEL SEDUCTION is truly a delightful book. It has a great love story, humor and self-aware insight regarding the pleasures of reading a romance novel, something that is just too delicious to ignore. This is the first book I’ve read of Ms. Cready’s, but it definitely won’t be the last!


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.

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Review: The Rebel by J.R. Ward

The Rebel by J.R. Ward
Series: The Moorehouse Legacy, Book 1
Publisher: HQN
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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.

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Review: Love is Murder anthology

Love is Murder by Roxanne St. Claire, Carla Neggers, Beverly Barton, Robert Browne, Andrea Kane, William Simon, Laura Griffin, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Dianna Love, Patricia Rosemoor, Jon Land, Jeff Ayers, Heather Graham, Mariah Stewart, D.P. Lyle, Cindy Gerard, J.T. Ellison, Bill Floyd, William Bernhardt, Brenda Novak, Vicki Hinze, Julie Kenner, James Macomber, Alexandra Sokoloff, Pamela Callow, Debra Webb, Toni McGee Causey, Lori Armstrong, Allison Brennan, and Lee Child
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Romantic Suspense
ISBN: 9780778313441
Source: Publisher
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link
Sherrilyn Kenyon Reading Order

DIAMOND DROP by Roxanne St. Claire
A mysterious woman in leather and heels. A diamond drop worth two million dollars. An unknown threat in a European rail station… It’s all in a day’s work for Bullet Catcher Donovan Rush. Donovan’s got an assignment to impress a new Bullet Catcher client and not even a siren in killer platforms can stop him.

DIAMOND DROP kicks off the LOVE IS MURDER anthology with a bang! Author Roxanne St. Claire has written a sexy, stunning story that drew me in from the start. DIAMOND DROP reminds me of the silver screen suspense films in that it’s energetic, edgy and just plain fun. I absolutely loved the vibrancy of DIAMOND DROP — this is a story I won’t forget.

DIAMOND DROP is part of Ms. St. Claire’s BULLET CATCHERS series, but since I haven’t read any BULLET CATCHERS books, I can safely say DIAMOND DROP stands on its own. That being said, I’ll definitely be checking out the BULLET CATCHERS novels now!


B.A.D. MISSION by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Former B.A.D. agent Sam Garrett is being called back into the field, and this time it’s personal. The only woman he’s ever loved is being accused of selling a weapon to terrorists and Sam has to figure out if she’s guilty or is an innocent who’s in over her head.

I absolutely adore Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love’s B.A.D. AGENCY series, so I admit to being biased in favor of B.A.D. MISSION. In Sam and Danielle’s story Ms. Kenyon has penned a fast and furious defeat-the-terrorists plot that’s mixed in with a sensual reunion romance. The sparks that flew between Sam and Danielle were my favorite part of the story, but that doesn’t mean the suspense plot isn’t engaging as well. Fans of the B.A.D. AGENCY series will undoubtedly be pleased with B.A.D. MISSION and readers who haven’t read any of the books will get a glimpse into B.A.D.’s fight against the Fratelli de il Sovrano, a terrorist group that’s the overarching enemy of the series.


DEADLY FIXATION by Dianna Love
Belador warrior Devon Fortier has caught wind of some Noirre majik-wielding mercenary trolls and it’s up to him to bring them in to face justice. There’s just one problem: bounty hunter and thorn in Devon’s side Joleen Mac is after the same target. If he wants to bring down the bad guys — or trolls, as it were — Devon will have to make a bargain with his own personal devil.

Svart trolls and leprechauns and bounty hunters, oh my! Set in the world of Dianna Love and Sherrilyn Kenyon’s BELADOR series, DEADLY FIXATION is an exciting paranormal romantic suspense that will have you avidly turning the pages. The sexual tension between Devon and Jo is to-die-for and I thought the honorable Belador warrior and the kick-ass assassin with a secret were a great match. If you haven’t read the BELADOR series, DEADLY FIXATION provides a small sample of what the world of the books is like. I’m desperately hoping Jo and Devon show up again in the series because Ms. Love left me wanting more of these two!


AFTER HOURS by William Bernhardt
When Major Mike Morelli and his partner, Lieutenant Kate Baxter, are called to a homicide scene, they have no idea that this isn’t a straightforward murder. A beautiful woman’s been killed, and the clues to her killer lie in the fact that neither the victim nor her grieving boyfriend are what they appear to be.

Author William Bernhardt takes readers through a homicide case with plenty of unexpected twists in AFTER HOURS. Mr. Bernhardt’s writing drew me into the story from the start and I found the case itself fascinating. A dash of romance and a message about finding happiness rounds out AFTER HOURS, making it an all-around wonderful read.


LOVE IS MURDER is a fantastic anthology with twenty-nine very different tales of romantic suspense. Editor Sandra Brown outdid herself with this collection. As with any mega anthology, there will be some stories readers like more than others. I highlighted four of my favorites, but there are a few other notable tales I’d feel awful if I didn’t mention. Heather Graham delivers a spine-tingling thriller with GRAVE DANGER. A wedding and a honeymoon take a potentially deadly turn in Andrea Kane’s LOCKDOWN. A dangerous stalker threatens two people who have nowhere to turn in VACATION INTERRUPTED. A rescue mission turns into something more in Laura Griffin’s NIGHT HEAT. Julie Kenner does the unexpected in THE HONEYMOON. And there’s something incredibly haunting about Lee Child’s one paragraph tale, I HEARD A ROMANTIC STORY. All in all, I recommend reading LOVE IS MURDER. With thirty incredibly talented authors delivering twenty-nine unique stories, LOVE IS MURDER is one anthology fans of romantic suspense won’t want to miss.


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.

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Review: Alias Hook by Lisa Jensen

Alias Hook by Lisa Jensen
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Genre: Fantasy
ISBN: 9781250042156
Source: Publisher
Blue Ribbon Rating: 3 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link

Everyone knows the story of Peter Pan. The boy who won’t grow up defeats the villainous Captain Hook, saving the day and making children everywhere squeal with glee.

This is not that story.

This is Hook's tale. The man who would become Captain Hook was once a dashing privateer, before he landed in Neverland to become the villain and a victim of a never-ending war. Hook is sure that Neverland will never change, but he's proven wrong when a mysterious woman dreams her way to Neverland. Stella Parrish is a smart, determined woman who will stop at nothing to redeem the cursed Captain Hook. Their adventure will take them through Mermaid Lagoon to the land of the fairies and beyond. But will Stella's love be enough to save Hook's soul when the powerful Pan is equally determined to hold onto him forever?

Enter a Neverland where magic is as sinuous as a snake and twice as deadly. In ALIAS HOOK author Lisa Jensen puts her own twist on J. M. Barrie’s PETER AND WENDY and the result is an imaginative, dark ride through a fascinating, purgatory-like landscape. Our guide through Ms. Jensen’s Neverland is Captain James Benjamin Hookbridge, the man who comes to be Hook, the foil to Neverland’s boy ruler. Hook is a Restoration-era privateer who is vain, proud and not wholly likeable. Ms. Jensen gives us his backstory, showing the man before the myth, and though this part of the book is long and not exactly captivating, it does show readers how and why Hook came to Neverland and became the number one villain in Pan’s personal game. And once Pan sets his sights on Hook, the boy, who is a dark and twisted version of the beloved character, will not let the pirate go. Pan’s will and Hook’s own reticence to see that he needs to change and grow keep the two locked in a never-ending battle that Hook will always lose.

Hook’s one last shot at salvation comes in the form of Stella Parrish, a woman whose mere arrival in Neverland is a shock to all who live there. Stella is the catalyst for Hook’s change and watching him grow from the morose, frustrated pirate to the man he is meant to be is interesting. Hook and Stella’s journey takes them through Neverland and this is where ALIAS HOOK truly comes to life. Ms. Jensen’s insight into the world of magic, the relationship of male and female, and the true nature of boys who run free without ever seeing the real consequences of their actions is marvelous. This isn’t a light book, but it does become fascinating. I loved seeing the ins and outs of Neverland and by the end of the story I could not put ALIAS HOOK down. The story has many ups and downs, but in the end I’d say that ALIAS HOOK is a complex, interesting adult fairytale.


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.

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Review: Bachelor Number Four by Megan Hart

Bachelor Number Four by Megan Hart
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9781609285067
Source: Publisher
Blue Ribbon Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link

It’s been quite a dry spell for Arden Walsh. A widow with two young daughters, Arden hasn’t yet stepped back out onto the dating scene and the closest she’s come to a man recently has been her fantasies of Keanu Reeves. When Arden finally does start dating, it’s one disaster after another. But thanks to the power of social media, Arden reconnects with Shane Donner. Twelve years ago, Arden and Shane had a tumultuous relationship that didn’t exactly end well. In the past, Shane wasn’t the man for her. But if he’s matured since then, Arden has to wonder if Shane could be just the bachelor for her.

I’m a total sucker for a reunion romance, so of course, I snapped up BACHELOR NUMBER FOUR. BACHELOR NUMBER FOUR is more about Arden’s journey than her romance with Shane, and for the most part that works. Arden is the kind of heroine you’d want to be friends with if she were real, so I loved watching her step back out onto the dating scene. The dates – both good and bad – are highly entertaining, but Arden’s scenes with Shane definitely steal the show. The only thing I’d wish for was more time spent on Arden and Shane’s burgeoning relationship. Not that I’d want anything to be cut. Rather, if the story were a bit longer the romance aspect would be more satisfying. I’d love to see where Shane and Arden go past the beginning of their relationship. The sparks that fly between them are hot enough to burn. Whether in fantasy or reality, past or present, the dynamic between Arden and Shane is fantastic and I love that author Megan Hart gave readers a glimpse into the people they were, as well as seeing who they are now. BACHELOR NUMBER FOUR is the first story of Ms. Hart’s I’ve read and it definitely won’t be the last!


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.

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Review: Beauty Dates the Beast by Jessica Sims

Beauty Dates the Beast by Jessica Sims
Series: Midnight Liaisons, Book 1
Publisher: Pocket Books
Genre: Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 9781439188231
Source: Publisher
Blue Ribbon Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link

As a human, Bathsheba normally wouldn’t have much to do with supernatural beings. However, since she works for Midnight Liaisons, an exclusive paranormal dating service, Bathsheba is up to her ears in vamps, weres, harpies and more on a daily basis. When a date with a very important client is canceled at the last minute, Bathsheba is frantic. Beau Russell may be new to Midnight Liaisons, but the were-cougar happens to be head of the Paranormal Alliance. Luckily for Bathsheba, Beau has a solution; Bathsheba will be his date…for a week. When he’s about to go into “heat,” so to speak. It’s almost too much for one human to handle, and that’s before Bathsheba takes into account the fact that humans and supes aren’t supposed to date AND before she begins to feel like someone’s stalking her. But since the hunky were-cougar is determined to have her…well, Bathsheba can’t bring herself to resist.

BEAUTY DATES THE BEAST is a quirky paranormal romp that begins what is sure to be a fun series filled with supernatural delights. Author Jessica Sims has written a fast-paced story that’s got both humor and heat. Beau is a meltingly sexy hero, but his true appeal lies in the fact that he takes his responsibility as the leader of his clan and the Paranormal Alliance seriously. I can’t help it; I love a hero who has a good head on his shoulders. Bathsheba, in turn, is someone who is willing to sacrifice much for those she loves. She doesn’t cry or complain about her sometimes less-than-ideal life, but she isn’t some saintly, unrealistic heroine who doesn’t acknowledge that she’d like luck to turn her way once in a while. Together, Beau and Bathsheba are a great couple, and Ms. Sims made it easy to enjoy their romantic journey.

A dash of danger, paranormal politics and some seriously nasty villains round out BEAUTY DATES THE BEAST. The individual characters and the variety of species Ms. Sims introduces in BEAUTY DATES THE BEAST made me want to learn more about that world. I finished BEAUTY DATES THE BEAST a satisfied reader, but I can’t wait for the next MIDNIGHT LIAISONS book!


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.

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Review: A Little Wild by Kate St. James

A Little Wild by Kate St. James
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9781609286248
Source: Publisher
Blue Ribbon Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link

From Tess Sheridan’s perspective, sex equals trouble and heartbreak. And with her eye on making partner, she doesn’t want any trouble or heartbreak in her personal life screwing things up. Then her best friend dares Tess to let herself go a little wild and find a man she wants to burn up the sheets with. The catch is, Tess has to not fall in love with the guy. Tess is convinced she can win the bet. Then she meets sexy charmer Zach Halliday. Zach turns her on like no other man has, but the laid-back businessman who’s determined to leave his father’s company and forge his own path comes with some big complications. Namely, Tess’s firm represents the Halliday family corporation and her involvement with Zach leads to some sticky situations. It’d be best if she could break things off with Zach - professionally and personally – before she loses her heart and the bet.

Author Kate St. James has delivered sexy characters that’ll surprise you in the wickedly entertaining A LITTLE WILD. Tess is a dedicated young lawyer with a good heart and a strong mind. Ms. St. James makes Tess feel like she could be one of your friends, which makes it easy to become invested in her story. Zach, in turn, has a reputation for being a little wild himself. But underneath that carefree charm is a sharp mind that just needs direction. I loved watching both Tess and Zach come into their own over the course of A LITTLE WILD. Surprisingly enough, their personal growth engaged me more than their hitting the sheets – that’s saying something since Ms. St. James definitely doesn’t skimp on the heat factor. Things get more than “a little wild” in bed, on the phone and elsewhere in this story.

A delightful subplot involving Tess’s best friend Chloe and Zach’s brother Ethan keep A LITTLE WILD going strong even when mistakes and misunderstandings in the main plot threaten to bring the story down. All in all, I enjoyed A LITTLE WILD and I think fans of red-hot contemporary romance will enjoy Tess and Zach’s book.


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.

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Review: Give It to Me Spicy by Evie Balos

Give It to Me Spicy by Evie Balos
Publisher: Totally Bound
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9780857156099
Source: Publisher
Blue Ribbon Rating: 3 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link

For six months, Tara Duncan has lusted after co-worker Jay Moretti. The trouble is, Tara has no interest in being merely another notch on Jay’s bedpost…err…office desk, and she’s already seen another colleague come out of his office looking suggestively disheveled. But despite her best intentions, Tara can’t seem to ignore the heated looks Jay throws her way. And when a new project throws the two of them together, it’s not long before the sexual tension simmering between them erupts.

Author Evie Balos turns the heat up dangerously high in GIVE IT TO ME SPICY. Ms. Balos drew me in from the start with the likeable, relatable Tara, who definitely needed some one-on-one time with a certain co-worker. Tara may be wary of being involved with Jay due to something she’d seen, but once the sexy account executive sets his sights on her, she’s toast. And who can blame her? Jay’s got the whole package, and he’s not about to let something like a little misunderstanding keep him from claiming Tara. The push-pull between them was entertaining and when it exploded into red-hot love scenes, GIVE IT TO ME SPICY earned its name. With its fast pace, spunky characters and erotic interludes, GIVE IT TO ME SPICY is a wickedly entertaining read.


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.

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Review: Lust on the Rocks by Dianne Venetta

Lust on the Rocks by Dianne Venetta
Series: Gables Trilogy, Book 2
Publisher: BloominThyme Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9780983246435
Source: Publisher
Blue Ribbon Rating: 3 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link

Attorney Samantha Rawlings knows that winning her current case will be the thing that gets her the coveted promotion to partner. But when her boss asks that she bring hotshot young lawyer Victor Marin in on the case, Sam is thrown for a loop. Vic is distracting…in more ways than one. His sex appeal sends Sam reeling, and his almost single-minded focus on their current case makes Sam question his motives. It looks like Vic has a personal vendetta against the defendant. What will happen when Sam finds out that – when it comes to this case – appearances aren’t deceiving?

A sensual, career-minded lawyer meets her match in her sexy, vengeance-driven co-worker in the aptly-titled LUST ON THE ROCKS. Author Dianne Venetta wasn’t afraid to let her hero and heroine butt heads – on more than one front – and the sparks that flew as a result brought life to LUST ON THE ROCKS. I enjoyed watching Sam and Vic argue and compromise, push and defend, give and take. They’re so similar and yet so different in character that I felt I got to know them as they worked out their differences. I liked that Ms. Venetta really let me get to know Sam and Vic, both their strengths and their flaws; that stayed with me even more than the spicy love scenes of LUST ON THE ROCKS.

Though Sam, Vic and their current case is at the center of LUST ON THE ROCKS, there is a significant subplot involving Sam’s pregnant college-aged sister. Again, I appreciated the fact that Ms. Venetta had her characters examine all sides of a problem, but in the pro-choice, pro-life debate contained in LUST ON THE ROCKS, the pro-life language used got a bit heavy-handed for my personal comfort. Given that this is a sensitive subject for many readers, I felt like this needed to be mentioned.

LUST ON THE ROCKS has all the sultriness of its Florida setting. Readers looking for a sensual read with strong-willed, three-dimensional characters will undoubtedly enjoy LUST ON THE ROCKS.


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.

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