Review: Best Man, Worst Man by Stacy Gail

Best Man, Worst Man by Stacy Gail
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9781609285425
Blue Ribbon Rating: 3 out of 5
Original Review Link
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Wedding planner Claire Pomeroy thought she’d seen it all. Then she met her clients’ best man, Ryder Price. Ryder is determined to convince the groom, Matt, to call off the wedding. Not because he thinks that Matt and his bride, Rachel, should split, but because he doesn’t believe in marriage. Ryder claims he’s only watching out for his best friend, but Claire can tell there’s more to the story than that. As she tries to prove to this “worst man” that marriage doesn’t have to end in disaster, Claire finds herself falling for the one man who stands against what she believes in.

I’m a sucker for a wedding-themed story, so it was with great excitement that I started BEST MAN, WORST MAN. I adored Claire and watching her handle the craziness involved with wedding planning was a lot of fun. Ryder, in turn, required a lot of patience. Claire, Matt and Rachel have their work cut out for them when it comes to convincing Ryder that Matt and Rachel’s wedding should go forth. I didn’t envy them that job, but I had faith they’d help Ryder overcome his bias. Author Stacy Gail does a really good job making sure Ryder wasn’t unlikeable, so it was fun watching him fall for Claire. BEST MAN, WORST MAN may start out as a bride’s nightmare, but it ends as a satisfying romance reader’s dream.

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

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Review: Stark Naked by Desiree Holt

Stark Naked by Desiree Holt
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9781609285562
Blue Ribbon Rating: 3 out of 5
Original Review Link
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Reenie Davenport has had it with men; she’s ready for a clean slate when she moves to Texas. And after relocating, Reenie looks forward to reconnecting with Amy Stark, a friend from college. Then, while visiting her friend, Reenie encounters Amy’s very drunk, very naked brother, Matt. Amy is mortified, but Reenie is turned on by Matt, so she makes a break for it. But before she can regain her equilibrium, Matt shows up on her doorstep, wanting to apologize, and Reenie’s defenses begin to crumble. It soon becomes apparent that Matt wants more than to apologize. Can Reenie trust him with her heart as well as her body?

Author Desiree Holt sure knows how to write one sexy cowboy! STARK NAKED is a rip-roaring, sheet-tangling erotic romance that’ll make you smile. I absolutely loved the chemistry between Reenie and Matt. Matt’s determination to win Reenie’s heart – a heart that was bruised by another man – endeared him to me. It’s not an easy task for him to persuade Reenie that they belong together, but whether he’s stark naked or fully clothed, Matt’s more than up to the task.

Reenie’s reticence to get into a relationship with Matt is logical. At the same time, it’s equally understandable how he’s able to get under her skin so quickly. Reenie and Matt are a great match, and the sparks between them carried STARK NAKED. All in all, I enjoyed STARK NAKED, and I really hope Ms. Holt writes a book for the incredibly likeable Amy Stark.

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

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Musing Monday

Musings Monday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

This week’s musing asks…

What devices –if any– do you read books on? Do you find it enjoyable, or still somewhat bothersome? Or: If you only read the print books, why haven’t you chosen to read on any devices?

I have a Kindle, which I absolutely love for a number of reasons. Since I read a lot of books that are e-book only, my Kindle doesn't hurt my eyes like reading on the computer does. Plus it's a huge space saver - I have four double-stacked, packed bookcases and 16 boxes of books (not counting my college and law school texts) and things are still overflowing. Plus there's the instant gratification factor. Want to buy a book? One-click ordering.

That being said, I prefer reading print books. Nothing beats curling up with an actual paperback. I don't get the same feeling reading on my Kindle.

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Review: This Rough Magic by Josh Lanyon

This Rough Magic by Josh Lanyon
Series: A Shot in the Dark, Book 1
Publisher: Loose Id
Genre: Historical Male/Male Romantic Suspense
ISBN: 9781611184020
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link
Josh Lanyon Reading Order

When a priceless folio of Shakespeare’s THE TEMPEST is stolen from the home of San Francisco socialite Brett Sheridan’s fiancée, Brett knows that he needs to be the one to halt the ensuing scandal…especially if – as he suspects – his sister is involved in the theft. His future father-in-law has given Brett three days to recover the folio before he goes to the police, and Brett can’t afford to anger the man whose pocketbook will save Brett’s own family’s fortune. The need for a private investigator sends Brett to the office of Neil Patrick Rafferty. But the case soon leads Rafferty and Brett on a merry chase; one that includes twists and turns that neither saw coming. The biggest twist being the undeniable attraction between the pair. Brett’s future depends on him going through with his marriage, and his illicit desire for another man means he could lose everything. The clock’s ticking, and it won’t be long before Brett has to make a choice that’ll change his life.

Author Josh Lanyon’s writing sparkles as he takes readers for a spin in the Thirties-style crime fiction, THIS ROUGH MAGIC. Mr. Lanyon has said that THIS ROUGH MAGIC is a riff on THE THIN MAN, but while THIS ROUGH MAGIC takes place in the Thirties and shades of Hammett’s famous novel color the book, don’t expect Rafferty and Brett to be Nick and Nora – or even Nick and Nick. Rafferty and Brett are wholly unique characters, and they’re heroes I fell hard and fast for. Rafferty looks the part of a hardened PI, but he’s surprisingly – and even adorably – sweet. I worried Brett would break his heart, and Mr. Lanyon kept me guessing as to how things would work out for the pair. Brett’s determined to marry heiress Juliet Lennox, but his reasons for doing so stem from a single-minded effort to keep his head-in-the-clouds family afloat. Brett and Rafferty are sympathetic characters and being that this is a historical, Brett’s engagement is actually the smallest of the obstacles their burgeoning relationship faces.

A cast of idiosyncratic secondary characters bring flashiness to THIS ROUGH MAGIC, contrasting perfectly with the more grounded Rafferty and Brett. The mystery of who stole the folio isn’t hard to figure out, but it’s Brett and Rafferty’s journey that the case is a catalyst for which gives THIS ROUGH MAGIC its life. By turns tender, witty and charming, THIS ROUGH MAGIC was a delight to read, and I can’t wait to see Rafferty and Brett’s story continue in the next SHOT IN THE DARK book.


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

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Review: Three Ways to Wicked by Melinda Barron

Three Ways to Wicked by Melinda Barron
Publisher: Resplendence Publishing
Genre: Erotic Fantasy Ménage
ISBN: 9781607352921
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link
Melinda Barron Reading Order

When Krisily Carmichael’s rat of an ex publishes naked pictures of her, the voluptuous author decides to hightail it out of town and away from the nasty letters filling her mailbox. The advertisement for a rental cottage in England seems to be a godsend. But there’s something unusual about the picturesque cottage; namely, the four people trapped in the garden.

In the sixteenth century, a sorcerer named Uriel and his two cousins, alchemists Bythos and Acolius, were imprisoned in their own garden by an evil witch. By pure accident, Krisily manages to free Uriel and then later his cousins. But the men are each missing one of their senses, thanks to the witch’s magic. And communication problems between three sixteenth century magical men and a modern day woman are the least of the foursome’s problems. The witch is still in the garden, and she’s gaining power. Krisily, Uriel, Bythos and Acolius will have to use their newfound connection to defeat the witch, or their burgeoning relationship isn’t the only thing at risk.

Oh, what I wouldn’t give to be Krisily, jerk of an ex, evil witch and all. There’s a veritable feast for the senses waiting for her in the idyllic English cottage in the form of the hunky Bythos, Acolius and Uriel. The three cousins work well as a team, and not just when it comes to magic.

Author Melinda Barron is a master at delivering sexy, fun reads, and THREE WAYS TO WICKED is no exception. I loved watching Krisily try to bring her men up-to-date on how the world works – there were some laugh out loud moments there. More importantly, when it came to defeating the witch I was cheering the foursome on. Ms. Barron makes it easy to become invested in her characters, and I definitely adored each of her protagonists...though I admit to having a particular soft spot for Uriel. All in all, THREE WAYS TO WICKED was a fast-paced, entertaining read that I plan on enjoying over and over and over again.


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

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Review: Psychic Moon by M.D. Grimm

Psychic Moon by M.D. Grimm
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Paranormal Male/Male Romance
ISBN: 9781613721162
Blue Ribbon Rating: 3 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link

Derek Williams hates most humans. Given that he’s a wolf shifter working as a humane officer, his distaste doesn’t come as a surprise. There is, however, one human who is constantly at the center of Derek’s thoughts; Brian O’Donogue. Derek’s been lusting after the sexy veterinarian for two years, not knowing that the desire is mutual. But not long after Derek finally makes his move, a rogue wolf shifter attacks Brian. Is there hope for a wolf shifter who wants a human mate? Derek and Brian may not have a chance to find out if the rogue shifter has his way.

PSYCHIC MOON will both break your heart and make you smile. The romance between Derek and Brian is lighthearted and pleasing, giving PSYCHIC MOON buoyancy. Added in were the realistic descriptions of the conditions that humane officers often find animals in. Author M.D. Grimm managed to devastate me – though she never went overboard or entered Public Service Announcement territory – but this aspect of the book added depth and a sense of realism to PSYCHIC MOON. The combination of realism and the fantastic, sadness and hope, danger and joy made PSYCHIC MOON feel like a full story. The world Ms. Grimm created in PSYCHIC MOON was so interesting that I hope she pens more stories in the same setting. I greatly enjoyed PSYCHIC MOON, and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Grimm’s work.


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

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Review: Come Back to me by J.S. Nichols

Come Back to Me by J.S. Nichols
Publisher: Sapphire Blue Publishing
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Blue Ribbon Rating: 3 out of 5
Original Review Link

Erin Brady is ready to put her failed engagement behind her. That’s why she trades her honeymoon cruise tickets for a singles cruise. Unfortunately, it’s not long after Erin sets foot on board that she spies her ex entering a cabin a few doors down from her – with another woman! Erin is NOT ready to face her ex, especially since she has a secret she isn’t ready to tell him.

Ryan McKinnon is undercover, acting as a bodyguard to a spoiled heiress. But that’s not his only mission; Ryan is determined to win Erin back, and he’ll do anything to convince her they’re made for each other. But Ryan’s not the only one who has eyes for Erin. Ryan learns that women have gone missing on this cruise line before, and the kidnapper just might have his sights set on Erin.

COME BACK TO ME is filled to the brim with secrets, intrigue and lust. Author J.S. Nichols’ first novel has all the twists and turns that readers of romantic suspense will love. I liked that Ms. Nichols wasn’t afraid to make her villains truly evil, as it made it easy to become engaged in Ryan’s investigation. And speaking of Ryan…wow. Ms. Nichols had me sighing over him for sure. I felt so bad for Ryan; he’s a great guy with a good heart, and he desperately wants to win Erin over. I was rooting for him all the way through COME BACK TO ME.

To the best of my knowledge, COME BACK TO ME is a standalone novel. However, there’s quite a bit of history to Erin and Ryan’s story that had me wondering if perhaps Ms. Nichols has a prequel written that hasn’t been published yet. I hope so, for the glimpses of the past and of a romance involving Erin’s best friend are truly intriguing.

Overall, COME BACK TO ME is a fast-paced, entertaining book. There are a few points where readers will have to suspend disbelief and a dash of religion that surprised me, but neither of these points significantly detracted from the story. I’m looking forward to reading more of Ms. Nichols’ books in the future.


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

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