Review: One Night of Trouble by Elle Kennedy

One Night of Trouble by Elle Kennedy
Series: After Hours, Book 3
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9781633751910
Release Date: January 5, 2015
Source: Author
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N
Elle Kennedy Reading Order

No More Mr. Nice Guy…

The moment AJ Walsh sees the sexy, tattooed pixie walk up to his bar, it’s lust at first sight. He’s always been labeled the “nice” guy―opening doors, buying flowers, and never, ever having one-night stands. But with this wicked little angel with red lips and unfathomably dark eyes? Oh, yeah. Tonight, “nice” has nothing to do with it...

Brett Conlon is trying to convince her family that she’s put away her reckless wild girl side for good. Nothing―and no one―could be better for her reputation than golden boy AJ Walsh. So they make a deal: if he plays The Good Boyfriend for her family, he can be a very, very bad boy with her. Now their one naughty night is about to turn into a whole lot of trouble...

One Night of Trouble is a scorchingly hot read by Elle Kennedy, a true master of erotic romance. Brett and AJ’s story is decadently erotic and utterly engrossing – barring singed fingers you won’t want to put this book down ;)

Since the beginning of the After Hours series I’ve been looking forward to delving into AJ’s character. On the surface he seems so perfect that you just have to know what’s going on beneath the golden boy façade. Make no mistake, AJ is a nice guy with a big heart who’ll make you swoon, but he’s also more than the mask he wears. He’s not perfect at all, which of course makes him the perfect hero. AJ’s got an edge he hides, plus he’s sexy-as-sin, deliciously dominant, and dirty to boot. It’s a struggle for him to simply be himself and I loved watching him come into his own over the course of the story. Brett is the catalyst for his change. The talented tattoo-artist is also more than others see her to be. She’s screwed up in the past and she knows it, but she works to be a more responsible person. You have to respect her intelligence and determination and you have to adore her because she’s a straight-shooting, likeable heroine. She and AJ bring out the best in one another, and their romance is unexpectedly sweet. Brett and AJ are also unbelievably hot as a couple – melt the page/screen hot. The sexual tension and erotic scenes in One Night of Trouble are beyond sexy, so much so that you may need a fan even in the dead of winter.

One Night of Trouble is the third book in Ms. Kennedy’s After Hours series but it can easily be read as a standalone. Gage and Skyler (from One Night of Sin) and Reed and Darcy (from One Night of Scandal) do play small supporting roles, and I loved what these four brought to the story (though I won’t spoil what that is). Though One Night of Trouble is the final book in the After Hours trilogy, Ms. Kennedy does introduce Brett’s brothers, a trio of intriguing men I hope get stories of their own one day.

AJ and Brett are two strong, wonderful characters with generous hearts and sex appeal to spare. I loved reading their story and I cannot wait to revisit them when I re-read the fabulous After Hours series.


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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2015 A to Z Reading Challenge

I've had a blast doing this challenge for the past few years and I can't resist another go 'round. I've discovered a few now-favorite books I might not have otherwise noticed because of this challenge :)

Challenge details:
- Duration: January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015
- Read 26 books which titles begin with the letters of the alphabet.
- You may ignore articles like A, An and The at the beginning of the title.
- For the letter X, any book title with the letter X in it is acceptable if you can't find one that begins with X.
- You can sign up anytime.
- Please only list books you have read. You can read them in any order.
- A book only counts once, so you can include a re-read the first time you read it.

Date Completed: November 28, 2015

My List:
All Fired Up (Hot in the Kitchen, Book 2) by Kate Meader – 1/3/15
Billionaire’s Con, The by Mackenzie Crowne - 1/1/15
Cowboy Take Me Away (Rainbow Valley, Book 1) by Jane Graves – 1/30/15
Deal, The (Off-Campus, Book 1) by Elle Kennedy - 2/22/15
Engaged at the Chatsfield (The Chatsfield, Book 0.5) by Melanie Milburne
Fit (Fit Trilogy, Book 1) by Rebekah Weatherspoon – 1/10/15
Good Deed Done, A by Pelaam - 3/12/15
How the Scoundrel Seduces (The Duke’s Men, Book 3) by Sabrina Jeffries – 1/22/15
If the Viscount Falls (The Duke’s Men, Book 4) by Sabrina Jeffries – 1/24/15
Just Say Yes (Strictly Business, Book 2) by Elizabeth Hayley – 11/13/15
Kiss Me, I’m Irish by Sabina Phillips – 3/22/15
Last Quarrel: Episode One by Duncan Lay – 1/16/15
Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins, Book 1) by P.L. Travers – 2/16/15
Naya’s Most Important Visitors (Psy-Changeling) by Nalini Singh – 9/27/15
One Night of Trouble (After Hours, Book 3) by Elle Kennedy - 1/2/15
Playing Knotty by Elia Winters - 2/28/15
Questionable Client, A (Kate Daniels, Book 0.5) by Ilona Andrews – 10/22/15
Rebellion of a Chalet Girl (Chalet Girl, Book 6) by Lorraine Wilson – 3/17/15
Small Miracle Happened, A by Mari Donne – 1/19/15
Tempted by His Best Friend by Cari Quinn – 2/14/15
Unforgettable (Country Roads, Book 4) by Shannon Richard – 1/8/15
Vengeance in Death (In Death, Book 6) by J.D. Robb – 11/28/15
Walking on Sunshine (Cricket Creek, Book 8) by LuAnn McLane – 4/6/15
EX on the Beach by Lisa Scott – 5/20/15
You'll Be Mine (Green Mountain, Book 4.5) by Marie Force – 6/25/15
Zoe’s Workshop (Guild Hunter) by Nalini Singh – 8/25/15

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Books I've Read in 2015

For the past five years I've kept track of the books I read. I read so much that everything tends to blend together in my mental library. It's always fun at the end of the year to look back and see what I've read, loved, and want to re-read (and on the odd occasion, want to avoid). Plus, it's great to share and compare lists with other book bloggers :)

This list is only of books and novellas I've read and finished (though if I read an entire anthology, I list only the anthology title). The books are listed in the order I read them.

There are sure to be many wonderful stories on the list, but the ones with a ** by them are ones I highly recommend.

1. The Billionaire’s Con by Mackenzie Crowne
2. One Night of Trouble (After Hours, Book 3) by Elle Kennedy
3. All Fired Up (Hot in the Kitchen, Book 2) by Kate Meader
4. Unforgettable (Country Roads, Book 4) by Shannon Richard
5. Fit (Fit Trilogy, Book 1) by Rebekah Weatherspoon
6. The Last Quarrel: Episode One by Duncan Lay
7. Obsession in Death (In Death, Book 40) by J.D. Robb **
8. A Small Miracle Happened by Mari Donne
9. Shadowboxing (Arbor Heights, Book 9) by Diana DeRicci
10. How the Scoundrel Seduces (The Duke’s Men, Book 3) by Sabrina Jeffries
11. Undressed (Country Roads, Book 4.5) by Shannon Richard
12. If the Viscount Falls (The Duke’s Men, Book 4) by Sabrina Jeffries
13. Cowboy Take Me Away (Rainbow Valley, Book 1) by Jane Graves (re-read)
14. Once and Always by Julia Harper
15. Tempted by His Best Friend by Cari Quinn
16. The Sugar Cookie Sweetheart Swap by Donna Kauffman, Kate Angell, and Kimberly Kincaid
17. Soulbound (Darkest London, Book 6) by Kristen Callihan
18. Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins, Book 1) by P.L. Travers
19. The Sweetheart Secret (Sweetheart Sisters, Book 3) by Shirley Jump (re-read)
20. The Deal (Off-Campus, Book 1) by Elle Kennedy **
21. Darling Beast (Maiden Lane, Book 7) by Elizabeth Hoyt (re-read)
22. Ugly Young Thing (Grand Trespass, Book 2) by Jennifer Jaynes
23. Playing Knotty by Elia Winters **
24. Barefoot in Lace (Barefoot Bay Brides, Book 2) by Roxanne St. Claire (re-read)
25. Laugh (Burnside, Book 2) by Mary Ann Rivers
26. Dead Heat (Alpha & Omega, Book 4) by Patricia Briggs
27. Four Nights with the Duke (Desperate Duchesses, Book 8) by Eloisa James
28. More Than Pancakes (Maple Leaf Series, Book 1) by Christine DePetrillo
29. A Good Deed Done by Pelaam
30. Beauty Bites (Biting Love, Book 6) by Mary Hughes (re-read)
31. Cead Mile Milte by T.A. Chase
32. Still the One (Animal Magnetism, Book 6) by Jill Shalvis
33. Masked Attraction (Pull of the Moon, Book 0.5) by Mary Hughes
34. Secrets of a Gentleman Escort (Rakes Who Make Husbands Jealous, Book 1) by Bronwyn Scott
35. Rebellion of a Chalet Girl (Chalet Girl, Book 6) by Lorraine Wilson
36. Colour Me Undead by Mikela Q. Chase (re-read)
37. Chalet Girl Plays Cupid (Chalet Girl, Book 5) by Lorraine Wilson
38. Hair of the Dog by Kelli Scott
39. Busted (Promise Harbor Wedding, Book 3) by Sydney Somers
40. Kiss Me, I’m Irish by Sabina Phillips
41. Still the One (Animal Magnetism, Book 6) by Jill Shalvis (re-read)
42. Hitched (Promise Harbor Wedding, Book 4) by Erin Nicholas
43. Below the Belt (First to Fight, Book 1) by Jeanette Murray
44. The Liar by Nora Roberts
45. Walking on Sunshine (Cricket Creek, Book 8) by LuAnn McLane
46. Don’t Walk Away (DreamMakers, Book 3) by Vivian Arend and Elle Kennedy
47. Alias Hook by Lisa Jensen
48. Slim to None by Jenny Gardiner
49. The Mistake (Off-Campus, Book 2) by Elle Kennedy
50. A Scoundrel by Moonlight (Sons of Sin, Book 4) by Anna Campbell
51. Cupcakes & Chardonnay by Julia Gabriel
52. Barefoot in Pearls (Barefoot Bay Brides, Book 3) by Roxanne St. Claire
53. Grave Phantoms (Roaring Twenties, Book 3) by Jenn Bennett **
54. Festive in Death (In Death, Book 39) by J.D. Robb (re-read) **
55. Two of Hearts by Christina Lee
56. Bossypants by Tina Fey
57. On Thin Ice (Ice, Book 6) by Anne Stuart
58. Dearest Rogue (Maiden Lane, Book 8) by Elizabeth Hoyt **
59. Consumed by Fire (Fire, Book 1) by Anne Stuart
60. Suddenly One Summer by Julie James
61. The Witch Hunter (The Witch Hunter, Book 1) by Virginia Boecker **
62. Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changeling, Book 1) by Nalini Singh (re-read) **
63. Ex on the Beach by Lisa Scott
64. Engaged at the Chatsfield (The Chatsfield, Book 0.5) by Melanie Milburne
65. Shards of Hope (Psy-Changeling, Book 14) by Nalini Singh **
66. Asking for It by Lilah Pace **
67. Midnight Captive (Killer Instincts, Book 6) by Elle Kennedy
68. Miracle of the Bellskis (Bellskis, Book 2) by Astrid Amara
69. It’s a Squirrel’s Life: A Tale of Stress and Misunderstanding by Linda J. Schuerholz
70. Into Eternity (Lords of Deliverance/Demonica) by Larissa Ione
71. Courtship of the Cake (Much “I Do” About Nothing, Book 2) by Jessica Topper
72. Eat Play Lust by Tawna Fenske
73. Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
74. A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1) by George R. R. Martin **
75. To Sir Phillip, With Love: The 2nd Epilogue by Julia Quinn (re-read) **
76. When He Was Wicked: The 2nd Epilogue by Julia Quinn (re-read) **
77. It’s In His Kiss: The 2nd Epilogue by Julia Quinn (re-read)
78. On the Way to the Wedding: The 2nd Epilogue by Julia Quinn (re-read)
79. The Shadow Revolution (Crown & Key, Book 1) by Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith
80. Doctor, Doctor by Pelaam
81. Second Chance Summer (Cedar Ridge, Book 1) by Jill Shalvis
82. The Klockwerk Kraken by Aidee Ladnier
83. Wicked Charms (Lizzy & Diesel, Book 3) by Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton
84. Archangel’s Consort (Guild Hunter, Book 3) by Nalini Singh
85. Simply Irresistible (House of Pleasure, Book 2.5) by Kate Pearce
86. The Undying Legion (Crown & Key, Book 2) by Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith
87. Ask Me Why by Jodi Thomas, Marie Force, Virginia Kantra, and Shirley Jump
88. Waistcoats & Weaponry (Finishing School, Book 3) by Gail Carriger
89. Ink and Bone (The Great Library, Book 1) by Rachel Caine **
90. Archangel’s Blade (Guild Hunter, Book 4) by Nalini Singh
91. Wanted (Deadly Secrets, Book 2) by Dee Tenorio
92. A Lady’s Guide to Skirting Scandal (The Lords of Worth, Book 2.5) by Kelly Bowen
93. The Art of Sinning (Sinful Suitors, Book 1) by Sabrina Jeffries
94. Harmonized (Tidewater, Book 2.5) by Mary Behre
95. Begging for It (Asking for It, Book 2) by Lilah Pace **
96. Energized (Tidewater, Book 3) by Mary Behre
97. Brown-Eyed Girl (Travis Family, Book 4) by Lisa Kleypas
98. Archangel’s Storm (Guild Hunter, Book 5) by Nalini Singh
99. All Wound Up (Play-by-Play, Book 10) by Jaci Burton
100. Angels’ Flight (Guild Hunter) by Nalini Singh
101. Archangel’s Legion (Guild Hunter, Book 6) by Nalini Singh
102. The Untamed Mackenzie (Mackenzies & McBrides, Book 5.5) by Jennifer Ashley
103. Asher & Emmett by Anna Lee
104. Sleeping with the Enemy (Out of Bounds, Book 4) by Tracy Solheim
105. Archangel’s Shadows (Guild Hunter, Book 7) by Nalini Singh
106. Zoe’s Workshop (Guild Hunter) by Nalini Singh
107. The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances by Matthew Inman (re-read) **
108. Archangel’s Enigma (Guild Hunter, Book 8) by Nalini Singh
109. Weapons Training (Guild Hunter) by Nalini Singh
110. Making a Play (Hometown Players, Book 2) by Victoria Denault
111. Festive in Death (In Death, Book 39) by J.D. Robb (re-read) **
112. Written in the Stars (Cricket Creek, Book 9) by LuAnn McLane
113. Down the Rabbit Hole (In Death, Book 41.5) by J.D. Robb, Mary Blayney, Elaine Fox, Mary Kay McComas, and R.C. Ryan
114. The Stolen Mackenzie Bride (Mackenzies & McBrides, Book 8) by Jennifer Ashley
115. This Book Will Change Your Life by Amanda Weaver **
116. Claimed (Outlaws, Book 1) by Elle Kennedy
117. Straight Boy (Straight Guys, Book 0.5) by Alessandra Hazard
118. Chasing Alex by Riley Shane (re-read) **
119. Against the Ropes (First to Fight, Book 2) by Jeanette Murray
120. All I Want (Animal Magnetism, Book 7) by Jill Shalvis
121. Naya’s Most Important Visitors (Psy-Changeling) by Nalini Singh
122. When Somebody Loves You (Southern Belle Book Club, Book 1) by Shirley Jump
123. Rock Chick (Rock Chick, Book 1) by Kristen Ashley **
124. Buy Me 2 (Mistress Auctions, Book 2) by Alexa Riley
125. How the Scoundrel Seduces (The Duke’s Men, Book 3) by Sabrina Jeffries (re-read)
126. Blood Magick (The Cousins O'Dwyer, Book 3) by Nora Roberts
127. Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls: A Handbook for Unapologetic Living by Jes Baker
128. Stars of Fortune (The Guardian Trilogy, Book 1) by Nora Roberts
129. A Questionable Client (Kate Daniels, Book 0.5) by Ilona Andrews (re-read)
130. What Happens Under the Mistletoe by Sabrina Jeffries, Karen Hawkins, Candace Camp, and Meredith Duran
131. The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett
132. It’s Only Love (Green Mountain, Book 5) by Marie Force
133. Unsung (Country Roads, Book 5) Shannon Richard
134. Kissing Her Crush (Sugar City, Book 2) by Ophelia London
135. Designed for Murder (Killer Style, Book 4) by Avery Flynn
136. Secret Sisters by Jayne Ann Krentz
137. A Mackenzie Clan Gathering (Mackenzies & McBrides, Book 8.5) by Jennifer Ashley
138. Unnatural (Enlightenment, Book 4) by Joanna Chambers
139. Sweetest Scoundrel (Maiden Lane, Book 9) by Elizabeth Hoyt
140. Just Say Yes (Strictly Business, Book 2) by Elizabeth Hayley
141. Rock Chick Rescue (Rock Chick, Book 2) by Kristen Ashley
142. How to Beguile a Duke (How To, Book 1) by Ally Broadfield
143. The Fat Burn Revolution by Julia Buckley
144. How to Seduce a Scot (Broadswords and Ballrooms, Book 1) by Christy English
145. How to Bewitch an Earl (How To, Book 2) by Ally Broadfield
146. Blood Kiss (Black Dagger Legacy, Book 1) by J.R. Ward **
147. You Make Me Die in Pieces (The Lines of Marsden, Book 3) by N.J. Nielsen
148. Coming Apart at the Seams (Riley O’Brien & Co., Book 2) by Jenna Sutton
149. Eat Green Get Lean by Michael Matthews
150. Vengeance in Death (In Death, Book 6) by J.D. Robb (re-read) **
151. The Final Move (Hometown Players, Book 3) by Victoria Denault
152. Devil in Winter (Wallflowers, Book 3) by Lisa Kleypas **
153. Everything At Last (Magnolia Beach, Book 2) by Kimberly Lang
154. Yes Please by Amy Poehler
155. Only for the Weekend (If Only, Book 1) by Ella Sheridan
156. My Kind of Wonderful (Cedar Ridge, Book 2) by Jill Shalvis
157. I Married the Duke (The Prince Catchers, Book 1) by Katharine Ashe (re-read)
158. Kisses, She Wrote (The Prince Catchers, Book 2) by Katharine Ashe
159. One Taste of Scandal (The Redcakes, Book 2) by Heather Hiestand
160. No Good Duke Goes Unpunished (The Rules of Scoundrels, Book 3) by Sarah MacLean
161. Midnight in Death (In Death, Book 7.5) by J.D. Robb (re-read)
162. New Leaf (Mystic Creek, Book 2) by Catherine Anderson
163. Mrs. Saint Nick by Caroline Mickelson
164. Rock Chick Redemption (Rock Chick, Book 3) by Kristen Ashley **
165. Stealing the Bachelor (Stealing the Heart, Book 3) by Sonya Weiss
166. Off the Clock (Pleasure Principle, Book 1) by Roni Loren **
167. The Score (Off-Campus, Book 3) by Elle Kennedy **
168. Reaper’s Property (Reapers MC, Book 1) by Joanna Wylde
169. Tell Me You Want Me (Search and Seduce, Book 2) by Joya Ryan

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2015 New (to me) Author Challenge

I've done this challenge for the past five years and discovered some great new-to-me authors along the way (not hard to believe since I've read 409 new (to me) authors from 2010 to 2014). My favorite authors I "discovered" over the past few years are Macy Beckett, Jenn Bennett, C.C. Galloway, DJ Gross, Larissa Ione, Robin LaFevers, Abigail Roux, Riley Shane, Cherise Sinclair, Dee Tenorio, and Lynn Viehl.


The Challenge: Read 20 or more books this year by authors you’ve never read before.
Dates: January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015


My list:

1. Author: Mackenzie Crowne
Title: The Billionaire’s Con

2. Author: Kate Meader
Title: All Fired Up (Hot in the Kitchen, Book 2)

3. Author: Rebekah Weatherspoon
Title: Fit (Fit Trilogy, Book 1)

4. Author: Duncan Lay
Title: The Last Quarrel: Episode One

5. Author: Mari Donne
Title: A Small Miracle Happened

6. Author: Kate Angell
Title: The Gingerbread Man

7. Author: Kimberly Kincaid
Title: Sugar and Spice

8. Author: P.L. Travers
Title: Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins, Book 1)

9. Author: Jennifer Jaynes
Title: Ugly Young Thing (Grand Trespass, Book 2)

10. Author: Elia Winters
Title: Playing Knotty

11. Author: Mary Ann Rivers
Title: Laugh (Burnside, Book 2)

12. Author: Christine DePetrillo
Title: More Than Pancakes (Maple Leaf Series, Book 1)

13. Author: Pelaam
Title: A Good Deed Done

14. Author: Bronwyn Scott
Title: Secrets of a Gentleman Escort (Rakes Who Make Husbands Jealous, Book 1)

15. Author: Lorraine Wilson
Title: Rebellion of a Chalet Girl (Chalet Girl, Book 6)

16. Author: Kelli Scott
Title: Hair of the Dog

17. Author: Sydney Somers
Title: Busted (Promise Harbor Wedding, Book 3)

18. Author: Sabina Phillips
Title: Kiss Me, I’m Irish

19. Author: Erin Nicholas
Title: Hitched (Promise Harbor Wedding, Book 4)

20. Author: Jeanette Murray
Title: Below the Belt (First to Fight, Book 1)

21. Author: Lisa Jensen
Title: Alias Hook

22. Author: Jenny Gardiner
Title: Slim to None

23. Author: Julia Gabriel
Title: Cupcakes & Chardonnay

24. Author: Tina Fey
Title: Bossypants

25. Author: Virginia Boecker
Title: The Witch Hunter (The Witch Hunter, Book 1)

26. Author: Lisa Scott
Title: Ex on the Beach

27. Author: Melanie Milburne
Title: Engaged at the Chatsfield (The Chatsfield, Book 0.5)

28. Author: Lilah Pace
Title: Asking for It

29: Author: Linda J. Schuerholz
Title: It’s a Squirrel’s Life: A Tale of Stress and Misunderstanding

30. Author: Tawna Fenske
Title: Eat Play Lust

31. Author: Emily Giffin
Title: Something Borrowed

32. Author: George R. R. Martin
Title: A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1)

33. Author: Clay Griffith
Title: The Shadow Revolution (Crown & Key, Book 1)

34. Author: Susan Griffith
Title: The Shadow Revolution (Crown & Key, Book 1)

35. Author: Aidee Ladnier
Title: The Klockwerk Kraken

36. Author: Phoef Sutton
Title: Wicked Charms (Lizzy & Diesel, Book 3)

37: Author: Jodi Thomas
Title: Midnight Bet (Harmony, Book 8.5)

38. Author: Marie Force
Title: You’ll Be Mine (Green Mountain, Book 4.5)

39. Author: Rachel Caine
Title: Ink and Bone (The Great Library, Book 1)

40. Author: Kelly Bowen
Title: A Lady’s Guide to Skirting Scandal (The Lords of Worth, Book 2.5)

41. Author: Victoria Denault
Title: Making a Play (Hometown Players, Book 2)

42. Author: Mary Kay McComas
Title: A True Heart

43. Author: Amanda Weaver
Title: This Book Will Change Your Life

44. Author: Alessandra Hazard
Title: Straight Boy (Straight Guys, Book 0.5)

45. Author: Alexa Riley
Title: Buy Me 2 (Mistress Auctions, Book 2)

46. Author: Jes Baker
Title: Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls: A Handbook for Unapologetic Living

47. Author: Candace Camp
Title: By Any Other Name

48. Author: Ophelia London
Title: Kissing Her Crush (Sugar City, Book 2)

49. Author: Avery Flynn
Title: Designed for Murder (Killer Style, Book 4)

50: Author: Joanna Chambers
Title: Unnatural (Enlightenment, Book 4)

51. Author: Elizabeth Hayley
Title: Just Say Yes (Strictly Business, Book 2)

52. Author: Ally Broadfield
Title: How to Beguile a Duke (How To, Book 1)

53. Author: Julia Buckley
Title: The Fat Burn Revolution

54. Author: Christy English
Title: How to Seduce a Scot (Broadswords and Ballrooms, Book 1)

55. Author: Jenna Sutton
Title: Coming Apart at the Seams (Riley O’Brien & Co., Book 2)

56. Author: Michael Matthews
Title: Eat Green Get Lean

57. Author: Kimberly Lang
Title: Everything At Last (Magnolia Beach, Book 2)

58. Author: Amy Poehler
Title: Yes Please

59. Author: Ella Sheridan
Title: Only for the Weekend (If Only, Book 1)

60. Author: Catherine Anderson
Title: New Leaf (Mystic Creek, Book 2)

61. Author: Caroline Mickelson
Title: Mrs. Saint Nick

62. Author: Sonya Weiss
Title: Stealing the Bachelor (Stealing the Heart, Book 3)

63. Author: Roni Loren
Title: Off the Clock (Pleasure Principle, Book 1)

64. Author: Joanna Wylde
Title: Reaper’s Property (Reapers MC, Book 1)

65. Author: Joya Ryan
Title: Tell Me You Want Me (Search and Seduce, Book 2)

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Best Books of 2014

With 2015 fast approaching (Can you believe it?), it’s time to take a look back and pick out the best of the best. 2014 was a bit of an uneven year for me in terms of reading. I read 159 books, some of them fabulous…and some not so much. I rediscovered my love of contemporary romance, the subgenre that first hooked me on romance novels in general. I also tried 33 new (to me) authors, and found some new favorites (Jenn Bennett and Macy Beckett are among my new autobuy authors). And finally, I participated in my fifth A to Z Reading Challenge, a challenge I always enjoy.

I read a number of excellent books this year, but I did manage to narrow the list down so I could spotlight the best of the best that I read in 2014:



Top Ten Books of 2014
Top Re-Reads of 2014
Honorable Mentions

My Top Ten Books of 2014

Note: Not necessarily all published in 2014, but all were new-to-me reads
Also note: The books are alphabetized by title as I love them all equally

1. Barefoot in White (Barefoot Bay Brides, Book 1) by Roxanne St. Claire
My Review | Buy Link





2. Bitter Spirits (Roaring Twenties, Book 1) by Jenn Bennett
My Review | Buy Link






3. Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School, Book 1) by Gail Carriger
Buy Link






4. Festive in Death (In Death, Book 39) by J.D. Robb
My Review | Buy Link






5. High Noon by Nora Roberts
Buy Link






6. Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened by Allie Brosh
My Review | Buy Link





7. Make You Mine (Dumont Bachelors, Book 1) by Macy Beckett
My Review | Buy Link






8. A Marriage Most Convenient by C.C. Galloway
My Review Coming Soon | Buy Link






9. Shield of Winter (Psy-Changeling, Book 13) by Nalini Singh
My Review | Buy Link






10. Sin Undone (Demonica, Book 5) by Larissa Ione
Buy Link

My Top Re-Reads of 2014

1. Decadence (Emerald Valley, Book 1.5) by Riley Shane
Buy Link






3. Judgment in Death (In Death, Book 11) by J.D. Robb
Buy Link






4. A Very Personal Trainer by Justine Elyot
My Review | Buy Link







7. Victorian Valentine by Riley Shane
Buy Link

Honorable Mentions

These books were also new-to-me reads in 2014 and they barely missed making my top ten list.

1. Alpha & Omega (Alpha & Omega, Book 0.5) by Patricia Briggs
Buy Link





2. Azagoth (Demonica, Book 10.5 / Lords of Deliverance, Book 5.5) by Larissa Ione
Buy Link






3. Midnight Action (Killer Instincts, Book 5) by Elle Kennedy
My Review | Buy Link






4. Once in a Lifetime (Lucky Harbor, Book 9) by Jill Shalvis
My Review | Buy Link






5. One in a Million (Lucky Harbor, Book 12) by Jill Shalvis
My Review | Buy Link






6. Rules for a Proper Governess by Jennifer Ashley
My Review | Buy Link






7. Show Me, Baby (Masters of the Shadowlands, Book 9) by Cherise Sinclair
Buy Link






8. The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances by Matthew Inman
Buy Link






9. This Is Who I Am (Masters of the Shadowlands, Book 7) by Cherise Sinclair
My Review | Buy Link






10. Unleashing Mr. Darcy by Teri Wilson
My Review | Buy Link

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Review: Destiny by Vivi Anna

Destiny by Vivi Anna
Series: The League of Illusion, Book 3
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Steampunk Romance
ISBN: 9781426895593
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Carina Press

Five years ago, Sebastian Davenport tried to go back in time to reverse a fatal mistake, but found himself trapped in another reality. Unaware of the jeopardy facing his family and the League of Illusion, he gave up his magic for a quiet life as a blacksmith. Quiet, until a monstrous three-headed goddess of war called the morrigan comes to town...

Seeing Sebastian poised to charge the goddess, healer Drea Blairwood has no choice but to hit him over the head to stop him. Nursing the mysterious outsider back to health afterward is just an added benefit. She knows he's hiding something about his past, but has no idea what kind of adventure awaits them both.

Sebastian has no desire to risk the life of anyone else, let alone someone as enticing as Drea. But after militant elves kidnap Drea, Sebastian needs to find a way to reclaim his magic. The fate of the League--and the world--hangs in the balance.

Get ready for nonstop action in the final League of Illusion story! Destiny is an exciting, fast-paced read and a must for readers who enjoyed the first two League of Illusion books, Legacy and Prophecy.

Sebastian is a man who has been burdened by guilt for too long. He has essentially been stagnant since going through a portal five years ago. He’s a stranger in a strange land, working as a blacksmith and attempting not to use his magic. But with his brothers on the way and his family’s enemy hot on their trail, Sebastian needs to pull himself together and become the man he’s destined to be. Though necessity likely would have been the kick in the pants he needed, it’s Drea who is the catalyst for Sebastian’s change. Drea’s a healer with a big heart and a longing for something more. She’s wanted Sebastian for years, but it’s only now that their desire for one another comes to the fore. They swiftly fall in love even as danger and seemingly insurmountable obstacles threaten to tear them apart. While I adored Drea and Sebastian and thought they made a great couple, their romance felt rushed and a bit underdeveloped. With more time, this likeable couple could have been great, but they fell short of their potential.

The action is where Vivi Anna’s writing is at its best. The steampunk and fantasy elements introduced in the first two League of Illusion books are further streamlined in this story. There’s so much going on in Destiny that I wish I had more time to explore the world, for the magical beings and their beliefs Ms. Anna introduces had a lot of potential. One issue I did have with the story and world building was that the characters did sound a bit too modern a lot of the time, which pulled me out of the story. Still, Destiny is a solid conclusion to an imaginative trilogy. Sebastian and Drea’s story moves at a furious pace, sweeping readers away for a wonderful adventure.


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: Sweet Harmony by LuAnne McLane

Sweet Harmony by LuAnn McLane
Series: Cricket Creek, Book 7
Publisher: Signet
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9780451470485
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

When Cat Carson drops her record label and signs with an independent label based in Cricket Creek, it’s a huge upset in the music world. But the residents of Cricket Creek are thrilled to have a real country music star in their midst. Everyone except Jeff Greenfield, that is—a local rising star himself, who’s been asked to record a duet with the stunning beauty.

Jeff grew up on a farm, but his smooth, soulful country style is starting to get him noticed outside Cricket Creek. And while a duet with Cat Carson could send his career skyrocketing, he doesn’t want to lose touch with his roots—or lose his head. Because sparks are flying every time he and Cat hit the studio. And it’s more than a little distracting…

Sweet Harmony is a fresh, fun romance that’ll leave you smiling. Author LuAnn McLane’s seventh Cricket Creek novel is a refreshingly honest, joyful read.

Cat is bright, cheeky, and talented. You almost want to hate her because she’s so fabulous, but she’s just so nice that you can’t. I love heroes and heroines that make you wish they were real so you could have them as a friend, and Cat definitely fits the bill. She’s funny and klutzy and altogether endearing. She’s made it to the top as a pop country star, but now she wants to take her career in a different direction. There are those in the business who don’t think Cat’s music is “real country,” and Jeff is one of them. He’s a rising country music star in his own right, and he doesn’t want to jeopardize his integrity by going along with his label’s suggestion that he do a duet with Cat. I loved the push-pull between these two as Jeff learned to respect Cat’s talent and overcome his bias. Both musically and romantically, these two fit one another. It’s not a smooth road to happily ever after, as one might expect when business mixes with pleasure, but of course every bump in the road is worth it in the end. I will admit that I had a bit of trouble with some things near the end that I fear I can’t write about without spoiling the book. Suffice it to say that Cat makes some decisions that seemingly come out of nowhere and I would have liked it if there had been a bit more development toward the end instead of it feeling rushed.

All of the Cricket Creek books I’ve read have had a secondary romance in them, and Sweet Harmony is no exception. I absolutely love reunion romances and the one between separated spouses Pete and Maria was truly stunning. I adore all the secondary romances in the Cricket Creek series, but Pete and Maria’s may just be my favorite. Their love story added even more depth to the overarching plot.

I’m a fan of both modern and classic country, so the music industry plotline was every bit as interesting to me as the romances. That being said, even if you’re not into country music this book should delight. Simply put, Ms. McLane’s Cricket Creek series is lovely to read and Sweet Harmony is no exception. I adored Cat, Jeff, and their friends and I can’t wait to journey back to this sweet Southern town!


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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