ARC Review: Crash Into You

Crash Into You
Katie McGarry
Contemporary Young Adult
Pushing the Limits/3
Harlequin Teen/November 26, 2013

The girl with straight As, designer clothes and the perfect life-that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private-school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy parents and overbearing brothers...and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker - a guy she has no business even talking to. But when the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind.

Isaiah has secrets, too. About where he lives, and how he really feels about Rachel. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks-no matter how angelic she might look.

But when their shared love of street racing puts both their lives in jeopardy, they have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other.

What an emotional, wild ride Crash Into You proved to be!  It flew by at breakneck speed and I found myself trying to slow down towards the end because I didn't want it to be over.

Rachel Young may seem like perfection in a pretty dress but she is flawed, just like any other teen, trying to find her way and the direction she wants her life to take.  She has some serious obstacles to overcome, mainly her parents and their strict expectations for her.  When she meets Isaiah, Rachel is looking for an outlet for her rebellion in the form of street racing. She gets more than she bargained for and lucky for her, Isaiah is there to help her out.  It was so emotional, seeing Rachel attempt to live up to the unrealistic expectations her parents had placed on her.  She tries so hard to overcome her fears that I couldn't help but be angry at her parents for not seeing how much pressure and stress they put on her.  McGarry did well in bringing such strong emotions out in the the characters and this reader.

Isaiah Walker knows everyone thinks Rachel is out of his league.  She is not someone he would hang out with or date but he still has this overwhelming need to hang out with her and wants to date her.  I loved how Isaiah takes a huge leap of faith with his feeling for Rachel.  He could be setting himself up for a world of hurt but he takes that chance.  Isaiah is a hero you wish the best of everything for.  He has been through so much and still has a way to go but he doesn't give up.  The mom side of me wanted to give him a home where he would be wanted and loved.  The teenage girl in me would have taken Isaiah as a boyfriend in a heartbeat! He definitely left an impact on me.

The character development is well done not only for the main characters but with the secondary set.  Also, the pacing matched between the suspense, developing romance and the conflicts at home Rachel and Isaiah are dealing with.  The suspense and dangerous situations Rachel and Isaiah find themselves in are made believable because McGarry takes the time to create the framework of the situations.  I loved how nothing is glossed over - neither the brighter moments nor the darker hours. Within those tense situations are reminders that Rachel and Isaiah are teenagers who are facing circumstances not every teen must face.

Even if you don't usually read Young Adult, I encourage you to give Ms. McGarry's Pushing the Limits series a try.  It's more than Young Adult, it is exceptional story telling.

Rating: A

Pushing the Limits Series ~

Pushing the Limits
Crossing the Line (novella)
Dare You To
Crash Into You
Take Me On (May 20, 2014)

ARC Review: Hot Zone

Hot Zone
Catherine Mann
Romantic Suspense
Elite Force/Book 2
Sourcebooks Casablanca/December 1, 2011

From the author's website ~

Days full of danger…
For Pararescueman Master Sergeant Hugh Franco, it’s all about saving other people’s lives. Then he moves on. But when he pulls beautiful Amelia Bailey and her adopted nephew from the rubble of a catastrophic earthquake, he finds himself entangled in their lives in ways he could never have imagined…

And desire-filled nights…
Amelia’s trip to the Bahamas to help with an international adoption has been no vacation, but the hardest part is yet to come. As Amelia and Hugh are pulled unawares into a deadly smuggling scheme, simmering beneath their growing need to protect each other is a compelling attraction they’re both determined to deny…

The second book in Catherine Mann's Elite Force series about a group of Pararescuemen pulls you in tight and never lets go. It takes place in the beautiful Bahamas but this time it's more deadly than beautiful after an earthquake shatters the region. The team is sent to help in the recovery after the devastating earthquake, risking their lives in the unstable environment.

Hugh Franco doesn't mind the more dangerous jobs, he volunteers for them. Some might say he has a death wish, and they might be right. Hugh takes his job very seriously but feels he has nothing to keep him here and everything waiting for him on the other side. Mann does a good job conveying Hugh's feelings of longing for his deceased wife and daughter and his hope that he will be with them again in death. He's not a reckless, loose cannon type rather he feels that he's the one who should take the most dangerous missions since he has no one waiting at home for him. The people he loved most are dead.

Amelia Bailey went to the Bahamas to help her sister and her husband with the adoption of their son. She never expected to be fighting for her life and the life of her nephew. It's in those desperate hours that she meets her hero and the man who will have a far greater impact on her life than she ever imagined. Amelia is a prosecutor back in Alabama so her expertise is in the courtroom, not trying to keep herself and her nephew alive while buried underneath the rubble of a building. The way Amelia reacts to her situation was very realistic. She tries to be calm and in control but has her moments of panic like anyone would. I do think a lot of that calmness was because she was also responsible for her nephew. She's a fighter and doesn't give up.

The scenes when Amelia and Hugh first meet during the rescue are amazing. Seeing Hugh's training at work, how not only his physical abilities but his mental abilities all play a part in the rescue was fascinating. Trying to stay calm and in command while keeping a civilian calm and knowing that any moment they could be crushed made for some very stress-filled scenes. Of course I knew they would live through it, occurring as it did at the beginning of the book. But I still felt that tension as each moment passed as their lives were still in jeopardy.

After the rescue neither Amelia or Hugh can put the other out of their thoughts. Amelia is recovering from her injuries and needs to find her sister and her brother-in-law. Hugh is still part of the rescue team but finds time to check on Amelia. It's that pull towards each other that finds them together again in dangerous circumstances. This is definitely an action oriented novel and even during the slower scenes, you could feel the energy of the surroundings just below the surface. It's a story where I liked all the plots and sub-plots but I did enjoy Amelia and Hugh's the best. I liked them together as they fought for their lives and still found those little moments to learn about each other. Their romance may start as gratitude on Amelia's part and fascination on Hugh's but it becomes much deeper the more they know of each other.

There is a flirtatious second romance blooming between Major Liam McCabe and a rescue worker. They were a fun pair - him a total player and her not falling for his lines. Which makes him change his plan of attack and stop the BS with this woman who has captured his interest. I liked this pair a lot and hope they get their own story. We also see an established couple dealing with the stress of the dangerous situation and loss. Mann does well showing how they must rely on each other through the crisis.

Ms. Mann does a wonderful job showing all the different emotions played out during a crisis. I enjoyed the tropical setting coupled with the danger and instability running through the story. The obstacles Amelia and Hugh had to overcome were huge and at times held a dose of implausibility to them but in the end Hot Zone proved to be a spectacular ride.

Rating: A

Elite Forces series ~

Cover Me
Hot Zone
Under Fire (May 2012)

ARC Review: Animal Attraction

Animal Attraction
Jill Shalvis
Contemporary Romance
Animal Magnetism/Book 2
Berkley/October 4, 2011

From Goodreads ~

Jade Bennett couldn't be happier to escape her past for the quiet ranching town of Sunshine, Idaho. Plus, there's nothing like working for veterinarian Dell Connelly. And though Dell has no intention of settling down, Jade's strength and sass are enticements no red-blooded male can resist.

Yes! We're back in Sunshine, Idaho where three very sexy brothers live. After reading Brady and Lilah story (Animal Magnetism), I was left wanting to know more about Brady's foster brothers Dell and Adam. It seems obvious that there is an attraction between Dell and Jade but something is keeping them apart.

Jade Bennett doesn't look the part of a receptionist at an animal clinic. She is far too sophisticated in her pleated pants, high heels and sweaters. But she doesn't mind getting cat hair on her designer clothes as long as she can wield her spreadsheets and keep the office under controlled chaos. I really loved how she is portrayed. She's not easy for other characters to get to know, sharing only bits and pieces of her life but never really letting anyone get too close. Her stay in Sunshine was always suppose to be temporary even though we see how she is, in spite of herself, making a life there. I liked how we see her slowly start to open up with Dell, making him want to get to know her even though he knows she's leaving.

Dell Connelly is such a wonderful, wounded hero. He loves animals and loves his job as a veterinarian. He also lusts after women but only on a short term basis. Dell is a hero controlled by his past. He grew up with very little stability and went through very tough times before finding an adult he could depend on. He only lets a select few get close and doesn't do long term relationships when it comes to women. I love when the hero insists he doesn't want to get serious with any woman but you can see him doing exactly that. Then he keeps telling himself and anyone who will listen that he doesn't do serious relationships. Dell is that guy! It was wonderful to see him fall head over heels in love with Jade.

The romance is this dance of two steps forward and one step back, leaving Jade and Dell wanting what they think they can't have. Jade has made promises to leave Sunshine and go back home and Dell doesn't want to be the one to stand in her way. I understood Dell's reasoning but man I wanted him to just tell her what he felt in the worst way! I thought how Jade's fears concerning the event that drove her to Sunshine were handled well. I found her reactions to situations believable based on her past trauma. I also loved how Dell didn't push Jade but let her know that he was there for her. Their sparing sessions were fun and sexy with Dell teaching Jade how to defend herself and kick some ass. They have their friendship as a basis to build on which made their romance that much stronger and convincing.

The setting of the clinic and Sunshine itself, make for a wonderful backdrop to Jade and Dell's romance. The animal characters add their own unique humor and charm to the story. The bonus of seeing Brady, Lilah and Adam again only adds to the overall feel of friendship and family. It never got too sugary sweet. That wouldn't happen with these guys, especially the way Dell and Adam tease and torment each other. They're such guys when it comes to showing affection but it comes through very strongly how much they close these brothers are.

Shalvis has a way of writing that is not only entertaining but makes you believe in these characters and want them to find happiness. Adam's book is next and I can't wait! This is a witty, sexy, romantic series filled with passionate alpha males and the women who show them loving someone is worth the risks.

Rating: A

Books in this series ~

Animal Magnetism
Animal Attraction (October 4, 2011)

ARC Review: A Night to Surrender

A Night to Surrender
Tessa Dare
Historical Romance
Sussex/1813
Spindle Cove/Book 1
Avon/August 30, 2011

From Goodreads ~

Welcome to Spindle Cove, where the ladies with delicate constitutions come for the sea air, and men in their prime are . . . nowhere to be found.

Or are they?

Spindle Cove is the destination of choice for certain types of well-bred young ladies: the painfully shy, young wives disenchanted with matrimony, and young girls too enchanted with the wrong men; it is a haven for those who live there.

Victor Bramwell, the new Earl of Rycliff, knows he doesn’t belong here. So far as he can tell, there’s nothing in this place but spinsters . . . and sheep. But he has no choice, he has orders to gather a militia. It’s a simple mission, made complicated by the spirited, exquisite Susanna Finch—a woman who is determined to save her personal utopia from the invasion of Bram’s makeshift army.

Susanna has no use for aggravating men; Bram has sworn off interfering women. The scene is set for an epic battle…but who can be named the winner when both have so much to lose?

My first Tessa Dare novel and what a joy it was! Dare has such a lovely, amusing voice, it was easy to be pulled into the world of Spindle Cove. A Night to Surrender is not just a beautifully written story about two people falling in love but also about a town embracing the misfits who deserve love just as much as anyone else.

It all started with the sheep. Then the explosion happened. Then they were in each others arms. It isn't exactly how Susanna Finch expected to meet her future husband and at the time she looked upon him as more of an annoyance than hero material. But Susanna is an intelligent woman who knows a good thing when she sees it. Susanna isn't a typical woman of her time. She practically runs Spindle Cove, the haven she's created for young girls and women who don't fit society's idea of acceptable. Susanna is an organized leader of her band of misfits. She's a unique heroine of her time in that she doesn't let Bram intimidate her, standing up to him while still offering her compassion towards him. She's a fixer and she wants to fix Bram.

Victor Bramwell, a lieutenant colonel in the British army, wants only to return to the war. He was injured, forcing him to spend time in England but now he's ready to head back. First he must secure the assistance of Sir Lewis Finch, Susanna's father. Sir Lewis has influence with the Prince Regent and Bram is hoping that will get him back with his regiment. Sir Lewis has other plans and Bram finds himself in charge of forming a local militia. Bram's hero-ness is stretched to the limit when he has few men to choose from and finds a lovely distraction in Susanna. I liked that Bram never lied to Susanna, he never pretends that he wants to stay in Spindle Cove - he still plans to return to his regiment.

Susanna and Bram have an instant physical attraction but I couldn't see them being together in the long term. Susanna is such a part of Spindle Cove and Bram is a soldier born. But as the story progressed, I could see them together. They don't always agree on topics but do develop a grudging respect for each others accomplishments. That, along with the physical attraction gives them a believable basis for a relationship. I do like how Susanna turns her nurturing instincts on Bram. He is is desperate need of nurturing, having had little care or kindness in his life. He in turn gets Susanna to release her adventurous side. Bram can get very alpha/caveman but in a way that is sexy, not irritating. So it turns out they are a good fit after all!

The village of Spindle Cove plays an important role in the story, giving Susanna confidence and Bram mostly headaches. It's the backdrop to their conflicts, with secondary characters lending a hand at either bringing Bram and Susanna together or trying to keep them apart. There is plenty of drama and comedy to ride alongside the romance with a few heroes and heroines in the making.

The pace of the story was a pleasant surprise in that it went fairly quickly. Usually, I have a tendency to read historical romances at a slower pace but I read A Night to Surrender a little over a day and on a very busy weekend no less! The romance is clever with Bram and Susanna giving an almost Tracy/Hepburn feel with their banter. A truly delightful romance. I only wish we didn't have to wait until next year for a return trip to Spindle Cove.

Rating: A

Books in this series ~

A Night to Surrender
A Week to Be Wicked (March 2012)
Untitled (Fall 2012)

ARC Review: Tempted

Tempted
Elisabeth Naughton
Paranormal Romance
Eternal Guardians/Book 3
Sourcebooks/September 6, 2011

*Spoilers for Previous Books*

From Goodreads ~

DEMETRIUS — He’s the hulking, brooding warrior his fellow Guardians avoid. Too dark. Too damaged. And given his heritage, he knows it’s best to keep everyone at arm’s length.

Isadora is missing. The words pounded through his head like a frantic drumbeat. For her own protection, Demetrius had done all he could to avoid the fragile princess, his soul mate. And now she was gone—kidnapped. To get her back, he’ll have to go to the black place in his soul he’s always shunned.

As daemons ravage the human realm and his loyalty to the Guardians is put to the ultimate test, Demetrius realizes that Isadora is stronger than anyone thought. And finally letting her into his heart may be the only way to save them both.

I've been looking forward to Isadora and Demetrius' book ever since I finished Entwined (book 2). Isadora intrigued me with her quiet, almost childlike disposition she displays to her father and the public while in private she is a very strong, very determined woman. Demetrius made me sit up and take notice when he so adamantly refused to wed Isadora when the king proposed the match, in Entwined. The dude would rather kill himself than wed her. Jeez, sure know how to break a woman's heart! I knew there had to be a good reason because while he's rough and gruff, he's not really an ass. Turns out Demetrius had a very good reason.

Princess Isadora, the only legitimate heir to the monarchy of Argolea, is to marry the Argonaut Zander. But at the last minute the king allows Zander to be with his soul mate Isadora's half-sister Callia. Which is good except Isadora can't enjoy her reprieve because she's been kidnapped. If anyone can survive kidnapping by crazy witches, it's Isadora. She has a great inner strength and intelligence that Naughton showcases through Isadora's words and actions. I liked how she doesn't back down to Demetrius even though he has to physically save her a few times. Thankfully, she's stubborn and ends up saving him too even though he doesn't think he's worth saving.

Demetrius is the biggest baddest Argonaut around. He really is the biggest, at almost 6'8 but baddest... Well, Zander wasn't exactly Mr. Light and Love but he has mellowed a little so we'll give Demetrius the title. Even with all his gruffness, I couldn't help but like him. He's suspicious of nearly everyone, especially Isadora, but he still protects her and gets jealous when he thinks she's been doing more than studying with Orpheus. Loved that we got to see that vulnerable side of Demetrius. There is so much more to this man than the rough, scarey exterior and it came through here.

The romance is not a sweet, gentle romance but fierce in the emotions both Isadora and Demetrius have. Demetrius wants nothing to do with Isadora but they are forced by circumstances to stay close while fighting off the threats that continue to come their way. Even though they've known each other for ages, they really don't know anything about each other. That all changes as they begin to talk and each opens up, surprising themselves with what they share with the other. Loved these two together!

The series is continuing to grow along with the characters. I liked how Naughton gives the hero and heroine plenty of time to work out their problems instead of making the problems magically disappear. And Isadora and Demetrius have a lot of problems. We get to catch up with the previous heroes and heroines and learn more about the other guardians who have yet to get their stories told. I never felt there were there merely for sequel bait but played an intimate role in the ongoing story. The action is consuming, with the Argonauts battling enemies from without and within. I love the twists and surprises Naughton has woven into the story. Edge of your seat moments leaving the reader wanting to know more about these characters.

Naughton has created a fascinating world, blending myths and legends into a reality where humans, daemons and Argonauts wage fierce battles with metal and magic. Tempted was an exciting adventure with my favorite hero and heroine so far. This series has a lot going for it. Enraptured can't come soon enough!

Rating: A

Books in this series ~

Marked
Entwined
Tempted
Enraptured (April 2012)

Review: Kiss of Snow

Kiss of Snow
Nalini Singh
Paranormal Romance
Psy/Changeling/Book 10
Berkley/May 31, 2011

*Spoilers*

From the inside cover ~

Since the moment of her defection from the PsyNet and into the SnowDancer wolf pack, Sienna Lauren has had one weakness. Hawke. Alpha and dangerous, he compels her to madness.

Hawke is used to walking alone, having lost the woman who would’ve been his mate long ago. But Sienna fascinates the primal heart of him, even as he tells himself she is far too young to handle the wild fury of the wolf.

Then Sienna changes the rules and suddenly, there is no more distance, only the most intimate of battles between two people who were never meant to meet. Yet as they strip away each other’s secrets in a storm of raw emotion, they must also ready themselves for a far more vicious fight…

A deadly enemy is out to destroy SnowDancer, striking at everything they hold dear, but it is Sienna’s darkest secret that may yet savage the pack that is her home…and the alpha who is its heartbeat…

She's finally grown up enough to handle the alpha of the SnowDancer pack. Was the wait worth it? Definitely! This is not only a well written book but it is well balanced. There of course is the romance between Sienna and Hawke but there is also the continuing and equally important political and physical threats to the packs. And a secondary romance that was both sweet and tender. I don't think I could have wanted more or less of anything - it was just right.

Kiss of Snow starts off with Sienna in trouble, with Hawke, again. It's stressful for both of them and Singh adds just the right amount of tension between these two. They both feel the attraction and Hawke has been fighting it tooth and nail. Sienna is trying to but you can tell she's getting tired of fighting. I thought I might have a problem with Sienna's age, she's nineteen. But it turned out her age wasn't really a factor for me. Her character was developed in a way that I would forget how young she was chronically until it was mentioned. She has never really been young, her life hasn't allowed her to be. Her powers are what brought her to the attention of Psy Councilor Ming LeBon at a young age and put her through hell. It's those powers I had a little trouble with and the resolution of her powers not ending her life. That part of the story I had to simply "go with it".

Hawke is stern, strict and not one for smiling but we get to see a different side to him and it is a beautiful side. We've seen glimpses in previous books, most notably when he would flirt with Sascha, mate of Lucas the alpha of the DarkRiver pack. Now we get to see not only Hawke's dare I say, softer side but also his relationships with his closest friends. I loved seeing this in Hawke. It allows us to get closer to him which engenders those deep feels towards him. If I don't get to know a character, why should I care what happens to them? By the end of the book I not only cared what happened to Hawke, I felt invested in the outcome.

The Psy Council is up to their dirty tricks but who is behind the attacks on the packs is still undecided. We get to learn more about the Council members as the series arc continues with some of the Councilors' final goal of the implementing of PurePsy. But that's not the only goal, the enemies of SnowDancer and DarkRiver want them eliminated. The fighting was intense, coming right into pack territory. This fight has been a long time in coming and Hawke and Lucas had both been preparing for it. I love how they have joined forces and we continue to see that bond strengthen. The series is not only paranormal romance but it also has that sense of strong community that I enjoy in small town romances.

The secondary romance is of Lara, SnowDancer's healer, and Walker Lauren who defected from the PsyNet and is now part of the SnowDancer pack. I loved this soft, sweet romance. There is one scene after they've decided to be 'just friends' (Walker's choice) and Lara has gone on a date. Walker basically confronts her, in the way only a Psy could confront someone and asks her how her date was. When she tells him that her date knew how to make a woman feel good, oh boy does Walker feel some strong emotions.

"An icy calm came over Walker's mind, cold intent spearing through his veins. He was a telepath trained to work with children, his touch subtle, but he measured at 7.8 on the Gradient. It meant he had the capacity to kill without leaving a mark." page 106

Interesting how he thinks about the fact that he can kill. Walker, you are so gone!

The main romance of Sienna and Hawke worked well. Hawke takes his time with her. It's like she has the wild animal inside her and he has to gentle her to his touch. They are funny and tender, sweet and frustrating together. Hawke still thinks his one and only true mate died and therefore he will never mate. Sienna is also dealing with her Psy powers playing some wicked tricks on her and making her rethink what she really wants. Hawke shows such tenderness towards Sienna but that doesn't mean he turns into a total wuss. He's still very much pack alpha. They get to know each other, opening up to each other and sharing their past. They both need to deal with their pasts before they have any chance of creating a future together. There is one scene when Hawke gifts Sienna with a toy, he collects mechanical toys, and she refuses it.

[Hawke] "Don't you like it?"

"You know I do." She touched a careful finger to the detailed face of a black horse with a blue and gold saddle. "But it's yours."

He put it on the grass beside them. "I'll just leave it here then."

Stubborn, stubborn man. She knew he'd go through with it, too. "Why?" she whispered. "Why are you giving this to me? Why are you here when you're angry at me?"

A long, quiet breath, his arms hugging her against the muscled breadth of a chest she'd ached with missing last night. "I don't want to hurt you, baby. Never would I hurt you - but I can't give you what I don't have to give."

A single tear trickled down her cheek at that solemn statement raw with tenderness. Her heart, her damned vulnerable heart, had been his from the day she understood what it was he incited within her. She had no true shields against. Never had. Never would. "Then give me everything else," she whispered, because while she could fight a ghost, she couldn't fight the truth in his voice. page 313

Sienna is such a strong, resilient woman. Even in love, especially in love, she is willing to be strong for both of them. To be the one to accept what Hawke can give instead of giving up on them. Hawke, so stubborn as Sienne pointed out, will eventually see the light but he is a male so we have to give him some slack. I do love how he calls her baby which is saying a lot since this term usually irritates me. But when Hawke does it, it doesn't feel in any way derogatory but only a sweet endearment.

I don't want to forget Judd Lauren and the role he plays. He is there watching out for Sienna and also working closely with Hawke against the threats to the pack. I liked seeing how far Judd has come in the relationships he's made within the pack. There is also one relationship he has outside the pack that is proving very critical. Judd is in contact with a rebel known as The Ghost. There is much speculation by readers who The Ghost is. Psst - I know who it is. Okay, I don't know for sure but after reading Kiss of Snow I do have a strong opinion of who it it. :)

Kiss of Snow proved to be an emotionally fulfilling story. It has romance, mystery, action and even some humor. A wonderful addition to the series.

Rating: A

Books in this series ~

Slave to Sensation
The Cannibal Princess (free short story)
Visions of Heat
Caressed by Ice
Mine to Possess
Hostage to Pleasure
A Gift for Kit (free short story)
Branded by Fire
Blaze of Memory
Bonds of Justice
Play of Passion
Kiss of Snow
Tangle of Need (2012)

Novellas in the series ~

Beat of Temptation in An Enchanted Season
Stroke of Enticement in The Magical Christmas Cat
Whisper of Sin in Burning Up

Review: Summer at Seaside Cove

Summer at Seaside Cove
Jacquie D'Alessandro
Contemporary Romance
Berkley/May 3, 2011

From the back cover ~

The most basic “girl code” states that you never date a friend’s ex—so wouldn’t it be obvious that a current boyfriend is really off limits—especially to your own sister? Apparently Jamie Newman’s half-sister Laurel didn’t get the memo. Leaving behind New York—and the humiliation—Jamie heads to the tiny barrier island of Seaside Cove, North Carolina, for a quiet summer of healing her broken heart and reassessing her sudden disaster of a life. But instead of solace in a cozy beach cottage, she finds a run-down bungalow complete with stray cats and a leaky roof—and of course it’s raining—and the repairman M.I.A.…

Strays and colorful neighbors are nothing compared to her next visitors. First her drama-prone mother barges in. Then her angst-ridden teenage niece arrives. And the grand finale of the crazy storm is the arrival of Laurel, who’s been dumped by Jamie’s ex. And of course there’s the repairman, who’s finally shown his face—and is way too good-looking for Jamie’s own good. It’s clear there’s more to him than meets the eye, and Jamie would like to know what, but with the family she tried to escape now crammed in her ramshackle cottage, she may never get the chance…

Thanks to Hils' review at Impressions of a Reader, I gave Ms. Alessandro's contemporary romance a try. So very happy I did! This was a lovely, witty romance with a heroine I could totally relate to and a hero that I adored. The small coastal town adds just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the romance.

Jamie Newman is running away. But that's okay because she deserves to run and take shelter far away from pain and betrayal. The only trouble is, she can't seem to shake her bad luck or her problems. Right from the start I couldn't help but feel sorry for Jamie. She's betrayed by her sister with her boyfriend then she finds the cottage she rented comes "as is" which translates to falling down and stinky. Jamie's first impression of her landlord is not good either but it is funny. It also sets the tone for more of their encounters. Jamie is so use to taking care of everyone and pleasing everyone but when she meets Nick, she has no difficulty telling Nick exactly what she thinks of him and his rundown rental.

Nick Trent doesn't know what to think of the crazy New Yorker that is now his neighbor and tenant. Due to miscommunication and little deception on the realtor's part, Nick now has an attractive but angry woman on his doorstep. Poor Nick, he really doesn't know if he should kiss the crazy woman or close the door in her face. Nick has that sarcastic humor that I love, along with a gruff sweetness that comes through as he helps Jamie settle in Seaside Cover. And he has the best dog in the world! Godiva, Nick's chocolate lab (hehe) makes her presence known in the most delightful ways. She's just as adorable as her owner. For all his adorable sexiness, Nick does have some secrets that he eventually shares with Jamie after they become friends and lovers.

The romance was funny, sexy and sweet. I loved Jamie and Nick's verbal sparing and the underlying sexual tension that continues to increase every time these two are together. They reluctantly become friends and lovers with both thinking it's only for the summer. Even with the interruptions courtesy of Jamie's family and the townsfolk, Jamie and Nick still fall in love with each other and with the setting. By the end of the book, I didn't want the summer to end and Jamie to leave Seaside Cove. She and Nick belonged together, no doubt about it!

The secondary characters as well as the picturesque coastal town all add to the ambiance of the story. Jamie's family show different facets of Jamie's character and what makes her want to please everyone. We also see Jamie becoming part of the community as she makes friends with the locals. Nick gets pulled into Jamie's family drama and thinks Jamie isn't the only crazy female in the family. LOL

The happy ending comes but Jamie really has to work to get there. She use to put everyone's needs first and learns to finally claiming priority for her needs. It takes a long time but she does get there. With her is Nick who has some issues to work through but he's much farther along than Jamie in knowing what he wants and who he is. Jamie is the one who makes the most changes and evolves as a character. The plot did loose some momentum midway through but picked up nicely as Jamie and Nick became more involved as the end of summer neared.

The sequel, Seaside Cove (March 2012) is Laurel's book. I enjoyed the excerpt and look forward to visiting with these characters again. Ms. D'Alessandro has created a charming setting for a delightful romance that is sure to entertain.

Rating: A

Review: Heartbreak Creek

Heartbreak Creek
Kaki Warner
Historical Western
Colorado/1870
Runaway Brides/Book 1
Berkley/July 5, 2011

From the back cover ~

Edwina Ladoux hoped becoming a mail-order bride would be her way out of the war- torn South and into a better life, but as soon as she arrives in Heartbreak Creek, Colorado, and meets her hulking, taciturn groom, she realizes she's made a terrible mistake.

Declan Brodie already had one flighty wife who ran off with a gambler before being killed by Indians. He's hoping this new one will be a practical, sturdy farm woman who can help with chores and corral his four rambunctious children. Instead, he gets a skinny Southern princess who doesn't even know how to cook.

Luckily, Edwina and Declan agreed on a three-month courtship period, which should give them time to get the proxy marriage annulled. Except that as the weeks pass, thoughts of annulment turn into hopes for a real marriage-until Declan's first wife returns after being held captive for the last four years. Now an honorable man must choose between duty and desire, and a woman who's never had to fight for anything must do battle for the family she's grown to love...

Many of you know how much I love a good western romance. After reading and enjoying Ms. Warner's Blood Rose trilogy, to say I was looking forward to her newest release was putting it mildly. One of my absolute favorite romance tropes is the mail-order-bride trope. If I read a blurb mentioning mail-order-bride, I'm there. For me, it's the ultimate in the romantic fantasy of trusting in fate and falling in love.

Southern belle Edwina Ladoux has lost just about everything. Her home, almost all of her family and her way of life. But she's ready to start a new life as the mail-order-bride of a man she only knows through his letters. Along with her best friend and half-sister Prudence (Pru), they head west. Edwina is a woman who can give the outward appearance of a delicate and proper lady but when she wants something she can be as stubborn as a mule! Edwina and Delcan don't make the best first impressions on each other. She thinks he's too big and too rough and he thinks she has some crazy ideas.

Declan Brodie is rough around the edges with a sweet and gentle inside. He loves his four rambunctious children and he loves his ranch. But he can't run a ranch and take care of the kids and the house too. Declan is nothing if not practical so he advertises in the Matrimonial News no less.

Honest, hard-working widower, age thirty-three, seeks sturdy English-speaking woman to help with mountain ranch and four children. Drinkers, whores, and gamblers need not apply.

How could Edwina possibly pass up a request like that? Except Ed, as Declan calls her, after first calling her Miss Priss, Declan doesn't think Ed has what it takes to take care of the children and house. He thinks she's too fragile and she can't even cook! Imagine! LOL Good think Pru is there to cook and teach Ed. Declan's impression of Ed slowly changes as he watches her take on the task of corralling his children's wild ways and learning about ranch life.

Ed and Declan were so very good together! They tease and irritate each other while they're busy checking each other out. I loved how Warner developed the romance, letting Ed and Declan discover that their first impressions only showed the surface and there was a lot more going on underneath. There's one scene where Declan realizes that he doesn't just need a wife, he needs Ed. For Ed, she not only fell in love with Declan, she also fell in love with his children which was important since the are so much a part of him. Some of the best scenes were with Ed and the children. These kids had personality and certainly added humor and emotion to the story.

The secondary characters that populate the town of Heartbreak Creek are a wonderful mix of typical small town folk and a couple of newcomers who liven the place up. Maddie Wallace and Lucinda Hathaway arrived on the same train as Ed and Pru. The four women become fast friends and share advice, experience and encouragement on their new lives. I know we'll see much more of both Maddie and Lucinda in coming books.

Ranch life isn't easy but for Declan and Ed, it's made even more difficult with a crazy man out to get revenge against Declan. Looking back, there was a lot going on in addition to Ed and Declan getting to know each other. Lots of upheaval with threats to everyone Declan cared about. Then throw in the once-thought-dead wife come back to life and damn but they had a heck of a lot to overcome. Yet, I never felt that it took away from the romance. If anything, it brought Declan and Ed closer together. There was just the right balance of romance, humor, suspense and teasing for future books.

Heartbreak Creek is a beautifully told historical western romance. We need more books like this! Thankfully, Ms. Warner has more on the way.

Rating: A

Books in this series ~

Heartbreak Creek
Colorado Dawn (January 2012)

Review: Magic Slays

Magic Slays
Ilona Andrews
Urban Fantasy
Kate Daniels/Book 5
ACE/June 1, 2011

*Spoilers for Previous Books*

From the back cover ~

Plagued by a war between magic and technology, Atlanta has never been so deadly. Good thing Kate Daniels is on the job.

Kate Daniels may have quit the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, but she's still knee-deep in paranormal problems. Or she would be if she could get someone to hire her. Starting her own business has been more challenging than she thought it would be - now that the Order is disparaging her good name. Plus, many potential clients are afraid of getting on the bad side of the Beast Lord, who just happens to be Kate's mate.

So when Atlanta's premier Master of the Dead asks for help with a vampire on the loose, Kate leaps at the chance of some paying work. But it turns out that this is not an isolated incident. Kate needs to get to the bottom of it - and fast, or the city and everyone dear to her may pay the ultimate price...

This is a series that not only continues to grow and develop but stays fresh and keeps the reader engaged in the characters lives. In Magic Slays, Kate and Curran are both still fairly new at this "mate" thing. They are adjusting to living together at the Keep. The adjustments Kate makes are more obvious but Curran has some adjusting to do too.

It's been a month since Kate opened her business, Cutting Edge Investigations and to say things have been slow is an understatement. That's about to change when Kate finds herself in the thick of blood, guts and what may be a whole shitload of trouble. Thankfully she's not alone. Her BFF Andrea shows up looking for work and Kate, being no one's fool, hires her. Yes! Love the friendship and camaraderie that Kate and Andrea share. The banter between Kate and Andrea is that of good friends with a long history. I enjoy seeing this side of Kate, she's more relaxed.

Circumstances heat up fast when Kate comes under attack. There were a number of players this time around, some new, but Andrews keeps everything following in a nice orderly fashion so I had no problem keeping track of who's who. One new secondary character had the name Leslie. My name. Now, I rarely see my name in books so I was thrilled when I saw it here. Then as the story progressed, not so thrilled. As you can guess, Leslie isn't very nice. Oh well. We do get to see a favorite character of mine, Saiman. There are some shady dealings going on and wouldn't you know it, Saiman just happens to be involved. Kate and Saiman have a tenuous relationship, given that Curran has some violent tendencies when it comes to Saiman. But it's fun to see Kate and Saiman interact with Saiman having a healthy fear of Curran and Kate thinking Saiman is a bit nuts.

There are small, quiet moments in amongst the fighting, bleeding and dying. One such moment is when Kate is having a hell of a week and Curran isn't there with her but he's left her a message. ~

I took my scraps of paper, headed upstairs and dialed 1000. Curran's voice filled the room. "Hey. It's me."

I landed in the chair. Hearing him was like coming home in a downpour and finding the lights on and the house warm. I was in so deep, I couldn't even see the surface anymore.

Kate's totally gone over Curran but she's at the point where she's finally okay with it. Lord knows she fought it long enough but now she's actually getting comfortable being the mate of the Beast Lord. That's not to say she still doesn't have some issues but ultimately, she loves him. Period.

We see not only Kate and Curran's relationship progressing but also Kate's relationship with her adopted daughter Julie. Julie can be a handful but she's a teen and has more than her share of teen issues. Kate only wants the best for Julie and to keep her safe. I love how Julie brings out those maternal instincts in Kate. She's certainly come a long way since the beginning of the series when she was more of a loner badass. Now she's a badass with a mate and a kid!

Kate also discovers more of her family history which leaves her stunned. It's a revelation that came at the right time for Kate. She now has a lot of support around her and doesn't have to deal with the family drama alone. I really like how the progression of Kate's world of family and friends has developed. Relationships are not easy for her but she's smart enough to realize how important these people are to her.

There are plenty of big bads in Kate's world and Andrews continues to pull myths from various cultures and blend them into one fascinating and believable creation. I'm always excited to see who might show up next in the fight. And those fight scenes are some of my favorites. In Magic Slays there are plenty of well choreographed fights but there are also heartbreaking scenes of pain and loss. It is, at times, a very emotional read.

Magic Slays is everything you'd want in a story. There is love, friendship, family, action and humor. I can't wait to see where Kate, Curran and the gang lead us next.

Rating: A

Books in this series ~

Magic Bites
Magic Burns
Magic Strikes
Magic Mourns (Must Love Hellhounds anthology)
Magic Bleeds
Magic Dreams (Hexed anthology)
Magic Slays

Review: Yours to Keep

Yours to Keep
Shannon Stacey
Contemporary Romance
Kowalski Family/Book 3
Carina Press/June 3, 2011

From the author's website ~

Sean Kowalski no sooner leaves the army than he’s recruited by Emma Shaw to be her fake fiancé. Emma needs to produce a husband-to-be for her grandmother’s upcoming visit, and, though Sean doesn’t like the deception, he could use the landscaping job Emma’s offering while he decides what to do with his civilian life. And, despite his attraction to Emma, there’s no chance he’ll fall for a woman with deep roots in a town he’s not planning to call home.

Emma’s not interested in a real relationship either; not with a man whose idea of home is wherever he drops his duffel bag. No matter how amazing his “pretend” kisses are…

The Kowalskis are back! This time around it's another branch of the family that's in the spotlight. It turns out there is a Maine branch of the Kowalski family and they have some potential leading characters in their family tree. But first up is Sean. He heads to his cousin's place in New Hampshire to crash for a while and decide what to do with his life after the army. Instead of something long term, he decides to help out a stranger, a very sexy, with a little crazy thrown in, stranger.

Emma Shaw sure knows how to dig a hole. She own her own landscape company but the hole she dug is based on lies. It started with a boyfriend then progressed to a fiance'. Now Emma's grandma is coming for a visit and Emma has to produce this man that's she madly in love with. Enter Sean Kowalski. Why Sean? Well, it turns out Emma is friends with Lisa who is the wife of Sean's cousin Mike and that's how she heard about Sean. She needed a name and it was Sean's that popped into her head. Then Emma has the guts to go to Sean, explain the situation and ask for his help. LOL Loved it! He thinks she's "batshit crazy" and she knows it but I couldn't stop myself from cheering her on. What does she have to lose, right? Yes, she should have just come clean with her grandma but then, she wouldn't have met the sexy Sean Kowalski.

Of course after thinking it over, and thinking about how attractive he finds Emma, Sean agrees to be the pretend fiancé and work for Emma. This puts them together nearly 24/7 since he'll also be living in her house. And with Emma's grandmother Cat visiting, Emma and Sean find their pretending sliding into reality. I loved how they got to know each other, sometimes in an almost reluctant way with both thinking that it's only temporary until Cat goes back to Florida. In the beginning, Emma gives Sean a file about her likes, dislikes etc. Sean doesn't have a file but ends up using post-its in what turns out to be very romantic, not that it started out that way. They are this really cute couple that you want to see together because you just know they're meant to be.

There's a sweet secondary romance between Cat and her gentleman friend. I'm so glad Stacey included this romance. It showed how Cat had her own life to lead and didn't want to intrude in Emma's life but only wanted her granddaughter to be happy.

The Kowalskis are Sean's family and they are not at all shy about letting him know what they think of his current situation. I love this family! They are a humorous, boisterous, close family that have more than enough love to go around. While they are close with Sean, they didn't overtake the romance but they might have helped speed it along. Which was good since both Emma and Sean could be quite stubborn.

If you're looking for a contemporary series with sensational romances, laugh out loud humor and characters you come to love then this is the one to read. The whole series is a wonderful addition to the contemporary romance genre. I do hope we see more of Sean's siblings in future books. There is something about those Kowalskis that you can't help loving.

Rating: A

Books in this series ~

Exclusively Yours
Undeniably Yours
Yours to Keep

Review: Where She Went

Where She Went
Gayle Forman
Young Adult
Sequel to If I Stay
Dutton/April 5, 2011

*Spoilers for If I Stay*

From the inside cover ~

My first impulse is not to grab her or kiss her or yell at her. I simply want to touch her cheek, still flushed from the night's performance. I want to cut through the space that separates us, measured in feet - not miles, not continents, not year - and to take a callused finger to her face. . .

But I can't touch her. This is a privilege that's been revoked.

It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future–and each other.

Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.

The follow-up to the emotional If I Stay turns the tables and gives the readers Adam's POV. It's an interesting twist to a young adult novel where so often if only one POV is given, it is the female. Adam's voice is quick, harsh and intensely honest at times, if only with himself. He tries to keep this bubble around him, keeping everyone out, distancing himself from the possibility of feeling anything too intense. When he does think or say what he feels, it can be shocking, not only to the receiver but to Adam himself.

The look inside Adam's head was insightful. He's such a guy at times - doesn't understand women, doesn't always want to understand women. Trying to understand women makes his head hurt. But he does get Mia. Or at least he did until she cut him out of her life. It's that cut that was the catalyst for who Adam is now. You get this overwhelming sense that he just doesn't care anymore. He's going through the motions and it's pulling him down even deeper. Then Mia comes back into his life and you can see how he's afraid to hope that he can have her back. He's afraid of her.

Forman puts those emotions on the page for all to see, giving the reader a in-depth look at what Adam has been through and is still going through after losing not only Mia but her family as well. It's heartbreaking to see Adam and Mia at a loss as to what to do. These two who knew each other so well, now feel unsure and uncomfortable in each others company. Mia's actions and reactions to Adam show how the loss of her family and of Adam affected her deeply, causing her to make hard but sometimes necessary choices. While we don't get Mia's POV, we do get to know what she's been going through and how she feels about Adam. But ultimately, this is Adam's story, then Adam and Mia's.

There is this strand of hope throughout the story that can be stretched so thin to almost be transparent. Hope that Adam and Mia will be the reunited lovers of fairy tales. Hope that Adam will say what he needs desperately to say to Mia. Hope that Mia won't walk away from Adam again. Hope that the world won't conspire against them. I loved how that tiny bit of hope kept lingering.

Where She Went is a beautiful continuation of Adam and Mia's story with Adam's POV lending the story a distinct voice in the young adult genre.

Rating: A

Review: Breaking Point

Breaking Point
Pamela Clare
Romantic Suspense
I-Team/Book 5
Berkley/May 3, 2011

From the author's website ~

While investigating border violence in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, Denver journalist Natalie Benoit is caught in a bloody ambush and taken captive. Alone in the hands of ruthless killers, she will need every ounce of courage she possesses to survive.

Betrayed by another operative, Deputy U.S. Marshal Zach McBride has endured a week of torture and interrogation at the hands of a bloodthirsty Mexican drug cartel. Ready to give his life if he must, he remains unbroken—until he hears the cries of an American woman.

Although Natalie is only a voice in the darkness of their shared prison, her plight brings renewed strength to Zach's battered body. With her help, he overpowers their captors, and they flee through the desert toward the border, the attraction between them flaring hotter than the Sonoran sun.

But past loss and tragedy leave both of them reluctant to follow their hearts, even when the passion between them reaches its breaking point. Faced with feelings neither expected, they fight to stay ahead of the danger that hunts them as forces more powerful than they can imagine conspire to destroy them both…

Pamela Clare is an author with a gift of true story telling. She not only gets you into the characters head, she lets you live there. As I started reading Breaking Point I had a feeling it would be different than her other I-Team novels in that it takes place primarily away from the teams office. The subject matter of human trafficking is spotlighted and Clare does a incredible job of showing the different affects it has on people.

While Natalie Benoit has been in previous I-Team books, very little is known of her background. She's considered a southern belle, beautiful but not exactly approachable. Natalie has a shattered past that keeps her from getting too close to anyone. She chooses to be more focused on her work, maintaining relationships with co-workers but still keeping them at a distance. As Natalie finds herself in desperate, life-threatening situations, she shows what she's made of. I would say she is one of my favorite heroines of this series. She's smart, brave but still has that southern belle feel to her. Steel Magnolia. Clare showed Natalie doing things that she never thought she would or could do, but she did them because she is a survivor. I liked how Natalie was sicked by the violence she was forced to carry out but she understood that if she didn't fight back, she would be dead. Her feelings and reactions were genuine to the situation without any TSTL moments to irritate this reader.

Zach McBride is in a world of hurt. He's looking death in the face and it's ugly. Then he hears a voice out of a dream and he has a reason to keep living. Zach and Natalie are forced to trust each other if they're going to get out alive. It's a unique way to begin a romance since, at first, neither can see the other and then when they do, they are looking far from their best. Zach is a scarred hero, both literally and figuratively. He doesn't make any promises to Natalie, just tells it like it is. The pacing is furious and you wouldn't think they would have much time to get to know each other but they do and it felt right when they do get together. And boy do they burn up the desert with their very hot, very emotional scenes. There is definitely romance and passion between Natalie and Zach.

The suspense is intense and the environment brutal. Clare doesn't hold back on the savagery or the desperation of the circumstances Zach and Natalie find themselves in. I think I would have found it disappointing had the tone been less harsh. Kudos to Clare for not backing off when it comes to showing the reality of a life where the cartels hold the power.

Another great thing about Breaking Point are the heroes and heroines from the previous novels lend a hand to help Natalie and Zach. It was wonderful to see them again, pulling together for their friend. I loved the camaraderie between the men, especially Marc and Julian.

After everything Natalie and Zach go through escaping the cartel, they still have some heavy baggage to deal with. They worked hard for their HEA and Clare gave them a lovely ending that not only wrapped up the loose ends but gave them a beautiful beginning.

Rating: A

Books in this series ~

Extreme Exposure
Hard Evidence
Unlawful Contact
Naked Edge
Breaking Point

Review: Demon from the Dark

Demon from the Dark
Kresley Cole
Paranormal Romance
Immortals After Dark/Book 10
Pocket/August 31, 2010

*Spoilers for Previous Books*

From the back cover ~

A Dangerous Demon She Can't Resist...

Malkom Slaine: tormented by his sordid past and racked by vampiric hungers, he's pushed to the brink by the green-eyed beauty under his guard.

A Maddening Witch He Aches To Claim...

Carrow Graie: hiding her own sorrows, she lives only for the next party or prank. Until she meets a tortured warrior worth saving.

Trapped Together In A Savage Prison...

In order for Malkom and Carrow to survive, he must unleash both the demon and the vampire inside him. When Malkom becomes the nightmare his own people feared, will he lose the woman he craves body and soul?

After the cliff hanger ending of Pleasures of a Dark Prince, I had to start Demon from the Dark. And boy am I glad I did! Malkom Slaine has got to be one of my favorite heroes. Add in the wickedly smart Carrow and you have a couple who create a heroic team.

Carrow Graie is a powerful witch but like any witch, she gets her power from a specific source. Being imprisoned by a sadistic bastard isn't her idea of fun. She's desperate to get out and with little hope of escape for herself or her friends, she takes the one opportunity offered her. It's not much of a choice - it's either take the job or torture and death will follow, and not necessarily for just her. The story starts in a dark place, picking up where Pleasure of a Dark Prince left off. It's dark for both Carrow and Malkom but for different reasons. As I mentioned, Carrow is a witch and usually, I have little interest in witches but I liked Carrow a lot. She is a practical witch who deals in commerce and survival. She's also a modern witch and while she can be a little too self-absorbed at times, she is loyal to her coven. She's not perfect and makes some mistakes but her determination leaves you cheering for her.

Malkom Slaine - oh, lordy how I loved this tortured, wounded, fucked-up hero! Malkom has been through hell and back and still makes the occasional trip there. He is both demon and vampire but hates his vampire side, trying to suppress it as best he can. When he and Carrow first meet, they have trouble communicating because Malkom has forgotten how to speak the Vampire language aka English. Carrow's Demonish is rusty but they stumble along with Malkom giving orders and Carrow not always following them. Their interactions are humorous, with Carrow making fun of Malkom and Malkom being a typical male and not understanding Carrow, no matter the language! Malkom decides Carrow is his and he protects what is his. I loved how he was careful with her, wanting to take care of her while learning to trust her. He had been alone for so very long, it was difficult for him to trust.

Carrow and Malkom have a rocky start to their romance but they do get a romance. It's sweet and funny and sexy which is odd when they spend quite a bit of the time battling one enemy after another. And these battles are messy and bloody giving Carrow and Malkom all the more reason to enjoy getting clean. But Malkom hates the water so Carrow must gentle him to it. There is a scene where he goes into the water for her even though he has horrible memories of water. That for me, shows how much he is willing to do for her. But Cole makes these two work very hard for the HEA. Even though Malkom had decided early on that Carrow was his and you could certainly say he had a "mine" moment, it isn't that easy. They end up working together to survive and getting to know each other, making that mine moment believable. One minor irritant - Malkom biting off his claws so he could touch Carrow intimately. All I could visualize were jagged, broken fingers nails. Not something you want touching you intimately! I'm guessing he has strong, sharp teeth that worked more like heavy duty nail clippers but still, could get the imagine out of my mind. LOL

The plot and story arc move along at a decent pace. I never felt like there was too much action or too much down time. Cole does a great job at pacing the story, blending just he right amount of action and romance. I'm fascinated with the Order and want to know more about them - no doubt they will feature prominently as the Accession draws nearer.

There are many secondary characters and quite a few shouting out for their story to be told. Apparently Regin was shouting the loudest (hard to believe *snort*). Her story is next and while I like her, I'm not so sure about her hero. Dreams of a Dark Warrior is out now with Lothaire's book due out next year. Lots to look forward to, Nix - soon I hope! Demon from the Dark will be a hard one to top!

Rating: A

Books in the series ~

The Warlord Wants Forever (Novella in Playing Easy to Get)
A Hunger Like No Other
No Rest for the Wicked
Wicked Deeds on a Winters Night
Dark Needs at Night's Edge
Kiss of a Demon King
Untouchable (Novel in duology, Deep Kiss of Winter)
Pleasure of a Dark Prince
Demon from the Dark
Dreams of a Dark Warrior
Lothaire (January 10, 2012)

Review: The Sweetest Thing

The Sweetest Thing
Jill Shalvis
Contemporary Romance
Lucky Harbor/Book 2
Grand Central/April 1, 2011

From the back cover ~

Two Men Are One Too Many . . .

Tara has a thousand good reasons not to return to the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. Yet with her life doing a major crash-and-burn, anywhere away from her unfulfilled dreams and sexy ex-husband will do. As Tara helps her two sisters get their newly renovated inn up and running, she finally has a chance to get things under control and come up with a new plan for her life.

But a certain tanned, green-eyed sailor has his own ideas, such as keeping Tara hot, bothered . . . and in his bed. And when her ex wants Tara back, three is a crowd she can't control-especially when her deepest secret reappears out of the blue. Now Tara must confront her past and discover what she really wants. If she's lucky, she might just find that everything her heart desires is right here in Lucky Harbor.

I was so thrilled when I finally had a chance to get to Borders and get this book. Anyone who has been around my blog for a while knows how much I love Jill Shalvis' books. I will admit to being a fan girl, and I don't do that often. I'm not usually a "sqee-er" but I'd sqee for Shalvis. I just love her writing and The Sweetest Thing is just one more reason why.

Tara Daniels wasn't the easiest character to like in Simply Irresistable. When we first met her she was bossy and pessimistic but she had this hidden vulnerable side that I wanted to see more of. It's now six months later and Tara has decided to staying in Lucky Harbor and make a go of the inn with her sisters Chloe and Maddie. She's still no Susie Sunshine but she's trying. I was happy that Tara didn't suddenly becoming sweet and charming and a total pushover when it came to Ford. Instead, we get to see Tara breaking out of that hold position she's placed herself in as she begins to trust that things will work out and she can finally stop feeling guilty for something that happened when she was a teenager.

Ford is this easy going, sexy, amusing, hometown hero. He knows everyone and seems to get along with most. He was very easy to like, I can't think of anything I didn't like about him. He's not perfect, in fact he can be a little dense when it comes to Tara and it takes him awhile to get through to her but he's stubborn. He also loves to show off his body to Tara, with little to no encouragement needed for him to start undressing for her. He's hard to resist! They fit well together because Ford is laid back while Tara is very precise and just a bit uptight. They make their coupledom work once they get their feelings about their past out in the open.

Tara's relationship with Ford is an odd one. They knew each other as teens, meeting when Tara spent a summer with her mother in Lucky Harbor. They have that connection of a past and Ford wants to reconnect with Tara but she's leery of getting hurt again. Ford is persistent and logical (Ford logic) which doesn't always work when dealing with Tara. Their interactions are funny, with that Shalvis trademark humor. Add in Tara's ex showing up to try to win her back and the whole town gets in on the action with Facebook polls of who Tara should pick. I loved the competitive atmosphere of having the two men vying for Tara. And I even liked Tara's ex by the end of the book. There was no contest as to who the best fit with Tara was but it was entertaining to see two grown men acting like idiots. LOL There is a whole scene with bees and a trip to the hospital that had me in stitches.

There are also some serious moments when Tara and Ford must deal with their past. I was expecting it so it didn't come as a surprise. No spoilers so I won't say any more but I was pleased with how Ford became the one to take control of the situation with Tara following his lead. This was another instance of character growth for both of them which not only allowed them to become closer but for Tara to realize she could rely on Ford.

Tara and her sisters Maddie and Chloe are still working out the kinks in their relationships with Tara learning to bend when it comes to decisions and responsibilities. I enjoyed seeing the sisters grow closer and look forward to seeing more of that in Chloe's book.

It looks like another book to add to my keeper shelf! The next book, Head Over Heels, comes out this December and I can't wait!

Rating: A

Books in this series ~

Simply Irresistable
The Sweetest Thing
Head Over Heels (Chloe's book/December 2011)

A Lot Like Love

A Lot Like Love
Julie James
Contemporary Romance
Berkley/March 1, 2011

From the author's website ~

The FBI wants her cooperation.

As the daughter of a billionaire and the owner of the city’s top wine store, Jordan Rhodes is invited to the most exclusive parties in Chicago. But there’s only one party the FBI wants to crash: the charity fundraiser of a famous restaurateur, who also happens to launder money for the mob. In exchange for her brother’s release from prison, Jordan is going to be there—with a date supplied by the Bureau.

Agent McCall just wants her.

As the top undercover agent in Chicago, Nick McCall has one rule: never get personal. This “date” with Jordan Rhodes is merely an assignment—one they’re both determined to pull off even if they can’t be together for five minutes before the sarcasm and sparks begin to fly. But when Nick’s investigation is compromised, he and Jordan have no choice but to pretend they’re a couple, and what starts out as a simple assignment begins to feel a lot like something more. . .

The cover has to get a mention - that dress - Wow! Nick's reaction to the dress was even more priceless. And Nick, well if the placement of his right hand is any indication, he's staked his claim!

I lost track of how many times I laughed, chuckled and no doubt sat there with a grin on my face while reading Julie James' latest romance. What a pleasure to read! Usually, when I like both the hero and heroine, I like one a little bit more than the other but in the case of Jordan and Nick - I loved them both. They come across as opposites, not having much in common, but James makes them fit so very well. This is one couple you will cheer for!

Jordan Rhodes has worked hard for her place as the owner of a well known, and well run wine store. First off, I liked that Jordan wasn't a winy (hehe) spoiled rich girl but can appreciated life's finer things without loosing sight of how hard you have to work for them. A lot of that had to do with her upbringing and the morals her parents instilled in her. She's close with her twin brother Kyle, whose book is next, YEAH! Jordan is a strong heroine while still maintaining her girly side. She's a girlfriend you could picture yourself hanging out with. Whenever I read a character that I can imagine hanging out with, you know the author has done an exceptional job at bringing that character to life. And then there's Nick - who wouldn't want to hang out with him? ;)

Nick McCall just came off a six month undercover op and he's ready for a trip home to New York. Fate has other plans for him. Nick is about to get a crash course in wine tasting from a woman who doesn't easily succumb to his charms. And Nick can be very charming. He is a guy's guy but still manages to pull off the "Tall, Dark and Smoldering" which women love. Nick has this sense of humor that got to me. He had me cracking up with his uniquely Nick observations. Not only what he said but what he thought. His previous undercover work didn't include rubbing elbows with wine connoisseurs. It was amusing to see Nick try new experiences with Jordan leading the way.

Jordan and Nick have chemistry but it's subtle at first. As the story progress, we get to see how that chemistry grows, making the romance that much more believable. Along with the sexual chemistry there is this teasing banter that they fall into. This is a modern Hepburn and Tracy, with the quick wit and easy comebacks that had me eagerly anticipating their next volley of words. Add to that, they are evenly matched with Nick needing Jordan just as much as she needs him. He may try to boss her around but she's no pushover and can hold her own with Nick.

There is a suspense plot running alongside the romance. It's what brings Nick and Jordan together and why they find themselves spending time together with Nick posing as Jordan's boyfriend. The way the suspense is blended with the romance makes for a wonderful balance of anticipation for both. There is also Jordan's great knowledge and appreciation of wine woven into the story. I loved learning all about wine, right along with Nick.

Jack Pallas and Cameron Lynde, the hero and heroine from Something About You make appearances, Jack also works at the same FBI office as Nick and there's some good natured rivalry going on with these two. You don't need to read Something About You before A Lot Like Love but I would certainly recommend it.

If you want a smart, delightful romance with a hero and heroine who will having you laughing one moment and sighing the next, then you'll want to read A Lot Like Love.

Rating: A

Review: Notorious Pleasures

Notorious Pleasures
Elizabeth Hoyt
Historical Romance/London/1737
Maiden Lane/Book 2
Grand Central Publishing/February 1, 2011

From the back cover ~

Their lives were perfect . . .

Lady Hero Batten, the beautiful sister of the Duke of Wakefield, has everything a woman could want, including the perfect fiancé. True, the Marquis of Mandeville is a trifle dull and has no sense of humor, but that doesn't bother Hero. Until she meets his notorious brother . . .

Until they met each other.

Griffin Remmington, Lord Reading, is far from perfect - and he likes it that way. How he spends his days is a mystery, but all of London knows he engages in the worst sorts of drunken revelry at night. Hero takes an instant dislike to him, and Griffin thinks that Hero, with her charities and faultless manners, is much too impeccable for society, let alone his brother. Yet their near-constant battle of wits soon sparks desire - desire that causes their carefully constructed worlds to come tumbling down. As Hero's wedding nears, and Griffin's enemies lay plans to end their dreams forever, can two imperfect people find perfect true love?

Loving this series! Two books in and I have numerous secondary characters whose books I want to read. The excerpt for the next book, Scandalous Desires, left me wanting it like yesterday. And once again Ms. Hoyt added the delicious cherry on top of the sundae by giving us the beautiful story-within-the-story called Queen Ravenhair. I love the extra fairy tale story at the beginning of every chapter. It's like getting a free gift with every purchase except this gift is something you actually want!

They say first impressions are important. You want them to be memorable, because who wants to be forgotten. When Lady Hero Batten meets Lord Griffin Reading for the first time there is no way she could possibly forget him or his beautifully muscled rear end. Their first meeting leaves Hero decidedly uncomfortable in Lord Scandalous' presence and it leaves Griffin curious about Lady Perfect. Yes, they have nicknames for each other, right from the start. While they're not affectionate nicknames they do shift to affection as they fall in love.

We first met Lady Hero in Wicked Intentions and while she didn't get much page time she left enough of an impression on me to want to know more about her. She is a very proper lady of the aristocracy, aware of her place in life. As the daughter of a duke and now the sister of a duke, Hero does everything in her power to maintain a high standard of morals and propriety. Which is why it was so fascinating to see her evolve from this paragon of virtue into a woman making mistakes and letting her heart rule her actions instead of society. And it's not only Griffin that works as a catalyst for this change but Hero's involvement with the orphanage.

Griffin is my kind of hero! He's a devil with a wicked sense of humor and a way with women. He may cultivate the reputation of a rake but he also has brilliant business skills that have kept his family in the black. Deep down he loves his family, we see this in how he treats his mother and sisters. His relationship with his brother Thomas, Hero's fiancé, is more complicated. They had a falling out years ago and now act more like acquaintances than brothers. Griffin gave me this sense of a man who would rather let the world think the worst of him than fight to show the best of him. Hero steps in and begins to change that, giving him a reason to care what she and his family think of him. Love when that happens!

The romance of Hero and Griffin runs concurrent with planning for Hero's wedding which makes for some uncomfortable situations. Once again we see the two sides of Hero - prim and proper colliding with the sensual woman hiding inside. For Griffin, he continues to encourage his rakish reputation while tackling his less-than-legal business problems. It was interesting to see Griffin try to justify his illegal business in the face of Hero's criticism. She pleads with him to stop but he sees no way to earn the money his family needs without the illegal business. It was realistic for Griffin to continue rather than instantly give in to Hero's pleas. Had he given in quickly, it would have refuted the need for the illegal business, and wealth of funds it generated.

The two secondary story lines feature Griffin's brother Thomas and Silence Hollingbrook who now runs the orphanage. Thomas was an ass, plain and simple. He displays this pompous attitude all while trying to get his former mistress back while his wedding date draws closer. I didn't care for him and cheered when Griffin knocked him on his less than perfect ass. The other story is Silence's that began in Wicked Intentions and continues with her taking over the running of the orphanage. She also has Mary Darling, the child left on her doorstep, to take care of. Silence has essentially, if not legally, adopted Mary Darling and loves her as if she were her own. I couldn't help but feel sorry for Silence after everything she's been through with still more sorrow ahead of her. She already has me impatiently waiting for her story.

The romance is steamy hot, with the chance of discovery adding to the sexual tension and excitement. Both Griffin and Hero seemed to enjoy that extra little thrill. I know I found it entertaining! Hero's rigid sense of propriety may be bent but not broken. She continues to try to do the right thing, to protect Griffin from her brother Maximus, the very powerful duke who is determined to shut Griffin's business down. The story culminates in a vicious fight, Hero in danger and Griffin realizing what's really important. Once again Hoyt delivers a delicious romance with an irresistible hero, a intriguing heroine and a cast of captivating secondary characters.

Rating: A

Books in this series ~

Wicked Intentions
Notorious Pleasures
Scandalous Desires (November 2011)

ARC Review: The Iron Queen

The Iron Queen
Julie Kagawa
Young Adult/Fantasy
Iron Fey/Book 3
Harlequin Teen/January 25, 2011

*Spoilers For The First 2 Books*

From the author's website ~

In less than twenty-four hours I'll be seventeen.

Although, technically, I won't actually be turning seventeen. I've been in the Nevernever too long. When you're in Faery, you don't age. So while a year has passed in the real world, agewise I'm probably only a few days older than when I went in.

In real life, I've changed so much I don't even recognize myself.

***

MY NAME IS MEGHAN CHASE.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

THIS TIME, THERE WILL BE NO TURNING BACK.

If you've read my previous reviews of the first two books in this series then you know how much I love this world of the Fae Kagawa has created. This is a world of dark and light. Of hope and despair. For Meghan, it's a world she is still learning her way around and it is constantly changing. With the Summer and Winter Courts battling the Iron Fey, it's only a matter of time before Meghan, Ash, Puck and Grimalkin are back in the thick of the fight.

The story picks up where The Iron Daughter left off, with Meghan and Ash back in the real world, having been exiled from Faery. They are making their way to Meghan's home when destiny once again intercedes, threatening Meghan's family. It turns out there's no going home, so Meghan and Ash must find somewhere else to hind out from the Iron Fey until Meghan is strong enough to face the False King. They end up in a most obvious place for exiles. It's here that Meghan is able to reconnect with her human father and begins to learn to control and use her magic.

Kagawa continues to develop Meghan and Ash's relationship, showing them talking and learning about each other. I think it's important for them to have those quiet moments between the two of them otherwise, their sacrifices would not feel as genuine if they only knew what was on the surface. And I can't forget Puck aka Robin Goodfellow aka Meghan's best friend and long time enemy of Ash. Puck is still very much in Meghan's life although the have gone through some rough times. I do think the love triangle was put to rest in The Iron Daughter but if there was any doubt, it's gone. But Puck isn't going anywhere except into battle with Meghan and Ash. Puck not only provides his fighting abilities but also his gift of comic relief when the stress becomes too much.

The character development is strong in this installment with both Meghan and Ash facing difficult decisions that test their loyalty and love. Ash is said to be this very cold, soulless Winter Prince but he is so far beyond cold when it comes to his feelings for Meghan. We see time and again Ash showing his love for Meghan. Meghan continues to surprise me with her ability to whine less and take charge when confronted with situations that would send many adults running for cover. By the end of the book these two have become even more well rounded and well developed characters.

There are so many fascinating secondary characters, both new and old. Of course there is Ash's mother, Queen Mab of the Winter Court. She is still the cold ice bitch but does show a little warm when it comes to her son. And there is Oberon, King of the Summer Court and Meghan's father. He is still commanding and intimidating but does let his pride in his daughter show, if only a little. There are many Iron Fey, on both the rebel side and the False King's forces that come into play. Glitch and Razor are two characters that play major roles - one grudgingly aligning with Meghan and the other over joyed to help her. And Grimalkin continues to pop in and out, sharing his wisdom as he sees fit. He's like the Yoda of Faery - you may not always understand what he says but you know it's important.

The action is once again fierce with Summer and Winter court battling the Iron Fey. Kagawa choreographs the fighting to the point that it is easy to envision the knights with their gleaming swords slashing across the battlefield. Dragons and gryphons, sliding across the sky. Or the giant fortress of the False King, ready to take over all of Faery. And in the midst of it all are Meghan, Ash and Puck.

The grand finale - the battle against the False King, is filled with such strong, nearly overwhelming emotions. It is fate, twisting and turning until choosing what to do becomes so hard and yet so easy for Meghan. There really is no choice and she once again shows how much she has grown and how much she is willing to sacrifice to save those she loves.

Another amazing installment in what is one of my favorite fantasy series. The ending will leave you in such an emotional state - saddened for what had to be yet hopefully for what is to come. The Iron Knight ~ Ash's story, is next up in the series. Personally, I can't wait to find out what is in store for these amazing characters.

Rating: A

Books in this series ~

The Iron King
Winter's Passage (download free novella)
The Iron Daughter
The Iron Queen