Review: Hooked ~ Brenda Rothert

Hooked
Brenda Rothert
Contemporary Romance
Loveswept/December 6, 2016

Miranda: Even though I’m broke, putting myself through college, and working two jobs, I’m trying to make the best of it. Meanwhile, Jake Birch, hockey’s hottest bad boy, lives in a luxury hotel in downtown Chicago—and still complains about every little thing in his penthouse. But after I tell him off, instead of getting me fired, Jake requests me as his personal housekeeper. Then he starts flirting with me. Only I’m not flirting back . . . at least, I’m trying not to. Did I mention that he’s hockey’s hottest bad boy?

Jake:  I’ve met the best woman at the worst possible time. Miranda is the fire to my ice—a sexy, charmingly candid spark who breaks down my walls and reminds me what it’s like to feel again. But I’m being forced to date my team owner’s daughter to keep my job, so I can’t be caught with Miranda. Still, we’re getting closer—until Miranda finds out about my “girlfriend.” And that’s not the only secret I’ve been keeping. But Miranda’s the one I want . . . even if she doesn’t believe me.

I've been into hockey heroes lately - with some excellent results! I love the premise of this romance. Hard working Miranda doesn't bow to hockey hero Jake's super sexy hotness. She's not denying his hotness, she's just not playing the part of super fangirl. Miranda shares her smartass attitude with Jake but he finds Miranda refreshing. I did too!

Their relationship has some major hurdles to overcome. They have to hide their relationship from everyone or else Miranda could loose her job. Jake offers to help her out financially but Miranda is a proud woman and doesn't want Jake's money to come between them. She likes him in spite of his wealth and his pickiness. In truth, he can be a real ass when it comes to having things exactly how he wants them. The big hurdle is the batshit crazy woman who wants Jake as her boyfriend. Unfortunately, she is the daughter of the team owner. This woman made me feel sorry for Jake and considering how he met her, that's saying a lot. She was about to go down on him, they were interrupted and later, he didn't remember her name. Manslut thy name is Jake. But, he is different with Miranda. He's smart enough to know she's worth making some serious changes to his life and leaving his manwhore ways behind.

Jake was a better person after meeting Miranda. It's cliché but it worked well in this story. And while there are points when Miranda and Jake should have talked things out instead of keeping quiet, they still acted like mature adults, which can be incredibly refreshing. Characters acting their age, yes please! The way Jake and Miranda's relationship develops is believable even though they come from different worlds and must hide their relationship.

This is my first novel by Ms. Rothert but certainly won't be my last. And as luck would have it, she has a lovely backlist with more on the way!

Rating: B+

Review: Blurred Lines ~ Lauren Layne

Blurred Lines
Lauren Layne
Contemporary Romance
Love Unexpectedly/Book 1
Loveswept/August 25, 2015

When Parker Blanton meets Ben Olsen during her freshman year of college, the connection is immediate—and platonic. Six years later, they're still best friends, sharing an apartment in Portland's trendy Northwest District as they happily settle into adult life. But when Parker's boyfriend dumps her out of the blue, she starts to wonder about Ben's no-strings-attached approach to dating. The trouble is, even with Ben as her wingman, Parker can't seem to get the hang of casual sex—until she tries it with him.

The arrangement works perfectly . . . at first. The sex is mind-blowing, and their friendship remains as solid as ever, without any of the usual messy romantic entanglements. But when Parker's ex decides he wants her back, Ben is shocked by a fierce stab of possessiveness. And when Ben starts seeing a girl from work, Parker finds herself plagued by unfamiliar jealousy. With their friendship on the rocks for the first time, Parker and Ben face an alarming truth: Maybe they can't go back. And maybe, deep down, they never want to.

My first Lauren Layne and it won't be my last! Don't you just love it when you find a new author whose voice flows so well from the page? And Blurred Lines is a friends-to-lovers romance which is one of my favorite tropes!

From the first, it's obvious Parker and Ben should be more than roommates. There is a deep, lasting love based on friendship but neither of them seem inclined to take it further. It's as if their subconscious minds are afraid becoming romantically involved might break their friendship, which is important to both of them. People will go from friends to lovers, pledging if it doesn't work out, they'll stay friends. We all know it's not true and you can never go back to how things were. Parker and Ben make that vow and then break it.

Parker is all about control. She likes to control her environment and her relationships. She likes lists and predictability in her life. It's cute and I can totally relate. I felt sorry for Parker when she gets blindsided by her boyfriend. I was angry for her, for what he did and how he made her feel. It was heartbreaking but necessary for Parker to get out of her rut and get into something different with Ben.

Ben is such a good guy. He's a good friend to both his male friends and to Parker whom he treats like one of the guys - to a certain point. He's there to comfort her when she gets dump. A very broad shoulder to cry on. It was awesome to see Ben start to notice Parker as more than a best friend and roommate. When he starts to notice how sexy and attractive she is, it's satisfying to see him struggle with his attraction to Parker. His brain tells him one thing but he's not always thinking with his brain.

I could easily see this as a romantic comedy. It has two wonderfully engaging main characters complete with passion, wit, and flaws. We get both Parker and Ben's point of views which makes getting into their heads that much easier. Neither are perfect and both make mistakes when it comes to their arrangement of casual sex. The mistakes are not about their physical side, that's smoking hot, but the messy emotions that always seem to creep in, even when you tell yourself it's just sex.

What complicates matters is the six year history that Parker and Ben have. Casual sex would be far easier if they didn't care so deeply about each other. We see the pain they go through when they realize the arrangement has become more than sex but they're both afraid to tell the other how they feel. It's frustrating because as the reader, you know what is in both of their hearts and you want to tell them both to "Wake up! You're screwing up the best thing either of you will ever have." I did yell at them but it took them awhile to listen to me. Kind of like my kids. ;)

Blurred Lines is a charming friends to lovers romance. There are a couple of bumps in the road which could have been avoid if only Parker and Ben had talked. The estrangement between Parker and Ben went on a bit too long but in the end, they found their Happily Ever After.

Rating: B+

Love Unexpectedly Series ~

Blurred Lines
Good Girl

Review: The Fifteenth Minute ~ Sarina Bowen

The Fifteenth Minute
Sarina Bowen
New Adult/Contemporary
The Ivy Series/Book 5
Rennie Roads Books/October 13, 2015

Freshman Lianne Challice is known to millions of fans as Princess Vindi. But sometimes a silver screen sorceress just wants to hang up her wand, tell her manager to shove it, and become a normal college student. Too bad that’s harder than it looks.

She’s never lived a normal life. She hasn’t been to school since kindergarten. And getting close to anyone is just too risky — the last boy she kissed sold the story to a British tabloid.

But she can’t resist trying to get close to Daniel "DJ" Trevi, the hot, broody guy who spins tunes for hockey games in the arena. Something's haunting his dark eyes, and she needs to know more.

DJ's genius is for expressing the mood of the crowd with a ten second song snippet. With just a click and a fade, he can spread hope, pathos or elation among six thousand screaming fans.

Too bad his college career is about to experience the same quick fade-out as one of his songs. He can't get close to Lianne, and he can't tell her why. And the fact that she seems to like him at all? Incredible.

The final book in the Ivy Series was an excellent installment and the best news - there will be a spin-off series! I've enjoyed this series from the start and look forward to seeing some of these characters in the future.

The character of Lianne Challice made me think of what it would be like for Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter movies, to go to college. To drop the celebrity and try to be a student like everyone else. As Lianne proved, it's not easy. She tries to be as inconspicuous as possible but she is recognized and whispered about. I felt sorry for her when she would hide away in her dorm room, not wanting to deal with the whispers and teasing. She is desperate to shed her Princess Vindi reputation and take more mature roles. Meanwhile, she must deal with a serious attraction to a guy who doesn't seem too phased by her fame.

DJ has had some serious trouble in recent months and while he's attracted to Lianne, he doesn't feel like he's in the right place to start a relationship. Still, it doesn't stop him from spending time with her and getting to know the real Lianne. DJ was such a good guy! He was considerate, funny and tries to do the right thing, especially when it comes to Lianne. They made a superb couple.

Between DJ's troubles with the school and Lianne's trouble with her career, these two have plenty to keep them stressed over. They do, at times, come across as far more mature than their ages. (Lianne-19/DJ-20). One of the best ways they de-stress is sharing their love of music. DJ aka Daniel, provides the music for the college hockey games. Prior to reading The Fifteenth Minute, I had no idea how detailed and critical the selection and playing of music was to a game.  I appreciated the details Ms. Bowen applied to the story and found myself looking up quite a few songs to listen to as I read.

The resolution of both DJ and Lianne's difficulties was almost too perfect. Still, the ending was appropriate for them both with the combination of both of their passions. I'll miss spending time at Harkness College but look forward to reading the spin-off series.

Rating: B+

The Ivy Series ~

The Year We Fell Down
The Year We Ran Away
Blonde Date (novella)
The Understatement of the Year
The Shameless Hour
The Fifteenth Minute

Review: The Virgin

The Virgin
Tiffany Reisz
The Original Sinners:White Years/Book 3
Erotic
Harlequin - MIRA/March 31, 2015

For years, Kingsley Edge warned Eleanor the day would come when she, the mistress of a well-respected Catholic priest, would have to run and hide. She always imagined if that day came she'd be running away with Søren. But instead, she's running from him.

Knowing Søren and Kingsley will their use their influence to bring her back, Eleanor alone, penniless and scared takes refuge at the one place the men in her life cannot follow: the abbey where her mother has taken orders. Behind the cloistered gates of the convent, Eleanor hides from the man she loves and hates in equal measure.

She cannot, however, hide from her true nature. When Eleanor befriends a young virginal nun, she faces a startling sexual awakening. But Eleanor can't stay forever, and the lure of her real life beckons beyond the locked gates. But to follow her fate means to leave Kyrie behind, a sacrifice Eleanor refuses to make.

The lure of the forbidden. The temptation to sin. The price of passion has never been higher, and Eleanor will have to pay it if she ever wants to go home again.

If you're like me and have not read this series, you mind be a little lost at the beginning if you start with The Virgin. I felt like I stepped into the middle of a mystery and all the clue had already been revealed. As the story progresses, we find out how the characters came to be where they are now. This helped tremendously in filling out the characters and what made them tick.

The three main characters are also lovers. Elle, Søren and Kingsley have known each other for years and are comfortable with where their relationship is. But it hasn't always been that way. The author does well in showing how the dynamics of this unique relationship work. Not only are they lovers but they also have serious relationships with other lovers. To put it one way, the beds are busy and always occupied!

As the story begins, Elle, Søren and Kingsley are in Scotland for a wedding. As they prepare for the celebration, talk comes up about something that happened years ago. It's a sensitive subject and one that was never discussed but long overdue. It's Elle and Kingsley who tell the story of what happened twelve years ago. Both went through hell, finding themselves at loose ends with not idea how to get back to their lives or if they even want to go back.

I did feel a little let down when we find out why Elle ran away. She is presented as a strong character but she lets the men in her life push her around and I didn't like that about her. She does seem to have changed as she has aged but it ultimately comes back to putting her needs after Søren and Kingsley's.

Søren and Kingsley are both interesting characters with Kingsley playing a larger role in the story. We didn't see much of Søren so I don't feel I know him as well. He's a Jesuit priest and a sadist with numerous lovers. Yeah, that about says it all.

The two main story lines held my interest if only to see how they end. There was some dragging of the plot and I would have liked more participation from Søren. He was the catalyst for what happened but afterwards almost incidental to the story.

I don't see myself going back and reading the previous books or continuing with the series. While the writing is good, I was not left with any desire to know the rest of the stories.

*This is hardcore BDSM and it gets very intense at times. If you're looking for light BDSM or a traditional romance, you won't find it here.

Rating: C

The Original Sinners Series ~

The Siren
The Angel
The Prince
The Mistress
The Saint
The King
The Virgin
The Queen

Review: The Winner's Curse ~ Marie Rutkoski

The Winner's Curse
Marie Rutkoski
Young Adult/Fantasy
The Winner's Trilogy/Book 1
Farrar Straus Giroux/March 4, 2014

Winning what you want may cost you everything you love...

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

~ Review is of the audio book, narrated by one of my all time favorite narrators, Justin Eyre.

This is a case of interest in a new release, final book in the trilogy, leading to picking up the first book in the trilogy. What a stroke of luck coming across Marie Rutkoski's brilliantly beautiful story of a girl, a guy and a need to set the world right.

The Winner's Curse took me to a world where not everyone is what they seem. Some are hiding behind their perceived short comings while others allow people to believe what they see, instead of showing what is real. For Kestrel, she believes her father can never be proud of her, that she is only a disappointment to him. For Arin, he is a slave with a past in conflict with his present. It is a past that will soon collide with the present and his feelings for Kestrel.

Kestrel is a such a complex character, for being only seventeen. She is the daughter of the general of the Valorian army. Lady Kestrel is meant to be taken care of and held above the lesser people. She is accustomed to others doing the menial tasks and for herself, trying to live up to her father's expectations but always seeming to fall short. Kestrel did not always come across as a seventeen year old young woman but resembled someone far older if not in experience than in wisdom. She has a sharp mind and uses it to her advantage to disentangle herself out of the formidable situations she finds herself in. I loved seeing how her mind worked and the results of her creative thinking. This showed how her strength would lead her down her true path. It's is not an easy path and I did questions some of her decisions, that's when I was reminded that she is a seventeen year old young woman who has lived a fairly sheltered life. It was fascinating to see her sheltered life fall away and for Kestrel's new experiences to shape who she is to become.

Arin is a character whom you know from the start is not all that he seems. He is a slave, bought at auction and taken into Kestrel's home. But you get the sense he is no ordinary slave. He is far too outspoken, too familiar to the world around him, Kestrel's world, to not have some experiences outside that of a slave. Arin, was a tough character for me to like because I fell for Kestrel so quickly. When Arin's true motives are shown, I understood what inspired his actions but the fallout was not always easy to take. Still, seeing Arin's conflict for what he must do and how the results affected him, showed a side of him which made it easier to understand and like him.

The world Rutkoski has created is multifaceted, like a jewel of the rarest stone.  From the grand mansions to the meager slave quarters, the descriptions give life to the places Kestrel and Arin take us. But the world is really a backdrop for the story of Kestrel and Arin and their fight for what they believe in. The conflict between them only heightens the difficult decisions they must make.

What makes this story such a winner is you knows something big is going to happen and while I wanted to get to what I knew was coming, I also wanted to enjoy the ride getting there. It's that feeling you have when you're exciting about a upcoming event. The days prior with the build up of excitement all leading to the culmination of the event. That's how this felt and it was wonderful!

This is a trilogy which means the ending of The Winner's Curse is not a true ending for Kestrel and Arin. Their story continues in the next book. So if you don't like cliffhanger endings, then think of The Winner's Curse as a part of the whole story and read the next book, The Winner's Crime.

Rating: A

The Winner's Trilogy ~

The Winner's Curse
The Winner's Crime
The Winner's Kiss

TBR Challenge Review: Sword-Dancer

Sword-Dancer
Jennifer Roberson
Fantasy
Tiger and Del/Book 1
DAW Books/September 1986

SOUTHRON BLADE SKILL,

NORTHERN SWORD MAGIC...

He was Tiger, born of the desert winds, raised as a slave and winning his freedom by weaving a special kind of magic with a warrior's skill. Now he was an almost legendary sword-dancer, ready to take on any challenge--if the price was right...or the woman pretty enough.

She was Del, born of ice and storm, trained by the greatest of Northern sword masters. Now, her ritual training completed, and steeped in the special magic of her own runesword, she had come south in search of the young brother stolen five years before. 

But even Del could not master all the dangers of the deadly Punja alone. And meeting Del, Tiger could not turn back from the most intriguing challenge he'd ever faced--the challenge of a magical, mysterious sword-dancer of the North.

Well would you look at that - I made the challenge! A challenge within a challenge! I wasn't sure if I would make this month's TBR challenge since I've done terribly in the past couple of years. But with Ames' 30 Day Challenge spurring me on, I decided to go for it!

This month's TBR Challenge suggested category was to read something different, out of our comfort zone or an unusual setting. Fantasy genre isn't out of my comfort zone but it is a genre I haven't been reading a lot of. I picked up Jennifer Roberson's Sword-Dancer because the blurb sounded like a magical adventure and I was right! I came by the book by an inheritance from my daughter when she moved out nearly two years ago. She enjoyed the series and since she has good taste in books, I had a feeling I would too. 

A tiger, a blond and a sword walk into a bar...

The story begins in a little cantina where Tiger is keeping himself busy between jobs. He has two of the local woman, one on each knee and a glass of the local booze. Tiger forgets all about his lady friends when Del walks in. It's obvious she doesn't belong this far south. She's too fair skinned, with hair too light. Del is like a breath of fresh, cool air in the parch desert climate of the south. And Tiger wants to breath deep of that fresh air.

Del's first impression of Tiger doesn't show Tiger at his best. He's condescending towards Del. Not believing a Northern woman can hold her own against the harsh Southron landscape let alone use the sword she carries. Tiger can and is at times a chauvinistic ass. When they later meet up, it's not a great reunion. Tiger does redeem himself somewhat when he agrees to take Del into the Punja to search for her kidnapped brother.

The developing relationship between Tiger and Del is fraught with the battling temperments of two people who are from different worlds. The one thing that does bind them is their need to rely on each other for survival. The Punja is brutal as are those who call it home. It isn't long before Tiger and Del are tested with the worst the Punja has. The tense situations, vivid landscape descriptions and beautifully broken characters all make for an exciting story.

The story is told from Tiger's point of view and I'm not sure if it made the story stronger or weaker. I would have liked to see certain events from Del's perspective but at the same time, having only Tiger's perspective streamlined the story.  They are in his land, the place he is familiar with so in the end, this was more his story than their story.

Sword-Dancer has a combination of an old western, fantasy world, and fight or die reality rolled up in enchanting words conjuring a place for a reader to fall in to and not want to leave. I'm not only thrilled I read Sword-Dancer, I'm excited to know there are six more books in the series.

Rating: A-

Tiger and Del Series ~

Sword-Dancer
Sword-Singer
Sword-Maker
Sworn-Breaker
Sword-Born
Sword-Sworn
Sword-Bound

Review: Hero ~ Samantha Young

Hero
Samantha Young
Contemporary Romance
NAL/February 3, 2015

Alexa Holland’s father was her hero—until her shocking discovery that she and her mother weren't his only family. Ever since, Alexa has worked to turn her life in a different direction and forge her own identity outside of his terrible secrets. But when she meets a man who’s as damaged by her father’s mistakes as she is, Alexa must help him.

Caine Carraway wants nothing to do with Alexa’s efforts at redemption, but it’s not so easy to push her away. Determined to make her hate him, he brings her to the edge of her patience and waits for her to walk away. But his actions only draw them together and, despite the odds, they begin an intense and explosive affair.

Only Caine knows he can never be the white knight that Alexa has always longed for. And when they're on the precipice of danger, he finds he’ll do anything to protect either one of them from being hurt again…

~This review is of the audio book, narrated by Angelica Lee, a new favorite.

If the title is referring to Caine Carraway, not sure I agree. I didn't like him for much of the book. Once his deep, dark secret is revealed, I still thought he acted an ass towards Alexa far too often but at least I understood why.

Alexa is a strong woman who has suffered a terribly stressful family life. It's her family that connects her to Caine. Their first meeting is memorable but not in a good way. Alexa saved the story for me. I didn't always agree with her choices, I thought she put up with too much crap from Caine but when she did tell him exactly how she felt, she didn't mince words.

Their relationship is such a roller coaster ride. First Caine can't stand Alexa but he's physcaattracted to her which frustrates him. Which I find amusing because I didn't like him at the beginning and I didn't think he deserved her. As their work relationship progresses, Alexa starts to break through Caine's wall of indifference and I liked how we did get to see a nicer side of him. But then the wall would go up again and he would do something to Alexa that would piss me off and I wanted to tell her to just walk away from him.

As you can tell, Caine was not a favorite of mine. He left me so angry with him far too many times which made it a challenge to find any affinity for him let alone see him as a hero. I wold have like to see more of his kindness because it was there but he tries his best to keep it in the shadows. Ultimately, I did start to like Caine a little bit towards the end.

As much as I loved Samantha Young's On Dublin Street series, Hero didn't have the same romantic feel to it. The romance was not as satisfying as what I'd hope for. The writing of Ms. Young is still wonderful, these characters simply didn't do it for me.

Rating: B-

Review: The Shameless Hour

The Shameless Hour
Sarina Bowen
New Adult/Contemporary Romance
The Ivy Years/Book 4
Rennie Roads Books/April 12, 2015

The girl who’s had everyone meets the boy who has no one.

For Bella, the sweet-talking, free-loving, hip-checking student manager of the Harkness men’s hockey team, sex is a second language. She’s used to being fluent where others stutter, and the things people say behind her back don’t (often) bother her. So she can’t understand why her smoking hot downstairs neighbor has so much trouble staying friends after their spontaneous night together. She knows better than to worry about it, but there’s something in those espresso eyes that makes her second guess herself. 

Rafe is appalled with himself for losing his virginity in a drunken hookup. His strict Catholic upbringing always emphasized loving thy neighbor—but not with a bottle of wine and a box of condoms. The result is an Ivy League bout of awkwardness. But when Bella is leveled by a little bad luck and a downright sinister fraternity stunt, it’s Rafe who is there to pick up the pieces.

Bella doesn’t want Rafe's help, and she’s through with men. Too bad the undeniable spark that crackles between the two of them just can't be extinguished.

*Apologies. I planned to post this review before posting the review for book 5, The Fifteenth Minute, which I posted yesterday. This is what happens when you have numerous reviews partially written. You don't always finish them in the right order. :)

When you think of a hero, you don't usually think of a virgin. When you think of a heroine, you don't usually think of a promiscuous woman. But that is what the reader is given in The Shameless Hour. In some cases, this set-up might not work. Sarina Bowen not only writes believable characters but creates a plausible relationship.

Bella is the team manager of the Harkness hockey team which means she spend a lot of time around guys. Bella is comfortable being around the guys and it shows. It's safe to say she has far more male friends than female, in fact, she doesn't really have any true female friends, just some acquaintances. Most of the females tend to be either intimidated by Bella's confidence or jealous of her access to the hockey players. Whichever it is, Bella seems to have accepted her position in a world dominated by males.

I was surprised at how much I liked Bella. Admittedly, I thought I might have difficulty seeing past her promiscuity. She honestly doesn't see anything wrong with having sex simply for the sake of having sex. No lasting attachment necessary, just physical gratification for a short period of time - like an hour or two. The truth is, Bella is lonely. She seems to have all of these friends but in reality, there isn't anyone whom she can confide in. At one point, there was someone she felt close to, not only physically but emotionally, but she was terribly hurt and now trust is something she doesn't give out. I felt genuine empathy for Bella, which surprised me.

Rafe is perfect! This guy has it all going for him. A loving mom, a wonderful extended family, great soccer player, handsome and an all around nice guy. He also still has his V card when the story begins but Rafe has a plan to change that status. There's a saying that goes something like, "The Fates laugh when we make plans." Poor Rafe because the Fates must have really had it in for him. All his plans come crashing down in the most terrible way possible. Except no one died so it could have been worse. You can't help but feel sorry for this guy. He's tried to do the right thing and in doing so, gets screwed but not in a good way. But a little time, a bottle of wine and a desirable woman can make all the difference in the world. And in the end, Rafe really did ended up with the finest outcome.

The secondary characters are some familiar faces if you've been reading the series as well as some new faces. Rafe's roommates are the ideal foil for his perfection. And while Bella doesn't have a roommate, she does share a bathroom with an intriguing character. Harkness College creates its own presence with the dorms, dining halls, frat houses, library and hockey rink producing emotional reactions from the characters. It has all the aspects of a small town, both the good and bad.

The Shameless Hour was another welcomed addition to what has become a favorite series.

Rating: B+

The Ivy Series ~

The Year We Fell Down
The Year We Ran Away
Blonde Date (novella)
The Understatement of the Year
The Shameless Hour
The Fifteenth Minute

Review: All Chained Up

All Chained Up
Sophie Jordan
Contemporary Romance
Devil's Rock/Book 1
Avon/March 29, 2016

There are bad boys and then there are the men of Devil’s Rock . . .

Some men come with a built-in warning label. Knox Callaghan is one of them. Danger radiates from every lean, muscled inch of him, and his deep blue eyes seem to see right through to Briar Davis’s most secret fantasies. But there’s one major problem: Briar is a nurse volunteering at the local prison, and Knox is an inmate who should be off-limits in every way.

Knox feels it too—a shocking animal magnetism that drives him to risk his own life to protect Briar’s. Paroled at last, he tries to resist her. She’s too innocent, too sweet, and she has no idea what Knox is capable of. But a single touch can lead to a kiss—and a taste . . . until the only crime is denying what feels so right . . .

“When the prison doors are open, the real dragon will fly out.”—Ho Chi Minh

~This review is for the audio book, narrated by Christian Fox whose smooth voice made this a pleasure to listen to. 

Sophie Jordan not writes historical romances, new adult and contemporary romances. She also writes paranormal romances under the name Sharie Kohler. I've only read her new adult and contemporary romance but will need to try her historical and PNR since I have had such good luck with her writings.

It's the old question of can a "bad boy" be redeemed? Whether the hero is truly a bad boy or someone who made a terrible mistake, it's the heroine's belief in him, which in turn strengthens his belief in himself, which makes for the basis of the story.

For Knox Callaghan, the driving force in his life is keeping himself and his younger brother North, safe. Not an easy feat when you're locked up with some of the worst criminals around. So when Knox is injured and sent to the prison infirmary, he can't help but enjoy the company of beautiful nurse Briar Davis. From the beginning, it was obvious Knox wasn't a bad guy. He's done some things he wouldn't have considered doing prior to being imprisoned but his new situation makes him do whatever it takes his brother and himself alive.

I liked Knox for his protectiveness, his sense of right and his ability to see when he's wrong and admit it. He does have a short temper when it comes to men coming on to Briar. To be fair, Briar needed to stand up for herself more instead of putting up with an asshole making the moves on her when she doesn't want it.

Briar was a bit of a pushover. Like I mentioned, she worried too much about what other's thought. She let her neighbor, her sister and sometimes even Knox push her around. It was a relief when she held her ground and even pushed back a little. She doesn't have much experience with men so had Knox been harder around the edges, with out the sense of gallantry when it came to women, they might not have worked as well.

The secondary characters, mainly Knox's brother North, and Reid Allister another inmate, are given enough page time to get the reader interested in their upcoming stories. Reid's is next with North's set for publication early next year. I will admit interest in both with Reid's story given some set-up in All Chained Up. The premise is one I don't remember ever reading so it's certainly captured my curiosity!

Rating: B

Devil's Rock Series ~

All Chained Up
Hell Breaks Loose (July 26, 2016)
All Fired Up (February 2017)

Review: Alone in the Dark ~ Karen Rose

Alone in the Dark
Karen Rose
Romantic Suspense
Cincinnati Series/Book 2
Signet/February 2, 2016

Homicide Detective Scarlett Bishop has seen enough bad guys slip through the cracks and innocent victims go unavenged to know that good doesn't always prevail. So far she’s been able to lock away her rage and her vigilante fantasies. That lock is about to break.

Former Army Ranger Marcus O'Bannion is a fierce champion of victims’ rights. His secret past gives him good reason. He believes he’s seen the depths of human depravity, but then his investigation into the murder of a young girl who once asked for his help lures him and Scarlett down a dark, dark road—and straight into the crosshairs of a dangerous, powerful underground ring that deals in human trafficking. To stop them, Scarlett and Marcus have to be just as cunning and just as ruthless. But first they have to make it out alive.

One of my favorite romantic suspense authors is Karen Rose. She never disappoints and always freaks me out with her villians. Alone in the Dark didn't disappoint and it certainly had its freak-out moments.

If you've read the first book in the Cincinnati Series, then you're familiar with Detective Scarlett Bishop and Marcus O'Bannion. Both captured my attention in Closer Than You Think. Scarlett because she is not only a cop but a detective in a decidedly man dominated world. And, she can kick-ass. Marcus because he was hiding some secrets and I'm nosy. I had to find out what was up with this guy. He's was also an Army Ranger so you know he's had some experience in the ass-kicking department too.

Detective Scarlett Bishop walks a thin line. She has to because of what she sees on the job. Imagine some of the worst crimes of murder and then having to talk to suspects, some of whom you know are guilty and be professional. I don't think I would ever have the patience to be a cop. I'd probably end up pulling my gun too often. But Scarlett keeps her cool for the most part. She's easy to like and possible one of my favorite Karen Rose heroines.

Marcus O'Bannion runs a newspaper but he has a side gig which he keeps a secret. It's dangerous and straddles the line between the legal and not so legal. Marcus also has an attraction to Scarlett and he trusts her about as much as he can because of her profession. So when he asks Scarlett for help, it felt natural as well as Scarlett answering Marcus' late night call.

Scarlett and Marcus have this balancing act they perform through much of the story. With Marcus' secret and Scarlett trying to enforce the law, however imperfect it sometimes is, they form an interesting alliance. Their romantic interest in each other is right there, just below the surface but they push forward with their investigation into the death of a young girl. Scarlett and Marcus form a great team and their chemistry and romance is made authentic because of their physical attraction as well as how they feel safe sharing their worst nightmares with each other. The way it's written, I completely fell for their romance.

One of the things I especially liked was the team effort of Marcus and his newspaper employees. It was interesting to see how they all worked together not only to print the news but in their other endeavor. They understood and lived the phrase "I've got your back." The secondary characters add much to the plot and are fittingly developed for their roles.

The intricacies of the criminals and their viciousness in which they execute their business is disturbing because it is doubtful it is pure fiction. Ms. Rose gives us plenty of reasons to despise the antagonists. Which is a good when the author gives the reader antagonists who are interesting but you also hate them. I was ready for all of them to end in a bloody, painful death. I did get my wish for at least a few of them. That made me happy.

Alone in the Dark is pure Karen Rose. My only complaint is having to wait for the next book. Bring on Stone.

Rating: A

Cincinnati Series ~

Closer Than You Think
Alone in the Dark

ARC Review: The Safest Lies

The Safest Lies
Megan Miranda
Young Adult
Crown Books/May 24, 2016

Kelsey was raised to see danger everywhere. Her mother hasn't set foot outside their front door in seventeen years, since she escaped from her kidnappers with Kelsey growing inside her. 

Kelsey knows she’s supposed to keep a low profile for their own protection, but that plan is shattered when she drives off a cliff and is rescued by volunteer firefighter and classmate Ryan Baker.

A few days later, she arrives home to face her greatest fear: her mother is missing. She and her mother have drilled for all contingencies—except this one. Luckily, Ryan is as skilled at emergency rescues as Kelsey is at escape and evasion. 

To have a chance at a future, Kelsey will have to face all her darkest fears. Because someone is coming for her.And the truth about the past may end up being the most dangerous thing of all.

So this was different. It was good, overall, although I did have to suspend my reality in place of the author's reality. The unconventional life Kelsey has lived isn't easy to relate to but Ms. Miranda does well conveying Kelsey's feelings and showing how her lifestyle has affected her in her short life. 

One event can change a life. In Kelsey's case, the first time it was what happened to her mother that also shaped Kelsey's life. Then, Kelsey's life is again disrupted by a harrowing experience. This becomes the storm before the break in the clouds and beginning of something new and ultimately, the best thing to happen to Kelsey. 

Kelsey has gotten her wish. She gets to venture out of her home and attend public school. Until now, she has been home schooled but for her senior year of high school, her mother has agreed to allow Kelsey to attend public school. This is huge and Kelsey acts as if she has been given work release from prison. She still has to return every day to her prison-like home, but while she is out, she relishes the taste of freedom, no matter how scary it sometimes is.   

The guy in Kelsey's life is a genuine hero. He's a high school student who moonlights as a volunteer firefighter. Ryan is a good guy who does not understand Kelsey's life but doesn't treat her like she's a freak. He has patience with her while encouraging her to experience the typical life of a teenager.  If only it would have been typical but Kelsey's mother's past catches up with them. I would have liked to see more of Kelsey attempting to fit in but the suspense aspect was kept in the forefront. 

The over-the-top some of the situations were created some problems. This is where I had to suspend my disbelief and just go where the author lead me. There were couple of eye rolls and "good-griefs" but in the end the story was interesting although the surprise ending didn't come as a complete surprise. 

Rating: B

ARC Review: Lone Heart Pass

Lone Heart Pass
Jodi Thomas
Contemporary Romance
Ransom Canyon/Book 3
HQN/April 26, 2016

Where family bonds are made and broken, and where young love sparks as old flames grow dim, Ransom Canyon is ready to welcome—and shelter—those who need it 

With a career and a relationship in ruins, Jubilee Hamilton is left reeling from a fast fall to the bottom. The run-down Texas farm she's inherited is a far cry from the second chance she hoped for, but it and the abrasive foreman she's forced to hire are all she's got. 

Every time Charley Collins has let a woman get close, he's been burned. So Lone Heart ranch and the contrary woman who owns it are merely a means to an end, until Jubilee tempts him to take another risk—to stop resisting the attraction drawing them together despite all his hard-learned logic. 

Desperation is all young Thatcher Jones knows. And when he finds himself mixed up in a murder investigation, his only protection is the shelter of a man and woman who—just like him—need someone to trust.

The third full length novel in Jodi Thomas' Ransom Canyon series is about second chances and starting over. It's a theme I always enjoy and this time is no different. The surprise inheritance sparks all kinds of fantasies. Who wouldn't be thrilled finding out you've inherited property? And when it's a place that holds wonderful memories, that's the icing on the cake. 

For Jubilee Hamilton, her inheritance comes at a most opportune time. She is unemployed with nothing and no one to keep her in Washington D.C.  Her job was her world, even though she had a live-in boyfriend. It's that focus that leaves her alone and more than willing to head to Texas for a new start.  Jubilee is very likable which may come as a surprise because she is not what I would call a "people person" except where it relates to her former job. But she is learning to be more open which is an enjoyable journey to take with her. 

Charley Collins is, thankfully, nothing like his younger brother Reid. Charley hasn't had the easiest of times in his fairly short life. He is, in part, responsible for his current situation and thankfully he doesn't whine about his life but takes responsibility for it. He has also learned from his mistakes which shows his maturity. After finding out what has happened in his short life, he's twenty-five, I was happy to find he wasn't a complainer but instead a hard worker and truly a decent person. Definitely hero material!

The relationship between Jubilee and Charley is an odd one. He's the hired help and she's a little clueless as to how to run a ranch. Charley isn't too proud to work for a woman, even if she has no experience running a ranch. The thing I liked so much about Jubilee is she is more than willing to learn and not afraid to get dirty. Charley, a hard worker, comes to respect Jubilee and the two find they enjoy spending time together. It was a romance that didn't get rushed but started with friendship and respect which strengthened it. Ms. Thomas brought two people from different walks of life together to create a bond and eventually a family. Well done Ms. Thomas. 

There is a another new character, Thatcher. I adored this kid! He not only added comic relief to some serious situations but he also gave a unique perspective on life. His view may come across as "simple" or "backwoods" but I for one found it honest and refreshing. It also worked to show how when someone is not enmeshed in the fast pace our highly technological world has become, their viewpoint becomes possibly more genuine.

Lone Heart Pass is a wonderful entry to the series. It also brought more personality to the town of Crossroads, Texas with the addition of new characters. Looking forward to the next story in the colorful world these characters inhabit.

Rating: A-

Ransom Canyon Series ~

Winter's Camp (prequel, novella)
Ransom Canyon
Rustler's Moon
Lone Heart Pass

Review: Third Degree

Third Degree
Julie Cross
Contemporary/ New Adult
Flirt/March 25, 2014

I used to be “Isabel Jenkins, child prodigy.” As lame as that sounds, at least it was an identity. But now I’m not sure what I am. I just failed the most important exam of my life—the emotional readiness test required to get into a medical residency program—and it turns out my parents can’t stand each other. Now I’m trying to figure out how to pick up the pieces of my life, and that means re-enrolling as a college freshman, but this time I’m shutting the books and majoring in being eighteen.

But so far, my roommate hates me and I’m not into the party scene. The only good thing about school has been getting to know my insanely hot RA. Marshall Collins makes me wonder about everything I missed while I was growing up too fast. Pretty soon we’re hanging out constantly, but for the first time, I find myself wanting more than a no-strings-attached physical relationship. And the lesson I really need is one Marsh definitely can’t teach me: love. Because I’m going to be alone forever if I don’t learn fast.

Oh, this was such an enjoyable story! I'm surprised at how much the young me inside could identify with Izzy and it has nothing to do with her genius IQ. Izzy's an oddity in the world of medicine. An eighteen year old with her M.D., she is freakishly book smart but her life experiences are so limited when it comes to human interaction she stumbles and falls often.

After failing to get into a residency program, the genius Izzy heads back to college. Not so much for the traditional classroom experience but for the life experience. To help Izzy gain this experience is her R.A. (resident adviser), Marshall Collins. He's hot, funny and attracted to Izzy. He also genuinely likes Izzy for who she is. He does give her advice about tempering her need to diagnosis everyone as he helps Izzy learn to fit in.

Marsh comes up with a plan for Izzy to experience college life and teen life to the fullest. To experience what she has been missing out on while she was busy earning her doctorate when most teens were in high school. Marsh is playful, cheerful, mischievous and sweet and just an all around good guy. Yes, we females tend to be intrigued by "bad boys" but there is something to be said about the good guys.

Izzy and Marsh's relationship is running along fairly smoothly but we know it will hit a rough patch and it does. How they both handle it shows that maturity and intelligence do not always go hand in hand. Izzy begins to realize just how much she has missed out on because of her unconventional upbringing. She has had great opportunities but missing those everyday teenage activities has lead to her struggles to form healthy relationships. Cross does a good job showing this through Izzy's revelations about herself as she works through her new emotional side.

Third Degree is a smart, funny and adept look at how Izzy and Marsh cope with their challenges and how they learned to lean on each other's strengths.

Rating: B+

Review: Lovely Wild

Lovely Wild
Megan Hart
Contemporary Fiction
MIRA/November 25, 2014

Brought up in the savage captivity of her unstable grandmother's rural Pennsylvania home, Mari Calder once yearned for rescue. Now she struggles every day to function as an adult in the confines of normal society. Left with only a foggy recollection of her childhood, she's consumed with being a dutiful wife to her husband, Ryan, and mother to their two children.

But an unexpected twist of events returns her to that long-forgotten house in the woods. Soon, Mari is greeted with reminders of a past life, the clarified memories only inviting a new level of strangeness into her fragile world. To protect her family, she must find the beautiful, powerful strength hidden in her inner chaos. Because someone is bent on exploiting Mari's trauma, and as normal and wild begin to blend, a string of devastating truths force Mari to question all she thought she knew.

I don't always know what to expect from Megan Hart other than a good story. Maybe I should expect the unexpected? Lovely Wild is clearly a deviation from Hart's erotic romance roots but she still delivers her thought provoking writing and emotional punches in true Hart style. Don't shy away from this because it is not a romance. It's a story not to be missed and hard to put down.

I dare you not to feel sorry for Mari. She is different and she knows it which is why she is not always comfortable around people. There is little to no pretense with Mari, she says what she means and doesn't lie. But she doesn't always know what to say in "normal" circumstances. After getting to know Mari and her background, I didn't feel like Mari was less than normal. Mari makes you see how what is considered normal is often fake and insincere, which Mari doesn't know how to be.

As the story progresses, Mari finds her life circling around to where she started, at the house in the woods. It's here Mari confronts her past as well as how the past fits in with her present and future. Her children are the most important people to Mari but they are not the only family she has. It's family, in all forms, that Mari must deal with.

Seeing Mari back at her beginnings, it's eye opening. She has come so far but still has a ways to go. What I enjoyed seeing is how Mari interactions with her children. She may not have the traditional background of growing up with a loving mother but she is a wonderful mother. It's instinctual with Mari. So while she is having trouble in her marriage she continues to nurture and protect her kids.

One thing that sets this story apart is the different point of view. We not only get Mari's POV but also her husband Ryan's and her teenage daughter Kenda. This gave the story a different feel than it would have had it all been told from Mari's POV. While I didn't like Mari's husband, I wouldn't say seeing events through his eyes made me sympathetic towards him, it did help to understand why he made some real bad choices. Mari's daughter Kenda comes off as they stereo-typical self-absorbed teen but her observations show she is more aware than her parents think she is.

Towards the end is where the plot became less filled with surprises and more filled with predictability. Mari's world is not wrapped up in a pretty bow but ended up closer to normal than where it felt Mari should be.

Rating: A-

TBR Challenge: Fallen from Grace

Fallen From Grace
Laura Leone aka Laura Resnick
Contemporary Romance
Five Star/June 2, 2003
Reissued/Blonde Trifecta/January 31, 2011


* Rita Award Finalist for Best Contemporary Romance
* Desert Island Keeper, AllAboutRomance.com
* No. 29 on DearAuthor.Com’s list of the Top 100 Romance Novels

My TBR pile is huge! There are any number of books that I have no idea how they got there because they have been there so long. The book I chose for this month has been sitting on one of my bookshelves for years but I do remember who recommended it. Kristie from Ramblings on Romance was kind enough to share her enjoyment of this unique romance. I'm so glad I listened to her advice and scouted this one out at the used bookstore many years ago. I just wish I had not waited so long to read it!

After thirty-something Sara Diamond experiences professional and financial setbacks, she moves into an eccentric little apartment and works on reviving her career. Before long, she becomes good friends with Ryan Kinsmore, the handsome twenty something man next door, who shares her balcony—and her unreliable utilities.

But Sara’s new neighbor conceals painful secrets and a double life behind his gentle charm and good looks. As their friendship blossoms into love, Sara gradually learns the truth about Ryan, who’s trapped in a world of lies, danger, and sex-for-hire. With his spirit renewed by love, he becomes determined to find a way out of the life he was drawn into as a runaway minor, and equally determined to rescue a street kid whom he finds falling into the same traps that once caught him. But Ryan’s secret life is lived in a ruthless world which won’t easily let him go. Having fallen so far from grace, can he find his way back?

This is certainly something different. Given that it was first published over ten years ago, I doubt there were many novels that could compare at the time. A hero prostitute is not something you come across everyday. Luckily for Sara Diamond (and me) this hero came into our lives.

Sara Diamond has downsized. Sold her condo and moved into an interesting apartment with crooked stairs and an eccentric landlord. The move was not planned but inspired by circumstances which were out of Sara's control. She is now self-employed, attempting to revive her career. The one truly bright spot in her new life is her neighbor, Ryan Kinsmore. He is not only good looking but kind, caring and simply fun to hang out with. Sara is attracted to him but is aware of the age difference, he's 26, she's 35. She thinks there is no way Ryan would ever see her as more than just a friend.

Ryan Kinsmore is exactly what he seems when he is with Sara. But there is much he is hiding and he knows when it eventually comes to light, things will never be the same between him and Sara. The situation is complex, made more so after Ryan and Sara sleep together. Ryan had to know how Sara would react after they made love and he is called into work. Which is why his disappointment towards Sara's reactions surprised me. If he knows women and Sara so well, there's no way he could have expected Sara to react any differently. This isn't casual to her and there is no way to expect her to be okay with him sleep with other women. It doesn't matter if it's only work to Ryan, in Sara's eyes it's cheating.

There are so many elements that made this story so compelling. Ryan's coping mechanism for living the life he does. He keeps his personal life separate from his work life. He even has a different name for work. No one from work knows where he lives. He takes in strays - a bird, cat, and dog. Yes, a psychiatrist would have a field day with Ryan. But it's Sara who pushes into both Ryan's personal and work life. Sara is pushy, sometimes too much, not always knowing when to back off. It did become a little irritating when she had such tunnel vision to get Ryan to talk to her, even when he was clearly in pain, either physical or emotional. She did help him realize he is worth so much more than being used by Catherine, his boss.

The ending felt a little rushed and tidied up too neatly. After everything Ryan and Sara went through, the end was almost anti-climatic. Still, the story as a whole was captivating with well developed characters and a plot surely different than most.

Rating: A-

Review: Can't Help Falling In Love

Can't Help Falling In Love
Bella Andre
Contemporary Romance
The Sullivan's/Book 3
Self Published/December 2011

Gabe Sullivan risks his life every day as a firefighter in San Francisco. But after learning a brutal lesson about professional boundaries, he knows better than to risk his heart to his fire victims ever again. Especially the brave mother and daughter he saved from a deadly apartment fire...and can't stop thinking about.

Megan Harris knows she owes the heroic firefighter everything for running into a burning building to save her and her seven-year-old daughter. Everything except her heart. Because after losing her navy pilot husband five years ago, she has vowed to never suffer through loving - and losing - a man with a dangerous job again.

Only, when Gabe and Megan meet again and uncontrollable flames of desire ignite between them, how can he possibly ignore her courage, determination, and beauty? And how can she deny not only his strong bond with her daughter.but the way his sweetly sensual kisses are challenging her to risk everything she's been guarding for so long?

This winter, if one - or both - of them aren't careful, they just might end up falling in love.

Even though I started with the third book in the series, this can be read as a standalone. It did make me want to know about the two Sullivan brothers who came previously as well as the other Sullivan siblings whose stories come after Gabe's.

Gabe Sullivan is a firefighter. A genuine hero although he does see himself as that. Instead, he sees himself as a dedicated firefighter just doing his job. It's his job that brings him into very close proximity with Megan and Summer Harris. Saving their lives was only the beginning for Gabe. He feels an attraction to Megan but had decided he would not get involved with anyone he rescues. It doesn't' take long before Gabe changes his mind.

Megan Harris is a strong woman and that strength has sustained her during some very difficult times. Her husband, a Navy pilot was killed during a crash five years ago. Ever since, she has raised her daughter Summer on her own. Megan has also vowed never to date a man with a dangerous profession. I can understand her viewpoint but when she compares her deceased husband to Gabe, the comparison was only correct on the surface. The reality is her husband was a thrill seeker where as Gabe takes what he does seriously and doesn't take unnecessary risks. Gabe loves his job because he can help people, not for the danger or the thrill of it.

Gabe can't get Megan off his mind but she holds fast to her rule of not dating someone with a dangerous job. Gabe goes into firefighter mode and uses his rules to win Megan around to giving him a chance. I did like that Gabe didn't give up but was able to see how well he and Megan fit together. She was too stubborn and set in her ways to see what a good guy Gabe was. This did not endear me to Megan, in fact, she got on my nerves. At certain points I felt Gabe deserved better than Megan. Not the best feeling to have towards the heroine of the book I'm reading.

In the end, this is a romance novel so they do get their happily ever after but Gabe had to work too hard for his.

Rating: C+

The Sullivans ~

The Look of Love
From This Moment On
Can't Help Falling In Love
I Only Have Eyes for You
If You Were Mine
Let Me Be the One
Come a Little Bit Closer
Always on My Mind
One Perfect Night (novella)
The Way You Look Tonight
Kissing Under the Mistletoe
It Must Be Your Love
Just to Be With You
I Love How You Love Me,
All I Ever Need Is You (April)

Review: Blindfolded Innocence

Blindfolded Innocence
Alessandra Torre
Contemporary Erotic
Innocence Series/Book 1
Harlequin HQN/January 28, 2014
(First Published July 19, 2012)

Brad De Luca is incorrigible. The premier divorce attorney in town, he is a forty-year old walking hunk of sex, bedding half the town, including his own clients. Brad is used to getting whatever, and whomever, he wants, and when the newest intern arrives - Julia Campbell, a pre-law student fresh off a failed engagement - he embraces the challenge. Only, happy in her new independence, the last thing Julia wants, or needs, is an older man who could destroy her job prospects, and possibly her innocence.

Julia is confident in her sexuality, and her effect on men. But she is far out of her league. Before she knows it, Brad is stretching her boundaries and opening up a forbidden world of sensual and sexual exploration.

This isn't a romance so much as an exploration of a young woman's boundaries and how an older man's experience pushes her into wanting to explore past those boundaries.  It wasn't an easy story for me to get into, but instead took some time before I felt that need to know what happens to these two characters.  Still, it was more about what was physically happening between them than their emotional changes.  Part of the problem was, I just didn't care much about Julia and didn't like Brad.  She should have stayed away from him.

The only good thing I can say about Brad in regards to his sex life is he never makes promises or leads women on.  He is very blunt with what he is willing to give to women.  He tells Julia he is not boyfriend material and if that's what she is looking for, he's not it.  But he also sends her mixed signals by giving the impression that if he can't have her, no one else can either.  I never warmed up to him and if Julia had been my friend I would have told her to stay clear of him unless all she wanted was sex, no strings attached.  The problem was, Julia was getting attached, quickly.

Julia is working as an intern at the law office where Brad is one of the partners.  She isn't his intern but he is still one of the partners and in a position of power.  I'm not in favor of office romances when there is such an inequality of power.  But this isn't exactly a romance so there is some gray area there.  Julia tries not let Brad dominate her and does a pretty good job but eventually gives in to his assertiveness.  She goes back and forth between thinking he's an ass and wanting to jump into bed with him.  This is why it was difficult to sympathise with her situation.

The word man-whore is a good fit for Brad De Luca.  He has a well earned reputation and has been warned by the other partners to keep his dick in his pants when it comes to the interns.  Does Brad listen?  Not when it comes to Julia.  I didn't like Brad for the simple reason is that he thinks he knows what Julia wants and is determined to give it to her.  Which was annoying because Brad didn't really know what he wanted.  He thought he wanted to continue his man-whoring ways but not all of his actions reflected that.

The story is explicit and goes way beyond vanilla so if you're not into that, walk away.  I found it interesting how Julia reacted to what Brad exposed her to.  The alcohol consumed definitely influence Julia's reactions and when she got away from him, she saw things in a different light at least for a little while.

The point when I knew I wouldn't continue with this series was when Brad revealed his dark sexual secret.  Not a fan of his particular fetish.  I think it's the romantic in me.  

Rating: C+

Innocence Series ~

Blindfolded Innocence
The Diary of Brad De Luca novella
Masked Innocence
End of the Innocence

Review: Watch Your Back

Watch Your Back
Karen Rose
Romantic Suspense
Baltimore/Book 4
Signet/February 4, 2014

A cold case reopened. A murderer re-emerging more deadly than ever before.

Baltimore Homicide Detective Stevie Mazzetti has suffered losses no woman should have to endure. And, despite it all, she’s still a fighter. When she learns that her ex-partner might have miscarried justice, she’s determined to put the past to rights, even when she becomes a target.

It’s former Marine Clay Maynard’s job to see the risk in every situation, but he doesn’t have to look hard to find the danger surrounding Stevie. Since the minute he first saw her, Clay has wanted to protect the wounded officer, and he started loving her not long after that. So when Stevie attracts the attention of a vicious psychopath, Clay will do whatever it takes to keep her alive. That is, if he can stay ahead of a killer with everything to lose—and something terrifying to hide...

Ms. Rose has once again delivered an amazing suspenseful romance that kept me on the edge of my seat.  It's Stevie and Clay's turn to have their lives turned upside down.

Stevie Mazzetti is looking into the corruption of her former partner.  She is determined to bring the right criminals to justice and free the innocent.  Not everyone is happy about this which is why Stevie's and everyone around her is in danger.  Someone keeps trying to kill her and Clay is determined to keep her safe.  I enjoyed this storyline with Clay adding his experience as a Marine and a police office to that of his PI work to not only keep Stevie and her daughter Cordelia safe but to unravel the who and whys.

Stevie, well I liked her, have liked her since she first showed up a few books ago but she really needs to work on relying on her police training and not fall for being lured out into the open.  It irritated me the way she would go running into a situation with little or no thought for the fact that someone has been trying to kill her on nearly a daily basis.  Use your head Stevie!

The romance was sometimes a bit of a two steps forward and one step back which isn't surprising given the situation Stevie and Clay find themselves in.  There isn't a lot of alone time and the stress factor is over the top with a killer on the loose.  Still, Clay and Stevie do find some moments and eventually give in to those raging hormones.  They still have to deal with keeping Stevie and her daughter safe while unraveling the mystery of who is trying to kill them.  I liked how the story continued to progress, unfolding the layers of mystery while giving reminders of the romance that is also developing amid the chaos.

The plot moves along at a steady pace, keeping the interest high between the hunt for the killer, the mystery of dirty cops, and how it's all connected to Stevie's past.  Loved the way everyone gets involved in helping not only protect Stevie but those she loves.  Another winner from Ms. Rose.

Rating: A-

Baltimore Series ~

You Belong to Me
No One Left to Tell
Did You Miss Me?
Watch Your Back