4/5 Review: Dukes are Forever by Anna Harrington

ALL'S FAIR IN LOVEBattlefields and barrooms hold much more interest for Edward Westover, Duke of Strathmore, than a little girl's fondness for dolls and lace. When he takes possession of his enemy's estate, everything that villain held dear-including his daughter-belongs to Edward. Hire a governess, arrange a dowry, give a few reassurances, and be off on his way-that's Edward's plan. But he's in for the shock of his life. For his new ward is a beautiful, impetuous, and utterly irresistible woman . . .

. . . AND WAR
Kate Benton is stunned. Who is this arrogant, infuriating man who's invited himself into her home and taken over her life? Her vow: to do everything in her power to convince him to leave her-and Brambly House-alone. Yet as chilly days melt into sultry nights, Kate sees glimpses of kindness underneath Edward's cool façade . . . and a passionate nature that takes her breath away. There's so much she doesn't know about this man. But does she dare trust this devilish duke with her heart?

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Cinderella stories always end with “and they lived happily ever after.” Anna Harrington’s Dukes are Forever is just that, a Cinderella story like no other. This is the first historical romance that I have read that had a main female character not have an actual title. This story reminds me that we all will find true love, especially when we least expect it and who it is we all in love with. Edward and Kate’s story is not only romantic, but it shows a glimpse of how women back then had to fight for their independence. There is this question that is left unanswered when it comes to Kate and her future when it comes to her helping others. (Don’t want to give it away). Anna Harrington is a writer I want to begin following, I look forward to reading more into this series and see how certain characters progress. 

5/5 Review: His All Night by Elle Wright

In relationships, Calisa Harper has clear rules: no expectations, no commitments, no one gets hurt. She doesn't need a diamond ring to bring her happiness. She just needs Jared. Fine, fit, and ferocious in bed, Jared is Calisa's ideal combination of friend and lover. But the no-strings status they've shared for years is about to get very tangled.

Jared Williams is the kind of man most women long for: sexy, successful, and ready to settle down. He knows convincing the commitment-phobic Calisa that forever is nothing to fear won't be easy-especially when his ex turns up with a daughter she never told him about. In a heartbeat, Jared and Calisa's passion goes from fiery to fragile. He wants to hold on to the love they share but is terrified that their next night together could be their last . . .

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Elle Wright made me laugh, cry, and feel all the emotions in between with this one single book. His All Night is like a true, honest story about a boy and a girl who start out as friends with added benefits then somewhere down the road that line got blurred on both sides. Adding the back history of Calisa with her past and Jared’s current situation you have a recipe for complications. Two scenes that hit me the hardest in both a good way and a sad way. Wright brings real life situations to life through this romance story. It makes you wonder how many people actually go through what Cali and Jared did. It leaves a bit of wonder about the next book and what could possibly happen to these two. His All Night is one book that can bring you absolute joy while reading. 

4/5 Review: The Taming of Malcolm Grant by Paula Quinn

AN ALLURING LASS

Emmaline Grey spends her days with her beloved dog, dreaming of the sea-until a brawling Highlander shatters her quiet life to pieces. Though her blindness prevents her from seeing his face, his voice is a warm blend of velvet and silk, and his rakehell ways unmistakable. Risking the wrath of a rival clan as she nurses him back to health, Emma soon realizes the real danger is the magnetic pull she feels to this half-naked Scot recovering in her bed.

A RECKLESS ROGUE

With his rugged handsomeness and wicked charm, Malcolm Grant wants nothing more out of life than whisky, women, and the occasional war. The only lass he's ever trusted left him with more scars than a battlefield. Yet now at the mercy of this sweet stranger, Malcolm can barely resist the gentle hands that make him feverish with desire-until Emma, the one he will never have, is the only woman he wants . . . 

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I have to admit that when I first started this book I want sure if I would like it.  I am glad to admit that I was captivated by it.  Malcolm Grant and his brother Cailean name it easy to fall in love with them.  Emma is a strong fearless and bold.  She doesn't let her blindness impede her.  When she and Malcolm found love in each other, I was ecstatic for them.  There was a lot of moments that I wish I was actually there.  LOL when you are so involved in a book such as this it is disappointing when you realize it's happening only on the pages of a book and not in real life.  That is what a good book does.
Paula Quinn did such an extraordinary job with this story.  It had me crying, laughing, in suspense and heartbroken as well as content. I reckoned this book to all.  I need to read all the books in this series.  Cailean's story is next and I definitely will not be missing it.

4/5 Review: Snowbound at Christmas by Debbie Mason

 

 

Surviving the holidays will take a Christmas miracle . . .
Ex-cop Cat O'Connor is bored working for her sister, Chloe, as a personal assistant on the set of her soap opera. Until Chloe gets an opportunity to audition for the role of a lifetime and asks her identical twin to substitute for her on the soap with no one the wiser. It's a perfect switch-until Cat attracts the attention of the mysterious Mr. Tall, Dark, and Way-too-handsome leading man.

Grayson Alexander never thought being snowbound in the charming town of Christmas, Colorado, for the holiday would get so hot. But between working with sexy, tough Cat on set and keeping his real reason for being there under wraps, he's definitely feeling the heat. And if there's one thing they'll learn as they bring out the mistletoe, it's that in this town, true love is always in season . . .

 

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Cat O’Connor is working as her sister Chloe’s personal assistant on the set of her soap opera. Chloe gets an opportunity of a life time to audition for a role which she asks her identical twin to stand in for her on the show, no one would be the wiser. That is until Cat gains the attention of the sexy and mysterious Mr. tall, dark, and way too handsome leading man, Grayson Alexander. Grayson did not think he would be snowbound in the charming little town of Christmas, Colorado. He is there during the holiday season working with the tough and sexy Cat all while keeping the real reason why he is there under wraps. One thing they both will learn is that in this little town once they bring out the mistletoe, true love will be right around the corner.

 

Yet another prime example of how a romantic love story should be told. With bold characters both main and secondary along with a very in depth storyline, this book has what it takes to be a page turner. Grayson is one man I would love to sink my nails into, and maybe my teeth also. Cat is a women I would love to have as my own sister and even more as a friend. This charming story shows that no matter where you are, or who you are love will always find you. Plus having it set during the magical Christmas season makes this read even more magical.  This is the first book from Debbie Mason that I have read and it makes me want to read more from her. 

5/5 Review: A Bad Boy for Christmas (Second Chance Book 3) by Jessica Lemmon

 

'Tis the Season to Be Naughty
Connor McClain knows what he wants. And after four harrowing years in Afghanistan, that's a quiet life in the lakeside town of Evergreen Cove. But coming home has land mines of its own-the most dangerous of them being long-legged bombshell Faith Garrett. Now getting her into his arms this holiday is going to require more than mistletoe . . .

With a cheating ex behind her, all Faith wants is a relaxing holiday free from man drama. And even though every moment with gorgeous Connor is a sweet temptation, Faith is determined not to give in. But Jack Frost has other plans, and soon Faith and Connor are snowbound in a winter wonderland with only the sparks flying between them to keep them warm. As one hot kiss leads to another, they'll have to decide if they're ready to give each other the best gift of all-love.

 

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Connor McClain is an ex military bad ass who's heart is hardened and has a snarky attitude. Except when it comes to Faith Garrett. Faith wants nothing more than independence after dealing with her cheating Ex. But a few hot kisses from Connor sets her on fire and has her questioning herself. 

When Faith becomes paranoid that someone is trying to break into her home Connor goes into protection mode and pushes right into Faiths life, weather she wants him there or not. Will the two end up killing each other, or let the sparks fly and give in?

I really enjoyed this book, despite the fact that it started a bit slow. On the plus side, it started in October, and gave the couple plenty of time to get to know each other better, and create some kind of bond. Jessica writes scenes very well and I was able to picture each scene with clarity. I liked both characters and really enjoyed the banter between them, and the sex scenes were hot! I felt the relationship between them was very real, and the heroine was a strong character, and stuck to her goals of independence  (most of the time!) Jessica made the book very believable, and that defiantly works for me! 

Overall it was a great read, a wonderful love story with some great sex scenes thrown in!

 

 

 

 

Review: Rebel of Copper Creek by R. C. Ryan

A love worth fighting for . . .

The last thing widow Juliet Grayson needs is a man in her life. Between caring for her two young sons and maintaining her husband's ranch, her hands are more than full. Then she meets Griff Warren. With his quiet strength and his easy way with her boys, she's tempted to trust him. But if there's anything she's learned, it's that love only leads to heartbreak.

Former Marine Griff Warren never thought he'd settle down. Rebellious and proud, he's always been on his own . . . until the father he never knew he had died, leaving him with land that is his legacy and brothers to share the load. He doesn't need more than that. But Juliet touches something deep inside him-and he wants nothing more than to protect her and her sons. Now if only he can convince her to take a second chance at true love.

The Rebel of Copper Creek is the second book in the Copper Creek Cowboys series, however it stands well on its own.  However, they mystery seems to be started in Book 1.

Griff is a Marine who upon returning from Afghanistan learns that the father he never knew has died.  He is accepted into his new family and is adjusting slowly into his new family.  When he is out with his brother he runs into a fellow veteran that he met on his tour.  Jimmy tells him about a group doing riding therapy and asks Griff to come with him to check it out.  There is where Griff meets a young widow and her sons.

Juliet’s life has been full of hardship.  Her husband past away after she cared for after he became disabled.  She is left with two young boys and a ranch that is falling down around her.  She wants to offer riding therapy but the hydraulic lift she needs is broken. 

Griff meets Juliet and her boys and sees himself growing up without a father.  And finds himself drawn to them and to the lovely Juliet.   The road to love isn’t always paved with hearts and flowers, but Griff takes on the job protecting the family.  Can Juliet let go of her deceased husband and learn to love again?

R. C. Ryan’s characters are well defined and realistic.  Watching Griff and Juliet struggle with their past to find a future is wonderful!  The writing style is fluid and pulls you into the story and will keep you turning pages!

If you are looking for a read that has a bit of it all – romance, family, hope, suspense, and mystery, thrown together with a wonderful sprinkling of humor, this one is definitely worth the time.

Review: I've Got My Duke to Keep Me Warm by Kelly Bowen

WHERE SECRETS SMOLDER . . .Calm. Cool. Collected. Gisele Whitby has perfected the art of illusion-her survival, after all, has depended upon it. Years ago, to escape an abusive husband, Gisele "disappeared." Now she must risk revealing her new identity to save another innocent girl from the same fate. But she needs a daring man for her scheme, and the rogue in question shows a remarkable talent . . . for shattering Gisele's carefully constructed facade and igniting her deepest desires.

. . . PASSION IGNITES
This isn't the first time Jamie Montcrief has awakened naked and confused from a night of drinking. It is, however, the first time a stunningly beautiful woman offers him paymentafterward. Gisele has a business proposition for him, a mission involving cunning thievery and a brazen rescue. How can he say no to a plot this dangerous . . . and a woman this delectable?

Kelly Bowen takes on a serious subject matter and handles it with heart and strength in this highly entertaining read. At times I cried and got angry but I also smiled and laughed out-loud.

Both Gisele and Jamie are wounded characters but stronger than I think even they realize. Their faults just make them all that more appealing to me and I loved watching them dealing with one another. As a fan of character's with believable flaws I enjoy seeing deep into the lead couple and Ms. Bowen has developed two extremely interesting ones. I loved Gisele's loyal friend he kept me in giggles almost whenever he appeared. This was an engrossing story with so many endearing characters. I cannot wait to read more by this author as I loved her style, the details and her characters are just amazing. If you like your stories to have depth while they remain entertaining then this is a must-read.

Review: He's No Prince Charming by Elle Daniels

A wounded beast . . .It took Marcus Bradley forever to find a suitable bride. And then he lost her-all because some meddling matchmaker with a crazy notion about "true love" helped her elope with another man. Now, to save his sister from a terrible marriage alliance, he needs a replacement-an heiress to be exact . . . and he knows just the woman to help him find one.

A spirited beauty . . .

Danielle Strafford believes everyone deserves a fairytale ending-even the monstrously scarred and notoriously brooding Marquis of Fleetwood. Not that he's left her a choice. If she doesn't help him secure a wife-by any means necessary-he'll reveal her scandalous secrets.

A passion that will consume them both

The more time Marcus spends with Danielle, the less interested he is in any other woman. But the Beast must do the impossible: keep from losing his heart to a Beauty he is destined to lose.

The connection between Marcus Bradley and Danielle Strafford is amazing and I couldn't read the story fast enough to see what would become of it. I loved this story, in fact I had a huge headache from reading it because I had a permanent smile on my face. As far as heroines go Danielle was quite unique and her strength was something any reader could aspire to. Marcus could come across as a complete ass but instead he is a thoughtful and genuinely good man. I enjoyed that we got to see so many facets of his character and that Danielle got to see so many glimpses of it as well. The interactions between these two were thoroughly engaging and I couldn't read this book fast enough. While I while the end came much faster than I liked because I didn't want it to end it was a great wrap up to the story. I'll definitely be telling all my book-loving friends that this one s a must-read.

Review: Scandalous Summer Nights by Ann Barton

HOW FAR WILL TEMPTATION TAKE HIM . . .Lady Olivia Sherbourne isn't shy about speaking her mind, except when it comes to James Averill. For ten long years he has been her brother's best friend and her heart's only desire. But when Olivia hears James will soon set sail for an expedition to Egypt, she knows the time has come to make her move. It's now or never . . . 

James has always found Olivia bewitchingly attractive, but what kind of gentleman takes up with his best friend's sister? Not that he's thinking particularly gentlemanly thoughts when she appears on his exploratory trip-three hundred miles from home!-and incites a tavern fight. No matter what the devil she's doing there, it's his duty to see her safely back to her family. But how safe will she be when every starlit night brings wicked temptation . . . ?

James Averill is a fantastic hero, he is steadfast and solid yet surpasses average while remaining a good guy. Lady Olivia is the type of spunky heroine I've always longed to be. She takes matters in to her own hands and she knows exactly what she wants. I loved how lively this story was and how smoothly it flowed. I stayed up all night reading and wasn't sorry that I missed my sleep as it was well worth the sleeplessness. The descriptions transported me to a different place and time and the characters became as real to me as some of my friends and family.  I'm looking forward to reading more adventures with these family members because just the small glance that I got of some of the members has me hooked! I would highly recommend this one for anyone who loves historical romances.