Lake of Dreams by Linda Howard

Posted May 5, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Lake of Dreams
Series:
Author: Linda Howard
Genre: Contemporary & Paranormal Romance
Published: REPRINT pub. May 2, 2016 (Original anthology May 1, 1995)
Publisher: Pocket Stars
My Rating: 3 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Dreams and reality collide—with potentially deadly consequences—in this stunning novella from New York Timesbestselling author Linda Howard, available for the first time as a standalone ebook at an unbeatable price!

House painter Thea Marlow hasn’t been sleeping very well. Her nights are plagued by dreams, the setting by the water and the mysterious man who appears in them always the same. But the outcome of the dream changes nightly: sometimes the man loves her…and sometimes he kills her. Desperate for some much needed relaxation, Thea travels to her family’s remote country lake house. Imagine her surprise when a knock at the door reveals the man from her dreams…who happens to have just rented the house next door.

So will he love her—or will he kill her?

Originally published in the anthology Everlasting Love by Linda Howard, Jayne Ann Krentz, Linda Lael Miller, Kasey Michaels and Carla Neggers.

Read on for my thoughts on Lake of Dreams. No true spoilers, promise. Read More

Blood Instinct by Lindsay J. Pryor

Posted May 5, 2016 by Marsha in Series / 5 Comments

Title: Blood Instinct
Series: Blackthorn #6
Author: Lindsay J. Pryor
Genre: Paranormal
Published: May 5, 2016
Publisher: Bookouture
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

‘I think what is inside of you triggers the worst of me’

Sophia McKay has always had a reckless streak, but falling for lycan leader Jask Tao gave her something to live for. Now, cursed with a serryn bloodline, a darkness inside Phia is awakening. A darkness she knows could prove deadly to those she loves most.

Approaching a blue moon, Jask Tao and his pack are living close to the edge due to a delay getting the herbs required to stop their morphing. Worse still, the growing strength of Phia’s serryn powers are dangerously provoking the lycan in Jask.

At a time when Jask and Phia need each other more than ever, their very passion has become a poison that puts both their lives at risk.

With Sirius Throme, leader of the Global Council, on the verge of invading Blackthorn – working together is the only chance of survival. But Jask is holding on to a secret that could just blow everything apart.

And so is Phia.

Will the truth destroy them all?

Read on for my thoughts on Blood Instinct. No true spoilers, promise.

Seattle Wolf Pack Box Set by Kristin Miller

Posted April 26, 2016 by Marsha in Series / 0 Comments

Title: Seattle Wolf Pack Box Set
Series: Seattle Wolf Pack #1-3
Author: Kristin Miller
Genre: Paranormal Romance – Shifter
Published: April 25, 2016 (as a bundle)
Publisher: Entangled Covert
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Delicious alpha heroes protecting their mates at all cost? Yes, please. Take a bite out of these three, steamy full-length novels from New York Times bestseller Kristin Miller in this exclusive boxed set for a limited time only. Exquisite paranormal love stories with super hot alphas and the tenacious heroines who make these werewolves howl.
Devour them all in just one click.

Gone With the Wolf
When CEO and alpha werewolf Drake Wilder discovers that his one true love is a secretary in his company, his primal instincts kick into overdrive. Free-spirited bartender Emelia Hudson wants nothing more than to make her Seattle-based bar succeed. Upon learning that her bar has become property of Wilder Financial, Emelia is determined to get some answers. When Drake’s twin brother senses that Drake has found his match—and now inherits their father’s billion dollar estate—he plans to take Emelia out. Drake vows to protect her at all costs, but he might have to pay with his own life.

Four Weddings and a Werewolf
Logan Black, former Marine and bodyguard for the Seattle Wolf Pack, hates weddings and has no plans to enter into matrimonial misery. But when he’s hired to protect a hot-to-trot wedding planner with a werewolf stalker, he’s forced to put his feelings aside. Not such an easy task when the damsel can turn him on with a single smoldering glance. The chemistry between them seems fated, but with his playboy attitude, her hatred for werewolves, and a stalker lurking in the shadows, will passion be enough to keep them together?

So I Married a Werewolf
Carter Griffin, enforcing officer for the Seattle Wolf Pack, has been offered the promotion of his dreams…if he can find a wife to prove he’s over his playboy ways. But Carter’s already been there, done that. Faith Hamilton needs money to put her younger brother through college. Okay, and she totally wants Carter, her sexy next-door neighbor, to look at her as more than a friend. It’s too bad size 12 and plain isn’t his type. At all. When the two friends strike a deal to help one another out, will it spark a love neither anticipated?

Read on for my thoughts on the Seattle Wolf Pack Boxed Set. No true spoilers, promise.

Hold Your Breath by Katie Ruggle

Posted April 25, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Hold Your Breath
Series: Search and Rescue #1
Author: Katie Ruggle
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Published: April 5, 2016
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

In the remote Rocky Mountains, lives depend on the Search & Rescue brotherhood. But in a place this far off the map, trust is hard to come by and secrets can be murder…

As the captain of Field County’s ice rescue dive team, Callum Cook is driven to perfection. But when he meets new diver Louise “Lou” Sparks, all that hard-won order is obliterated in an instant. Lou is a hurricane. A walking disaster. And with her, he’s never felt more alive…even if keeping her safe may just kill him.

Lou’s new to the Rockies, intent on escaping her controlling ex, and she’s determined to make it on her own terms…no matter how tempting Callum may be. But when a routine training exercise unearths a body, Lou and Callum find themselves thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse with a killer who will stop at nothing to silence Lou-and prove that not even her new Search and Rescue family can keep her safe forever.

Read on for my thoughts on Hold your Breath. No true spoilers, promise.

On His Watch by Katie Ruggle

Posted April 25, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Series / 0 Comments

Title: On His Watch
Series: Search and Rescue 0.5 prequel
Author: Katie Ruggle
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Published: January 5, 2016
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

In the remote Rocky Mountains, lives depend on the Search & Rescue brotherhood. But in a place this far off the map, trust is hard to come by and secrets can be murder…

Ice rescue diver Derek Warner never meant to be a hero. But when two little girls go missing, he’s the first in line to bring them home-even if that means scouring the wilderness with the woman he once loved and lost, Artemis Rey.

Artemis has never stopped wanting Derek. Now, racing to find the girls before it’s too late, minutes turn to hours. Night falls. Old flames rekindle. And a danger grows in the darkest wilderness that may be more than even the Search and Rescue brotherhood can hope to face…

Read on for my thoughts on On His Watch. No true spoilers, promise.

Once Upon A Wedding by Kelly Rae

Posted April 24, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Once Upon A Wedding
Series: One Day At A Wedding #1
Author: Kelly Rae
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: January 12, 2016
Publisher: Forever Red Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Cassie Anderson, bridesmaid extraordinaire, is tired of attending her friend’s weddings either solo, or with her best friend, Thad. Finding a real date is simply too much work. Especially when she sees an old acquaintance from high school, Dan, at her friend Shelley’s wedding. After the spark shared between them, Dan has become the object of her affection. Too bad he has a nasty habit of having a date on his arm at every turn. Stealing another woman’s date is against the rules, but if she could just catch him at an event alone…well, that would be fair game! Unfortunately, timing is everything, and she and Dan seem to have the worst. Always the bridesmaid, walking away with nothing more than a dreadful dress,

Cassie is committed to changing her luck and getting her man.

Dan daydreamed about Cassie Anderson through most of his high school classes. She barely knew he was alive – but that didn’t stop him from wanting her for all those years. Unfortunately, her return to his life comes at the worst time possible. As he tries to put his life back together, he keeps an eye on her, hoping to find her single at the right time. A time when it all hurts a bit less. A time when he can offer her all of the love she deserves. After three weddings of happenstance meetings, Dan finds himself to be a little more ready for everything that is Cassie. Putting himself out there, he can only hope she is everything he thinks she might be — his forever girl.

Read on for my thoughts on Once Upon A Wedding. No true spoilers, promise.

Emergency Engagement by Samanthe Beck

Posted April 24, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Emergency Engagement
Series: Love Emergency #1
Author: Samanthe Beck
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: February 15, 2016
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
My Rating: 3 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

He needs the kind of rescue only she can provide…

Glass artist Savannah Smith expected a marriage proposal for Thanksgiving—just not from her strong, silent, super-hot neighbor. But when misplaced mail and a wayward can of paint lands them in a compromising position right as her family arrives for dinner, they assume he’s “The One” she’s been talking about.

Then his family shows up.

Fate dealt a crippling blow to paramedic Beau Montgomery’s heart, and he isn’t about to put it at risk again. Except, with his mother crying tears of joy over his surprise engagement to the sexy little blonde next door, he can’t bring himself to ruin her “Christmas miracle.”

Somewhere between the paint can to the head and the chaotic family trip to the ER, Beau manages to talk Savannah into being his fake fiancée long enough to survive the holidays.

If, of course, they don’t fall in love first…

Read on for my thoughts on Emergency Engagement. No true spoilers, promise.

His Forbidden Debutante by Anabelle Bryant

Posted April 24, 2016 by Marsha in Series / 0 Comments

Title: His Forbidden Debutante
Series: Regency Charms #4
Author: Anabelle Bryant
Genre: Regency Romance
Published: March 31, 2016
Publisher: Carina UK
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

The dance she never dared to dream…

One year after a carriage accident killed her parents and left her seriously injured, Lavinia Montgomery has finally learnt to walk again – just in time to make her societal debut. Yet while the beautiful debutante’s body may have healed, she hides a broken heart.

Before her injury, Lavinia had exchanged letters with a man she knew to be the love of her life – despite never having set eyes on him. But when she feared she’d be crippled for life, she made the heart-rending decision to let him go…

Randolph James Caulfield, Earl of Penwick, is betrothed, but cannot forget the words he once received from a woman whose name he knew, but who he never had the chance to meet. So when, at a ball, his dance partner is introduced, he can’t believe his luck. One thing is certain: if this really is his debutante, he won’t lose her a second time.

Read on for my thoughts on His Forbidden Debutante. No true spoilers, promise.

Love To Believe by Lisa Ricard Cllaro

Posted April 24, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Love To Believe
Series: Fireflies #2
Author: Lisa Ricard Claro
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: January 30, 2016
Publisher: Black Opal Books
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

A woman in a man’s world…

CPA Rebecca Walker wields a hammer and saw with skill, but it’s like fighting tooth and nail to prove to her chauvinistic father that she’s capable of managing the family construction business. Romance is a luxury Rebecca can’t afford.

A man with secrets…

Thanks to his past, romance isn’t in Sean Kinkaid’s future, so when Rebecca proposes ‘friends with benefits,’ Sean agrees. It’s the perfect scenario until love sneaks in—and Sean’s secrets tear them apart.

Believe…

But Rebecca has a secret too, one she fears Sean will never accept. It will take intervention from an unlikely source to convince these two lovers they have the one thing neither of them ever expected to find…a love to believe.

Read on for my thoughts on Love to Believe. No true spoilers, promise.

Smart Girl by Rachel Hollis

Posted April 23, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Smart Girl
Series: The Girls #3
Author: Rachel Hollis
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: January 26, 2016
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Brilliant designer Miko Jin is a hopeless romantic. She’s spent most of her life falling in love over and over again…with the men she finds in the pages of her favorite novels.

When Miko meets Liam Ashton, it’s love at first sight. At least, for her. Sure, the two of them are polar opposites, and yes, he seems to be dating someone new each week. But Miko knows what true love is and that you can’t rush it—after all, what she lacks in real-world experience, she makes up for in book smarts. With novels as her guide, and her best friends by her side, she knows she can get Liam to love her back. But just like any good romance novel, fate has a few plot twists in store. Will Miko get her own happy ending? Will she find the strength to stand up for what she deserves even if it means breaking her own heart?

Read on for my thoughts on Smart Girl. No true spoilers, promise.

Montana Wild by Roni Hall

Posted April 23, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Montana Wild
Series:
Author: Roni Hall
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: January 20, 2016
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Spiraling downward after losing two loved ones within one week, Jamie’s world was crashing down . . . till she grabs an unexpected lifeline and escapes. Knowing only New York City, Montana is another world and she is unprepared by how the land, the people, and even the animals touch her.

After risking her life to save a child, Jamie shares an undeniable bond and the beginning ripples of deep emotions with her co-rescuer, Kevin. Her new found paradise is shattered when her past follows her to Montana and threatens all that she loves there. Jamie has no choice but to hurt Kevin in order to save his life.

Read on for my thoughts on Montana Wild. No true spoilers, promise.

The Silent Twin by Caroline Mitchell

Posted April 23, 2016 by Marsha in Mystery, Series / 0 Comments

Title: The Silent Twin
Series: Detective Jennifer Knight #3
Author: Caroline Mitchell
Genre: Paranormal, Mystery, thriller
Published: April 14, 2016
Publisher: Bookouture
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

“I’m alone in the dark, please can you find me …”

Nine-year-old twins Abigail and Olivia vow never to be parted. But when Abigail goes missing from Blackwater Farm, DC Jennifer Knight must find her before it’s too late.

Twin sister Olivia has been mute since Abigail’s disappearance. But when she whispers in Jennifer’s ear, Jennifer realizes it is Abigail’s voice pleading to be found.

A damp and decaying house set in acres of desolate scrub land, the farm is a place of secrets, old and new – and Jennifer must unravel them all in order to find the lost girl. But could Olivia’s bond with her twin hold the key to finding Abigail? And can Jennifer break through her silence in time to save her sister’s life?

Read on for my thoughts on The Silent Twin. No true spoilers, promise.

Always For You: Jack by Alexis Morgan

Posted April 22, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Always For You: Jack
Series: Sargent Joe’s Boys #1
Author: Alexis Morgan
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: April 19, 2016
Publisher: Loveswept
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

No one understands family loyalty like Jack McShane. He’d do anything to honor his foster father’s last wishes, even if it means putting his own plans on hold to manage Joe’s construction business. An ex–Special Forces operative, Jack thrives on the thrill of globe-hopping rescues. But now he’s needed closer to home. His foster mother has her hands full with a troubled teen, and when Jack meets the hired tutor, he discovers a woman who stirs his protective instincts—and his deepest desires.

Caitlyn Curtis knows that good looks can hide a hot temper. After an abusive marriage crushed her dreams of a happy ending, she swore off men—until one intoxicating dance in Jack’s strong arms breaks down every emotional barrier. Tough but tender, he leaves Caitlyn yearning for more of his gentle seduction. Despite the violence he’s seen, Jack is a good man. And even though passion can be dangerous, the promise of Jack’s kiss tempts her to believe that love is a risk worth taking.

Read on for my thoughts on Always For You: Jack. No true spoilers, promise.

The #1 Reason I Will DNF Your Book – You Don’t Know Who The Hell Your Characters Are!

Posted April 22, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 2 Comments

totally confused Right now I’m recovering from knee replacement surgery – so I’m spending a lot less time reading and reviewing. Recently though I picked up three connected Shifter Romances (probably my favorite genre) that were lighthearted, fast reads – mainly because between physical therapy, doctor appointments and some serious ‘sleep off the pain’ moments, a story that’s only about an hour long is the perfect length for me at the moment.

My moment of enjoyment came crashing down early on in the second book (and no, I didn’t even open up the third) when the one thing that will cause me to Did Not Finish (DNF) a book happened.

Right in the middle of a sexy scene I’m suddenly reading a different character’s name in bed with our heroine. WTF? Did she somehow do a mate swap? Cheating on her best friend with her new husband? Tossing away her new mate for a quick lay with another man? Nope. Someone (glaring at the author / proofreader / editor) got the names of the two men who were prominent in this story mixed up. That, my friend, is a deal breaker for me… a story ending in the middle, shut the book and toss it at the wall moment. I will put up with a lot in stories, typos, grammar, plots that really make no sense whatsoever – but if you can’t keep your freaking hero’s name correct, especially in the middle of sex scene – then I’m done. And I most likely will not give you a second chance.

Is that harsh? Perhaps. But this is your work being put out there for the reading public… it’s your book baby. Be certain that it’s treated better than mixed up main character names.

At the moment this happens, it honestly makes me mad because in that moment I’ve lost the story there is no going back for me. But later on, like now, it also makes me sad. Someone dropped the ball, it doesn’t matter who – but what should have been a fun experience has turned into a “I’ll never buy that author’s works again.” declaration. Truthfully, I’m sad at what I may miss, but oh well.

Must Love Cowboys by Cheryl Brooks

Posted April 10, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Must Love Cowboys
Series: Cowboy Heaven #2
Author: Cheryl Brooks
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Cowboy Romance
Published: April 5, 2016
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating: 3 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Shy computer specialist and amateur chef Tina Hayes travels to Circle Bar K ranch to scatter her grandfather’s ashes in the Tetons of Wyoming. Once there, her father’s old army buddy and his cast of cowboy ranch hands persuade her to stay on as the ranch’s cook for a while.

It’s not a hard decision, especially when she meets Wyatt McCabe, a man who makes her heart gallop like no one else. But with so many cowboys to choose from, can Wyatt show Tina that he’s the only one for her?

Read on for my thoughts on Must Love Cowboys. No true spoilers, promise.