Tuesday, July 31, 2012

HUGE Signed Copy Giveaway plus more.....

Okay so I'm not sure if you've heard about it or not but there is this little... okay pretty big and amazing... event planed for September 29th in Chicago, Illinois.  The TFEiC Book Signing Event.  Check out the website to see what authors are going to be there and if you can make it... go!  I'll be there with some of my amazing book friends ready to meet the awesome author's who will be there like:

Colleen Hoover, J. Sterling, S.C. Stephens, CJ Roberts, Abbi Glines, Nicole Williams, Rebecca Donovan, and more.

Exciting Right?

Well here is where the fundraiser comes in... a VERY good friend of mine who lives in Australia, not only wants to go but is wanted there by friends AND authors!!!  So, a few amazing women have put together a "Put your money down under for Jenny" fundraiser to fly Jenny all the way over to the US for this event.  There are some amazing prizes that include a Autographed Copies of numerous books... like Fifty Shades, On The Island, Chance Encounters, Slammed, Double Clutch, Crash, Avoiding Commitment, Thoughtless, and many more.  PLUS, Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Cards.

Head over to Tough Critic Book Reviews to find out more about the prizes and how to contribute.  

Thank You for your help to get one amazing woman to this exciting event!!!  Good Luck!!!

Happy Reading!

Monday, July 30, 2012

Bad Boy Review


Bad Boy by Maya Reynolds

Book description...
As the owner and editor-in-chief of Heat, Dallas? hottest new e-zine, Leah Reece will do anything to get her story, even venture into the shady underworld of 69, an erotic club which caters to the needs of those with enough money to get anything they want. Leah expected to get her scoop and run, but didn?t count on getting sidetracked by a sinful encounter with a dark and sultry bad boy.
Quin Perez is a bodyguard at 69. He can?t afford to lose his concentration for a second, but he can?t help lusting after the sexy editor who stumbles across his path. Now Quin is asking Leah questions she doesn?t want to answer?and making her do things she never dared.


We all know what a sucker I am for a bad boy... so when I came across this book and saw the title I thought... "Well know that is a book for me"  Not to mention the cover photo... YUM... I was a little concerned I'd rather just stare at the cover then read the book.

Leah is a pretty awesome heroine... I didn't quite love her but I definitely liked her!  She's strong willed and is out to get what she wants... which is a story about Club 69 and it's "after hours" performances.  She's so determined to get what she's looking for that when she "leaves" with her friends she actually ends up turning around to head back into the club.  Only while trying to re-enter she finds out her invitation does not include a come and go pass.  She's in a bit of a pickle until the manager tells her she can re-enter and watch the show from the office of the sexy as sin Quin.


Quin.... sigh... talk about a smooth talker.  I don't know what it is but there is something about that bad boy vibe that makes a book seem that much better... Quin radiates bad boy and sex appeal but it's clear that there is more to him than that.  He comes off as if he's protecting the best interest of the club but it's almost as if you can see he is really trying to protect Leah... he sees something he really likes in her and it's not just to get in her pants, and it doesn't help that every time he touches her, he loses his amazing control. 


Still unsure of him but extremely attracted to him, Leah ends up taking a trip to the wild side and going on a date with Quin when he unexpectedly shows up at her office.  This is when everything starts to get interesting.  The chemistry between these two seems to skyrocket off the charts and you get a small glimpse of Quin being one of those ultimate bad boys that you want to bow down to but at the same time smack across the face... Why I find what he said to her hot is beyond me and you'll understand when you read it but here is a hint.... bathroom scene!


Anyway, the relationship between Quin and Leah takes off and they get pretty close very quick.  It seems like their both on the verge of confessing the L word to each other and then something really big happens... something that will take away their chance of a future together... 

Bad Boy by Maya Reynolds is a hot, easy little read that kept me on my toes until the very end.  Her characters are well built and the story line gave just enough of everything to keep me more than interested.  Maya knows how to write a "Bad Boy" and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future... hopefully more bad boys!!!!


Happy Reading!

Friday, July 27, 2012

Cover and Title Reveal for Liz Reinhardt and Steph Campbell's New Novel

I'm hoping you're as stoked as I am to check out what lies head for two amazing authors who have teamed up to create a Contemporary New Adult Romance novel that looks like it's going to be good!

Check out the Title, Cover, and synopsis......




Nineteen-year-old Whit Conrad leaves her conservative Pennsylvania home for sunny California, looking for independence, a fresh start, and a place to stash her grief. She promptly finds a job at a tattoo parlor, a craptastic first apartment, and one friend—Ryan—who is a little less friend, a little more benefits.
Deo Beckett is a soulful surfer with a passion for tattoos and beautiful women. On the eve of his twenty-second birthday, he finds himself living with his grandfather, recently unemployed, and seriously adrift. He doesn’t know much about what he wants out of life, but he does know his current situation isn't cutting it.
When Deo meets Whit, she’s all sexy makeup and fierce, smart-ass fun. It doesn’t take him long to see past her tough shell. And when he gets a good look at what's under all the superficial stuff that usually gets his attention, it leaves Deo wondering if there might be more to life than living fast and free.
Too bad Whit has a past she doesn't plan on sharing—no matter how hot Deo is. She might want him, but she knows better than to let her guard down.
Deo falls for Whit, and falls hard. But everything about her, down to that mysterious tattoo and the way she thrashes in her sleep, tells him that the girl he loves is hiding something. And the more he pushes for answers, the more Whit pulls away.
Having your guard up is one thing, but are the lengths Whit goes to to protect her secret worth throwing away the second chance she has at happiness with Deo?

LENGTHS is a Contemporary New Adult Romance by Liz Reinhardt and Steph Campbell, to be released August 2012.
Cover by Todd Maloy, http://toddmaloydesign.com.

Doesn't it look AMAZING???  I know that I can not wait to get my hands on this book!  I am definitely looking forward to the release date!!!

Contact Liz and Steph:

Twitter: @lizreinhardt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizreinhardtauthor


Twitter: @stephcampbell_
 
 
Happy Reading!

 
 

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Crash Review


CRASH by Nicole Williams

Book description...
Southpointe High is the last place Lucy wanted to wind up her senior year of school. Right up until she stumbles into Jude Ryder, a guy whose name has become its own verb, and synonymous with trouble. He's got a rap sheet that runs longer than a senior thesis, has had his name sighed, shouted, and cursed by more women than Lucy dares to ask, and lives at the local boys home where disturbed seems to be the status quo for the residents. Lucy had a stable at best, quirky at worst, upbringing. She lives for wearing the satin down on her ballet shoes, has her sights set on Juilliard, and has been careful to keep trouble out of her life. Up until now.
Jude's everything she needs to stay away from if she wants to separate her past from her future. Staying away, she's about to find out, is the only thing she's incapable of.
For Lucy Larson and Jude Ryder, love's about to become the thing that tears them apart.


Have you ever read a book thinking "Can this person's life get any worse..." and then move on to the hope that it's just not possible?  Then once you think that more hope is just around the corner something else happens?  Or you turn the page with your heart in your throat thinking "There is NO way the author is going to do this to me with only a few pages to go..."  Yeah... I've read a few of those but none of them affected me the way that Crash did.


Lucy, a high school senior who has just transferred to a new school, is a pretty cool chick.  I really liked her... no don't go thinking she didn't make me angry because believe me... she did!  But she's a 17 year old girl, what do you expect more than a little drama?  More than all that though, she was funny, compassionate, and in her own way pretty sweet.  She's also a survivor... of what I'm not going to share and you may not agree with my opinion on that... but it's what I saw in her.  It's what I saw because of how she presented herself, how the rest of her family dealt with the situation, and how Lucy tried to just be the best Lucy she could be... which at times was a bit over the top considering she had a bit of a temper and a bit of a smart mouth.. but hey - those are things I seem to like when it comes to heroine's because they remind me of myself in some ways.  Everything seemed to be fine in Lucy's world until the day Jude Ryder came crashing into it.


...SIGH... Jude... how can I go about describing my thoughts about Jude without contradicting myself... I adored him one minute, then wanted to punch him the next, then wanted to reach in press his head to my chest and just hold him in my arms in hopes to take his past away... the poor boy has gone through so much that I didn't even know how to process the truth behind his words.  This boy defines Bad Boy and yet... that's not who he wants to be.  As a matter of fact, I don't think that's who he ever wanted to be.  But when you're told something so many times and the people who should be sheltering you end up exposing you... how can you not finally decide to give up and show the world you are what they think?   It was heartbreaking to watch everything play out... he wants to do something worth remembering but he makes a bad choice... but the best choice he ever made was the day he laid eyes on Lucy.


This is one of those books that you just have to read because there is no way to actually come out and talk about my feelings for the book without telling you what it was about and not give anything away.  This is definitely a book to experience so you can see the beauty behind all of the heartbreak.  I know I beg for spoilers until my eyes turn brown from so much brown nosing my girls to give me something... and sometimes they do because they know I need a heads up about something that might "upset" me to the point of not continuing but most of the time they tell me no... go figure!  But I didn't have any with this book and since this is something I rarely admit... because let's face it I LOVE spoilers so I know what I have to look forward to... I'm glad I didn't get that with this book.  This book was not what I was expecting.  I knew, after having read her Eden Trilogy, it would be good, but I didn't expect it to be the kind of good that has me ready to read it again!


CRASH by Nicole Williams is a heartbreaking yet beautiful story of two kids that deserved the love they had for each other in ways I can't even begin to explain.  Nicole has this creative ability to suck you right into her characters lives like you're actually there and make you feel what these characters are feeling right along with them.  I look forward to reading more of her work!!

Psst... Right now Eternal Eden (Eden Trilogy, Book One) by Nicole Williams is free on Amazon.  I'm not sure how long that will last so hurry up and download it!!!

Happy Reading!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Breathe (Colorado Mountain Series #4) Review


Breathe (Colorado Mountain Series) by Kristen Ashley

Book description...
In order to protect a father he does not respect, in Lady Luck, we learned that good cop Chace Keaton went bad, sacrificing his career and his future. But when the local police department's secrets are revealed and the wife he's forced to marry is murdered, Chace finds himself the town of Carnal's hero. Knowing how deep in the mud he was forced to sink, Chace feels he'll never get clean. The quiet, content future he envisioned of the love a good woman with whom he could build a family was now beyond his reach. The only thing he can do is find his wife's murderer.
But he isn't the only one looking.
While searching for new leads, he runs into Faye Goodknight, the town's quiet, shy, pretty librarian. Chace has long since had his eye on what could possibly be the town's last remaining virgin but he has also long since given up hope he could make her his. Faye is pure and clean and Chace refuses to dirty her with his sordid past.
Pure and clean Faye may be, but when the shy librarian is forced to go head to head with the man who she's had a crush on since he hit her hometown, Chace finds Faye is full of surprises. And he doesn't know what to do with her.


I am in love... that's right IN LOVE with yet another Kristen Ashley hero!  I don't know how she does it but Kristen seriously delivers... and I mean delivers when it comes to an amazing book.  Now I'm pretty partial to KA, and as you all know I have an addiction and I openly admit that but when I say that her books just seem to keep getting better, I mean it in the sense that they really do keep getting better.  She is growing as an author, her creative mind is pumping out these books like a well oiled machine, and every single time... she hits grand slam!   The best gift of all when it came to this book... I had the entire house to myself... no hubby and no kids... ALL DAY!  So I was able to sit back and enjoy the beautiful "Clean, Fresh Air" that came with Breathe.

Faye... Oh how I absolutely LOVED Faye.  She's got the whole sweet, shy, innocent, librarian thing going on... but she also has a lot more to bring.  All of Kristen's heroines have made me laugh in one way or another but Faye did it on a whole new level.  She had me laughing so hard I was actually GLAD my hubby was at work and the kids were with my parents for the day, otherwise they all would have been looking at me like I'd grown a second head.  Honestly, I was rolling I was laughing so hard because not only is she funny but her funny is so darn adorable that I just want to give her a hug and then let her talk my ear off about all her fraking stuff (That will make sense when you read the book).  
"I held out for a hero and I don't give a frak if you don't think you're one.  I know you are and even if you weren't one to the whole town, you're one to me and you can take that to the fraking bank."
This may not make sense now but when you get to it you'll understand.... The whole "Holding Out for a Hero" (Check out the song by Ella Mae Bowen HERE ) seriously brought tears to my eyes... because in all reality Faye knew what Chace was to her and this song and it's absolutely beautiful words couldn't have been more perfect!

Chace... sigh... I am seriously in love with him.  Probably not as much as I'm in love with Luke Stark, Gray Cody, or Sam Cooper but pretty darn close.  He was exactly what Faye knew he was going to be and everything she deserved.  Yes he was a little on the jerk side... well really on the jerk side at first but when you think about it most of the best heroes start off as just that... jerks!  

Now I searched for 2 hours after finishing Breathe for some eye candy *cough* I mean Chace visuals... I know tough job, but hey, I'm not complaining.  Sad thing is I didn't find what I was looking for, I found a lot of nice things to look at but not someone even close to the Chace I have in my head.  So I decided to give you the closest I could find.... Which is actually 2 pictures...The second one is a bit young to be Chace but there is something about the picture that grabbed my attention and made me think of him.

Chace was amazing in so many ways that I knew from pretty much the beginning there was no way that I wasn't going to fall for him.  I knew he would make me mad at some point or another and he didn't disappoint but he more than made up for it with his absolutely beautiful words.
"You in my life, me livin' in hell, feels like I've been touched by an angel."
Their road to happiness is not an easy one and they face a lot of challenges that they deal with together... well that is until... Oopsie!  Anyway, even though they face a lot of challenges they share something deep, something with roots growing so deep it's bound to be breathtakingly beautiful... and it is.  Chace and Faye... their relationship, what Kristen created is probably one of my absolute favorites so far  They balance each other out in a way that is so real you can almost feel it and see it.  Their story reminded me of what all romance readers love to hope for... Finding your perfect Hero.  I have mine and while he may be a pain in the behind at times.. I'll take it because it's him... and he is my perfect Hero just like Chace is Faye's!

Breathe (Colorado Mountain Series) by Kristen Ashley is by far one of my absolute favorite books this year.  It's in easy read in the sense that Kristen's writing style flows like silk but the story itself isn't easy... it's heartbreaking yet beautiful, exciting, and funny.  As usual I was consumed to the point that the one time I was interrupted by my hubby calling to let me know his flight landed in Charlotte I actually said to him "yeah, great, you're safe, now I've got to get back to Chace".  Fortunately for me he knows my obsession and he also got the heads up text that a new KA book had been released today and I was going to read it while I had a quiet house, so I was able to get him off the phone quickly!  Breathe is a definite read!  Chace and Faye are both so easy to fall in love with... if you're anything like me, you'll be itching to reread Breathe once you finish!

Happy Reading!

 

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Interview with Author Sherri Hayes & Giveaway

Author Sherri Hayes stopped by on her blog tour to answer a few questions about herself and her amazing characters from her Finding Anna series. 

When did you know you wanted to become an Author?
   That’s a good question. It was never something I aspired to be. At 30, I posted my first story online out of pure frustration over a television storyline. By the time I’d finished it, it was the eighth most read story on the site. I had people encouraging me to write something and try to publish it after that, but I didn’t take it all too seriously. English was one of my worst subjects in school. Being an author never occurred to me. It wasn’t until after my publisher read another story of mine I’d posted online, and approached me, that I even considered it.

What's your favorite book?
  Voyager by Diana Gabaldon

I've read a few of your books and I've noticed that your heroines tend to face past challenges but always come out so strong.  Where do you get your inspiration for these amazing women?
  I draw a lot of inspiration for both my hero’s and heroine’s from my own personal experiences.

Speaking of amazing characters... I couldn't help but fall head over heels for Stephan.  Is there anyone in particular that his character resembles?
  As in a real-life person? No. Stephan is defined by his experiences just as all my characters are, just as everyone is.

Along with the story, Slave gives off a very important message about Human Trafficking, and how real it really is in today's world... Is there anything specific that inspired you to write about it?
  This story idea came to me after hearing the Jaycee Dugard story. I’d been reading some D/s stories at the time, and got the idea to try and mix the two together.

What were the hardest, and easiest parts to write in Slave and Need?
  For the most part, Stephan’s POV is much easier to write than Brianna’s. Every thought, every word, is filled with emotion from her. I find myself in tears when writing her quite often.

Can you give us a little hint as to what lies ahead for Brianna and Stephan?
  We are going to find out more about how she ended up with Ian, and more about Ian himself. Also, we are finally going to get to hear John’s side of the story. I know a lot of people are dying for that.

Thanks so much for answering my questions today... I just have one more... If you could say anything to your readers, what would it be?
  I hope you enjoy my stories and fall in love with my characters as much as I do.


Big Thanks to Sherri for answering my questions and even bigger thanks to her for writing such amazing stories.  I can't wait to find out what happens with Brianna and Stephan next.  These two have completely sucked me in their story and have captured my heart!  Check out my reviews of Slave (here) and Need (here).

Make sure you enter the giveaway to win an ebook set of both Slave and Need!  Good Luck!

Happy Reading!

 



   


Friday, July 20, 2012

Rev It Up (Black Knights, Inc #3) Review


Rev It Up by Julie Ann Walker

Book description...
Soldier. Hero. Ladies’ Man. He’s the one who broke her heart...
Career soldier Jake “The Snake” Sommers has made a few mistakes in his life, but none so terrible as forsaking the only woman he’s ever loved. But he’s finally conquered his inner demon, the one that thirsted only for blood. So, now he’s back. And he’s not leaving without Michelle. Unfortunately, her enemy has other plans. Plans to see her dead.
Mother. Warrior. Lover. She’s the one he left behind...
Michelle Carter has never forgiven Jake for abandoning her all those years ago. Now he’s suddenly back, after she’s finally begun to make a life for herself. But her safe, orderly world is about be blown apart. With a psychotic Las Vegas mobster gunning for her, she has no choice but to turn to Jake. Only there’s more at stake than her life. As they all head for a showdown, something that was never meant to be revealed is suddenly thrown into the light. And with a secret this hot, there’s bound to be an explosion.


This is one of those books that I wish I would have known was a series before reading it because the concept itself is amazing and has a few of my favorite things all in one book all at the same time.... Military Men - Check, Motorcycle Club - Check, Tattooed Bad Boys - Double Check... all it really seemed to be missing was... well, Me!

Now I've not ever been in this situation but I know someone who was and I have to say that it essentially ruined a very good friendship.... being in love with one of your best friends wives whether you have your reasons or not is more than an awkward situation at best.  Jake has been in love with Michelle for years, but he pushed her into one of his best friends arms because he thought it was the best thing to do.  Only now, she's in love and married to said best friend.  I really struggled with Jake and his feelings for a good portion of the book... because I just didn't understand... but then I did and I couldn't help but sigh one of those dreamy sighs and think "Wow Jake, you just totally moved right up on the hot - o - meter"  I really liked Jake, he has some demons but he's got a handle on them and has finally gotten to the point where he knows what he needs to do... he's gotten to the point of realizing that he deserves happiness too. 

Then there is Michelle or Shell as Jake calls her... One minute I loved her and the next I wanted to push her face in the mud.  She's really kind of rude to Jake and while I understand why, I have to say that for the amount of time that had gone by and the way Jake describes her as being so sweet and forgiving... the fact that she was holding such a big grudge just didn't make a lot of sense... and here is another one of those where once I found something out.... everything fell into place and to say I was a little blindsided is a bit of an understatement.  In all reality it made me want to dislike Michelle even more but I couldn't bring myself to because I kind of understood where she was coming from.

Once Jake decides that Michelle will be his because his love for her has not gone away and if anything only grown stronger... he pretty much stops at nothing... which brings us to one my favorite parts of a book - The smokin' Hot Alpha male chasing after his dream girl... You'd think these heroines would learn from each other and just quit running so much, but I guess if they did, we wouldn't get the chance to see these men work their magic... and magic it is.  There is something about a chase that brings out that sexy bad boy smooth talker we all seem to love but mix it up with a little sensitivity because that bad boy wants his girl forever!  When Jake and Michelle finally do come together (even if she is claiming it's only going to be for one night)... It's explosive.  The chemistry between these two is through the roof hot!  But then it all comes crashing down.

There are some massive secrets in this book... some secrets that seem to come straight out of left field and right smack into your face.  But the love in this book is beautiful.... but is love enough when it comes to secrets that can tear apart the strongest relationships?


Rev It Up by Julie Ann Walker is an amazing book that kept me on my toes and left me craving more of this addictive series.  I look forward to reading more of Julie's work, she's got a smooth style with creative twists and turns.

Happy Reading!

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Going Too Far Review


Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

Book description....
HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO?
All Meg has ever wanted is to get away. Away from high school. Away from her backwater town. Away from her parents who seem determined to keep her imprisoned in their dead-end lives. But one crazy evening involving a dare and forbidden railroad tracks, she goes way too far...and almost doesn't make it back.
John made a choice to stay. To enforce the rules. To serve and protect. He has nothing but contempt for what he sees as childish rebellion, and he wants to teach Meg a lesson she won't soon forget. But Meg pushes him to the limit by questioning everything he learned at the police academy. And when he pushes back, demanding to know why she won't be tied down, they will drive each other to the edge -- and over....

After seeing a post on Facebook from Maryse from Maryse's book blog I figured... hmm, I think I need to read this book.  Based on what she had said I felt like I need to adjust my TBR list and ended up starting Going Too Far that day... So thank Maryse for the wonderful recommendation!

Meg, in all honesty was quite a little delight.  I loved her carefree attitude, blue hair, and extremely smart mouth.  Granted she did not make the best decisions and there were times where I was starting to get concerned over what this poor girl had been through to make her act the way she did.. but I enjoyed her character.  In her eyes she was living life to it's fullest... or at least living her life the way she wanted by having the kind of fun she wanted.  That is... until she is caught trespassing and ends up arrested.

John... sigh... I absolutely loved John.  Watching his inner struggle with his feelings towards Meg was something else entirely.  Granted we never got his POV but his actions definitely spoke louder than any words.  John is the officer that arrested Meg and his proposal to prevent kids from trespassing on the old railroad bridge is approved by the DA... so for one week Meg and John will be spending time together.  

I've seen where other people have mentioned the "forbidden" aspect of this book... and while I completely agree with that, I have to say once you learn a few things it still has that "forbidden" feel because of John's position of authority but at the same time it doesn't.  The two of them being together ends up making complete sense.  They seem to bring out the very best and sometimes the worse in each other, and the chemistry between the two is through the roof.

I found myself completely engrossed by this book... I mean like couldn't put it down, let my kids raid the pantry, and finished in about 3 hours engrossed.  It may have taken me a while to get to the point where I could say that I "loved" this book... but once I got there I felt it.  These two characters, their pasts, and what they represent to each other when it comes to the future captured my heart to the point where I would LOVE to see more of them.


Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols is an excellent, easy, consuming little read that would make a perfect little summer read!  Jennifer's writing style is definitely a favorite of mine... her characters are well built and her stories have an easy flow that keeps you more than interested.  She is by far on of my favorite YA authors!

Happy Reading!
 

Monday, July 16, 2012

Need (Finding Anna #2) Review

Need (Finding Anna #2) by Sherri Hayes

Book description...
As Brianna comes to terms with the realization that she is no longer a slave, she must figure out what she wants for her life. Forgetting her past isn’t an option. It is an integral part of who she is now, and it will forever shape her view of life. The one thing she knows is that she cannot imagine her life without the man who saved her, but can she be what he needs?
Stephan never imagined falling in love with the woman he rescued, but the thought of her no longer being part of his life is physically painful. The scars from her past continue to haunt her, and he is helpless to stop them. All he can do is try to help her work through the traumas of her past. Can he be everything she needs and help her move on?
The two must figure out how to navigate not only their relationship with each other, but also the outside world. A friend from Brianna’s past shows up where she least expects them, and Uncle Richard continues to enforce his well-meaning agenda to get Brianna more traditional help. As forces, both friend and foe, threaten to tear them apart, Stephan and Brianna have to navigate the turbulent waters and find what they need in each other.



★ Spoiler Alert ★ If you haven't read Slave (Finding Anna #1) yet then this review will give away spoilers. Check out my review of Slave HERE. ★

In Slave we watched Brianna begin to learn how to trust again.  She thought Stephan had  purchased her in order to keep her as his slave... but at the end of Slave she finds out that is not his intentions.  He does want her to stay with him but he wants her to stay as his submissive.  Unfortunately, Stephan didn't let Brianna in on his feelings for her and how deep they are so she's got a lot of thinking to do... which leads us into the beginning of Need.

The struggles that Brianna has with herself on whether or not she should continue to stay with Stephan is heartbreaking.  He makes her feel safe and he is good to her.... she doesn't quite understand her feelings but as a reader it's very easy to see how she loves him.  But with that, it's almost like you can't help but wonder is she suffering from some sort of hero adoration?  Could it be Stockholm Syndrome?... and those thoughts are hard to chase out of your head because Brianna is still pretty much in survival mode.  BUT... then you see the things that Stephan does for her, and then you read Stephan's POV and those thoughts fly right out of your head.

Stephan is.... sigh... just as, if not more, amazing in Need as he is in Slave.  He's patient, understanding, extremely loving, caring, and very observant... which is kind of important when it comes to Brianna.  He's still afraid that she is going to decide to leave him because he has fallen hopelessly in love with her... but he is also notably proud of the progress Brianna is not only making emotionally... but also the progress they are making together physically.   I, personally, have fallen head over heels for Stephan... I couldn't have thought up a better man to care for this sweet, but overly broken girl.

As progress is made, they keep running into obstacles... but as weird as this may sound even though they are running into these obstacles... Brianna is still making progress when it comes to trusting Stephan.  It breaks Stephan's heart to see Brianna go into a panic attack so he makes sure, that if she needs him, he will be there no matter what.... and he proves that, quite a bit.

Brianna and Stephan are both so special... both in different ways... but they really do have more in common than you'd think, but yet so different.  They almost balance each other out.  Granted Stephan does give more in the relationship but Brianna still finds ways to give as well... she even gives when she doesn't realizing that's what she's doing.  I absolutely love these two together, I want them both to have the world together, they both deserve all the love and happiness in the world, and most of all they deserve a real chance together.

Need (Finding Anna #2) by Sherri Hayes is another amazing book... it's a beautiful addition to the Finding Anna series and I am anxious to read more.  Sherri has this amazing ability to suck you right into her characters and their emotional story while showing their strengths.  Her writing is believable, heartbreaking, beautiful, and leaves you wanting more.  I look forward to reading more Sherri Hayes and more about Stephan and Brianna!

Happy Reading!

Friday, July 13, 2012

An Inconvenient Affair (The Alpha Brotherhood #1) Review


An Inconvenient Affair by Catherine Mann

Book description...
Hillary Wright has always been a magnet for Mr. Wrong. Her latest left her in trouble with the law, and to clear her name, she's agreed to an undercover sting—as the "date" for infamous Troy Donavan. The notorious hacker is now a government good guy…and a sexy billionaire playboy. Troy has a reputation as the sort of man she's vowed to avoid, and his secretiveness adds fuel to Hillary's distrust. But with his kisses like molten sin, her fierce resistance is melting. And being sensible in the face of such overpowering desire is just not an option. 

I received an ARC of An Inconvenient Affair for an honest review... well actually when Catherine mentioned having ARC's of two of her books available and to email her, I jumped right on that because I absolutely LOVE Catherine Mann's books.  Not to mention I saw the series title of this book and thought.... "Yes Please!"  Anyway, I've never confessed this... except to maybe one or two people but Harlequin Desire or Harlequin Heat books are like my dirty little secrets... I love them... they are always an easy read with well built up characters that have this instant chemistry you can almost feel through the book.  It's been a while since I've read one because I only ever looked for them while at Walmart or Target... on one of my many trips to the store to "pick something up" without the kids.  Unfortunately, since I got E.Luke it's been a while since I've read an actual paperback copy of a book.... and you know what?  I forgot how much I actually missed it... the smell alone made me feel that sigh of peace like I was spending time with an old friend.  Now, I also have to admit reading books on E.Luke is so much easier because I can multi-task... sad but true... I do actually cook dinner and read at the same time.  So, Thank you Catherine for not only allowing me the opportunity to review your books early but for giving me the reminder of how good a paperback book feels in my hands!

So Hillary has found herself in a tight spot... of course it's a man who got her in that tight spot but in order to prove her innocence she has to cooperate with the authorities to ID the bad guy.  Everything seems to be going off without a hitch until the extremely sexy man she met on the plane is now at the gala and seems to be occupying all of her thoughts.  

Troy... sigh... I just loved him, he's such a charmer!  Anyway, he knows upfront what his "job" will entail but he doesn't suspect Hillary to be so...hot.  He pretty much knows immediately that he wants to spend more time with her and not just because he wants to keep her safe.  So he kind of does the unthinkable and ensures that she will be his date for the entire gala... which happens to be the entire weekend.

Sparks fly between these two... I mean seriously fly.  Hillary battles with herself on whether or not she should have an affair with him and Troy is trying to figure out a way to woo her.   And boy does he ever... but a playboy has insecurities too and those insecurities may just cost him the one girl he can't seem to get enough of.

An Inconvenient Affair by Catherine Mann is a hot, easy little read that has me craving more of The Alpha Brotherhood.  I was drawn in immediately and not ready for it to end.  I love the way Catherine writes... her books never leave anything to be desired except more of the amazing characters she creates.  I look forward to reading more of this series... as well as more of her work!

Happy Reading!



  

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Girl Next Door Series Review


Friends with Benefits (Girl Next Door #1) by C.C. Wood

Book description...
Natalie York is done with relationships. D-O-N-E. After her latest loverboy hits on her best friend, she's tired of playing games and having her heart broken. From now on, she's keeping things casual.
When Nat meets her sexy new neighbor, Aidan Hart, she decides his offer to be friends with benefits is perfect. Soon, Nat discovers perfection isn't all it's cracked up to be. Her ex reveals himself to be a slightly insane stalker, and, even worse, Nat discovers that keeping her heart locked up tight isn't working out like she planned. Either way, she's certain she's in for a bumpy ride.

I really liked Nat, she was fun, kind and loyal to her friends, and has a bit of a smart mouth.  After catching her boyfriend, who claims to love her, hitting on her best friend she decides no more relationships because she feels like she's got horrible taste in men.  In the case of her ex she did have pretty bad taste... but she didn't see that until after she broke up with him, when he comes banging on her door.  Because she refuses to answer her new neighbor comes to her rescue.... her very hot and very single new neighbor... Aidan.

Aidan is just... yum!  He's protective and is willing to give Nat exactly what she wants.  A no-strings, purely casual, relationship.  The chemistry between these two is thick and extremely hot.  I was sucked into their little... we'll call it "romance"... because Aidan is exactly what I like in a book hero.  He's protective, sweet, loving, and just wants to make the world a better place for his girl.

Their relationship begins just as the title proclaims... and it was explosive.  Although it's told entirely in Nat's POV... you can't help but to see the signs that Aidan is wanting more from Cat then what he has agreed to.  It's almost like he's just agreed to what she wants to get into her head so he can go for what he is actually seeking out of the relationship... pretty sly if you ask me!

Friends with Benefits (Girl Next Door #1) by C.C. Wood is a great short little read.  It was light and easy, there was enough of a suspenseful story that I couldn't quite put it down, and the romance was sweet but not overly so.  A definite read!



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Frenemies (Girl Next Door #2) by C.C. Wood

Book description...
Cat Johnson has been badly burned in the past and likes to keep her relationships simple and, usually, short. When her best friend, Nat, gets engaged, Cat meets Nat's future brother-in-law, Patrick Hart, and sparks fly. The only hitch is his fiancee, Anya. Angry and disillusioned, Cat spends the next six months trading barbs with Patrick.
All that changes after Nat and Aidan get hitched. During the newlywed's two week honeymoon, Cat offers to housesit, only to discover her now-single arch nemesis is living next door. He's persistent and sexy-as-hell in his pursuit of her and Cat discovers there's more to like, maybe even love, about Patrick Hart than she once thought. She wonders if she can trust this man with her heart or too afraid to try.

We meet Cat in book 1, Friends with Benefits, and I have to say I love her in that book... she's sassy, loves to have a good time, and when it comes down to it... she is just an absolutely amazing friend.  Even though Cat is still all of those things in Frenemies I have to admit her reluctance to get involved with the very yummy Patrick drove me insane.  I kind of understood it, but at the same time I didn't.  Other than that I loved her, her extremely smart mouth reminds me of myself and a few of my girls.

Patrick.... mmmm.... oh, I absolutely loved him.  Just like his brother Aidan, he was over protective and had that whole hot alpha male thing going on, which we all know makes my blood boil.  But he was also more than that.  He was sweet, understanding (to a point), and determined to make something special with Cat.

When they finally hook up... It. Is. Hot!  They have this chemistry between the two of them that is undeniable.  He is the nice guy she knows she could fall in love with but is afraid to give her heart to and she is the challenge he wants and needs to keep him on his toes.  On his toes, he was definitely kept... Cat doesn't exactly make it easy for Patrick.

Frenemies (Girl Next Door #2) by C.C. Wood is a great sequel to Friends with Benefits.  It's another easy little read... a little more "relationship" drama and no suspense but the drama between Cat and Patrick is more than enough to make up for it.  Another great read by C.C. Wood!  I look forward to reading more of her work!

Happy Reading!




Monday, July 9, 2012

Untraceable (Untouchable #3) Review

Untraceable (Untouchable) ) by Lindsay Delagair

Book description...
The final installment in the Untouchable trilogy winds through a tangled web of shattered lives, the pursuit of power, and the unfailing strength of love.
Annalisa knew from the beginning that she was falling in love with a dangerous man. But, she also knew that underneath his cold and empty hitman exterior, beat the heart of the man who would love her forever. Against insurmountable odds, Micah and Annalisa have finally reached a place in their lives where he can make a promise to her. It is a promise he never thought would have been possible at one time: He will never take another human life.
But when tragedy strikes, and their happiness is destroyed, Micah must decide if he should keep his promise, or should he pursue those responsible. Especially when he realizes it involves the most feared man in the U.S. mafia, a man who can make anyone...Untraceable.



Okay so first things first... BIG Thank you to Lindsay for sending me an ARC of Untraceable... you're awesome girl and I honestly thank you for your kind words :)

** Spoiler alertIf you have not read Untouchable or Unforgivable yet then reading this review will give away numerous spoilers to both! **


Untraceable pretty much leaves off where Unforgivable ended.  Micah and Leese have managed to work things out and have gone back home to Florida to  live as the family they were meant to be.  Leese has completely forgiven Micah for what happened in Colorado... I know I got a lot of email's from some of you fellow book lovers and I have to say that Yes, I do agree, she forgave him for something that should have been unforgivable... but I actually talked to Lindsay about that and she made a lot of sense when she said
 "She was ultimate good verses Micah's ultimate bad" 
when put that way it makes sense on why she forgave him.  Especially when you think about her POV and all she thought about when it came to what happened and then what happened as a result.  So they're back and home and trying to build a life for themselves and their baby.

Micah has some... we'll call them issues... to work through.  He's basically at a low point in his life, he's still trying to become the man he was meant to be and is trying to come to terms with how to seek salvation.  Leese is there helping him along the way.  When he finally gets to the point where he feels happy, content, and ready to completely forget about his past in order to move on into the happy future he deserves with his family.... when something happens... something HUGE... something I am so not telling you about.

So I've got to be careful from here on with my words because if I slip even once then I'm going to end up giving something away... and even though I actually prefer spoilers I'm going to be my usual mean self and keep them to myself because I had none when it came to this one... I mean I actually emailed Lindsay at one point because I had no one else to complain to.. and you want to know what she told me?
" Just keep reading....that's all I'm gonna say."
if she wasn't channeling one of my girls with that line then I don't know what, but I actually needed to hear that.  Yes it is her book and of course she wants me to keep reading but I have to say that I was honestly glad I did.  Here is why I needed to email her... I was mad, I mean absolutely ready to punch him in the face MAD at Micah.  He made me mad at one point because... well shoot, I can't say... but he made me mad, and then I thought okay so he really didn't get a choice so if I must I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.... and then he not only does it again but he adds a little something to it and seriously I wanted to scream at him.  I was so mad that I felt horrible for Leese and actually thought... "Why didn't she...." oops, sorry, I almost gave something away there!  Obviously I was pretty mad at him lol.  Then, he had an opportunity to do something that would have pleased me to no end, and actually saved him some trouble, but he didn't do it... I get why... after I read a little more of the book but that doesn't mean that I don't wish he would have taken the chance to take care of ... ummm... that... problem, while he had the chance.

There are a lot of surprises in this book... a lot of questions you may have had will be answered, and you actually get the chance to see that even though he was bad turned mostly good, Micah still has to face the world as a human being... he's got to take responsibility for something that maybe could have been avoided but maybe couldn't have in a way that a man shouldn't have to.. but he does it.  He owns up to it and takes the back lash like a true man.

** Attention Ryan lovers ** I have to say I wish I would have seen a little more Ryan in this book, I love him... I really do!  BUT there is something that happens in the epilogue with Ryan and when I read it I honestly put my arms in the air and squealed "YAYYY!!!" and then I read a little more and thought "Well so much for those hopeful thoughts" but I was still happy because it's ultimately what he wanted.... but I still couldn't help that "Yay" and then think "hmm, I wonder if...." Totally just finished that thought in my head Smiley

Untraceable (Untouchable) by Lindsay Delagair is a wonderful addition to the Untouchable Series.  I really enjoyed these books, I enjoy Lindsay's writing style and where she goes with stories.  She's not afraid to take chances and she creates characters that seem to balance each other out extremely well.  I look forward to the release of her next book.

Happy Reading!



Lessons Learned Review

Lessons Learned  by Sydney Logan

Book description...
A young girl needs to spread her wings, but a young woman needs roots.
English teacher Sarah Bray never thought she’d return to Sycamore Falls, but a traumatic event at her inner-city school leaves her desperate for the sanctuary of home. By returning to her roots, an older and wiser Sarah hopes to deal with the demons of her present and confront the ghosts of her past.
She discovers a kindred spirit in Lucas Miller, a teacher from New York with demons of his own. They quickly become friends – bonding through Lucas’s culture shock and their mutual desire to build new lives. When they open their wounded hearts to each other, their friendship effortlessly evolves into romance.
Their love is put to the test when Matt, the quarterback of the football team, shares his deepest secret with Sarah. When the conservative community finds out, Sarah and Lucas – along with the town of Sycamore Falls – are schooled in the lessons of acceptance, tolerance, and love.


My Sister in Law who happens to be just as obsessed with reading as I am, told me about a new book that was going to be published soon - Lessons Learned by Sydney Logan... So I added it to my Goodreads TBR shelf because it not only looks fantastic but my sis in law let me know how Sydney is one of her favorite writers.  Well, a week or two later we were chatting, most likely about some book... okay numerous books... but she asked if I had seen a post on Sydney's blog about looking for honest reviews, of course I hadn't so, of course, I checked it out and what do you know?  I got super lucky and received and ARC of Lessons Learned... Awesome right?  So I owe a big thanks, not only Sydney Logan for allowing me to read her book early but also to my sis in law for pointing me in the direction of one fantastic author who wrote this amazing book that literally touched my heart (I ♥ you Mary!!!)

Sarah returns to her hometown of Sycamore Falls after witnessing a horrific event at the high school she taught at in Memphis.  She is a broken yet beautifully strong woman.  She may limit her emotional connections to people but she stands up for what she believes in and encourages people to be themselves regardless of what society will view as "normal" or "acceptable".  I adored Sarah... I mean absolutely adored everything about her.  The situations she finds herself in she handles with grace and courage, she puts feelings before judging, and even though she may not agree with their choice she supports them... because when it all comes down to it they are human beings and deserve to be treated as everyone else.  

Her strength is what impressed me the most.  Considering what she witnessed at the previous high school she taught at, most people would give up... but not Sarah, yes she switched schools, and for that I don't blame her.. too many bad memories.  But she continued with her teaching career and good thing she does because the students see something in her they feel they can somewhat connect with... they feel they can confide in her, share their problems or just seek advice. 
  
Sarah meets Lucas... who let me tell you is quite an amazing man who has moved to Sycamore Falls after dealing with a few problems of his own.  He's not that typical alpha male that I seem to gravitate towards, but he's definitely something special.  He's sweet, caring, more than understanding, and he knows that Sarah is the woman for him.  So he works at becoming her friend in hopes that it will turn into something more... from the very beginning their relationship was beautiful.  The way Lucas supports Sarah is amazingly beautiful in the way that she has never had before... it gave me that urge to stand up and cheer for them because they both deserve all the love and happiness they can fit in their lives.

I want to talk more about this book, I want to share what made me mad, what made me happy, what made me laugh, and what made me cry.... but it will just give it all away and I just can't do that to you.  So I'll say this.... This was one of THE best books I have read this year. I cried, laughed, smiled, and got mad as all get out but seriously it was an absolutely fantastic book that shares the valuable lesson of understanding... of agreeing to disagree.... of realizing that life is too important to bring others down just because we don't like their choices.

Lessons Learned by Sydney Logan is one of those books I think every romance reader should at least check out.  Sydney has the amazing ability to make you laugh at just the right moment... you know that point where you feel like it's all going to come crashing down and your praying for that sigh of relief that something good will come from everything?  Her writing style is addictive and pulls you into the story.  She is definitely an author to watch out for!  I look forward to reading more of Sydney's work!

Happy Reading!

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Slave (Finding Anna #1) Review


Slave (Finding Anna) by Sherri Hayes

Book description...
Stephan has lived the lifestyle of a Dominant for five years. After several rebellious teenage years, it gave him the stability and control he had been seeking after his parent’s death.
As president of a not-for-profit foundation, he knows what his future holds and what he wants out of life. All that changes when a simple lunch with his college friend and Mentor, Darren, leads him to buying a slave.
Thrust into a situation he never thought he’d be in, Stephan can’t walk away. He is compelled to help this girl in the only way he knows how.
Brianna knows only one thing, she is a slave. She has nothing. She is nothing.
Can Stephan help Brianna realize that she is much more than just a Slave?


I received Slave as an advanced readers copy for an honest review.  I've actually had Slave on my TBR List for quite some time but I've been hesitant to purchase it because I wasn't sure what to expect... and to be honest I was a little afraid that it would be something I wouldn't be able to handle reading.  So when I received the ARC I was excited but also still a little on the reluctant side... I made sure I went into it with an open mind, especially since I've read Sherri's work in the past and I really enjoyed what I read... She has this way of turning a story about a broken woman into something beautiful... and that is exactly what she did with Slave!


At this point I still don't know how to react towards Brianna... the poor girl is so broken that all I want to do is reach in, pull her out, and just hug her until she sees the beautiful woman she's meant to be... obviously that's not possible.  Brianna was in an extremely horrible situation... she was forced into sexual slavery before she even turned 18... she was a fighter, but the man that bought her (Ian buying Brianna was never confirmed... this is my guess) went to every extreme possible, to break this beautiful girl.  And break her he did.  It was heartbreaking to watch Brianna have a panic attack, I'd get tears in my eyes and a sinking feeling in my belly whenever Brianna would talk about her past... but through it all she ended up with one good thing... one absolutely amazing person, who would do just about anything for her... Stephan.


Stephan is one of those male characters that I absolutely adore.  Even though the entire situation made him sick, he knew that buying Brianna was the right thing to do... yes I said buy her, more than anything, his heart is in the right place... and then when he saw her, he couldn't help the overwhelming urge to protect her.  His patience was astounding... and I say that knowing full well that Brianna deserved every ounce of patience available... but I know most people would not be that understanding of the situation... okay understanding is the wrong word, because a lot of people would be understanding and want to show her all the patience in the world.. but actually doing it would be quite difficult... for anyone.... and that is why I adored Stephan.  Then when he began to fall in love with her, I fell even harder for him.  There were so many times that Stephan could have fully taken advantage of the situation.. and he never did... her trust was the most important thing... and he was determined to work as hard as it took to get it... so when she admits the level of trust that she has in him... even if it is just a little bit... seeing his reacting and knowing how thrilled he was to even have that tiny bit, made me fall even harder... Just a fair warning, by the end of this book I was so in love with Stephan that I wanted to pull him out of the book and give him a big smoochie right on the lips for all he did for Brianna!


Watching Brianna get her footing and adjust to her new life with Stephan was difficult but also heartwarming.  She saw Stephan for the man who was kind to her, good to her, and all she wanted was to please him.  She began to gain confidence in herself as the days wore on... She also began to gain confidence in the man that held her life in his hands and with that confidence she found a comfort... his touch was soothing and calming to her... his voice reminded her of her safety... and his presence, physically or the "collar" (necklace) he placed on her, helped her remain grounded when it would have been so easy for her to emotionally slip away.  

I can't help but feel the urge to dive right into Need (Finding Anna #2)... I'm at this point where I am anxious to know what happens next for Brianna and Stephan.  I have unanswered questions, I have extremely high hopes, and my curiosity for Brianna's emotional well being is through the roof.  Sherri has a unique way of telling these stories that start off with woman in these absolutely horrible situations and then finding themselves in the presence of these men who feel the urge to protect them like they've never felt before.  It's always hard to read a story where abuse... emotional or physical... and to me, it says something special about an author who can tell that story with out causing awkward or uncomfortable feelings... especially to an abuse survivor.  


Slave (Finding Anna) by Sherri Hayes is an emotional book... but so very good.  It's an eye opener for sure, because of the sexual slavery aspect but it's more than that.. it's a book about a broken woman who is given the chance to start over by a man who at any turn could have easily taken advantage of the situation and her emotional turmoil.... it's a story about gaining a persons respect the right way and cherishing the fact that you got it in the first place.  Like I said before, I can not wait to begin Need (Finding Anna #2)... I'm anxious for the story, for the creative writing style of Sherri Hayes, but most of all... I'm anxious to see how Stephan manages to keep and continue to build the trust that Brianna has already given him.


Happy Reading!



Thursday, July 5, 2012

Maid for Love (The McCarthys of Gansett Island #1) Review


Maid for Love (The McCarthys of Gansett Island, Book 1) by Marie Force

Book description...
Maddie Chester is determined to leave her hometown of Gansett Island, a place that has brought her only bad memories and ugly rumors. Then she’s knocked off her bike on the way to her housekeeping job at McCarthy’s Resort Hotel by Gansett’s “favorite son,” Mac McCarthy. He’s back in town to help his father with preparations to sell the family resort and has no intention of staying long. When Mac accidentally sends Maddie flying over the handlebars, badly injuring her, he moves in to nurse her back to health and help care for her young son. He soon realizes his plans for a hit-and-run visit to the island are in serious jeopardy, and he just may be “maid” for love.

First things first... as of right now Maid for Love is free on Amazon... so click on the link above to download your free copy for your ereader before it's too late!

I have to say that I like Marie Force... but sometimes her books are hit and miss for me.  The last book I read was a total miss, it started off great and then the hero made me so angry there was no coming back from it.  So needless to say I was a tad hesitant to read this book, but then again it was free so what did I have to lose right?  I'm glad that I took that chance... so glad.  The fact that is was a free download turned into major bonus, because I would have paid for this book and not been the least bit upset about it, it was sweet and heartfelt.  I felt the connection between the characters and I couldn't help but pray that they were both able to get what they wanted and deserved out of life.

Maddie was a sweetheart... she was hardworking, loyal, and a fabulous mother.  But she had a reputation... a reputation she never earned... a reputation that was just down right ugly, especially considering the rumors were so far from the truth that it made the reality of the way she was treated that much more painful.. not only for her... but for me to read about.  She was basically shunned in town because of a boy in high school who didn't get what he wanted.  So she's lived her life as quietly as possible, trying to just ignore the rumors, and the way the people of Gansett Island treated her.  That is until the gorgeous Mac McCarthy walks right in front of her bike, causing a very painful, but ultimately very special accident.

Mac is your typical playboy... he doesn't do relationships... he doesn't have feelings for women that go beyond a little fun between the sheets... he has no intention of finding a woman to settle down with... but then he has no control over all of those thoughts when he walks in front of Maddie's bike.  He's instantly drawn to her like a moth to a flame.  There is something about her that he feels the protective and possessive feelings of a man recognizing what's his and he intends to stake his claim.  Only he's having a little problem with Maddie.... Maddie is nothing like the women he's used to.... she's trying to get rid of him, get him to leave her and her son alone... but he can't do it.  Not only does he feel responsible for her getting hurt so badly, but he can't shake the feelings she's instilled in him and refuses to give up.

When Maddie finally gives in and decides to throw caution to the wind and let Mac try to woo  her and prove that there is way more to their feelings than just lust... it turns into one of the sweetest relationships I've seen.  Mac just grabbed my heart right out of my chest with not only the way he treated Maddie by taking her feelings into consideration... especially when it concerned a certain body part of hers that she absolutely despised... but he takes to her 9 month old son Thomas as if he were his own.... it was beautiful to watch... and it had me smiling with happy, sweet tears throughout the book.

The only thing that got to me in this book was Maddie's reaction to a few things... I understood where she was coming from but I couldn't help but feel like she was over reacting over Mac's way of helping her.  She was snippy with him when he didn't deserve it and she treated him poorly for a very thoughtful, even though it was kind of stupid, gesture.  He was only trying to protect her and make things right... but she just couldn't see that, at least not for a while and even then it had to be pointed out to her... that really kind of made me angry, but then again.. if it were all peaches and cream the story wouldn't be as interesting and the love they had for each other may not have seemed as realistic.

Maid for Love (The McCarthys of Gansett Island, Book 1) by Marie Force was a sweet, fast, easy read that had me cheering for the couple to get their happily ever after... and we all know how I feel about my HEA's.  Marie's writing style is almost always addictive and I've read a lot of her books in the past... but I have to say with the exception of her book The Wreck ... this has to be one of my favorites with the sweet way the hero swoops in and brings joy to the life of a woman who has seen nothing but sadness and disappointment.

Happy Reading!