Catch Me If You Can (New Orleans Trilogy #1) Review

Catch Me If You Can by Nina Bruhns was a sweet romantic read with a bit of suspense and a sweet cajun man. 

Simon "Beau" Beaulieux oozed sensuality -- from his bedroom eyes to his broad shoulders to his lilting Louisiana drawl. Kit Colfax knew the parish sheriff always got what he wanted, but to protect her future she couldn't let him have his way... or her. Kit sought to put Beau's thieving cousin behind bars. Beau sought to stop her. And painful experience had taught Kit how powerful men operated... and manipulated. Well, not this lady. Not this time. Sure, Beau made her FEEL as she never had before. Made her WANT to trust him as he so unwaveringly trusted in his cousin's innocence. But was that a lover talking, or a deceiver bent on saving his family... whoever paid the price?

Kit wasn't my most favorite heroine but I still liked her.  She was determined to save her job by getting her man, Remi, behind bars and getting the stolen jewelry of the clients her company insured.  Thinking she was playing Remi at a private poker table in Vegas, she lost not only her necklace but her dress as well.  She knew he was bad news but she couldn't help the feelings he brought up in her.

Again his lip curled in that roguish smile and her temperature kicked up about ten degrees.  Man, oh, man, it should be illegal to look that sexy.

She convinces him to let her win the dress back only he has other things in mind but he gives in with the promise she can try to win it back in the morning.  So she leaves without the necklace or the dress thinking she's got her man right where she wants him only to find out she didn't have the right man.

Beau was trying to find his cousin to get back his Grandmothers jewelry he had stolen before anyone in the family found out.  He was posing as Remi to try and draw him out when he met Kit.  He had a potent reaction to her and knew with out a doubt that he wanted her like he's never wanted any woman

An immediate, primal recognition coursed through him.  Incredibly, in the few minutes he'd stood close to her, her unique smell had imprinted itself on his brain.

Both Beau and Kit are a little leery of each other and the relationship they both had or wanted with Remi.  It certainly didn't stop the undeniable chemistry between them....all I can say is Beau even had me breathing a little faster while I read about him "kiss a woman without touching her"....and you'll have to read it to find out if he actually does "touch" her anywhere including her lips ;).

Beau takes off for San Diego after getting word that's where he was but makes sure to leave an obvious trail so Kit can follow him.  He was still struggling with his desire for her and didn't know how he should greet her once she arrived at his hotel in San Diego...a kiss or handcuffs?  He also made sure to call his Deputy back home to run a back round check on her

He wanted to know everything about his delicious, dangerous kitten before she showed up at his hotel door.

Of course she follows him and they work out a deal to search for Remi together while fighting their feelings and thoughts for each other.  It was cute how they both fought their attraction for each other stopping mid-thought to question their own thoughts of falling in love with the other.  

After baiting Remi, Beau and Kit find themselves unable to deny their passion any more.  Both of them becoming aware of their feelings for the other.  Kit had learned the hard way not to fall for powerful men and tried so hard to deny her feelings for Beau, knowing what would come once she gave in to them and not willing to give up any part of her life.  Beau knew he wanted Kit like nothing he'd ever wanted before in his life and planned to figure out a way to get him back to Louisiana in his house with him but knew he'd have to tread carefully

"I won't ever hurt you.  I swear,"  he vowed softly, placing gentle kisses on her eyes.  When they opened, they were shiny with tears.  A wave of incredible protectiveness washed through him.

Unfortunately when Kit baited Remi, she did too good of a job.  He had somehow gotten into their room and stolen the necklace that Beau had won in their hand of poker.  Beau and Kit find out that Remi was headed south to see family and after Kit is shot at Beau finds a way to get her in his home.

Going on with the search for Remi while staying in Beau's home and tagging along with him on his daily errands she continues to fight what they could have.  They haven't so much as kissed since San Diego because Beau promised to be a gentleman after she let him know with a finality in her tone that once Remi was caught she was headed back to New Orleans.  Her thoughts are constantly battling between what she thinks she wants and what is real

She felt comfortable with him.  She didn't have to pretend she was something she wasn't.  When was the last time that had happened with a man?  Never.

Beau knew he was in love with Kit and knew that touching her was only going to make things worse so he told himself and eventually her, after she made a play for a repeat of what happened in San Diego knowing she was leaving the next day, that if she couldn't give him more than one night he couldn't do it at all.  But eventually they end up exploring what could be between them.  Only both of them have different ideas of continuing the relationship....Beau wants her to move to his home and be his wife (even asks her) and Kit wants to go back to New Orleans and spend weekends possibly more with Beau.  Kit tells him she needs time to make that big of a decision to rearrange her life and Beau takes it as a brush off and questions himself if he loves her enough to let her go.

After getting a mysterious letter Beau takes off in the bayou and Kit follows.  She's thinking he's going to betray her and go warn Remi so she loses her job and accepts his proposal.  She follows him to a shack and finds him on the floor with gunshot wounds and Remi kneeling over him.  Remi tries to help him while waiting on the paramedics and helicopter.  She's terrified something will happen and she'll never get the chance to tell Beau how she feels

"Please don't die.  I love you so much," she whispered.  "I'll leave my job, anything you want.  Just live, damn you."

 Once released from the hospital and able to get up and move around, Beau goes in search of Kit with the intentions of begging for her forgiveness but she's quit her job and abandoned her condo in New Orleans.... don't worry though, he tracks her down to her home town and let's her know exactly what he wants

He cradled her cheek in his hand and gazed at her lovingly.  "Anywhere you say, chere.  Just tell me and I'll be there.  I need you in my life and I'm willing to go anywhere you want to be."

Her dream come true!  She realizes how much he truly loves her if he's willing to give up his family, job, and home to move where ever it is she wants to live.

She hugged him close and held on for dear life.  "I love you so much.  And there's nowhere else on earth I'd rather live than Terrebeau."

Their happily ever after was sweet.  Kit gets what she wants just by knowing the man she's fallen for would do anything to make her happy and loves her enough to give up his life and Beau gets his dream by having Kit as the Lady of Terrebeau, his family's plantation.

Catch Me If You Can was a sweet romantic story.  Normally I like for a book to completely consume me to the point where I feel like I'm a part of everything happening but this book didn't.  But I did still enjoy watching Beau and Kit fight their feelings until finally giving in to the love they both felt.  I'm still undecided if I would want to reread this story right now or not....I'm sure I'll make up my mind once I'm in the mood for a sweet as candy love story though ;)  If you're into hot cajun men who have that sexy southern drawl and speak sweet nothings in french then I would recommend checking out this book....it's why I read it, I have a thing for cajun french, there is something out it that's a major turn on ;).

Happy Reading!

 

A Lot Like Love (F.B.I. #2) Review

A Lot Like Love by Julie James is the second book in the F.B.I. series and by far has so much sarcastic humor that it's difficult not to have any LOL moments!

As the daughter of a billionaire and the owner of the city's top wine store, Jordan Rhodes is invited to the most exclusive parties in Chicago. But there's only one party the FBI wants to crash: the charity fundraiser of a famous restaurateur, who also happens to launder money for the mob. In exchange for her brother's release from prison, Jordan is going to be there—with a date supplied by the Bureau. As the top undercover agent in Chicago, Nick McCall has one rule: never get personal. This "date" with Jordan Rhodes is merely an assignment— one they're both determined to pull off even if they can't be together for five minutes before the sarcasm and sparks begin to fly. But when Nick's investigation is compromised, he and Jordan have no choice but to pretend they're a couple, and what starts out as a simple assignment begins to feel a lot like something more

I don't even know where to begin with this one because it was just....THAT GOOD!!  Jordan is awesome, she has one heck of a sarcastic, sassy mouth on her that had me laughing so hard my kids looked at me like I had a screw loose!  Her relationship with her brother, Kyle who was in prison for....LOL....hacking into twitter and shutting it down for two days, is too funny (kind of reminds me of how I interact with my brother, hmmm....Terry, I now have some awesome material should you ever find yourself incarcerated so consider yourself warned!).  Anyway, it's so obvious they love and adore each other but the sarcastic wit they throw at each other is quite comical!  

"I'm hardly perfect.  I'm just a lot better at not getting caught than you."  She took in their surroundings.  "Maybe I should've given you a few pointers."  Kyle nodded approvingly.  "Nice one."  "I have months and months worth of this material" Jordan said.

So Jordan loves her brother right?  I mean like A Lot!  The F.B.I. need more evidence to make this arrest  so Jordan is visited by two agents during a blizzard and carted down to their office to discuss her brother.  She ends up agreeing to help them out to get her brother out of prison. 

Nick had me in knots...he has this rugged sex appeal and he's just as quick witted as Jordan....Total match made in heaven ;).  Anyway, he was asked by his boss to assist on the case involving Jordan as more of a favor because of his undercover expertise.  He's simply supposed to be there more for advice purposes than anything and is told he would be finished in time to head home to New York for his Mom's birthday.  Unfortunately things don't go as planned and he ends up as Jordan's date the night of the party.

Here's where Nick and Jordan's 'relationship' starts to get interesting.....

He finds her sassy and beautiful and has to check himself on more than occasion because she simply "isn't his type".  She finds him annoying 95% of the time and has to bite her tongue on more than one occasion to keep from getting into a sarcasm smack down with him.

"Tell me something.  Are you trying to get a rise out of me, or does being this irritating come naturally to you?"  Nick's eyes flickered over her with amusement.  "I suppose I may be trying to annoy you a little."

So....Nick ends up as Jordan's date because the agent who was supposed to go with her got the stomach flu the day of the event.  They start off as totally fake but it's undeniable there is some chemistry between the two even as they discuss their "cover story"

"Our cover story is that my character has been smitten from the moment he met you.  He's not about to let another man get anywhere  near you."  "Your character sounds a little possessive.  Is this something my character should be worried about?"

They go to the event and Jordan gives Nick a quick lesson on wine tasting.  It's quite amusing how simply talking about wine and the steps of a wine tasting can sound so.....dirty ;)....It's even more amusing to see how intrigued Nick becomes while listening to Jordan talk about it

"Fine by me.  I'm as eager as the next guy to get to spit or swallow."

Nick gets his job done that night and Jordan is relieved she was able to pull off her part of the deal.  Now that she is finished with assisting the F.B.I. she's ready to move on to the part where her brother gets released from prison!  Too bad for her, the bad guy has this psychotic illusion Jordan is meant for him and is quite upset that she showed up to his even with another man when he planned on impressing her with his wine selection that was made just for her.  So the bad guy hires a P.I. to follow Nick to find out more about him and his relationship with Jordan.  Which means Nick and Jordan get to continue their fake relationship and the release of Kyle isn't going to happen as planned.  Jordan is none to pleased about this turn of events but plays along because she really wants to see her brother out of prison.  Funny thing is....now she is playing a bigger part in the operation and is starting to enjoy all the secret agent stuff

"Are you sure I don't need a code word or something?"  Jordan asked.  "Maybe we should have one just in case."

So they go about their ways throughout the week.  Jordan seems to be unlucky when it comes to this case working in her favor.  She has to keep what's going on from her brother and because the paper announced that she was at the Valentines Day event with "Mr. Tall, Dark, and Smoldering" she now has to lie to her friends and family about her relationship with Nick.

Things start to pick up between Nick and Jordan and they both start to question what they're feeling because this is a fake relationship after all.  After a nice evening alone together on what could be considered an "almost" date where an "almost" kiss happened at Jordan's doorstep, one of Nick's lovers shows up at Jordan's store to question her relationship with Nick.  After she leaves Jordan calls to tell Nick about it and they get into a little bit of a tiff about it because he feels the need to explain but she tells him she doesn't need any explanations.  Nick decided to go talk to her only to find her having a glass of wine with a man at her store.

Something inside Nick snapped.  That was his fake girlfriend in there.  Sitting at the table where they had just shared cheese friends the night before.  And if she thought she could throw scorching hot sex-looks to any pansy-ass scarf-boy who wandered into her shop, she has another thing coming.

Things changed.... their "fake" kinda became real....for both of them.  Nick was doing things he'd never even thought to do for another woman and Jordan was discovering there was more to Nick than she thought.  So they have a chat and Nick tells her she isn't going to get the same speech he has used with all the women before her so Jordan invites Nick to Napa Valley.

They have an amazing weekend in Napa together.....a HOT, amazing weekend ;).  Nick knows it's time to make a decision about what should happen as far as him and Jordan are concerned but he's realizing that his usual MO wasn't what he was wanting and started considering career changes but decided it was up to Jordan to make the next move. 

Jordan thought, because of his past situations it was up to Nick to make the next move and she gave him lots of opportunities but because their communication on this subject sucked they ended up parting ways with a  

"this was an incredible weekend but....."

Both are unhappy with this decision and after thinking about it for a while Jordan decides to call Nick to talk about what was going on between them.  He's convinced it's not meant to be and doesn't pick up but the tightness in his chest doesn't let up even after he should have been "over" her

And here's what freaked him out most:  if he was one of those sensitive, introspective types, he would say that the feelings he had for Jordan sure seemed a lot like love and he, Nick McCall, didn't do love.

So Jordan gets held at gun point by the bad guy and Nick comes to her rescue and it all gets all happy and cute after that

"You came into my life and messed the whole thing up and now I'm screwed.  Because I'm in love with you.  As in balls-out, head-over-heels, watching- Dancing with the Stars on Monday nights, wine-and-bubble-bath kind of love.  Hell, I think I'd even wear a scarf indoors for you."

 See....happy and cute!  Kyle confronts Jordan about her involvement of him getting out of prison and then confronts her about Nick and tries to tell her what to do about "Mr. Tall, Dark, and Sarcastic" so she lets him know she thinks Nick is a keeper.  But it's even pretty obvious to Kyle that Jordan and Nick are meant for each other... after all his first reaction to Nick is to note that he's just as sarcastic as Jordan!

A Lot Like Love was an absolute delight!  I enjoyed every bit of this book and recommend that you read it too!  Julie James has marvelous knack for sarcastic humor and had me laughing just about every chapter!  It's already found it's way onto my reread list and will remain there even if just for the sarcasm alone....but really the entire story was great.....the romance, while funny, was still sweet and had me cheering for a happily ever after!  Check it out, you won't be disappointed you did!

Happy Reading!

 

Rock Chick (Rock Chick #1) Review

Rock Chick by Kristen Ashley was one awesome read!  Yet another hit with yet another one of Kristen's super hot men!


Indy Savage, cop's daughter, rock chick and used bookstore owner, has been in love with Lee Nightingale, once bad boy, now the man behind Nightingale Investigations, since she was five years old. No matter what ingenious schemes Indy used to capture his attention, Lee never showed an interest and Indy finally gave up. Now Indy's employee, Rosie, has lost a bag of diamonds and bad guys are shooting at him. When Indy gets involved, Lee is forced to help. Complicating matters, Lee has decided he's interested, Indy's decided she's not. But she can't seem to keep Lee out of her life when she's repeatedly stun gunned, kidnapped and there are car bombs exploding (not to mention she's finding dead bodies).  Indy's best bet is to solve the mystery of the diamonds before Lee. Lee's challenge is to keep Indy alive and, at the same time, win back her heart.

Indy was awesome, I absolutely loved her!  She had this long lasting childhood crush on her best friends, Ally, brother... Lee.  She threw herself at him year after year until at age 20 he told her he thought of her as a sister.  After that....it was avoid Lee at all costs!  

So, Indy's employee, Rosie, is in a bad situation and has something that belongs to some bad guys.  Those bad guys come to talk to him about it and Indy, being the mouthy smart ass she is, mouths off and the bad guys shoot at her and Rosie.  She ends up at Lee's condo when he is supposed to be in DC.  Unfortunately for Indy he comes home in the middle of the night, pulls her out of bed, and ends up letting her know that because of his bad-ass profession he is going to "take care" of the Rosie situation

"It's not Rosie who's gonna pay."  My head did an involuntary little jerk when I understood what he meant.  "I don't have that kind of money."  You aren't gonna pay me in cash."

Ummmm.....YOWZA!!!!  Indy tries to figure out what it is that he is wanting, even though it's quite obvious that she is just in total denial!  Instead of telling her he decides to show her after she tells him her only stipulation is no cleaning his bathroom and he plants a hot one on her.  Of course because of what Lee had said to Indy 10 years prior she's still having a bit of a problem processing this and decides to question him on it and when he tells her he lied she still tries to dodge the situation because she isn't sure if she wants the "heartbreak" that will no doubt come with Lee.
  
Indy had been in love with Lee for so long and had tried to get his attention for like...ever.... Once her friends found out, which took like hours, she was getting calls and friends stopping by to "congratulate" her.  Funny thing is all they seem to be interested in learning is if they did it yet....LOL!  Indy lets them all know they are taking it "slow" and their reactions are all kind of the same

"That isn't possible.  Slow isn't possible.  Lee Nightingale doesn't move slow.  One second he's looking at you, the next second he's walking away and he has the little satin bow from your panties as a souvenir."

HA!  So.... Lee was a bit of a man-slut!


Lee ends up doing his thing and calls the bad guys.  Tells them that Indy is his and to back off.  Only bad guys must be stupid and they don't listen.  Indy ends up getting kidnapped by a bad guy....a very icky...creepy....bad guy who takes a bit of a liking to her.  After getting rescued by Lee and going out for sushi with the family, she does a little B & E with Tex (who she met while trying to "work" the Rosie thing) where Lee finds her and isn't too happy.  They end up having a bit of a disagreement about it and Indy ends up cuffed to the bed so she "doesn't do anything stupid".....not my idea of why I'd want to be cuffed to Lee's bed!....and she is mad and plans on holding a mean grudge.  Only problem is Lee is there to comfort Indy when the reality of what's going on hits her. 


So things start to get a little heated between them....heated in a good way but Indy decides she wants to talk about what is happening between the two of them and lets her fears of them not working out and how it will ruin everything for everyone be known.  Lee wants Indy to know that she means something to him....that them together means something to him and he wants them to work out

"Honey, it occurs to me from what you asked me earlier that you have the wrong impression about me.  Today, I'm gonna show you who I am.  Tonight, I'm gonna tell you what I want.  Tomorrow, you can make up your mind."

Wow he is no doubt a straight shooter!!!  


Moving on.....Rosie shows up to Indy's house waving a gun and demanding the diamonds.  She doesn't know where they are so he takes off.  Then Lee and Indy go to her Dad's (Who is a cop) house for a BBQ.....where they get into a fight and Lee decides to take a drive to cool off.  While he is on that drive Indy get kidnapped....again!   No worries though....they make up!  But Indy is still freaking out because she thinks he's good at "this relationship stuff".  Lee being the man obviously made for Indy reads her like a book

"What we have here is good and if you'd get over your thoughts that it isn't gonna last, you'd realize how much better it's gonna get if you'd just relax."

 They finally get around to.....ummmm....ya know.....doing it..... and then Lee goes on to tell Indy how he knows that she's loved him since she was 5 when he held her hand at her mothers funeral (which is true and he knows because he read her diary.....bad boy needs a spankin' and I volunteer!!!!).  So he goes on to tell her that all those years he had intended to have her and considered her his but had to get himself together before they could get together.  Tells her that he not only wants her but she also fits into his life perfectly in more ways than one

"No.  I'm sayin' I used to laugh all the time because I was with you.  You're crazy, you're funny.  It's one of the things I love about you."

.......Sigh....... He goes on to tell her what he loves about her in a typical male way, when he knew he loved her, which was pretty sweet, and also his intentions

"You and me, we aren't practice for the real thing.  It isn't that too much is at stake with family and friends, it's because I love you."

After getting numerous gifts from creepy...icky...bad guy, shot at during a drag queen charity show, high speed car chase, car bombings, cat fights during Girls Night Out with ex-girlfriends, doing a ride along with Lee, finding a fascination with stun guns, and finally another kidnapping.....all the bad guys are caught or "disappeared" and Lee and Indy are finally able to have their happily ever after

"I'm not going anywhere.  I'm right where I've always wanted to be."  His mouth moved to mine and he said, "It's about fucking time."

Rock Chick by Kristen Ashley was a definite 5 star read for me!  It was like Christmas morning at age 6 all over again!  There is no doubt that this book will be on my reread list....yes, just like the rest of Kristen's books!  She knows how to write exactly what I like to read :)

I'm all over Eddie's story next, Rock Chick Rescue!  It won't be up until next month because that is February's read for my book club on Facebook.... Romance With A Side of Smut (Look us up!) 

Hope you take the chance and check out Rock Chick it will be worth your while especially if you enjoy those super hot alpha males who know what they want and are not afraid to go for it and awesome women who it seems every girl can somehow relate to! Here is a parting quote I have to share about Girls Night Out.....

"It's Girls Night Out.  We talk about needing to lose weight while we drink and eat a lot.  We talk about how all men are scum and lazy and useless.  Last, we gossip about people pretending we're trying to be thoughtful and caring as we rip their lives to shreds.  Then we hug and go home."

So true......Love it!!!!


Happy Reading!

Thoughtless (#1) Review

Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens was...well...I don't even know how to describe what it was, I'm actually speechless (for once) because to me the story was That Good!  Fair warning...this will be a long one and you'll understand why once you read the book ;)

Kiera Allen  followed her boyfriend Denny, who was the love of her life, to Seattle for a new job.  She was happy and in love.  Denny's dream job unexpectedly took him to Arizona  for weeks and feeling lonely and confused by Denny's lack of attention she turned to her room mate and local rock star Kellan Kyle.  They have a sweet friendship and Kellan takes to looking after Kiera until things change after one night.

Kiera, a young college student reminded me so much of a typical girl who is not entirely sure of herself.  She was sweet, caring, and loving.  She was so in love with her boyfriend, Denny, that being away from him wasn't in her plans so she followed him to Seattle where he was starting as an intern for his "dream job"

"I know what you gave up for me by coming here - your family, your home.  I'm not blind, I know you miss it.  I just want to make sure that this is worth it for you?"  I placed my hand gently on his cheek "Don't.  Don't ever question that.  Of course I miss my family, miss them terribly.  But you are worth it, you're worth anything.  I love you.  I want to be where you are."

Kiera and Denny had a little time to settle into their new life in Seattle until he comes into the bar one day to tell Kiera about heading to Arizona for "a couple of months" to set up a new location for work.  Kiera's not happy about it but understands that he has no choice and has to do it.  So off he goes....

There love for each other was sweet and Denny...well...he was amazing!  BUT...he didn't do it for me because the relationship just seemed too easy, he was almost too sweet and understanding there didn't seem to be any passion between the two of them which I guess is why it's a good thing Kellan Kyle comes along ;)...ummm.... but of course bad for Denny

Kellan took to Kiera almost immediately and helped keep her busy and taken care of while Denny way gone.  He was a great friend and so sweet to Kiera by taking her places, making her laugh, or just hanging out with her so she wasn't alone.  Their friendship was very innocent until a day spent together where it was still innocent but yet intimate

"Don't be.  I'd rather hold a beautiful girl than be all bruised tomorrow." 

Kellan and Kiera had a special relationship.  They grew closer as did their affections towards each other like holding hands or cuddles on the couch.  I may not view it as completely innocent but for the most part it was until one night Denny drops a big one on Kiera and she tells him they're over.  That was when everything between Kellan and Kiera changed and let's just say ....ummm....WOW can I trade places with Kiera!?

"You want to talk about it?"  I paused. "No"  He glanced over at the empty wine bottle on the counter and up again, at the glass I was just finishing.  "You want some tequila?"

 As much as I'd love to share more of that scene I can't it's just too good to give away.

So things change over the course of a couple of weeks.....Denny comes back to Seattle and Kellan starts acting cold towards Kiera and even a little gun shy around Denny (which is understandable considering did kind of betray a guy he totally cares about).  But towards Kiera he is pretty cruel

"Denny leave you again?  I could find you another drinking buddy if you're...lonely?"  he asked wryly before grinning devilishly.  "Maybe Griffin this time?"

Low blow I know but he had his reasons and you'll eventually find them out.  Anyway....after this Kiera tells Kellan he was the biggest mistake of her life and wishes he would go.  So.....he decides he is done, can't do it anymore and decides to leave Seattle

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry I've been cold, but I can't stay, Kiera.  I can't watch it anymore.  I need to leave..."  his voice trailed off in a whisper.

Now I'm not much of a coffee drinker...well not at all but let's just say after this I have a new appreciation for it ;)

So Kellan sticks around because he was "very convincingly persuaded" to stay.  Kiera knows she wants him in her life, he clearly wants any part of her he can get, whatever that may be so they start back with their little "friendship"

I got so frustrated with Kiera and yes even Kellan a few times but mostly Kiera because she was just....ugh I can't even say it without spoiling it.... Anyway I wanted to smack her upside the head, shake her, yell at her, and a bunch of other things to get her to wake up already!!!  Some things happen between Kellan and Kiera and they decide their "friendship" can be no more, well she told him numerous times before, but now he agrees lol...Men!  Anyway, KellanVERY heated fight in the middle of Pete's they're both drug in the back by Jenny to sort their problems.  A lot comes out as in A LOT!

"God, I love you, I need you.  Forgive me...stay with me.  Say you need me too...say you want me too.  Please...be mine."  He instantly stopped kissing me and froze, staring at me terrified again, like he finally just realized exactly what he had been saying.

So we learn that Kellan is in love, we find out for how long too (but you're going to have to read it to find out and trust me, you'll smile).  We also find out why Kellan is the way he is and let me warn you it's heartbreaking but it makes you understand why he's that way, not that it's right, but you still get it.  So they end up professing their love for each other but Kiera still has yet to make me happy with what she is actually doing to Denny (her boyfriend) and Kellan.

"I want to be with you the right way - in the open.  I want to walk into Pete's with you on my arm.  I want to kiss you every time I see you, no matter who's looking.  I want to make love to you without fear of someone finding out.  I want to fall asleep with you in my arms every night.  I don't want to feel guilty about something that makes me feel so...whole.  I'm sorry, Kiera, but I'm asking you to choose."

Can't say I don't blame Kellan at this point, he's poured his heart out and even heard her return the sentiment and yet he still feels as though he isn't good enough for her to be with him completely. (poor guy, if I was available you could call me Kiera - ummm...did I just say that out loud?)  So anyway, he tries leaving...yes again, and Kiera tries talking him into "more time" (which is just a joke now, the girl has known for a while now that she doesn't want to be with Denny in that way but she's too scared to commit to that choice)...yes again.  He doesn't fall for it, actually begs her not to ask him because he'll do what she asks.  In the middle of their heartbreaking goodbye Denny (Who was supposed to have been called into work) catches them in the middle of a passionate kiss.  What happens next is sad, especially for Kellan...not that sad but still sad!

FINALLY...finally, Denny finds out what has been going on under his nose...not that he didn't suspect it.  He breaks it off with Kiera and sweetly gives her the unanswered question of why she couldn't leave him and why that seemed to hurt him more

"I think in the end, you would have stayed with me, out of obligation...or maybe comfort.  Maybe I was safe to you, and you needed to feel that."  He rubbed my cheek again.  "I know how scared you get of the unknown.  To you...I must be kind of a security blanket."

Wow...totally what I figured out almost immediately after seeing the fire and passion between Kiera and Kellan.  Anyway, Denny moves back home to Australia.

Kellan ends up asking Kiera to move out.  He's hurt and needs space, he even asks "for a minute".  Kiera's sister Anna decided to move to Seattle and she gets an apartment for her and Kiera.  Months go by where Kiera is just existing...she's going to school, she's going to work but that's it.  Kellan isn't in her life anymore and she can't seem to get him off her mind, it's like she doesn't even want to.  Anna finally has enough and drags Kiera out of the apartment to "Show her something she needs to see".

Kiera and Kellan end up seeing each other and after what Anna wanted Kiera to see so badly (apparently Kellan had just been existing too).  They talk, finally talk...she doesn't feel the nerves and realizes she knows what she is telling him is from the bottom of her heart

"No.  I just...I just want you.  We're meant to be, Kellan.  We need each other."

FINALLY....Yippee!!

Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens is must read, I personally like the next book Effortless better but in order to understand everything you have to read Thoughless first.  I'm not a fan of how Kellan and Kiera started off but yet even I can't deny they were meant to be...that fire and passion...is like an addiction to watch it all unfold.  These Characters will pull you in so deep that you'll find yourself questioning if you're a part of their actual story or what.  I normally do not emotionally...yes emotionally...connect with Characters like I did with Kiera and Kellan.  My feelings for these characters are boarder line sick...I mean I'm a fan of a fictional characters fan page on facebook because I can't get enough of him lol.

Anyway, definitely pick up Thoughtless you won't be disappointed!

Happy Reading!

 

Bitten and Smitten (Immortality Bites #1) Review

Bitten and Smitten by Michelle Rowen was a light humorous paranormal read.

After a blind date bites Sarah Dearly on the neck and is killed by vampire hunters, she discovers she's not only a vampire but also has been left to learn the ropes of the night by herself. Thank goodness for wise "master" vampire Thierry de Bennicoeur, who saves her life, shows her to the nearest vampire hangout and wins her heart in the process. Next comes a mix of misplaced trust, stakings and bad double dates, all with the goal of outwitting the vampire hunters and getting Thierry to see that Sarah's the one for him.


I must admit that I really enjoyed Sarah...she is an extremely sarcastic, quick witted woman who has just had one hell of a bad week!  It all starts off with a very bad blind date where she's bitten on the neck and wakes up to someone burying her alive.

My blind date had just attempted to bury me in a cemetery.  Filled with dead people.  And bugs.

Gross!  She ends up fleeing her date even though he seems to believe they are made for each other and he knew from the moment he saw her that he just had to have her....ummm...can we say pyscho????  Ok so she gets away right?  Well not really because while running from him she finds herself running straight to vampire hunters and they kill her date.  Once they turn towards her she takes off again and finds herself on a bridge with a man (Thierry) attempting to kill himself

"Help yourself.  Can you not see I'm planning to kill myself here?" the man said, looking down at the dark water so far below us.  "Help me first and then kill yourself"

 It all kind of went down hill from there.... Thierry saves her, tries to scrape her off again but finds out her "sire" had been killed so he takes her home and gives her some of his blood.

The next day, Sarah goes into work, has a slight incident with her boss where a small cut and some finger sucking was involved....dirty minds it's not what you think.... and she ends up getting fired.  So after realizing she was indeed NOT dreaming she takes off to the place Thierry told her about if she needed help which happens to be a tanning salon.

She makes a bargin with Thierry that she will leave her old life behind (which she doesn't plan on doing) and he will show her the ropes but it seems that something always happens and Sarah and Thierry end up in some sort of agrument every time she leaves Midnight Eclipse.  So off she goes but instead of going home she goes across the street for a drink which happens to be a vampire hunter hang out and meets Quinn.  They're having a good time drinking together then she lets it slip that she is a vampire and Quinn plans to kill her.  Fortunately she gets away......Unfortunately he finds her again the next day.  She takes off running and just as he catches up with her to finish what he planned he is tackled by vampires.  Quinn tries telling him it's none of their business

The man glared down at him.  "It's definitely my concern when someone messes with the master's new girlfriend."

Of course, Sarah is a tad confused by this.....but word spread around the vampire community pretty quick because apparently it's a huge deal for Thierry to help anyone out let alone give them his blood.  So anyway, thinking Quinn was dead she was quite surprised when she found him turned into a vampire after leaving Midnight Eclipse the same night.  She takes him to Thierry to help him out.  Thierry doesn't want to help him, Quinn doesn't want the help but unfortunately for both of them they both seem to have a soft spot and do what Sarah wants.

This new crazy life goes on for Sarah....... she has a wedding to attend where the preacher tries to kill her, Thierry sends George to look after her, her fangs come in, she finds out drinking alcohol as a chaser to blood will make her drunk, Thierry gives her a shard (a reflective piece where vampires can see themselves whereas they can't in mirrors) and then he kisses her, she finds out Thierry has a wife, Quinn finds her and tells her he can't stop thinking about her and thinks they could have something special together, she goes on a horrible double date with her best friend Amy, she takes Amy to Midnight Eclipse where she falls in love with the little person vampire Barry who wears a tux and bow tie and ends up a vampire and engaged, gets tricked into giving Thierry's location away with the hopes of a cure for vampirism, and finally has to kill a vampire hunter!

Wooo....she was one busy girl!.... After the whole fiasco at Midnight Eclipse, Sarah uses her spidey vamp sense to find Thierry who has taken off to finish what he originally planned to do the night he and Sarah met.  She realizes she is in love with him and wants to do what she can to save him.

"Because, stupid, I'm a little bit crazy about you."  He blinked those dark, dark eyes at me.  "Perhaps you're just a little bit crazy."  "That's a definite possibility.  But here's the thing, Thierry.  I think I love you.  I don't care if you don't feel the same way about me.  It's the truth.  I love you.  And if that means nothing to you, if you're just going to jump off this bridge because you feel that there's nothing in this life to keep you here, then go for it.  Just know I'm going to be right behind you."

Well that got his attention.......they ended up having to take another plunge off the bridge but found themselves having a nice vacation in Mexico three weeks later.

While the story was a light read, quite humorous and I do recommend reading it... I just can't say that it did anything for me.  Maybe it's because I'm too into my romance phase at the moment and this was just too Chick-lit for me right now but I just couldn't really get into it.  I had quite a few LOL moments but if I were to put it down at any point and not have picked it back up I wouldn't have minded. This is the first in the series and I will probably at some point read the other 4 books as breaks in between other books. 
My thoughts are NOT a reflection on the writing because I have to say Ms. Rowen's writing was FUN - NY!!!!! It just didn't have that love story I'm looking for right now. 

Happy Reading!

The Gamble (Colorado Mountain #1) Review

The Gamble by Kristen Ashley.  What can I say....The Gamble was another hit!  Ms. Ashley knows how to write 'em....or at least I think she does ;)  Filled with hot mountain men, murder, attempted suicide, tears, and falling in love this book with knock your socks off!

Nina Sheridan’s on a timeout adventure in the Colorado Mountains. Arriving in a blinding snowstorm at the A-Frame she rented, she comes face to face with the most amazing man she’s ever seen. Beyond angry because she’s flown half a world away to start her timeout adventure, not to mention her sinuses hurt, she heads back down the mountain and ends up in a ditch.
The next morning she wakes up in the amazing man’s bed and she’s sick as a dog.  Holden Maxwell spends days nursing her back to health and then he spends the next two weeks trying to convince her to take her Colorado adventure further, in other words, make it permanent and take a gamble on him.

Nina was an amazing woman.  She was strong, full of spunk, and so full of love you couldn't help but like her.  So Nina had kind of a rough ride down the road of love ....She had boyfriends that cheated, lied, were mean, and beat her so when she met Niles after her brother, Charlie, passed away she latched on so she wouldn't "feel lonely".  Only she did, Niles didn't listen to her....ever.... he was just kind of there.

Niles and I were never going to work and I realized that I'd known that for a long time.  I'd either fallen out of love with him or he'd bored the love out of me.

After thinking about her time out and all that Max (we'll get to him soon) had said about not giving his woman an opportunity to want a time out she decides that it's time to end it and she does this by sending an email explaining to him.....Again....why they won't work.


Nina really struggles with what she's feeling for Max but then again he isn't exactly making that easy on her

"This happens between us, Duchess, I'd take care of you."   "Don't."  "Die doin' it." He vowed.

Okay so moving on to Max....ohhh yummy!  Max was a typical Kristen Ashley dream of a man.  Pure alpha as in he didn't take anything off anyone, knew exactly what he wanted and was NOT going to walk away with out it.

"Keep tellin' you when you're in my arms, I like you where you are."

.....sigh..... Max has a lot going on in his life....he's helping care for Mindy, his best friends little sister who is dealing with some pretty heavy stuff, helping out the Police in the murder investigation by bringing in Bitsy (the new Widow of the murder victim), and most of all just wanting to spend some time with Nina to get to know her.  The biggest thing going on for Max is trying to figure out a way to tell Nina about his dead wife, who passed away 10 years before but before he can tell her she finds out but doesn't say anything.  She wants him to tell her, feels like it's his business to share....but he doesn't.

He said no more and I waited, giving him his opening and he didn't take it.  

In the mean time, they are both quickly falling for each other.  They have a bunch of stuff happen....ex-girlfriends throwing ice daggers when they look at you and starting fights when your at a nice dinner.  A sister making you feel like you're no better then the string of women who've been there before you.  Your Dad, who you do not speak to, showing up to lecture you about who to be with and making it clear your decision was a bad one.  Your mom showing up unexpected and going on around your new boyfriend like you've been with him for years.  A new friend that you've grown to really care about attempting suicide after your brother had committed suicide three years ago......a full plate for Nina and Max. 

So while they're dealing with all of this, which does include still helping out other people, Nina tries to figure out what she really should do about Max.  She wants to be the love of someones life and thought she'd never be that for Max but because of the way he made her feel safe and protected she still made a decision

But being Max's second chance at something good was better than anything else I'd ever experienced.  Nothing else even came close.

So more stuff happens....there is no shortage of drama here......Nina's ex-fiance shows up and he and her father make Max an offer that royally pisses everyone off.   Max is there and let's Niles know what he lost....even though he still doesn't get it.....

"We've gotten to know each other, we both like what we know and, bottom line, you didn't take care of what was yours.  Now, as Nina has explained, you've lost it, I found it and it's mine."

....ummmm....Really hate to admit this because what he said is pretty juvinile but have to admit I got a little tingle

So Max and Nina deal with even more together.  The biggest was dealing with Mindy and the heavy stuff she was dealing with.  It brought tears to my eyes but it was beautiful seeing what Nina would do for someone she barely knew!  Nina asks Max.... why her? and boy does he give it to her.  I can't even repeat any of it cause it still kind of amazes me those thoughtful words....well that many at one time....could come from a Man....okay so it's fictional but still.... don't take away my excitement ;)  Anyway, those words melt Nina's heart and she realizes that she is something special to Max!

That same night they go out and Nina decides to show some compassion to a man, Harry,  who seems like a good guy but was royally just screwed over by a woman.  He doesn't seem to want her compassion and instead tells Nina about Max's dead wife

"This is somethin' he wants, Max'll do good by you but he'll know and the whole town'll know, you ain't that to him, what Anna was, you never will be."

 Big Blow to Nina and her feelings and most especially the feelings she though Max had for her.

How could one minute, hope be so precious in my heart that I'd be something to Max, something special, the best he ever had.  And then the next....nothing.

Nina was so hurt by Harry's words and she felt them to be the truth that when Max found out she knew about Anna the entire week and didn't say anything when he's been "wrackin'" his brain trying to figure out how to tell her about Anna, he pretty much blows!  He goes on to explain all about Anna, how he felt about her and what happened to her, how he felt about the person responsible, and how he felt about the woman he's fallin' for hasn't been thinking about him and what he might possibly be feeling.

"Told you, somethin's good, it's worth fightin' for but not if you're the only one fightin'"

So he takes off....you know to cool off.... but Nina doesn't see it that way.  She only see's what he said to her and that she's been selfish and has only been thinking about herself and what she's been going through the entire week.  But most importantly that he deserves better.  So she gets a cab and heads out of Gnaw Bone.

Unfortunately her troubles follow her and she gets worked over by a Man looking for his revenge.  But Max, who by the way thought they just had a spat that morning and was just wanting to cool off and for her to shake it off, found her, took care of her, and was there to bring her "home".   They get their chance to actually talk...or I should say, Max gets his chance to explain with out being upset and he tells her exactly what she means to him

"It kills me to say this, babe, the guilt burns so bad but, this week, I couldn't help but think about what life would be like with you and the ways it would be better than what I had with Anna"

So they head back to Gnaw Bone together hoping they've faced the worse....of course....they haven't and Nina ends up getting kidnapped in a parking lot.  First she is blindsided by who is responsible for not only her being kidnapped but also for the murder, then when it looks like it's going to be a permanent lights out for Nina she manages to escape and finds herself safe in the arms of Max!!!  FINALLY...... Nina and Max are able to have a beautiful life together.......Yippee!!!!!

 

As with all of Kristen Ashley's books.....I HIGHLY  recommend reading The Gamble.  I personally am not usually a fan of someone who has faced losing the love of their life and living life like they'll never find it again but I have to say this book made me feel the opposite.  Yes, Max was living that way but it was like once he saw Nina he KNEW life was about to begin again for him....Then again, it's the writing and the power of Ms. Ashley's creativity that catches me...hook...line....and sinker every time!  Take a chance and pick up The Gamble....

Happy Reading!

 

Something About You (F.B.I. #1) Review

Something About You by Julie James was a great light read that held my attention and kept me laughing out loud! 

While staying in a hotel due to rennovations at home Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde witnessed some hot-and-heavy lovemaking ending with a death. And of all the FBI agents in Illinois, it had to be Special Agent Jack Pallas heading the investigation.  The pair is going to have to put their rocky past behind them and focus on the case at hand. That is, if they can cut back on the razor-sharp jibes- and smother the flame of their sizzling-hot sexual tension.

I really enjoyed our female lead, Cameron Lynde!  A career driven woman forced to face situations that would have most running for the hills.  She's smart and quick thinking, sassy and full of sarcasm, and let's just say can come up with some great one liners ;).....My kinda Girl!!!!  

So Cameron is staying in a hotel room because she is having her hardwood floors redone but now she is seriously rethinking her desire to turn the weekend into some much needed R&R 

Thirty thousand hotel rooms in the city of Chicago, and Cameron Lynde managed to find one next door to a couple having a sex marathon.

 I could only imagine how bad that would suck....seriously!!  So after hearing the energetic couple start round two at 4 o'clock in the morning she decides she has had enough and calls the front desk to have something done about it.  Unfortunately, there has been a murder in the room next door and since Cameron happened to peek out her peep hole and saw the back of the murderer she is now in the throes of a full on FBI investigation!  Even more unfortunately is Agent Jack Pallas happens to be the Special Agent in charge of it. 

So a little history of Jack and Cameron.... Three years prior Jack and Cameron had been working together to press charges against a big player in the drug trafficking in Chicago where Jack had been working undercover and was tortured for two days and made it out with serious injuries.  So after her boss, Silas, tells her he has decided against filing any charges in the case and informs Cameron she will be letting Jack know of this decision.  As well as tell him nothing of how the decision was made.  He threw her right under the bus....big time.  So she tells him and, understandably, he is PISSED! 

"I think the assistant U.S. attorney has her head up her ass, that's what I think.  They should've assigned the case to somebody with some fucking balls."

Sooooo....Jack's little comment that almost got him fired, got him sent to Nebraska for three years in stead.  But what Jack doesn't know is that the transfer was the best Cameron could do for him as far as saving his job.  Because he doesn't know that he's still a tiny bit....okay a lot still upset with her when he sees her for the first time.

So moving back to the story.  Jack walks into Cameron's hotel room with his partner Sam Wilkins and they start questioning her...well Wilkins questions her because she suddenly feels like only cooperating with him and not with Jack.  Jack steps in a few times and Cameron just can't help but throw some sass at him and his attitude while questioning her

"I heard butt cheeks being slapped and walls that were banged so hard my teeth nearly rattled.  Frankly, I've found this whole evening to be a little odd, Agent Pallas."

She really did crack me up!

Jack is a typical moody alpha male that is still pissed at what happened between him and Cameron three years prior but is trying real hard to put it behind him so he doesn't have to leave Chicago again.  He did regret what had happened three years ago especially since he actually didn't mind working with Cameron so much at the time.  But he also didn't think he'd have to face Cameron a week after being back home so he had a little bit of a difficult time not playing "Bad Cop"

So as a precautionary measure the FBI  requests that the C.P.D. keep an eye out on Cameron.  Well...that doesn't turn out too hot and the bad guy ends up getting into her house and holds her at gun point.  Jack comes to the rescue....you even get that in his P.O.V. ....big sigh..... The FBI, namely Jack, decide they are no longer taking chances with Cameron's safety and Jack moves in with her. The chemistry between the two is hot....sizzling hot...and after an almost kiss a few days before and a major hot little make out session they both start to question their feelings for each other. 

"Shockingly, some people actually find me charming."  "I once found you charming, too." Jack said quietly

So Cameron decides since they've danced around the past enough it's time to tell Jack about what happened three years ago.  Every thing changes from there....boy do they ever ;)  Jack's only response is to lay a hot one on her!

Things had changed for Jack, ever since he'd found out the truth about what had happened three years ago.  Because of that he asked a lot of questions, wanting to learn more about Cameron.

 
They learn more about each other while in Michigan at Amy's wedding.  She tells him about her father and how he was murdered and how that influenced her decision to apply for the position at the U.S. Attorney's office.  He also finds out how she ended up with such a nice large house on the income she makes.  They even talk about their thoughts they had of the other three years ago and even in between

"You're so beautiful, Cameron," he said, running his finger along the side of her face.  "Despite everything that happened, over the last three years there were so many times I would lay in bed at night, thinking about you."

 Awwww....who wouldn't melt at those words?  Once they get back to Chicago, Jack has her pick her code for her new security system

"What's five-two-two-five?"  "It spells 'Jack' on the keypad"

So cute and something I would so do too LOL.  Now, Jack and Cam are starting to really think about their feelings for one another.  He's realizing that with just a smile she's got him wrapped around her finger, and she is asking herself if this is what it feels like to fall in love.  Jack asks Cam about her internet connection because it seems slow and she responds by telling him if restarting doesn't work she just calls Collin

Jack folded his arms across his chest.  "I think we need to talk about this Collin dependency.  Because there's a new sheriff in town." "Hmm.  That's a little alpha for my tastes," Cameron said

Ummmm....what?????.....You can be as alpha as you want with me Jack and I won't talk back....okay I won't talk back much. 

A bunch of stuff happens next....the murderer is in Cameron's house, he gets into a bit of a scuffle with Jack and ends up in a position where he doesn't have much choice but to follow Jack's orders

"Since you've been listening, you know what she means to me.  I would kill anyone who harmed her.  Give me the name and I'll make an exception."

 Of course he tells and because of his response and Cameron's awesome prosecuting record, along with her being one tough cookie she gets a big promotion.

It just occurred to me that as a U.S. attorney, you're now in a position of authority over me."  Cameron raised an eyebrow.  "You're right, Agent Pallas.  There is a new sheriff in town."

 Love it!  So in the end Jack and Cameron get their happily ever after plus some ....Yippee!!!!!....  Cameron decides to kick her new position off with a bang and filed charges in the case Jack had been working three years ago, she asks him to officially move in with her, and her and Jack profess their love for each other!

Something About You was a great story!  I enjoyed the characters, their interaction with each other, and most especially the quick witted sarcasm of all of them!  I would definitely recommend this read especially if you enjoy a hot alpha male that carries a gun because of a position in power and a sassy, smart woman who comes off fearless!  I will definitely put Something About You on my reread list and will check out more of Ms. James books!

Happy Reading!

Talk Me Down (Tumble Creek #1) Review

Talk Me Down by Victoria Dahl is a great light, humorous read with a super hot, some what shy Chief of Police.

Molly Jennings has one naughty little secret: her job as a bestselling erotic fiction author. Until her inspiration runs dry—thanks to a creepy ex—and it's time to skip town and move back to tiny Tumble Creek, Colorado.
One look at former high school hunk chief of police Ben Lawson and Molly is back in business. The town gossip is buzzing at her door and, worse still, a stalker seems to be watching her every move. Thankfully, her very own lawman has taken to coming over, often

Molly Jennings was a great character!  When she got together with her best friend Lori (he he he) they reminded me so much of how my friends and I are....total smart asses, quick wit, and A LOT of sarcasm!

         "Thanks. You're like a little angel baby sent from Heaven to cheer me up."

The cherry she'd popped into her mouth got lodged somewhere too far back, so Ben leaned over and slapped her a few times until she coughed and swallowed.  Molly snorted.  "I feel like I should make a joke about you choking on your cherry, but I can't seem to put it together."

She keeps her career a secret, why I don't completely get, but she has her reasons.  After living in Denver for years and being pretty much chased off by her ex-boyfriend, Cameron, because he made every man she dated "fall for him" by talking about Molly's issues and convincing them she couldn't start a new relationship until she was over Cameron which he seemed to think she wasn't....major creepy guy alert!!!  So she moves back to her hometown of Tumble creek where she inherited her Aunt's house who passed away.  After a few days in town she runs in to Chief of Police, Ben Lawson, who she has had a little...ok big...crush on for a long time

She hadn't seen him in ten years, but Ben Lawson had been kind enough to make an appearance in her imagination almost every day, usually buck naked and looking for a good time, bless his heart.

Ben is like a dream...he's absolutely adorable with all his blushing at Molly...OH and the man has a love of reading!  Unfortunately, because of a sex scandal involving his father and a high school student, Ben is a little stand offish.  He doesn't date any women in town in an attempt to avoid his name involved in a scandal but yet when he sees Molly he can't seem to chase away the thoughts that she should be off limits....especially after he sees her laughing with out regard and having a good time at The Bar with her friend

She laughed.  A lot.  Ben didn't laugh much, and he thought it would be a grace in his life, a blessing, to hear a woman laugh every day, every hour.  To hear her laugh in his bed.

He tries real hard to convince her to tell him what she does for a living because even though he knows she's going to cause some trouble and he shouldn't go there with her...he just can't help himself and the attraction he has for her.  So he finally decides because he wants a real relationship with her that he'll give her a little time.

So Ben comes out of his shell a little one night at The Bar with Molly, Lori, and Helen.  He cracks a few jokes especially about Lori and everyone thinking she isn't into men.  It was actually so funny, even though I don't plan on sharing it I had to highlight it just so I could go back and read it....I think that may have been one of my many late night giggle fits where my husband just glared at me like I'd lost my mind...LOL.  Anyway, all 3 women seemed shocked by this

"What in the world's gotten into Ben Lawson?  Jokes?  Flirting?  Maybe I should sleep with Molly.  I think she's got a magic hooha."

Swear I had tears from laughing so hard when I read that chapter!

Okay, so Molly ends up with a stalker.  Someone is breaking into her house but making it look like she is just being careless or paranoid by leaving doors unlocked or open, leaving her work files exposed, letting her see them outside her house watching her.  Until...she gets a threatening note on her door to "Leave Tumble Creek or Die".  So of course Ben's worried and scared so he sets out to make sure she's safe.

Molly and Ben continue their "not dating" relationship and start to realize their feelings for one another.  Feelings that it seems have been there for a long time

God, he was beginning to love her.  "I don't want anyone but you here, Molly"  "You sure about that?"  "I wanted you even when I shouldn't have"

Of course she was in love with him.  She'd been half in love with the man her whole life.

After Ben gets the pleasure of meeting Cameron because the lunatic traveled the four hours to pick Molly up for a date she had canceled six months prior, he finally gets her to talk....a little.  She tells him about how he stole the men she'd dated from her and how he was only there to ruin her life.  But being Molly there was no shortage of humorous sarcasm

"Little Blue was my last friend, and frankly the last time his batteries ran out I had a fleeting moment of panic that he'd been compromised!"

So after dealing with the blowup of Cameron they come home to find her stalker in her kitchen.  Stalker is arrested but Ben finds out about her secret and is none too happy with her about it...not because of what it is but because it involves him in a scandal and he's pretty gun shy about those.  Unfortunately for Ben he'd just confessed his love for her in between the drama of Cameron and the stalker.

So, things end for Molly and Ben but no worries because even though they thought the stalker was caught they were wrong and the actual stalker had just gotten lucky there was another crazed lunatic out to drive Molly out of Tumble Creek.  Fortunately for Molly, Ben decides to check things out.  He arrests the stalker at the doorstep and runs in to find Molly tied and gagged to the chair in her room.  He feels tremendous guilt for avoiding her and not getting over himself sooner so they could restart their relationship

"But please say you can't live without me, because...because I'm miserable and I need you."

So sweet!  So there you go a happily ever after.  Oh and the epilogue.... totally worth reading the whole book...all I'm gonna say is....sexy cop and a black stetson ;)

Talk Me Down by Victoria Dahl was a very nice light read.  I'll keep it on my reread list because it really was a great little story but the humor and sarcasm is what will have me reading more of Ms. Dahl's work!  If you pick it up, I hope you laugh as much as I did!

Happy Reading!

Shoot to Thrill (Passion for Danger #1) Review

Shoot to Thrill by Nina Bruhns is a decent read especially when feeling the need for a break from Bad Boys or Kristen Ashley's super hot Alpha Males ;)  With Shoot to Thrill you get a dangerous Military man...need I say more?


A sexy black-ops hero Kyle 'Kick' Jackson and a beautiful ER nurse Lorraine 'Rainie' Martin must fight for their lives-and for a love they never thought possible.

Let's talk about Rainie first because I have so much to say about Kick I'm afraid I'll forget to praise our sweet but scared heroine.  Rainie, like I mentioned, is a sweet, caring E.R. Nurse who was hauled to a speed dating get together by her best friend, Gina, where she meets Kick and she knows after immediately setting her sights on him that she wants him

He looked hard.  Jaded.  No-nonsense.  Dangerous.  And intriguing as hell.

So after he comes up to her and asks to buy her a drink after introducing himself as the great "Dr. Nathan Danby" they head out to um....spend some time together...yeah that's it.  Anyway, they don't get to far before he lands a hot one on her!  Because of the situation Kick is in he is paranoid, some things happen and she ends up having to take him back to her apartment....at gun point.  She finds out he really isn't Dr. Danby and then finds out what he really needs and decides to go ahead and help him even though she plans on not being happy about it....LOL....like that really lasts long because he sure got her under him pretty quick if you know what I mean....all I can say is ummmm...Yowza! 

Okay so Kick is like this super hot but injured and scarred Military man who works for a special unit in the CIA to which he signed a contract years ago saying they could call him back whenever they wanted, only he didn't want to go back.  After months on the run, they catch up to him and unfortunately catch up to him at Rainie's apartment and in a very bad situation....not what you're thinking so get your head out of the gutter ;).  Moving on.... so they take both him and Rainie off, help him out with his "problem", blackmail Rainie into staying with him to monitor the problem, and ship him off to Africa for his next mission.  But the plane they're on is hit by terrorists and they're forced to bail.  So now it's just him, Rainie, and a fellow soldier Marc.

What I need to mention real quick is that Rainie has a major and I mean MAJOR fear of cars, buses, planes, you  name it, because of a car jacking going horribly wrong when she was young where she lost both her parents.

"Kick.  In case you hadn't noticed, I'm afraid of pretty much everything."

Okay so the three of them are traveling across the desert.  Marc is severely injured and they are dodging terrorists while trying to make it to a medical camp so Marc can get treated and Rainie can get back to the states which means back to safety.   During all of this, actually for a while now, Kick has been struggling with whether or not he is a good guy or a bad guy

Was there a difference between him and the villagers, or even the bads?  Was he bien mauvais drigaille, too, because of what he did?  Even if it was in a good cause?

Just in case you're wondering "bien mauvais drigaille" means "very bad apple"

Rainie knows that even though Kick is a dangerous man, he is a good man who will protect not only innocent people but her.

Knowing a man could protect her, would not hesitate to kill to protect her, if need be...that was a mighty powerful thing.  Was she a sicko for being relieved to know that about Kick?

Together, Kick and Rainie go through all these dangerous things trying to get to where Kick needs to be in order for him to complete his mission, even though he is seriously not a happy camper that she is coming along because he wanted her on a plane headed back home!  During all this they are silently working out their feelings for each other

The realization that it didn't matter what he'd done in the past, or what he was about to do.  Nothing could make her change the way she felt about him.  She'd love him anyway.

The woman he loved.  He slammed his eyes shut.  Ah, hell.  He couldn't deny it any longer, could he?  He loved Lorraine Martin.

Watching them working it out in their heads was pretty interesting, I have to admit I enjoyed watching Kick fight his emotions every step of the way...Men can be so entertaining sometimes :)

Finally they get to their intended destination and start to prepare for Kick's mission but a couple of things happen and things don't quite go as planned, actually they go pretty badly.  But never fear this is a romance novel after all ;)  and let me tell you things get pretty sweet after that kind of like I'll end up with a cavity sweet but none the less a happily ever after is in this couples future!

"I love you with all my heart, Rainie.  Please say you'll marry me."

While I say that...Yes, Shoot to Thrill was a decent read I have to admit that I don't necessarily see myself reading it again.  It was more suspense than romance and while there was still the romantic love story with a super sweet ending it was just a little too much action for me even though I really did like both characters.  I also found the secondary characters and their little, almost, short stories rather annoying, but the book still held my interest.  If I were to rate it as a whole it would get a solid 3.5 stars from me.

Happy Reading!

Backstage Pass (Sinners on Tour) Review

Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning is a book that will satisfy your Rock Star cravings.  It's hot, sweet, hot, funny, oh did I mention hot?  Warning....this is an erotic/contemporary romance novel with explicit scenes.

It's been months since Brian Sinclair, lead guitarist for the famous rock band, Sinners, composed anything. Unable to write the music that once flowed so naturally, Brian is lost without his musical mojo. But when sexy psychology professor Myrna Evans comes on tour to study groupie mentality, Brian may have found the spark he needs to reignite his musical genius. When lust turns to love, will Brian be able to convince Myrna that what they have is more than just a fling, and that now that he's found his heart's muse, he doesn't want to live without her?

Brian 'Master' Sinclair is like the perfect bad boy!  He's a rock star, one you wouldn't want to take home to Mom and Dad at first because his looks scream bad news.  But once you get to know him you see he is a sweet hopeless romantic (that falls for a girl fast and hard) who may not necessarily care what people think but still gets bothered by being discriminated against because of his looks and career.  I swear he made me smile so much  I wanted to put him in my closet and keep him forever ;)

"They warned you that I was a romantic retard, didn't they?  She turned her head to glance up at him. "Huh?"  "Don't play dumb.  You don't have to walk on eggshells, Myr.  If I'm stupid enough to fall in love with you in twelve hours, I deserve to have my heart broken."

Yes...he admits the way he is....he even does it with in the first 60 pages of the book!  But as with most of our lead alpha males he knows what he wants and is NOT afraid to go for it and go for it fast

"Wanna go to Vegas and get married?"

Now I personally probably would have said yes because well even by page 67...yes 67! it's already painfully obvious that Brian is a sweet, hot, bad boy that would do anything for the love of his life and it's also painfully obvious that what they have, if not already there...crazy I know..., is headed for unconditional and eternal love. But Myrna turns him town 4 different times throughout the book...crazy I know but then again maybe she's one of those women who wants a big fancy day?....Pffft... if it were me I'd still say yes ;)


 Myrna...terrible name but awesome character... is a human sexuality professor and after meeting Brian in the hotel lounge her conference was being held at and after couple of days with him heads back to Kansas City to get back to work.  A month goes by and both Brian and Myrna think about each other and after realizing that he doesn't even want any other women touching him and a little push from Trey, Brian decides to get in touch with her

"Now I just have to get up the nerve to have my heart shredded again."

But she says yes to flying out and meeting up with him for the weekend!  

While with Brian the first time Myrna got extremely curious of the bands groupies...but seriously who isn't curious?  I don't get it...just cause they're famous and may be hot as all get out why in the world would you want to sleep with a complete stranger who probably won't even remember your name 5 minutes into the act much less ask for it?  And who knows where they've been or what they've touched (eww, where's my hand sanitizer) Oh well wouldn't be rock n roll without sex...right?  Anyway, so she's curious and gets an idea to research the groupies to find out what makes them that way and heads out on tour with the Sinners.  She's "having fun" with Brian because she's scared for it to be anything else because of her psychotic ex-husband but they're having so much fun together and she's finding herself getting jealous of what the groupies have to say about Brian...it's kind of funny especially because these women truly believe they are in love with these guys...I mean come on really?

So with out really realizing what's happening Brian starts to get under her skin (she's already embedded in his and not going anywhere).

He had everything he wanted.  He needed.  Right here.  This woman.  He knew she wouldn't appreciate his sentimental thoughts.  She didn't want to hear that he loved her, no matter how clearly he felt.

 He knew exactly what she was to him but she continued to fight it saying it wasn't going anywhere and they were just having fun.  But...if that was the case then she wouldn't have taken care of not only Brian but the other Sinners and roadies as well?  She made them keep at least one bus clean, cooked for them (pretty much whatever they asked for), jokes around with them, and tried to be a friend (even admits she cares about them).  She also stood up to Brian's Dad because he made her so mad.  Now if that isn't really caring for someone, let along loving them, then I don't know what is.

The tour has a break and after spending a few days with Brian in L.A., Myrna heads home to Kansas City so she can get some of her research data completed and while at home she gets an unwelcome visit.  Brian swoops in to her rescue and BAM.....she realizes her actual feelings for him

Perfect.  The man was perfect.  Perfect for her.  And she loved him

About damn time Woman!  Jeez...finally I can say YIPPEE!!!!  After hearing Brian actually say the words he's wanted to say for so long she tells him she loves him and he goes for it again

"You know," he said, "we'll be in Nevada for a show next week.  Wanna go to Vegas and get married?"

And what do you know.......

"I thought you'd never ask."

Backstage Pass was a perfect addition to my rock star....smutty....hot collection.  It's on my re-read list for sure because...WOW that book was H.O.T....hot!  Check it out, you'll be glad you did....but make sure to have a cool shower or your significant other handy while reading it ;)

Happy Reading!

 

Golden Trail (The 'Burg Series #3)

Golden Trail by Kristen Ashley was yet another hit for me!  I swear I can't get enough of these characters.  The Men are to die for hot (in every way) and the women are simply amazing (in every way)!


Tanner Layne and Raquel Merrick fell in love at a young and hard until Rocky left Layne with no answers and no going back.  Now years later Rocky is back in Layne's life working with him in trying to bring down a dirty cop and figure out what exactly is going on in town.  Layne has his hands full trying to figure out what's in Rocky's head, raise his teenage sons, and try and put the mystery of the dirty cop together all while realizing he is still in love with Rocky and will stop at nothing to make sure she doesn't take off this time.

Tanner Layne was one heck of a hot badass alpha male that totally rocked my world.  He's an Ex-Cop turned Private Investigator who roamed the country for twelve years and is  now back in The 'Burg to help raise his teenage sons.  After helping out The 'Burgs PD try and take down a dirty cop Layne was shot three times (a warning that he was getting too close).  Enter Rocky his ex-girlfriend from 18 years ago who left with no answers.  She gets pushed to try and reconnect with Layne over this because it cut her deep and she was still in love with him.  Layne was not happy about this at first and let me tell you he was a total jerk about it.

"We were good, baby, you remember.  So good, I'm surprised it took you a year to make that play."  He jerked his head to the house.  "But I'm not interested.  You want, I can shop around for you.  Bet a lot of boys in this 'burg would jump at a shot at you." 

See?  Total Jerk!  But he didn't know at the time that she had left her husband two months prior because of infidelity and had been planning on leaving for a while because he treated her terribly!

He knew that her wanting to help out on this case with the dirty cop was a bad idea, especially the play she was wanting to make with it.  Therefore, they start a "fake" reconciliation as his cover to finish his job investigating the dirty cop and to rub it in her soon to be ex-husbands face after what he did to her but he finally comes around and realizes he is still in love with Rocky and even though she doesn't know it yet what they have isn't fake anymore!

"And that was when Layne knew it, seeing Rocky standing in his bedroom in her sexy getup and sexier high heels, her hair tucked behind her ear, her arms crossed on her chest, her concern for his son evident in her profile - Layne knew he was in love with her.  Not only that, he'd never stopped loving her.  Not once, not for a second, not for twenty-one years."

Layne had a lot on his plate...
Rocky obviously had something going on in her that he needed and wanted to figure out so they could continue to move forward.
Rocky's Dad and brother weren't helping him in any way other than telling him to proceed, which pissed him off on more than one occasion.
His ex-wife was a total bitch I mean TOTAL BITCH!!
He was trying to work his own cases plus the dirty cop case and a few other things brought to his attention.
His Mom was still hurt over Rocky leaving him 18 years ago and made sure to hurt Rocky at every turn and was not happy that his Sons obviously felt protective of Rocky.  So he had to step in and make his feelings clear

"Yeah, and they're my sons.  I fell in love with her in three weeks, twice.  You do the math."

Rocky was great.  I loved it when Layne went to listen to her "To Kill A Mocking Bird" lecture, it was awesome, even made me want to pick up the book and read it again (which it's been a very long time and since I was in High School I probably didn't pay much attention to it).  I also loved how determined she was about her kids and their safety...she may not be a mother but she took her role as a Teacher who was protective of her students every seriously.  She also connected with them, made learning fun, gave them someone they could trust, but still put off that cool that all students look for in their teachers!  My number one reason for liking her was because she was funny in a sarcastic not meaning to be funny kind of way.

"Don't kiss me either," She hissed.  "I haven't read my contract for awhile but I think it has an express clause that I can't make out with seriously hot private detectives at football games or during any other school activity."

Rocky wasn't quite as strong as most of Ms. Ashley's other heroines but she was not weak.  She just had a lot going on in her head that needed sorting that really should have been sorted twenty four years ago but Layne being the man that he is and the man that is so much in love with her he was determined to figure out what was going on and see her through it.

"We're gonna work this out of you, baby."  She shook her head.  "Swear, Roc, swear, I'm gonna take care of you.  Yeah?"  She didn't answer, just pressed deeper.  Layne's arms got tight.  "Love you, Raquel"

There was a lot of love in this book....The Love Layne had for Rocky was simply beautiful and seeing that love reciprocated was breath taking!

"Thank you, baby" she whispered.  "For what?" he whispered back.  The side of her nose brushed his.  "A beautiful life."

 One quote that I have to share just because I can relate and seeing it made me realize that this may be one reason I shove my nose in a book so often

"Because if I couldn't have it, it felt good to be able to spend time with it in my head"

 Golden Trail was a bit different for me because the P.O.V. was all Layne and usually that would turn me off because I want to read through the female lead's eyes because I relate better and if the book is that good can feel what she's feeling but with this book I was NOT turned off.  Tanner is one heck of a guy and even though we didn't get a P.O.V. from any one else I could still feel what I was reading.  To me this is HUGE and makes me appreciate the phenomenal writing power Ms. Ashley has!  On that note pick up the book it will definitely not disappoint!

Happy Reading!

At Peace (The 'Burg Series # 2)

At Peace by Kristen Ashley was another wonderful hit that made it's way into my heart (pretty much like the rest of Ms. Ashley's work)!

Violet Winters moved out of Chicago to escape the criminal madman that is stalking her after he murdered her husband.  She moved next to security specialist Joe "Cal" Callahan.  Joe can't get enough of Violet even knowing he should have never started it.  He betrays her then realizes his mistake when tragedy hits the Winters household yet again and he must find away to win Violet back in order to keep that "full" feeling.

Violet was in my eyes the definition of one great woman!  She was sweet, loving, and one great Mom to her two teenage daughters (Kate, 17 and Keira, 14).  She had a great life with her husband, Tim, before he was murdered and felt that loss in her bones when she had to face the world as a single Mom.  But as a Mom she knew her priority was her girls.

"I was thinking that I spend an awful lot of time while Kate and Keira were growing up wishing I could do things.  Things like go to a movie whenever I waned.  Things like take a long, hot bubble bath when the spirit moved me.  Things like reading a book without the word "Mom" shouted over and over again"

As a Mom to two young kids I totally hear what she is saying ;)

I absolutely LOVED Vi's brother, Sam, they had such a loving bond.  A love that Sam wanted the world to know

"Most beautiful girls in the world!"  Sam kept shouting.  "That's right!  Drink it in!  Sheer gorgeousness!"

She felt deep for Joe pretty quickly into their meeting but also felt burned by him twice before he finally realized exactly what he had when it came to the Winters girls.  While Joe was trying to "sort his head" about what they were, Violet met another man, Mike Haines (YUM), and had a few dates.  He knew what kind of woman Violet was and just how special she was

"You don't get this, Vi, so I'll tell you.  I'm fallin' for you." I closed my eyes and Mike kissed them in turn and I opened them again.  "I know you don't need that, sweetheart, but then again, you need it all the same"

....sigh.... I will be the first to admit I am anxiously awaiting Mike's story mostly because he made me feel a squishy inside ;)

But Violet knew from the beginning that her and Joe had something special and knew that she meant something to him and that something was special because big badass alpha male Joe Callahan didn't do special for anyone!

"You're mine, Vi." he said and the way he said it, I focused on his face.  "I'm yours." That socked me in the gut too, so hard it winded me and all I could do was stare up at him.  "First fuckin' time you smiled at me in my bed, that's when it happened," he murmured.  "You're under my skin.  I like you there, buddy"

 O.M.G. Even though he played with her heart and wasn't exactly Mr. Nice once he came around Joe Callahan became like "The Perfect Man"

It was part fascinating, part train wreck, and part awesome to watch Joe 'Cal' get over himself and the horrible grief he endured for the past 17 years once Violet walked into his front door in the middle of the night to confront her neighbor about the loud music.   He knew he had something special with Vi from the beginning as well and because of his past and the grief he still had he really struggled with coming to terms with it.

"She was working her way under his skin.  Every day, she got in deeper, even when she wasn't with him.  He'd be working a job, sitting in a meeting and he'd wonder what she was doing, if she was working, what she was wearing, where her kids were, if they were safe."

Joe not only fell for Vi but he fell for her girls too.  He didn't let anyone call him Joe, but he didn't mind (even loved it) when Vi or her girls called him Joe...everyone else...well...they knew not to call him Joe but call him Cal!  He bonded with Kate and Keira in a way that any single mother would hope her boyfriend would bond with her kids.  It was special, he loved those girls and was quick to jump in and help them with anything as if they were his own children!

Joe knew grief and he knew it passionately for a long time.  He finally got his head sorted (because of the Winters girls) and knew they were it for him

"Seventeen years...no, longer.... I've been waitin' for you, waitin' for those girls."

I could probably go on for ever about this book, it was great..no, amazing...no, one of my favorites, but I've probably given too much up about the book as it is so I'll just leave you with one more quote

"Are we lucky?" I asked and his arms tightened.  "Nope" he answered.  "Nope?" I asked, surprised.  "We earned this Vi."

At Peace by Kristen Ashley is by far a definite read for any Romance/Suspense/Drama lover!  It was a great book and is another of Ms. Ashley's that will stay in my re-read list!  I'm anxiously awaiting Make Haine's story but until then... Golden Trail is the next book in the series and I have to say if Tanner Layne is anything like Joe Callahan I guess I'll be falling in love with yet another fictional Character ;) 

Happy Reading!