Review: Burning for Him

Burning for Him by Samantha Cole
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Baby-girl gets her man. 

The story of Doug and Jenn is adorable, with the expected snark from the uncles.

The HEA is hard-won, with Jenn needing time to do more growing up from when we met her at the start of this series. Not only did Doug need to come to terms with her maturity (really, the age gap was not that large), but so did her godfather and other 'uncles'.

The story did not have the adrenaline rush, some of the other books had, but it was not without its own stressful moments.

If you are a fan of the BDSM element of the rest of the series, this book may disappoint. But really, I could not see Jenn playing. Not that Doug wasn't a protective alpha...

In all, a good addition to the series with a check-in on all the other characters we have come to love.

Review: Marked: A Billionaire/Military Second-Chance Romance

Marked: A Billionaire/Military Second-Chance Romance by Lexxi James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Loved the one-liners in this book. This is a second chance, best friend's sister trope, and I loved the characters, the banter, the intrigue and the Oh-So hot moments.

Mark and Jess are both a little wary, and a little broken, but so good together. There are the usual misunderstandings, miscommunication and threads for conflict that don't quite go anywhere, but with so much going on, this is not too distracting. The secondary characters were interesting and added much to the overall story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Review: Igniting Vic

Igniting Vic by Freya Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Vic, a firefighter and Bill, a detective, become closer involved at the start of a serial killer case. Our more mature characters bring their own mountain of issues on top of having careers that are not conducive to relationships in general.

The suspense element did keep me engaged, and the villain turned out to be a surprise, which rarely happens in romantic suspense - so well done, Freya!

I loved the evolution of the relationship between Vic and Bill. The timing and pacing of this felt right, and I loved how it was both "hard work" and effortless how they integrated their lives.

This was a great read.

Review: High Impact

High Impact by Freya Barker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the story of Bo and Lucy in the High Mountain Trackers series. Although book 4, it is possible to read as a standalone as each book deals with a new couple. The earlier books in the series do give a glimpse into the personality of our characters, though.

A trigger warning. The book does deal with SA of a minor as a significant theme (off-page and a re-telling), but the considerable scars remain.

The book combines Bo's patience in getting to know Lucy better with a healthy dose of mystery and suspense. Lucy is an independent woman, refusing to rely on anyone, while Bo is caring and protective. The two have to learn to navigate their differences as the mysterious happenings at The Rescue escalates.

I appreciate that our main characters are more mature, that diversity is celebrated in this book and that we get great secondary characters.

I strongly recommend the whole series. Enjoy!.

Review: Midnight Blaze

Midnight Blaze by Anya Summers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fun and entertaining steamy romance

Love an excellent character-driven book where the tension is not crafted from happenings around the characters. Tessa carefully weighs decisions and next steps while Cooper is more impetuous, without long considerations. This defines their interactions as well as the plot more broadly. While Cooper's playboy ways were the first hurdle to their relationship, his occupation scares Tessa the most. But you cannot live your life in fear and seeing the pair overcome the hurdles in their way gives a satisfying HEA.

The physical attraction was explosive and forced the characters to face some hard facts: Tessa, her insecurities and Cooper his reputation in Tessa's eyes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Review: How To Rope A Naked Cowboy

How To Rope A Naked Cowboy by Anya Summers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The seventh book in the series, but a standalone in terms of the couple with no overarching storyline in the series.

The first chapter of this book was written very well and pulled you in with exceptional vivid imagery and emotion. Unfortunately, the rest of the book did not live up to this start. The first time we ‘meet’ Noelle and Tanner, the scene feels contrived and over the top. That we learn later that Noelle and Tanner have been at least passing acquaintances does not lessen the issue with the problematic scene, in my opinion.

Noelle has to work through a traumatic experience, and Tanner is very accommodating and supportive. Noelle’s trauma does mean that her personality contrasts with her fear, so we have periods of strength and periods where the trauma is overwhelming. It makes for an exciting and emotional read as we journey with Tanner to try and understand the complicated person Noelle is.

Tanner has issues caring for his mother as he sees her as emotionally fragile and not strong. This could have been a good tension point between the characters, but in my opinion, the author missed an opportunity to explore this more fully.

Given the topic and possible emotional connection we could make with the characters, the book falls flat. The heat level of this book is medium to high, and I did root for the MC’s HEA, but I was not as invested as I have been in other books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily reviewing.

Review: Fractured Vows

Fractured Vows by Jessica Ames
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Family commitments, personal sacrifices and the hand of fate

Trapped by an arranged marriage that would make her current life look like a holiday, Sariah takes her first proactive defiant step. She meets Lucas in a club and puts in front of him a choice so difficult wiser men would have shied away. But with the spark, a flame ignites between the two.

But both have family commitments, keeping their true selves separate from the other as this interlude in their lives are bound to lead to nowhere. But we, as the readers, can see the hand of fate intervene.

I loved the suspense, the fact that this is a slightly different take on the forced marriage trope and that our characters have chemistry but also character.

Review: Bailey

Bailey by Jessica Ames
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The reader only gets hints of what could have been a great connection

Bailey is book 7 in the Untamed Sons MC series but can be read as a standalone. (Read my review of Fury, book 6 here) Jessica Ames writes compelling opening chapters, but this book did not have the sucker-punch start of many of her other stories. As a result, and unfortunately, the book remained quite flat.

Bailey (sister of Nox and widowed old lady in Umtamed Sons) is kidnapped as part of a revenge plot against Fury and the Untamed Sons. As their hands are tied, the Untamed Sons enlist the help of the Frasers. Zeke has an interesting dynamic with his father and mother (heads of the Fraser family). When he is instantly attracted to Bailey, he decides to go against the original plan of handing Bailey back to the Untamed Sons.

There were many emotional threads to explore in this story: Bailey's feeling of abandonment by the MC, Bailey's trauma from the kidnapping, Bailey's strong family ties and history with the club and her dead husband. And don't discount Zeke's emotional threads: his brothers' loyalty, his mother's betrayal and his father's cruelty, his own violent darkness. However, I felt the author barely touched upon any of these threads in the story.

Zeke does support Bailey's emotional healing, but I did not believe in their connection and chemistry. I was also looking forward to the relationship dynamic between Zeke and Bailey's daughters and Bailey and Zeke's family. Perhaps my expectations for this book were too high. However, I would still encourage the Untamed Sons series fans to read this book; it is good, just not great.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Get your copy now!

Review: The Whole Shebang: A Short Romance Collection

The Whole Shebang: A Short Romance Collection by Jennie Kew
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Quick, quirky and oh so dirty.

Actually, the heading says it all. 8 great short stories; each with a wildly different premise but an inevitable explosive Outcum ;-)

Reviewing novella-length stories are always difficult. Character development cannot really happen in a short story. This author embraces that fact and uses hints and imagery to ensure short but rounded stories where the reader's imagination fills the inevitable blank spot for a character. I think this is a great testament to the author's ability to weave a story. These stories really are unique in so many ways. Contexts and scenes vary wildly so you are sure to find one( or more) that you like.

Some of the stories are reprints but I enjoyed reading them again. They are as good the second time around! I hope Jennie never stops adding to this collection.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Get your copy now! 

Review: Myles

Myles by Riley Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Action that frames an emotionally deep story

The Blue team series (as well as the Red and Gold team) is part of the Operation Alpha fan fiction world for Susan Stoker's SEAL of Protection, Delta Force Heroes, and Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Worlds. This does mean that there are quite a few names in the book that may be familiar to you if you read this world, or not. However, the book can be read as a standalone romantic suspense.

Myles (book 3 of Blue team) and Delilah's story has both a great action element, but also (as per all of Riley's books) a great character growth element. So, while fast-paced action keeps you turning the pages, you get all the "feelings" in between.

Myles rescuing and then protecting Delilah from her evil boss, them racing to secure proof of her boss' evilness while dodging the bad guys is a good action element that frames the deeper story.

Underneath all the action, we have a somewhat insta-love story. Myles' motto of "never again" has a tragic backstory but plays right into his focus on saving Delilah (and keeping her safe). It is Delilah that shows the most emotional growth in this story. A childhood without love left her a lonely adult struggling with trust issues that her recent ordeal reinforced. However, Myles has a soft guiding hand, teasing out Delilah's inner strength and showing her through word and deed how a different connection to those around her is possible. It is this depth of the story and characters that make Myles another great read from Riley Edwards.

Although a forced proximity trope you also get great side characters like Zane and Kevin. If you have not read the other books in this world, the glimpses of characters may convince you to take the plunge.


Get your copy now!

Review: Wistful in Wyoming

Wistful in Wyoming by J.B. Havens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An emotional story of personal denial

If you read Wannabe in Wyoming book 1 in the Antelope Rock series (See my review here), I am sure you were waiting for the story of Jeremiah and Dale. This is an M/M romance with older characters and the sweetest separate epilogue you have to pick up!

Jeremiah is a lifelong resident of Antelope Rock, a community leader and successful rancher, and scared out of his mind that anyone would find out that he is gay. But loneliness is a strong emotion. He and Dale share definite chemistry, but Dale is not one for subterfuge. There is emotional tension galore in this story. The push and pull between Dale and Jeremiah span some time, and you get a unique insight into the emotional toll prejudice takes on individuals seen as different by society. There are also really funny moments in the story to break some of the tension. Well worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

 Review of Jo Chambliss' Waterproof: Navy Seals Series

In preparation for the release of Soundproof the first week in September, I thought I would do a quick round-up of the reviews for the books in Waterproof: Navy Seals. This should give you plenty of time to catch up on your reading if you have not started the series yet. All books are standalone in an interconnected series with one couple per book, no cliffhangers and guaranteed HEA. It would also seem that the covers have been updated. Personally, I preferred the previous covers, although I understand the appeal of the naked chests for romance books...

Shatterproof

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

He fell for the little girl first.

Chris is on leave when he needs to lay his motorcycle down to avoid hitting a little girl in the middle of the road, in the middle of the night. This is a powerful opening for the story that unfolds. In this book, little Ariel is a definite part of the characters, and I loved her. In addition, the story has strong mystery and suspense elements.

While the relationship between Willa and Chris came easy, the mystery/suspense kept the story moving forward. Although, I have to admit, although this book was well written and I totally enjoyed the story, the last bit of suspense seemed a bit superfluous after the already HEA. But perhaps other readers will find it difficult to leave the world of Chris and Willa, and the added bit would soothe any book hangover.

Flameproof

⭐⭐⭐

A second chance romance

Yes, this is a military romance, but this is less about saving the damsel in distress and more about an emotional reconnection. It does mean that this book has slightly less action and suspense than one would normally associate with the genre. However, there is still just enough to keep those of us that are action addicts going. The focus in this book is on the emotional growth and healing the main characters need to find.

Gunner and Rory make a great couple. But, unfortunately, the back story does take some space in the book - space I would have liked to spend with them in the present, learning to navigate their new relationship. But through the back story, I was emotionally invested in their HEA.

Crashproof

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Emotional

If this book did not have a HEA, I would have totally called the author on the emotional ride she took me on. Survivors guilt, a douche canoe of a boss, danger and a push and pull all form part of this military romance. Knowing you have people who root for you and will be there for you while you make difficult decisions is great, especially if you are a strong female character like Atlas. This is a great read that adds action and a hot alpha male to an already great mix. Loved the depth of both Bowie and Atlas' characters.

 

Blastproof

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 Heroes have self-doubt too.

 Everly is the shy author being forced into the public eye that picks up a stalker in the process. Nix is a team guy, going through a period of doubt after a close call in his last op.  Oh, and falling in lust with the life-size poster of the hot author coming to town for a book signing. Sound too familiar and boring as just another read of an alpha hero saving the day?

Yes and no. Jo made the story feel new. Nix and Ev have instant attraction - even more so when he gets to know the person behind the persona. I totally loved that the relationship between Nix and Ev was easy and deepened quickly. The tension in the book came not from relationship insecurities but the ongoing stalker mystery - and here, the author excelled in giving us a real twister.

The secondary characters were not as involved as in previous books - but even here, we get to see strong men admitting their mistakes which makes the story more real. I did appreciate the action in the book, but the fact that Nix had to deal with feelings of inadequacy in a similar vein as Ev made him very endearing to me. And their sizzling relationship with a good understanding and acceptance of the other is a new relationship goal for me.

Review: How to Rope a Loyal Cowboy

How to Rope a Loyal Cowboy by Anya Summers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The nanny, the little terrors and the grumpy boss.

This is the fourth book in the Silver Springs Ranch series. It is a standalone, although there are cameo appearances by previous characters. I reviewed the third book, How to Rope a Rouch Cowboy here which was the only 4 star read in the series. I reviewed Book 1 and Book 2 as 3-star reads - meaning I did find the stories enjoyable. 

How to Rope  Loyal Cowboy has a high heat level, but mild BDSM (erotic spankings) and subtle Daddy Dom kink remain in the bedroom only.

Morgan and Noah know each other in passing, one of the quirks of living in a small town. Morgan has had a crush on Noah for a while, but Noah is older and widowed with young twins. After the death of Morgan's father, she is left homeless and in urgent need of a new job. The twins being precocious terrors have driven previous nannies away and Noah is desperate for some help.

Noah is not looking for another permanent relationship but acknowledges the pull he feels towards Morgan. Morgan's actions regarding this attraction are where I found the story fell a bit flat. While she is desperate for both a job and a place to stay, she willingly puts this in danger with no thought to possible consequences. She bares her feelings to virtual strangers (the significant others of the other cowboys on the ranch) and follows their direction to seduce Noah. Although I did appreciate that the seduction came from the female MC in this case, the way it happened and how quickly it happened did not ring true to the character and their backstory. This said I did enjoy the growing relationship between our MCs.

I hoped that we would get more insight into Noah's reasons for not wanting a permanent relationship. It was not clear if his reasons were related to the way his wife died or just the fact that he was a widower that struggled with the responsibilities he was left to deal with alone. The story does have some tension, missing funds and very light OW drama. But it is Noah who causes the biggest rift with Morgan when he refuses to acknowledge his own feelings for her. I am honest enough to admit that I wanted Noah to face more consequences for both his accusation of Morgan as well as the dismissal of her feelings (and his in the process). The ending was satisfying and gave me a good teary smile.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout.

Review: Fallen Dom

Fallen by Lexxi James
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thoroughly enjoyable read

The book premise is based on a watcher forced to act when Kathryn wants to explore kink more. Although I loved Jake and Kathryn, I don't think the above central premise as discussed in the blurb was executed well. Jake and Kathryn were great together, loved their banter and the way they worked together. But the heat in the book is only about a medium and BDSM it was not. If BDSM or a reference to domination may put you off, you don't have to worry about it in this book as the suspense element was the dominant theme. Even if I did get lost a bit with who was who from the good guys.

I originally received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and recently bought a copy of the revised version now titled Fallen (Sinful Soldier Romance book 1) with a beautiful new cover.

Get your copy now!

Review: Fury

Fury by Jessica Ames
My rating: 31/2 of 5 stars

The bad boy we all want to save

I usually don't rate in halves as the rating system is actually quite clear, but this time I just can't quite get to really liked it (4stars) but it is worth more than liked it (3stars)

Fury is book 6 in the Untamed Sons MC series. It can be read as a standalone, but why would you want to?

Fury is the broken bad boy that we just cannot help wanting to save. The Sergeant at Arms for the MC, he protects and doles out punishment without a care. The structure and purpose keeps his more bloodthirsty cravings under control. Add in the inability to tolerate human touch and you know there is a tragic backstory.

Amalia is another foster kid tragic story, with a brother that gets her into trouble more than he supports and protects. Her and Fury crossed paths years ago when she witnessed a murder. Now he just low key stalks her. The set-up for their HEA story is perfect.

Jessica Ames has a way of pulling you into her stories. Some of the best first chapters I have ever read came from her (Ravage was one of these) and Fury does not disappoint in this regard. It is therefore disappointing that much of Amalia and Fury's burgeoning emotional intimacy happens off the page. The evolution of their physical intimacy is well described but I missed the emotional element and would have wanted to read of this as well. (Perhaps the child abuse trigger warning may have prevented the author to explore this aspect on page but it is still a let down.) Amalia as a character is also quite flat in relation to Fury and I wish we could explore her inner turmoil regarding their relationship more than her acknowledgement that she is "tapped in the head".

The above personal opinions notwithstanding, I did enjoy the book and can recommend it for those that are not too squeamish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout.

Get your copy here!

Review: Blaze: Devil's Nightmare MC: Book 11

Blaze: Devil's Nightmare MC: Book 11 by Lena Bourne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mysticism and Destiny

Interesting approach with mysticism and emotional connections intertwined with action. I did find the book slow to start and think not reading previous installments in this series may cloud my view of this book. I did not feel the camaraderie I expected from a MC book.

Misty is starting her life after having a death sentence hanging over her due to a heart condition. Blaze fears his end is near due to a family feud finally catching up to him. The book tells the story of how Blaze navigates this with the light he believes Misty brings and all that has been foretold.

Get your copy here!

Review: Bystander: A Dark Bratva Romance

Bystander: A Dark Bratva Romance by Sassa Daniels
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Too run of the mill

Not a book to read if you are looking for fleshed out characters, a good rounded plot (although, this is first in series so may still develop) or some meat to your story. This is a darkish mafia romance - kidnapping with the "stockholm syndrome" kicking in very early. Lots of steamy scenes but I admit that I got a bit bored after a bit. There was some spark missing, although well described physically, I did not connect with the characters' emotion in the scenes. Strong secondary characters that are really interesting, mean that I may pick up the next books in series.

This book does satisfy as a hot relaxing afternoon read but will not stir any strong emotions.

If this review has not put you off - which it shouldn't, it is still a 3 star read get your copy here!

Review: Twice the Malone

Twice the Malone by Laylah Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Queue sweet, funny and highly enjoyable

There is much to like about this book. We have an older female MC, more everyday girl next door, with body and trust issues. A thread of going for what you want and being courageous runs through the story.

This is a MFM between twins Beau and Maddox and Scarlett with some domestic discipline included.

A one night stand and subsequent misunderstanding leaves Scarlett both alone but also leads her into danger. Beau may be delayed in going after Scarlett but he trusts in her innocence and stands up and supports her. It is clear though that a relationship only between Scarlett and Beau will not work and that Maddox is needed for the dynamic to be more powerful.

The interplay between the personalities of Beau and Maddox really enhances the story. It is clear that Scarlett needs both the light and fun of Beau and the guiding, more strict hand of Maddox. I appreciated that the author was able to give us distinctive MCs that worked well together for the happiness of Scarlett.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout.

Get your copy now!

Review: Midsummer Night's Dream

Midsummer Night's Dream by Anya Summers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A little bit different but totally worth it

I loved the use of A Midsummer Night's Dream quotes in front of each Part (Playing on the acts in a play?) of the book. The story of Dean and Sylvie was also structured a bit differently with tragedy striking later in the book, keeping the reader guessing if an HEA was possible. This being said, I did get frustrated that although the love between the two was clear, the stubbornness and refusal to listen to the other had such an impact on their relationship. In this, both were wrong and I am not sure that I believe the redemption of these characters in this case.

As the tragedy struck later in the book, the reader does get treated to great scenes between the 2 early on. (Perhaps another after they got back together would have also pulled the story together better). Do note the disclaimer that this is a BDSM book as I don't think all the scenes will be palatable for everyone. I do love that we got something different in this book that I have not read about often.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Get your copy now!

Review: Avenger

Avenger by B.J. Wane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Opposites attract in this charming story of feisty Poppy who refuses to let life get her down and the more surly Dakota, who lives in the shadow of his quest for revenge. With neither wanting a commitment, the attraction is explosive. Poppy ventures beyond the vanilla and Dakota is there to show her the way. I loved the scenes they did together. Add in some tension and suspense and you will root for the HEA.

The characters are fleshed out with their motivations and attitude to life well explained.

Get your copy now!