Book Review: The Officer Breaks the Rules

Book Title: The Officer Breaks The Rules (Semper Fi 2)
Author: Jeannetter Murray

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Romance
Format: ebooks, paperback

Cost: $6.99

Purchase: Amazon| Barnes & Noble| The Book Depository | Publisher
Pages: 336

How I got it: NetGalley

My Rating:★★★★★
Erotica Rating:N/A




Synopsis:

Captain Jeremy Phillips believes in doing his duty...both as a son and as a friend. This means that he should obey the "friend code" and stay away from his best friend's little sister. Too bad Madison O'Shay doesn't believe in his code and is ready to break all of the rules As a Navy nurse, Madison is finally stationed next to the man she's been dreaming about for years. And she's ready to launch a full-scale attack to show this thoughtful, handsome Marine that they belong together.

My Review:
So apparently there is a book before this one & I'm sooo going to have to get it and the one after this?? Yes I NEED that one I can't wait to dive in. Navy Nurse Mad has been in love with Marine Jeremy ever since her brother brought him home from basic training many years ago.  But how does she show her brother's best friend that loving her doesn't break the rules??

I enjoyed the role reversal of the story. And that Madison didn't have to compromise her career, I loved it!!  This story was funny, quirky, immediately draws you in & keeps you hooked in. I really fell into the story because it was so beautifully written.  I also loved the wit and conversations between the characters. I really enjoyed Jeremy's journey to accepting what he wanted for himself and not what his Dad wanted for him, he struggled with his desire for Mad because he didn't want to ruin his friendship with his best friend but he so wanted her.  Jeremy got real clear when he realized that Madison was willing to move on and the thought of losing her made him get his stuff together real quick.

The growth that takes place between the characters as a couple and for Jeremy as a man was awesome and inspiring to read. I really loved Matthew & can't wait to read his story.

I really loved how well this book captured the love of service that many Navy Nurses feel; I enjoyed reading the military speak especially Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (WTF, incidentally this was used in my favorite show Scandal this season. & this was really perfect because I'm really trying to break my extremely bad habit of cursing up a storm).

I like how the author also confronted the aspect of them getting into trouble with the military for breaking the rules, even though they are in different branches, it's still a big deal.  So the title is very appropriate for all the rules he was breaking, his own personal rules, the military rules, his dad's rules, his belief of societies rules. Yeah this is one of my Favorites and I will be getting a physical copy for my shelf.  I highly recommend this book.

***FTC Rules require I state that I received this as a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**** 

ARC Book Review: Down In New Orleans

Book Title: Down In New Orleans
Author: Heather Graham

Publisher: Open Road
Format: ebook, 

Cost: $7.69

Pages: 325

How I got it: NetGalley

My Rating:★★★★☆
Erotica Rating: ★★★★☆
Synopsis:

When artist Ann Marcel tries to help her husband Jon clear his name of a shocking murder charge, she steps into the shadowy and sensual New Orleans world of erotic clubs and after-hours jazz joints. Racing against time and the detective determined to send Jon to prison, Ann is soon embroiled in a fight for her life.

My Review:
It wasn't until I was searching for the links for this book that I discovered that it is a re-issue with a new cover & I'm sure some updating on the language& things like cellphones.  since i have never read it, I'm intrigued by it.

This is a different take on the typical Graham book, this time the woman isn't a cop, or even close to being a cop, she's an artist.  For a book placed in New Orleans the only Voodoo participant is a secondary character & there aren't any ghosts this time.  Ann is an artist & the ex-wife of an artist hersefl.

Ann's not a native of New Orleans, she's however fallen in love ( I mean who wouldn't it's New Orleans) with the city & made it her home, on what should've been a typical day, her ex shows up, late to their meeting and when she answers the door, he's covered in blood & almost dead, but he insists " I didn't do it, I didn't do it".   The cops seem to want an easy case, he's the most likely suspect but Ann can't accept that, the man she was married to would never do this & it's up to her to prove that to the cops.

Now I'm all for woman power, & doing what needs to be done; but I also know that barreling into a place where Angels fear to thread is a fool's gamble, yes eventually she did something right, but in the process she almost got killed, almost got several other people killed all to prove 1 person innocent. O_o. While I was reading on Goodreads I stated : "Sometimes I dream,  that idiotic characters get killed just so they learn their lesson the hard way. Your not a cop, even if you are right you shouldn't be a bigger idiot insisting on doing it your way."  Why trust complete strangers but not the cop, you may or may not be dating?!?!? 

I liked Ann, she was older, a mother a woman comfortable in her own kin, a little headstrong, & bullheaded but with a heart of gold. She cracked me up when she started taking lessons on dancing, even though she had never been a strip club before. Her inner monologue of how not to stand out had me cracking up.  Mark was a great guy, one who clearly knew himself & what he wanted, although he kept telling himself to leave Ann alone he just couldn't.  Together they just fit & I liked it, I loved knowing they had great loves before & weren't necessarily unhappy people until they met each other.  Mark's granddaughter was cute & provided the necessary levity when needed. 

There were several viable prospects as the villain, from the smooth (almost too smooth) strip club owner, to the cop who might be dirty, to the cousin who was also a little smooth. I mean it jumped from person to person, depending on the layers being revealed, which of course kept me glued to it.

The villain in this novel took the concept of keep your friends close & your enemies closer. I so didn't know who to suspect but still wouldn't have picked them as the one. Just didn't see it at all.  I loved the slow burn of the romance, especially their visit to the bayou. Can I get one of those please?? I didn't know the difference between Cajun & Creole but it explains so much now. 

It's a really good story & a great read.  I loved it. It's of course by one of my favorite authors, so it's well worth reading.  

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***FTC Rules require I state that I received this as a review copy for free from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest & unbiased review**** 

Erotica Book Review: Teamwork (Hot Ice # 4)

Book Title: Teamwork (Hot Ice # 4)
Author: Lily Harlem

Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Format: ebook

Cost: $6.19

Pages: 

How I got it: Author

My Rating:★★★★☆
Erotica Rating: ★★★★☆
Synopsis:

What I know about hockey could fit on the back of a stamp. So my latest patient may be one of the NHL’s hottest defensemen, but I’m not exactly blown away by his stardom. Add in the fact that he’s a surly, growling grump, and I’m more than happy to work my magic on his battered body and then hot-foot to my date with his teammate, Todd “Pretty” Carty. Todd is sex on a stick, a slice of man heaven and I want a bit of the action, preferably of the bedroom variety. But when Raven emerges from his bad mood and throws his energy into blowing my mind with just one kiss, I find my head spinning and my libido raging. What I didn’t bargain on is these hard-training, hard-playing hockey players working as efficiently off the ice as on it when it comes to getting results. But who am I to complain when satisfaction is their ultimate goal?

Excerpt:

I started to move away but suddenly he clamped his thighs around my body, pinning me between his legs. I gasped. “What…?” I was knocked off balance and had to rest my hands on his chest to stop from falling onto him. My heart rate rattled up several notches at the feel of rock-hard pecs beneath my palms. “As you seem so interested in my future, I’d just like to set the record straight,” he said, positioning his shades on top of his head and staring into my eyes. “What do you mean?” “I mean I am interested in women, in a sexual and damn appreciative kind of way.” “Of course, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have suggested otherwise, it was insensitive and…” My words trailed off and I glanced at a patch of vegetation beyond the screen. “And?” “And I was just teasing you, looking for a reaction.” He pressed his lips together and narrowed his eyes. “Teasing me?” “Yeah.” “Why?” “I figured you deserved it after all your sulking.” “I do not sulk.” “Oh, you must know you do.” I squirmed within his hold. He didn’t ease up even a fraction. “No one has ever teased me before.” “They haven’t?” I stilled. “Not even your family?” “No.” “Well, I guess there’s a first for everything.” I smiled, feeling unaccountably pleased that I’d gotten to him in a way no one else had dared.

Harlem, Lily. Teamwork (Kindle Locations 812-821). Ellora’s Cave Publishing Inc..
Harlem, Lily. Teamwork (Kindle Locations 800-811). Ellora’s Cave Publishing Inc.. 

My Review:
I particularly liked this story.  I can't wait to read the other books in the series.  It's a good story about  hockey player(s) falling in love with a their physical therapist.  They are some seriously good looking men & they are seeking love & lots of fun at first.  Fiona isn't a hockey fan so for her they are just hot looking men to really rev her libido, when she's offered the perfect opportunity to come to America, work with Todd & Raven, as well as attend a conference she really wanted to go to but couldn't afford, she was all for it.

Todd otherwise known as Pretty on the team is doing his best to woo her & she's all for it, except, a certain hardheaded hockey player has already occupied her heart, fascinated her and makes her want to shove him in a ice bath at the same time. Especially after their fight on the plane when she goes at him after he growled at her one too many times.

Raven was a hard nut to crack (come on I haven't done a lame joke in a while), I really enjoyed watching him slowly lose his inhibitions and fall deep. But he tries so hard not to let it show & yet his reaction when she came home from her date?? Hilarious!!! I particularly love the chemistry between the three of them.  I really loved reading the beginning of the love affair especially the love scene in the kitchen, when Todd licks his lips?? Yeah I knew then that he was a little in love with Raven.

I can't wait to read that story.  The other romances of the other hockey players sound like they might be a treat as well, I'll be looking into those as well. Keep on the look out I will be sharing reviews about those as well.

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ARC Book Review: Colton Showdown

Book Title: Colton Showdown
Author: Marie Ferrarella

Publisher: Harlequin Romantic Suspense
Format: ebook/ paperback

Cost: $5.25

Pages: 224

How I got it: NetGalley

My Rating:★★★★★
Erotica Rating: N/A
Synopsis:

"You're safe from those monsters now."It's supposed to be the final confrontation. Philly detective Tate Colton will go under cover to bust the sex trafficking ring targeting young Amish women. He doesn't count on his sting operation falling apart—or being forced to escape with the breathtaking key witness he's sworn to protect. Hiding in New York City with a handsome detective? Amish seamstress Hannah Troyer's more than a little out of her element. The big city—and men like Tate—are part of a world that's nothing like what she's used to. As danger inches closer, he's her only route to safety…and a forbidden attraction she dares to indulge in

My Review:
Wow, now I have to find the other sibling's stories.  This is book four of the series, and it's written that way.  Most books you can read without having read the first few books, this one you kinda had to have read them to really understand the back story, the previous couples and their stories, but you can still read it on it's own.  (all of that is to say I have read the books out of order..oops).  I so want to read Caleb's story he seems like an intriguing gentleman. I personally loved Tate, it was told mostly from his POV & yet at the same time it wasn't first person.

I do have to say this is a very sensitive story that the author has chosen to write and she does it beautifully.  Marie handled the story well without being trite or being too overdone.  She does get repetitive when describing the bad guys ( we get it they are scum, no arguments here, no need to have several paragraphs describing why the cop is the good guy & they aren't we got it.)  I do have to say I didn't put the book down until I finished it (about three days, work kept interfering with my reading) because it was that captivating to read the story between Colton & Hannah.

Hannah is an Amish woman kidnapped and sold to the highest bidder, which luckily for her is Detective Tate Colton,  he's there to rescue her & the other young women being snagged from their small town of Paradise Ridge.  Tate works hard to stay focused & on target, his job is to get the ringleader not fall in love, but we know what they say about Gods & plans right??

I loved Hannah, even though she was like a brand new baby in the world she was fascinated and so in love with everything she made it new for Tate who is of course a little jaded after many years on the force in Philly.

The only thing I didn't like (and this is just a personal thing) but the author's obsession with Hannah's virginity, I understand that it's why she was stolen, but Tate's belief that she was 'innocent' and 'pure' kept being brought up. I get that why she was being sold was because of her virginity but it doesn't mean she herself as a woman is an "innocent/pure" human being. I dislike when purity myth is banded about especially now, but hey I guess that's the point of the story right??

Either way it's still a good read, & fast paced as well. Now excuse why I add three new books to the TBR Pile so I can catch up with the rest of the Colton's. ( Wait what do you mean I'm defeating the purpose of the TBR Pile?? You mean I'm not supposed to add books?? Well then I fail don't I??) Happy Reading my loves.

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***FTC Rules require I state that I received this as a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**** 

ARC Book Review: Charming Blue

Book Title: Charming Blue ( Fates #8)
Author: Kristine Grayson

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Format: ebook, paperback

Cost: $6.39, 7.99

Pages: 384

How I got it: NetGalley ARC

My Rating:★★★★☆
Erotica Rating: N/A
Synopsis:

Once upon a time...he was the most handsome of princes. But now he's a lonely legend, hobbled by dark history. With too many dead in his wake, Bluebeard escapes through the evil spell of alcohol. But it's a far different kind of spell that's been ruining his life for centuries. Jodi Walters is a fixer, someone who can put magic back in order. But Blue has a problem she's never encountered. And worse, she finds herself perilously attracted to him.

My Review:
Awesome!!! OMGosh, it took a little while to get to this book, I kept reading snippets in between other books & it was engaging. I finally sat down and dedicated 1 (one) day to reading it & boy I didn't want to put it down. I feel so engaged & enchanted by the story. Fairytale characters licing in Hollywood, I just love poor Prince Charming Bluebeard (did I mention I googled to see if he really is a fairytale character). Omgosh Peter Pan & Tank, I liked her better than Tinkerbell, the back story there I'm sure is going to be pretty good when she writes it. 
 

This story dragged you in & kept you glued  just the layers that kept coming up from Blue had you reading quickly to see how each one added to the story. A Chataline seems like the ideal house witch,  I just loved this,  I don't envy Jodi her job of fixing issues for the "magical" community in Hollywood, having to find a way to get an Ogre a job just seems too daunting for words.  

I do have to say this book is more a magical/fairytale adventure not so much a full on romance.  The story is filled with lots of tinglings & long looks but no real movement on the love itself.  It's good world building though & I would have never guessed, hell the characters never guessed the villian until the end. It's a good book to get lost in.  I'm going to look for the other books to see how she tackled the others as well.  

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ARC: Running Wild: The Men from Battle Ridge

Book Title: Runnng Wild: The Men from Battle Ridge (Book 1)
Author: Linda Howard & Linda Jones

Publisher: Random House Publishing
Format: ebook, paperback

Cost: $7.99

Pages: 402

How I got it: Netgalley 

My Rating:★★★★☆
Erotica Rating: N/A
Synopsis:

In book 1 of this steamy new contemporary Western romance series by two blockbuster authors, a cowboy and a woman on the run take a stand and fight for love. Carlin Reed lives in fear, off the grid, moving from place to place. So Battle Ridge, Wyoming, a small town in the middle of nowhere, seems like a good place to lie low for a while. But after becoming cook and housekeeper to cattle rancher Zeke Decker, Carlin suspects that she’s made her first mistake. Rugged, sexy, and too distracting for his own good, Zeke is pure temptation mixed with something deep and primal that makes Carlin feel almost safe. Soon things are getting way too hot in the kitchen. Zeke doesn’t challenge Carlin’s terms: cash, dead bolts, and no questions. It is easy to see that she’s a woman in trouble. Problem is, he’s so blindsided by his attraction to her he can’t think straight. Zeke tries to stay all business, no complications—but that game plan is sabotaged the second Carlin gets under his skin. And when her terrifying past follows her to the ranch, Carlin faces a heartbreaking choice: run away from the man she loves, or put him in the crosshairs of a madman.

My Review:
I love it!!! It's Linda so of course I loved it. Carlin has a stalker, goes on the run & meets the man of her dreams, but because of her previous life she avoids attachments. This town however won't let her; from her boss at the pie shop who helps her out despite all indications that she maybe shouldn't, to the men in town who got to know her slowly over the weeks she was there. Without meaning to slowly Carlin finds that she has become of one them. When summer turns into winter and the pie shop slows down Carlin decided to move on, & her new boss convinces her to take a job close by so she's hidden but still near friends, after some serious convincing she stays even though she and her new boss don't exactly see eye to eye, all due to him calling her a 'stray'.  

I enjoyed the story.  It's pretty amazing to read a character who was well rounded & who rollwd with the punches, she learned to adapt to the changes in her life and did whatever she had to do to stay alive.  Most people never become awaore of the dangers surronding them or what to do when it comes knokcing but Carlin made herself lean. Trying to keep it all together she didn't realize that a burden shared was a burden halved, but when made to fae the fact that those who lvoed her went' going to just stand aside she learned ot take assitance (somewhat).

The 'hero' of the story is a toss up, you could say it was her love interest in the story or well... her.  I really enjoyed reading a book about an average guy, not a former military, not a cop, not a standard rich Dallas type cowboy, but just the average everyday rancher, who was hardworking and a good man.  The romance & the heat between then was off the charts, & well written, it wasn't forced or fake, but nice.  Boy oh Boy was the villain in the story perfectly crazy or what?? A real looney toons basket case, almost makes you not want to date.  

I'm going to stop now ebfore I give it all away, but suffice it to say it's a really good read. clued tot he reader until your done kind of read.  Loved it & can't wait to read the other stories, I'm hoping her frined from the pie shop is next (here's hoping)

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ARC Book Review: Shadow Woman

Book Title: Shadow Woman
Author: Linda Howard

Publisher: Random House Publishing
Format: Hardcover

Cost: $27.00

Pages: 336

How I got it: Publisher Via Netgalley

My Rating:★★★★★
Erotica Rating:★★★☆☆ 
Synopsis:

Lizette Henry wakes up one morning and makes a terrifying discovery: She doesn’t recognize the face she sees in the mirror. She remembers what she looks like, but her reflection is someone else’s. To add to the shock, two years seem to have disappeared from her life. Someone has gone to great and inexplicable lengths to keep those missing years hidden forever. But the past always finds a way to return. Strange memories soon begin to surface and, along with them, some unusual skills and talents that Lizette hasn’t a clue about acquiring. Sensing that she’s being monitored, Lizette suddenly knows how to search for bugs in her house and tracking devices in her car. What’s more, she can elude surveillance—like a trained agent. Enter a mysterious and seductive stranger named Xavier, who claims he wants to help—but who triggers disturbing images of an unspeakable crime of which Lizette may or may not be the perpetrator. With memories returning, she suddenly becomes a target of anonymous assassins. On the run with nowhere to hide, Lizette has no choice but to rely on Xavier, a strong and magnetic man she doesn’t trust, with a powerful attraction she cannot resist. As murky waters become clear, Lizette confronts a conspiracy that is treacherous and far-reaching and a truth that, once revealed, may silence her and Xavier once and for all.

My Review:
Holy Cow, I took about 12 hours to read because it's just that awesome.   I'm a huge old school Linda Howard fan, I re~read Mackenzie's Mountain whenever I need a good romance, I also re~read any of her spy books from the 90s; I think the only book she has ever written that I don't love is All that Glitters. When I saw she had a new book coming out?? I didn't even have to read the synopsis before I requested it, it's Linda, it's always a good read & I wasn't disappointed.

From the beginning, I was hooked, OMG It was just...Wow!!! Very much classic Linda, old school spy classic Linda. Those who have read her recent books know she's been using nature as a villain for a while, especially the last two to three books & for a few it was a little off putting.This one is all human villains let me tell you, it's so worth the read.

I'm so in love with this book, I'm adding a physical copy to my collection * I have all of her books & I do mean ALL* as soon as possible.This one falls in with the early spy novels a mirrors one of her best sellers "Kiss Me While I Sleep". Which I absolutely loved; spy stuff, lots of hot men, a conspiracy that's just too good. I had to stay up and read it, I couldn't not find out what happened I stayed up trying to read it and fell asleep with the kindle on my face passed out on the couch. When we finally got to the explanation?? OMFG holy crap what a crazy shyt storm, I just WOW!!!  Lizzy was an amazingly three dimensional character who had so much going on & wanted to answer all the questions that were going on in her head... I mean who wakes up & thinks " that's not my face.."  I literally laughed out loud at some her actions, she was very inventive & just really good at staying one head step ahead of everyone good guys & bad!!!  The dreams with her and Mr. X??? just wow, especially...we;; I'll let you read it and see what I mean. As for Felice: you idiot!!! 

Just READ IT!!! Skip everything else on your To be read list and just get to this one already!!!! It's a burn rubber book must read..Now excuse me while I head to my sporting goods store to get some bug spray..... Oh & don't forget to add it to Goodreads

Happy Reading my loves.

Book Review: Skye's Trail

Book Title: Skye's Trail: The Angelini Book 1
Author: Jory Strong

Publisher: Ellorascave
Format: ebook

Cost: $5.78

Pages: 242

How I got it: Purchased/Kindle Freebie

My Rating:★★★★☆
Erotica Rating: ★★★★☆
Synopsis:

For Skye Delano, the hunt and the kill are sometimes inexorably tied together. Her origins shrouded behind an impenetrable wall of mental pain, Skye has survived and evolved into a tracker, a hunter who metes out justice to those who prey on the helpless. Alone but not lonely, she's been content with her life. But now her body is changing and there's an underlying craving that's left her restless. She needs to take a mate - or rather, two mates...
Detective Rico Santana wants and needs Skye - for himself, and to track a couple of kids who have gone missing. In all the centuries that Giovanni Banderali has been alive, he's never desired any woman enough to bind her to him as a companion. That changed the moment he saw Skye. She's a threat to the fledgling vampires he's searching for, but nothing will stop him from claiming her - not even the Angelini blood that flows through her veins. Adversaries, natural enemies - dangerous allies - the bond that links them is stronger than lust, more powerful than love. When an Angelini chooses a mate, no man can resist.

My Review:
I haven't read any of the Angelini series, of course being an EC addict I have seen the books numerous times and thought "nah, I'm not into the vampires stuff".  Then I got this one, man, if my foot could get back there and do it proper I would kick myself.  I got it as a freebie because I love Jory's other books and have her on Goodreads as a friend. For her followers she was giving a freebie and I gladly accepted it.  I have been an avid read of Jory's books (many of which I repeat read when I have nothing new to read) she was & is one of my favorite writers. Actually she's one of my fave writers period.

Even though I'm doing the RCCleanup. I couldn't help but jump a the chance for a freebie from Jory.  So freebie, beloved author & no previous knowledge of the story...sounds like a recipe for potential disaster doesn't it?? Well....it wasn't, yeah I know I know I wax poetic about so many books but it's all true...this book had it all smoking hot men, a kick ass woman...batshyt crazy people & a pretty good plot line.  The characters were well written, they weren't flat or boring.  It took me two days to read this only because I read it while at work (shhh don't tell). LOL I snuck & read it as often as I could.  I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I so have to make room on the pile for the rest of the series because the other characters were interesting to say the least...

IJust kept imagining Giovanni as Erik Northman from True Blood, Yeah he just sounded that hot.  Definite burn rubber to get it.
Happy & delicious reading my loves!!!

ARC Book Review: Mistletoe Cowboy

Book Title: Mistletoe Cowboy: Spikes & Spurs 5
Author: Carolyn Brown

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Format: ebook

Cost: $6.39

Pages: 352

How I got it: NetGalley 

My Rating:★★★★☆
Erotica Rating: ★★★
Synopsis:

'Tis the season for... A matchmaking grandma on a long-disantance mission Mistletoe temptation in every doorway A sexy cowboy with a killer smile When Gran Presely agrees to sell Creed Riley the Rockin' C Ranch for a song at Christmastime, he can hardly believe his good fortune. There's just one little catch-her tantalizing granddaughter Sage is part of the deal...

My Review:

Oh how I love cowboy novels, from I was a little girl watching old Western movies starring John Wayne &  Clint Eastwood with my dad, I just wanted to meet and love a real live Cowboy. I even love the team just cause of their name, (come on don't judge me; they are my team & I love them even if they haven't exactly been playing their best in the last two three years... you know what don't get me started on them 'Boys). 

This story was both scary and sweet, because if this happened in real life we could possibly be hearing about it on the news, wondering what happened?!!? he could have been anybody, an axe murderer or worse a rapist & she was stuck there with him for the foreseeable future, with no phones, no help in sight, yeah it wasn't her smartest move; it could have gone all kinds of wrong, but this is a romance novel and scary scenarios aren't in the books (hahhaha see what i did there, come on I gotta get one in).

Now for the romantic part:how cool is it that the mistletoe always came in on him??? I love that it's a Christmas romance so it's fast & sweet & how does the mundane sound awesome when you throw Christmas in there. They slowly built their life together even before they realized that they were building a life.  The story flowed well, the characters were fleshed out & well written, the scenes flowed without being awkward.  I love the simplicity of the story, just them and a few of their neighbors every now and then, but mostly just them getting to know each other & slowly making a family. A real down home story, which sounds so much like something a grandparent would share.  

I will definitely be reading more from this author (it's my first book by her) and this series sounds like it's going to be packed full of hot cowboys, matchmaking family & well written and courageous women.  I'm looking at a spot on my shelf to slot these in. 

Happy Yule/ Christmas reading!!

Book Review: Secret Christmas Ciphers

Book Title: The Secret Christmas Ciphers
Author: Carolynn Carey

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Format: ebook, paperback

Cost: $2.99, $6.79

Pages: 134

How I got it: Free Kindle via Pixel of Ink

My Rating:★★★★☆
Erotica Rating: N/A
Synopsis:

A Regency Christmas novella. Abigail can’t explain, even to herself, why she married Derek after he’d asked her to wait for him and then became engaged to someone else. If his poor fiancée had not died, he would now be wed to her instead of Abigail. But then Abigail begins uncovering some of the secrets that are a part of her husband’s life and wonders if perhaps there is hope for their marriage after all. Derek, Lord Westdale, wasn’t sure why Abigail married him; she obviously despised him. On the other hand, he knew exactly why he was marrying her: she was the only woman he would ever love, despite his having offered marriage to another. Unfortunately, he can’t seem to convince Abigail that he never really betrayed her after all. Can their decoding of a secret Christmas cipher bring an end to their misunderstandings and help them create their own special Christmas tradition?

My Review:
A quick read this regency romance follows a couple who met & fall in love as children & then life intervenes and they drift apart.

 OMGosh, this reminds me so much of Matthew & Mary *from Downton Abbey, not the being in love since children part but the rest* they were so in love but let other things come in between them.   Abigail loved her friend's older brother, and they learnt together all about each other as they grew up, he asked her to wait for him when he went to school and she did. Everyone expected them to marry, then came the news from London, Derek was engaged to another woman. Abigail has been dealt a blow she hasn't found a way to recover from, then Derek returns home and she finds herself standing at the altar marrying him even though she has no idea why.   She's decided to make him pay for everything; but the Derek she knew & the one she is married to are two different men.  this new Derek is more secretive than before she then discovers that her husband is working for the government and decodes ciphers as part of the war effort. With this she decided to help him & slowly they begin to bond.


 I enjoyed reading this & feeling like I was there.Well written, engaging a very good Christmas read. It was both good & sweet, It gave me a bit of a break from high suspense novels I'm a huge fan of & made me love the characters even more.  I really loved the epilogue, with the future Lord & his wife. Very endearing. I hope there are more from this author, she's new to me but I like her writing.

Hope you enjoy!!

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ARC Book review: Jane Eyre Laid Bare

Book Title: Jane Eyre Laid Bare (Goodreads)
Author: Eve Sinclair

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Format: ebook, paperback

Cost: $9.99; 14.99

Pages: 225  

How I got it:  Netgalley

y Rating:★★★☆☆
Erotica Rating: ★★★☆☆ 
Synopsis:

Everyone is familiar with Charlotte Brontë's passionate, but restrained novel in which the plain, yet spirited governess Jane Eyre falls for the arrogant Mr. Rochester. It’s a novel that simmers with sexual tension but never quite reaches the boiling point. Which is to be expected. After all, the original was written in 1847. That was then. This is now. And in JANE EYRE LAID BARE, author Eve Sinclair writes between the lines to chart the smoldering sexual chemistry between the long-suffering governess and her brooding employer. When an eager and curious Jane Eyre arrives at Thornfield Hall her sexual desires are awakened. Who is the enigmatic Rochester and why is she attracted to him? What are the strange, yet captivating noises coming from the attic, and why does the very air she breathes feel heavy with passion? Only one thing is certain. Jane Eyre may have arrived at Thornfield an unfulfilled and tentative woman, but she will leave a very different person…

My Review:

I will preface this by saying I obsessively watch BBC and PBS especially when they are doing the classics, Jane Eyre, Emma & anything Shakespeare being my all time favorites to watch. That being said when I say they were doing a retelling that would have all the eroticism expressed I was ALL for it. Then I read the book and....

Where do I begin??? Well let's just say the premise sounds better than the book actually was. There was a clash of bringing in modern language to go with the original version of the book. Maybe I had too many expectations considering the original is awesomeness wrapped in greatness, but this came no way near that. It kinda felt off somewhat considering so many things. 

I didn't understand why she would feel ashamed when she hasn't been exposed to someone saying she should??? Yet, I don't know, I was mostly confused when reading, I won't lie some of the erotic scenes were pretty good, but otherwise it was just a clash of the classic Jane and this created 'new' version of her. If you haven't read the classic Jane Eyre novel this won't change your view on Jane because they are two different characters, so once I made that decision to just see it as a different Jane then it wasn't so bad actually, however considering it's supposed to be a retelling of the classic it kind of makes it hard to see it as a different story. 

It's not the greatest story but it's still an okay read.  Have you read it??What do you think?? Let me know in the comments section please.  

ARC Book Review: My Kind of Christmas

Book Title: My Kind of Christmas
Author: Robyn Carr

Publisher: Harlequin Mira
Format: paperback, ebook

Cost: $7.99, $4.00

Pages: 314

How I got it: NetGalley

My Rating:★★★★☆
Erotica Rating: N/A
Synopsis:

The Riordan brothers may have a reputation for being rough-and tumble, but Patrick has always been the gentle, sweet-natured one. These days, his easygoing manner is being tested by his high-octane career as a navy pilot. But for the Riordan brothers, when the going gets tough…the tough find the love of a good woman. Except the woman who has caught Patrick’s attention is Jack Sheridan’s very attractive niece. Angie LeCroix comes to Virgin River to spend Christmas relaxing, away from her well-intentioned but hovering mother. Yet instead of freedom, she gets Jack Sheridan. If her uncle had his way, she’d never go out again. And certainly not with rugged, handsome Patrick Riordan. But Angie has her own idea of the kind of Christmas she wants—and the kind of man! Patrick and Angie thought they wanted to be left alone this Christmas—until they meet each other. Then they want to be left alone together. But the Sheridan and Riordan families have different plans for Patrick and Angie—and for Christmas, Virgin River–style!

My Review:
This is a sweet Christmas romance, it's short & sweet. It's written as a part of a series, yet you can read it as a stand alone.  It references a few couples from previous books (which have been added to the 2013 to be read pile of course).

In this novel we meet with Angie & Paddy who are both recovering from traumatic events in their lives, Angie almost died & it's forcing her to re-evaluate her wants & needs.  Many of her goals & plans are ones her parents pushed her into & she wants to see if they are the right ones for her or has she been living for them this whole time.  Her mother pushes really hard for her to get back to 'normal' as fast as possible not even seeing that maybe this is a new normal.  I liked that Angie was willing to fight for her own needs & took the chance to go & re-evaluate and not just jump back in because it would help others feel more comfortable.  Although this rebellion led to some serious fireworks between her & her mother.

Patrick (Paddy) is trying to decide if being up in the air is still his love & dream.  After watching his best friend being shot down he is understandably having a hard time.  He takes sometime to rethink his life plan & also reconcile his new life goals with what he is going to do to protect & provide for his best friend's widow & son.  Ohhh Paddy is so sweet, to even have that as an idea is sweet (misguided) but sweet non the less.

When they meet they hit it off immediately because Angie has decided she won't let life slide by her anymore.  Her family in town especially her Uncle Jake who still thinks of her as a little kid has a cow

Jake cringed " Ah, dammit he's playing around with her hair!!

Luke laughed a little harder "I've played with hair...you've played with hair..."

"She's too young!! I don't want that to happen" he said glumly.

"Out of my hand. He's a Riordan, That fact that he's always been a real docile & sweet Riordan makes no difference at all. That Riordan..if he's got his eye on a target__hey nothing any of us can do"  Luke says

Can i say how much I laughed at this scene?? I could so see this happening. I laughed really well reading this book. This would make a great Christmas movie especially with the little miracle that gets thrown in, which helps Angie back onto her path. This wasn't cheesy or forced, it was a good read & the extended families?? had me cracking up. Especially when Paddy asks his brothers if they felt like dirty old men for marrying younger women.  I swear the author knows my mother, the bossiness must be a mother trait.

I had fun reading this book it was a really good straight up romance, no weird action thrown in, or weird crazy happenings, just a good romance and a reason for each of them to go back to their lives healed & happy. I loved it & the ending of course just cinched it more for me.  I can't wait to read the other 19 books especially Jake's & Luke's stories because they are interesting & fun characters.

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ARC Book Review: Merry Ex-Mas Tour

Book Title: Merry Ex-Mas
Author: Sheila Roberts

Publisher: Harlequin Mira
Format: ebook, paperback

Cost: $9.59, $10.85

Pages: 320

How I got it: advanced copy from Netgalley

My Rating:★★★★☆
Erotica Rating: N/A
Synopsis:

Cass Wilkes, owner of the Gingerbread Haus bakery, was looking forward to her daughter Danielle’s wedding—until Dani announced that she wants her father, Cass’s ex, to walk her down the aisle. Seriously? Even worse, it appears that he, his trophy wife and their yappy little dog will be staying with Cass…. Her friend Charlene Albach arrives at their weekly chick-flick night in shock. She’s just seen the ghost of Christmas past: her ex-husband, Richard, who left a year ago when he ran off with the hostess from her restaurant, Zelda’s. Now the hostess is history and he wants to kiss and make up. Hide the mistletoe! And bring out the hot buttered rum, because the holidays aren’t easy for Ella O’Brien, either. Ella, newly divorced, is still sharing the house with her ex while they wait for the place to sell. The love is gone. Isn’t it? But watch as Christmas brings all kinds of surprises…. Merry Ex-mas, ladies!

My Review:
Just what we all need right?? The Holidays and your worst mistakes come walking back in?? Sounds like hell if you ask me, & I guess if you ask these ladies as well.  This season of misadventure also has a few happy endings, lots of awesome gingerbreads, hot man candy (even if he is a cheater), a ditzy step mom with a heart of gold. I wanted some eggnog and some of these cookies so badly while reading this book. I loved everything about it, there were some strong women all struggling to look & feel amazing while the exes are back in the picture adding to the stress of holiday time.

Then there is a wedding, no rooms at the inn, exes must stay over at the first wife's house, a crazy dog that ruins everything, a community of friends struggling to hold each other up while their own exes come back into town, a overbearing mother who always silently disapproves and the snow & winter. Holy crap I feel exhausted just thinking about it. Sheila's writing is amazing, the characters well thought out and well written, the emotions that each scenario brought up just made you feel for each character. 

I did have a bone (hahaha see what i did there?? yeah I'll stop) to pick with Tiny's owner Ella, who was living with her ex Jake, how couldn't she see what was going on?? Girl should have been a gymnast she jumped through so many hoops for her mama Mims. Grrr that woman, now I wish I knew the words to that Christmas song Jake made for Mims. It must have been awesome to garner so many views.  Wait, here check it out yourself:

Ha!! I'm sure there are many people who would love to share this with their in laws!! I died with laughter when I heard this, after reading the book. Mims deserved it, but now I kinda want to know her story, & why she is the way she is.

Merry Ex-mas is one of those books with lots of laughter, a few tears, lots of gasps, even a few 'wait what??' moments. That darn dog, man it's always the dog.  I even wrote down those recipe hints, after Yule cookies aren't going to bake themselves you know It's a good holiday favourite & of course will be one of mine for a while. Mrs. Roberts spins an awesome yarn or should it be makes a ,,,hmmm I don't know but she writes beautifully & I wouldn't mind seeing this one as Christmas movie.  Make sure to get your copy. You can purchase on Amazon. & Add it to your list of books to read, Check out here on Goodreads

Definitely burn rubber to get it especially for Yule & the Christmas Spirit Holiday reading challenge.  Also make sure to swing on by the other stops in the tour and share some love please!! Happy Reading my loves

Merry Ex-Mas Virtual Book Publicity Tour Schedule

Wednesday, November 7

Guest post at I Am a Reader Not a Writer

Thursday, November 8

Book Review at Inside BJ’s Head

Book Review & Guest  Blogging at Always With a Book

Friday, November 9

Guest Blogging & Book Giveaway at Book Review Club

Monday, November 12

Book Review at My Life in Stories

Tuesday, November 13

Book Review & Guest Blogging at Jersey Girl Book Reviews

Book Review at By the Broomstick

Wednesday, November 14

Character Dear Santa Letter at Literarily Speaking

Book Review by By the  Book

Thursday, November 15

Book Review at The Book Hoard

Friday, November 16

Book Review at Miki’s Hope

Monday, November 19

Book Review at Thoughts in Progress

Guest Blogging at Melissa’s Mochas, Mysteries and More

Wednesday, November 21

Book Review at Bless Their Hearts Mom

Thursday, November 22

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Friday, November 23

Book Review at Hanging Off the Wire

Monday, November 26

Book Review at My Devotional Thoughts

Wednesday, November 28

Book Review at From the TBR Pile

Friday, November 30

Book Review at Books Thoughts and a Few Adventures

Book Review at The Christmas Spirit

Book Review at Sharon’s Garden of Book Reviews