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**** 

Book Review: Three Musketeers: Midnight Heat

Book Title: The Three Musketeers # 3: Midnight Heat
Author: Donna Kauffman

Publisher: Loveswept: Random House
Format: ebook

Cost: $2.99

Pages: 240

How I got it: NetGalley

My Rating:★★★1/2
Erotica Rating: N/A
Synopsis:

They call themselves the Three Musketeers: three lifelong friends, men who will put it all on the line in the name of honor and loyalty. Friendship is the most important thing in Dane Colbourne’s life—apart from his job as a determined investigator who never leaves a case unsolved. After the near-catastrophic midair collision of two planes, Dane focuses his laserlike intensity on the air traffic controller who appears to be responsible. But when she claims innocence with equal ferocity, Dane knows he may finally have met his match. Adria Burke has gone over the details of “the incident” in her head: She is certain there was a third plane in the air at the time of the collision, and that she actually saved hundreds of lives with her commands. But how can she convince Dane of the truth? As they try to ignore the fact that there is an undeniable spark between them, together Adria and Dane uncover evidence that there was something else going on in the sky the night of the incident. But will their passion leave both of them permanently grounded?

My Review:
Good story, this is the first book in the series that I read & I am looking forward to reading the rest. These men seem captivating.  This story in particular had well written characters, it's also apparently picking up where Born to Be Wild left off, which is great if you have read the other story (which I haven't done so yet).

Donna writes in a way that draws you in and allows you to fall in love with her characters.  they are so well written & rounded that you feel like you know them.  In this book she smoothly brings back the other characters without them taking over the book, but enhancing this story at the same time.  I enjoyed how Adria & Dane met, especially because they both had to hold back their natural inclinations: to be a smart ass in Adria's case and rampant curiosity & attraction in Dane's care. Right away you could tell they were going to be a fun couple to read & they didn't disappoint.

Adria's & Dane's love & passion for flying planes & being around planes provided them with great common ground & so did their past, both having had tough times with deep loss.  I loved that they were drawn to each other & decided to explore it.  Despite everything going on around them they still made the decision to be together.

Adria has a few issues she needed to deal with and when it seems like Dane has gone against everything she thought they had, she decided to take matters in her own hands.  That final confrontation between then was both sad and endearing because here were two people trying to decide if they were in it together or if they should stand behind their pride.

Poor Adria, her whole career in the balance, being threatened, a co-worker who allowed her to take the rap for him, considering their job, she actually was being foolish there, but I get helping out your friends. The only thing good out of this situation had to be meeting Dane, and the family he brought along with him.


This is perhaps out of the two I read that is most dated, they talked of beepers, and payphones, while talking about cellphones, but I get it, some places still have payphones (not DC where they are but some still do)

A very good, quick read, I highly recommend this one as well as the rest of the series.

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: Three Musketeers: Surrender the Dark

Book Title: The Three Musketeers # 1: Surrender the Dark
Author: Donna Kauffman

Publisher: Loveswept Harlequin
Format: ebook

Cost: $2.99

Pages: 240

How I got it: NetGalley

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

They call themselves the Three Musketeers: three lifelong friends, men who will put it all on the line in the name of honor and loyalty. Jarrett McCullough values those bonds as seriously as he values his job heading a covert group of operatives skilled in handling sensitive international information. But his current mission has suddenly gone very wrong—and he finds himself wounded and near death in the last place he ever expected to be. Rae Gannon is stunned to find her ex-boss bleeding from a gunshot wound, mere paces from her front door. It has been two years since her move to the remote Blue Ridge Mountains, where she tried to erase the memories and the pain she suffered from having been part of McCullough’s team. Yet as Rae tends to Jarrett’s battered body she realizes that the air between them is still sizzling with a slow-burning need. But this time there are more than just hearts at stake. The mission that almost got Jarrett killed threatens to put Rae back in harm’s way. And if they surrender to their desires, it may cost them their lives.

My Review:
It's a re-issue that has been updated for the times, this is the first time I am reading it however.  I read this book after the third in the series, so I got a glimpse of the characters before reading their story. I really enjoyed reading this book. It's emotional, the characters are well rounded and written in a way that makes them easy to love.  Of the three men who grew up together Jarrett is the one who goes into military intelligence, it's a job that suits him, it gives him something to look forward to and is a way for him to honor his father, his inspiration & hero.

It's a beautifully written story about the healing power of love, of knowing that there is one person in the world to whom you matter and who matter to you.  Rae got out of her job away from those she considered a family two years ago, when all that was important to her was tainted.  Lost, confused & broken, she retreats to the seclusion & safety of the mountains.  Using crafting as a healing therapy  she slowly comes to create her own haven & finds peace.

Then a little pup comes knocking at the door & with it her old world comes crashing back in.  She does what she has to do to protect the wman who trained her with the goal of kicking him out the second he's conscious  but it all changes and slowly they both learn to open up to their emotions and to each other.  It doesn't take long before the walls begin to crumble and in their place stand two lonely and world weary people who are battered by their fight for justice and the battles that has chosen them.

It's a beautifully written story that bring you in, this glimpse of Jarrett & rae was both heartbreaking & endearing, they both desperately wanted to belong to someone but feared sharing their world with anyone, because who else would understand what they need from each other?  I liked that the characters are well written, well rounded & fully vibrant. They clicked well, which made their sparing moments awesome & when they stripped themselves raw you just felt the emotion.

I loved it.   The emotions felt so real and were strongly described, the sense of growth, of love of belonging, just amazing. I especially loved that they were strong separate but choosing each other made them even stronger; which then of course made their intimate moments beautiful.

Because it's a re-issue some of the 'age' shows especially in the comment about women and equality and fighting in the front. Sadly even though this was written many years ago it's still applicable to now. It's an amazingly fast read as well, so make sure to go get it!!!

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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: Lana's Lawman

Book Title: Lana's Lawman
Author: Karen Leabo

Publisher: Random House/ Loveswept Classic Romance
Format: ebook

Cost: $2.99

Pages: 320

How I got it: NetGalley

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

Though it’s been years since Sloan Bennett has seen Lana Gaston, time melts instantly when he comes to her rescue during a Texas thunderstorm. Lana was everything a teenage bad boy couldn’t have . . . but she felt like his for three magical weeks. Then she broke his heart—and Sloan walked away from Destiny, Texas. But now he’s back, wearing a badge, and wondering if fate has decided to give him another chance. A struggling single mom, Lana can’t help looking back at all the wrong choices she made. With Sloan so close again, she’s filled with old regrets and deep new longing. Could the silly souvenir of a policeman’s badge, given to her by a fortune-teller, have more meaning than she ever dared to dream? Once, Lana didn’t have the courage to tell Sloan how much she cared. So she hurt him instead. But as his sensual lips dare to kiss away yesterday’s pain, she’ll risk her heart to let him know that this time, she’s his forever.

My Review:

Ohhh boy, bad boys who become good boys & ride motorcycles, & wear uniforms. Who wouldn't love that?? I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read it in like one day. The beginning of the story was so engaging I started adding the other books even before I started reading the rest of the book, I just knew it would be good!!

I was hooked from the prologue and the book didn't disappoint at all. I loved catching up with Lana & learning her story; a pretty good catch~up on what happens to the high school's most popular student, & it doesn't always have a happy ending.

Much like Lana I thought she was the one who delayed getting married, but nope she was the second of the three in the prophesy.  She was actually pretty good as a character, she was strong but very vulnerable, floundering in knowing who she was after a relationship that was devastating.  Finding herself means giving up all she was known and comfortable with, & going all in with everything she has to make a better life for herself and her son.

In walks her old love, her first love, the bad boy, Sloane who became a cop & man oh man do the sparks fly. I loved that their love wasn't perfect as soon as they met, they had to work at it. Lana was a woman who had a hard first marriage & isn't trying to make the same mistake. She fights hard not to dive in and give up her freedom, or her independence, but wants a relationship, she has to learn how to balance being able to lean on someone and just giving up completely to someone.  She lacked confidence in herself & her decisions & saw anyone's help as a threat to her independence (even when it wasn't)

Sloane was an amazing character, he is more comfortable relating to people as a cop than as a man, because he has never known what it is to have someone love him down to his bones. He's had a pretty tough life until a good man took an interest and gave him something to strive for.   Even though he had done everything he wanted coming home to Destiny & finding Lana there brought him back to those teenager years after she broke up with him.  He had his doubts as well but still he made the decision to go full throttle especially with Lana's son Rob.  Sloane was an amazing role model in that situation  I felt so deeply for him when his incident happened.  I'm glad it brought them together

I enjoyed the story, even though there was a moment after Rob got into trouble that I wanted to slap Lana for her reaction; eventually she got her head on straight but still it took an eight year for her to see it;  out of the mouths of babes is all I can say.  I loved Sloane as a character & Lana was pretty good as well.  the ex husband wasn't fleshed out, but then he was only a background character anyway.  I wanted more about her friends and I can't wait to read Millicent's story especially ( I mean have you seen that cover??) 

Enjoy the read 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: 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: Good Cop, Bad Cop

Book Title: good Cop, Bad Cop
Author: Lily Harlem

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Format: ebook

Cost: $3.99

Pages: 237

How I got it: Kindle Freebie via Author

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

Fame and fortune is a blessing that, for me, has changed its taste from sumptuously sweet to murderously bitter. Leaving me no choice but to look over my shoulder at every turn and question the scruples of even my most faithful friends. I would give up all the glowing adoration from my fans in a heartbeat in exchange for not running for my life. But fate doesn’t deal cards that way, and instead I find myself far out at sea and being bounced between two hot cops—one so chilly just his glance gives me frostbite, and the other showing a kindness that barely covers his own demons. So with nowhere else to turn, quite literally, I have to trust two men I hardly know with my life and cope without the luxuries my status usually affords me. But it’s not long before I discover when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Turns out these cops are not only the wrong guys to mess with, they also have partnership skills above and beyond the requirements of their day job. And for once, while just being me without the frills, I get to discover that they are as sinfully bad as they are dreamily good in every department, and it seems, I am the one they want cuffed and controlled at the same time as they are protecting and serving.

My Review:
An erotic quick read.  This book has some seriously erotic scenes & then some random 'action' scenes. India Moore is a country & western singer who has been receiving a few pieces of hate mail, recently they have increased in number & their threats have gotten worse. As time passes she become increasingly agitated & paranoid, so much so that when she is at dinner with friends she thinks she is being followed and jumps out the bathroom window.  While running from a stalker India climbs on to a random boat & luckily for her it belonged to two cops Jose & Dillon.  Jose is starstruck when his favorite country & western musician India is found on his boat, he is willing to do whatever necessary to keep her safe.  His friend Dillion however isn't fond of celebrities because the ones he had to work with were too high maintenance for his taste; which made him a bit harsh with India when he discovered who she was. Jose & Dillion decide to help her even though Dillion isn't on board at first.

Dillion at the start was a little bit of a jerk because she was a case when he needed some serious down time. Then when he's faced with giving her up he decides that he rather take care of her himself.

It was good, the erotica took over the story (you will hear no complaints from me that's what I'm here for).  The stalker angle was good it helped move the story ahead; giving the heroes a chance to be 'heroes'  I particularly loved the Dominant in the situation & then I'm left wondering if there is going to be another story, based on how it ended. That shower scene?? Yeah all kinds of hotness.

Cons:
Although the stalker angle allowed them to meet, when it kept cropping up during the story it broke the continuity.  I get it, you want to indulge in each other but with your life on the line & you have no idea who the criminal is, why not call for help??  Why not return to land where you can get some back up & take on the case more seriously? Then there is trusting this random stranger to tell them where to go??  How do you know it wasn't a set-up with more than one assailant??

The random guy we tracked them down?? India not listening & putting them all in danger?? It just didn't go with the story.  I think it should have just stayed an erotica, with the action kinda taking place in the background or off stage. Putting it in didn't really spice up the story; especially because the end seemed rushed to just hurry up and get him out of the way.  While I really liked the erotica/love affair, I could have done without the 'action'.

It's a good romp & a quick read. Enjoy!!

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ARC Book Review: Dark Knight

Book Title: Dark Knight
Author: Donna Kauffman

Publisher: Random House
Format: ebook

Cost: $2.99

Pages: 240

How I got it: Netgalley/ Purchased

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

A rogue warrior who challenged her to taste the pleasures of surrender. . . He was her mission, a midnight capture she'd trained for, but Logan Blackstone sensed her presence in the isolated cabin--and pinned agent Scottie Giardi to the bed! Utterly primitive, stark naked, and dangerous in every way that mattered, Logan demanded the truth in a voice as seductive as it was lethal. Recklessly aroused by this dark god, Scottie responded with potent abandon, but once he'd claimed her soul, would he keep it? Fierce and mesmerizing, achingly intense and breathlessly sensual, Donna Kauffman's sizzling story of perfectly matched adversaries is one of her wildest--and one of her best! He tantalized her, overwhelmed her, and taught her the exquisite thrill of losing control, but could a woman who never played it safe find sanctuary in this renegade's heart?

My Review:
"After all, she had drugged, shot at, and chained the man within twenty-four hours of meeting him. Why the hell shouldn’t he believe her capable of worse" Scottie, Dark Knight

Extremely fast read. Well written characters that weren't stilted or stiff, the story line nor the dialogue felt forced. I really loved the characters because they made sense together, they flowed well.  From the get go I loved Scottie, she's driven, resourceful, & knows her own mind (of course that's before she met Logan, then all hell breaks loose).  Here to do the job the by the rules Scottie is in for it with a fly the seat of his pants renegade Logan; who doesn't it take kindly that this strange woman has shot him full of drugs & hogtied him to the bed.

He grumbled something, then wrenched onto his stomach as if some invisible force had shoved him. Her mouth went dry. A coil of white linen between his legs was all that covered him. Somewhere she found enough spit to swallow. But she couldn't dredge up a denial. She wanted that sheet gone. In fact, she curled her hands into fists against the temptation to step into the room, grab the sheet and tug it the rest of the way off of him.The man was simply too glorious to be covered. He deserved to be naked. He had the kind of sprawled grace that would make artists of any medium salivate. Chapter 1.

Man oh man from the first few pages, the two hit it off. Ever mindful she has a mission to accomplish Scottie is here to the job & Logan's not about to make that easy for her. Every turn they find themselves fighting for the upper-hand. In each other the two have found a kindred spirit & even though the book states that there is some adventure involved it's mostly off the pages (so like deep background stuff).  This book is more of a character book with the focus being on Logan & Scottie & the love affair they are engaging in.  

I can't wait to find Lucas story or the other women/men of the Dirty Dozen, they sound intriguing.  Although accelerated due to the dangerous situation the action is a foregone conclusion & takes place mostly off page.  The rest of the book is about them & the buildup of trust between them.

The pop & sizzle between the two gives a pretty big buildup, it leads to a pretty good love scene between them. Not the modern day, porn/graphic erotica detail but still a good basic about them love scene.  I liked that they were 'kindred souls' & found a home in each other.  It was a good novel.  I like Donna's writing & look forward to enjoying some more of her books.

A definite must read, add to your book pile asap. Happy Reading

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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: 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**** 

Book Review: Spells & Stitches

Book Title: Spells & Stitches
Author: Barbara Bretton

Publisher: Berkeley Trade
Format: Paperback

Cost: $ 6.00

Pages: 254 end of story, 319 end of book

How I got it: Library
My Rating:★★★★☆

Erotica Rating: N/A
Synopsis:

Sugar Maple, Vermont, knitting store owner Chloe Hobbs couldn't be happier about her pregnancy. But with the arrival of the town's newest resident, things are about to get a lot more magical. Baby Laria is six pounds, eleven ounces of perfect, and Chloe and Luke are over the moon. But when they learn that Laria takes after her mom in the sorcery department, it becomes clear that their baby might have more power than even a pro like Chloe can handle...

My Review:
Can I say called it?? I knew from jump we started to hear from Meghan. I knew something was up, be that as it may, I will say this book as way better than the second. From Meghan described her 'perfect' boyfriend I knew she was in deep trouble he was way too perfect for my taste. Maybe I'm too close to cops but I spotted the con before she even knew what was up.  Jesus, this book in particular was so much better; than the last two book.  I love Chloe because she is a yarn~addict and she waxes poetic about awesome yarn; she owns her own shop that makes me love her even more.

Much like the first two books, our lead Chloe's head is still placed far up her backside, even though she is only half human, she keeps making dumb decisions, personally I believe she really shouldn't be in control of the town. She constantly does dumb shyt making the worst decisions, especially after people tell her not to;  that puts the town in danger then is surprised when it blows up in her face. I can't understand why each book she constantly keeps coming back to the same lesson and each time she has to re~learn it another way.  I can't believe she keeps doing these things.

Chloe is obsessed with having a real family (read human/normal) & wants to include Luke's family in with hers.  Except as a sorceress in training and a pregnant one to boot her magic is all over the place, including sending te dishes on a dance before dinner. Having humans around would be disaster, but her black friday sale is where her future mother in law comes waltzing in.  Now she has to keep her magic under control, have a great sale, keep Elspeth from turning the humans into pets & not alienate her new mother in law.

I enjoy the baby and her story, I'm sure she (the author)will be continuing the series with the child at some point.  This rendition of the series ended pretty well but I get the feeling that their might be more in the future.  It's a pretty good culmination to the series. I liked her troll friend Elspeth, & the family that she forms.  I even loved her foolish belief in human families, yeah the Cosby's are an idyllic family but not real.

It's good, a light quick read that doesn't take too much time. Enjoy!

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Book Review: Sweet Talk

Book Title: Sweet Talk
Author: Julie Garwood

Publisher: Penguin Publisher
Format:Hardcover

Cost: $26.95

Pages: 357

How I got it: Library

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

Attorney and IRS agent Olivia Mackenzie is the kind of tough, wise-cracking, powerful woman fans expect from a Garwood protagonist—but this time she has outdone herself. Olivia is not just any woman, she is every woman; flawed in the familiar ways so many of us are. On the trail of an elaborate Ponzi scheme, one that threatens to ruin the lives of naïve and unsuspecting victims, Olivia suddenly finds her own life is in danger after she asks questions of the wrong people. She is accustomed to fighting for the underdog, but being vulnerable herself is a very different story. Smart enough to know when enough is enough, Olivia calls for reinforcements.

My Review::

The Pips were at it again. The four girls had vanished from the unit dragging thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment with them and causing quite a commotion. The staff was frantic, desperate to find them before word of their disappearance leaked out. The only person not concerned was the man who held their futures in his hands. He insisted that the restless, mischievous adolescents had not escaped. They were pulling just another silly prank, no doubt orchestrated by Olivia MacKenzie, the ringleader. From the minute he’d looked into those gorgeous, sparkling blue eyes, he’d known she was going to be a troublemaker and a fighter. He couldn’t have been more pleased. Olivia gave the other Pips—Samantha Pearson, Jane Weston, and Collins Davenport—strength and a voice. Until she’d entered the program, the girls had been sullen, lethargic, and even borderline suicidal. And who could blame them? They spent most of their days in forced isolation, locked away from family and friends and the rest of the world. Members of the staff were constantly telling them how fortunate they were to have been chosen for the experimental program. Nurse Charlotte even insisted they were blessed.The girls scoffed at the notion. All of them had a disease that, thus far, no drug had been able to conquer, and none of them felt the least bit fortunate to be human pincushions, subjected to a tremendous and sometimes unbearable amount of agony. The Pips were forbidden to call the wonder drug cocktail that was pumped into their veins poison, but that’s what all of them believed it was. Excruciating pain followed each infusion, and by evening their bodies were covered with blisters from the tops of their heads to the bottoms of their feet. No, none of them felt blessed.

I need the next book in the series, I have enjoyed all these novels by Julie Garwood.  I read a Julie Garwood historical novel years ago and to this day that's one of my all time favorite books. If I'm running out of my home that's on fire?? I'm taking this book with me. I still laugh when I think about many of the characters & I loved the romance that was written.  I can still get lost in that world, so when I saw Julie had written other books for the contemporary romance section I was all over it.  I can't explain how much I love the books I have read so far, the characters are well written and engaging and make you WANT to know what's going on in their lives.

Although there are moments when I wish to slap the female lead; helping others is one thing but if your dead you can't help them stop being stupid & listen to the professionals.  Other than that she's actually very well written.  This is one of those stories that sticks with you.  I didn't even know what it was supposed to be about. Olivia is a member of the Pips, an awesome group of young women who survived a pretty horrible childhood disease and became an awesome adult who is also an advocate for kids.  I absolutely loved the first moment that Olivia & Grayson meet, they were actually awesome from the very beginning, the whole scene in the restaurant had me cracking up.  from the beginning I was hooked and I couldn't wait to finish the book.

I got the book because Julie wrote it & I can't say it disappointed me, it was very very good, it was just as good as Ideal Man. I'm going to be buying a copy for my bookshelf (as soon as I have more room).  Oh her poor friend,  I kinda want the other girls to meet Grayson's friends especially Sam & Alec, hmmmm yes Collins better get a book as well.  Oh man & I feel so bad for her friend who was sick, that's why some people don't belong in your life.  She so badly wanted to hang onto her family, that she ignored all the signs,  yeah I saw that coming, but then again look at where I work (with the public).

I can't wait to read the others. I want to see if the other Pips get their own stories.  It's a must read!!! Happy Reading

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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!!!

Erotica Book Review: The Glass Knot

Book Title: The Glass Knot
Author: Lily Harlem

Publisher: Amazon
Format: ebook

Cost: $3.99

Pages: 270

How I got it: Author

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

What’s a girl to do when the guy she falls for is married to another man? This is exactly what happened to me. Seeing Josh Kendal stroll out of the Mediterranean Sea wearing tight navy swim trunks and looking like a hot new James Bond was a truly delicious moment. Catching sight of his wedding ring was like a kick in the shin and meeting his gorgeous husband, phew, that was enough to make any girl groan at the cruel joke God was playing on her. But all was not as it seemed, and when Josh needed a woman to sort out a ‘delicate predicament’ I was the one for the job – heck, what did I have to lose? Certainly not as much as him, literally. Trouble is, emotions always get tangled, loyalties can’t help but be divided and with a night of memories so hot they'd have the devil sweating, there was only one thing for it—it was time to get honest, fight for what I wanted despite society’s constraints and open my heart to the people it needed most. Reader advisory - The Glass Knot is an erotic romance featuring M/M and M/F love and every combination of two guys and a girl you can think of!(less)

My Review:
I'm not even done & i'm in love with this book. I can tell it's going to be a favorite re-read. Lily has a way of writing that is so engaging, raw & real. When she (the author) said she was looking for reviewers I ddidn't even read the premise it's by her so I needed to get it & that's all I need to know!! Just amazing, the characters were all well written, you could feel like they were people you knew or even seeing this happening in real life. They were characters with depth & flaws & issues, even if they were described as being physically perfect. 

Josh was just yummy, Nick was dominating, dark & mysterious. Laura was a fun & fun loving woman, who clearly knew her mind, had a strong will & I just loved that she was willing to take life by the horns. it's funny once I figured out what the premise was I kept flashing back to Samantha from Sex in the city when her best gay friends asked her to be their experiment & the hilarity that ensued from that. I couldn't wait to see how this turned out. It was better than I thought. Hilarious, wrought with emotions, & extremely well written I fell even more in love with the characters. laura's a very brave soul there are many who wouldn't have embraced the changes life brought her or event he opportunity. 

The love scenes??? Wooohooo, I couldn't put it down, this is going on my favorites list & will be a definite re-read!! 

Happy Reading