Monthly Archives: May 2016

Everywhere and Every Way (Billionaire Builders #1) by Jennifer Probst-Release Day Review and Excerpt

Posted on by
10

EVERYWHERE AND EVERY WAY (Billionaire Builders #1) by Jennifer Probst-Release Day Review and Excerpt

Everywhere and Every Way

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play/ BAM / Indie Bound / Audible /

About the book: Release Date May 31, 2016

Ever the responsible eldest brother, Caleb Pierce started working for his father’s luxury contracting business at a young age, dreaming of one day sitting in the boss’s chair. But his father’s will throws a wrench in his plans by stipulating that Caleb share control of the family business with his two estranged brothers.

Things only get more complicated when demanding high-end home designer Morgan hires Caleb to build her a customized dream house that matches her specifications to a T—or she’ll use her powerful connections to poison the Pierce brothers’ reputation. Not one to ignore a challenge, Caleb vows to get the job done—if only he can stop getting distracted by his new client’s perfect…amenities.

But there’s more to icy Morgan than meets the eye. And Caleb’s not the only one who knows how to use a stud-finder. In fact, Morgan is pretty sure she’s found hers—and he looks quite enticing in a hard hat. As sparks fly between Morgan and Caleb despite his best intentions not to mix business and pleasure, will she finally warm up and help him lay the foundation for everlasting love?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: EVERYWHERE AND EVERY WAY is the first installment in Jennifer Probst’s new contemporary, adult BILLIONAIRE BUILDERS romance series focusing on the Pierce brothers-Caleb, Dalton and Tristan Pierce. This is eldest brother Caleb Pierce, and high-end home designer Morgan Raines story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Caleb and Morgan) EVERYWHERE AND EVERY WAY follows two paths: the building relationship between Caleb and Morgan; and the dysfunctional relationship between the Pierce brothers. Morgan is a high-end home designer to the stars, and her latest project involves the Pierce Brothers construction company, and most importantly the sexy and brooding Caleb Pierce. They have six months to complete a mansion fit for Hollywood’s leading couple but the animosity between the Pierce siblings, and the numerous changes to the interior design find Caleb and Morgan pushing the deadline a little too close. Morgan believes that mixing business with pleasure is doomed to fail as our heroine continues to push all of Caleb’s buttons on more than one occasion.

The relationship between Morgan and Caleb begins as a business arrangement that slowly evolves into something more. Both of our story line leads have experienced broken hearts, loss and shattered dreams that are equally painful and life altering. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive.

The Pierce brother’s relationship is strained: a lack of communication, mistaken beliefs, and a healthy disdain for their father have left a huge hole in the brother’s hearts, and has destroyed any semblance of civility or love between a once loving family. Following their mother’s death five years earlier, each brother went their separate ways but not before hurtful words, and accusations ripped them apart.

The world building focuses on the Pierce Brothers contracting business and each brother’s position within the company. EVERYWHERE AND EVERY WAY follows one year in the life as the Pierce brothers follow the stipulations in their father’s will in order to retain ownership of the family business-one year to make a profit, and one year living together as a family.

EVERYWHERE AND EVERY WAY is a delightful and engaging story line with a strong, confident heroine, and a brooding, alpha hero. The premise is heart warming ; the characters are colorful, energetic and charismatic; the romance is passionate and intense. Jennifer Probst has another winner with the Pierce Brothers and EVERYWHERE AND EVERY WAY.

Copy supplied by the publicist

Reviewed by Sandy

Everywhere and Every Way promo 3

excerpt

He closed the distance between them. Was that his heart beating? Stupid. Of course not. He was a grown man, and he didn’t get those feelings anymore. She tilted her head back, and he saw the slight tremble of her lips as she gazed back at him, refusing to look away. “I like you now.” She cleared her throat. The pulse at the base of her neck and the dilation of her pupils gave her away. She felt it, too. His nostrils flared like a predator’s on the hunt, but he moved slow, bending his head so his mouth was inches from hers, so he could feel the warm rush of her breath against him. So she had plenty of time to pull away and cry foul. Still, she rallied. She spoke his name on a ragged whisper. “What are you doing, Cal?” “I’m sorry.” She shuddered. His hands clasped her shoulders, and he breathed her in. “For misjudging me? Calling me a coward? Or not liking me at first?” He locked his gaze with hers to show her his intention. Paused. “For this.” Cal covered his mouth with hers. The moment her lips yielded under his, Caleb realized Morgan Raines was more dangerous than he’d ever imagined. She tasted like all the things he loved in his past—sugar cookies and bourbon-infused chocolate. Freshly squeezed orange juice and key lime pie. Deliciously sweet and tart and tasty. Everything he craved and couldn’t get enough of, wrapped up in this one gorgeous female. The kiss was slow and deep and oh, so thorough. Cal kept his hands firmly on her shoulders, not trusting himself to be cool. Who would’ve thought Morgan Raines would inspire violent lust instead of lukewarm interest? His body shook with the effort to control his instincts. Instead, he teased her, gathering her taste with his tongue and capturing the sexy little moan that spilled from her throat. It was a kiss that introduced, welcomed, lingered. It was the hottest kiss he’d ever shared with a woman, and he didn’t know what he was going to do about it.

theauthor

Follow: Twitter / Goodreads/ Facebook

Jennifer ProbstJennifer Probst is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of both sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her novel, The Marriage Bargain, was the #6 Bestselling Book on Amazon for 2012. Her first children’s book, Buffy and the Carrot, was co-written with her 12 year old niece, and her short story, “A Life Worth Living” chronicles the life of a shelter dog. She makes her home in New York with her sons, husband, two rescue dogs, and a house that never seems to be clean. She loves hearing from all readers! Stop by her website at http://www.jenniferprobst.com for all her upcoming releases, news and street team information.

 

Share

Accidentally Compromising the Duke by Stacy Reid -a Review

Posted on by
9

Accidentally Compromising the Duke by Stacy Reid -a Review

 

Accidentally Compromising the Duke

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
England, 1817. Miss Adeline Hays is out of options. Determined to escape marriage to a repugnant earl, Adel plans to deliberately allow herself to be caught in a compromising position at a house party with the much kinder man she’d hoped to marry. Instead, Adeline accidentally enters the wrong chamber and tumbles into the bed of the mad duke.

Edmond Rochester, the duke of Wolverton, is seeking a wife to care for his two daughters. A young lady of sensibilities, accomplishment, and most importantly, one who he is not attracted to—a complete opposite of the bewitching beauty who traps him into marriage. But despite the lust he feels for his new duchess, Edmond is resolved to never allow them intimacy, refusing to ever again suffer the tormenting loss of a loved one. 

 

Review:

I wasn’t sure if I’d like Accidentally Compromising the Duke by Stacy Reid,  as it’s not my usual read. But as I got into the story, I settled down and got into the past

Adeline is a strong headed young lady; there is no way she is going to be married off to a pig of a man!! So she devises a plan, if she can ruin her name and reputation, then she gets to spend her life with a man she likes. She isn’t in love, but she can grow to love him in time, can’t she? Adeline admires James, but she is assured that with time, feelings can grow on both sides. 

But a misunderstanding with directions causes her to end up in the wrong bed and with the wrong man!! 

Edmond loved and lost his wife, so his heart isn’t looking for a love match, but he needs a wife for his two daughters, and when opportunity knocks, he takes advantage. He wasn’t too sure at first, but he knows how gossip will ruin a person’s reputation, so he decides to rescue the fair damsel, and get a mother for his daughters.  He thinks it’s a win-win situation.  But Edmond is not looking for love; he wants an arrangement, so he makes it perfectly clear to Adeline, that this is a marriage of convenience and nothing will ever make him lose his heart again. 

Reading Adeline’s decision to take control of her life was a nice touch, there was no way she was marrying the Earl, a vile man, a man with no regard for women. And with the help of her friend, she goes about changing her destiny, but not in the way she thought ☺ Watching her fall in love with her reluctant husband, and her attempts to seduce him (they were a riot), was fun. 

Yes, we all know they will eventually fall in love and live happily ever after, but half the fun is watching Edmond struggle with his emotions and his feelings for Adeline. His denial that nothing will ever happen is like a kiss of death. It was nice to see Adeline realize that happiness can come when your least expecting it. 

Accidentally Compromising the Duke was a nice afternoon read 

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

The Ghost (Highland Guard #12) by Monica McCarty-Review and Giveaway

Posted on by
24

The Ghost (Highland Guard #12) by Monica McCarty-Review and Giveaway

The Ghost Banner

The Ghost
Highland Guard #12
by Monica McCarty
Genre: adult, historical, Highland, romance
Release Date: May 31, 2016

The Ghost

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

Joan Comyn swore allegiance to Robert the Bruce the day she witnessed England’s barbarous king torturing her famous mother, Scot patriot Bella MacDuff. Now the mysterious beauty slips into men’s hearts like a specter and entices England’s most illustrious barons to unwittingly divulge their secrets, then shares them with her king. Known only as the Ghost even among her Highland Guard brethren, Joan has become the most wanted spy in England.

The man determined to uncover her identity poses her biggest threat yet. Alex Seton once stood with Bruce but now fights for the enemy. Though Joan knows she must avoid the handsome warrior or risk discovery, his knightly chivalry touches a place in her long since buried. When his suspicions grow apparent, Joan realizes she must do everything in her power to stop Alex from revealing her mission and convince the powerful fighter to join forces with the Highland Guard once more. But as the ultimate battle in the great war approaches, will Alex chose love or honor?

••••••••••

REVIEW: 5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

I almost don’t want to write this review. If I finish writing this review, it means that it’s over. This is the final book in what I wholeheartedly believe is one of the best historical highland romance series out there. The Ghost by Monica McCarty is the 12th and final book of her Highland Guard series. She tied this entire series up in a package and set everything to right. I am so sad it’s over, but what an incredible journey I have had the past few years with all these characters.

The Ghost is Alex Seton’s (remember good ole Alex .. he left to go back to the English in one of the earlier books) and Joan Comyn’s (remember her mother is the lady that the English punished and who ended up with Viper) story. I always wondered about Alex as he was a complex man. He is a true English Knight, who once stood with The Guard, but opted to return to his homeland and is now considered a traitor by The Guard. Joan, has grown up now, has become a member of The Highland Guard and given the code name “The Ghost”. She specializes in obtaining vital information from the English to pass to the Scots. She will use whatever means to get this information, and that includes seduction. When Alex and Joan meet, their chemistry in instant, and the burn is very hot. Both are equally passionate about their causes, which leaves us readers wondering how Monica is going to write these very different characters a happily ever after.

SHE NAILS IT!

It is very much a cat and mouse game these two play with each other. The only thing is, they are uncertain who is chasing and who is getting caught. They both suspect each other, flirt with betrayal to their countries and to each other. Wounds fester, and some heal. As per usual, the love is brilliantly written, and the scenes are smoking hot. You feel the devastation of despair and the elation of true happiness. Truely, I am not giving you any actual story in this review .. I just refuse to spoil it for you .. like at all! LOL

The story/series finishes with a final battle that we knew was coming. Monica weaves together all the characters from previous books and we get to see where their lives have taken them since we last met. I LOVE THAT. This ending was very bitter sweet. What I have said in many past reviews of this series, Monica writes her stories around actual events and actual characters in history. There is always a little blurb at the end that fascinates me.

Full of action, history, emotions, betrayal, lust, mystery and suspense, every single one of these books has hit it’s mark. No two characters are the same, and all are well matched. Monica McCarty has a talent for knowing which characters should be paired, which should be enemies, which should be playful and/or serious, which is awkward, it’s rather brilliant really. LOL

Thank you Monica for this journey. Thank you for providing me hours of entertainment and nail biting moments. I love your writing style and again I am so sad it’s over. Although, I just realized that I can go back and reread/revisit any of these amazing couples whenever I want .. that makes writing this review a little easier! LOL

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel T.

giveaway

Monica’s publisher and The Reading Cafe are offering a paper copy of THE GHOST to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please follow Monica McCarty on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from May 31-June 5, 2016

Share

Blood Lust (The Sentinels #3) by Alexandra Ivy-a review

Posted on by
8

BLOOD LUST (The Sentinels #3) by Alexandra Ivy-a review

Blood Lust

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 31, 2016

Blessed and cursed by their hidden abilities, the Sentinels have no choice but to live, and love, on the edge of humanity…

The Sentinel assassin, Bas, is facing the greatest challenge of his outcast existence. His young daughter, Molly, has been kidnapped. But her disappearance has brought the return of her mother, Myst, whom Bas has never forgotten–or forgiven.

Haunted by a vision that she’s destined to create a weapon that will destroy thousands, Myst was never impulsive–until she met the irresistibly handsome Bas. But with the Brotherhood, the enemy of the high-bloods hunting for her, Myst had to stay on the run, to keep her child, and the world, safe. Now, with the most important thing in both their lives at stake, she and Bas must embark on a treacherous journey to save Molly, to confront the truth of Myst’s fate–and to face their fierce desire for one another.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: BLOOD LUST is the third installment in Alexandra Ivy’s adult The Sentinels paranormal, romance series focusing on a rare supernatural species known as high bloods –blessed (and cursed) with powers and magical abilities. To protect the high bloods from themselves and discrimination from the outside world and the human organization known as the Brotherhood, the ‘freaks’ and ‘mutations’ are secluded in the domed city of Valhalla organized with a social infrastructure and hierarchy of Sentinels, Assassins and more. This is assassin Bas, and clairvoyant Myst’s second chance story line. BLOOD LUST can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives BLOOD LUST follows the rebuilding of the relationship between Bas and Myst. Approximately five years earlier, Myst found herself on the run from the Brotherhood, a fanatical group of humans bent on destroying the high-bloods of the world. Enter Bas, the man she ran to for protection and the man that would father her child during a one-night stand. Fast forward to present day, Myst is still on the run but hopes to see her daughter one final time before searching for the truth about her fated visions, and the weapon that could destroy the world. What ensues is the search for the Brotherhood, and the rekindling of the relationship between Myst and Bas. Although I am not a clairvoyant, I immediately guessed the source of the weapon 😉 .

We are introduced to Bas’s best friend Kaede, a man who has sworn fealty to the high-blood assassin; Molly, Bas and Myst’s five year old daughter and not without some power of her own; Lana-the high blood Mave who is the high-blood leader; and Wolfe-Mave’s guardian (and Tagos) and the man who has pledged his life and his love for the woman in charge. The requisite evil belongs to Stella-the leader of the Brotherhood, and a woman who claims she can speak to God.

The world building continues to focus on the discrimination against those who are different but also introduces two new ‘powers’ that have remained hidden for a very long time.

BLOOD LUST is an exciting, emotional and entertaining story about friendship and family, truth and lies, forgiveness and love. The premise is imaginative and energetic; the characters are passionate and charismatic; the romance is a second chance for two people brought together by a common evil.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Stacked Up (Worth The Fight 6) by Sidney Halston-a review

Posted on by
8

STACKED UP (Worth the Fight #6) by Sidney Halston-a review

Stacked Up

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

About the book-RELEASE DATE: May 31, 2016

Working two jobs to support her infant daughter is harder than anything Penny Richards has ever done, but it sure beats living under the rules of her stepfather, a television preacher who demands a picture-perfect family. And if Penny hadn’t struck out on her own, she never would have met Travis Calhoun. The intensely physical heavyweight brawler has a way of drawing out her wild side. But Travis lives fast, with no responsibilities—and that just isn’t for Penny.

Most of the women in Travis’s circle wear tight clothes, high heels, and tons of makeup—not pearls or plaid headbands. But once he works past Penny’s inhibitions, Travis discovers a kindred spirit who longs to trust someone with her body, and her secrets. Still, Travis can’t help but wonder if this rich girl is just slumming it before she returns to her privileged life. Now it’s up to Penny to prove that she wants her hard-edged, hard-loving fighter just the way he is.

•••••••

REVIEW: STACKED UP is the sixth and final installment in Sidney Halston’s contemporary, adult WORTH THE FIGHT MMA romance series. This is bar tender /single mother Penny Richards, and MMA fighter Travis ‘Texas’ Calhoun’s story. STACKED UP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Travis is JL’s sister (Fighting Dirty #5).

Told from dual third person perspectives (Penny and Travis) STACKED UP follows the building relationship between Penny and Travis, and Travis’s preparations for a championship fight. Penny is a struggling, single mother and currently in hiding from her wealthy televangelist step father, and the father of her child who have made it clear she is an embarrassment to the family and the family business.

Travis Calhoun is in training for a championship fight. For one year Travis has found himself at the local bar where Penny is employed, but has not been able to cross the invisible line into something more. When Penny finally agrees to one date, pictures of the couple kissing begin to flood the internet, and Penny’s whereabouts are finally found by her past.. What ensues is the struggle to stay one step ahead of her family, and to not lose her heart to a man who wants nothing to do with children or anything long term.

The relationship between Penny and Travis is a slow build-one year of acquaintance and friendship-that evolves into lovers and more. Penny claims to like it a little rough in the bedroom, although her lack of experience would say something else. Herein lies a bit of a problem because the ‘rough’ aspect of the story line is so vanilla that a couple of slaps against the behind is barely a scratch towards the erotic, and yet it is oft mention by the hero that the heroine likes it rough. The $ex scenes are intimate, seductive and hot.

STACKED UP has a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story lines couples as we say goodbye in championship style. We are introduced to Penny’s step father-a television preacher more concerned about appearances than his daughter, and her ex boyfriend Lawrence –both of whom have plans for Penny and her child.

STACKED UP continues to focus on the MMA fighting-their training, their diets, their lives and their loves. Sidney Halston grants the reader a behind the scenes look at the making of a champion. The premise is entertaining and inviting; the characters are passionate and intense; the romance is a slow build towards a happily ever after.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

A Fall From Yesterday by Norah Wilson – a Review

Posted on by
16

A Fall From Yesterday by Norah Wilson – a Review

 

A Fall From YesterdayAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Ocean Siliker has come back to Harkness, New Brunswick in defeat, after failing to set New York on fire with her playwriting. The first item on her agenda? Climbing White Crow Cliff, where her best friend Lacey Douglas died six years ago. If she conquers the mountain, perhaps she can rediscover her courage. But the only thing she finds herself is…lost.

Family obligations have left Titus Standish stuck in Harkness. While his younger siblings went off into the world, he stayed, working the farm and running the local search and rescue. He was there when Lacey fell to her death and blames himself. He dreads the day another mission takes him up there again. But when Ocean’s mother calls, concerned that her daughter is wandering the mountain, he leaps into action.

Ocean is thrilled to be found…until she sees her savior. She’s known Titus Standish all her life, and has loved him almost that long. But at four years his junior, she was just a kid with a crush. When Titus finds her, he’s determined to march her back down the mountain to safety. But Ocean has other plans; she’ll be damned if she’ll give up this trek. Yet all trails seem to lead to one place…straight into Titus’s arms.

 

Review:

Titus Standish is finally ready to do what he has always wanted.  He’s been accepted into the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) program, which has been a life-long dream.  He’s called in his siblings to tell them that not only is he leaving, but that his dad has agreed to sell the farm.  As his brother, Scott, and sister, Ember, both arrive home, there are a couple of people up on Harkness Mountain that are in need.  Titus has been part of the search and rescue team there forever, but there’s no way he can be in two places at one time.  When their dad steps in and says that Titus is to go after Ocean Siliker and Ember will hike in to help a guy stranded at a cabin, neither Titus nor Scott is happy.  But, as their dad point’s out that their sister is no longer a child and that she has her medical degree, they know they’ve lost the battle.  All three head to the mountain with Scott waiting at the base as backup as Ember and Titus head up the mountain.  Little did they know this day would change everything………..

Ocean knows she should not have headed up the mountain without a real plan, but felt like this were her chance to, as the blurb says, rediscover her courage.  Once she’s a ways up the mountain she discovers that not only did she forget her map, but that she is lost.  And, truth be told, maybe a little scared.  Soon she discovers that someone has come to her rescue.  What she doesn’t understand is why it had to be Titus Standish.  When Titus tells her they’re heading back down the mountain, Ocean rebels and makes it know that she WILL climb to White Crow Cliff with or without him.  Of course, Titus gives in and makes the climb with her, even though he knows it’s a bad idea.  He lets everyone know that he has Ocean and she’s safe, but they’re gonna be gone for a little while longer.  As they climb and feelings are given into, Titus can’t help but feel guilty.  He knows he’s leaving, but he can’t fight his attraction to Ocean.  Nor can she fight her attraction to him.  They both seem to be exorcising their own demons as it relates to Lacey’s death, but in the end, it’s inevitable that someone is going to be hurt.  After all, Titus is leaving and Ocean has vowed to help him live out his dream.  He’s been living for his family, not it’s time he lived for himself…………

A Fall from Yesterday is a nicely written story.  Titus Standish is an amazing character.  He’s done a lot for his family, putting his own plans on hold, and has always put everyone else first, until now.  Yet, he still feels guilty.  Ocean was a good one as well.  Even though she came home with her tail tucked, she’s determined to make something of herself.  She’s just not sure what that something is.  The supporting characters are wonderfully written as well, and I cannot wait to read more about them.  I wasn’t a fan of how Ms. Wilson left everything hanging with regards to them, but I know she was just setting up the next book.  A Fall from Yesterday is ultimately a story about making peace with one’s past and preconceived notions about your future to truly forge ahead and do what truly makes you happy.  This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Wilson, but it won’t be the last.  Well done, Norah Wilson!  Very well done!


Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Author

Share

Kiss Me That Way by Laura Trentham – a Review

Posted on by
10

Kiss Me That Way by Laura Trentham – a Review

 

Kiss Me That WayAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
A river divides Cottonbloom in two: the upscale enclave on the Mississippi side and the rundown, rough and tumble side in Louisiana. They’re worlds apart—but nothing can build a bridge like love…

Cade Fournette never had it easy Cottonbloom. He stuck around long enough to raise his orphaned siblings and then hightailed it out West—and never looked back. Even though he’s made a success of himself in Seattle, Cade never lost the toughness and the angry edge that helped him survive down South. His only weak spot: the girl he left behind…

Monroe Kirby came from the wealthy side of town, but that didn’t protect her from her mother’s drinking—or her mother’s boyfriend. It was Cade who did that, on a long-ago hot September night, before he disappeared…along with a piece of her heart. Now Monroe is a physical therapist who can fight for herself, and it’s Cade who could use some conditioning when he makes an unexpected return back home. Will he and Monroe pick up where they left off and finally explore their mutual passion—or will the scars and secrets of the past divide them once more?

 

 

Review:

Kiss Me That Way by Laura Trentham is the first book in her new Cottonbloom series.  This is also the first book I have read by Trentham, and after reading this, it will not be my last.

Monroe Kirby is our heroine and you will love her from the start.  We get a glimpse at the beginning of the past of Monroe when she was 13 years old, as her mother’s drunken boyfriend tries to rape her.  She managed to escape into the woods, and ran into Cade Fournette, an older & tough young boy from the other side of the tracks.  Cade protected her, and managed to watch over her from a distance for many years, until he left Cottonbloom. 

Now in the present time,  Cade has returned home to recover from a serious injury.  Monroe is now a physical  therapist, and is surprised to see Cade after all these years.   She never knew why he left town, and can feel her attraction to him still stands after all these years.  Cade looked at Monroe as a kid; someone he wanted to protect, but never had any romantic feelings. But now she is a beautiful young woman all grown up.

What follows is a slow build romance that will find Monroe helping him recover, and Cade slowly beginning to have feelings for her. Cade has a successful business in Seattle and has every intention of returning there when he recovers.  He doesn’t want to act on his newfound feelings for Monroe because he would hurt her.  Cade has had a hard childhood, and doesn’t believe in permanent relationships.  Will Monroe be able to convince Cade to stay, now that they have begun to act on their feelings? 

This was a fun story, with many characters in this small town of Cottonbloom.  I loved Monroe’s best friend Regan;  Cade’s sister Tally.  I also liked Sawyer, who is Cade’s brother, who I suspect will have his own story with Regan in the future.  Monroe and Cade made a wonderful sexy couple, but I did get annoyed at him with his stubborn refusal to accept how much he was falling in love with Monroe.

Laura Trentham not only created a nice fun sweet romance in a small town, with great secondary characters; but she also touched on subjects such as,  physical abuse and self defense for teens, which Monroe teaches in her spare time.  If you are a fan of pure romances, that are also fun,  I suggest you read this book. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

Devil and the Deep (Deep Six #2) by Julie Ann Walker-Promotion and Giveaway

Posted on by
38

Devil and The Deep (Deep Six #2) by Julie Ann Walker-Promotion and Giveaway

Julie Ann Walker Giveaway

In anticipation of the July 5, 2016 release of DEVIL AND THE DEEP (Deep Six #2) by Julie Ann Walker,  Julie Ann’s publisher is offering a paper copy of HELL OR HIGH WATER and DEVIL AND THE DEEP exclusively to ONE (1) member at The Reading Cafe.

Devil and the Deep

DEVIL AND THE DEEP
Deep Six #2
by Julie Ann Walker
Release Date: July 5, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, military, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N /

The former SEALs of The Deep Six return in a sizzling series from New York Times and
USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker.

A COVERT MISSION
Maddy Powers’s life revolves around cocktail parties, political fundraisers, and charity events – but she can’t forget the daring former SEAL who appropriated her father’s yacht a few months ago … or the scorching kiss they shared before he disappeared into the deep blue sea.

SPARKS A FLAMING DESIRE
Bran Pallidino carries a dark secret behind his lady-killer eyes – one that keeps him from pursuing a serious relationship with Maddy. But when she’s taken hostage during a trip to the Dry Tortugas, the men of Deep Six Salvage drop their treasure hunt for a sunken galleon and embark on a dangerous mission to save Maddy.

WITH EARTH-SHATTERING REPERCUSSIONS
As they fight her merciless kidnappers, they discover this isn’t a simple hostage situation, but something far more sinister. Passion boils between Bran and Maddy, but what good is putting their hearts on the line if they don’t survive the dawn?

________________

Hell or High WaterHELL OR HIGH WATER
Deep Six #1
by Julie Ann Walker
Release Date:
Genre: adult, contemporary, military, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

In a world on the brink…

Six men. One sunken Spanish galleon. Millions in gold and silver coins lying on the ocean floor. And a past that refuses to let the guys of Deep Six Salvage forget the Navy SEAL motto: the only easy day was yesterday…

There’s more than one kind of treasure…

The nation’s security has always been CIA agent Olivia Mortier’s top priority. But a mission-gone-wrong has begun to make her wonder if there’s more to life than risking hers.

And more than one secret at the bottom of the sea…

Only two things could make Leo Anderson abandon his hunt for the legendary lost ship, La Santa Christina, and return to the world of weapons and warfare he swore to leave behind: a capsule of enriched uranium, lost on the ocean floor, and a plea for assistance from the one woman he can’t seem to forget..

about the author

Julie Ann WalkerFOLLOW Julie: Facebook / Goodreads / Website / Twitter

Julie Ann Walker is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of award-winning romantic suspense. She has won the Book Buyers Best Award, been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award. Her latest release was named a Top Ten Romance of 2014 by Booklist. Her books have been described as “alpha, edgy, and downright hot.” Most days you can find her on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission.

Be sure to sign up for Julie’s occasional newsletter at: http://julieannwalker.com

Giveaway Black and Orange

Julie Ann Walker and her Publisher are offering a paper copy of HELL OR HIGH WATER and DEVIL AND THE DEEP to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE Julie Ann Walker on Facebook.

4. Please LIKE Sourcebooks Casablance on Facebook.

5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

6. LIKE The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway is open to USA and CANADA

8. Giveaway runs from May 28 to June 2, 2016

Share