Trapped Under Ice (Rocking Romance #1) by M.J. Schiller-a review

TRAPPED UNDER ICE (Rocking Romance #1) by M.J.Schiller-a review

Trapped Under Ice

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 2013

Rock star Chad Evans’s tortured past hides just beneath the surface. Even fans screaming out his name in ecstasy can’t drown out the screams of his childhood. He can usually keep it under control, but not always. Tonight the alcohol doesn’t seem to soothe.

Part of the crowd, Beth Donovan smiles, really enjoying herself for a change. But her smile isn’t usually this bright. It is the kind of smile that masks sorrow. Three years just isn’t long enough to get over losing Paul. When a vicious attack behind stage brings this unlikely pair together, something changes inside of them both. But can a jet-setting superstar and a Midwestern lunch lady ever manage a real relationship? And even if they can, will the person sending Chad death threats take it all away? Or is it their fate to remain forever trapped under ice

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: TRAPPED UNDER ICE is the first storyline in M.J.Shiller’s new contemporary romance series-Rocking Romance focusing on the lives and loves of the members of the platinum selling group Trapped Under Ice. Although the title references the name of the band, it can also be the philosophical and psychological look at both the hero and heroine’s life-Beth is a widowed mother of a seventeen year old daughter and, has a difficult time letting go of the past; Chad, our rock and roll god, has demons buried so deep, that only the burn of alcohol and his explosive anger, keep the memories at bay. When the two meet, their connection is instant.

Chad has issues with anger. With a family history of abuse, Chad knows he will never be like his father, but his own rage has him sitting on the precipice of personal and professional destruction. Meeting Beth is the best thing that has ever happened to Chad, but the rock and roll life begins to catch up: violent outbursts; fighting with the band; and a stalker threatening to end it all. Believing he is not worthy of Beth’s love, he will push her away at a time when he is most vulnerable.

Beth is our heroine: a devoted mother, hard working lunch lady, part time romance author and Chad Evan’s girlfriend and lover. But Beth will witness Chad’s lifestyle up close and personal and, in time, she will have to decide whether it is worth losing her heart to the man she loves or lose the man to something more evil.

The storyline is slow to build, We follow Chad and Beth as they get to know one another-meeting at the next stop on the tour; booking rooms in out of the way places; and finally an intimate get away for two. But in this build up, we see a different side to the rock and roll hero-we see a more vulnerable Chad-one whose heart weighs heavy with secrets, years of abuse and a family history of violence and death.

I will add, this story is not all hearts and flowers, neither is it all doom and gloom. But the proverbial elephant in the room is not addressed until a fair way into the story. It is then that the most explosive action and revelations take place. There is a build up of a secondary storyline and in the end, the band will lose one of their own; Beth will lose a close friend; and Trapped Under Ice-the band- will become a little more cynical of the world and themselves.

Trapped Under Ice is an interesting look at the lives and loves of the famous and infamous. The façade and glory of making it big covers a multitude of indiscretions and heartbreaking sorrow, from which many will never recover. But for Chad Evans it will take the love and determination of one woman, to set him on the path of self-actualization and free him from the demons knocking at the door. And have no doubt there is definitely a happily ever after, which is always welcome in my little corner of the world.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Chica Bella (Honor Guard) by Carly Fall-a review

CHICA BELLA (Honor Guard) by Carly Fall-a review

Chica Bella

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble/ KOBO

ABOUT THE BOOK: Released April 3, 2013

Landon “Blackhawk” Walker is ready to get out of the Navy SEALs. He has seen and done enough, and can’t wait to get to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico where three tasks await him: get back into civilian mode, take a boat out to the El Arco Rocks, and win back the heart of the woman he lost because of his career.

Maya Gonzalez has tired of the heartbreak that comes with Landon’s deployments year after year. When he walks back into her life, she cannot deny her heart, despite her reservations.

As they lose themselves in each other and the beauty of Cabo, their passion is rekindled once again, but Maya knows that one phone call means deployment for Landon, putting an end to their reunion, and possibly their relationship.

*****************

REVIEW: CHICA BELLA is a short story in the Honor Guard Series of novellas. This particular storyline is a contemporary romance novella about Navy SEAL Landon Walker and the decision he must make as to whether to return for a sixth tour of duty or remain behind and claim the woman who has stolen his heart.

Landon has given his commander two weeks-two weeks to find a replacement. Landon is tired of the blood; the death and the heartbreaking sorrow of war. Returning State side, Landon goes to the one place he hopes he will be welcomed with open arms. And if the woman he loves is willing to forgive him for breaking her heart, Landon will be willing to start a new life and a new career in the small Mexican resort town that has welcomed him home.

Chica Bella is a storyline that focuses on one man’s decision to put the horrors of war behind and face the possibility that it may be too late for his heart. Carly Fall pulls the reader into the storyline with our hero’s heartbreaking angst that the woman he loves may have moved on without him. But in true contemporary romance style, there will be a HEA but not before our heroine believes that she has come second-once again. Chica Bella is a well-written sometimes heart breaking AND heartwarming short story perfect for a lazy afternoon.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Midnight Exposure/Midnight Sacrifice by Melinda Leigh-a review

Midnight Exposure/Midnight Sacrifice by Melinda Leigh-2 part review

Mdinight ExposureMidnight Exposure (Midnight #1) by Melinda Leigh-released August 2012

Amazon.ca / Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

Midnight Exposure, written by Melinda Leigh, takes us on a thrilling adventure in love and death by way of Huntsville, Maine. Jayne Sullivan is a struggling photographer from Philadelphia who has the potential to wipe her family’s debt by taking a picture for a tabloid magazine of the elusive sculptor, Reed Kimball. Their meeting sets off a series of terrifying events, of combined efforts that prove essential to their survival, and most rewardingly, of a new stage in their lives; a new life they were too afraid to consider.

A casual friend turned violent stalker is now on parole in Philadelphia (Jayne’s brother keeps her aware of his whereabouts). With so much distance behind her, you’d think Jayne would feel safe…save for that all too familiar feeling of being watched again. Just one picture. One picture of R.S. Morgan and Jayne would pay for her younger brother’s hospital bills. Unbeknownst to Jayne, she happens to be staying in a tiny town that’s currently investigating the disappearances of 2 teenage boys. Ms. Leigh leads us about town and introduces us to a supporting cast of characters whose quirks quickly put your mind to work: Who is overly friendly? Who seems shady?

Former police officer, Reed Kimball fled Atlanta 5 years ago following the mysterious death of his wife. He wasn’t found guilty, but rumors suggested foul play and the investigation went unresolved for so long, Reed moved away with his son to escape the media’s attention. This isn’t necessary to divulge in a new town, right?

People would stick together here. Natives were shy of tourists and newcomers, but once you were in, you were golden. If only Reed could be sure the town wouldn’t turn on him like the city of Atlanta. The backing of the community would help him make a stand. He shouldn’t have hidden his identity all these years. The townspeople were sure to resent being lied to.

I have to say Ms. Leigh developed the story in an order I didn’t quite love. Conventions allow for a romance to blossom before the heroine is embroiled in a major drama (Jayne is kidnapped by a deranged man obsessed with Druid celebrations where she is the featured attraction), but the trouble befalls Jayne earlier than I expected. Would Reed feel compelled to help a veritable stranger? Sure, there was a mutual attraction, but he doesn’t owe her anything; their brief interaction consisted of a coffee/hot chocolate date. But Reed’s instincts are honed and he is such a swoon-worthy hero, he’s ready to lend his strengths when action demands his involvement. [Hey, Reed, I could realllly use your assistance in Southern California!]

The love story was complicated. Having survived an attack and subsequent trial back home, Jayne doesn’t trust easily. Reed is so focused on raising his son in a healthy environment, he loses sight of the need for his own personal life. The attraction between Jayne and Reed is undeniable, but they outdo each other in a maddening dance of “arm’s length” limits (yeah, tell that to their honest inner voices – that’s where all the good stuff is heard!). Their courtship bordered on YA angst after a while. Denying a caress; refusing a simple touch — these undemanding, yet genuine signs of support had to be averted or they would send the wrong message. Ugh! But as in all worthy love stories, Happily Ever Afters are earned. We are rewarded with a healthy dose of steam, but most importantly, the dismantling of emotional walls with honest discourse. I love it when that happens!

Jayne is no wilting flower and proves herself a worthy adversary to the maniac pursuing her relentlessly (there is a second kidnap attempt on her life and even Reed has to dodge a bullet or two!). A confrontation at the end culminates the story’s excitement and uncovers a small town’s secrets, the perpetrator’s identity and an accomplice who gets away…keeping the threat to the couple’s safety and happiness in hiatus. I cannot wait to dive into the sequel, my friends! Jayne’s brothers come into town to take her home to Philadelphia, but Reed’s hold of her heart doesn’t relent so easily. We are introduced to Jayne’s youngest brother, Danny, rather late into Midnight Sacrifice (his hospital bills were the original purpose behind Jayne’s visit to Maine, remember?), but he happens upon a pivotal struggle at the book’s conclusion and ultimately sets up the sequel, Midnight Sacrifice. Not only do I want to see Reed and Jayne set down roots somewhere, but I want the culprit found! How can Jayne and Reed embrace their new life when they’re not done looking over their shoulders?

•••••••••••••••

 

Midnight SacrificeMidnight Sacrifice (Midnight #2) by Melinda Leigh-released April 16, 2013

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

“The state police detective could rationalize all he wanted, but Danny knew in his soul that the danger still centered in Huntsville. The quaint little town, with its postcard-perfect views, was the hub for something evil.”

In my spoil-free effort of herculean proportions, the accomplice who managed to escape from Midnight Exposure, is featured in Midnight Sacrifice; now the bigger bad. Mandy Brown was involved in a relationship with the accomplice, only she’s not offering up any details; especially not when pictures depicting violence of her beloved brother arrive at her house as a clear signal to remain quiet. Everyone thinks the accomplice is long gone or dead. Mandy feels the opposite in her gut. So does Danny Sullivan, Jayne’s youngest brother, whom stumbled upon the violent exchange between Mandy and the accomplice at the end of Midnight Exposure. Danny and Mandy resume the hunt for the accomplice when danger seeks to destroy their families.

Defiling the Celtic tradition of Beltane, the accomplice mirrors the original perpetrator from Midnight Exposure’s actions to save a loved one.
Come Beltane Eve, she was to be his May Queen, his flower bride, the pure one who signified strength, renewal, and growth. Once the Bel-fire had eradicated…disease, he would tap into nature’s energy through Mandy. [Accomplice] would die and be reborn youthful and healthy. [Accomplice] would have a brand-new life after the ceremony. He could begin again. With Mandy at his side.

Unfortunately, human sacrifice is required and those offerings weren’t going to go willingly. Snatching a father and his son from their campground, three young ladies hiking locally (both sets whom were only visiting, how horrible is that?!), a person near and dear to Mandy and an important resident of Huntsville, the innocent victims are being primed for their roles in the macabre celebration.

Having read my share of thrillers, I know that stalking is a process, it requires a methodical mind to execute nefarious plans (my creepy radar goes into overdrive), but sometimes I wished Ms. Leigh would just get to it instead of supplying excessive details. Truth is, while the mystery was gripping (I was riveted until the book’s big reveal), Ms. Leigh won me over with the swoon-worthy love story…again. Danny and Mandy pick up where Reed and Jayne left off, only the secret Mandy holds is enough (probably) to send Danny reeling from his currently “healthy” state of mind (being an Iraqi army survivor). Like I said, there was so much action to experience, so many layers to the mystery, I was cringing for the sound of impact, lol! When Danny discovers Mandy’s involvement with the accomplice, will he have developed enough genuine feelings for Mandy to overlook her less than honest approach? Are Mandy’s secrets her ultimate demise? While there were moments of insecurity similar to Reed and Jayne, Ms. Leigh caught her stride with Danny and Mandy. Gone were the overly hesitant gestures. *Applauding* There are resolutions to all plots – you will feel relieved.

When I reached The End, I sighed aloud (ok, I sobbed at the end); always a sign of a good book, right? Ms. Leigh has a great talent for chilling and thrilling us with her writing. I thought about returning to this book the second my children went to sleep and now that I’m done, I’ll miss Huntsville and its intriguing community. The characters developed while facing adversity and that’s what this reviewer needed. An older Sullivan brother, Conor, came into town to lend support to Danny. Even though his parts were minor, working alongside the local curator, Louisa, I was quickly wrapped up in their connection. To the point I’m crossing my fingers for their own book! Perhaps this glowing review could convince Ms. Leigh? I should mention I have this thing for brothers…

Copies supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Carmen

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Protecting What’s His (Line of Duty #1) by Tessa Bailey-a review

PROTECTING WHAT’S HIS ( Line of Duty #1) by Tessa Bailey-a review

Protecting what's his

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 23, 2013

She’s running from the law, and the law wants her bad.

The opportunity was just too damn delicious for Ginger Peet to pass up. The purse full of money she finds—$50,000 to be exact—could give her and her teen sister the new start they need. So she grabs the cash, her gothy sibling, and their life-sized statue of Dolly Parton, and blows outta Nashville in a cloud of dust. Chicago, here we come…

Turns out, Chicago has some pretty hot cops. Hot, intense, naughty-lookin’ cops like Derek Tyler, who looks like he could eat a girl up and leave her begging for more. And more. Tempting as he is, getting involved with the sexy homicide lieutenant next door poses a teensy problem for a gal who’s on the lam. But one thing is certain—Derek’s onto her, and he wants more than just a taste.

And as far as he’s concerned, possession is nine-tenths of the law

*****************

REVIEW: PROTECTING WHAT’S HIS is the first storyline in Tessa Bailey’s new Line of Duty contemporary romance series. If you love a story with a heroine on the run and an alpha hero with a potty mouth during sex, Protecting What’s His is sure to please.

But one CAVEAT-if you are a fan of Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L.James and the Crossfire series by Sylvia Day you WILL recognize several overlapping scenarios. This is not to say that Protecting What’s His is a remake of either of these two series, but many of the situations are definitely not original in content and I recognized the similarity immediately.

Twenty three year old Ginger Peet is basically on the run. Setting up a new home in Chicago with her seventeen year old sister, Ginger endeavors to start a new life free from her drug addicted, crack-whore prostitute mother. But running into her sexy, new neighbor, a cop no less, puts Ginger on alert-she took a purse full of money from her mother and, she would be the number one suspect if her mother attempted to report the theft. There are things about her past that Ginger never wants anyone to know-especially to the man who has stolen her heart.

The relationship between Ginger and Derek is antagonistic in the beginning. Derek has lost a fellow police officer in the line of duty and meeting his noisy, albeit beautiful new neighbor, wasn’t in his plans. The pair continue to push each other’s proverbial buttons for a good portion of the storyline, but Derek knows, that at some point, Ginger will be his. Several confrontations will force Ginger to look at Derek in a different light but when the time comes to come clean about the theft, Ginger takes it upon herself to right the wrong and comes face to face with her mother’s troubled past.

PROTECTING WHAT’S HIS is an interesting and well-written storyline with humor, sexiness and a little bit of suspense. Derek talks a good game-rough and aggressive yet loving in the bedroom and, gentle when he needs to express his feelings and protect the woman he loves. Ginger’s seventeen year old sister is wise beyond her years, and she is the first to point out that Ginger and Derek should pull their heads out of their a$$ when it comes to their relationship and mutual attraction.

But be warned, the similarities to Fifty Shades of Grey and the Crossfire series are too obvious to ignore whether it was intentional or not. The difference- everything is wrapped up in one book and one storyline.

“Look at me. You own me. I’m owned.”

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy.

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Chasing Mrs. Right (Come Undone #2) by Katee Robert-a review

CHASING MRS. RIGHT (Come Undone #2) by Katee Robert-a review

Chasing Mrs. Right

Barnes and Noble / Amazon /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 25, 2013

It was only supposed to last one night…

Ian had no idea the sexy woman he took to his bed was his little sister’s best friend–or that she’d refuse to give him more than one night.

Good thing this soldier likes a challenge…

*******************

REVIEW: CHASING MRS. RIGHT is the second storyline in Katee Robert’s Come Undone contemporary romance series. This particular story focuses on former military soldier Ian Walser and party planner Roxanne who accidently meet at Ian’s welcome home party thrown by Ian’s sister Elle, whom we first met in Wrong Bed, Right Guy. The problem-Ian and Roxanne-do not know each other’s identity and pursue a hot and torrid one-night stand that will either see the couple heading into a relationship or into a downward spiral of lies and betrayal. When Elle finally realizes with whom she spent the night, she knows she has made a huge error in judgment. But when her best friend Elle begs Roxanne to help Ian through his emotional turmoil, Roxanne knows that she will probably lose her heart to the emotionally fragile man.

Chasing Mrs. Right takes the reader on a journey of healing and discovery. Returning from a tour of Afghanistan, Ian is having difficulty re-entering into society-nightmares, flashbacks, feelings of dread and an overwhelming need to run are only the tip of the ice-berg with the things that Ian must deal. But enter-Roxanne-the feisty party planner and his sister’s BFF who pulls no punches as she defends and protects the wounded warrior until he is able to confront his demons full on.

The reader is pulled in as Ian must deal with an overbearing and confrontational mother; a future brother-in-law he believes is connected to the mob; a sister whom he loves and wants to protect; and the woman with whom he is falling in love, but a woman who believes love belongs in fairy tales and romance novels. And one wrong move or word could send Ian spiraling out of control. Roxanne is the other half to his soul, but the reality of his situation forces Ian to push everyone away when he needs them the most.

CHASING MRS. RIGHT is an emotional look at the struggles of one man re-entering society after experiencing the horrors of war and the death of his friends. Katee Robert writes with passion, romance, sorrow and pain and, in the end we witness how the love of a woman helps Ian begin a journey of healing on his long road to emotional and personal recovery. The storyline has moments of humor, sorrow and romance, as well as both physical and sexual intimacy between our two leading characters.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Free Fall (Elite Force #4) by Catherine Mann-a review

Free Fall (Elite Force #4) by Catherine Mann- a review

15942632

Amazon/ Barnes and Noble/ KOBO

About the book:

Pararescueman Jose “Cuervo” James is the guy they call for the most dangerous assignments. He lives for his job.

On a high-risk rescue deep in the African jungle, Jose encounters sexy, smart Interpol agent Stella Carson. They’d once had an affair that burned hot and fast, but family is everything to Stella, and Jose just can’t go there.

Fate has thrown them into the deadly hot zone together, and sparks will fly…but only if they can live to tell about it.

Review:

Stella Carson has been on a mission since she was a child. Find out what happened to her mother. Her mom had split her time between their home and doing mission work in Africa and when she was killed in an accident, Stella never really bought into the story they were told. Bound and determined, Stella became an Interpol agent in hopes of getting to Africa to try and track down the facts. One lesson she learned? Be careful what you wish for.

Stella is on assignment off the coast of Africa. She is to rendezvous with a team of SEALs and parajumpers who are there trying to break up a pirating ring. Once she makes contact and picks them up, she encounters Jose, and their attraction is instantaneous. A relationship ensues, but hits a dead end for Stella a few months in. She and Jose don’t seem to want the same things. She longs for a family, but for Jose, a recovering alcoholic, with a tragic family history, a family is the last thing he wants. He seems to think that history will repeat itself and they end their relationship.

However, when Stella is kidnapped by a rebel group in Africa, Jose’s team is called in to rescue her and the group she was with. And, once they reconnect, things start to unfold rather quickly. There are subplots happening simultaneously that left me confused at first, but once things got rolling, I could not put this book down. Jose’s team is to guard the vice-president’s wife who is traveling to Africa on a peacekeeping mission and Stella is caught up in the intrigue. As Stella and Jose struggle with their feelings for each other, the subplot comes to the forefront and explodes. Seemingly good guys aren’t so good and what of the mysterious Annie Johnson who ends up on the base with Stella? Well, you’ll have to read to find out.

This was a well written story that grabbed me from the beginning. The first of the book details Stella’s childhood so that we’re not lost when the main storyline unfolds. The chemistry between Stella and Jose is, like I said earlier, instantaneous. And, Mann does a wonderful job of pulling everything together. I wasn’t left wondering “wait, what about so and so?”. There is so much I’d like to say about the storyline, but don’t want to ruin it for anyone. Even though I kind of figured out the direction of the storyline, I was still surprised at how Mann actually played it out. Definitely worth the read. And, I had no idea it was number 4 in a series. I didn’t feel like I missed anything by not reading the first three, but, I will go back and read the others when I get the chance!!!

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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Belong To You (Cole #1) by Vi Keeland-a review

BELONG TO YOU (Cole #1) by Vi Keeland-a review

Belong To You

Amazon / Barnes and Noble/ KOBO

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 4, 2013

My honeymoon was almost everything I dreamed it would be, a tropical paradise, turquoise water, romantic walks on the beach, and loads and loads of mind shattering sex. The only thing missing was the groom.

After seven years of coasting through a relationship with Michael, my senses were numb. A week of passion with a stranger was just what I needed to clear my head and take back control of my life. But how do you move on when the man that was only supposed to be a fling somehow seeps into your soul and steals your heart?

***********

REVIEW: BELONG TO YOU is the first storyline in Vi Keeland’s new series written in the same stylings as Sylvia Day’s Crossfire Series and is there any wonder when the author is a fan of Day and E.L. James; even the title of the book is similar. As a fan of Day’s Crossfire series I recognized the story outline and quickly matched up hero and heroine, friends and enemies, family and painful childhood memories. Although the overall premise and story is different, the underlying fact is the similarities that cannot be denied.

Our heroine Syd wasn’t looking for a rebound romance but a week of fun in the sun once disguised as a honeymoon package for lovers. After discovering her fiancé in a compromising position, she heads to Hawaii with her BFF and plans a week of drinking to escape the memories and images of the man she once thought she loved. But at her friend’s insistence, Syd finds herself experiencing a week of sexual fantasies all thanks to the beautiful and mysterious Jack Cole Heston-a man hiding more than one secret of his own.

Neither Syd nor Jack had any intention of falling in love; sand, surf, drinking and dancing were on the menu every night, but within a few days, Jack and Syd would begin to bare their souls and their deepest secrets to one another. It was only when Syd returned to New York, did the truth about Jack’s real identity and past reveal. As a singer, trying to reestablish her career, Syd would discover she had more of a connection to Jack than one week of sexual pleasure in Hawaii. He was now her boss and their need for each other was beginning to affect their lives-both private and public.

BELONG TO YOU is a fun and easy read; an interesting storyline but one that is very familiar. Jack Cole is a man with a past mired in family secrets, a successful but controversial business on the side, and a sexual history of which very few men would or could aspire. Syd is a woman scorned, trying to restart a singing career that was squashed by her former fiancé, and a heart that knew betrayal –up close and personal. Neither wanted anything permanent but what they found-was something both were missing in their life. If you like Sylvia Day’s Crossfire series and Gideon Cross, check out Belong to You by Vi Keeland.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Down and Dirty (Dare Me #2) by Christine Bell-a review

DOWN AND DIRTY ( Dare Me #2) by Christine Bell-a review

Down and Dirty

Order Links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO

ABOUT THE BOOK: Released Feb 2013

He was a dare she’d never been able to resist…

Cat Thomas has never been the kind of girl to stick. A self-professed infatuation junky, she latches on the newest, hottest guy on the block, then finds a reason—real or imagined—to dump him. When she accepts a dare to rekindle her high school flame and jump in bed with her brother’s best friend, Shane Decker, she knows she’s in trouble. She can’t resist the man, even after all these years apart, and that just won’t do.

Shane has come back to town for a couple reasons. The biggest one? He’s tired of living away from those he loves, including Cat. But now she’s spooked and will do anything to drive a wedge between them, including trying to fix him up with other women through an online dating service.

What does he have to do to make her see that settling down doesn’t mean settling, and he’s ready to spend a lifetime proving it?

***************************

REVIEW:   DOWN AND DIRTY is the second storyline in Christine Bell’s contemporary series Dare Me. This storyline focuses on Cat Thomas (Galen Thomas -our hero from Down for the Count sister) and his best friend Shane Decker.

Like Down for the Count, our couple have a previous history-one that started as teens but never proceeded any further. When Galen left for college he asked his best friend Shane to look after and protect his younger sister Mary Catherine, but little did Galen know that Cat and Shane had feelings for each other. And like most teens neither one was willing to act on their emotions. Shane became the over protective big brother-one that refused to allow Cat to have fun or stray. And Cat thought that Shane’s over bearing attitude was a sign that he hated her from the start. Only Shane has wanted Lacey for a very long time.

The relationship between Cat and Shane reconnected on a chance meeting years later when Shane attended Galen’s final professional boxing match. Without a place to stay, Cat reluctantly offered her hotel room, secretly hoping that the feelings she once felt for Shane no longer mattered. But to her surprise she had difficulty separating her emotions about the man with who vowed his protection many years before. As the storyline progressed Cat continued to waiver with regards to her feelings for Shane fearing that to accept his protection meant she accepted defeat and in doing so pushed the one many away who mattered most. By accepting a dare, Cat placed herself in a position to watch as Shane was forced into seeing other women.

Cat was a difficult character to like. She had become a successful fashion designer with her own line and feared losing her identity to a man-any many-especially a man who had sworn his protection. She wanted Shane; she knew she had lost her heart to the man; but she refused to give into the idea that loving the man would make her a better person. Cat’s identity was wrapped up in her business and she didn’t want to lose herself in a man like she believed happened to another. She pulled Shane in and then pushed in out-several times. And with one final push she may have pushed Shane away forever.

DOWN AND DIRTY is another storyline with a hero who knows what he wants and a heroine who waffles at every stage of the story. There is some angst as Cat pushes one too many times and your heart will break when Shane realizes that Cat has yet to grow up. But in true contemporary romance fashion, our couple will have their HEA but it takes a virtual stranger to show Cat that to accept love doesn’t mean you give up.

Reading Order
1. Down for the Count
2. Down and Dirty

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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