Tag Archives: Vickie

His Million-Dollar Marriage Proposal by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

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His Million-Dollar Marriage Proposal by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

 

 

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Description:
“I have a business proposition for you.” Sealed with a million-dollar ring!To win the most important deal of his life, Lazzero Di Fiore needs a fake fianc�e. He strikes a pact with his gorgeous but guarded local barista Chiara: he’ll save her father from bankruptcy, if she agrees to wear his ring! But any convenience is consumed by their explosive attraction. Now Lazzero is determined to see his diamond on Chiara’s finger–for good!

 

Review:

This installment of The Di Fiore Tycoons series begins with Lazzero Di Fiore needing to close a huge deal with a competitor company. He’s promised his Board, so now, he needs to make it happen. The problem? Said competitor is married to one of Lazzero’s exes, who just so happens to still be in love with him.

When he enters his favorite coffee house, and spots Chiara, he starts to formulate a plan. As he overhears Chiara’s take on wealthy businessmen, he decides that she’d be perfect for what he has in mind: her to accompany him to Europe posing as his fiancé. Chiara isn’t looking for a relationship and Lazarro surely isn’t either. He’s more of a ‘love ‘em and leave ’em happy’ kind of guy.

Chiara, who is in need of money to help her father, accepts Lazarro’s offer. What neither of them counted on was the growing attraction that has been there for about as long as he’s been coming into the coffee shop. However, when past loves emerge and secrets are revealed, they both have some serious soul searching to do…..

His Million-Dollar Marriage Proposal is another wonderfully written story by Jennifer Hayward. The characters are engaging and pull you in from the beginning. Chiara’s emotions are beautifully written and her stubbornness, along with her underlying vulnerability, will have readers falling in love with her. Lazarro has more going on that initially meets the eye. Damaged by his parents’ disaster of a marriage, your heart will ache reading his reasons for being so guarded with his heart. But, when the two come together, the chemistry leaps off the page. If you’re not reading Hayward’s works, you’re sorely missing out. Well done, Jennifer Hayward!! Very, very well done! I can’t wait for the next one………..

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy supplied for review

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The Bashful Bride by Vanessa Riley – a Review

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The Bashful Bride by Vanessa Riley – a Review

 

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Description:
A friend’s newspaper advertisement for a groom nets the most famous actor in London, Arthur Bex. Shy heiress Ester Croome proposes to elope with the handsome man, who she’s secretly loved for two years, in order to escape an impending engagement arranged by her overbearing family.

Trying to outlive the shadow of his villainous uncle, Bex needs to marry quickly—to a woman of good character. And smart, beautiful Ester fits the bill. But a harrowing trip to Gretna Green and dangerous abolition rallies prove to be a more treacherous stage than either imagined. Infatuation and a mutual love for Shakespeare might not be enough to bind a couple looking to outrun the chains and secrets of family and the past.

 

 

Review:

The Bashful Bride by Vanessa Riley begins with Ester finding out that her father, in order to further his business interests, has arranged her marriage to a known philanderer. Shocked down to her toes, she’s vowed to herself that she will not marry someone not of her own choosing.

Ester accompanies a friend to meet someone who has responded to her advertisement for a prospective groom. Once the two arrive, and see that the respondent is none other than Arthur Bex, actor extraordinaire, Ester’s friend makes it seem to Bex that Ester is the one who placed the ad. Ester discovers that Bex is an abolitionist and is immediately smitten. As they talk, he discovers her plight and the two of them decide to elope that very night.

What neither are prepared for are the repercussions of a white man marrying a Blackamoor woman. But, that’s not the only thing standing in the way of their happiness. Once Ester’s parents discover her deception, Ester is left heartbroken, wondering if she has not only shamed herself, but her family as well. However, when Ester discovers Bex’s past, she has no idea how to move forward. Feeling betrayed, she seeks the guidance of her friends and family, only to discover that things are not as they first appeared..………

The premise of The Bashful Bride is a good one. I liked the overall story. The first half of the book seemed to drag a bit, in my opinion. Some of the conversations between Ester and Bex were almost comical in the beginning and a little over the top. I also thought that there was too much waffling back and forth between the two main characters as to what they each wanted out of their relationship. With all of that said, once the two of them made their way back to London, the story became one that I loved. I really liked both of the main characters as well. The reader can see Ester growing and maturing as the story progressed, even though she was very naïve and sheltered in the beginning. Rex, however, took me a minute to like. Once his back story is revealed, you can see why he does some of the things he does. The secondary characters were engaging, but none more so that Ester’s parents. I’d love to read a prequel that told their story! Even though this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. If you’re a fan of regency novels, I encourage you to give this one a try.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Caught Up by Rya Stone – a Review

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Caught Up by Rya Stone – a Review

 

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Description:
Cassie Mitchum is interested in one thing and one thing only—closing a deal on the Lucas property. Until she sets eyes on Jason “Jase” Lucas. He’s bad news, but he looks damn good doing it. She’s never been one for tattooed roughnecks, but she’s willing to make an exception, especially since he won’t look at her lease offer unless she agrees to a date with him.

Jason Lucas needs Cassie Mitchum to stay the hell off his land. There’s more happening than she needs to be aware of—or mixed up in. With that feisty attitude and those tight jeans…he can’t get her out of his head. Too bad being close to her would put her on the radar of the most dangerous person Jase has ever known.

 

 

Review:

Caught Up begins with Jase Lucas driving down the road and seeing a car pull right up to the entrance to the place he was raised.  And, a place where his brother, Clint, still lived.  When the driver stepped out of the car, Jase tried to ignore it, but a lady with a blown tire wasn’t something he could ignore.  When he approaches the lady, he finds out that she is looking for Clint and that she is trying to arrange oil and gas leases on their tract of land.  Jase tells her that they aren’t interested in a lease and that she should be on her way, once they get her tire changed.  Cassie has a lot riding on this deal, and is bound and determined to land the lease, no matter what.

However, once she meets the brother, Clint, she’s not quite so sure.  He’s scary and one of the most abrasive people she’s ever met.  Add to that the strange behavior of some in the small town, and she wonders if it’s all worth it.  Even though Jase is not her usual type, she can’t help but be a little attracted.  Jase tries to stay away from her as well, but the chemistry between them isn’t so easily forgotten.

What follows is a story wrought with “ex” drama, old family feuds and a steamy romance between Jase and Cassie.

The premise of Caught Up was a promising one.  But, if I’m being honest, it was a little too dark for me.  As I was reading, it almost played out in my mind as a film noir.  At one point, I thought that maybe it was a screenplay originally.  I liked Cassie.  I liked her stubborn streak, and I loved her determination.  Jase’s character seemed a little off to me.  He would say the weirdest things sometimes, and for some reason, Cassie liked it.  The scenes with Clint and all of the “family secret” drama felt forced and disjointed.  There were parts of the book that I really enjoyed.  When it was just the two main characters, I thought it flowed nicely.  But, it seemed to veer off when others joined the fray.  Like I said, the premise is promising, and I would be willing to give the next book a look. 

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Devilish Duke by Maddison Michaels – a Review

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The Devilish Duke by Maddison Michaels – a Review

 

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Description:
Devlin Markham, the notorious “Devil Duke” of Huntington, needs a woman. And not just any woman. If he can’t woo one of the most eccentric bluestockings of the Ton within the month, he can kiss his hard-earned fortune good-bye. But he’s always thought love a wasted emotion and marriage an inconvenience at best. And oddly enough, Lady Sophie Wolcott seems unmoved by his charm…

When Sophie learns her beloved orphanage is in imminent danger, she will do anything to save it. Even marry a ruthless rake who takes what he wants in business and pleasure. A man who’s everything she’s always feared most—but whom she reluctantly begins yearning for.

Then Sophie becomes the target of a killer lurking from the dark shadows of Devlin’s past. And they find not only their lives in jeopardy but their very hearts.

 

Review:

The Devilish Duke begins with Lady Sophie spying on a man with whom she’s been in love with for a very long time, only to see him to propose to another.  Heartbroken, her mind is whirling, but that’s not the most painful part.  That would be her falling out of the tree she had climbed to spy……….right in front of the Duke of Huntington himself, Devlin Markham.  Of course, Sophie knows the Duke, and his reputation, and is mortified.  Fortunately for her, Devlin is very discreet and aids her, even though the two trade barbs with each other.  Such as life…….

A year later, Devlin finds himself in a bit of a situation.  The Queen will not approve his proposed project until he has settled down and put his rakish reputation behind him.  Having always been able to talk himself in, or out, of any situation, he knows the Queen has him cornered.  The thought of falling in love and marriage is laughable for him, but he knows he has to do as the Queen directs.  Fortunately for him, he thinks that Lady Sophie might be just what the Queen ordered.

Sophie has come to the conclusion that she will never marry, much to her aunt’s dismay.  That doesn’t stop her aunt from trying to play matchmaker.  Once her aunt discovers that the Duke of Huntington has declared his interest in pursuing Sophie, she is more than pleased.  Sophie is trying her best not to succumb to the Duke’s charm, but when she finds out that her beloved orphanage where she tirelessly volunteers is in danger of being closed, she knows her hands are tied.  And, she would do anything to help save it, even if it means marrying someone whom she knows can shatter her heart.

The Devilish Duke is a wonderfully written story.  Sophie is a great character.  She is spunky, independent and very intelligent.  Devlin is great as well, even though he tries to convince everyone that he’s not.  He is very smart and very loyal to those he deems his.  The two of these characters together, as they navigate their histories and try to overcome them, have chemistry that leaps off of the page.  The secondary characters are well written as well.  The intrigue of this story grabs you pretty quickly and keeps you turning the pages.  For me, anytime that I read a story and I can “see” the scenes as I read them, is one of the highest compliments I can give an author.  Maddison Michaels, with this story, is one of those authors.  This is the first I’ve read by her, but it certainly won’t be the last.  Well done, Maddison Michaels!  Very, very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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A Perilous Passion by Elizabeth Keysian – a Review

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A Perilous Passion by Elizabeth Keysian – a Review

 

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Description:
Miss Charlotte Allston is unwittingly ensnared in a sinister web of traitors and spies when she is literally swept off her feet by a handsome stranger on the beach. Fiercely determined to redeem his honor after a humiliating military defeat, the Earl of Beckport is living incognito, hunting a band of smugglers at the center of a French plot to invade England.

The enigmatic Miss Allston instantly becomes a person of interest to the earl…and not just in the smuggling case. Passion flares swift and hot between the two. But when her attempts to help with his secret mission only endanger it, he must question where her loyalty truly lies.

Stunned by the sudden revelation that the woman he is falling for is the daughter of a notorious smuggler, Beckport feels duty-bound to report her. But then Charlotte is captured by the very traitor he’s after, forcing the earl to decide between redemption…and love.

 

Review:

A Perilous Passion by Elizabeth Keysian begins with Charlotte Allston walking along the shore one minute and being plucked from her feet in the next.  Seems a stranger who observed her on the beach thought she was in need of assistance, even though she was perfectly fine.  After they part ways, it doesn’t take Charlotte long to wonder just what the handsome stranger is up to.  The next day, she heads out to snoop around to see if she can find out just who he is, only to find herself swept up in another encounter with said stranger, whose name is Rafe “Seabourne”.  He insists on escorting Charlotte home, even though she tells him repeatedly it’s not necessary.

Once they arrive at her home, he introduces himself to Charlotte’s overbearing mother.  Her mother almost immediately knows Rafe’s true identity: Rafe Pomeroy, the Earl of Beckport.  He tries to deny it, but fails miserably.  Rafe finally comes clean about who he is, but insists they must keep his identity a secret.  What follows is a story of espionage and danger where Charlotte insists she help Rafe with his secret mission, which often lands them in trouble.

A Perilous Passion has a good plot.  Charlotte’s character was nicely written.  I liked her tenacity and her loyalty.  Rafe was nicely written as well, even though, I have to admit, the back story of why he was trying to redeem himself made me laugh a little.  However, I did feel that their chemistry was a little lacking and the story was a bit slow in places.  With that said, this was an enjoyable read.   Rafe’s sense of honor and Charlotte’s tenacity kept me turning the pages.  The humor was also a plus.  If you’re a fan of this genre, you’ll  enjoy the book as well.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Highland Redemption by Lori Ann Bailey – a Review

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Highland Redemption by Lori Ann Bailey – a Review

 

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Description:
While spying for Clan Cameron, Brodie Cameron rescues a lass, only to realize it’s Skye—the woman who’d broken his heart. He needs to get her to her uncle as quickly as possible to keep her safe, but every minute he’s distracted from his mission brings the clans that much closer to war. And having beautiful Skye anywhere near him is dangerous, because the price on his head is higher than the one on hers.

Upon being rescued from kidnappers, Skye finds herself staring into the eyes of the man she once loved—Brodie Cameron. She’s grateful to be freed, but has no idea how she’ll resist the lad who has become a braw man. Especially because she’s promised to another, in a political marriage forged to strengthen the Royalist clans against the Covenanters who plot to turn Scotland upside down.

 

Review:

Highland Redemption begins with Brodie Cameron following a couple men suspected of going against the Royalists in a feared war among several Clans.  Things don’t go as planned when he sees the men kidnap a young woman, and he has to make a quick decision:  continue his mission or help the woman being kidnapped.  He decides on the latter, which leads to a big surprise for both of them.  Not only do they know each other, but they were once planning a future together.  Brodie takes it upon himself to deliver Skye back safely to her uncle, even though she is not sure she actually needs saving.

As the two of them head back to her familial home, they are met with several road blocks.  Someone wants Skye dead, but Brodie will move heaven and earth to see no harm come to her.  As neither of them trust in each other whole heartedly, one thing becomes more than clear….in order for them to reach safety, they are going to have to deal with their feelings for each other first.  When misunderstandings are cleared up and secrets are brought to light, it doesn’t take either of them long to realize that the feelings they once had for each other are still there.

Highland Redemption is a story full of intrigue, with a few twists and turns.  Skye is a feisty young woman who has faced a lot of loss in her short life.  Brodie, having lost Skye a few years earlier, immersed himself in his work as a spy.  Throughout the years they were separated, they tried to move one without each other, but it was all in vain.  Their interactions were touching, and at times, funny.  The one problem I did have is the plot.  Even though I understood the basics, I got a little lost with all of the Clans involved and had trouble following at times.  Overall, Highland Redemption was an enjoyable read.  The romance was sweet and tender, with the intrigue adding another level to the story.  This is the first novel I’ve read by Lori Ann Bailey, but hopefully not my last.  Well done, Lori Ann Bailey!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Christmas at the Tycoon’s Command by Jennifer Hayward – Review & Giveaway

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Christmas at the Tycoon’s Command by Jennifer Hayward – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Shy Chloe Russo is dreading her first Christmas running the family business. Working with Nico Di Fiore is the last straw! Once, Nico’s kisses promised Chloe every sensual delight, until he coldly rejected her. Now he’s her very commanding, very arrogant boss!

Control is paramount to Nico—after his father’s bankruptcy lost him everything, nothing will distract him from succeeding. He’s always kept a tight rein on his craving for Chloe, well aware she alone has the power to disarm him. But now, unable to deny their connection, Nico is determined to reclaim control and take Chloe as his own!

 

 

Review:

Christmas at the Tycoon’s Command begins with Chloe Russo being  summoned back to New York by her “boss”, Nico Di Fiore.  She knew the time had come to assume her duties at her family’s company, but that didn’t make it a task she looked forward to.  Her parents, who were killed in a terrible accident, had built the company from the ground up and it was time to take her rightful place in the company, after burying herself in her work in their Paris lab.  To say she was not looking forward to it is a huge understatement.  It still galled her that her father had named Nico to head the company instead of her Uncle Giorgio.  But what galled her even more was Nico’s rejection years earlier.

Nico thought that he had readied himself for Chloe’s return.  He was all about controlling everything and everyone in his world.  However, once he sees Chloe, he worries that said control will be even harder to control.

During a board meeting in which pitches are made for the Christmas season, Chloe unveils her ambitious plan to put her company, Evolution, back on top.  Even though Nico is not convinced that she can pull it off, he gives her the okay to test the waters with the unveiling of her new product.  Once he green lights the program, he makes it his mission to guide Chloe in order to help her come out of her shell and assume her place in the company. 

As Chloe gets her campaign off the ground, a PR nightmare ensues.  She and Nico have to work hard to handle everything thrown at them.  However, when secrets are revealed and feelings are hurt, Chloe is afraid of not only losing her campaign, but Nico as well.  Not that she ever thought he’d be hers to lose….. And, his actions are proving that thought true.

Christmas at the Tycoon’s Command is another wonderful  addition to Hayward’s long list of enjoyable stories.  The chemistry of the two main characters is amazing.  Chloe has always been a shy behind-the-scenes kind of girl.  I loved seeing her come out of her shell and facing all of her fears head on.  Nico, however, is the one who surprised me.  In one sense, he’s your typical alpha billionaire type, but it is his back story and his justification for the things that he’s done that will pull you in.  This one, more than any other written by Hayward, in my humble opinion, was more of an emotional read.  Christmas at the Tycoon’s Command will pull you in at the very beginning and keeps you turning the pages faster and faster.  It also does what, to me, signifies a great author:  leaves you wanting more.  I absolutely can’t wait for the next one.  Well done, Jennifer Hayward!  Very, very well done!!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy supplied for Review

 

giveaway

Jennifer is graciously offering a $10 Amazon Gift Card to (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered, please register 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 in, please refresh the page at the top of your computer.

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

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8. Giveaway open Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from Novemberf 21 to 25, 2017

 

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Make Me Want by Rebecca Brooks – a Review

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Make Me Want by Rebecca Brooks – a Review

 

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Description:
Abbi Haas likes them big, bad, and out of her bed the next morning. So when a smoking hot firefighter shuts down a possessive ex by pretending to be her boyfriend, she’s happy to play along—and stay for the no-strings-attached sex under the stars. But her knight with bulging biceps had better not think she’s some damsel in distress. She’ll handle her ex like she does everything: on her own.
 
Wildland firefighter Tyler McCall is supposed to be taking a break from danger. First step to having fun: pick up a sexy stranger by pretending he’s her man. Too bad his fake girlfriend is also his new coworker…and their little white lie has already spread. Tyler knows he should walk away before he gets burned. But he can’t stay out of trouble, and there’s no way he’s letting her go.

 

Review:

Make Me Want begins with Tyler McCall showing up in Gold Mountain with one objective:  work with the Forestry Service on a fire break, finish the job and head out.  Before he heads to the house he’s rented, he stops in a local bar to have a drink, trying to stay one step ahead of what he’s running from.  It doesn’t take long for him to notice a guy in the bar giving one of the local girls a hard time, and being who he is, he intervenes on her behalf.  Abbi is more than grateful when he shows up, and if she were being honest, more than happy to go along with his ruse. 

It takes just a few minutes for Tyler and Abbi to head out and for thing to heat up between the two of them.  However, once Abbi learns of the reason for Tyler being in town, she can’t believe her luck….or lack thereof.  Abbi is a naturalist, and the one leading the charge to stop said fire break.  What are the chances?  Like moths drawn to a flame, they both find it hard to stay away from each other.  One thing they both know, if you get too close to the fire, someone is bound to get burned.

Make Me Want is a nicely written story, and can easily be read as a standalone.  Tyler is your typical hero:  hot with a healthy dose of savior complex.  His back story more than explains his savior complex, and will endear him to the reader.  Abbi surprised me a little.  Her back story is one that will leave your jaw hanging.  I think this may be the first romance that I’ve personally read that went there, and I still don’t know how I feel about it.  It does explain why she is a “need no one” type, but dang………  Anyway, I liked the two of them together and I loved the townsfolk and the secondary characters.  If you’re looking for a quick read with sizzling scenes and relatable characters, you won’t go wrong with this one.  Make Me Want is ultimately a story of forgiveness, redemption and love.  I liked it well enough that I’d like to go back and read the first two installments of this series.  Well done, Rebecca Brooks!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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