Early Book Review: Thank You, Next by Sophie Ranald

Thank You, Next by Sophie Ranald is a contemporary romance currently scheduled for release on November 30 2020. Seriously, why do guys on dating apps think I want a picture of what’s in their pants? I could open an art gallery with the collection I’ve got. Zoe really doesn’t want to die alone and surrounded by cats. But it’s not looking good: she’s had sex precisely twice in the last year, and her feline friend isn’t the kind of male company she wants in bed. Her top dating disasters include: the guy who kissed her hand, took out a violin and serenaded her in public, the guy who force-fed her oysters (she can confirm that they’re not an aphrodisiac), the guy who was so hungover he turned up with his t-shirt on inside out, sweating sambuca, and the guy who brought his actual kid on a dinner date. And don’t even get her started on the dick pics, or how on earth you’re supposed to know whether a total stranger is an axe murderer or not. Zoe's ready to give up on the search for love, until her friend has an idea. Robbie lives by his horoscope, and he’s sure she’s got this dating stuff all wrong. He dares her to work her way through the zodiac until she finds The One. Usually Zoe would laugh at such a suggestion, but desperate times call for desperate measures. 

Thank You, Next is a romance that I have mixed feelings about. I liked some aspects a lot. The secondary characters and friendships in the book were very well done. I liked the community around Zoe, and some of the conversations and situations were very well done. There were moments of the story I greatly enjoyed, and I think the ending was well thought out and executed. However, I thought the story was a little meandering. Chapter one is the details of a bad date, that actually happens in the middle of the book time-line wise. Chapter two is the start of setting up the actual story and secondary characters. It just felt a little awkward and stilted for me. I know life often gets jumbled up, and we make bad choices and things go awry- which is often what makes for a good story. However, I felt like Zoe was a doormat and there is little to no information or development on partner in finding a happy ending. He does not even make an appearance until about a third into the book, and even then there is no real information about him, how he feels, or what he is thinking. For me it is the main characters getting to know each other and overcoming something together that really makes a book stand out, in this case it was more about Zoe finding herself and less about the actual relationship. This is something that other readers really look for, but rather missed the mark for me.

Thank You, Next is about one woman figuring out who she is and what she wants, and having some interesting moments along the way. 

Early Book Review: On the Corner of Hope and Main (Blessings) by Beverly Jenkins

On the Corner of Hope and Main is the tenth book in the Blessings by Beverly Jenkins and it was just released released on March 3 2020. I have not read the previous books, so there was a good deal of catching up to do, but I think other newcomers can fully enjoy the book without the prior reads as well, although I am likely to go back and read the whole series from the start now.

Citizens of Henry Adams, Kansas, know there’s never a dull moment in their small town. Trent July has been the mayor of this historic town for the past four years, but now he’s ready to let someone else take up the mantle. Barrett Payne, a former Marine, decides he wants the job. But when a surprise candidate also enters the ring, the town has opinions on who would be the best candidate. And of course that’s not the only drama, as Malachi “Mal” July continues to make reparations for the damage he’s caused and to the people he’s betrayed, especially his lady love Bernadine. Is she finally ready to forgive him and let the past go? As the residents of Henry Adams have learned, life will throw obstacles their way, but it’s how they come together and rise above these challenges that keep the bonds of their close-knit community strong.

On the Corner of Hope and Main is a book I requested from Netgalley without even reading the description. I had seen so much from authors I follow on social media about what a wonderful person and writer the author is that I knew I was missing out. I did not even read the description before starting reading, and it took me a bit to get into the story- mainly because I have no idea of the genre or that it was book ten in a series when I started. However, the book does a wonderful job of sharing the needed history to understand characters, their relationships, and specific interactions. Readers get the viewpoints of so many characters that the story is that of the town, rather than a single person or family, and I really enjoy it. The character work was so well done that even when a character was doing something shady or underhanded, when they were making a decision that I could not agree with, I still understood how and why they got to that point. Each of the characters had such depth, and the machinations of those who want power or money were completely on point. I just got lost in the depth and layers of the stories, and feel like the characters faced such real problems that I think that everyone can relate to one or more of the characters as they all just try to get through the day and do the best they can for their families and town. Isn't that what we are all doing, even if we don't have a crazy hog or greedy oil company at our door.

On the Corner of Hope and Main is a wonderful book with solid characters and a ton of heart. My only disappointment is that it took me so long to pick up one of the books from this series. 

Book Review: Acting Lessons (Off Guard) by Katie Allen

Acting Lessons is the first book in the Off Guard series by Katie Allen. It's an offer she can't refuse. Two weeks of work for enough cash to quit her day job and focus on auditions is a dream come true for struggling actress Topher. All she has to do is play girlfriend to a wealthy friend, helping him secure his trust fund. Then she meets her friend's sinfully handsome, firmly off-limits uncle, and all bets are off. Not only is Uncle James surprisingly younger than imagined, he's charismatic and hot as hell. And there's something about the wounded veteran's hungry stare that has her thinking the feeling is mutual. Topher's determined to ignore Uncle Sexy, but the forbidden temptation is too much to handle, especially after James flashes his dominant side. But surrendering to temptation is easier said than done when the plot thickens. Even if Topher can manage to fool everyone involved, she's not sure she can fool her own heart—or the man she's definitely not supposed to be falling for.

Acting Lessons is a romance with touches of the ridiculous, and more than enough steam. Topher's act of a ditzy bad girlfriend is hysterical, and the fact that she is more endearing and entertaining than annoying despite her efforts. I loved the comments she made, and I will admit to giggling out loud several times during the read, prompting my children to ask me what was so funny- although I dare not share.  I got a kick out of Topher's character through the whole thing. The sparks between James and Topher were extreme, and although I do not always go for my main couple jumping into bed, it kind of worked here. The whole daddy/baby girl thing never did it for me, but James' strength and desire to take care of her worked. I also like that they actually discussed what they wanted to do or try, and set up a safe word so that if the play went too far Topher could stop it. Then there was the additional character building for the secondary characters, the danger and crazy family drama, and general likability once Topher let more of herself shine through the act is what really made the story. I could have passed on some of the age play stuff, but there are some readers that will love it. I still love the book, and will be checking out more from this side of the author.

Acting Lessons is an erotic romance with some kinks that never really did it for me, but fun dialogue that had me giggling and adults that had real conversations about what they were doing made the read wonderful. I loved it, and was delighted to discover that I was already a fan of the author, since Katie Allen is a pseudonym for Katie Ruggle. I cannot wait to get my hands on Baking Lessons, the second book in the series, which is scheduled for released in March of 2018. 

Book Review: Unraveled (Whiskey Sharp) Lauren Dane

Unraveled is the first book in the Whiskey Sharp series Lauren Dane. Maybe Dolan is independent and free-spirited  since leaving home at sixteen. Whiskey Sharp, Seattle's sexy vintage-styled barbershop and whiskey bar, gave her a job and a reason to put down roots. Cutting hair by day, losing herself drumming in a punk rock band by night, she's got it good. But a longtime crush that turns into a hot, edgy night with brooding and bearded Alexsei Petrov makes it a hell of a lot better. Maybe's blunt attitude and carnal smile hooked Alexsei from the start. Protecting people is part of his nature and Maybe is meant to be his even if she doesn't know it. Yet. He can't help himself from wanting to protect and care for her. But Maybe's fiery independent spirit means pushing back when Alexsei goes too far. Still, he's not afraid to do a little pushing of his own to get what he wants her in his life, and his bed, for good. Maybe's more intoxicating than all the liquor on his shelf and he's not afraid to ride the blade's edge to bind her to him.

Unraveled starts as a slow burn, and quickly ramps up to so much more. Maybe and Alexsei were instantly attracted, but both avoiding the complications and issues that perusing each other could cause, until Maybe has had enough and decides it would be worth any backlash. I loved the journey of their relationship, and how much insight readers get into both characters, and the secondary characters that surround them. Maybe is a complicated character, and her family issues are a powerful aspect of the story. I love watching her stand up to everyone for everyone, but it broke my heart when she had trouble standing up against her parents. I loved the combination of protectiveness and respect that Alexsei shows towards the women in his life, and how thoughtful his is. The fact that both characters are strong, and have their own share of history makes them compelling and real. The banter and care they share was extremely well done. Maybe's family problems coming to roost was heart breaking, but left me wanting to know more. There has to be more, right? While I know there are horrible people, and parents, out there I hate to think about this type of dynamic happening in real life. The story stuck with me well after finishing the book, and I think it will be just as engaging and compelling for other readers as well.

Unraveled is an awesome start to the series, and has me chomping at the bit for more. Thankfully, I already have a copy via Netgalley on my Kindle waiting for me. The hard part will be not reading it right now, because that will make the third one seem so far away- and I know I will want more.

Book Review: Deadly Dog Days (Dog Days Mystery) by Jamie M. Blair

Deadly Dog Days is the first book in the Dog Days Mystery series by  Jamie M. Blair.

New to the historic town of Metamora, Indiana, Cameron Cripps-Hayman is looking to make friends with her neighbors. What she isn’t looking for is one of their bodies floating in the canal. When she and her estranged husband, the town sheriff, are both named suspects for the murder, Cameron takes solving the crime into her own hands, teaming up with her eccentric co-workers who dub themselves The Metamora Action Agency. As if hunting for a murderer with two high school geniuses, the town drunk, and an elderly kleptomaniac isn’t hard enough, Cameron adopts the five mangy guard dogs of her deceased neighbor. But maybe a stint at playing gatekeeper is just what she needs to come face-to-face with the killer and save another neighbor from being the next victim.

Deadly Dog Days is a cozy mystery with all the expected elements. There is a small town with plenty of eccentric characters, a main character with relationship troubles and a penchant for getting into trouble, and of course a dead body. Cameron is our amateur sleuth, who stumbles across the dead body or a younger lady- who is rumored to be dating her estranged husband. I like that Cameron is around my age- approaching 40 aware of her limitations and her skill set. she is not in the stage of trying to figure out who she is, but is still working on where she fits into a town that is still fairly new to her. Her not quite ex-husband Ben does not get much play in the story- even though he is important to it. Readers get glimpses at the backstory of Cam and Ben, but there is plenty of missing information to be filled in later. I did like that the relationship issues had there role to play in the story but did not overwhelm the murder mystery and character information readers get about the secondary characters. The author did a good job of balancing priorities in a reasonably realistic way. I thought the personalities of the animals- both dogs and mysterious cat, were fun and well done. It added an extra layer of fun to the story that I appreciated. I think the Mother in law being crazy aspect was fairly well done, though a little trite. It worked, but could have been a little less expected.

Deadly Dog Days is the start of an intriguing cozy mystery series. I am interested to see where is goes, and to watching the characters in the small town interact more in future books. There is no information on when this might happen on Goodreads or Amazon yet.

Book Review: Just Enough Light by A.J. Quinn

Just Enough Light by A.J. Quinn is a wonderful contemporary romance with a dash of suspense and mystery. Kellen Ryan has taken the survival skills she learned on the streets and used them to create an elite search-and-rescue operation, as well as the first home she’s known in forever—a sanctuary in Haven, Colorado, high in the Rockies. A small mountain town was the last place Harvard-educated Dr. Dana Kingston expected to find herself. Still, when she’s offered an opportunity to partner with Kellen’s operation and develop a medical triage center, Dana follows her heart. Dana falls hard and fast for the enigmatic Kellen. But she quickly realizes Kellen’s heart is as carefully guarded as her past, and breaking through will take time. Except time is the one thing they may not have, because a deadly threat has returned, and this time he plans to finish what he started.

Just Enough Light is a story with wonderfully complex characters. Kellen has survived much, a horrible home life, time on the streets, and a fall that would have killed most people. However, she is still determined to help others and rescue everyone she can, even when it means putting herself at risk. The only thing she really does not want to face is her past. Dana is a doctor that wants to live her life for herself and make her own decisions. Working with Search and Rescue in the Rockies seems like a great way to start over. She did not expect to need rescuing, or to fall in love. But, life and love seem to have their own ideas. Finding their footing in their working roles, and in the relationship has its pitfalls. But when danger comes too close for comfort the past must be confronted and Kellen needs to face down more than a grieving murderer, she also needs to face her past and decide if she is ready to stick around and forge a brighter future. A great love story, and interesting mystery, and a look at characters with different backgrounds and history. I really enjoyed the look at how the past can shape our present, but that we have control over who we become. I also found that I loved the pure honesty ad organic nature of the love story. At no point did the fact that the romantic interests were both woman become the major point of the story. They are just two people in love. That is beautiful. Too often the heart of the story gets lost in the gender, sexual orientation, or race of a character rather than just enjoying that we are all people and none of that really matters.

Just Enough Light is a well-told romance. I like that the psychological scars of the characters are addressed, but at no point is that the main point of the story. The love story was just so natural and organic that any aspect of the story that might otherwise override it just melted away. Great writing, I look forward to more from the author.

Book Review: Betrayed by a Kiss (An Unlikely Hero) by Kris Rafferty

Betrayed by a Kiss is the first book in the An Unlikely Hero series by Kris Rafferty. Marnie Somerville is sure Dane MacLain is just another bad guy. Her job as resident investigator at Whitman Enterprises is to track down the owners of delinquent accounts, but something about Dane’s case is off, and Marnie can’t resist a good mystery. The secret files and cover-up she finds after hacking her boss’s computer are more than she expected, and now she’s fleeing her former employer, right into Dane’s arms. Former detective Dane MacLain has spent the last year gathering intel against Whitman Enterprises, the company he believes responsible for his wife’s death. When a beautiful and intense woman shows up with information, Dane is willing to accept all she has to offer, especially when the help comes in such a sexy package. Caught in a deadly cat and mouse chase, Dane must do everything he can to protect Marnie as they run for their lives.

Betrayed by a Kiss is fairly fast paced, with plenty of danger and action. Marnie had been trying to go straight, only to discover that the company she worked for was worse than anyone she had worked with while she was growing up. Dane is a former cop that just cannot let go of the wrongs he knows exists, and whats to prove that they exist. They have each been through betrayals and danger in the past, but when Marnie tries to save Dane's life they end up working together to bring down Whitman Enterprises. I liked that we get to see Dane's daughter and sister, and that there is plenty of action and danger to keep things moving alone. I also like that Marnie seems to be a very complex character. She has a serious past and some crazy connections, but sometimes I felt like there must have been a previous book of something to connect people that seemed important to the story and had backstory that was not included in this story. The tension between our main players was high, and the intentions and decisions believable. It all fit together well, but I just did not connect to the characters or story, and found myself skimming over bits of the high action just to get to the resolution faster. I am not sure why the disconnect, there was nothing I can point to. It is perfectly possible it was my mood weather than the fault of the material.

Betrayed by a Kiss is one of those books that had everything, and should have been fantastic, but I just never really got invested in. There was nothing really wrong with it, but I never connected with the characters for some reason. It could have been just not the book I was in the mood for when I read it. I still cannot put my finger on what did not click for me. 

Book Review: Even Odds by Elia Winters

Even Odds by Elia Winters is the first book in the Slices of Pi series. As a design manager at PI Games, Isabel Suarez is no stranger to the struggles of being a woman in a male-dominated industry. But when her team attends a gaming convention on the other side of the country, she figures there’s no harm in putting aside her professional demeanor for one weekend to participate in a risqué scavenger hunt. Why shouldn’t she let loose and have a little fun? A careless romp soon turns into more, however, when Isabel ends up having a fling with Caleb Portland, an artist and animator, without knowing he has just been hired to partner with her at her company—and Caleb can’t bring himself to tell her. When they end up coworkers a few weeks later, they need to find a way to work together and keep things strictly professional. Caleb doesn’t want to take on a relationship and risk failure. Isabel doesn’t want to risk ruining the professional reputation she’s worked so hard to develop. But when faced with the undeniable sizzling chemistry between them, will either of them be able to resist temptation?

Even Odds is a fun romance with a whole lot of hot. There is plenty of sex, but the book does not ignore the emotional and realistic aspects of life. Concerns about employment, self-doubt, and personal hang ups are not ignored in the grand scheme of things, which does not always happen in romance with this level of steam. I liked Isabel. she has dealt with issues on the job before, and is super cautious about doing anything to damage her professional image. Caleb is more than ready for a fresh start, but not quite ready for a relationship. The coming together, keeping of secrets, and ultimate explosion between these two is very realistic. Not the choices everyone would make, but easy to see others making them. I liked that none of the characters were perfect, but portrayed as real people, warts and all. I am glad to have discovered this author, and will be exploring her other works. 

Even Odds definitely boarders the line of steamy romance and erotica, so those that are not comfortable with that might want to skip it. There is a great deal of character building and growth, and adults that actually talk thinks out (eventually) rather than just ignoring their issues. Realistic situations and characters with some humor made for a fun weekend read. 

Early Book Review: Roadside Assistance by Marie Harte

Roadside Assistance by Marie Harte is the second book in the Bad Boys and is currently scheduled for release on September 6 2016. You do not need to red the first book, Test Drive, to enjoy this one. However Test Drive was an equally good read, so you will only benefit from reading it first.

Underneath the axle grease and tats Foley Sanders is a gentleman. He always figured he would be content with a life of cars and casual hookups. Until a run-in with Cyn, a statuesque firecracker with a hate-on for men, leaves him bewitched and intrigued-much to her annoyance. Maybe Cynthia Nichols was a little hard on Foley, that muscular, tattooed, super-hot mechanic next door. But she's tired of feeling defensive about her size and has sworn off men. She's got a new job, new life, perfect plan. Foley has trouble written all over him-no way is she going to fall for his charms. What's a bad boy to do when the goddess of his dreams won't give him the time of day?

Roadside Assistance is well paced and has a great deal of character development, which always makes me happy. Foley has found his stride, good friends and no lack for physical relationships. When Cyn walks in his life everything is called into question. His less then stellar history and track record with the ladies are not exactly selling points. However, he is willing to work for a relationship with Cyn, because he knows she is worth it. Cyn has had some horrible relationships and is pondering a future alone, and a house full of cats is looking good. Foley is hard to resist, but has issues of her own to figure out. I like that while Cyn has some body image issues, she is open about them and actually faces them and an underlying source. Rather than the typical curvy girl "woe is me" bit she does (eventually) take some wonderful steps to help herself- and in turn her relationships with others. This is the best handling of the issue that I have seen in fiction yet, and I think the book is more realistic and hopeful because of it.

Roadside Assistance is another high octane romance from Harte. I liked the focus on the characters coming to terms with their own issues, and dealing with those around them. I cannot wait to see what happens in the Bad Boys series next!

Book Review: The Haunted Pub by Melanie Tushmore

The Haunted Pub by Melanie Rushmore is a contemporary novel that will appeal to adult and new adult readers. Suffering from depression, and going through a rough time because of it, Fizz's misery culminates in his parents throwing him out, leaving him with two bags, twenty pounds, and nowhere to go. Desperate, he calls his brother, who takes him to The Queen Anne's Revenge, where Fizz winds up living in a room that hasn't had a human inhabitant for more years than anyone can actually count—a room that seems to already have an occupant.

The Haunted Pub is full of characters with flaws. Fizz has struggled with depression, and perhaps more, all his life. His parents have just kicked him out of the house, and the only place for him to stay is with his cousin at a pub that is rumored to be haunted- in the creepiest room to boot. The majority of the pub’s staff lives in the upper floors as well, and one roommate’s band also reverses there. The story is about the haunted inhabitants of the pub, and the connections the living inhabitants make as well. I really felt like I got to know five or six characters really well, and enjoyed reading about their interactions and growth individually. The ghostly aspected built slowly, but that was the perfect pace to make the big conflict at the end so real and high emotion. I became so enthralled with the characters that I really have not stopped thinking about them, and how they might be doing, since I finished the book. Since it is the characters that hook me, I know I will be looking for more from the author.

The Haunted Pub has a little bit of everything. Readers that are offended by LGBTQ relationships or characters will want to steer clear, but readers that do not care how the characters identify as long as they are well written and that their book is compelling will enjoy the read. There is a gothic feel, with plenty of adult angst and mental and emotional struggles to keep readers (and characters) guessing at every turn. I only wish I could read more about how the characters deal with whatever comes next, because life always throws something new at you when you least expect it. 

Book Review: Joss (Gray Wolf Security # 3) by Glenna Sinclair

Joss is the third book in the Gray Wolf Security series by Glenna Sinclair. This is the only book in the series I have read, but was able to enjoy it without having read the others. I think reading the series as a whole would give a better understanding of some of the characters, but does not directly effect the enjoyment of each book on its own. 

She doesn’t talk. How the hell am I supposed to trust the life of my child to a woman who won’t talk? I’m paying thousands of dollars to Gray Wolf Security to protect my child from potential kidnappers, and they give me this emotionally broken woman who won’t speak. Not only that, but she’s so tiny she couldn’t hurt a fly. Well, okay, so she knocked me to the ground. But I’m not a drug lord with a loaded pistol pointed at an innocent child. Just because she’s beautiful and she has these curves that I can’t seem to get out of my mind doesn’t mean that I’m okay with this situation.

Joss is a book that takes two wounded adults and tosses them together under trying circumstances. Imperfect characters facing their own issues and each others while coming together to find a happy ending makes for a fun read. Carrington is facing threats to his daughter because of his refusal to take part in illegal dealings. He is desperate to protect her, but is unsure that the willingly mute, and petite, bodyguard is the right fit for his needs. the attraction between the two makes things more complicated- of course. Joss has lost a husband and child, and protects herself through her silence- and avoiding contact with children. That is all thrown out the window when she is assigned this job. I liked that each of these main character has dealt with loss and pain and found a way to keep going. While they each have some serious issue to work through, there is also Carrington's daughter McKelty to worry about and plenty of real danger to face. The danger is real, and comes along more than once with almost consistently high levels of suspense.

Joss is a heavy action and entertaining read. There are shoot outs, running, and some struggle to deal with beyond the emotional and intellectual wounds. While not the very best contemporary romance with suspense that I have read, it was still an entertaining read for a weekend.

Book Review: Jordan’s Return by Samantha Chase

Jordan’s Return by Samantha Chase is a contemporary romance about healing and second chances. A summer on the Virginia coast is exactly what Jordan Manning needs to regroup and recover from a near-fatal accident at the hands of her abusive ex-husband. Wanting only to spend time bonding with her two sons and come up with a direction for their future, Jordan’s perfectly crafted plan is turned upside down when she runs in to Rob Tyler, the first man who ever broke her heart. He was content with his life; at least that’s what Rob had been telling himself until seeing Jordan again. Spending time with her and her boys has Rob re-evaluating his life. Making up for his past mistakes won’t be easy, but the chance of having Jordan back in his life makes him want to try.

Jordan’s Return is a story of second chances. Jordan has escaped an abusive marriage, even though even that was not her decision. However, she is looking for a fresh start and to do what is best for her two sons, who are the focus of her life, and her future. Rob is doing well for himself and thinks he is content, until he sees his first love, and the woman he regrets his mistakes with in his small town. The attraction and emotion between the two still lingers, and Rob is more than willing to rekindle the romance. Jordan is still nursing her wounds (quite literally) and is a little reluctant to jump into anything. Stubborn minds, pride, and lack of listening cause more problems than anything else. I liked the characters, but did not really get invested in the story. I liked the read, but never really connected with the characters, except for maybe each of the main character’s extended family. All the elements of a solid contemporary romance were there- it just did not speak to me, and thats okay.

Jordan’s Return is a sweet romance with characters facing issue and complications partially of their own making. I liked the secondary characters almost more than the main players, but found the story to be solid and worth a read for fans of Chase and contemporary romance. 

Book Review: Devil and the Deep (Deep Six #2) by Julie Ann Walker

Devil and the Deep is the second book in the Deep Six by Julie Ann Walker. I do recommend reading Hell of High Water before this book, because it includes the first meeting of our leading couple and the personalities and dynamics of most of the characters, but newcomers would catch up pretty quickly.

Cocktail parties, political fundraisers, and charity events are Maddy Powers' way of life. But the daring man who appropriated her father's yacht a couple of months ago is still out there, somewhere, and she wants to pay him back for the scorching kiss they shared. Behind his suave smile and ladykiller eyes, Bran Palladino carries a dark secret that keeps him from pursuing Maddy, even though he can't get her out of his head. But when Maddy is kidnapped as part of a grand scheme, it's time to put up or shut up because Bran can't live without Maddy now.

Devil and the Deep is a faced paced book with plenty of danger, action, and more. Maddy and a group of scholarship students are at a nearby beach, a reward for hard work, when a group or mercenaries attempt to kidnap Maddy. Fueled by an email telling him of Maddy’s location Bran goes to visit, and interrupts the attempt. Fire fights, power plays, and deception are the words of the day as they struggle to get everyone out of there alive. The chemistry between Maddy and Bran is an added distraction, as is Brans past. A few moments of passion that could be much better timed and promises of no strings finally get the pair to talk, but with high stakes and everything on the line they might not be able to keep any promises. The action was intense, as was the danger. I had a few face palms when they decided to have alone time, not necessarily the best time for it, but when there is that much going on I guess you take what you can get. I really enjoyed the personalities and interactions of the secondary characters, and look forward to continuing the series to see what happens next.

Devil and the Deep is a high action, high emotion, edition to the world Walker has created in her interrelated romance series. If you are a fan of the Deep Six or Black Knights series you will enjoy this story.  

Book Review: Must Love Ghosts (Banchee Creek #1) by Ani Gonzalez

Must Love Ghosts is the first book in the Banchee Creek contemporary romance series by Ani Gonzalez. Abby Reed believes in folk songs and ghosts, but she doesn’t believe in love. She lost her soulmate when her fiancé died while deployed in Afghanistan, but she still has her music, her crazy spectre-filled town, and her pen-pal-slash-best-friend, Mike Stone. It's a good life and she's happy, but when Mike arrives in Banshee Creek after his last tour of duty in Afghanistan, Abby starts to have doubts, about music, ghosts and, most importantly love. Like a good soldier, Mike Stone follows the rules, and Rule #1 is: Don't Fall For Your Buddy's Fiancée. His relationship with Abby has been strictly platonic despite his long term infatuation. But when he arrives in Banshee Creek, a town where the impossible is an everyday occurrence, he'll find out that sometimes rules are meant to be broken.

Must Love Ghosts is a contemporary romance between two people that have been pen pals for years. Abby was engaged to Mike’s best friend, and that bond keeps them close, and apart at the same time. Mike has been longing for Abby since he first saw her, while she was engaged to his best friend. This makes for a challenge that is hard to overcome- but the lack of try to talk things out causes more issues than anything else. I did not really connect with either character, rather I though the secondary characters and a couple outside influences were much more entertaining than Abby and Mike. There were some hot moments, and more than one funny moment, and the story came together nicely. However, I just never really felt invested in the main players. I am tempted to read follow up books because I found the characters of Banshee Creek to be wacky and interesting, but worry that getting inside their heads will make them less entertaining.

Must Love Ghosts is good weekend read, but nothing that has me eagerly awaiting the next book. I liked the characters, and had a few good laughs, but did not love them or care about them much once I finished the story.  

Book Review: Cross the Line (A Boston Love Story) by Julie Johnson

Cross the Line is the second book in the Boston Love Story series by Julie Johnson. Each story can stand up fine on its own as a contemporary romance, but together they re even better!

Phoebe West has been head-over-heels in love with her brother’s best friend for as long as she can remember. Despite several mortifying attempts at seduction and a decade’s worth of unrequited pining, nothing Phoebe does seems to make any impact on the man she’s obsessed over since her bra-stuffing days. She knows it’s time to let him go, though just the thought is nearly enough to shatter her. Nathaniel “Nate” Knox has only ever seen Phoebe as forbidden. There’s a darkness in Nate, the kind you can’t avoid after years working in special forces and private security. He’s no good for anyone — especially not someone as sweet as his best friend’s little sister. He knows he can’t have her. Not ever. Even if she makes him feel things he barely recognizes. When an unforeseeable series of events sends Phoebe stumbling headfirst into danger, there’s only one man who can protect her. Though, in his quest to save her life, he may just break her heart.

Cross the Line is a highly entertaining romance with multi-faceted characters and a level of danger and suspense that kept me at the edge of my seat. While there is less humor in this than in Not You It’s Me, which was the first in this series, there are still great characters and some moments that made me grin despite myself. Phoebe has always loved the dark and brooding Nate, who has always treated her like a bratty little sister, at least as far as she knows. They are thrown together again and the stakes are high all around. I like that they each go through their own internal struggles, and that they do have some seriously great friends to help and hinder them in turn. I really liked the give and take, and the volatile relationship between Nate and Phoebe. It is not my favorite of the three books I have read from the author, but not every book speaks to the same people the same way. I still found it to be a great read, but not as phenomenal as the others. Of course, I am still hooked on the author and as soon as I catch up on my NetGalley reading I expect to find myself buying more of her books and continuing reading her works.

Cross the Line is another entertain contemporary romance from Johnson that has kept me turning pages well past my bedtime. Complex characters, big drama, humor, and suspense come together to make the book go by just a little too quickly. 

Book Review: One Good Reason by Julie Johnson

One Good Reason by Julie Johnson is the third book in the Boston Love series. It stood well on its own, since I did not read the previous books. There was enough information about the reoccurring characters to catch me up quickly, but I liked the characters enough that I want to backtrack and read them all.

After a childhood spent begging for scraps on Boston street corners Zoe Bloom has clawed her way to a successful career and has a safe place to call home. She knows exactly what she needs to survive, friends and family are a luxury she can’t afford.  She can barely juggle her own problems; she certainly doesn’t have time to handle anyone else’s crap. Parker West has always avoided responsibility, but when a crisis forces him to return to Boston, he has no choice but to stop chasing adventures, at least for now. As soon as things are back in order, he fully intends to sail off into the sunset, at least until he crosses paths with Zoe. For the first time in his life, Parker doesn’t want to run. In fact, when it comes to Zoe… he may want to do something he’s never done before.

One Good Reason is a well paced contemporary romance with a side order of suspense. Zoe is a survivor and the only person she really trusts is the guy that has been by her side- her brother in everything but blood. She considers herself a loner and not exactly a nice person, but she has a marshmallow center that she just will not admit to. Parker is certainly a spoiled rich boy, but he loves his family and has a good heart under all the money and good looks. I found the balance between the characters, and the way they both came to own their failings (eventually) was very well done and kept me eager to see what happened next. A fun and entertaining read with some significantly steamy moments. I think the action was well paced and kept me guessing, but it was really the characters that kept me so interested.

One Good Reason is a wonderful contemporary romance with a nice dose of intrigue. I liked the characters, including the secondary characters, and felt that this was just about perfect for the genre. I greatly enjoyed the read and have already downloaded the first book in the series, because of how much I like the characters.

 

Book Review: Rock Steady (Rock Band #2) by Dawn Ryder

Rock Steady by Dawn Ryder is the second book in the Rock Band series. I dd not read the first book, but felt that this book did a good job as a stand alone, and in making me want to read the first book based on the characters rather than missing information. 

Superstar guitarist Ramsey's reputation as a bad-boy rocker is exceeded only by his dedication to his music. He's worked hard for the success of his hit metal band Toxsin, and he intends to enjoy it-completely. When a jilted groupie gets back at him for a one-night stand with an intimate-and completely inappropriate-tattoo, he needs it fixed, and fast. Sparks fly between Ramsey and his new tattoo artist, and Ramsey finds himself hoping for more than new ink. When a high-profile tattoo job lands Jewel an invite on Toxsin's latest tour, she can't say no. It'll be great exposure, after all. What she's really worried about is ruining the gig by hooking up with the first guy to completely rock her world. She knows she should resist-Ramsey's not the kind to stick around for a morning after. But the way he makes her feel-as an artist and a woman-could be worth any risk.

Rock Steady is a steamy read with surprisingly complex characters and story line. I like that both Jewel and Ramsey have serious issues, and that they are characters that face their issues and make an effort to move forward. I liked the detail of the good and bad of success and fame, and the realistic view of forging your own way. My only real issue with the book is that it Jewel just so happens to be a virgin, but I could have just ignored that for the most part. However, she turns into the wonder virgin ready for anything fairly quickly. While I do  understand that that with attraction and love and all that people might explore their limits- but 0 to 60 happens a little fast for me here. Even so, I read to escape, and this book offered some entertainment and a seriously interesting story line so I was happy overall with the read.

Rock Steady was a quick, hot read. I liked the characters, for the most part, and enjoyed how complex they were. The book definitely leaned toward erotica at certain points, so if you like your romance less than hot and heavy I suggest passing on this series.

Book Review: Not You It's Me by Julie Johnson

Not You It's Me is the first book in the Boston Love Story series by Julie Johnson. I read the third book in the series, One Good Reason, and loved the characters and writing style enough to go back and buy the first two books as well. 

Gemma Summers is unlucky in love. She’s known it since third grade, when her first crush blew a spitball into her hair, and a decade-long string of bad dates, boring sex, and abysmal morning-afters has done nothing to improve her prospects.  ut when a random radio call-in contest lands her courtside tickets to the hottest playoff game of the season, Gemma’s luck may finally be on the upswing even if it doesn’t exactly seem like it when the dreaded jumbotron kiss-cam lands on her and her date, who’s too busy ignoring her to notice. Chase Croft doesn’t date. Despite ample opportunity as Boston’s most eligible bachelor, the reformed bad-boy would rather put his energy into taking over the family business than weed through a world of gold-diggers to find an honest woman. But when the beautiful girl in the seat next to him becomes a courtside spectacle at the hands of her loser boyfriend, he can’t help but step in and save the day. The problem is that after kissing Gemma once, he knows he wants more.

Not You It's Me is a contemporary romance with flawed characters. I like that both Gemma and Chase have issues that they need to deal with and plenty of problems to sort out between them. Too often we see characters with manufactured issues, or problems created either by outside sources or lack of communication. Gemma and Chase have some of that going on, but they also have family and personal issues to work on, and a great group of characters surrounding them. I really appreciate the complex and highly entertaining secondary characters, and that the main players force themselves and each other to face their issues. The danger and suspense portion of the romance is well handles, and kept me turning pages well after I should have stopped to go to bed. What really sold me was the humor and moments when characters laugh at themselves. Great characters are what keep me reading, and looking forward to more from an author.

Not You It's Me is a hot and steamy romance with plenty of suspense. A great read to escape with and enjoy.

Book Review: Nobody but You (Cedar Ridge #3) by Jill Shalvis

Nobody but You is the third book in the Cedar Ridge series by Jill Shalvis. The previous books are Second Chance Summer, and  My Kind of Wonderful. The main connection between the books is the family and town most involved in each book, but I think newcomers to the series could still enjoy each book on their own. 

After an overseas mission goes wrong, Army Special Forces officer Jacob Kincaid knows where he must go to make things right: back home to the tiny town of Cedar Ridge, Colorado. All he needs to scrub away his painful past is fresh mountain air, a lakeside cabin, and quiet solitude. But what he discovers is a gorgeous woman living on a boat at his dock. Sophie Marren has nowhere else to go. She’s broke, intermittently seasick, and fighting a serious attraction to the brooding, dishy, I’m-too-sexy-for-myself guy who’s now claiming her dock. Something about Jacob’s dark intensity makes her want to tease—and tempt—him beyond measure. Neither one wants to give any ground, until they realize the only true home they have is with each other.

Nobody but You is funnier than the other Cedar Ridge books have been, but was a little closer to the humor level of some of her earlier books, like the Lucky Harbor series. The small town and family atmosphere is there, as are the strange coincidences that come with being in a small community. I loved Sophie's attitude, inner dialogue, and sheer determination. Jacob's battle with his past, his guilt, and his family made me feel; for him and root for him to find his place and path in life. i liked that communication is key here, and that it was only in not sharing things that were important that they almost lost everything- but that them overcame all the odds and their own stubbornness to find happiness and a new beginning. A great read all around. I wish I had been reading this from a lake side cabin, but that was the only thing that could have made me enjoy the read more.

Nobody but You is consistent with the style and quality that I expect from Shalvis. I enjoyed this one more than the last couple that I have read, but I think that was because of the characters rather than other aspects of the book. I liked the humor and the main characters ability to laugh at themselves so much that anything i did not like about the book was washed away. 

Book Review: Playing Passion's Game by Leslie Davis

Playing Passion's Game by Leslie Davis is a contemporary romance. Trent Williams’s entire world revolves around her love of gaming. She has little time for romantic distractions and prefers instead to be with her closest friends who, like her, live for the thrill that comes from a competition well played. Happy in her job, seemingly content with her life, Trent still finds herself haunted by the past that threatens to keep her alone forever. The self-imposed solitude she places on her heart only leaves her all too aware of just how lonely she is. All work and no play in her executive job forces Juliet Sullivan to search for a different direction in life. Disillusioned by it all, Juliet is desperate to seek out new horizons. When Trent unwittingly comes to the rescue of her younger sister, Juliet immediately finds herself drawn to Trent’s silent strength and undeniable charm. Now the new direction Juliet so desperately desires seems intent on leading her straight into Trent’s arms.

Playing Passion's Game is a wonderful read. As I expected from the author, both Trent and Juliet felt very real. They each had their faults, fears, and fallibilities just like the rest of us. Even though some stereotypes were touched upon, the majority of the time it was done in a way that pointed out the expectations of others, and the reality. I think readers that enjoy well written characters and realistic stories will find themselves completely caught up in the story. Honestly, the characters are people that I would love to hang out with and know in real life. The fact that the main characters are lesbians is more of a side note- the romance, characters, and struggles they face are so real that it was organic. The difference between an author that truly knows their characters and how they feel, and those that write to fill a niche market or for the love of money rather that the story is clear. Davis is obviously a writer that loves what they are writing, rather than writing to follow the money. Which will hopeful help them continue writing and find success- because I want more!

Playing Passion's Game might have a slightly corny title, but like the other books I have read from the author I quickly found myself lost in the story and caring deeply for all the characters. I adore the author, and will continue reading whatever they release. I am eagerly waiting for more!