Book Review: The Cutting Edge (St. Pete Slashers) by Lisa Daily

The Cutting Edge by Lisa Daily is the first book in the St. Pete Slashers series. Logan Rivers is a star pro hockey player for the St. Pete Slashers -- and he's in a slump. He hasn’t scored in 3 games and it’s starting to freak him out. Enter Olympic figure skater Coco, who strikes a deal with an assistant coach to be Logan's lucky charm to pay off her training expenses. Sparks fly and everything is looking up for both of them. She’s almost got her debt paid off and the Slashers are on a winning streak. There's only one problem: she doesn’t know how to tell Logan she’s been lying to him the whole time. If she can just keep her secret until the playoffs are over.

The Cutting Edge started off strong and I thought it had a lot of potential. I liked Coco and her friends and could appreciate Logan's character. I loved his daughter, although I felt like more could have been done with her character. I liked the characters, thought the set up was neat, but once they added the 'conflict' I started to lose interest and some of the shine started to wear off for me. There were some moments that felt really out of character for both Coco and Logan, and about half way though the story I started to lose interested in how things were going to come together. I was looking for more information on how Coco's sick neighbor was doing, and the lives of the secondary characters more than our main players. 

The Cutting Edge started off great and had a lot of potential. I still think I'll give the next book in the series a try.

Book Review: A Sweet Spot For Love (Rock Falls) by Aliyah Burke

A Sweet Spot For Love is the second book in the Rock Falls series by Aliyah Burke. I did not read the first book in the series, and was able to fully enjoy the read. Although, I think returning readers will find the returning characters and advanced knowledge of the main characters make the read more enjoyable. 

Former pro baseball player Linc Conner knows exactly where his head’s at. Most of the time, he’s completely focused on running his community center and focusing on the kids. But when it comes to single mom Emma Henricksen, Linc can’t see straight. She’s driven, resourceful—not to mention that smart, extra-kissable mouth—and when she’s near, he gets lost in a fog of lust. But he needs her help to convince an investor they’re engaged. Emma’s too busy raising her gifted little girl to have a sex life that’s not battery-operated. Still, how could she resist being engaged to a guy who’s the sexual equivalent of her favorite dessert topped with whipped cream and a cherry, even if it’s just pretend? Emma knows all too well that if something seems too good—or too tempting—to be true, it definitely is. Now it’s a game of pretend with a whole lot of chemistry between the guy who’s used to playing the field—and the woman who opted out of the game long ago. All that’s missing is a curveball. 

A Sweet Spot For Love is a cute and fun romance with some great characters. I did enjoy getting to know Linc and Emma, and I thought Greer and the circle of friends were wonderful additions to the story. I liked the center they are both working hard for, and the small town vibes. There was a lot that really worked for me. The slow burn as the faked dating, the cute moments with Greer, the support systems and friendship, and more. I appreciated getting both points of view, and how   However, I felt like the romance side was a little off. I felt like the slow burn switch flipped to something else in a weird moment and that rather threw me off. Also, some of the choices and actions seemed a bit out of character for both of them and there were side stories that could have been skipped entirely while others got left behind when they could have made a good addition to the story overall. I also felt like some of the resolution was off a bit as well. I really wanted to love this read. I did enjoy it, but it did not live up to my hopes or expectations for the book. 

Book Review: Mr. Nanny (The Nannies) by Sam Crescent

Mr. Nanny is the tenth book in The Nannies series by Sam Crescent. It stood up fine on its own, but returning readers are likely to have some advanced knowledge of Caleb and his friends. 

Annie Wells needs help. When she's suddenly given a baby to care for, she doesn’t have a clue what to do. She needs someone who knows how to help. Annie turns to Caleb Nanny, hoping he can teach her how to take care of the baby that is now her responsibility. One look is all it takes for Caleb to know that Annie is a sweet, young woman. She looks so distraught, so he takes pity on her. He agrees to help and it has nothing to do with how sexy her ass looks—or maybe it does. He can't fight his attraction for her. What started out as a pity job, soon turns into more, and when Caleb tells her that he loves her, he knows he’s gone too far. But what will happen when Annie attempts to give him the memory of a lifetime? Will he reject her, or will he finally fall for the woman that loves him with her whole heart, and never wants to let him go?

Mr. Nanny is an okay story, but I felt like there was a great deal of wasted potential. I liked the little I learned about Caleb and Annie, but I felt like we could have learned much more about Annie and baby Tara, and how things turned out they way they did for the pair. Readers do get a bit of a glimpse at Caleb and his issues, but I feel like there could have been more about the actual romance between the two. The outline was there, but it felt like so many details that could have made the story more engaging and real were left out. Things just felt a little flat all around, which is a shame since I thought it was going to check all my boxes for favorite, quick romance reads.

Mr. Nanny is a quick weekend read.

Audiobook Review: Make a Wish (Spark House) by Helena Hunting, Narrated by Jason Clarke; Stella Bloom

Make a Wish by Helena Hunting is the third book in the Spark House series and is narrated by Jason Clarke and Stella Bloom. I did not read the previous books, but was able to enjoy the story fully despite that. Returning readers will have a better grasp on the main character's sisters and some backstory. 

Ever have a defining life moment you wish you could do over? Harley Spark has one. The time she almost kissed the widowed father of the toddler she nannied for. It was so bad they moved across the state and she never saw them again. Fast forward seven years and she’s totally over it. At least she thinks she is. Until Gavin Rhodes and his adorable now nine-year-old daughter, Peyton, reappear at a princess-themed birthday party hosted by Spark House, Harley’s family’s event hotel. Despite trying to avoid the awkwardness of the situation, she can’t help but notice how unbearably sexy he looks in a tutu. Add to that a spontaneous hives breakout, and it’s clear she’s not even remotely over the mortification of her egregious error all those years ago. Except Gavin seems oblivious to her inner turmoil. So much so that he suggests they get together for lunch. For Peyton’s sake, of course. It’s the perfect opportunity to heal old wounds. Or it could just reopen them. This is one of those times Harley wishes she could see the future.

Make a Wish is a solid romance with a single parent, a kind of second chance romance, a smart kid, and plenty of emotion. Lets start with the narration, because honestly that can make or break an audiobook. I greatly enjoyed the dual narrators and think that Jason Clarke and Stella Bloom did a great job bringing these characters- and all of those emotions- to life. They did well conveying grief and stress as needed in the story, and I think I would have been less invested in the story if I had read it instead of listening to it. In the story itself I liked the characters, and think the struggles they faced were very realistic and well portrayed. Harley is dealing with huge changes at work and in her roles and dynamic there with no concrete solutions in sight, adding in the relationship with Gavin and Peyton made everything even more high stakes. Gavin is still struggling with loss, grief, and facing his own emotions making things harder for everyone, but especially himself. I thought the trauma and grief was handled very well, and it felt real as I was listening. As did Harley's frustration and uncertainty about work. I have to say that the biggest downfall of the book for me was Harley herself. I completely understand and commiserate with where she stands and how she rarely asserts herself- but aside for one moment in the book she is almost too perfect, too understanding, too empathetic and it bothered me. She never seemed to even have negative thoughts about people seemed a bit off to me, and she just seemed too perfect to be real. However, I am still glad I read the book, and it was overall an enjoyable read. 

Make a Wish is a good romance, and fans of the author and series will not want to miss it. 

Book Review: Accidental Magic (Myrtlewood Mysteries) by Iris Beaglehole

Accidental Magic is the first book in the Myrtlewood Mysteries series by Iris Beaglehole. Life’s a struggle for Rosemary Thorn and her teen daughter, Athena. But their regular troubles are turned upside down after Granny Thorn’s mysterious death.  Despite her cousin's sinister maneuverings, Rosemary returns to Myrtlewood and the sprawling, dilapidated Thorn Manor. But there's more to the old house than meets the eye, as Rosemary and Athena soon find out — in a whirlwind of magic, adventure, mystical creatures and endless cups of tea. Life in Myrtlewood would be bliss if Rosemary could only clear her name in a certain murder investigation, solve the mystery and stay out of mortal peril – for at least a little while!  A small town with endless secrets, strange activities and a house with a mind of its own.

Accidental Magic left me satisfied with the ending, but with plenty of questions about where the series will go from here.  I thought that Rosemary and Athena had an interesting mother-daughter relationship, but I did like both characters. I thought that they balanced each other nicely and I was glad to get parts of the story from both of them. I liked the quirky nature of the town and its residents, although what do you expect from a magical town full of secrets. I am interested to see where some of the friendships and relationships might form and grow, and which might reveal even more secrets.  I was a little frustrated with the number of secrets and forgotten bits of information, even though it did fit with the story. I just felt like aspect of Rosemary and magic got used a little too often. However, I was interested in the mystery and magic of the story start to finish and plan on reading the second book to see what happens next and how Athena and Rosemary grow as characters.

Accidental Magic is an intriguing start to a new series and I am looking forward to seeing where it goes. 

Book Review: Sink or Swim (Shore Leave) by Annabeth Albert

Sink or Swim is the second book in the Shore Leave series by Annabeth Albert. You do not need to read the series in order to fully enjoy each read. 

Navy chief Calder Euler loves to win big. His latest score? A remote mountain cabin. Checking it out is supposed to be a quick trip, but Calder’s luck abruptly turns when a freak injury and a freakier snowstorm leave him stranded. Oh, and the cabin isn’t empty. A silver fox caring for two young girls claims that the property is his, but Calder’s paperwork says otherwise. Felix Sigurd is on a losing streak, and his ex-husband risking the cabin in a reckless bet is only the latest in a series of misfortunes. He’ll tolerate the handsome stranger for a couple nights--even care for his injuries—but that’s it. Calder doesn’t know a damn thing about kids, but making pancakes for Felix’s girls is a surprising delight. Trapped in the cabin, the four of them slip easily into the rhythms of a family. But when the ice melts, they’ll have to decide if a future together is in the cards.

Sink or Swim is another romance with complex characters that grow in the process of unexpectedly finding love from Albert. I thought Calder and Felix each had their hang up, but were great guys from the beginning, and I enjoyed being along for the ride as they each made self realizations about who they were and what they wanted, and how to get there. I really loved Felix's nieces, and thought the quirky comments, personalities, and worries were very realistic. I loved the open and honest discussions between Calder and Felix, in and out of the bedroom,  and that the amount of care and concern for each other and the bigger picture with the girls was always considered and often reevaluated to stay on top of issues and concerns. As always, I loved the secondary characters and how the author makes the support systems of friends and family an important part of the story. I would love to see more from many of the secondary characters and get a kick out of them in every book from Albert. I really enjoyed this read and think other fans of the author will as well. 

Sink or Swim is an emotional and rewarding romance. 

Book Review: Choosing You by Stacy Finz

Choosing You by Stacy Finz is a contemporary romance, and part of the Nugget series. I have not read the previous books, and while it takes place n a small town and it is clear that characters will pop up repeatedly in the series, it seems like each can be enjoyed on their own as well.

Picturesque Nugget, California, couldn’t be more different than the glittering caverns of Manhattan, but Brynn Barnes is grateful for the change. After the accident that took her husband’s life and seriously injured her young son Henry’s legs, a clinical trial from a pioneering young doctor offers Brynn hope that Henry may walk again. And even as the magnificent landscape and the town’s hospitality help mend Brynn’s broken spirit, it’s a certain handsome surgeon’s compassion that soothes her aching heart. Reeling after a bitter divorce, Ethan Daniels has brought his medical practice and his young daughter to Nugget, where he hopes its homey warmth will ease the transition to a family of two. A new relationship is the last thing he should be thinking about. But Ethan can’t help his immediate attraction to beautiful Brynn—or the feelings she’s awakening in him. For two people battered by life’s cruelest blows, love may be the perfect prescription.

Choosing You is a sweet romance with a sprinkle of heat. I liked Brynn, she is doing everything she can to help her son recover from his injuries and is willing to do anything for his wellbeing. Ethan is a good guy, fantastic surgeon, and as equally dedicated to his daughter. I liked getting to see the characters get to know each other, and some of the characters of Nugget make their appearances. I think returning readers will get a kick out of seeing their favorites have their moments, and there are plenty of hints of who might be finding their happy ending in upcoming books. I thought there was a great deal right with the book, I liked the characters and the town, I felt like there was a tension for a good portion of the book were I was waiting for something big and dramatic to happen. And while there were a few tense moments, I never really got the crisis that I was expecting. Not that I wanted anything bad to happen, but the switching between three character voices had me thinking that the third party might be more problematic than they were. I thought the solution was pretty obvious about halfway through the book, but know people can be stubborn and blind to the simple solutions- so the path the story took was realistic in that regard. I did enjoy the read, although because I already had my mind set of how things would be resolved, I did find my mind wondering a bit as I read. This is my fault, and the oddness that is life right now, but I need to be honest that there were moments the book did not have my full attention.  

Choosing You is a good contemporary romance that I enjoyed reading.

Book Review: The Sheikh's Wife Arrangement (Safar Sheikhs) by Leslie North

The Sheikh's Wife Arrangement is the first book in the Safar Sheikhs series by Leslie North. Ancient law dictates that Sheikh Fatim Safar has to marry or be disinherited by his 30th birthday. Fatim isn’t worried—he married years earlier and had two children with his wife before she died. But there’s a catch: the law states he must be married at age 30. Two weeks from his 30th birthday, there’s no time to change it or fight it. Calla Clark is out to prove her parents wrong.Calla is in the Middle East to prove her design prowess., and what better way to do that then becoming seamstress for the royal family and getting to drape fabric over the sexy Sheikh’s rock-hard body. She can’t act on her temptations, of course. She’s got goals to crush. Still, when she watches the way the Sheikh commands his tribe, and cares for his kids, she can’t help but feel an undeniable attraction. Fatim has taken a liking to Calla, too. She’s smart, thoughtful, and good with his children. With his birthday right around the corner, Fatim offers her the position as his wife. It’s only temporary, and in return for marrying him and helping with his children, he’ll give her everything she needs for the upcoming Fashion Week. Calla agrees, so long as he helps keep her dream alive. With so many differences between them, Fatim and Calla’s powerful pairing could raise the tribe up to modern heights, or send it to the bin like last season’s cast-offs. 

The Sheikh's Wife Arrangement is a romance that works because of the complex characters. Yes, a marriage of convenience turned to love is not a new trope, but it totally works here. Calla is a strong woman that wants to prove herself, to show her skill in clothes design. She cares about others, and her biggest issue is that she has trouble saying no outright and tends to over extend herself. Fatim shares the trait of often overtaxing himself, but in his case it is because he wants everything to be as good as it can for his people. Both are trying to do too much, and prove themselves to be worthy of the trust others place in them and their own skills. There is a good amount of heat, a solid emotional crisis and solution, and some funny moments as well. I like that both characters had their own growth and concerns outside the relationship- even though they did affect it. They did not lose their other goals as soon as they fell in love, instead it brought their own issues to light and forced them to face them on their own. Calla had to figure out how to relate to the other women in the country, Fatim had to figure out how to rule balancing tradition and modern ideas as well as love. 

The Sheikh's Wife Arrangement is va good example of North's writing, and I think fans will want to start off this series right away. It has well written characters and emotional conflict. I liked it so much that I already downloaded the next title in the series.

Book Review: I've Got You, Babe (Must Love Babies) by Lynnette Austin

I've Got You, Babe is the second book in the Must Love Babies series by Lynnette Austin. I did read the first book in the series, but each book can easily be read as a stand alone.

Former Marine Tucker Wylder wants nothing more than to work with his brothers in their vintage car restoration business and be left alone with his nightmares and regrets. The last thing he needs is to take on someone else’s troubles. Then Elisa Danvers and her young daughter arrive in Misty Bottoms, Georgia. Elisa has reached the end of the line—flat broke, engine trouble, sick in body and spirit. Tucker steps up to the rescue and finds himself reluctantly taking care of a feisty preschooler and her independent mother, who doesn’t seem to want his help. And Tucker isn’t sure he’s ready for the way precocious little Daisy and headstrong, beautiful Elisa herself capture first his bachelor household and finally his carefully guarded heart.

I've Got You, Babe is a sweet contemporary romance with a great deal of heart. Tucker is dealing with survivor's guilt and other after effects of his time in the military. He is trying to hold it all together for his family but everything is weighing on him more than he can admit. Elisa has been struggling all her life, more than ever since losing her job threw one more curveball her way. I love her fierce independence and willingness to do whatever it takes to take care of her daughter. When the chaos of Elisa's life collides with Tucker's forced order the result is thawing and growing trust on both sides. I loves the slow, sweet burm between the two- and how important actual communication and trust is in the story. My heart melted every time Tucker showed his softer side toward Daisy. I also liked the way his emotional wounds and struggles were handled- I thought his internalizing of it and reluctance to share were very realistic. Tucker and Elisa faced huge hurdle on their own, and together. I loved the secondary characters and the way everything was handled for all of their issues. I will admit though that my interest started to waiver after the half way mark in the book, and I cannot put my finger on why. I still wanted to know how everything comes together and how Tucker and Elisa get their happy ending but it was a lot easier to put the book down to cook dinner or go to bed after a certain point. I still enjoyed the read, and I am still glad I read it, but I was not fully engaged through the entire read.

I've Got You, Babe is a sweet romance and I think fans of the author will certainly want to read it. I fully plan on continuing to read the author's work.

Early Book Review: The Nanny Rules by Melynda Price

The Nanny Rules by Melynda Price is currently scheduled for release on August 12 2019.  Since becoming a single father, I have two things that keep me sane—my daughter Lily and playing football for the NFL. But when my meddling sister hires a nanny without my knowledge, I’m not thrilled to come home and find the woman has taken over my house. Our instant attraction is one more complication I don’t need in my life. But my daughter loves Amelia, and I will do anything for that tiny munchkin. Even if it means walking around with blue balls most of the time. Why does the nanny have to be so sweet—and drop dead gorgeous? She’s driving me crazy. Never in my life have I wanted a woman more. I just need to make it through this season. I can do that. Hands free, of course. But then there’s that moment, and I know she’s thinking what I’m thinking and, well, yeah. 

The Nanny Rules is a contemporary romance that hit all the sweet spots for the feels. Yes, it is the boo/nanny trope- but I love that Amelia loves Lily before even meeting her father. I liked that Amelia and Brody each have issues from their past that they need to deal with, issues of trust and hope that they need to work on for themselves before moving forward. I liked that while Brody and Amelia were guarding their feelings and their hearts, they both loved Lily and put her first in just about everything. I also enjoy the way Brody related to his team and coach, I liked that he had that support and camaraderie available to him. I just thought the connection between the characters, and their fears, were spot on and written very well. I found myself grinning or cringing as I read as they tried to find their way toward their own peace and their happy ever after. I liked the secondary characters as well. I want more about a few of Brody's teammates and coach, and his sister as well. The complications and struggles were all so real and heart felt that I was rooting for the characters right from the start. 

The Nanny Rules is a wonderful contemporary romance that has a good balance of heart and heat. Readers that are particularly fond of the boss/nanny trope and sports romance will really enjoy it. I think this was my first read from this author, but it will not be my last.

Early Book Review: Forever Home (Forever Friends) by Allyson Charles

Forever Home is the first book in the new Forever Friends series by Allyson Charles. It is currently scheduled for release on April 10 2018. Isabelle Lopez has never been a dog person. Raising her daughter alone and building a real estate career leaves no time for four-legged furballs. When she finds an abandoned mutt and litter of pups in a foreclosed apartment, Izzy intends to drop them off at a shelter and walk briskly away. Instead, her “heroic” deed makes her a local celebrity. Her boss is thrilled and thanks to gorgeous shelter owner Bradley Cohen, Izzy’s disciplined life is suddenly much, much more complicated.  He’s got a sexy smile, a wicked sense of humor, and a big, noble heart. Even as Izzy tries to get her libido to heel, boy, Bradley sets out to convince her there’s more to life than padding her bank account. But Izzy knows a trade secret that puts Brad’s beloved shelter at risk, and she can’t warn him.  Their relationship was barely getting started; suddenly it’s in the dog house. Now Izzy and Brad need to figure out what matters most, and whether this could be much more than animal attraction.

Forever Home is a contemporary romance that had several moments I related to- being a mom and a pragmatic sort. However there were other things that just seemed out of character to me. I loved the set up- real estate agent stumbles on dogs and tries to drop them at the shelter without having conversation- something I can total get. Of course that does not go as planned and the first connection with Brad happens. I did like Brad's willingness to work for Izzy's affection, and thought that Izzy reacted in character. I also liked his reactions to Anna, and how flexible he was in finding his place in Izzy's life. However, there were a couple moments that I was surprised with her choices (from not dating at all to getting busy outside). I liked getting the insight into both character's minds, to see their worries and needs. I thought that the conflicts were easy to see coming, but well done. I did find the resolution and I love yous to be a little quick. However, one hysterical scene that had me laughing hard enough to wake up my daughter made many of the small issues like that become less important.  I still am smiling just thinking about those pages.

Forever Home is a satisfying read, and I related and laughed at times. However, while it was good- aside from a few absolutely stellar moments, I was not wowed. It was a good, satisfying read, but not a must read for me. 

Book Review: Brew: A Love Story by Tracy Ewens

Brew: A Love Story by Tracy Ewens is a contemporary romance. Boyd McNaughton is working on balance. He is a father, a brewmaster, and the oldest brother of four. When he’s not running Foghorn Brewery with two of his brothers, his days are packed with carpools, teenage angst, and well-intentioned school moms determined to send him on the perfect blind date. After a simple argument ends with a visit to the emergency room, Boyd discovers the one thing he’s been neglecting, his life. Ella Walters is working on connection. Having grown up in a less-than-affectionate family of overachievers, she moved to Petaluma for a slower pace and to escape her past. She has friends now instead of accolades, chooses chocolate croissants over super foods, and cherishes the peace that’s replaced the drama. Sure, she occasionally misses the buzz of the San Francisco General Hospital ER, but Ella is learning that navigating a fuller life can be just as exciting. When Boyd’s son, Mason, seeks out Dr. Ella for “advice” and Boyd stumbles all over her newly healed heart, she finds herself longing for something she never knew existed. But families are messy, and they’ll both need to let go of the past if they want to find a future that’s more than by the book.

Brew: A Love Story is a modern romance full of the trials of connection and letting go. None of us come into a new relationship without our past shaping how we see things and react, this is particularly true with the main players of this story. Ella comes to the story with a less than pleasant family, and something that sent her running from her perfectly ordered life. She is just starting to let people in, and start feeling with the help of great friends. Boyd is a dad first, and everything else second. When he took charge of raising his son he did everything he could o give Mason the best life he could, but things are changing, because Mason is growing up (as they tend to) faster than he is really prepared for. Neither Boyd or Ella is quite ready to jump on in, but their attraction and the support of those around them urge them in the right direction. Now they each just need to get out of their own heads and pasts, and work on figuring out what they want and need. I love the reality of this story, because none of use are in a vacuum. Family, past troubles, friends, and everything around us effects how we interact with others and perceive he world. I love that there was movement in the relationships and characters around them as well, showing just how fluid and changeable life really is. Boyd and Ella each have things to work out, and those that support them and give them the straight talk that they occasionally need to open their eyes. The honesty and heart break her was very well done, and while there were moments when I wanted to kick one or both of them, I was glad to see them find their way.

Brew: A Love Story is a heart warming story of two people finding each other, and themselves. I enjoyed the read, and hope to explore more from this author in the near future. 

Book Review: Diaper Duty Vampire (Vampires of Amber Heights) by R.E. Mullins

Diaper Duty Vampire is the first book of the Vampires of Amber Heights series by R.E. Mullins. However, this is the second vampire series, and this one is certainly related to the first. I think those that have read the The Blautsaugers of Amber Heights series that proceeds this will definitely get more from the read than those of us that were newcomers to the author. 

During the Civil War, Union soldier, John Alden took a musket ball to the gut. As he gasped his final breath, he was turned into a vampire and started life anew in Amber Heights, Missouri. For over one hundred and fifty years, he's lived a rather solitary life as a vampire Enforcer. Young single mother, Joann Clarkson, needs a job and fast. Hoping to be rehired, she returns to Dr. Michaela Blautsauger's lab prepared to eat a hefty helping of humble pie. She comes to regret that decision when she's taken hostage. Things look grim but she'll never stop fighting to escape. Her son needs his mama. As an Enforcer, John must hunt down the vampire who kidnapped Joann. In his search, John winds up babysitting her toddler Cody. Changing diapers might be worse than getting staked, but nothing compares to how he feels when both mother and child fall into danger again.

Diaper Duty Vampire is a fast, fun read. I was greatly amused with John's efforts to tend to little Cody. The diaper blow outs and issue that come with taking care of a toddler had me giggling. Joann is not as fleshed out as I would have liked, but her character still had some spunk and that balanced it out a little for me. John is a more complex character, and I felt like I got more of his past and motivation than I did Joann's. The action was well done, and had me wondering what might happen next, but the romance felt a little flat.  I did not get all the types of vampires and drama that caused the danger and suspense elements of the story, but I think that fans of the author will already have that back ground story and get more from it than I did. I did enjoy the read, but I was not blown away by it or intrigued enough to hunt down the previous books for the back story, or to follow up on the really good tease for the next book in the series.

Diaper Duty Vampire is a good weekend read, but I think it will be more satisfying to those that have read previous books by Mullins. 

Book Review: Only for You (Sugar Lake) by Melissa Foster

Only for You is the second book in the Sugar Lake series by Melissa Foster. The first book was The Real Thing (which I loved), and while I read this book because of the first, it is not necessary to read the series in order and each is fine as a stand alone.

Single mom Bridgette Dalton doesn’t have time to stop and smell the roses, not even in her own flower shop. But that doesn’t mean she hasn’t noticed Bodhi Booker. Her ruggedly handsome next-door neighbor would be the perfect candidate for a no-strings fling. Having loved and lost, Bridgette’s not ready to hand over her heart. However, she could use a distraction. Bodhi has one rule: never leave anyone behind. As a special operative, he knows that each new mission is more dangerous than the last. He’s never made a promise of forever to a woman, not even to the beautiful widow who has him tied in knots. And if there were anyone who could tempt him into putting down roots, it would be Bridgette and her adorable son. But as his next deployment nears, they make a startling discovery. Their passion, meant only for the here and now, might already be blossoming into something more.

Only for You is a solid contemporary romance that does a good job of balancing the fears of being hurt or hurting others with way love sneaks up on us at the most inconvenient moment. Bridgette lost her first husband and has thrown herself into raising her son giving no time or thought into finding love again. Bodhi has one goal, to get a house ready for his mother before he is deployed again, knowing any mission could be his last. Neither want to fall in love, and fight the attraction. I love the way they discuss their losses and what the future holds- as soon as they actually start talking. The depth to each character, including the secondary characters, is very well done and I love how real they all feel. As with all of Foster's book, the families and towns that surround the main characters are just as big a part of the story as the main couple, and do a lot towards making the story engaging and real to the reader. The rationalizing and struggles Bodhi and Bridgette endure grab a hold of you and do not let go. Even after finishing the book, and reading the conclusion I want to know what happens next. Not because anything was missing, but because I care so much for the characters that I want to know about the next stage (or two) of their lives together.

Only for You is a solid follow up to The Real Thing. The realistic characters, conversations, and family make the story real, and leave readings wanting more. Another contemporary romance win from Foster.

Book Review: Falling Hard (Colorado High Country) by Pamela Clare

Falling Hard is the third Colorado High Country book by Pamela Clare. I have not read the previous books in the series, and while I can see where some of the characters must cross over from book to book, I was able to fully enjoy this read without having read the other books. 

Ellie Meeks promised her pilot husband that if anything happened to him, she would live her life to the fullest. Three years later, she is still alone, raising the twins he never met. She has no interest in dating or meeting men—until one snowy night when a stranger helps her get her sick kids safely home. That stranger turns out to be a former Army Ranger and a member of the elite Rocky Mountain Search & Rescue Team.  Jesse Moretti came to Colorado to get Iraq out of his head, using the adrenaline of extreme sports and high-risk mountain rescues to keep his mind off the past. But getting involved with Ellie might be the riskiest thing he’s ever done. It’s not just their explosive chemistry. There’s something about Ellie that gets inside him, opening him to feelings he’s tried hard to ignore. Ellie feels alive in Jesse’s arms and happier than she ever thought she’d feel again. But their relationship comes at a price for him, and soon Ellie sees that she must help Jesse fight the demons of his past to protect the love of a lifetime—and save the heart of a hero.

Falling Hard is a romance that deals with loss, risk, grief, and moving on. Ellie lost her husband before her twins were even born. She has struggled but thankfully has the support of family. She is smart, compassionate, and resilient. Jesse is still reeling from the loss and horror that he faced as an Army Ranger. Now working in a high risk job and volunteering on a rescue team he is doing everything he can to save others. Neither is looking for any kind of relationship, and yet after a chance meeting they cannot seem to stay away from each other. I enjoyed the slow growth of their relationship, and how Jesse is aware of his faults and emotional scars. I think the honest of both characters, and the struggles they have with emotions and connecting make to book poignant and relatable to readers. I loved that the act of moving on was not about forgetting, but in honoring those we've lost and living life as best we can.

Falling Hard is a solid romance, with complex characters and emotion. If you enjoy realistic characters and struggles combined with a slow-burn romance, then you are going to enjoy this read.

Book Review: Hard Time (Hard as Nails) by Hope Conrad

Hard Time is the first book in the Hard as Nails contemporary romance series by Hope Conrad. Thomas Street is an ex-con, but before he got out of prison, he locked eyes with her.  The moment Street sees Katie serving food in a hellhole of a prison, he wants her.  Now he’s found her again, working in a bookstore of all places, and she’s just as gorgeous as he remembers. Only Katie thinks he can be redeemed. That there’s a good man underneath his darkness. But then Katie becomes his, Katie and her daughter. And he’ll risk everything, including fighting the devil himself, to protect them.

Hard Time is a contemporary love story and a good start to a series. I liked that Street and Katie face huge, real life problems. While their issues were those that are not part of my reality, I am very aware that some of them are very really to many people. I liked the fact that Katie's daughter did not just become a non issue, but that where she was and how to keep her safe and happier were very much a part of the story. Too often a child in a romance with a single parent just kind of disappears and plays too little of a role. The danger and drama of Katie and Street's romance was real, and I like that it come from both sides of the story- they each had problems that needed to be overcome rather than one being the perfect partner and one in need of redemption. They have both made mistakes and talk out their issues for the most part. The guilt and pain they each feel, and the internal issues they need to overcome are just as important to the story as their attraction and sex that they share. I really liked that emotion and consequences were so important and prevalent in the story. I wonder where the series will go next, and look forward to seeing the friends from Street's past find their way to happiness. 

Hard Time is a great redemption and love story. It is heartening to see people overcoming huge but real problems and work towards happiness.