Category Archives: ARC
Blog Tour and Review: The Schemer by Avery Flynn
Tyler Jacobson has a plan for everything—except how to handle his completely annoying, utterly frustrating, and totally sexy upstairs neighbor. He couldn’t care less if Everly Ribinski thinks he’s equally irritating—until he discovers she’s the only one who can help him land a business deal that will finally make him feel like he’s more than just a guy from the wrong side of the tracks.
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | Kobo | iBooks | Nook| Google Play
4 Stars
The Schemer brings one of my favorite romance tropes, Enemies to Lovers. Everly and Tyler are a perfect pair but seeing that through the cloud of sass, snark and bickering makes it hard to see. These two will make you laugh until you cry. The comebacks between Everly and Tyler are priceless! I so enjoyed the cooking classes and there is a pretty good grovel. A secondary romance falls happens within the pages of The Schemer that just puts a big smile on my face. Tyler and Everly are an awesome couple and I very much enjoyed seeing them get to their happy place.
Avery Flynn always amazes me with her combination of sexy and funny that always delivers an amazing story that will entertain readers from beginning to end. The Schemer is everything I love of Ms. Flynn work and then some. The Schemer is the third book of the Harbor City Series and could be read as a stand alone, however reading the previous books will enhance the enjoyment of The Schemer.
A copy of this title was provided for an honest review.
The Negotiator: Amazon | Amazon UK | Nook | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play
The Charmer: Amazon | Amazon UK | Nook | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play
USA Today bestselling romance author Avery Flynn has three slightly-wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband and is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip.
She fell in love with romance while reading Johanna Lindsey’s Mallory books. It wasn’t long before Avery had read through all the romance offerings at her local library. Needing a romance fix, she turned to Harlequin’s four books a month home delivery service to ease the withdrawal symptoms. That worked for a short time, but it wasn’t long before the local book stores’ staffs knew her by name.
Avery was a reader before she was a writer and hopes to always be both. She loves to write about smartass alpha heroes who are as good with a quip as they are with their *ahem* other God-given talents. Her heroines are feisty, fierce and fantastic. Brainy and brave, these ladies know how to stand on their own two feet and knock the bad guys off theirs.
Review: Breaking Point by Allison Brennan
Breaking Point
Allison Brennan
Lucy Kincaid Series, Book 13
JT Caruso often worries about his sister, given her line of work. This time, when he learns that Bella is working undercover to find a missing girl involved in a dangerous prostitution ring, JT asks FBI Special Agent Lucy Kincaid for help.
Even with Lucy’s extensive experience in running down human traffickers, finding Bella will not be easy. Not only because she is in too deep. But because Bella, who will not rest until she saves the girl, doesn’t want to be found…
The name of the author of this book, Breaking Point is Allison Brennan. This is a story in her Lucy Kincaid series. That’s all I needed to see to know that by picking up this book I was about to have a very exciting, very suspenseful adventure.
As expected this story has a very well-thought-out. well-developed plot with lots of surprises and suspense. As well as being a story about one of my favorite characters, Lucy Kincaid and the various other personalities that are usually featured in the Lucy Kincaid series this story also highlights Bella Caruso, sister to J.T. Caruso of RCK, Rogan-Caruso-Kincaid Protective Services. In this book Bella Caruso, pretending to be a doctor, is deep undercover with a prostitution/human trafficking ring. Bella is such a complex character yet Allison Brennan brings her to life in such a way that the reader can empathisize with her as well as stress with her about the part she plays in assisting such despicable characters. I found myself rooting loudly for Bella’s cause and success. I’m sure readers will enjoy following Bella through her trials and successes in this story.
A story about prostitution/human trafficking and all the ugliness that surrounds this is a hard story to write I’m sure. It’s a hard story to read at times because the plight of these victims is heart-wrenching. Add in the fact that this story highlights the trafficking of young girls and that makes it even tougher to read or even think about. I appreciate though that this author has the courage to bring this major scar on the face of humanity into the light of day. Allison Brennan does an excellent job of bringing the poignancy and tragedy of this to the reader’s attention. I commend her for how well she has researched this tragedy and her excellent skill in writing about this while telling such a suspenseful tale.
This is a masterfully written suspense story and I highly recommend this book!
I was given an ARC by the publisher for an honest review.
Review: Siren In the City by Sophie Oak/ Lexi Blake
Siren In the City
Sophie Oak/ Lexi Blake
Texas Sirens, Book 2
Re-released in a second edition with new scenes.
Jack and Sam married Abby. It was supposed to be for forever, but lately Abby wonders where her alpha male has gone. Jack has retreated and life has become decidedly vanilla. It isn’t the true marriage she and Sam wanted. Sam and Abby know the time has come to fight for what they need.
A call from his mentor forces Jack to revisit the club where he discovered his sexuality. Jack’s half-brother is in the city and interested in a little blackmail. Can Jack handle two defiant subs and a brother in need of some tough love?
Sometimes all it takes to find the way home is a little love and a lot of mischief.
Come back to the beginning and revisit some of your favorite old characters or find new ones to love. Siren in the City has been revised and new scenes added. And if you look closely, you’ll find not only the beginnings of the Sophie Oak world, but also the seeds of how McKay-Taggart began…
4 Stars
Wow! Super sexy with a level of intensity that keep the pages turning.
Siren in the City is an intimate and intense continuation of Sam, Jack and Abigail’s story. However Ms. Blake creativity takes readers much deeper, allowing them to see this amazing trio in a different light. Mischief, Mayhem and even the mafia are just the tip of the iceberg on this one. After the accident, things have changed, Abby in a way takes on the mission of getting her men right. As she says, When the masters away the mice will play.
Healing, humor and oh my god the Hotness. Lexi Blake once again take readers on an adventure they didn’t even know they were looking for. The building of a relationship, all the beauty and ugliness, the up and downs, the depth and intensity. If you enjoyed Small Town Siren, you will definitely want to indulge with Siren in the City. I promise, there will be no disappointment!
A copy of this title was provided for an honest review.
Review: A Merciful Secret by Kendra Elliot
A Merciful Secret A pair of ritual murders could expose Mercy Kilpatrick to something terrifying: her own past…
Raised off the grid by survivalists, Mercy Kilpatrick believed in no greater safeguard than the backwoods of Oregon. Unforgiven by her father for abandoning the fold for the FBI, Mercy still holds to her past convictions. They’re in her blood. They’re her secrets—as guarded as her private survival retreat hidden away in the foothills.
In a cabin near her hideaway, Mercy encounters a young girl whose grandmother is dying from multiple knife wounds. Hundreds of miles away, a body is discovered slashed to death in a similar way. The victims—a city judge and an old woman living in the woods—couldn’t be more different. With the help of police chief Truman Daly, Mercy must find the killer before the body count rises. Mercy knows that the past has an edge on her. So does her family. How can she keep her secrets now…when they’re the only things that can save her?
4 Stars
Kendra Elliott is one of my “go-to” authors for romantic suspense books. When I see her name on a new release I know I am going to get a first-rate gripping thriller which is well-written and maintains my interest throughout the story. A Merciful Secret which is book #3 in Kendra Elliott’s Mercy Kilpatrick series is an excellent example of this author’s fantastic writing skill set. This book has characters who are realistic and relatable to the reader. They have some character flaws, so not perfect unbelievable characters. In this book FBI agent Mercy Kilpatrick once again must use her excellent thinking skills and brave and caring attitude to solve a case. Mercy’s love interest, Eagle’s Nest Police Chief Truman Daly stays true to character as well. He must use all his skills to help support Mercy in her endeavers.
The author expertly describes her action scenes so that the reader feels involved personally in all the action. This is a fast-moving thriller which keeps the reader guessing until the end and doesn’t let up so you keep turning the pages eagerly in anticipation of finding out who-done-it!
Review: Ace by Laramie Briscoe
Ace
Laramie Briscoe
Moonhine Taskforce Series, Book 4
Ace is saving lives and mending hearts…….
Anthony “Ace” Bailey
I’m not a rules kinda guy
Department Policy? Kinda sucks, but I do what I have to for the job that I love.
Playing it safe? Not my thing.
Married? No big deal when I know she’s unhappy and scared.
I’m one of those guys – a sniper in the military, a little bit of an adrenaline junkie, and a member of the Moonshine Task Force. I’ve lived through some shit.
My gut has never failed me. It’s my sixth-sense. Warning me of a gunshot coming my way, of a traffic stop being potentially deadly, or the tingling in the back of my neck when I go to sleep telling me I’ll be woken up by a call in the middle of the night. My gut has always kept me honest.
Like the day I walked into The Café and saw the new waitress. There was a ring on her left hand, but I didn’t care. One look in her eyes told me everything I needed to know. Her marriage wasn’t one made of love and respect. It was one made of fear and doubt.
It’s why I ignored that ring, why I arrested her husband, and the reason I’m willing to take my time. Patience is a virtue, and with this woman, I have it in spades.
Violet Miller
Meeting Anthony Bailey changed my life. He did things that no one else has ever done for me.
Feeling safe? Never happened before.
Feeling wanted? It’s been years.
Being independent? I’m learning.
It’s foreign, not having someone question my every move, being able to eat what I want for dinner, and sitting out on my front porch talking to Anthony every night while we share a couple beers.
I try to tell myself he’s just being nice; that he’s doing his job and working within the community. The problem? The night he takes the kiss we both want, everything changes, and I can no longer deny what I feel. But it doesn’t stop me from trying – and I learn quickly that Ace knows me better than anyone else ever has – including myself.
All I can do is hang on, as he takes me on the scariest journey of my life. The one that bends us until we almost break, and ends with a happily ever after I never thought I would get.
ACE includes the wedding of a beloved couple, an appearance by Reaper, and the continuation of EVERYONE falling in love with Caleb!
4 Stars
Anthony “Ace” Bailey is the epitome of what a southern gentleman with a streak badass is. He’s strong and commanding, yet patient and gentle. He’s a man that has learned what he wants and is more than willing to take the time, effort and work needed to achieve.
Violet Miller is the victim of an abuse spouse. A woman to has tried to better her life and literally keeps gets beaten down. Until the day the asshat made is move in front of the wrong person. Freedom is something Violet is not used to feeling. Care from a man is something foreign as well. Violet’s strong and more than she sees herself.
Healing, slow burning and learning to love again. Ace and Violet share an attraction and chemistry that they allow to slowly build and burn. Violet is strong in her conviction of being divorced before proceeding into something she deserves to have. They truly get to know one another, building a friendship while exploring what love truly can be. The fourth installment of the Moonshine Task Force series is a deep read for many reasons. Ace goes into touchy subjects in an elegant and caring manor. The shine is back and there are some jaw-dropping moments from someone who’s usually rather quiet. Laramie Briscoe one again impresses me with her ability to write all the feels while giving the reader an enjoyable story.
A copy of this title was provided for an honest review.
Review: The Hail You See by Lani Lynn Vale
The Hail You Say
Lani Lynn Vale
Hail Raisers Series, Book 5
Get out!
He yelled those words at the love of his life twelve years ago, and to this day, Reed Hail regrets them. He’s always been the type of person to speak before he thinks, and apologies have never come easy.
It’s been over a decade since she was his, and he stubbornly thinks that he can keep on living without her.
He couldn’t be more wrong.
The last thing he needs is her vagina anywhere near his exam table. But nobody ever asks him what he wants.
Maybe he should’ve gone into the auto-recovery business after all.
I hate you.
Krisney Shaw would take those words back in a heartbeat if she could. In fact, she would take back everything.
Never meeting him would be the perfect place to start. The memory of Reed Hail haunts her—morning, noon, and night.
Then, to add insult to injury, she has to see him being happy while she’s breaking a little more inside every single day.
Reed Hail is her worst nightmare because she’s constantly reminded of exactly what she’s missing—the other half of her soul.
Just when she thinks things can’t get worse, she’s sees his sexy, bearded face over the top of her paper gown, and she’s lost all over again.
Don’t ever let me go.
Both Reed and Krisney are determined to avoid each other. They do a great job of it, too…not.
One ill-timed gynecological exam changes everything. One single second in time shows Reed what he’s missing—literally and figuratively—and suddenly he’s back at square one.
The only problem with being back at square one? He won’t be able to leave her a second time.
Especially since the first time around he didn’t have a child with her to consider.
5 Stars
Reed Hail and Krisney Shaw have a history that is made of many unforgettable happy moments and nightmare of a tragedy that has left them both longing for years. 12 years. With wants and needs that no one can begin to soothe. With a past that still influences the future, chemistry that has never burnt out, Reed and Krisney’s story is my first 5 Star read of 2018.
Lani Lynn Vale has a remarkable talent for giving readers a crazy, this could never really happen, OH my God that just happened, page turning story that locks you in, in every way. Emotional, sexy and completely character driven. The Hail You Say completely blew my mind. Krisney and Reed share a depth and bond that is something quite remarkable. Two strong people who have been through hell and back, prove that love is the strongest of them all.
A copy of this title was provided for an honest review.
Review: Whiskey Secrets by Carrie Ann Ryan
Whiskey Secrets
Carrie Ann Ryan
Whiskey and Lies Series, Book 1
Sparks fly between a former cop-turned-bartender and his new innkeeper in the first installment of a Montgomery Ink spin-off series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan.
Dare Collins is a man who knows his whiskey and women—or at least that’s what he tells himself. When his family decides to hire on a new innkeeper for the inn above his bar and restaurant, he’s more than reluctant. Especially when he meets the new hire. But he’ll soon find that he has no choice but to work with this city girl and accept her new ideas and the burning attraction between them.
Kenzie Owens left her old life and an abusive relationship behind her—or so she thought. She figures she’ll be safe in Whiskey, Pennsylvania but after one look at her new boss, Dare Collins, she might still be in danger, or at least her heart. And when her past catches up with her despite her attempts to avoid it, it’s more than her heart on the line. This time, it might mean her life.
4 Stars
Carrie Ann Ryan starts my 2018 reading year with all the feels. Emotional, sweet, sensual with just the right amount of hotness to get you to your happy place. Kenzie and Dare are like two pea in a pod but with different issues from the past that plague their present. Kenzie is an amazingly strong woman. Issues that seem to always keep them both on their toes. Dare and Kenzie created sparks the moment they met. I loved that their connection was not only physical but very deep on the emotional side. They found a way to help each other deal and heal with past. Whiskey Secrets is a fantastic start to the Whiskey and Lies series. Kenzie and Dare are both well developed and yet complex at the same time. They connection they share and built is something of beauty. For a faster pace of the story we experience a lot of growth for Dare and Kenzie and potential development for future story.
A copy of this title was provided for an honest review.
Review: Every Dog Has His Day by Jenn McKinlay
Every Dog Has His Day
Jenn McKinlay
Bluff Pointe Series, Book 3
A stray kitten and a rambunctious poodle bring together a small-town bachelor and a single mother in the latest romance set in Bluff Point, Maine.
Bluff Point brewery owner Zachary Caine wants nothing to do with commitment. His wild bachelor lifestyle suits him perfectly—until a foster kitten named Chaos makes him a reluctant hero. Now he’s BFFs with the kitten’s two little girls and finds himself falling for their gorgeous mother, who couldn’t think less of him.
Divorced mother Jessie Connelly wants nothing to do with men like Zach. He’s sexy and charismatic and bad news, just like her ex. But her girls adore him, and he’s doing a good job filling in for their deadbeat dad. Then a snowstorm brings out the best in both neighbors, who, it turns out, have more in common than their mutual attraction…
So when Jessie’s past threatens her and her girls, Zach is determined to do whatever it takes to protect them—and live happily ever after with this family he has made his own.
5 Stars
Jenn McKinlay has once again released a sweet, heartwarming and super fun story. Every Dog Has His Day is book #3 in her absolutely delightful Bluff Pointe, Maine series. Zack Caine, brewery owner, is happy with his life. He has the brewery, his Maine crew of friends and interactions with ladies he meets when he feels attracted, as long as all parties agree that getting together is a “no-strings-attached” thing. Zack is the ultimate commitment-phobe. He also has a dog companion in the cinnamon colored standard poodle, Rufus – at least for now as he is doing long-term dog sitting for a friend. Jessie Connelly is happy to be free from her alcoholic, cheating ex-husband since she has two sweet, wonderful daughters she is determined to be the best mother for and also has a great job as office manager for town vet, Gavin Tolliver. So life is good even considering having to keep up with the overactive kitten, Chaos that she and her girls are fostering. Then Choas gets stuck on Zack’s roof and as he is such a good neighbor and hero it’s Zack to the rescue. Thus the fun begins!
The author does an excellent job with her storyline, plot and dialogue. She writes a believeable conflict and resolution. Along the way she keeps her readers attention and “funny bone” tickled with animal antics, cute kiddie scenes and super fun adult interactions. The conversations among the Maine crew friends are hilarious. How many differnt terms do you know for orgasm and intimate female body pasrts? The reader will laugh at those boy vs girl phrase competitions. The reader will also get to see who ends up packing to run away, who ends up wearing a purple pirate hat complete with plume and how a talent show ends up.
I have loved all the books in this series so far! Every Dog Has His Day is no exception. I highly recommend this book!
The More The Merrier by Jayne Rylon
The More The Merrier
Jayne Rylon
Powertools Series, Book 7
Everyone’s favorite five-man, one-woman construction crew is back in action. This time they’re celebrating the holidays together, Powertools style.
Though they’re each on the hunt for the perfect presents for their loved ones, they soon realize that the gifts they give each other day in and day out are the most valuable sort. Spending time together and sharing their passions—not only for sexy menages in every variation—has helped them thrive despite life’s ups and downs.
Come catch up with old friends, plus get a glimpse at what the future might hold as their stories continue!
4 Stars
More the Merrier is the sexiest of Christmas treats.
The Powertools men plan a treat for their women but I believe the readers get the better side of the deal with this book. I fell in love the members of the crew long ago, More the Merrier reminded me of why I enjoyed them so much. We see couples strengthen, friendship beyond solid and bond, that may be unconventional, grow to something amazingly beautiful and deep. This visit with the crew was nothing less than exciting and wonderful. Add in the visit with some of the Hot Rods, we have a scorching hot book in so many ways.
Jayne Rylon gave readers some deep moments while leaving us breathless and panting. The Crew always delivers an emotional story with some jaw dropping sexy moments.
Review: What The Hail by Lani Lynn Vale
What The Hail
Lani Lynn Vale
Hail Raisers Series, Book 4
He’s wanted her since he repossessed her car and made her cry.
Baylor Hail knew two things. One, he hated crying females. Two, it was even worse when he was the one to make that female cry.
He never meant to do anything but his job, but when one thing leads to another, suddenly all he can think about is the broken woman whose car he towed.
She’s wanted him since he patted her back and told her it was okay to cry even though she knew he was lying.
Nothing ever goes right for Lark.
Not when she got married. Not when she tried to leave her abusive husband, and not when she arrived in a new town with a fresh, clean slate.
That clean slate came courtesy of a secret organization that specializes in helping abused women find a way out. They set her up with a whole new life. It just turns out that it happened to be right smack dab in the middle of another woman’s old one.
That woman also happens to be down on her luck, something that Lark learns the hard way when on her first day there, her car is towed by a handsome stranger.
It’s been two years since she’s felt any kind of sexual attraction toward a man, and she reacts badly. We’re talking full-on, hysterical breakdown as he loads her car onto his tow truck while looking at her like she’s lost it.
Maybe being crazy isn’t all that bad.
The next thing she knows, she’s spending time with the sexy stranger and life couldn’t be better—even though she still doesn’t have a car.
She thinks she’s in the clear, that she’s got it all figured out… well, that is until her ex-husband finds her again.
Now the ball is in her sexy stranger’s court as he decides whether or not her kind of crazy is worth getting killed over.
Turns out, for Baylor Hail, maybe it is.
4.5 Stars
Holy Hail! Another awesome read from Lani Lynn Vale!
Baylor is a veteran, tow truck driver and a total alpha badass. A man who could easily scare the crap out of one person to save another. Beneath his hard and gorgeous exterior is a kind and caring man. Don’t get me wrong, he has his issues but he’s on fine man.
Lark has just become my favorite lead lady of the year. She’s strong, smart and brave. She’s quietly trying to make her happy. Lark has a few quarks that when mixed with her personality make her pretty flippin cool. This woman will easily make you laugh out loud.
What the Hail Is a world wind of emotions, actions, danger and a ton of humor. I could not put this book down. I laughed so much my cheeks hurt. Lark and Baylor have something special. Their chemistry is phenomenal and craziness that they go through is more than worth the read. Lark and Baylor are two people that you can tell were meant to be together. Their story will spin you in more ways than one.
A copy of this title was provided for an honest review.
Coffee Books Life 