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Review: Bailed Out by Rebecca Zanetti
Bailed Out
Rebecca Zanetti
The Anna Albertine File, Book 2
The Past Never Stays Buried
Anna Albertini is settling into a routine while ignoring the fact that the blue-eyed Irishman she’d allowed into her bed has up and disappeared on her. Two weeks without a phone call is no big deal, but still. With her hottie Italian boss goofing up the prosecuting attorney’s office, she at least has something to fix. Until she appears in court, across from her sister Tessa’s dirtbag ex. Then she has a mission.
Unfortunately, Anna isn’t the only person who wants the ex put behind bars…or in the ground. Which is not a problem until she and a local cop find the ex-boyfriend deader than dead…with both her sister and Aiden standing over the body.
As a prosecuting attorney, it’s Anna’s job to build a case against Tessa and Aiden. As a sister, it’s SO her job to get Tess out of this mess. As Aiden’s…what? Lover—girlfriend—friend from the past—it’s Anna’s job to figure out who the heck he really is. She has to dig out the truth, regardless of her ambitious boss or the cranky cop trying to thwart her every move. Sometimes a woman has to take matters into her own hands, regardless of the consequences.
5 Stars
Anna Albertini is a laugh out loud riot.
Bail Out is one of those books that one you start reading you can’t put down. Picking up where Disorderly Conduct left off and find Anna thrown into predicaments, some beyond her control. When the bad boy of a man that is a forerunner in Anna’s mind and her sister are found together over the dead body of said sisters ex, the problems have just begun. The fact that Anna is a Prosecutor, has a very large family in their own way of doing things and a heart bigger than she knows what to do with, it’s just the beginning of this crazy and suspenseful tale.
Anna Albertini is like a danger magnet with a cloud of chaos not too far behind. Smart, honest and a hysterical riot. I truly love Anna. Her quick wit, loyalty and big heart make Anna go to great lengths to find the truth. The thoughts that go through Anna’s head make me bust out laughing. Anna is not the type of person that is going to wait for something to get done, she will get it done. Even if she has to put herself into the line of fire. She is a unique individual and I can’t help but wish I could truly have this woman as a friend.
Wow, there is nothing I can say that’s truly going to express how much I enjoyed this book. Bailed Out is overwhelming in such a good way. The story grabs you, pulls you in and keeps you there from beginning to end. As the layers to the characters unfold it gives this story so much more. The danger and suspense one thing but the romantic side it’s quite another. Anna is a passionate person by nature and to see the chemistry explode between her and Aiden is quite sizzling. Changes happen, truths are revealed and through all the danger Anna will have everyone laughing along the way. Rebecca Zanetti rocked this one hard.
Review: What the Heart Wants by Audrey Carlan
What the Heart Wants
Audrey Carlan
Wish Series, Book 1
From the #1 bestselling author of the beloved Calendar Girl books comes the first in a witty, wise and emotionally compelling new series, where coming home is just the beginning…
“Fly free.”
For ten years those words, written on pink parchment paper in her mother’s beautiful handwriting, have been Suda Kaye Ross’s guiding star. Every year on her birthday, Suda Kaye opens another of the letters her mother penned before she passed, heeding the advice inside as she fills her life with experiences. From Italy to Australia, from Rio to Russia, she’s slaked her wanderlust. And then, on her twenty-eighth birthday, she opens the letter that sends her home.
Returning to Colorado means confronting everything—and everyone—she left behind, including her cherished sister, Evie, and her first love, Camden Bryant. Suda Kaye and Cam spent four years and one unforgettable night together. Given the way she ran out on him, it’s no surprise that he’s wary, resentful…and engaged to someone else. Evie, hardworking and überresponsible, just wants her sister to put down roots at last.
For Evie’s sake, and her own, Suda Kaye is trying to build a new life, all the while wondering whether it’s too late to come back home—or if the most important part of her never really left.
5 Stars
What the Heart Wants is a heartwarming, emotional tale of coming full circle and making life what you want. A fantastic 5 Stars read.
Suda Kaye is a free spirit. A go with the flow kind of girl. Going wherever whenever the need and want tickles her travel wings. Her wanderlust is fueled by the encouraging words written to her from mother, has allowed Suda to travel the world, be her true self and experience more than many do in a lifetime in ten years. Following the pieces of the path that her beloved mother did, Suda has lived and loved, found passion is all manners of life and spread her wings in a way that not many people get to experience. The statement live and learn takes a different meaning for this wanderer. Suda Kaye was given the opportunity to do whatever her heart desired. In a way she broke Her own heart along with those she held dearest to her when she left and let her wings fly. Even with the heartbreaking memories, Suda has no regrets. Throughout the years Suda’s late mother has given her words of wisdom through letters written before her death. A wise woman who knew her daughter well and guided her in the best way she could. On Suda’s 28th birthday, her mother’s wisdom sends her on her biggest journey yet. The journey to return home and begin to plant her roots.
Returning home to Colorado has Suda a bit uneasy but she is more than willing to make it known that she is her to stay. Her sister Evie welcomes her with open arms even if she’s skeptical that her sister is only there temporarily. The love between the two sisters is something amazing yet the bond they shared has been stretched due to Suda’s absence for the last ten years. The two could not be more different yet seeing them rebuild their bond was touching. I have a similar but different story with my own sister and was able to relate so much with them.
After being home Suda figures out what she’s going to do to keep herself at home. Opening a little boutique that is all her own with a name that you can’t mistake to know is hers. Gypsy Soul!! With the promise of great things on the horizon, Suda has the only man she truly loved thrown back into her life, in a way she can’t avoid him. Camden Bryant would be the one regret if a girl had regrets. With one look upon one another they know the feelings are still there, the chemistry never faded and the love was real. But a lot has happened in the last ten year for both Suda and Cam. Yet fate has a way of working her way into things that she feels she needs too.
I loved every page of What the Heart Wants. A story of love and loss, a journey of oneself, and bonds that can last more than a lifetime. Audrey Carlan has something magical and special with What the Heart Wants. As someone who has lost their mother and had to rebuild a relationship with my only sister, Ms. Carlan gave this reader a story I can relate to on many levels, I have felt a few of those feelings and Ms.Carlan accurately and eloquently described the crazy emotions that people going through that particular kind of loss. What the Heart Wants is so much more of a story than I can give words to to describe. What I can say is I have not had a story hit me like this in a long time. There were moments that were hard for me to read through, my tears blurred my ability to be able to read, but it was so worth it for the wonderful and beautiful story that is What the Heart Wants.
ARC Review: Silver-Tongued Devil by Lorelei James
Silver-Tongued Devil
Lorelei James
Rough Riders Series, Origin Novel
Published June 9, 2020
Their love story sparked a brushfire that grew into the legacy of Lorelei James’s Rough Riders series. This standalone historical romance is a prequel to the McKay family saga.
The West doesn’t get much wilder than Silas McKay. He’s earned his cowboy reputation not just as a rancher, but as a brawling card sharp who’s short on cash but long on charm. And just as soon as he claps eyes on the pretty new schoolteacher? Well, Dinah Thompson is about to discover what courtin’s like McKay-style—sweet, hot and passionate.
Luckily, Dinah’s got the sass and sense to stand up to Silas’s shenanigans. She relocated to rural Wyoming to teach and become a self-reliant woman, not to spend her nights dreaming about that blue-eyed rogue and his ranchwork honed-body. But Silas McKay’s powerful appeal and tempting promises convince Dinah to recklessly go all in with him.
When Silas’s long-standing rivalry with Zeke West puts Dinah, Silas and his twin brother Jonas in danger, each one is forced to make difficult decisions about taking a chance to build their legacy . . . and a love that transcends time.
5 Stars
Silas McKay was living the single cowboy life to the fullest. He’s a charmer with the ladies, knows his way around the ranch with his eyes closed and the luck of the draw seems to always be on his side. Silas is a smart man and is trying to build something lasting. Being on his ranch was his favorite place to be until he sets his eye on the new teacher, Ms. Dinah Thompson. I loved how this big strong rancher became putty anytime he was near her.
Dinah Thompson it’s a woman ahead of her time. Moving to rural Wyoming was a step for her to become independent and self-reliant. She didn’t need anyone to take care of her, she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself. As a teacher and a nurse, her doors are opened and the possibilities endless. That is until a silver tongued cowboy makes his intentions known.
Oh how I loved Dinah and Silas together. Their relationship was hard but that didn’t stop them. The distance that separated them made the time they spent together treasured and special. Silas is a true romantic and I loved how he asked Dinah to read to him. Dinah has this sassy streak that allows her to put Silas right in his place. I also love that she wasn’t afraid to get down and dirty and do what needed to be done whether it be on the ranch, with a patient or for one of her students.
And wait, we are not done yet.
Jonas McKay is the town Deputy and twin brother to Silas. A man whom everyone believes is married to his job. The reality is the job keeps him close to his brother and the one his heart wants most. Ruby Redmond is the madam of the Miss Ruby Red’s Boarding House. Knowing what people think of her, and loving Jonas as she does, Rudy stands the higher ground to avoid any harm her reputation could do to Jonas. So so loved the pairing of the law and the harlot. Jonas and Rudy were intense and their chemistry was explosive. Maybe not a conventional pairing but one that will stand the test of time.
Ms. James has given readers something truly special in the pages Silver-Tongued Devil. We get not just one but two beautiful and intense love stories. We see a family legacy at its infancy stage. We get unlikely friendships and what it truly means to be family. To see what the truth of brotherhood means. I laughed and cried. Felt the happiness and loss right along with our couples. Silver-Tongued Devil is a beautiful written historical romance that will make you feel like you have been transported to another time. Well done Ms. James, well done.
Reviewer’s note:
A few years back a dear friend introduce me to Ms. James’ Rough Rider series. I was not a fan of cowboy romance. I was told I would not be disappointed. I would also like to note that I’m not a fan of historical romance at all. So with that being said, Ms. James not only got me to like her brand of Cowboy romance, she got me to love a historical as well.
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!
ARC Review: Hard As Steel by Laura Kaye
Hard As Steel
Laura Kaye
Hard Ink/Raven Riders crossover novella
1001 Dark Nights Series
Ike Young loved and lost a woman in trouble once before. The last thing he needs is alone time with the sexiest and feistiest woman he’s ever known, one he’s purposely kept at a distance for years. Now, Ike’s not sure he can keep his hands or his heart to himself—or that he even wants to anymore. And that means he has to do whatever it takes to hold on to Jess forever.
Edgy, hard and hot!
Ike and Jess have continued a dance of friendship wanting more for years. When forced to lay low in Ike’s cabin the truth of wants and needs becomes to hard to ignore. Temptation, small spaces and chemistry push Jess and Ike beyond their limits.
Jess is sassy, funny and wears her heart on her sleeve. Ike is protective, hard as steel and so sexy. Opposites that compliment each other perfectly. Chemistry that turns passion into a raging fire. A darker edge that makes the romance sinfully wicked! Jess and Ike together creates a whole new meaning to the word HOT!
Laura Kaye gives her readers a sexually tense and emotionally intense fueled ride straight into the world of the Raven Riders. Hard As Steel is a perfect example of what I have come to love from Laura Kaye. An emotional, sexy and tempting story with passion and heart. Leaving the the reader with a racing heart. And so wanting more. This is one you truly don’t want to miss. Bring on the Raven Riders!
A complimentary copy was provided for an honest review.
ARC Review: Beneath These Chains by Meghan March
Beneath These Chains
Meghan March
Beneath Series, Book 3
Published: June 16, 2015 by Meghan March
I was raised on the streets, so I know things are rarely as simple as they appear—especially this rich girl showing up at my pawnshop demanding a job.
She’s the most tempting thing I’ve ever seen, and I’ll be damned if I can make her leave.
Shit just got complicated … but when it comes to her—I want complicated.
We’re both fighting our own demons, and our only chance at a future is to let go of the past.
But will we be strong enough to break free from beneath these chains?
5 Stars
Lord’s book, Hot Damn!
Not only does Meghan March write New Orleans like you’re walking the streets of the city. She had now created the perfect alpha man with Lord, in Beneath These Chains, the third book of the Beneath series.
Lord is that big, dominant, intimidating and down right scary to most guy. He’s also smart, sexy and has southern charm that could melt panties. Tattooed and all bad ass, lives on the wrong side of the tracks and people know not to mess with him. Lords past is not pretty, but all he went through truly made him into one hell of a man. If his body doesn’t get you, his unconditional caring and his upmost respect for women will.
Elle is a woman who is not going to take no for an answer. Sassy, smart and cunning, Elle pushes her way into a world she knows little about. She’s an independent woman who is trying to find freedom in her way. Her wit, sarcasm and being hard headed makes Elle one damn fine woman.
Meghan March takes her readers on a journey that will heal pain, face danger and play with ones mind. While watching chemistry ignite into passion, creating a bond in two people from opposite sides of the tracks. The book is over the top in hotness. From the perfect descriptions of the setting, to the dialogue between characters and of course, the intense ride of passion, Ms. March gives the romance reader just what they long for.
A review copy was provided by netgalley for an honest review.
ARC Review: Flagger by Laramie Briscoe
Flagger
Laramie Briscoe
Red Bird Trail Trilogy, Book 1
Published June 13th 2015 by Laramie Briscoe
Cash Montgomery likes fast cars, fast women, and living his life only as far as he can see with his own two eyes. There are very few people in his life who he answers to. One of them being his little brother Remington (Remy).
When Cash and Remy are forced to make a life-changing decision they no longer have a place to live, no idea where their next meal is going to come from, or any prospects as to how they will make it. They need help.
That help comes in the form of the Heaven Hill MC and Harper Stillwell.
Harper Stillwell comes with her own set of problems, but when she and Cash Montgomery meet, sparks fly.
None of them know what they’re doing, where they will end up, or how they’ll get there. The only thing they know is that the race for their lives is only beginning—the flag is waving—and they have to hang on for the ride.
5 Stars
Laramie Briscoe starts her new Red Bird Trail Trilogy, FLAGGER, at top speed.
Cash Montgomery has two sides. One that people see. Another that has made him grow up way too fast, that only the closest to him even know of. Two very different people. If you have read Laramie’s Heaven Hill MC series, you may think I’m crazy, but I think Cash could give Tyler a run. Cash is an old soul in a young body.
Harper Stillwell is an amazingly sweet and strong young woman. She has a huge heart and can see the good in anyone. Despite issues from her past the plague her. She too, grew up a bit too fast. When Harper throws caution to the wind and lives a little it gave her something greater than she could have asked for.
Laramie Briscoe starts her new Red Bird Trail trilogy, Flagger, at high speed and never lets off the gas. Raw, real and sexy. Cash and Harper both have gotten the short end of the stick when it comes to their parents. Both in the same boat with different stories. Their connection, chemistry and passion will leave goosebumps. Cash and Harper together make each other feel alive. Circumstances push them together, it’s up to them to keep themselves together.
Flagger is part one of a trilogy. Yes there is a cliffhanger ending, however the first phase of the story in my mind is complete. Ms. Briscoe just does a damn good job of setting up the next book.
A copy of this title was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
ARC Review: VANDAL by Carian Cole
Vandal
Carian Cole
Ashes and Embers Series, Book 2
e-book
publication: Feb. 26, 2015
She takes my breath away; she is so beautifully damaged.
Yes I had broken her, ravished her life, destroyed her happiness. I brought her to ultimate despair. I was responsible for all the pain and suffering that now brought her to her knees in front of me.
Broken.
Hopeless.
Reckless in her agony.
She is a mirror of my own tortured soul.
But what I took away I can give back.
In ways she cannot even begin to imagine.
She is everything right in all my wrongs.
She loves me. She needs me.
She has no idea I’m the one who wrecked her life.
5 Stars
An emotionally dark and flippin intense read from begin to end.
Vandal is a deep, hot mess, that will command his way into your heart, body and mind. Linger there, tempt you, give to you, take from you. Step back and smile because he know you’ll ask for more. He’s dark, private and at times not the nicest of people. He’s beautiful and talented. He’s scared so deep, there seems to be no hint of light in him. I totally fell for Vandal.
Tabi’s a ball passion, unconditional loving and full of desire. Even if she doesn’t see herself that way in the darkness that has come upon her. Fractured and angry, making quick discussions Tabi steps into a darkness willing. Set on destroying herself, she find something very different than she thought.
Love is never easy. It’s a lot of overwhelming excitement, fluttering feelings, fear and emotions entwined together that consumes ones being. Your biggest fears and most secret wishes combined. Passion and pain. Love is not alway pretty. In fact it can be ugly and raw. A test of everything we are. Its a struggle and a fight at times. Then there are these moments of bliss and joy that make time stand still. Knowing that this is the person that truly changed your life forever. Soul binding love. That’s Carian Cole’s Vandal. This book will not be everyone’s cup of tea! It’s dark and walks a fine line. It’s intense and emotional. Alluring and dangerous all in one. I loved this book.
Ms. Cole beautifully gives her readers an amazing book about a darker side of love that not many people experience and only few understand.
An ARC was provided for an honest review.
Audio Review: LOGAN’S ACADIAN WOLVES by Kym Grosso
LOGAN’S ACADIAN WOLVES
Kym Grosso
IMMORTALS OF NEW ORLEANS, BOOK 4
September 17th, 2013
Deep in the heart of New Orleans, Acadian Wolves’ Alpha, Logan Reynaud, rescues a beautiful woman in the dead of night. Intrigued by the mysterious human, the commanding Alpha is determined to elicit all of her secrets, including her deepest fantasies. After tragedy strikes, Logan discovers dangerous adversaries are planning an attack in his city. Driven by responsibility and honor, Logan must protect both his pack and the woman who’s captivated his attention.
Dr. Wynter Ryan, a leading virologist, is fascinated with her charismatic protector. As the chemistry ignites between her and the dominant Alpha, she relinquishes her ties to the past, embracing ecstasy and submission within his arms and intrepidly acquiescing to her own adventurous instincts. Succumbing to desire, she learns to trust her Alpha, discovering what it means to be wolf.
Passion and mystery on the bayou stirs Logan’s wolf, demanding he claim his mate. Yet Wynter’s a distraction he can’t afford when his priority is to lead his new pack. Will Logan surrender to the uncontrollable need to claim Wynter as his mate? And will he be able to keep her alive, finding the killer who threatens the Acadian Wolves?
Warning: This book contains several erotic love scenes, including m/f/m ménage, and is intended for adult readers only.
5 Stars
Mix southern gentleman with Alpha wolf and you have Logan. A deadly beast with a caring and gentle touch that has to make ones skin quiver. Newly named Alpha of the Acadian wolves, Logan natural charismatic nature along with his dominance, sexiness and love for shopping made me more than love him. An Alpha in every sense of the word. Woo!!!!!
Wynter has to be one of the most unique characters I have read about in a long time. Smart, beautiful, caring,self sacrificing and on the run for her life. The very nature of Wynter’s life was changed against her will and still she put others before herself. Her drive and determination to make the wrong, right just add to the beauty of her character.
Kym Grosso has created a world of seductive darkness, heart pounding passion with a unique twist the paranormal creatures I have come to love. Logan’s Acadian Wolves will tempt you into its pages with the sexy men(wolves), an intriguing mystery, a breathtaking setting and one of the top five ménage scenes I have ever read. The characters will pull you in, the suspense keeps you turning the pages, the passion keeps you at the edge of your seat.
Ryan West has quickly moved his way up my list of narrators that I love. His seductive and sultry voice talents deliver the story as if you are watching it unfold on a screen. Mr. West brings to life the charisma, depth and personalities to not only the characters, but that of the story as well. A narrator can make or break an audiobook for the listener. Ryan West’s smooth voice will have you tangled in this tale.
Review: Shatter Me by Alex Grayson
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Shatter Me
Alex Grayson
The Jaded Series, Book 1
Skip the coffee, go straight for the wine and grab a box of tissues. Your going to need them. Alex Grayson’s debut novel Shatter Me will do just that. Shatter the reader to pieces, making them want more!
Bailey is a woman who has been to hell and back. Enduring an ugly past that keeps her looking over her shoulder. Layered with scars inside and out, Bailey runs to keep herself safe. Pain and fear are always near this sweet brunette. Bailey has the inner strength and the need to survive that will just call to your heart.
Jaxson has to be the sweetest Alpha man I have ever read. Tattooed and pierced, the man is sexy beyond belief. The violet blue eyes, they had me from the get-go. Jaxson has a colored past, but that will not stop him from protecting the girl in need.
This is one of those books where intense is not strong enough of the word. Shatter Me is emotional and almost too real! At times hard to read and pissed me off to no end. You can not read this book and not feel something. Shatter Me is one of the best debut novel I have read in a very long time. Ms. Grayson has powerful story telling voice! Pulling you in and over powering you. You will not know what hit you. How she is able to make her characters so real is beyond me, but don’t stop doing it! She writes them like the reader has to get to know them. Like real life mixing laughter with the tears. Passion, with gritty raw emotion will keep the pages turning of this 5 Star read!
Coffee Books Life 