BOOK REVIEW ~ AS TEARS GO BY -- LYDIA MICHAELS

Title: As Tears Go By (McCullough Mountain, Book Six)
Author: Lydia Michaels
Publisher: Secret Cravings
Format: ARC eBook
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: November 18, 2014


ARC provided by author for honest review







Sometimes love speaks without a word and throws the world into color.

Braydon McCullough has spent his life searching for the perfect woman. When a shy beauty propositions him, he assumes he’s found her. Blindsided by their chemistry, his life takes a bewildering turn when she vanishes as quickly as she appeared.

Becca Stevens can’t afford to take risks, but when persuaded by friends to commemorate her divorce by approaching a gorgeous stranger in a bar, common sense abandons her. After an unforgettable night of passion, she panics, running back to her methodical life, promising never to be so reckless again. That is until her Braydon unexpectedly tracks her down.

Braydon’s unwelcome persistence is a complication to Becca’s already challenging life. As a single mother of a son living with autism, she has no room for personal affairs. Braydon’s determination tempts to show Becca how vibrant life can be if she’d only dare to dream again.

Award winning author, Lydia Michaels, writes all forms of hot romance. She presses the bounds of love and surprises readers just when they assume they have her stories figured out. From Amish vampyres, to wild Irishmen, to broken heroes, and heroines no man can match, Lydia takes readers on an emotional journey of the heart, mind, and soul with every story she pens. Her books are intellectual, erotic, haunting, always centered on love.Lydia Michaels loves to hear from readers! She can be found of Facebook or contacted by email at Lydia@LydiaMichaels.org

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads 

I cannot rave enough about how much I love the McCullough men. Lydia Michaels has created a series I have grown quite fond of and knowing it is reaching its conclusion has me a bit sad. 

Okay, truth? I'm totally devastated. 

That being said, As Tears Go By is an emotional read dealing with heart breaking issues. Something Michaels has done throughout the McCullough Mountain series. She knows how to tug at your heartstrings and sucks you inside her world--a world where family loyalties  and romance shine. 

Braydon McCullough has had his heart broken once. His girlfriend, Sammy, ended up marrying his older brother, Colin. His search for finding that perfect someone has left him alone in the big city and wanting what others in his family has found. He wants a woman who will choose him above all others and, until then, he plays the field like any typical male would do. 

Becca Stevens is just coming off a failed, ten-year marriage.  The ink on the divorce papers is barely even dry. Her best friend and boss convinces her she needs to approach the sexy man sitting across the bar and have a one night stand. 

Not looking for a relationship, she approaches Braydon McCullough. And they share one night of hot,sweaty sex that leaves both unprepared for what follows.

As Tears Go By is a tale of forgotten dreams, broken vows, and inner strength. One of the core themes I loved in this story revolves around Becca. She is a single mother struggling to take care of her son, who is autistic. Being a parent is soul-draining, emotionally harrowing at times, and the most thankless job on the planet. But having to raise a child with autism has a trillion different issues-ones that Becca has met, and surpassed, with each turn. Her entire world centers on her son and there is no time for a relationship in her life. 

Braydon is amazed by Becca's strength, her love and devotion to her child, and the passion hidden deep inside a woman afraid to follow her dreams. He wants to give her everything. Be the man her husband failed to be. And more importantly, Braydon wants Becca to choose him over the man who originally claimed her as his wife. But fears and the past continue to plague Becca's heart and threaten to break the delicate connection the new lovers share. 

Be prepared to experience an emotional journey as you read As Tears Go By. It has all the components of an addicting series: laughter, love, and a sizzling chemistry between the hero and heroine.  

Favorite moments:

"Special like you like him a lot or special like he has an IEP?"

"What would a kid be doing with a bomb?"

"Not an IED, you ass. An IEP. An individualized Education Program." 

"I'm sorry," Carla said, leaning close, but keeping her eyes on Kelly. "My vagina's in some sort of spasm right now. I couldn't quite make out your words." 

"Smurf sex is when you fuck until you're blue in the face." 

"Why are you trying so hard?"

"Why are you waiting for us to fail?" His shoulders drew up tight. He shook his head. "I guess I thought trying was what people did when they cared. I've never experienced so much opposition in my life." 

BOOK REVIEW ~ KILLER QUEEN BY L.H. COSWAY and GIVEAWAY

Title: Killer Queen
Author: L.H. Cosway
Publisher: Smashwords
Release Date: October 20, 2014
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Format: eBook






Buy Links

Amazon / Amazon UK / B&N / Kobo / Smashwords / iTunes


Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome…

Come inside The Glamour Patch club to see the star of our show, Miss Vivica Blue. 

Do you want to read my diary you nosy little devils? Have a glass of champagne (you’ll need it) and get comfortable because you’re in for some crazy shenanigans brought to you straight from the horse’s mouth.

I can be whatever you want me to be: boy, girl, a little bit of both.

If you have a problem with a man in a dress then best be off with you. If males in make-up give you the willies, then I’ll say au revoir and don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

So, who are we left with? Ah, a fine collection of curious souls. I want to tell you a tale of love, because those are the most glorious kind. I want to tell you about real love, a love that transcends labels and gender stereotypes.


The moment I first laid eyes on my Freda I knew that we were kindred. Well okay, I also knew I wanted to get into her pants, but that’s beside the point. My world was a grey place. I was at my lowest ebb. Then she came along and patches of colour began to spring forth. One day the daffodils were yellow and before I knew it, colour was everywhere, lighting up my life.

Love is not about how we appear on the outside, it’s about the soul contained within.

Our story was not a conventional one, but it was ours, and that’s what made it shine.


Killer Queen is a companion novel to L.H. Cosway’s contemporary romance, Painted Faces. It contains scenes that take place before, during and after the original story. It can also be read as a standalone.

I originally reviewed L.H. Cosway's Painted Faces back in 2013 (click here for my 5 Star review). This was the first time I was introduced to Cosway--and I was HOOKED! I also picked it as one of my favorite reads of 2013. It absolutely blew me away.

Cosway brilliantly takes a character that you would assume could in no way be considered sexy...and makes him super hot, super charming, and King of Dirty Talking. I cannot rave enough about Nicholas.

So when I was asked to read and review Killer Queen, there was no hesitation. Killer Queen is the retelling of Painted Faces, but from Nicholas's POV. Something that I had to have. I wanted to delve inside the mind of one hell of an intriguing character. One that continues to be so damn unique, so damn sexy, and plagues my mind with all sorts of dirty fantasies.

Do you have to read Painted Faces first in order to understand Killer Queen?

No.

But you should.

Both are delicious in their own way.

Both are hot.

And both remain on my top fave list.

Nicholas has always been in awe of his mother. He loved to watch her as she prepared to perform on stage. She was stunningly beautiful to him. And when she tragically died, Nicholas knew of only one way to experience that closeness he used to share with his mother.

Young Nicholas would sneak into the attic and watch old films of his mother, slip inside her beautiful dresses and sing along to the haunting and seductive tones of his mother's voice. It was through this strange behavior he felt closer to the mother he lost. It was his secret. One he kept from his father for fear of horrible repercussions. And one that he could not--would not--deny himself.

Until an evil man who worked close with Nick's father discovered his secret--his shame. And Nicholas's life would be irrevocably changed.

Now, Nicholas is an adult. He shines on the stage as the magnificent drag queen--Vivica Blue. It is with the make-up, the dresses, the stunning shows that make it possible for Nick to metaphorically give the middle finger to the perverted monster who continues to haunt him. Who took something beautiful and tried to make it something ugly. As Vivica Blue, Nick embraces that inner little boy who once sang along with his mother. Those moments when little Nicholas watched in awe as she painted her face before a show. He becomes an entertainer, a performer, and the limelight loves him. He shines--is glorious upon the stage. He is Vivica Blue.

But drinking, partying, and maniacal highs and lows is taking its toll on Nicholas. He is slowly sinking into a pit of despair...one that may claim his very soul. He is lost and alone.

Until he meets Phil.

Until he moves to Ireland

Until he meets Freda.

And everything once again dramatically shifts in Nick's life.

But can he pull himself from out of the darkness and realize he isn't utterly destroyed and deserving of love?


Here are just some of my favorite moments in Killer Queen:

Every woman is different. Some of them make you feel satisfied, others make you feel high, most just make you feel used or dirty. But you, Fred, you make me feel cleansed. 

Okay, so when it came to sex, I was a talker. In fact, dirty talk was my forte. I couldn't help but say what was on my mind, and I loved the different reactions I got. 

Great fucking tits, Fred. I can't wait to suck on the other one next time.

Her sweet little sighs filled the room, and I knew in that moment that we weren't fucking, we were making love. I felt like running away and never leaving all at once. 

I could have lived forevermore between the beauty mark on her neck and the freckle on her collarbone quite happily. 

And for a limited time---Painted Faces is free on Amazon. 10/22/14 through 10/26/14 

 

About the Author

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

Author Links:

Website / Facebook / Twitter  / Goodreads 

Excerpt 

“What has you so excited tonight?” Phil asked me, one hand on his hip, the other holding Pickles under his arm. The tiny dog struggled to break free, and Phil finally let him down.

I sat in front of the mirror in my dressing room at The Glamour Patch, using some mousse to slick my hair back away from my face. My lips were red, and I’d gone for a smoky grey eye shadow that highlighted the blue of my irises.

“My new neighbour’s coming to see the show. I can’t wait for you to meet her, Phil. She’s quite something.”

His lips quirked. “Ah, I was wondering why you were going all Frank-N-Furter tonight.”

I glanced at him as I topped up my mascara. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He raised an amused eyebrow and folded his arms. “You always whip out the Rocky Horror when you want to get a lady all hot and bothered. They love that androgynous shit, not to mention those hot pants leave very little to the imagination.”

I grinned mischievously. “I do believe I’ll take that as a compliment, Philip.” A pause before I continued, “So, does it usually work?”

“Depends on the lady. If she’s that way inclined, yes, it works a charm.”

His answer pleased me. “Good to know.”

Phil was right — I was definitely going for androgyny tonight rather than full-on female, and it wasn’t because my head was messed up. It was because my own vanity was surfacing, and I wanted Fred to find me sexy. I wasn’t certain that a dress was going to do it for her, but once she saw how little my hot pants left to the imagination, as Phil so graciously put it, I was sure she’d be shifting in her seat.

Yeah, that’s right, my package, for lack of a better word, was well on display. Are you regretting picking up my diary yet, you nosy little things? No? Well, let’s see if we can change your minds. I will find a way to make you tug uncomfortably at your collars yet.

Playlist 

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BOOK REVIEW ~ MAYBE SOMEDAY BY COLLEEN HOOVER

Title: Maybe Someday
Author: Colleen Hoover
Publisher: Atria Books
Release Date: March 18, 2014
Genre: New Adult, Romance

ARC provided by NetGalley



At twenty-two years old, aspiring musician Sydney Blake has a great life: She’s in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her good friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers Hunter cheating on her with Tori—and she is left trying to decide what to do next.

Sydney becomes captivated by her mysterious neighbor, Ridge Lawson. She can’t take her eyes off him or stop listening to the daily guitar playing he does out on his balcony. She can feel the harmony and vibrations in his music. And there’s something about Sydney that Ridge can’t ignore, either: He seems to have finally found his muse. When their inevitable encounter happens, they soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one…

**I love the way Colleen Hoover set the stage for Maybe Someday. It's something that came as a complete surprise to me, so I don't want to put spoilers up to ruin it for other readers. So, this review will be tough to write without giving things away.

Sydney Blake has just found out that her boyfriend is cheating on her--with her roommate. Her devastation has her packing her bags and fleeing the apartment, not making any plans or knowing where the hell she's going. Her abrupt departure leads her to the door of one of her neighbors--the cute guy she has seen from her balcony. Although they have never talked face to face, she has studied him from beneath her lashes and watches him as he plays his guitar.

Ridge Lawson cannot help but notice his beautiful neighbor, Sydney. And through texts, they discover each other's passion for music. But when Sydney has no place to go after the harsh break-up with her boyfriend, Ridge offers her a place to stay.

Through their connection of music, Ridge and Sydney grow closer. But there is only one problem---and it's a biggie--Ridge is already involved with another girl. One he refuses to  hurt, one he cares deeply about.

Sydney refuses to be the other girl. She knows the hurt, the devastation that follows with that kind of choice. And she refuses to hurt Maggie, Ridge's unsuspecting girlfriend.

Colleen Hoover is brilliant in crafting a story that makes you feel the emotions and pain experienced by her characters. And Ridge and Sydney's story is one that tugged at my heart strings. Some readers may find offence in what Ridge and Sydney struggle with--and view it as cheating. But their connection isn't about just the physical attraction. It's a deeper, emotional connection--and one that they fight so damn hard to prevent. And I think that Colleen Hoover presented both sides well and showed how their feelings ran deeper that just a few minutes of physical pleasure.

Maybe Someday is ultimately finding that person you are meant to be with--it just may not be the right time in your life. And maybe, someday....the two people that are meant to be together will find their way back to each other again.  

SIX OF HEARTS RELEASE DAY BLAST: ARC REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

Title: Six Of Hearts

Author: L.H. Cosway

Publisher: Self-published 

Expected Release Date: July 28, 2014

Genre: Contemporary Romance

ARC provided by author for an honest review

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Step right up and meet Jay Fields: Illusionist. Mentalist. Trickster.
I think in triangles. You think in straight lines.

I show you a table and make you believe it’s a chair.

Smoke and mirrors, sleight of hand, misdirection. I trick and deceive.

But most of all, I put on a good show.

The world thinks I killed a man, but I didn’t. Bear with me. It’s all a part of the plan.

Revenge is what I want. I want it for me and I want it for her.I want it for all six of us.

She doesn’t remember me, but she’s the reason for everything. She’ll be my prize at the end of all this – if I can hold onto my willpower, that is. Maybe I’ll slip up a little, have a taste, just a small one.

So go ahead and pick a card. Come inside and see the show. Look at my hands, look so closely that you can’t see what’s happening while you’re so focused on looking. I’ll be destroying your world from right here in the spotlight.

You’ll never see me coming until it’s too late.

I’ve only got one heart, and after I’ve pulled off my grand deception I’ll hand it right to her.

So, sit back, relax, and let my girl tell you our story. You’re in for one hell of a ride.

I simply cannot get enough of L.H. Cosway--at least, her books. It was love at first read when I picked up a copy of her book, Painted Faces. Her unique hero, Nicholas, is a shocking and sexy surprise. Bonus--Cosway's writing is fresh, and her humor is highly contagious. I wanted more from this extremely talented writer.

When I received an email to be a part of this blog tour for her newest release, it was a NO BRAINER.

Six of Hearts starts out with a tragic past and fast forwards to the present where --- hang on to your seats--Cosway takes the reader through the mind-boggling world of magic and illusion. And intermingled, she writes a beautiful love story with engaging characters and sizzling sexy times. 

Jay Fields is the dark and secretive illusionist who has a secret past. As I was reading Six of Hearts, I couldn't help but compare the story and Jay to the famous street magician David Blaine. Of course, Jay Fields, is waaay more sexier. My vivid imagination works that way, lol.

But if you have watched any of David Blaine's unique and totally fascinating "tricks", you can understand the appeal Six of Hearts had for me. It was AMAZEBALLS!

I really don't want to give anything away in regards to this book--it's a journey one has to experience without the possibility of swaying the reader or creating false expectations. It is a delicious, addictive, and sexually combustible read filled with twists and turns along the way to keep you on your toes. 

I leave you with one of my favorite quotes that summarily defines how I feel about Six of Hearts.

“Isn’t it more exciting not knowing, just letting the possibilities be endless?”

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories.

Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook

Making my way down the narrow staircase that leads out of the building and onto the street, I bump into a tall man with golden-brown hair. I wouldn’t normally notice a man’s hair so specifically, but this guy has some serious style going on. It’s cut tight at the sides and left long on the top, kind of like a sexy villain in a movie set in the 1920s. I stare up at him, wide-eyed. He’s wearing a very nice navy suit with a leather satchel bag slung over his shoulder. Even though it was the first thing I noticed, his hair pales in comparison to the wonder that is his face. I don’t think I’ve ever been up close to such a handsome example of the male species in my life.

Why can’t men like this write to me online? I ponder dejectedly.

Because men like this don’t even know the meaning of the term “socially awkward,” my brain answers.

My five-foot-something stares up at his six-foot-whatever, and I think to myself, what’s a prize like you doing in a dive like this? Actually, now that I’m looking at him, he does seem vaguely familiar, but I can’t put my finger on where I’ve seen him before.

Probably on the pages of a fashion magazine, if his looks are anything to go by.

If it hasn’t already been deduced from the fact that I can’t even find a date using the romantic connection slut that is the Internet, then I’ll spell it out. I’m useless with men, and I’m talking all men. Even the nice approachable fellows. And I’m not looking at a nice approachable fellow right now. I’m looking at a “chew you up and spit you out” tiger.

Rawr.

Since the entrance to the building is so narrow, we have to skirt around each other. I give him a hesitant smile and a shrug. His eyes sparkle with some kind of hidden knowledge as he lets me pass, like beautiful people know the meaning of the universe and are amused by us ordinary folks who have to bumble along in the dark.

I’m just about to step out the door when the tiger starts to speak. “I’m looking for Brandon Solicitors. Do you know if I have the right place?”

I step back inside.

He sounds like Mark Wahlberg when he’s letting his Southie roots all hang out. His deep American accent makes me want to close my eyes and savour the sound. But I don’t do that – because I’m not a complete psycho.

“Yeah, this is the place. I work here, actually. I’m the secretary slash receptionist slash general dogsbody. It’s my dad’s firm,” I reply. Too much information, Matilda. Too. Much. Information.

The tiger smiles, making him better-looking, if that’s even possible. And thankfully, he doesn’t comment on my fluster. “I have an appointment with Hugh Brandon at nine. I’m Jay,” he says, and takes a step closer to hold his hand out to me. My back hits the wall, his tall frame dwarfing mine. I don’t think he realises just how narrow this space is, and now I can smell his cologne. Wow, it’s not often that I get close enough to a man to smell him. And Jay Fields smells indecently good.

“Ah, right. Jay Fields. Yeah, I have you pencilled in. You can go on upstairs, and Dad will take care of you,” I reply, shaking his hand and letting go quickly so that he doesn’t notice my sweatacular palms. “I’ve got an errand to run.”

He stares at me for a long moment, like his eyes are trying to take in my every feature, but that can’t be right. When he finally responds, it’s a simple, “I won’t keep you, then, Matilda.”

God. Why does the way he says “keep you” in that deep voice have to make my heart flutter? It’s been literally thirty seconds, and I’m already well on my way to developing a crush. He makes some keen eye contact with me, then turns and continues up the stairs to the office. I’m already on the street when I realise I hadn’t offered my name, and yet he knew it.

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ARC BOOK REVIEW ~ NO LIMITS BY LORI FOSTER

Title: No Limits (Ultimate, Book One)
Author: Lori Foster
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Paperback: 432 pages
Expected Publication: August 26, 2014


Buy the book on Amazon
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ARC provided by NetGalley

A surprise inheritance reunites a mixed martial arts fighter with the woman he's never forgotten in the first in a smoldering new series from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster…

Cannon Colter is quintessential hero material: chiseled jawline, shredded body—the works. He's also the guy who rescued Yvette Sweeny from kidnappers, only to put an end to her romantic dreams. These days, she's older, smarter, determined to face whatever life throws her way. Even the prospect of sharing a house and business with Cannon.

Cannon knew Yvette wanted him three years ago. But she was young—and some things are worth waiting for. Thrown together by her grandfather's legacy, he realizes how deep Yvette's scars really go, and how much danger lurks in their quiet town. As pent-up desire explodes between them, protecting her becomes the only fight that matters. And he'll break all the rules to do it…

I can remember the first book I read by Lori Foster. It is one that I have recently re-read. It is that good. And for those of you who have a curious nature, the book I am referring to is Simon Says, which is book two in her SBC Fighters series. Which....also happens to be loosely connected with her newest series, Ultimate.
 
Lori has a way of making her characters jump off the page and into my living room...at least, metaphorically speaking. But what I truly love about her writing is the abundance of sexual chemistry her characters have from the get go. She can take a few, innocent words and have me swooning. She has talent in spades and will always be an auto-buy for this reader.

That being said, No Limits was not a disappointment. Combustible sexual chemistry, a supreme cast of secondary characters, a dash of suspense, and cameo appearances from her Love Undercover series: all the key ingredients needed to make a hot read you don't want to end. Lori Foster delivers it and has whetted my appetite for more.

Cannon Colter is a young fighter on the brink of success. He has recently returned from Japan and learned of the death of a close friend. When he returns to Ohio, he finds himself face to face with the woman he hasn't been able to stop thinking about--Yvette Sweeny.

Yvette returns to Ohio to settle things after the death of her grandfather. Her childhood home holds horrific memories of a time she wished she could forget. And the presence of Cannon, her teenage crush, has her facing long-denied desires she thinks best left alone.

But the heady and smoldering sexual tension is something that will not be denied between them. And as the two spend more and more time together, things are bound to pretty damn hawt.

Because of what happened to Yvette years ago, she feels broken and afraid she will disappoint the man she has fallen for. But Cannon is determined to show Yvette she has no problems whatsoever when it comes to sex and his slow seduction is almost painful in a lip-biting, squirming-in-my-seat kind of way.
 

“Stay with me, honey.” And then, “You’ll like this.” With building anticipation Yvette watched him bend down until his dark head was between her thighs, his breath hot, his mouth hotter”.

"First time will be fast and hard. Second time might be better. I'm still up in the air on that one." He drew her close and playfully bit her lower lip. "The third time, though...for sure, that one will be all for you." 

Of course, Foster throws in some suspense to keep you turning the page...an unstable ex-boyfriend who waits in the shadows for his chance to grab Yvette could prove to be dangerous and deadly. Or is it someone else, someone unsuspecting, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike back with malignant intent?

Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a Waldenbooks, Borders, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Berkley, Silhouette and Samhain. She is currently with Harlequin.

Click here for a complete list of Lori Foster's books. 

BOOK REVIEW ~ ISLAND PERIL BY JILL SORENSON

Title: Island Peril (Aftershock, Book 3.5)
Author: Jill Sorenson
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Release Date: May 1, 2014

ARC provided by NetGalley

Book Blurb


Red-hot writer Jill Sorenson brought readers to the edge of their seats in Aftershock. Now they can catch the beginning of Paul and Ella's relationship in this fast-moving novella packed with danger and delight!

It started as a girls' outing to California's beautiful Channel Islands State Park. When Ella Hammond embarks on a kayaking trip with sexy adventure guide Paul Dawson, sparks fly—but so does gunfire from a boat of drug smugglers.

Now Ella and Paul are on the run, soaked and stranded in a rocky hideout. Ella feels like she'll never be warm again. Until Paul shares his body heat—igniting a fire between them that's nearly too hot to handle!

The adventure continues in Backwoods, and pick up Paul's sister's novella in Passion and Peril, both from Harlequin HQN!

Book Review


I admit that I have not read the first books of this series...and it did not affect my enjoyment of this story. In fact, it made me want to immediately read the others in this action-packed series.

I can also admit I am not a fan of novellas. I like my stories meaty. Long. Page after page of excitement and spellbinding. But, a novella is a great way to introduce a new-to-me author and a way to see if this series would be something I would want to continue reading.

Island Peril is compact, but provided it all. Great sexual chemistry, enough action to get your blood pumping, and an engaging read until the last page was read. It whetted my appetite for more.

When Ella Hammond takes a kayaking trip with her sister and niece, things quickly turn from good to bad.

The trip is lead by the very sexy Paul Dawson. Picture tall, dark, athletic. Sexy. Charming. He has it in spades. And when Paul and Ella find themselves marooned on a deserted island with bad guys shooting at them, things quickly go from bad...to deadly.

 All in all--Island Peril is a captivating tale filled with danger and steamy romance.

BOOK REVIEW ~ STILL LIFE WITH STRINGS BY L.H. COSWAY

Title: Still Life With Strings
Author: L.H. Cosway
Publisher: CreateSpace

Release Date: March 24, 2014

ARC provided by NetGalley

Book Blurb

My name is Jade Lennon and I stand still for money.

The night I saw Shane Arthur watching me everything changed. A man in a suit always catches my eye, but it was the way he looked at me that was different. Like he knew me or something. He didn’t know me, especially not in my costume. My sobriety rests on staying away from men, but there was something about him that made me throw caution to the wind.

After all, I was never going to see him again, right?

Wrong.

Standing still isn’t the only way I make my money. I also bar tend at a concert hall. Never in my wildest dreams did I think Shane was going to show up there. Not only that, but he’s the most recent addition to the orchestra. So now on a daily basis I have to resist one of the most beautiful men I’ve ever met and he plays the violin. For me that’s one hell of a deadly cocktail.

He wants me to teach him how to live. I’m not sure how much a twenty-six year old recovering alcoholic who works in a bar and moonlights as a living statue can teach a world class concert violinist, but I’m sure going to try.

Still Life with Strings is a story of music, art, sex, magical realism, and romance that you will never forget.

Book Review

I fell in love with Cosway's writing style with the release of her book, Painted Faces. It was a no-brainer for me to read Still Life With Strings.

Right away, I was hooked.  The characters were fresh, full of life, and simply amazing.

Jade Lennon is a strong, self-assured, young woman on the cusp of something life changing--she just doesn't know it yet. She has an artistic soul and will do anything for her family. Her mother is dead and her job as a bartender at a local orchestra house provides her the income to support her family. And she moonlights as a living statue on the streets. She is a recovering alcoholic. Her life is far from easy.

While in her "butterfly" disguise, Jade spots a mysterious stranger watching her. She is intrigued. And caution is thrown to the wayside as they come together in a darkened alley. Never exchanging names. Until, the next day...

Jade is shocked to discover her one night stand is now working at the orchestra where she tends bar. And that instant attraction she felt for him makes it hard for her to stay away.

Shane Arthur is a gifted violinist who has never experienced the simple joys of life--spontaneity never a luxury he explored. His strict upbringing and constant training has left little time for fun.

Jade and Shane are truly opposites but come together in an explosive story that will leave you wanting to have your own virtuoso. It is a character driven tale filled with sensual delights as well as painful moments. Cosway makes classical music sexy with her beautiful love story -- Still Life With Strings.

BOOK REVIEW ~ TALK DIRTY TO ME BY DAKOTA CASSIDY

Title: Talk Dirty To Me (Plum Orchard, Book One)
Author: Dakota Cassidy
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Expected Release Date: April 29, 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Humor
eBook, 400 pages


ARC provided by NetGalley

Book Blurb


Notorious mean girl Dixie Davis is back in town and it's payback time. Literally. Dixie is flat broke and her best—make that only—friend, Landon, is throwing her a lifeline from the Great Beyond. Dixie stands to inherit his business…if she meets a few conditions:

She's got to live in Landon's mansion.

With her gorgeous ex-fiancé, Caine Donovan.

Who could also inherit the business.

Which is a phone sex empire.

Wait, what?

Landon's will lays it out: whoever gets the most new clients becomes the owner of Call Girls. Dixie has always been in it to win it, especially when it comes to Caine, who's made it clear he's not going down easy. (Oh, mercy.) Can Dixie really talk dirty and prove that she's cleaned up her act? Game on!

Book Review 


I am so happy I decided to pick up Cassidy's newest book in her upcoming series. Talk Dirty To Me was like a huge glass of iced tea on a hot, summer day. It has a little bit of everything I relish in a book--a sexy leading man, a sassy heroine who is hiding her vulnerable heart, southern humor that has me giggling aloud (and sometimes inappropriately), and moments that have me sobbing and resembling Tammy Faye Baker...that is, if I wore mascara and shellacked a ton of make-up over my face.


The small town of Plum Orchard is getting ready to have their feathers ruffled. Or at least have the snooty ladies of the town gasping in outrage. And it's not enough that their southern sensibilities have been compromised by "housing" a phone-sex company in their quaint corner of the world....Oh, no...Dixie Davis, former resident and queen-of-mean, has returned after leaving Plum Orchard years ago in the likes that still has tongues wagging.

Dixie returns to Plum Orchard after the death of her best friend, Landon. Her life is in tatters--a failed business with an empty bank account. Her past behavior has also made some of the people wary of this new-and nicer version of Dixie Davis. There are those who are just waiting for the other shoe to drop and the old Dixie to show her ugly side. But Dixie is determined to make a life change and make up for past mistakes.

That is, IF the residents will let her.

Caine Donovan is one person who is not swayed by Dixie's change of heart. Years ago, he believed Dixie loved him. But it was all a big fat lie. Now he is stuck living with a woman he wants to hate, but ends up falling back under Dixie's spell. And he's determined not to make the same mistake twice.

Emmeline has been cut by Dixie's sharp tongue one too many times in the past. But as mediator to Landon's will, she is stuck with the job of making sure Dixie and Caine adhere's to the stipulations of the will. They (Dixie and Caine) must reside in Landon's mansion while competing for clients in the phone sex biz.

What happens is hilarious, unexpected, and knocks those prissy southern belles on their as---er, derriere.
Be prepared to go through a gamut of emotions when you read Cassidy's tantalizing southern tale of redemption, passion, and friendships--It's a keeper.

BOOK REVIEW ~ HER BEST LAID PLANS BY CARA MCKENNA

Title: Her Best Laid Plans
Author: Cara McKenna
Publisher: Cosmo Red Hot Reads
Expected Release Date: April 15, 2014
Genre: Romance, Women's Fiction
eBook format

ARC provided by NetGalley







Book Blurb


Experience Ireland—the dramatic beauty, the warm hospitality...and the smoking-hot local guys!

Imagine nursing a pint in a cozy, authentic country pub, far from Cork City’s busy pulse. Getting here took you a plane, bus, taxi, and...erm, bicycle. But just as you’re resigning yourself to drinking beside gray-haired farmers, you see him—a man with the looks and charm to soothe any heartbroken girl.

He’s your bartender. Your really, really gorgeous bartender.

For American Jamie Webb—recently dumped and housesitting for two weeks—Connor Kelleher is like a six-course feast after a 23-year starvation diet. But it’s gotta be casual. She’s just begun re-routing her life after an extended, man-related detour. Still, a sexy romp (or twenty!) with Sexy McBartender?

But what about when Jamie's best-laid plans for no future plans with any man begin to change?

Book Review


I absolutely loved every minute of Her Best Laid Plans. I wanted to hop on a plane, take off to Ireland in search of my own sexy Irish bartender and drink some Guinness. But McKenna painted such a vivid story, I truly felt like I was in the Emerald Isle.

Jamie Webb had made plans with her friend to vacation together in Ireland. But Jamie finds herself alone, sitting at a local pub, slamming down some Guinness, when Donna has to cancel on her at the last minute. But Jamie is still determined to experience everything Ireland has to offer.

At one point in her life, Jamie had given everything up for her boyfriend. She moved across the US to live with him and helped put him through school. But two years later, she finds herself boyfriend-less. Never again will she give up her dreams, her plans, for a man. And right now, in Ireleand, she was, free, free, free!

But you know what the say about the best laid plans, right?

Connor, a very sexy, very charming, bartender, has Jamie itching to get her flirt on. His good looks, wicked accent and killer smile just about do her in. They chatter it up and Jamie not only likes what she sees, she loves what she hears. He is a reformed bad-boy, working his arse off to earn money to return to college. The chemistry between him and Jamie is thick with sexual tension. And McKenna expertly draws it out with humor, meaningful conversations, and the beautiful sites of Ireland.

I love how strong Jamie is, how determined she was to make it on her own. To not make the same mistakes she had in the past. Despite her growing feelings for Connor, she is very much an independent woman. And Connor, in his own right, is forthright with his feelings, yet understanding of Jamie's feelings. He knocked my kickers off with his sexy Irish charm.

Both would love a chance to see what could have been but are at different points in their own lives, the distance between them too vast. Will she choose to stay, or will she go back home to America?

McKenna has become a go-to author for me when I want to immerse myself in a sexy, romantic, story with memorable characters.