Review ~ Rescuing Rayne ~ Susan Stoker #COYER

Rescuing Rayne by Susan Stoker
Delta Force Heroes #1
Release Date: February 9, 2016
Genre: Adult, Romantic Suspense
Source: Kindle Freebie
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
As a flight attendant, Rayne Jackson is used to cancellations, but she never dreamed her latest would lead to a whirlwind tour of London with a handsome stranger...or a life-altering night in his bed. One evening is all the enigmatic man can give her, and Rayne greedily takes it, despite suspecting it will never be enough.

Heading home after another extreme missions, Keane "Ghost" Bryson hadn't planned to seduce someone during his layover, but Rayne is too sweet to resist. Being a Delta Force member means lying to protect his identity, which is unfortunate, considering Rayne seems made for Ghost, right down to the tattoo on her back. For the first time in his life, regret fills him as he slips away the following morning.

Both are shocked when, months later, they meet again - under the worst possible circumstances. Seems fate has given them a second chance...if they can survive the terrorist situation they're in. If Ryane can forgive Ghost his lies. And if Ghost can trust Rayne to be strong enough to endure the secrets and uncertainty that come with loving a Delta Force soldier.

Rescuing Rayne is the first in the Delta Force Heroes series and served as my introduction to Susan Stoker's brand of romantic suspense. Stoker's characters are well-defined and the suspense was tight, if predictable. I enjoyed meeting Ghost and Rayne and look forward to getting better acquainted with the guys of Delta Force.

Highlights:

• Characters/Romance
  Ghost and Rayne are well developed. I had a good sense of who they were - courageous, protective, loyal, smart - individually and they also made a strong couple. The way Stoker developed them and their romance - their meeting and the impact they made on each other, how they left one another and found each other again - felt very realistic even with the element of fate being involved. Their connection was palpable and Stoker also involved the secondary cast well. Ghost's team, and even a few others, are well-drawn. The dynamics between them felt genuine and I want to get to know these guys better. They way they take each others' backs and the way they enveloped Rayne into their fold was heartwarming.
• Suspense
  Despite the circumstances that created the suspense being a foregone conclusion, Stoker chose a relevant way to incorporate the suspense. She also didn't skimp on the horror and terror - although it wasn't explicit. There was one aspect I felt was a bit unrealistic given the situation though.

Overall, Stoker's brand of romantic suspense worked well for me. I'm eager to continue this series as well as check out her other series. 

Blogger Chick-Reader Chick Chat Review ~ Driven ~ K. Bromberg #COYER #ShelfLove

Driven by K. Bromberg
Driven #1
Release Date: December 25, 2013
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Rylee Thomas is used to being in control. But she's about to meet the one man that just might make her enjoy losing it...

I am the exception to the rule.

In a world full of willing women, I'm a challenge to the roguish and achingly handsome Colton Donavan. A man used to getting exactly what he wants in all aspects of life. He's the reckless bad boy constantly skating that razor thin edge toward out of control, on and off of the track.

Colton crashes into my life like a tornado: sapping my control, testing my vulnerabilities beyond their limits, and unintentionally penetrating the protective wall around my healing heart. Tearing apart the world I rebuilt so carefully with structure, predictability, and discipline.

I can't give him what he wants and he can't give me what I need. But after a glimpse beneath his refined exterior into the dark secrets of his damaged soul, can I bring myself to walk away?

Our sexual chemistry is undeniable. Our individual need for complete control is irrefutable. But when our worlds collide, is the chemistry enough to bring us together or will our untold secrets and battle of wills force us apart?

BLOGGER CHICK - READER CHICK CHAT

Yay! Denise and I have another Book Bonanza buddy read/chat review under our belts! We have another one coming and even though Book Bonanza is over, I think we'll continue with these buddy reads and chats. Enjoy!

***

Me: Yay! Another Book Bonanza buddy read under our belts!

While Driven was a bit angsty for me at times, I'm completely invested in Rylee and Colton, as individuals and as a couple.

1. Rylee and Colton's initial meeting was comedic despite the circumstances that created it. They both felt such an immediate connection. How do you feel about the way Bromberg handled that connection throughout the book?

Denise: Bromberg kept the connection hot and lusty. I felt that the first meeting with its fiery lust was going to be the highlight of the connection but I was completely wrong. They have a connection that they cannot fight even as they both try.

It was definitely a case of insta-lust but I liked that Rylee fought the attraction and Colton despite his fierce determination. I agreed with Rylee in that part of Colton's attraction to her was that she said "no" but clearly it was more and became so much more.



2) How do you feel about the reasons behind both Rylee's and Colton's attempts to keep distance between them? 

Both characters have some very dep emotional reasons for wanting distance. Although they are very different, they both run very deep and have closed themselves off. It was very difficult to hear Rylee's story but the bits and pieces of Colton's that we have seen are very disturbing and we still don't know the whole story. So while Rylee's reasons are very sad, Colton's just piss me off.

Rylee's reasons - which we become intimately aware of - broke my heart. And she hasn't shared everything yet - at least with Colton. To experience all she did and then to be treated the way she was by people she trusted (at least I assume she trusted) was awful. She's certainly scarred physically and emotionally, and rightfully so.
Colton's reasons we're only guessing at and I'm getting an idea they aren't pretty. They must be beyond terrible if the life he was eventually gifted wasn't able to help him heal at all.



3) What do you think about Rylee's profession and how it relates to Colton's issues?

I believe the work she does helps her relate to Colton but as in many situations it is hard to see things in your personal life even if it is part of your work life. Rylee is very giving and definitely not selfish in any way but still has difficulty dealing with some situations due to it affecting her heart and not her job.

I love that she's working to help a population that is probably largely ignored. I think it helps her deal and heal from some of what she's gone through. And it puts her at an advantage in knowing how to approach Colton at times. I find it ironic that Colton believes he's so irrevocably damanged and yet you can "feel" his hope that Rylee will be the one to heal him.



4) And that brings me to wondering how you felt about the push and pull between these two and the angst is caused.

As you read the story it is obvious that they care for each other but they can never be on the same page at the same time. The push and pull makes for a great story but at times I just wanted to tell them to get their act together and get on the same page.

I did feel it was mighty angsty at times and while I don't mind angst, there were times I wanted to shake them both and yell "Make up your mind!" Honestly, that was the only downside to the story so far.



Overall, I liked the story, the plot, and the character development. I'm impressed with Bromberg considering this was her debut. And I'm anxious to start Fueled - which I know you've already finished. I'm eager to get the story behind all of Colton's demons and to see him healed...because I know he's capable of being "fixed."

It is a great story. I love the chemistry. Broberg really knows how to write a cliffhanger which makes you buy the next book at 11 p.m.!!!!


In the end, both Denise and I gave Driven 4 Bookworms and I know we'll be continuing the series...Denise is already one ahead of me!

Audio Review ~ Even the Score ~ Beth Ehemann #AudioChallenge #COYER

Even the Score by Beth Ehemann
Narrated by: Christian Fox and Lucy Rivers
Release Date: September 6, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Audible
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge, #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Single dad Andy Shaw loves his job as a sports agent, with one exception: it doesn't leave him much time for his kids. No parent likes being sidelined, so Andy decides to hire someone to share the workload. But when one of the hottest agents in the industry applies, Andy knows that this deal is definitely trouble.

Danicka Douglas works her butt off, but being an attractive woman in a testosterone-heavy industry isn't exactly a cakewalk. She guards her professional reputation fiercely, which means no crushing on her gorgeous boss. But the more they ignore that sexy little spark, the more it sizzles...

Just when it looks like romance might be in the plan, Dani is threatened by a stalker with dark intentions. To keep her safe, Andy must cross the line between professional and very personal...because this time, he's playing for keeps.

Even the Score was my first Beth Ehemann read and I'm eager to read her backlist now so I can get the stories behind a few of the characters I met here. Andy and Danicka's story was one I enjoyed even though I wished a few things had been handled differently.

What Worked:

• Characters Andy is a good guy. A single dad who has built his business and life around providing for his kids. In order to spend more time with them he decides to take on a partner - enter Danicka. Danicka is a strong and intelligent woman making a name for herself in a male-dominated profession. I liked them both, who they were as individuals - loyal and compassionate and funny - and I liked them together. They built a friendship first and then worked at the more.
• Plot The circumstances that enabled Andy and Danicka to get closer, while maybe a little predictable, felt realistic. Ehemann was able to surprise me with the reveal which kinda shocked me. I appreciated the suspense and tension these circumstances created. I also liked the sports management element which kept me guessing.
• Romance This is a slow-burn and it worked. There were many things to consider before going in - Andy and Danicka's work relationship, Andy's kids, their pasts - but I liked how Ehemann made it all work.
• Narration I admit to having grabbed this book because I adore Christian Fox's narration. And he proved once again why he's one of my favorites. His delivery, his pacing, his voices...gah! I just love him. Lucy Rivers is a narrator I enjoy as well and that's a good thing since she's routinely paired with Christian Fox. ;)

What Could Have Worked Better:

• Danicka's Issues I felt like there were things - like her being raised by a single dad - that could have been explored more which would have given her more depth and complexity.
• The Reveal The reveal honestly surprised me but at the same time, I think it was tied up way too neatly. That part wasn't realistic all things considered.

Overall, I liked Even the Score and I'll be adding more of Ehemann's books to my library.

#Audio Review ~ Beneath this Mask ~ Meghan March #AudioChallenge #COYER

Beneath this Mask by Meghan March
Beneath #1
Narrated by: Andi Arndt and Holter Graham
Release Date: June 30, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Audible
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge, #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
He loves me, and he doesn't even know my real name.

The limelight that follows him could expose everything I'm hiding. But even knowing the risks, I can't force myself to stay away.

I'm going to break his heart, but mine will shatter right along with it.

Will we lose it all when I reveal what's beneath this mask?

Beneath this Mask was a captivating story brilliantly brought to life through Arndt's and Graham's narration (although I preferred Arndt's). There wasn't much about this story I didn't like - from the premise to the well-developed characters down to the NOLA setting - it was all good and I'm so happy I gave MMarch a go!

Highlights:

• Premise
  A Bernie Madoff-style swindle that ruined not only the lives of those swindled but also that of a young woman whose belief in her father was destroyed forcing that young woman into hiding knowing her life would never again be "normal". While in hiding she meets a man who makes her want to give up her solitary lifestyle, maybe reveal her secrets...but she knows that because of his family's name and his career ambitions her mask of ink and colored hair aren't any better for him than the what the fallout would be were the secrets about her identity revealed.
• Charlie & Simon/Romance
  Charlie and Simon meet in a tattoo shop. Simon is rather persistent in his pursuit of Charlie and despite her misgivings she eventually relents.
  I adored Charlie. She's smart, resilient, tough, and independent...all qualities I admire. She had absolutely no issues living without all the trappings of her privileged upbringing. In fact, those trappings, which she recognizes as the blessings they were, were never things she desired. What she wanted more was a dad who wasn't "dirty" and a mom who validated and valued her for the person she is. But she's finding that in her new life.
  Simon is the son of a semi-famous family and an all-around good guy. I appreciated how he was so into Charlie that he was willing to let her let him in at her own pace. What I also appreciated with these two was their character growth. They both realized what they wanted and that it was going to take some unpleasantness to get there. But they were both willing to wade through that unpleasantness for their own happiness as well as for each other.
• NOLA
  MMarch did well with bringing to life the vibrant city. From clubs to street vendors, tattoo shops to Bourbon Street, and wedding parades, too...it made me want to go back to New Orleans ASAP!
• Secondary Characters
  MMarch also created a nice little cast of secondary characters including Charlie's friends - especially Con - her dog, Huck, and Simon's family. I believe I'll get Con's story later in the series and I'm tickled pink over that. :)
• Narration
  Y'all! I seriously FLOVE Andi Arndt!! Holter Graham was good too but Arndt really nailed it. I feel like I always say the same things about narrators I enjoy but Arndt easily switched from Charlie's voice to Simon's - including a little NOLA-flare for him - and her delivery just ROCKED. 

Beneath this Mask was an absolute pleasure. And it made my 10 hour drive to Texas a joy!

Audio Review ~ Show Me the Way ~ A.L. Jackson #AudioChallenge #ShelfLove

Show Me the Way by A.L. Jackson
Fight for Me #1
Narrated by: Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber
Release Date: October 13, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Audible
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Rex Gunner. As bitter as he is beautiful.

The owner of the largest construction company in Gingham Lakes has been burned one too many times. His wife leaving him to raise their daughter was the last blow this single dad could take. The only woman he'll let into his heart is his little girl.

Rynna Dayne. As vulnerable as she is tempting.

She ran from Gingham Lakes when she was seventeen. She swore to herself she would never return. Then her grandmother passed away and left her the deed to the diner that she once loved.

When Rex meets his new neighbor, he knows he's in trouble.

She's gorgeous and sweet and everything he can't trust.

Until she becomes the one thing he can't resist.

One kiss sends them tumbling toward ecstasy.

But in a town this size, pasts are bound to collide. Caught in a web of lies, betrayal, and disloyalty, Rex must make a choice.

Will he hide behind his walls or will he take the chance...

Oh my! It's been awhile since I spent time in a world created by A.L. Jackson and I'd forgotten how rich her stories are. I loved every second I spent in Gingham Lakes and its inhabitants and am eager to return.

Highlights:

• Rynna & Rex
  Goodness did I love these two! They've both been burned - badly - and yet are still such giving people. They're loyal to their family and friends and care so deeply about them and their hometown. Watching them fight and eventually fall was beautiful.
• Frankie Lee
  I believe I've mentioned how I feel about guys with kids. *wink* Frankie Lee and her daddy (Rex) were something to behold!
• Plot
  The circumstances behind Rynna's return were sad but I couldn't help but feel Fate - and Rynna's grandma - had a hand in all that came afterward. The ways in which Rynna and Rex were tangled up in each other - people they knew, their businesses, Rex's love of Rynna's grandma's pies - only served to solidify the fact they were meant to be. The element of suspense and the tension it wrought was very well done and again, I appreciated how ALJ had it all tied together.
• Romance
  Although there was a serious attraction, Rex fought it fiercely. That bothered me at first but I eventually understood her reasons and as I said, watching these two fall was beautiful. The fact that Frankie Lee was part of the equation only made the romance that much sweeter because the way Rynna fell for her too illustrated the kind of person she was and made me root for them all the harder.
• Narration
  Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber are a dream team! (a theme lately) I freaking loved their delivery on all counts. The pace was perfect, they conveyed every single emotion, their voices for each character - especially Webber's voice for Frankie Lee - were distinct and consistent, and overall it was an utterly entertaining listen! So much so that I'm getting every ALJ book these two narrate.

Show Me the Way was not only a well-written story but also an aural delight!

Audio Review ~ Beautiful Mistake ~ Vi Keeland #AudioChallenge #ShelfLove

Beautiful Mistake by Vi Keeland
Narrated by: Andi Arndt and Sebastian York
Release Date: July 20, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Audible
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
The first time I met Caine West was in a bar.
He noticed me looking his way and mistakenly read my scowling as checking him out.
When he attempted to talk to me, I set him straight - telling him what I thought of his lying, cheating, egomaniacal ass.
You see, the gorgeous jerk had wined and dined my best friend--smooth talking her into his bed, all along failing to mention that he was married.
He deserved every bit of my tongue-lashing and more for what he'd done.
Especially when that lazy smile graced his perfect face in response to my rant.
Only it turned out, the man I'd just told off wasn't the right guy.
Oops. My mistake.
Embarrassed, I slunk out without an apology.
I was never going to see the handsome stranger again anyway, right?
That's what I thought...until I walked into class the next morning.
Well, hello Professor West, I'm your new teaching assistant.
I'll be working under you...figuratively speaking.
Although the literal interpretation might not be such a bad thing - working under Professor West.
This is going to be interesting...

I swear VKeeland rocks at delivering the best "meets". Caine and Rachel's first meet had me guffawing and giggle-snorting...loudly. But while the story did have its comic moments, it was serious as well. And so, so satisfying.

Highlights:

• Rachel and Caine
  Rachel is a strong and independent woman who's also smart and loyal. She also often lets whatever pops into her head fly out of her mouth and that made for some humorous interactions between her and Caine. Caine is a bit older and maybe more sophisticated but that's questionable at times. He's a professor...she's his TA...and the sexual tension between these two is almost suffocating. As they get to know each other though, they realize their connection is more than chemistry. Character growth is something I truly appreciate and while Caine does the most - and it was amazing to watch - they both learn to let go of the past that's influenced and haunted them in order to move forward.
• Plot
  VKeeland did an incredible job of weaving together the past and present threads, slowly disseminating pertinent facts and events so that we understood how it all tied together and how things affected both Rachel and Caine. I also liked how VKeeland incorporated music into the story.
• Romance
  There was no question about whether or not they'd fall but being witness to it was an experience. Caine never saw it coming, I don't think, feeling he had his walls strongly erected. Realizing who Rachel was to him threw him for a loop but luckily he pulled his head out before it was too late.
• Narration
  Seriously, Arndt and York are a dream team here. They keep the pace perfect, keep the voices distinct, and deliver on ALL the feels. They're two of my favorites.

Blogger Chick/Reader Chick Chat Review ~ Taint ~ S.L. Jennings #ShelfLove

Taint by S. L. Jennings
Sexual Education #1
Release Date: February 24, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher at RT 2015. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
"Right now, you're probably asking yourself two things: Who am I? and What the hell are you doing here? Let's start with the most obvious question, shall we? You're here, ladies, because you can't f*ck."

Oh, stop it. Don't cringe. No one under the age of eighty clutches her pearls. You might as well get used to it, because for the next six weeks, you're going to hear that word a lot. And you're going to say it a lot. Go ahead, try it out on your tongue. F*ck. F***ck.

Okay, good. Now, where were we?

If you enrolled yourself in this program, then you are wholly aware that you're a lousy lay. Good for you. Admitting it is half the battle. For those of you who have been sent here by your husband or significant other, dry your tears and get over it. You've been given a gift, ladies. The gift of mind-blowing, wall-climbing, multiple-orgasm-inducing sex. You have the opportunity to f*ck like a porn star. And I guarantee that you will when I'm done with you. 

And who am I?

Well, for the next six weeks, I will be your lover, your teacher, your best friend, and your worst enemy. Your every-f*cking-thing. I'm the one who is going to save your relationship and your sex life. 

I'm Justice Drake. And I turn housewives into whores. Now...who's first?

BLOGGER CHICK - READER CHICK CHAT

Y'all have heard me talk about Denise...she travels with me quite often to book events. She's even been designated as my and Lexxie's reader wife. Well, I'm putting her to work this summer reading books from authors attending Book Bonanza...and we're chatting about 'em! Enjoy!

***

Me: What did you think of the premise - Justice's job portion of the premise anyway? Were you put off by it? Did it make you laugh or steam??

Denise: At first it was really weird, then the further into the book I got, listening to what Justice had to say, it was more intriguing. I was not really put off but was taken aback at first. I would say I laughed and steamed - some of the "lessons" were pretty funny but as time went on, they got hotter.

Personally, I think I was initially shocked, which was probably the point but the further we got into the story, and the classes, the more fun I had with that part of the story line.



How did you think Jennings did with a male POV? 

I feel she did pretty good. Some of the directness and to the point attitude was really good.

Of course, I'm not a male but I think she did pretty well conveying a male's point of view. I loved being inside his head, privy to everything he was thinking. I liked his humor and his ice cold facade. But I think what I liked most was getting to see his vulnerable side - even if he didn't show it to Ally until late in the game.



What did you think of Ally?

I thought she was a genuine character. I felt she had a huge heart and a lot to give to someone who truly loved her.

Omigosh, I loved her quirkiness, her love of Friends, mint chocolate chip ice cream, chicken and waffles...and that she wasn't afraid to be real...at least with Justice.



Was the romance realistic? And did it bother you that they let things go that far?

Yes the romance was very realistic. I can definitely see something like that happen. Normally, infidelity does bother me but with this case it was a little different. I think life is too short to have to deal with a cheating spouse even if you are trying to keep up appearances, so I understand how things went that far. I think the character building was great and you got to see the deep emotions of two people who were not necessarily being truthful to themselves until they found each other.

I felt the romance was very realistic. Justice validated Ally for who she was and she did the same for him even if she didn't know his whole story. And really, it was a slow-burn. They both fought against the attraction...the pull between them. As for things going as far as they did when she was still married...in real life, I might not agree with it. But then again, her husband was a lying, cheating son of a bitch, so... Is turnabout fair play? Maybe not - in real life anyway. But it made for good fiction. LOL One thing I wanted to add...I liked how the romance helped in character growth. Justice certainly did a lot of growing, realizing the things he thought he wanted, the things he thought were important to him, weren't so much. And Ally - I know we didn't see her before she arrived at Oasis but you could tell that she put on a show in her life. She wasn't herself - only conveying the image that was expected of her. So watching her let her light shine as she and Justice got closer was something to see. :)



Did you guess Justice's secret?



I didn't. I had a feeling it had something to do with Evan but not what it ended up being.


In the end, both Denise and I gave Taint 4 Bookworms and I'm fairly certain we'll be reading the next in the duet. ;)

Audio Review ~ Rule's Bride ~ Kat Martin #AudioChallenge #ShelfLove

Rule's Bride by Kat Martin
Brides Trilogy #3
Narrated by: Anna Parker-Naples
Release Date: May 23, 2017
Genre: Adult, Historical Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Audio. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided. 
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
After their strategic "marriage of commerce" three years ago, Rule quite forgot about Violet Griffin, the teenage heiress to a Boston manufacturing fortune. He simply spoke his vows, took over her father's business, and returned to England to resume his usual pursuits: high-priced wine, high-stakes gambling, and highborn women. Yet when Violet, now a sophisticated woman, unexpectedly appears at Rule's London town house, husbandly duties no longer seem so odious - he can't wait to take his stunning bride to their marriage bed. Violet, however, is not so easily led: She has her own ideas and is seeking an annulment to marry another. But as Rule attempts to win her over, someone else is determined to frame him for murder and keep him out of the way for good...

While there were a few things that didn't work for me quite as well in this final installment, I did enjoy Rule and Violet's story.

Highlights:

• Character Development - Rule & Violet
  One common trait in all the Dewar brothers has been their loyalty to their family. Each brother made a promise to the father on his deathbed and each kept it. I thought it was interesting the way KMartin had Rule keep his promise and I appreciated that although he'd made some questionable choices, Rule did prove himself as loyal, honorable, and able to love. I've enjoyed the independent streak in all the heroines of this trilogy and Violet was nothing if not independent. Being American gave her a little leeway - very little - but she was smart and very determined. I admired her commitment to her values and her father's legacy.
• Plot & Sub-plots
  Even though there were elements in the sub-plots that didn't work for me on the whole - specifically the reason behind Rule's determination not to fall in love and the angst between Caroline and Luke - the plots and sub-plots wove together well to create a compelling story. I think had Rule's reasoning for avoiding love been explored more thoroughly, it would have had more of an impact on his character. I feel that same of Caroline's and Luke's characters. If they'd been developed a bit more, they'd have had more depth. Because they lacked some depth, I felt the tension felt more contrived that genuine. I did appreciate the inclusion of the impending Civil War in America and how KMartin wove that element in. I also liked how she created the suspense even though I did figure out a portion of the mystery and the resolutions felt a bit too tidy.
• Romance
  Witnessing Rule work at winning over Violet was fun. Although she realized she'd given her heart to him early on, she still didn't make things easy for him. She wanted love and she taught Rule how to love - that he had the capacity for it despite his belief otherwise. I also delighted in watching Rule fall without ever realizing that was what was happening. KMartin once again gave us a secondary romance - this time between Violet's cousin, Caroline, and Rule's best friend, Luke. Neither felt they wanted marriage but after circumstances demand it, their fall was angsty yet heartwarming.
• Narration
  As I've mentioned previously, Anna Parker-Naples' range for male voices is a little limited and I continued to notice this in Rule's Bride. She also struggled with her American accents. However, her ability to do a range of British accents is amazing and even though those few things niggled at me, I still found her narration - her pacing, and her ability to convey the emotion required - to be brilliant.

My introduction to KMartin and Anna Parker-Naples was a pleasure. I'll be on the hunt for more from them both.

Review ~ Conviction ~ Corinne Michaels #ShelfLove #TravelingtotheTerminus

Conviction by Corinne Michaels
Salvation #4, Consolation Duet #2
Release Date: May 27, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Military Romance
Source: Borrowed from Denise on Kindle
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
I fell in love with Liam only to be shattered into a million pieces. Again. The idea of being without him cripples me but the reality is, he's gone.

He doesn't understand and I can't make him.

If only he'd see the conviction behind my words - then Liam would still be here.

I admit to being a little worried about how CMichaels would work everything out. I'm happy to report she did so more than satisfactorily. *grins*

Highlights

• Character Growth
  Okay, so I already loved and was fully invested in Lee and Liam. The events at the end of Consolation had me concerned about their ability to be rational and sane with regards to where they now stood. I wanted to shake them at times and Lee really upset me with some of her actions towards Liam but they both did some emotional maturing and I was so happy and relieved. Also, with regards to one character and the obstacle he poses to Lee and Liam's happiness I have to give props to CMichaels for redeeming him in my eyes. I really was unsure he was redeemable but she managed it.
• Romance
  There were HUGE obstacles thrown in their way but I *knew* Lee and Liam's love was the real deal and that they'd be able to weather any storm. Well, I was relatively certain anyway - I mean, the title is Conviction. :) And can I add that the way Liam was with Aarabelle made me swoon? Love a man with or around a baby. 
• Plot
  I liked how CMichaels wove several sub-plots into the main plot because they added depth to Lee and Liam's relationship. One sub-plot was left unresolved so I'm going to have to read more (the Salvation series) to see if those answers are ever given.

Overall, I'm pleased with my introduction to CMichaels. Luckily I own the Salvation series already so I can go *back* and get Jackson's and Mark's stories.

Audio Review ~ Reese's Bride ~ Kat Martin #AudioChallenge #ShelfLove

Reese's Bride by Kat Martin
Brides Trilogy #2
Narrated by: Anna Parker-Naples
Release Date: March 28, 2017
Genre: Adult, Historical Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Audio. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided. 
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Years ago, love-struck Reese departed his home at Briarwood with a promise from raven-haired Elizabeth Clemens that she would make a life with him upon his return. But mere months later, she married the Earl of Aldridge, attaining wealth and status Reese could never match. Memories of that betrayal make his homecoming far more bitter than sweet. Seeing Elizabeth on his doorstep dressed in widow's garb twists the knife even deeper. But fear for her young son's safety has overcome her pride: She begs Reese for protection from those who would see the boy dead to possess his fortune. He agrees to an uneasy alliance, sensing Elizabeth still harbors deep secrets - and Reese knows that he's placing himself in danger...of losing his heart all over again.

KMartin continues to impress me with her storytelling skills. I'm currently listening to book #3 in the trilogy. :)

Highlights:

• Favorite Trope
  Second chance romances is one of my most favorite romance tropes and Reese and Elizabeth's second chance, while hard earned, was deserved and sweet. There were a lot of emotions surrounding the reasons they were kept apart but the primary emotion - love - remained strong.
• Plot & Sub-plots
  The element that brings Reese and Elizabeth back together provided for tension and suspense but one of the things I find I enjoy about KMartin is her ability to weave in sub-plots that keep me riveted without detracting from the main plot. One of the subplots incorporated a character from Royal's story as well as introducing a new character and I liked how KMartin wove these two characters together.
• Romance
  Not only do we get to see Reese and Elizabeth work their way back to each other but KMartin gives us a secondary romance as well and in this case it was also a second chance of sorts so I was doubly delighted.
• Characters
  KMartin delivers a well-drawn cast of characters and her cast is rather large so that is impressive. From Reese and his brothers down to the security men and even the villain, she has me intrigued by, cheering for, and despising her characters as warranted. That many characters appeared in both Reese's and Royal's stories (and hopefully Rule's) is a bonus since I got a little attached. :)
• Narration
  Anna Parker-Naples once again had me admiring her delivery. She's able to keep the pacing perfect, evoke all the emotions, as well as keep me engaged. She does have a slight issue with male voices but overall her voices and accents bring to life this large cast.

Audio Review ~ Royal's Bride ~ Kat Martin #AudioChallenge #ShelfLove

Royal's Bride by Kat Martin
Brides Trilogy #1
Narrated by: Anna Parker-Naples
Release Date: February 28, 2017
Genre: Adult, Historical Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Audio. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided. 
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Though he is a tilted nobleman, Royal Dewar is singularly unlucky...forced to choose between his soul mate and his salvation.

After years abroad, Royal has returned to Bransford Castle to find his father dying and the family treasury nearly empty. Then the old duke wrests a final promise from his guilt-ridden son: that Royal will marry heiress Jocelyn Caulfield and restore the estate to its former glory. However, it is not his finacee who quickens Royal's pulse, but rather her beautiful cousin Lily Moran.

Penniless Lily knows that nothing can come of their undeniable attraction - but there is a way she can help Royal. Enlisting some questionable characters from her past, Lily concocts an elaborate ruse to recover some of the Bransford fortune from a notorious confidence artist. As the dangerous scheme unfolds, Lily and Royal are thrown together in pursuit of the very thing - money - that keeps them apart...

This was my first Kat Martin book and I'm congratulating myself on the choice as well as for having the foresight to request the entire trilogy. =) Royal's Bride deftly dealt with the social customs, norms, and mores of the day while also delivering a riveting story inhabited by a colorful and well-developed cast of characters. I'm eager to start #2, Reese's Bride. (edit: I'm halfway through!)

Highlights:

• Character Development
  KMartin does an incredible job at fleshing out not only the MC's - Royal and Lily - but also an all-star cast who is also deeply involved in the plot. They are all good, loyal, and kind people and I'm hoping they'll be a part of the future installments.
• Plot
  The plot made the story both exciting and suspenseful. Royal and Lily set about trying to solve the mystery of the loss of the Dewar fortune. Would they figure it out? Could they refrain from falling more deeply for one another while they try? Should Royal follow his heart or his head? I had some thoughts on what had happened to Royal's family's money but I was entirely wrong on all counts. I certainly enjoyed following Royal and Lily as they solved the mystery and set about recovering the money.
• Romance
  The romance between Royal and Lily (and the romance between some side characters) was sweet and genuine. I could feel the affection between Royal and Lily - knew fighting it was hopeless. But then Lily was not set with the money Royal needed. I think watching Royal fight himself was the most entertaining.
• Narration
  Anna Parker-Naples did well in keeping the pacing just right and conveying the emotions of the story. Her male voices gave her a bit of a problem but the book does have a rather large male cast. Overall, I enjoyed her delivery.

Review ~ Shameless ~ Lisa Renee Jones #ShelfLove

Shameless by Lisa Renee Jones
White Lies Duet #2
Release Date: July 11, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Nick "Tiger" Rogers, sought out Faith Winter with revenge as his agenda. He made her his obsession. He seduced her. He made her want him. He made her trust him. And then he trusted her. He wanted her. He loved her.
But now, the lies will be exposed, the truth revealed.
Hearts will be broken. Lives shattered.
Nick. Faith.
The truth. The passion.
The SHAMELESS obsession.

This final installment in the White Lies Duet was exciting, suspenseful, and steamy...things LRJ excels at! =) The reveal wasn't quite what I was expecting but I still enjoyed Faith and Nick's story.

Shameless picks up where Provocative left off with Nick trying to unravel the connection between his father and Faith's mother, Faith trying to hang on to the winery while also focusing on her painting, and both Nick and Faith trying to earn and give the trust needed to build a lasting relationship. Add to that the possible danger posed by whomever is trying to push Faith out of the winery and you can see where suspense and excitement abound!

My favorite part was watching as the romance blossomed between Nick and Faith though. They each fell pretty quickly and certainly weren't planning on it. But they each had some baggage to attend to in order to reach the place they were headed. Nick had the hardest time since he was asking Faith for trust and honesty while keeping a secret from her. Granted it was necessary but he knew once he revealed it, it might cause irrevocable damage. Faith didn't want to give up control and that, of course, caused many sparks since Nick is an alpha male. I was grateful for the dual POV because it allowed me to be privy to the thoughts of both Faith and Nick and getting Nick's thoughts was often illuminating. And, of course, there's the steam factor. LRJ writes some fabulous steam but also balances it with a meaty story. 

My second favorite thing was the art. LRJ wonderfully conveyed the detail, color, etc., of the art - both Faith's and Chris's. That I got to spend some time with Chris and Sara (from the Inside Out series) was also a bonus. 

The reveal was the only thing that didn't make me squee. I was expecting more I guess and it all was revealed rather quickly and it fizzled a little. Overall though, I was wholly satisfied with Shameless. And I'm trying to figure out how to incorporate more LRJ into my reading diet. :)

Review ~ Badd Motherf*cker ~ Jasinda Wilder #ShelfLove

Badd Motherf*cker by Jasinda Wilder
Badd Brothers #1
Release Date: October 28, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Kindle Freebie
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Your wedding day is supposed to be the happiest day of your life, right? That's what they say, at least. I went into that day hoping I'd get the happiest day of my life. What I got? The worst. I mean, you really can't get any worse of a day without someone actually dying.

So...I may have gotten just a little drunk, and maybe just a tad impetuous.

And landed myself in a dive bar somewhere in Alaska, alone, still in my wedding dress, half-wasted and heart-broken.

***
Eight brothers, one bar.

Sounds like the beginning to a bad joke, yeah?

I kinda think so.

Wanna hear another joke? A girl walks into a bar, soaking wet and wearing a wedding dress.

I knew I shouldn't have touched her. She was hammered, for one thing, and heartbroken for another. I've chased enough tail to know better. That kinda thing only leads to clinginess, and a clingy female is the last thing on this earth I need.

I got a bar needs running, and only me to run it - at least until my seven wayward brothers decide to show their asses up...

The this chick walks in, fine as hell, wearing a soaked wedding dress that leaves little enough to the imagination - and I've got a hell of an imagination.

I knew I shouldn't have touched her. Not so much as a finger, not even innocently.

But I did.

Oh how I enjoyed Badd Motherf*cker! This served as my introduction to Wilder's fiction despite my having quite the collection of her books. I'm sorry I waited so long and I intend to read more sooner than later!

So the crux of the series is that there are these 8 brothers from Ketchikan, Alaska, and they grew up living above a bar owned and run by their father. Badd Motherf*cker is Sebastian's story - the eldest Badd brother - and the one who stayed behind to run the bar. He's the kind of guy who screws women once and never repeats, never commits. But things change when Dru Connolly walks into his bar wearing a drenched wedding dress.

Dru found out at the last possible moment that the man she was marrying was not "the one" for her. She ends up in Ketchikan at Badd's Bar & Grill - the exact place she's meant to be.

I loved Dru and Sebastian together. They played well off each others' strengths and weaknesses. Sebastian definitely needs a woman who can kick his ass as well as set a broken nose - and I mean both those literally. Was the story perfect? No but it was absolutely entertaining. There was a definite case of insta-lust that developed into more rather quickly. Add to that Sebastian's brothers returning - in all their various shapes and personalities - and all the mayhem that created. It made for a lot of fun, several punches thrown, and my laughing out loud. Badd Motherf*cker was the perfect blend of fun, serious, and steam...lots of steam! It was just what I needed. AND I have 7 more stories to enjoy.