New(ish) Release Review ~ Relentless ~ Elizabeth Dyer #2018NewRelease

Relentless by Elizabeth Dyer
Somerton Security #2
Release Date: June 12, 2018
Genre: Adult, Romantic Suspense
Source: I received an eARC from Montlake Romance via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2018NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
Ethan Somerton doesn't do safe or easy. He's all about the challenge. The risk. In order to rescue one of his agents, Ethan must infiltrate the ruthless Vega cartel. One tiny error - just one - and he's dead. Which means he needs Natalia Vega. Bright, beautiful, and cut sharper than the most lethal blade, she's finally reached her breaking point. Now Ethan must find a way to make her surrender.

Caught between desperate choices and no-win situations, Natalia has survived the unthinkable by becoming dangerous, relentless, and feared. When it comes to protecting her sister, there's no line Natalia won't cross. But when Ethan storms into her life with his cocksure arrogance, stone-cold competence, and seductive promises, Natalia wonders if she's finally found a way out. But discovering whether Ethan is salvation or destruction is going to require the one thing Natalia doesn't have - trust.

As the cartel implodes and loved ones are threatened, Ethan and Natalia are going to have to choose between love, loyalty, and the lies they cling to. They could run, knowing they'll never be safe. They could fight, knowing they'll probably die. Or they can trust in each other and do something far more dangerous.

Relentless was suspenseful with well-developed characters. There were a few times when they pacing slowed and a few places where I felt as thought Dyer "told" me rather than "showed" me but overall Ethan and Natalia's story served as a good introduction to Dyer's writing.

What Worked:

• Premise
  Ethan, feeling guilt and a lack of control, must ingratiate himself with the Vega family in order to save a member of his team. The target is Natalia Vega and Ethan would do well not to take her at face value. Ethan has his team at his back as he works against the clock to win Natalia's trust - and maybe more? - and gain the intel he needs. The premise hooked me and kept me turning the pages.
• Characters
  Dyer created a great cast with Ethan and Natalia at its center. She deftly conveyed the type of people Ethan and Natalia are - loyal to a fault, fearless, strong, smart - as well as demonstrating the close relationships they each have with the friends and family. I was particularly fond of the snark and wit shared between Ethan and his friends/team members, Parker and Georgia. These interactions served to illustrate Ethan's ability to trust whereas Natalia's interactions with her sister and others showed her intense lack thereof. Of course, her family runs a cartel so it was understandable.
• Romance/Suspense
  I lumped these two together because as this is romantic suspense, they were inextricably linked. And Dyer did relatively well in developing the romance in a way that amped the suspense. Wondering if Ethan and Natalia could build on the intense chemistry they felt while also moving toward their goals, wondering what would happen if they had to make difficult choices, kept me turning the pages. The dual POV, delivered throughout the chapters rather than alternating, also worked well in conveying the romance and the suspense.

What Could Have Worked Better:

• Pacing
  There were points in the story where the pacing slowed...not something you want in romantic suspense. Most of these places occurred when Dyer "told" me what Ethan or Natalia was thinking or feeling where actions would have "shown" it more succinctly and would have kept the pace moving.
• Romance
  While the chemistry between Ethan and Natalia was evident, I felt that their feelings occurred rather rapidly and mostly in their heads. If they'd spent a little more time together the romance would have felt more genuine.

Relentless, although #2 in the series, can be read as standalone. I was drawn into this world and these characters' lives deeply enough that I want to go back and read #1 as well as continue the series.

New(ish) Release Review ~ Hot Asset ~ Lauren Layne #2018NewRelease

Hot Asset by Lauren Layne
21 Wall Street #1
Release Date: May 22, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received an eARC from Montlake Romance via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2018NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
Ian Bradley is the definition of a Wall Street hotshot: seven-figure salary, designer suits, and a corner office. His drive off the floor is just as potent. Every woman who knows him has felt the rush. But now he's met his match in Lara McKenzie - a woman with the power to bring Ian to his knees.

An ambitious, whip-smart daughter of FBI agents, Lara is a rising star in fighting white-collar crime. Her latest case - the investigation of Ian Bradley for insider trading - could make her career. She knows a scoundrel when she sees one. Ian fits the bill: a cocky, ridiculously handsome bad boy with a slick swagger. 

She'll do anything to prove he's guilty. He'll do anything to prove he's not. But it's only a matter of time before their fierce battle of wits gets oh so hot and personal. Now, taking down Ian has become more than business for Lara. It's become a pleasure - and there's more at risk than she ever dreamed.

I'd never read Lauren Layne before. *hangs head* I know, I know. But I honestly think I picked a great story to serve as my introduction to her writing. Hot Asset was funny, romantic, suspenseful, and HOT! I absolutely enjoyed every minute.

Ian Bradley, a man who has climbed from essentially the streets to become one of Wall Street's elite, finds himself in hot water. Not only is he under investigation by the SEC but he's also insanely attracted to the investigator. And they may have gotten off to a rough start. ;)

Lara McKenzie, an SEC investigator with her sights set on the FBI, prides herself on being thorough and following protocol to the "T". In her investigation of Ian, she finds herself in uncharted territory. Not only is she attracted to Ian but she's also hoping he's not guilty while also wanting him to be because he's just the sort of high profile case in which a win would guarantee her the FBI's notice.

The character development and growth of Ian and Lara was impressive and y'all know how I like that. Both Ian and Lara slowly come to realize what was really important to them and I appreciated how LLayne handled the delicate navigation of the laws where Ian and Lara were concerned. Their histories and backgrounds, also slowing revealed, helped develop their characters, explaining the things that defined them. I haven't read any (that I recall) books set on Wall Street like this and I liked the relevancy of the topic. And I most admired how LLayne developed the romance. The attraction between Ian and Lara was abvious and I quite enjoyed the snarky banter. But as things advance between them, even with the chemistry being electric, it all felt organic and realistic.

LLayne also created a wonderful secondary cast, which is brilliant seeing as this is the first in this series and I'm now extremely eager to get Ian's friends' stories. Besides serving to hook me into wanting to read the next in the series, Matt, Sabrina, Kennedy, and Kate also served to give depth not only to Ian and Lara but also to the story overall. The interactions between them all further conveyed the type of people Ian and Lara are.

Hot Asset was an exciting read with an inherently readable story, compelling characters, humor, a little suspense, and a completely satisfying romance. LLayne is one of my favorite new-to-me authors of 2018!

New(er) Release Review ~ Before and Again ~ Barbara Delinsky #2018NewRelease

Before and Again by Barbara Delinsky
Release Date: June 26, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction
Source: I received an eARC from St. Martin's via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2018NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
Mackenzie Cooper took her eyes off the road for just a moment but the resulting collision was enough to rob her not only of her beloved daughter but ultimately of her marriage, family, and friends - and thanks to the nonstop media coverage, even her privacy. Now she lives in Vermont under the name Maggie Reid, in a small house with her cats and dog. She's thankful for the new friends she's made - though she can't risk telling them too much. ANd she takes satisfaction in working as a makeup artist at the luxurious local spa, helping clients hide the visible outward signs of their weariness, illnesses, and injuries. Covering up scars is a skill she has mastered.

Her only goal is to stay under the radar and make it through her remaining probation. But she isn't the only one in this peaceful town with secrets. When a friend's teenage son is thrust into the national spotlight, accused of hacking a powerful man's Twitter account, Maggie is torn between pulling away and protecting herself - or stepping into the glare to be at their side. As the stunning truth behind their case is slowly revealed, Maggie's own carefully constructed story begins to unravel as well. She knows all too well that what we need from each other in this difficult world is comfort. But to provide it, sometimes we need to travel far outside our comfort zones.

I knew here name but I'd never read BDelinsky before. The synopsis of Before and Again intrigued me though so I requested it. I'm so happy I did. Delinsky delivered a character-driven, captivating story dealing with love, loss, guilt, forgiveness, and what it means to be a true friend.

Highlights

• Characters
  Maggie (Mackenzie) is the central character and she was a woman I wanted to wrap up in a big, warm hug. She's endured so much and has built a new life in a small, quiet town, and made new friends. She's on a journey of self-discovery of sorts and she's forced to learn a lot about herself when her past shows up in her present, along with helping a new friend face a challenge. The supporting cast was also well-developed where it needed to be - especially Maggie's friends and Edward. I admired how Delinsky created a close-knit community where, for the most part, people rallied around their own even if "their own" weren't life-long residents. That's something I really enjoy about small town settings.
• Plot
  Delinsky deftly wove together plot threads from past and present as Maggie put together the puzzle of her life. I appreciated how Maggie's past was dealt with and how the present, particularly helping Grace deal with her problem - something Maggie wished she'd had friends do for her - tied those threads together with the present enabling Maggie to see a real future for the first time in a long while.
• Message (for lack of a better term)
  Before and Again deals with some weighty topics but does so adroitly. I liked what Maggie's story seemed to say aobut how our pasts shape us, are a part of us but don't define us. I liked the element of forgiveness - of others but especially ourselves. I also liked the ways in which Maggie learned about love - familial and romantic - and friendship - what it means to be a good daughter, wife, and friend.

I'm delighted with my introduction to Delinsky and will definitely be reading more from her.

New Release Review ~ The Luck of the Bride ~ Janna MacGregor #2018NewRelease

The Luck of the Bride by Janna MacGregor
The Cavensham Heiresses #3
Release Date: May 1, 2018
Genre: Adult, Historical Romance
Source: I received an eARC from St. Martin's via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
March Lawson has never had much luck, and in a desperate move to save her family, she's been posing as the Marquess of McCalpin. But when she's summoned to a meeting with the Marquess himself, March expects jail time...not to be bewitched by dark hair and sapphire eyes.

Michael Cavensham, the Marquess of McCalpin and heir to the Duke of Langham, finds himself drawn to March despite the judgments from his peers. He isn't sure he can trust March, especially since Michael has a secret that could ruin him and his family.

But society conspires to keep March and Michael apart, and when March is accused of not being who she says she is, will Michael toss her aside or fight for the woman he's come to love?

This was my first read from MacGregor and it won't be the last! In fact, I'm eager to pick up the first two  in this series. MacGregor spun a compelling tale with well developed characters and delivered suspense, romance, and all the feels! My only complaint is that the resolution was too neat.

Highlights

• Characters/Character Development
  The main characters, March and Michael, were so engaging. Both considered themselves lacking in ways when they were both incredibly strong, tenacious, and intelligent. A perfect match. *wink* They'd both endured - especially March, having to grow up way too early and learn to manage in sometimes creative ways.
  Besides March and Michael, I got to meet March's sisters, Faith and Julia, and her brother, Bennett, who was just delightful, as well as Michael's parents and siblings, William and Emma. MacGregor delivered a secondary cast that gave depth to our main characters and made the story that much more entertaining.
• Plot
  The reason behind March and Michael meeting was almost comical despite its seriousness. I enjoyed how MacGregor had it all play out with Michael and his family taking on March and her siblings - the care with which they dealt with them and even the matchmaking on the part of Michael's mother and sister. The way MacGregor worked through March and Michael's vulnerabilities - how they did it together - was heartwarming.
• Romance
  The romance blossomed so naturally between March and Michael - it was almost effortless and neither knew what hit them. They complemented each other so well and it was sweet to watch them fall.
  

Again, I truly enjoyed my introduction to MacGregor's work and I've already picked up the first in this series so I can continue getting acquainted with her and the Cavensham heiresses.

New Release Review ~ I Flipping Love You ~ Helena Hunting #2018NewRelease

I Flipping Love You by Helena Hunting
Shacking Up #3
Release Date: May 29, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from St. Martin's Press via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2018NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
SHE'S GOT CURB APPEAL

Rian Sutter grew up with the finer things in life. Spending summers in The Hamptons was a normal occurrence for her until her parents lost everything years ago. Now Rian and her sister are getting their life, and finances, back on track through real estate. Not only do they buy and sell houses to the rich and famous, but they finally have the capital to flip their very own beachfront property. But when she inadvertently catches the attention of a sexy stranger who snaps up every house from under her, all bets are off...

HE'S A FIXER UPPER

Pierce Whitfield doesn't normally demo kitchens, install dry wall, or tear apart a beautiful woman's dreams. He's just a down-on-his-luck lawyer who needed a break from the city and agreed to help his brother work on a few homes in the Hamptons. When he first meets Rian, the attraction is undeniable. But when they start competing for the same pieces of prime real estate, the early sparks turn into full-blown fireworks. Can these passionate rivals turn up the heat on their budding romance - without burning down the house?

I FLIPPING LOVE YOU, set in the Shacking Up world, follows two people, both working in real estate, who find themselves vying for the same properties in the Hamptons, leading to a sometimes-not-so-friendly competition.

I flipping love this book! My only exposure to HHunting was her Clipped Wings series and I've been very curious how she'd do with the lighter side of romance. She impressed me with her deeper side and...she did with the lighter side as well! 

Rian - like Ryan but with an "i" - has had a hard row to hoe. She and her sister have built a business and a reputation in real estate from the ruins they were left with at 18. Her sister, the free-spirit of the two, has been her only constant since the fall and Rian has always looked out for her, learning not to allow anyone else close lest they leave like everyone else.

Pierce knows what it's like to live on little and live with a lot. And while he is appreciative of all he now has, he's not living his passion until circumstances place him in the Hamptons working on home renovations with his brother.

Rian and Pierce meeting was pretty comical as was their subsequent encounters. Soon neither could deny their chemistry not the fact that something kept throwing them in each other's paths. Some home sales and renovations later and their on the precipice of something life-altering. But they have to trust that any skeletons escaping their closets are going to be overlooked.

The chemistry, sexual tension, and snarky banter was off-the-charts. It had me swooning and laughing alternately. But I appreciated how HHunting proved Rian and Pierce had more than mere chemistry - they worked both in and out of the bedroom splendidly. I enjoyed the blossoming romance as well as the specifics of the real estate market - open houses, sales, renovations, and flips. I also enjoyed the secondary cast of characters - siblings and neighbors. AND I loved how HHunting used both Rian's and Pierce's pasts to illustrate their character growth. I liked their dynamics between each other, the dynamics between them and their siblings, and I most enjoyed watching as they figured out how to make their dreams come true and then how to incorporate each other into those dreams.

I Flipping Love You was such a delight! I look forward to catching up on the other books in the Shacking Up series as well as the rest of HHunting's backlist as I'm confident I'm going to be delighted with anything she writes.

New Release Review ~ Come from Away ~ Genevieve Graham #2018NewRelease

Come from Away by Genevieve Graham
Release Date: April 24, 2018
Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2018NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
In the fall of 1939, Grace Baker's three brothers, sharp and proud in their uniforms, board Canadian ships headed for a faraway war. Grace stays behind, tending to the homefront and the general store that helps keep her small Nova Scotian community running. The war, everyone says, will be over before it starts. But three years later, the fighting rages on and rumours swirl about "wolf packs" of German U-Boats lurking in the deep waters along the shores of East Jeddore, a stone's throw from Grace's window. As the harsh realities of war come closer to home, Grace buries herself in her work at the store.

Then, one day, a handsome stranger ventures into the store. He claims to be a trapper come from away, and as Grace gets to know him, she becomes enamoured by his gentle smile and thoughtful ways. But after several weeks, she discovers that Rudi, her mysterious visitor, is not the lonely outsider he appears to be, but someone else entirely - someone not to be trusted. When a shocking truth about her family forces Grace to question everything she has so strongly believed, she realizes that she and Rudi have more in common than she had thought. And if Grace is to have a chance at love, she must not only choose a side, but take a stand.

After reading Sophia's review of Tides of Honour (@Delighted Reader), I determined that Genevieve Graham was an author I needed to read. There were several reasons for this: 1) Her story seemed well written and she crafted fully-realized characters, and 2) The setting is Canada (Nova Scotia, specifically) and Ms. Graham tells stories set during Canadian history that I'm unfamiliar with and curious about as well as writing about the Acadian people whom I'm also unfamiliar with and curious about. So when Ms. Graham contacted me asking if I'd be interested in Come from Away, I was giddy! And I was also not disappointed.

Come from Away is set in Nova Scotia with WWII as the backdrop. It revolves around the Baker family, their life in the small fishing town of East Jeddore, and how the war affects them. It delves into perceptions, feelings, and emotions experienced when loved ones are far away fighting and everything you read or hear about the enemy paints them *all* as monsters.

Grace has stayed home to tend to her family and her hometown via working at the general store. She struggles with this decision, uncertain if she's doing her part for the war effort. She'd really like for things to return to normal - where one of her biggest concerns would be her brothers teasing her over her impending spinsterhood. When the town holds a dance, Grace meets a young man who makes her heart race and as she later gets to know him, he challenges her preconceived notions and perceptions - makes her consider her own prejudices and those of he neighbors.

Rudi arrives in East Jeddore on a mission and stays by way of a twist of fate. He grew up very differently than Grace. He was raised to feel a nationalistic pride unlike most. But the things he's seen and experienced at home and during the war make him question what he was taught. Rudi is forced to make difficult decisions and must learn to deal with the perceptions about himself and his countrymen. He must figure out a way to prove that in his heart, he's a good man.

The ways in which Ms. Graham dealt with the ugliness of war and he feelings he war evoked - the pride of country and the hatred towards the enemy on both sides - was masterful. Especially in that she used those who'd seen war, those currently fighting, to impart logic and reason upon a subject that seemingly has none. Watching as Grace fought against her prejudices to embrace her feelings for Rudi, how she and her family had to deal with a community who would persecute their own over the biases created by war was gut-wrenching and heartwarming. Ms. Graham illustrated the triumph of humanity over war in this story. It's a beautiful, timely, and brilliantly rendered story. And one that made me a fan of Ms. Graham's storytelling abilities. I'll be reading more for certain.

Audio/New Release Review ~ Fearless in Texas ~ Kari Lynn Dell #AudioChallenge #2018NewRelease

Fearless in Texas by Kari Lynn Dell
Texas Rodeo #4
Narrated by: Johanna Parker
Release Date: April 3, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Audio and I also received an eARC from the publisher via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided. 
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2018NewRelease, #AudioChallenge
Goodreads

Synopsis
After her life comes crashing down, Melanie Brookman is determined to claw her way back up again - and this time, she won't make the same mistakes twice. So when her friend sends Wyatt Darrington to help, Melanie keeps him at arm's length. He's exactly the sort of trouble she doesn't need. Wyatt has the perfect distraction for Melanie: rescue his failing bar. She reluctantly agrees and together they hit the road. As they spend more time with one another, undeniable attraction grows. But Wyatt knows that if she ever found out his closely guarded secret, any chance at happily ever after would be left in the dust...

In my review of Tougher in Texas, I said this about waiting for Fearless in Texas: 

"...since the stories keep getting more entertaining, I *know* it'll be worth the wait."  

And guess what? Dell DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Seriously, this series just gets better and better! I think I'm suffering from a book hangover. Dell delivered another compelling story with characters that are brilliantly brought to life. I'm chomping at the bit for the next installment!

Highlights:

• Character Development
  Dell excels here and this might be her best yet in this department. (it's a toss up between Melanie/Wyatt and Shawnee/Cole) With Melanie, we have this extremely intuitive gal who makes an art out of reading people. But she isn't so good at turning that talent on herself. With a little help, she does and she isn't all that fired up at what she sees. She does become introspective whenever she's sorting things out so to see her use that introspection on herself, be along with her as she decides on what to change and how to change it and then watch her execute was inspiring. In Wyatt, we have a man who yearns for a connection...a community...a family. Learning his backstory made his behavior and his actions understandable. But it saddened me that despite having the community  and family he longed for with Joe and Violet, the Jacobs family, and the rodeo, he still felt like an outsider. Witnessing Melanie give him his heart's desire was...well, heartwarming.
• Secondary Characters & Side Plots
  Dell has crafted quite a colorful cast and they along with the side plots add depth and complexity to the story. They also make me debate with myself over who I hope to see in the next installment. From Louie and Gordon, Helen and Rowdy, Grace...gosh! There's so many wonderfully drawn characters and then I get to spend time with some whom I've already met as well. *sigh* I love them all.
• Setting
  Up to this point, this series has spent most of its time in West Texas and as I've said, Dell captures life in West Texas well. This installment, due to Melanie's need to "get the hell out of Dodge", was spent in and around Pendleton, Oregon. What are the odds Dell would pick another place I'm familiar with? And she nailed the description of the town and the landscape. She's really about to put you there and I love that. Also, the rodeo took a bit of a back seat here but it still had its place and we get to spend time with the horses, cows, and rope. =)
• Thought-provoking
  I mentioned this in my review of Tougher in Texas but this I'm mentioning it again because it's worth saying. The Texas Rodeo series is romance but the romance is secondary to the story, in my opinion. I like that Dell has her characters take deeper looks at themselves, consider their mistakes and learn from them, figure out what they want in life and how to go about making that happen. And a common theme seems to be never, ever denying yourself love.

I suppose Fearless in Texas had a little different tone since the rodeo wasn't front and center but it was every bit as riveting as its predecessors. Dell wove together a cast of characters I couldn't help by love with a story that kept me captivated. I can't thank Anna enough for turning me on to Dell!

Parker continues impressing me with her ability to keep the pace just right and deliver on all the emotions. And for the most part, she keeps her voices distinct. She's become a favorite narrator of mine, honestly. And I'm once again anxious for the next book in the series!

Review ~ Chasing Red ~ Isabelle Ronin #2017NewRelease

Chasing Red by Isabelle Ronin
Red #1
Release Date: September 5, 2017
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received this book from Sourcebooks via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided. 
Rating: 2.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
They said she was going to be my ruin...
Then let her ruin me.

Caleb Lockhart has everything - wealth, adoration, a brilliant future. Until a chance encounter with a siren in a red dress changes everything. Until he meets the woman he dubs Red.

Veronica Strafford's past makes it hard for her to trust anyone. Now, kicked out of her apartment, she reluctantly accepts Caleb's offer for a place to stay.

Caleb feels intensely drawn to Veronica. And, for the first time in his life, he really wants something - someone. Too bad Veronica's heart might just be the one thing Caleb can't win.

I want to preface my review by saying this is my opinion. There are many readers who have enjoyed Chasing Red so if you're interested don't let my opinion dissuade you from checking it out. The story just didn't work for me. Here's my opinion of what sort of worked and what could have worked better:

• Premise
  The premise was intriguing. I mean, it drew my attention and made me want to read the book. However, the execution was lacking. The story was uneven and I was often bored. 
• Characters
  The characters were underdeveloped but did have their moments. Seeing Veronica with her girlfriends, Beth and Kara - who were both a hoot -  and Caleb with his friend Cameron and even with his longtime girl friend - whose name escapes me. Hmm... These interactions enabled me to learn a little bit about who Veronica and Caleb were, something that didn't happen when they were together. Despite sort of liking the characters, I felt they were mostly one-dimensional. There wasn't any real character development so I never felt a connection to them, which makes it difficult to engage with their story.
• Tension & Climax
  The last quarter or so of the story might have been the most exciting. The "villain" was rather evil-minded and I liked the tension she created. But it was silly and melodramatic reasons behind that tension.

Maybe it was just my mood but Chasing Red was an uneven read for me. I didn't enjoy it as much as I was hoping I would. I'm not sure I'll read the next installment since I'm not really invested in the characters enough to care what comes next.

If you've read Chasing Red or if you end up reading it, I'd love to discuss your thoughts. :)

Review ~ Escaping Reality ~ Lisa Renee Jones #BloggerShame #COYER #ShelfLove

Escaping Reality by Lisa Renee Jones
The Secret Life of Amy Benson #1
Release Date: May 5, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Gallery Books via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #BloggerShame, #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Infinite possibilities...
Infinite passion...
Infinite danger...

His touch spirals through me, warm and sweet, wicked and hot. I shouldn't trust him. I shouldn't tell him my secrets. But how do I not when he is the reason I breathe? He is what I need.

At the young age of eighteen, tragedy and a dark secret force Lara to flee all she has known and loves to start a new life. Now years later, with a new identity as Amy, she's finally dared to believe she is forgotten--even if she cannot forget. But just when she lets down her guard, the ghosts of her past are quick to punish her, forcing her back on the run.

On a plane, struggling to face the devastation of losing everything again and starting over, Amy meets Liam Stone, a darkly entrancing recluse billionaire, who is also a brilliant, and famous, prodigy architect. A man who knows what he wants and goes after it. And what he wants is Amy. Refusing to take "no" as an answer, he sweeps her into a passionate affair, pushing her to her erotic limits. He wants to possess her. He makes her want to be possessed. Liam demands everything from her, accepting nothing less. But what if she is too devastated by tragedy to know when he wants more than she should give? And what if there is more to Liam that meets the eyes?

Why have I not read all of LRJ? Seriously!! She gives good romantic suspense - or however you want to classify her - and believe me when I tell you, I will be procuring the rest of this Amy Benson series. SOON! *wink*

The title is ironic for Amy since she's not always certain what her reality is...who she is. But I suppose that *is* her reality. She's a strong, capable young woman who's been running and hiding most of her life. She has someone helping her but she doesn't know or doesn't remember who. This latest run, that we witness, brings her into contact with someone she doesn't want to leave. It also has her asking questions and looking for answers.

Liam seems a good guy - genuine and compassionate. But I can't help but wonder about him and his motives. I want to believe in him though. 

I have so many questions - even now as I write this review several days after finishing, I'm wondering did this scene have more significance that I originally though. Is this character someone Amy should consider dangerous? Who is Amy really? And is she going to figure out what's been going on in her life? Who's been pulling her strings?

Escaping Reality was riveting. I couldn't read fast enough. LRJ kept me guessing all the while developing these characters that I'm completely invested in. I can't wait to find out what happens next!

Review - Taking Control ~Jen Frederick #BloggerShame #ShelfLove

Taking Control by Jen Frederick
Kerr Chronicles #2
Release Date: September 2, 2014
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided.
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #BloggerShame, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
I thought I needed only one thing in my life--the money and power to crush one man. But the moment I laid eyes on Victoria Corielli, my thirst for revenge was replaced by my craving for her.

No rule would keep me away; no obstacle too large to overcome. Not her will, not our differing social positions, not my infamous past. When she lost everything, I helped her pick up the pieces. When she trusted me with everything, she sealed her fate.

I've convinced Victoria she can put her heart in my hands. Now I have to protect it--from her shady stepfather and my business rivals, from enemies known and hidden. I'll do anything to keep her. And I might have to prove it, because now Victoria's risking more than her heart to be with me; she's risking her life.

I finished Losing Control and immediately dove into Taking Control. I *had* to know what came next for Tiny and Ian. And I thrilled at Frederick's use of dual POV this time around. Being in Ian's head was fascinating. However, Taking Control wasn't as gripping a read as its predecessor. Here's what worked for me and what could have worked better:

What Worked

• Dual POV - as I said, being in Ian's head, seeing the rationale behind his decisions and getting to see the depth of his feelings for Tiny was fascinating.
• Dynamics between Tiny and Ian - these two work well together even when they don't see eye-to-eye. I liked that there wasn't any unnecessary angst due to lack of communication. There was one instance where Tiny should have shared earlier but they talked things out rationally.
• Tiny blossoming - I enjoyed seeing her find her way in the new world Ian's love came along with. She found something else she enjoyed doing and was brilliant at compensating for her dyslexia. She's so strong and resilient. I admired her!
• Ian overcoming his demons - with Tiny's help. He's such an interesting man and his past absolutely affected who he was but making peace with events and people, letting go - that takes strength...and maybe a good woman by your side.

What Could Have Worked Better

• The threats to Tiny and Ian - I felt like the groundwork could have equaled a lot more suspense but it wasn't capitalized on.
• The showdown and revelations fizzled for me. Again, I felt there was quite a buildup and things could have been much more powerful with these particular plot threads.

Overall though, I liked following Tiny and Ian in their journey. I liked how the title paralleled Tiny and Ian's lives and how they each were approaching things. And I read that Frederick may write more in this world. If she does, I'll happily revisit.

Edit: There is a book 3 in this series focusing on a secondary character from Taking Control. Woohoo!

Review ~ Losing Control ~ Jen Frederick #BloggerShame #ShelfLove

Losing Control by Jen Frederick
Kerr Chronicles #1
Release Date: June 16, 2014
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #BloggerShame, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
I'd do anything to keep my mother alive.

Anything, including as Ian Kerr for help. I don't know much about him, except that he has more money than some small countries. And he's willing to spend it on me. Just one catch: there's a string attached, and not just the one I feel pulling me into his arms and his bed. There's also the plan for revenge he wants my help with.

Every time he says my name, it makes my body shiver and my heart stutter. I know he's going to wreck me, know there won't be anything left of me but lust and sensation by the time he's done with me, but even though I can see the heartbreak coming towards me like a train, ready to crash into me, I can't get out of the way. I want what he makes me feel. Want what he's offering.

This may have started out as something to save my mother, but now...now it's about what me makes me feel. I'm in danger of losing everything that's important. Worse? Ian's whispered words and hot caresses are making me believe that's okay.

Oh what I a thrill this was! It's been buried on my kindle and I'm so excited to have unearthed it!

Victoria "Tiny" is a bike courier doing all she can to take care of her cancer-stricken mother. She's dyslexic and therefore feels she doesn't have the skills to aspire to more in a career - besides she prefers the freedom of being outdoors on her bike. But her financial situation is worsening with her mother's health deteriorating and she resorts to couriering packages she'd rather not know the contents of. And that's when she meets Ian.

Ian is all alpha. And his intentions towards Tiny had me raising my eyebrows as much as Tiny's. Sure there's an immediate chemistry between them - the sparks fairly leapt out of my kindle - but the differences between them seemed insurmountable. Leave it to Ian to prove both Tiny and me wrong.

Then there's the little matter of the vengeance Ian's been gunning for for years. And the aim - one Richard Howe - he's a villain to be sure.

Losing Control had me flying through the pages - saying on the treadmill longer - to see what would happen next. Witnessing the passion ignite and the feelings bloom...*sigh* This is not a conventional love story and even if there were some familiar plot devices, I loved every minute of it. I adored finding that despite their differences, Tiny and Ian actually had a lot of things in common. I adored how they were there for one another - Ian in particular when helping Tiny with her mom. It all felt so genuine and I couldn't fault Tiny fighting her feelings for Ian at the same time as wanting to just lose control - or give it up for a little while anyway - and let Ian deal with everything.

JFrederick is a new-to-me author and I started Taking Control immediately upon finishing Losing Control. I'm also eager to see if I have any other reads from her backlist. I'll certainly be reading more.

New Release Review ~ Provocative ~ Lisa Renee Jones #2017NewRelease

Provocative by Lisa Renee Jones
White Lies Duet #1
Release Date: April 16, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
There are those moments in life that are provocative in their very existences, that embed in our minds forever, and sometimes our very souls. They change us, mold us, maybe even save us. But some are darker, dangerous. If we allow them to, they control us. Seduce us. Quite possibly even destroy us.

The moment I walked into Sonoma's Reid Winter Winery and Vineyard and made eye contact with Faith Winter for the first time was one of those moments. Provocative because I know at least one of her secrets, of which, I suspect she has many. Provocative because she believes I was a stranger to her when we met, but I am not. Provocative because I sought her out, with no intention of touching her. But now I have. Now I want her. Now I have to have her. But that changes nothing. It doesn't change why I came for her.

Wow. I'd forgotten how much I enjoy LRJ's writing. Why haven't I read more? Well, that's beside the point. She gives great contemporary romance with a side of mystery and suspense. Oh, and heat. My goodness the HEAT! After finishing Provocative, I immediately pre-ordered Shameless, book #2. Yep.

Nick Rogers and Faith Winter meet under conspicuous circumstances. He's come seeking her out and finds her in a rather embarrassing situation. This situation throws a wrench in Nick's plans - not only because he feels the need to help Faith but also because it makes him question his reasons for seeking her out in the first place. As these two become more and more entangled, more and more questions arise - for Nick, for Faith, and for the reader.

Both Nick and Faith are very compelling characters. Nick with his confidence and control, Faith in her vulnerability and vacillation between her dreams and what she feels is her duty. And the chemistry between them is electric!

The dual POV is the perfect format for this story. One of the things I found most riveting was that although Nick has his secrets - things he's hiding from Faith - we are privy to them. We get a glimpse inside his head and we see some of what's behind his motivations. Faith, on the other hand, has things she's hiding but I have no clue as to what her secrets are. And she's all the more interesting because of that. I'm also fascinated with how LRJ gets into their heads - the psychology behind their personalities. Nick and Faith have definitely been affected by their upbringing - their parents and their parents' relationships. This added so much depth to them both.

What can I say? I'm chomping at the bit for Shameless! I can't wait to have all my questions answered.

Review ~ Shame on You ~ Tara Sivec #BloggerShame #ShelfLove #TakeControlTBR

Shame on You by Tara Sivec
Fool Me Once #1
Release Date: February 25, 2014
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received an eARC from the publisher via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided.
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #BloggerShame, #ShelfLove, #TakeControlTBR
Goodreads

Synopsis
War veteran Kennedy O'Brien is in the business of sticking it to the man - or at least any man who tries to cross a woman. After she returned home from Afghanistan and caught her husband in bed with the nanny, Kennedy lost her faith in men and started Fool Me Once Investigations with her two best friends. After all, there's no better bounty hunter than a woman scorned.

When Kennedy takes a case to slap cuffs on a bail jumper turned dog-napper, she figures it'll be an easy paycheck. But trouble has a way of finding Kennedy. Enter the last man on the planet she'd willingly choose as a partner: her cheating ex-husband's best friend, Griffin Crawford.

As gorgeous as he is unwelcome, Griffin has always had a thing for Kennedy, and after keeping quiet about her ex's cheating, he'll do anything to earn back her trust. Whether or not she wants to admit it, Kennedy will need help as the case of the Chihuahua thief sprials out of control. Griffin may be just her man - in more ways than one.

Shame on You was a quick, fun read! It provided a nice introduction to the three heroines of this little series, there was action, some steam, and a lot of Sivec's trademark humor! The perfect way to entertain myself while logging my time on the elliptical.

While the series centers around three women who started a PI business after being burned by men, this installment focuses on Kennedy. She's funny, tough - as far from girly-girl as you can get - and unapologetic about it. She's just taken on a case for her dad - who's a bail bondsman - and discovers he set her up with a new partner. One she would never have asked for.

Griffin has his reasons for keeping that secret from Kennedy as well as for going to work for her dad. He just needs Kennedy to listen to him. That's easier said than done. He has to advantage of having known her for a long while, so he knows hot to push her buttons. He'll get through - he's nothing if not determined.

There's not a ton of character development and the plot is a bunch of silliness but it's all completely entertaining. I'm hooked and looking forward to watching as Paige and Lorelei discover not all men are jerks. :)

Review ~ Ten Reasons to Stay ~ Sabrina Jeffries #BloggerShame #COYER #ShelfLove

Ten Reasons to Stay by Sabrina Jeffries
Release Date: May 6, 2013
Genre: Adult, Historical Romance
Source: I received an eARC from the publisher via Netgalley. This in no way affected my rating and I voluntarily provided a review.
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #BloggerShame, #COYER, #ReadAlltheBooks, #ShelfLove, #TakeControlTBR
Goodreads

Synopsis
In "Ten Reasons to Stay," previously published in the anthology The School for Heiresses, lessons go far beyond etiquette and needlepoint. Eliza Crenshawe's lesson is to look before she leaps. But when she discovers that her new guardian plans to marry her off without so much as a Season, she forgets all that. She flees--on a horse she unwittingly steals (oops!)--from Colin Hunt, a newly minted earl who wants nothing more than for her to go home...or stay forever.

What a delightful read this was! I'm a sucker for both a feisty historical heroine and a broody hero - Ten Reasons to Stay delivered both! Even though things moved at lightning speed, I still fell for both Eliza and Colin.

These two meet under conspicuous circumstances. Eliza was intending to borrow a horse when Colin catches her. He was confounded by her appearance - she was dressed as a man - and even more so when she refused to tell him anything regarding who she was or her reasons for needing his horse. Oh but he has his ways of getting information.

Both Eliza and Colin have suffered losses. Colin has come to England from India, where he grew up. He's looking for peace. Eliza's looking for escape. But they might need one another to find what they're looking for.

I would have liked more time with these two. Time for me to get better acquainted with them and for them to become better acquainted with each other. But I did like them both. They're very spirited and fell hard and fast. The reason behind Eliza's escape attempt was solved a bit too easily for my tastes but this is a novella. And despite wanting more, I still had a good time with the story. Jeffries deftly creates engaging characters I adore spending time with as well as watching them get themselves out of situations...and always to find their HEA.