My TBR List Review + Bonus Review ~ Just One Lie & Just Once More by Kyra Davis

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading.

I apologize for not having my review up on Saturday, y'all, but my travel schedule prevented me from being able to get the post done. 

***

Just Once More by Kyra Davis
Just One Night #1.5
Release Date: June 22, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Robert Dade is a man who konws what he wants and never hesitates to go after it. Money, power, and - at long last - the woman he loves, Kasie Fitzgerald, are now his. But after so many years of living by his own rules will he really make the compromises necessary to keep Kasie by his side? And when a man even richer and more ruthless than he is takes an interest in Kasie, will Dade be able to protect her? Or will his controlling nature drive her toward the very danger he seeks to shield her from?

I adore this series and I thoroughly enjoyed getting this glimpse inside Robert's head. The way Davis tied together Robert's thoughts about how parents impact how children see themselves with Robert's vulnerabilities where Kasie is concerned as well as how Kasie has always lived her life...until Robert came along...was brilliant. I liked the thread Davis wove in that posed a threat to Robert and Kasie's happily-ever-after and I really liked the twist thrown in!

This was more of a short story but it was compelling, well-written, and the perfect segue into the next in the series, Just One Lie. 

Just One Lie by Kyra Davis
Just One Night #2
Release Date: July 28, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #MyTBRList, #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads


Synopsis
In the instant international sensation Just One Night, sensible Kasie Fitzgerald unleashed her passions--and found herself--through an explosive affair. In Just One Lie, we meet Kasie's wild and tortured sister, whose impulsivity and lack of self-control has set off a chain of events that changes her family forever.

Melody Fitzgerald is the opposite of the "perfect" daughter. The lead singer of an indie rock band, she is impulsive and creative, with a rebellious streak that both defines her and becomes her greatest enemy. Her lover, the enticing and unpredictable Ash, shares her free spirit and penchant for trouble. On the face of it, he seems to be her perfect match.

So why is she so drawn to her soft spoken, reliable drummer, Brad Witmer? How can a man who wears polo shirts and reads the financial section of the paper be of any interest to her at all? And why on earth does someone like that appear to be so captivated by her?

Before she knows it, Melody finds herself on a path of self-discovery, passion, and affairs of the heart. But will a dark secret from her past derail it all? Or will its exposure be the very thing that unburdens her heart and allows her to seek a future with the one man who loves her completely?

After reading Just Once More back in May, I was eager to read Just One Lie so I was more the thrilled when it won the vote. ;) Getting Kasie's sister's story - the sister behind so much that shaped Kasie's life - well, I was anxious to get to know Melody. And Melody's story - Mercy, as she's come to be known - I don't know but I think I found it even more compelling than Kasie's. That either of the Fitzgerald girls became productive human beings after growing up with the parents they were given...it's miraculous and proves the power of inner spirit and a strong love.

It's been awhile since I read Just One Night but I think one thing I thoroughly delighted in with Just One Lie was getting to know Brad, the hero, so well. I liked how he looked at life, how he was so much more than he seemed - and he seemed like quite a lot - and I loved how he treated Mercy. He's an intelligent guy, talented, and a giving, loving man. He has his flaws but would give the shirt off his back to a damsel in distress - Mercy being on the top of that list. I also loved that even if it took time to get there, he was self-aware enough and smart enough to see the wisdom in Mercy's advice as well as to give her what she needed despite the hurt it caused him.

Mercy was one messed up young woman - but one that, like Brad said, was also one of the most together women as well. She knew her strengths, her flaws, and her limitations. She was self-aware enough to think through things and make tough decisions - ones that hurt her terribly. Oh, she made her share of mistakes and bad decisions but she learned from them and carried on. She was incredibly strong and resilient. I mean, to endure what she did at the hands of her parents - her dad specifically - yeah. I couldn't help but admire her. Her spirit refused to be crushed.

The way Davis structured the story - the expanse of time, how the details were revealed and revelations made - made for a riveting story. If I hadn't been on a road trip and only able to read in small chunks every day, I'd have probably finished Just One Lie in a day! That's how good it is. I'm still ruminating about it and wish I had the time to read it all over again. Character growth - maturity-wise and emotional - is something I admire in a story and with Mercy and Brad I got it in spades. I did have my doubts at times. There were times I wanted to shake Mercy. But in the end, she didn't let me down.

I think this is the end for the series and I like where it ended so I'm happy. And I'm excited at the prospect of reading more from Davis!

Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts ~ Just One Lie by Kyra Davis

This week's quote is from Just One Lie and I had to share it because I'm thinking I may have found a neat drink to try on New Year's...or anytime I feel like it! ;)

***

The ocean looks like a giant black shadow, roaring for us as we find a little corner of beach to sit on, the champagne and brown bag held in Ash's hand. He reaches inside and pulls out two plastic flutes and a small bottle of vodka.
"Vodka?" I ask as he pours a shot into each glass.
"Not quite as cold as I'd like," he admits as he expertly loosens the cage around the cork of the champagne and then opens the bottle with only the slightest pop so he doesn't spill a drop. "The champagne will take care of the temperature." In a moment he's filled the rest of our glasses with bubbly. "It's called an Arctic Kiss," he says with a little smile before lifting his flute and handing me mine. "What should be drink to? New beginnings?"
"To new discoveries," I counter.
"To passion!" he rallies, making a game of it.
"Umm..." I struggle to come up with something new. And then I look out at the dark sea. How can something be so ominous and so enticing at the same time? My lips curl into a sad little smile as I clink my plastic glass against his. "To the end of the world."

Review ~ Before I Ever Met You ~ Karina Halle #2017NewRelease

Before I Ever Met You by Karina Halle
Release Date: April 25, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Instagram Contest Win (contest hosted by the author)
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
I first met William McAlister when I was just a teenager.

He was handsome, had a beautiful wife and was on the verge of success, having just joined my father as his business partner. Mr. McAlister was full of smooth charm, but back then he was barely a blip on my radar. Just a family friend.

Fast forward ten years. I'm 25 years old and a single mom trying to make things right for her seven-year old son. I've made some mistakes, grappled with my demons and now I'm back in the city of Vancouver, getting a second chance at a better life.

I've started by working for my father's production company as an executive assistant. My first day on the job and I already know I could have a promising career there. That is until I see Will McAlister for the first time in a decade.

Now recently divorced and as sophisticated as always, Will has gone from being my father's friend and business partner to something so much more.

We're both older, for one thing, and he just oozes this worldly confidence and stark sexuality. Combined with his tall, muscular build and sharp suits, strong jaw and bedroom eyes, Will has turned into one hell of a distraction.

A distraction I'm having a hard time staying away from, considering his office is right across from my desk and I work with him in such close proximity.

But it's just a harmless crush, right?

It's just an innocent fantasy of screwing him on his desk, right?

It can't ever be more because he's my father's best friend, business partner, and my boss.

Right?

Wrong.

Before I Ever Met You is a contemporary standalone romance, a light-hearted swoony read that will make you believe in love again.

Two tropes I'm fond of: office romances and May-December romances. Before I Ever Met You combines both these with a few bonus features. *wink* That this is written by Karina Halle only made it better. She's quickly becoming an author I can rely on for satisfying romances.

Jackie, former wild child and prodigal daughter of a wealthy couple has now returned home as a mom to a little boy and a woman with quite a bit of baggage. Her father has given her a job in the family company - assistant to Will - partner and long-time family friend. Jackie knew Will when she was a surly teen but seeing him now - she sees him in a whole new light.

Will has recently returned to Vancouver as a divorced man. He's been settling in nicely with the change of pace from the L.A. office. He doesn't think he needs an assistant but he's getting one. And when he sets eyes on Jackie, he couldn't be happier about the prospect.

As Jackie and Will get better acquainted, they find they can't eny the mutual attraction they feel - despite how they try - or the growing feelings between them. But Jackie's past, her son, her desire to mend things with her parents, all conspire against her...them.

I quite enjoyed Jackie and Will's story. Watching as they got to know one another, the fun banter between them, and Will's interactions with Jackie's son, Ty, all made for a compelling read. I did get frustrated with Jackie's inability to recognize or deal with her feelings. However, I also understood the reasons behind it. What she'd endured in her past and how it made her question herself was entirely realistic.

I really would have liked more page time with Ty. The interactions between him, Jackie, and Will were fun and endearing so I would have enjoyed more development in the dynamics there - especially between him and Will. That there wasn't that development took away from the depth that could have been created.

I'm thrilled Lexxie and I won ARCs of Before I Ever Met You to buddy read. It was a heartwarming story with engaging characters. I'm eager to read and listen to more of Halle's backlist.

Review ~ The Art of Sinning ~ Sabrina Jeffries #ReadAlltheBooks #ShelfLove

The Art of Sinning by Sabrina Jeffries
Sinful Suitors #1
Release Date: July 21, 2015
Genre: Adult, Historical Romance
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #ReadAlltheBooks, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
American artist Jeremy Keane refuses to return home and take over his father's business. He'd much rather sample bevviews of beauties abroad, in search of a model for the provocative masterpiece he's driven to paint. When he meets lady Yvette Barlow at a London wedding, he realizes she's perfect for his work--and determines to capture the young heiress's defiant spirit and breathtaking sensuality on canvas.

No stranger to scandal, Yvette agrees to be Keane's subject--in exchange for his help gaining entry to the city's brothels he knows intimately, so she can track a missing woman and solve a family mystery. But when their practical partnership leads to lessons in the art of sinning, can they find a bold and lasting love?

So I started this series out-of-order - which was no big deal - and now in reading this installment, I realize I should have finished another series (The Duke's Men) first. But only because there are character crossovers. It didn't affect my enjoyment of The Art of Sinning at all - only ruffled my OCD in reading series in order. LOL

Anyway, Jeffries is adept at creating heroines who don't fit the mold, so to speak, and Yvette didn't let me down in any respect. She's tall and strong - not small and dainty - she speaks her mind, and, and, and...she contributes slang words to a sort of urban dictionary of the day. Words she uses occasionally in public, much to her brother's dismay. Needless to say, her marriage prospects are few. 

Enter Jeremy Keane. He's an artist and when he first sets eyes upon Yvette, he knows he's found his muse. Then he meets her brother. With some finagling he manages to get what he wants...access to Yvette for painting.

These two were quite fun. Their banter was spirited and their chemistry was electric. They were both, however, harboring secrets that threatened their budding romance.

The secondary cast added much to the dept of the story, introducing the characters who inhabit this series. I quite enjoyed them all - getting to know better the few I met already, having read book 3.

My only issue was with the guilt Jeremy carried over an incident from his past. I felt he made a little more of his perceived part in it then there actually was. Overall though, The Art of Sinning was exactly what I've come to expect from Jeffries and I'm eager to finish this series as well as The Duke's Men.

Oh, I must mention the art. I'm not very knowledgeable about art, but I enjoyed it as an element in this story - especially the thought that went into a particular piece of Jeremy's.

Audio Review ~ For 100 Nights ~ Lara Adrian #AudioChallenge #2017NewRelease

For 100 Nights by Lara Adrian
100 Series #2
Narrated by: Summer Morton
Release Date: January 16, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Erotic 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, #2017NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
Avery Ross is living a dream. After struggling all of her life to make ends meet, a chance meeting with a powerful, darkly handsome man has catapulted her into a dazzling new world of penthouse luxury, elegant parties, and a wild, consuming passion with her billionaire lover, Dominic Baine. Nothing is out of his reach in business or in pleasure, yet the only woman he wants is her. Nick sweeps her to sensual heights she has never dared explore, commanding her body the same way he commands her heart. Yet Avery knows the fantasy she's living cannot last. With dark secrets and a dangerous enemy haunting her past, Avery must find a way to trust Nick with the truth before it destroys everything they share. But Nick is harboring secrets of his own as well. And when they come to light, Avery will be forced to decide if the love she feels for Nick is strong enough to endure a betrayal she may never be able to forgive. Contains mature themes.

So For 100 Nights picks up where For 100 Days ended, continuing Nick and Avery's story. While I'm still invested in the outcome, there was something missing in this installment for me.

Nick made a deal with Avery - for every day they'd been together on her terms, he got a night on his terms. Since Avery's housesitting gig is up, this means she's essentially living with and being supported by Nick. This was something that was hard for me to swallow since Avery's a strong, independent woman who's been taking care of herself for awhile. But whatever.

Things seem to be going well for them as individuals as well as a couple. Nick has a pet project that's gotten approval and Avery's art seems to be reaching new heights. As a couple they're getting closer and seemingly stronger. But there are still so many secrets and something from Avery's past is haunting her - literally.

Okay, there were a lot of things I liked about For 100 Nights. With the exception of them keeping things from each other, I really like Nick and Avery together. Their chemistry is explosive and For 100 Nights has lots of steamy good times. I liked Avery's friend, Tasha, and her new artist friends. I liked seeing a compassionate side of Nick. But there were things I didn't like - mostly that I felt Nick used sex where words would have been better. And the past - things were too easily resolved.

And then that ending! Wowza!! I honestly didn't see that coming. I had inklings but nothing to this magnitude. I'm eager to see where these two land.

This is only a 3.5 star read because while I like my steam, I like it as a side dish to the story. And while For 100 Nights had story, it seemed to arrive late. In my opinion.

Summer Morton once again impressed me with her delivery, voices, and pacing. And the steam, y'all! The steam!! *fans self* I'll be checking out her other work. 

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!

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway ~ FAST Balls ~ Tara Lain (@taralain @viviannaizzo @dreamspinners) #2017NewRelease #COYER

Fire Balls by Tara Lain
Balls to the Wall #5
Release Date: July 12, 2017
Genre: Adult, M/M Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy as part of the blog tour. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided.
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease, #COYER
Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N 

Synopsis
Can two men with skewed self-images see their true reflections in each other’s eyes?

Jerry Wallender—firefighter, surfer, and occasional nude model—knows he’s no rocket scientist. So why does he keep choosing intellectual guys who make him feel dumber? He worked his buns off to overcome his reading disability and pass the firefighter’s test, and he loves everything about the job.

Well, except for Mick Cassidy, the big, blond, hunky homophobe who harasses Jerry for being gay. But Jerry is smart enough to realize it’s not hate driving Mick, but the pain of a very unhappy upbringing.

Mick Cassidy, Firefighter Assist and Search Team, fights fires, but he can’t fight his attraction to the kindest, most generous—and sexiest—guy he’s ever met. Does that make him gay? If it does, he just might get himself killed by his gay-hating preacher father—and take Jerry down with him.

FAST Balls was a satisfying read as Lain not only gave me Jerry's story - a character I met at the beginning of this series and have come to love - but she also conveyed it in a way that dealt with societal prejudice, discrimination, and ignorance. That's something I'e come to expect from her and something she does well.

When I saw Jerry was getting his own story, I was excited. Jerry is such a good guy - a good friend, fun-loving, and kind. He's a surfer but he's deeper than that having dealt with the struggle of returning to school (he's dyslexic) and becoming a firefighter. He's a character I've come to adore and one who doesn't see all that he is.

Mick Cassidy is not the guy I would have chosen to for a love interest for Jerry. He's also a firefighter - at the same station as Jerry - but he's proven to be callous in his homophobia in the past. However, after learning of Mick's upbringing and how he's lived his life, not to mention his confusion over his own feelings about what he's been taught and lived...well, I softened toward him. Quite a bit actually, especially seeing how he views himself.

Jerry and Mick have gotten to know each other while working together and while that happened off-page, I still felt their feelings toward one another were genuine. They connect because of certain situations and I liked how they were there for one another. I also liked how they helped each other see themselves through each other's eyes.

Overall, FAST Balls was fulfilling for me in that Jerry got his story. I got to spend time with the other guys from the series - even if it was only a little - and the way Lain incorporated bigotry was handled well. I'm excited for the next installment!

Giveaway

Tara Lain writes the Beautiful Boys of Romance in gay romance novels that star her unique, charismatic heroes. Her first novel was published in January of 2011 and she’s now somewhere around book 40. Her best­-selling novels have Best Series, Best Contemporary Romance, Best Paranormal Romance, Best Ménage, Best LGBT Romance, Best Gay Characters, Best Romantic Suspense, and more. In her other job, Tara owns an advertising and public relations firm. She often does workshops on both author promotion and writing craft. She lives with her soul­mate husband and her soul­mate dog near the sea in California she sets a lot of her books. Passionate about diversity, justice, and new experiences, Tara says on her tombstone it will say “Yes”!

Website ~ Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Goodreads

New Release Review ~ Pregnant by the Billionaire ~ Karen Booth (@karenbbooth) #2017NewRelease #COYER

Pregnant by the Billionaire by Karen Booth
The Locke Legacy #1
Release Date: July 1, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author. This does not affect my opinion or rating. I voluntarily provided a review. 
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease, #COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
From playboy to papa!

Kendall Ross's latest PR assignment is the perfect jump start for her career. But her client is hotel magnate Sawyer Locke--the no-holds-barred one-night stand she had six weeks ago. Sawyer knows the feisty redhead is the key to successfully launching his new hotel, but with his meddling father sabotaging his business plans, they have to keep their arrangement strictly professional. As in, no kisses. No fondling. And certainly no mind-blowing sex! Yet when their best-laid plans end with an unexpected pregnancy, the rebel billionaire must choose between his bachelor ways or losing Kendall and his baby for good!

Karen Booth, and her Harlequin Desire titles, are fast becoming guilty pleasures of mine. Her stories are always entertaining and make for easy reading. Pregnant by the Billionaire was no different.

Kendall and Sawyer spent a night getting acquainted - dancing, laughing, and eventually heating up the sheets - at a mutual acquaintance's wedding. That was six weeks ago and although neither has made contact, neither can get the other out of their head. Then they're brought face-to-face when Sawyer hires Kendall's PR firm, where Kendall's boss assigns her to his project. Will they be able to keep things professional?

These two made for a perfectly engaging couple. Kendall's fire, always giving it straight to Sawyer, was fun. He wasn't used to that so it kept him off-balance at times. She's also intelligent and fiercely independent, as well as loyal. She doesn't believe men have staying power though so tends to steer clear. Sawyer is also intelligent and tenacious in building the life and legacy he wants. His family life, his father in particular, has shown him how he doesn't want to live his life and he's worked hard at not being like his dad. As Kendall and Sawyer work together on the reopening of his hotel, the obstacles they face, both professionally and personally, show them their feelings about relationships and love might be skewed. And maybe they just hadn't found the right person. ;)

So I have to say that the trope of the pregnancy is a little tired, but it worked for the story. I wished for more time between Sawyer and Kendall, more development with Sawyer's family, too, but since this is the first book in the Locke Legacy series, I have feeling I'll get my wish even if Sawyer and Kendall aren't the focus of the story. 

Pregnant by the Billionaire was an easy and engaging read, one that has me invested in Sawyer, Kendall, and the Locke family. I look forward to Sawyer's siblings' stories.