Showing posts with label new york times bestseller. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new york times bestseller. Show all posts

Book Review: Nobody but You (Cedar Ridge #3) by Jill Shalvis

Nobody but You is the third book in the Cedar Ridge series by Jill Shalvis. The previous books are Second Chance Summer, and  My Kind of Wonderful. The main connection between the books is the family and town most involved in each book, but I think newcomers to the series could still enjoy each book on their own. 

After an overseas mission goes wrong, Army Special Forces officer Jacob Kincaid knows where he must go to make things right: back home to the tiny town of Cedar Ridge, Colorado. All he needs to scrub away his painful past is fresh mountain air, a lakeside cabin, and quiet solitude. But what he discovers is a gorgeous woman living on a boat at his dock. Sophie Marren has nowhere else to go. She’s broke, intermittently seasick, and fighting a serious attraction to the brooding, dishy, I’m-too-sexy-for-myself guy who’s now claiming her dock. Something about Jacob’s dark intensity makes her want to tease—and tempt—him beyond measure. Neither one wants to give any ground, until they realize the only true home they have is with each other.

Nobody but You is funnier than the other Cedar Ridge books have been, but was a little closer to the humor level of some of her earlier books, like the Lucky Harbor series. The small town and family atmosphere is there, as are the strange coincidences that come with being in a small community. I loved Sophie's attitude, inner dialogue, and sheer determination. Jacob's battle with his past, his guilt, and his family made me feel; for him and root for him to find his place and path in life. i liked that communication is key here, and that it was only in not sharing things that were important that they almost lost everything- but that them overcame all the odds and their own stubbornness to find happiness and a new beginning. A great read all around. I wish I had been reading this from a lake side cabin, but that was the only thing that could have made me enjoy the read more.


Nobody but You is consistent with the style and quality that I expect from Shalvis. I enjoyed this one more than the last couple that I have read, but I think that was because of the characters rather than other aspects of the book. I liked the humor and the main characters ability to laugh at themselves so much that anything i did not like about the book was washed away. 

Book Review: The Dirt on Ninth Grave by Darynda Jones

The Dirt on Ninth Grave by Darynda Jones is the ninth book in the Charley Davidson series. I have not read the previous books in this series, although I feel like I had a good handle on the book anyway. I do think that this is a series better read in order.

In a small village in New York lives Jane Doe, a girl with no memory of who she is or where she came from. So when she is working at a diner and slowly begins to realize she can see dead people, she's more than a little taken aback. Stranger still are the people entering her life. They seem to know things about her. Things they hide with lies and half-truths. Soon, she senses something far darker. A force that wants to cause her harm, she is sure of it. Her saving grace comes in the form of a new friend she feels she can confide in and the fry cook, a devastatingly handsome man whose smile is breathtaking and touch is scalding. He stays close, and she almost feels safe with him around.

The Dirt on Ninth Grave is a book that seems to bring a lot of previous plot set up together. Sadly, having missed that set up, the conclusion to the book was a little confusing for me- although I think steady readers of the series would have the knowledge that would have made it very important and dramatic. However, since the main character had amnesia for the majority of the book, I feel like I got a chance to see the major players without any preconceived notions or prejudice. I really liked Jane (Charley), and her combination of vulnerability and willingness to help others, even those that she did not get along with. Her co-workers, customers, and new friends dropped accidental hints about her and helped her as much as they could without unloading the whole crazy past and possible danger of the present and future. The romantic interplay was in the background for the most part, leaving Jane/Charley's sleuthing and risks to take the center stage. I was a highly entertaining and engaging read. I can only imagine that would be more true if I had more of an idea of the bigger picture as I read.


The Dirt on Ninth Grave is a solid urban fantasy, which made me really wish I had read the first eight books in the series. I liked the characters, and the action. Since I had not ventured into this series before I feel like I missed out on some serious world and plot building which would have made the book's conclusion epic rather than slightly overwhelming. I think those that have read the previous books will definitely get more from the experience than I did, but I still enjoyed the read. Guess I have another series to read up on.

Book Review: Give it Up by Lori Foster

Give it Up by Lori Foster is a collection of three novellas about good friends finding the loves of their lives. He Sees You When You’re Sleeping is the story of  Booker Dean. What he wants for Christmas isn’t under the tree, it’s right next door. Frances Kennedy is everything Booker desires, and the gift he has planned for her involves a lot of delicious unwrapping. Some Like It Hot is aboutfamily practitioner Cary Rupert. He wants Nora Chilton so badly he can barely keep a hold of his stethoscope. Now he’s out to prove that when it comes to loving her forever, he’s just what the doctor ordered. Playing Doctor is about Dr. Axel Dean, who likes his women with sensual moxie, not virginal innocence. But when Libby Preston won’t take no for an answer, Axel is more than willing to administer the cure.

Give it Up is good fun. All of the characters, from Booker to Libby are more than flat characters. Even in the short space we have with them, we see some history and hurt in the heroines, and the battles all the players have both with themselves and with each other. Since they are novellas, there is not a lot of time for drawn out crises or development. However, I felt that each story still has a solid arch and character development and present history to make the relationships develop quickly, but not completely unrealistically so. It is a well done collection. 


Give it Up is a nice collection of quick, hot, and satisfying romances. Despite the shortness, and necessary fast pace, the characters are well developed and there is a good blend of heat and humor. A wonderful weekend read.

Early Book Review: How to Seduce a Scot by Christy English

How to Seduce a Scot is a historical romance by Christy English. It is currently scheduled for release on December 1 2015. Highlander Alexander Waters has a plan, he is in town and dealing with the ton for a season to get his sister married. He has no desire for any romance of his own, he just wants to do right by his sister and get back to his ship. Catherine Middlebrook must find a respectable man to marry or her family will be ruined. Her little sister and less than reliable mother are making the need more pressing, and the need to save her family stronger. She won't allow herself to be distracted by Highland barbarians, regardless of how much her heart and body disagree with her good sense. As the battle of will begins and escalates Catherine and Alex will both be surprised and thrilled with the path they find themselves on.  

How to Seduce a Scot is a romance with entertaining and well fleshed out characters. Every character has a set of problems, even if the readers are not aware of them. i know that must be more to several of the secondary characters and their motives, and am eager to explore the rest of the series in order to figure them out, even if this book does stand up fine on its own. I liked that Catherine is a smart and capable lady, facing hard times with as much honor and fortitude as she can manage. She is trying her best to protect those around her, even when they do not make it easy. Alex and his siblings are charming and unique, and I really want to explore their family more since I found them to be extremely entertaining, even when they are trying to go unnoticed. I enjoyed the twists and turns that everyone faced to find their own happy ending, and look forward to seeing who is next!


How to Seduce a Scot is an engaging read that had me invested in the main characters, as well as the fate of the secondary characters. It is the dynamic characters for the larger cast that will bring me, and most likely other readers, coming back for more again and again. 

Early Book Review: Bound in Darkness by Jacquelyn Frank

Bound in Darkness is the fourth and final book in the Immortal Brothers series by Jacquelyn Frank. It is currently scheduled for release on November 24 2015. I highly recommend reading this series in order, but I think determined readers could read this as a stand alone. 

After drinking from the fountain of immortality along with his brothers, Maxum is condemned by the gods to be entombed in the earth. Even though he has now been granted a reprieve by day, each night he is buried anew, his rock-hard body immobilized, his bones crushed by the pressure. There is only one way for Maxum to be completely free: He must kill the god who cursed him. The task will require tremendous power, so Maxum embarks on a quest to gather talismans to equip him for the battle. Then an earthy wench seduces him and steals one of his magical amulets, but he catches her. Finding herself between a rock and a hard place, she strikes a bargain. The beautiful and alluring Airianne is a skilled thief, and she can help him in his acquisition of the talismans. Will this stealthy seductress also try to steal his heart, or will their boldness end up getting them both buried?

Bound in Darkness is a satisfying read, both as a series conclusion and as a romance. Maxum is angry and bitter, but still manages to be a fair and compassionate man. He does not want to admit it, or show it too often, but it is clearly part of his personality. Airianne knows well not to trust or depend on others, she has been on her own from a young age and has turned to theft for survival. When she steals from Maxum she finds herself in a new kind of trouble. They strike a bargain and she joins his group, much to the disgust of one fellow member. She makes herself valuable, as she struggles to ignore the attraction between her and Maxum. The quest and the relationship between the pair are perilous on several levels, that the characters adapt to meet the challenges. I really liked their interactions and the tension that was constant through out the book as the crew struggled and changed as well. I was eagerly turning pages to see what would happen next, and when Maxum might share his secrets and goals with Airianne. A solid read with high action and great characters.

Bound in Darkness is a satisfying conclusion to the series, and better than the third installment (at least as far as I am concerned). It still is not quite up to my expectations of Frank, but it is very close. 

Book Review: Smoke on the Water by Lori Handeland

Smoke on the Water is the third book in the Sisters of the Craft series by Lori Handeland. I have not read the previous books in the series, and while it might have given me a better grasp of the larger picture, I was still able to enjoy the story and understand what was going on.

Abandoned beneath a black willow tree on the banks of a northern Wisconsin creek, Willow Black spent her entire childhood in foster care. Her entire life she's had terrifying visions, and it is these visions that eventually land her in a psychiatric facility. And so Willow takes her medication and believes she is getting better. Until she meets a fellow patient who doesn't think she is crazy at all. She thinks Willow is a witch. Willow's new psychiatrist, Dr. Sebastian Crane, works hard to resist his feeling that he and Willow are destined to be together while also working to convince her that strange occurrences aren't the result of witchcraft. However, when he is thrown into the middle of a storm of supernatural events that can't be explained any other way they both need to come to turns with their connection and the events surrounding them.

Smoke on the Water is a solid and entertaining read. I think I might have seen more of the action coming, and understood more of the danger Willow and Sebastian faced. However, I still really felt for the characters and enjoyed how they connected with each other. Willow was a smart and introspective character that knew that she experienced visions in water, but knew enough to hide that fact and avoid having it happen as often as possible. Sebastian is equally smart and an interesting character, but I do not feel like I knew him as well as I did Willow, or her fellow patient Mary. Their connection was one they both fought against, and they both held on to common sense the majority of the time, which was nice. I found myself invested in Willow's life and how everything was going to play it. I will say that I expected at least one of the big surprises to happen, but most of the time I was eager to turn the page and see what would happen next.


Smoke on the Water reminds me of why Handeland was one of my must read authors before I started reviewing (and burying myself in books I have committed to reading). The characters just work, and the larger plots as well as the  immediate action are engaging and interesting. I need to go back and read the first two books in the series, since I am not sure how I missed them. A worthwhile read for fans of the urban fantasy and paranormal romance genres. 

Book Review: Wicked Charms by Janet Evanovich, Phoef Sutton

Wicked Charms is the third book in the Lizzy & Diesel series by Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton. Lizzy stumbles upon another trail to a mystical stone, but accident of course. Murdered and mummified more than ninety years ago, bootlegger Collier “Peg Leg” Dazzle once found and re-hid a famous pirate’s treasure, containing the Stone of Avarice, somewhere along the coast of New England. While Lizzy would just like to live a quiet, semi-normal life, Diesel is all about the hunt. And this hunt is going to require a genuine treasure map and a ship worthy of sailing the seven seas, or at least getting them from Salem Harbor to Maine.

Wicked Charms is exactly what I expect from Evanovich. Lizzy and Diesel are on the hunt again, and the sexual tension between them has hit full force- and then some. The usual wacky characters are here, along with some new characters. There is the millionaire that might be the answer to Lizzy's publishing dreams but has his own motives and craves the Stone of Avarice for his own less than sane reasons. There is also an obsessed professor, coroner that has his eye on Lizzy, and a pirate speaking museum employee with an eye on Glo. Mayhem, magic, murder, and Carl the monkey all play their part in the chase for the stone. There is a little less humor in this installment, but an extra helping of both danger and mayhem. Not my favorite from the series, but a great weekend read.


Wicked Charms is a fun, fast read with more perilous situations than the previous books in the series, and a little less humor, in my opinion. however, it still provides what fans of this author and of this series are looking for. It is good entertainment and a solid weekend read. 

Book Review: Dragon Fall by Katie MacAlister

Dragon Fall is the first book in the Black Dragons series, which is the fourth sub series in the larger Dragon Sept series by Katie MacAlister. I have missed a few books along the way in the grand scheme of this series but feel like I was able to get back into the swing of things pretty quickly.
 
For Aoife Dakar, seeing is believing-and she's seen some extraordinary things. It's too bad no one else believes that she witnessed a supernatural murder at an outdoor fair. Before Aoife can really get settled after returning to the scene of the crime she encounters a wise-cracking demon dog and a naked man who can shift into a dragon and kiss like a god.  Kostya has no time for a human woman with endless questions, no matter how gorgeous or tempting she is. He must break the curse that has splintered the dragon clans before more of his kind die. But his powerful attraction to Aoife runs much deeper than the physical-and there may be more to her than even his sharp dragon eyes can see. To survive the coming battle for the fate of his race, he needs a mate of true heart and soul.

Dragon Fall is a great return to the world of McAlester’s worlds of dragons and magic. I missed a few books, so I do not know the details of the curse, except for how they are described and play out in this book. However, I felt like I caught up to speed quickly, particularly since Aoife needed to learn everything about the dragons and Jim (the demon dog) for the first time. I liked  Aoife’s nature and outlook on life, how she was able to stay so good natured after being institutionalized by her siblings is astounding to me. Kostya has been through so much as well, and the pair have great understanding and a strong connection because of their ordeals.  Figuring out just where they stand with each other, and with the magical community as a whole is full of choices and interesting encounters. However, do not think that the story is all doom and gloom because of their hard lives, the curse, and so on. There are plenty of laughs to be had. I really love how MacAlister makes me laugh on a regular basis through simply but effective moments in dialogue and situations.  


Dragon Fall reminds me of what had me eagerly reading the Aisling Grey books in the beginning of the Dragon Sept series. The characters are multi dimensional, quirky, and likable even when you want to kick them. The combination of action and humor is what made me a MacAlister fan to begin with, and that balance is in full effect here. 

Book Review: Wicked Business by Janet Evanovich

Wicked Business by Janet Evanovich is the second book in the Lizzy and Diesel series. Lizzy Tucker's once normal life as a pastry chef in Salem, Massachusetts, turns upside down as she battles both sinister forces and an inconvenient attraction to her unnaturally talented but off-limits partner, Diesel. When Harvard University English professor and dyed-in-the-wool romantic Gilbert Reedy is mysteriously murdered and thrown off his fourth-floor balcony, Lizzy and Diesel take up his twenty-year quest for the Luxuria Stone, an ancient relic believed by some to be infused with the power of lust.Diesel's black sheep cousin, Gerwulf Grimoire, also wants the Stone. His motives are far from pure, and what he plans on doing with the treasure, no one knows. Never far and always watching, Grimoire has a growing, vested interest in the cupcake-baker-turned-finder-of-lost-things. As does another dangerous and dark opponent in the hunt, a devotee of lawlessness and chaos, known only as Anarchy. Treasures will be sought, and the power of lust will be unmistakable as Lizzy and Diesel attempt to stay ahead of Anarchy, Grimoire, and his medieval minion, Hatchet, in this ancient game of twisted riddles and high-stakes hide-and-seek.

Wicked Business is a good follow up to Wicked Appetite. Lizzy is a little more comfortable with the idea of being an 'Unmentionable', and the characters have mostly been introduced and fleshed out enough that they feel like old friends. Lizzy and Diesel are on the hunt, following a series of clues. However in this round the stakes seem to be higher, and the danger level certainly is. Lizzy's boss and co-worker are both players in this round, and Glo's misfiring attempts at magic made me laugh out loud a few times. Hatchet is a combination of humorous and scary weird, and Wulf has me doubting his nefarious intentions on several occasions, and Diesel's flirty is getting much more obvious. The mystery and scavenger hunt part of the story leaves some questions unanswered, which was a little annoying, but was well done.


Wicked Business is exactly what I was expecting. It was a fun, fluffy read with a good about of humor and unfulfilled flirtation and lust. A sweet weekend read that has me looking for my copy of the third book, Wicked Charms (which is waiting for my attention on my Kindle with many other books). 

Early Book Review: Too Hard to Handle by Julie Ann Walker

Too Hard to Handle is the eighth book in the Black Knights Inc. series by Julie Ann Walker. It is currently scheduled for release on September 1 2015. I would not recommend starting the series here, as the main players have some serious back story that is very important to the story, along with a larger story arch that is just starting to get very intense. Readers that have already read the first book in Walkers newest series, Hell or High Water, will have even more recognition and satisfaction of the larger story arch.

Dan "The Man" Currington is back in fighting form with a mission that takes him four thousand miles south of BKI headquarters, high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. He's hot on the trail of a rogue CIA agent selling classified government secrets to the highest bidder, when Penni DePaul (who fans of the series will recognize) arrives on the scene. Suddenly the stakes are higher, and keeping Penni safe becomes Dan's number one priority. A lot has changed since former Secret Service Agent Penni DePaul last saw Dan. Now a civilian, she's excited about what the future might hold. But before she can grab onto that future with both hands, she has to tie up some loose ends-namely, Dan Currington, the man she just can't forget. And a secret that's going to change both their lives-if they can stay alive, that is.

Too Hard to Handle is a satisfying addition to the BKI series. I have been eagerly awaiting this story, to see Penni and Dan find each other again and see things through. Penni ending up in the midst of an operation that will lead then to the person responsible for the catastrophe that neither can forget is not completely unexpected, but is well done. There was high action and we get a look at how deep the corruption and evil causing so much trouble is rooted. The multilayered connections and changes of narrator could get confusing, I will admit to reading a couple passages more than once because of the differing perspectives and trying to figure out the larger puzzle before it all played out. While Penni does not reveal her big secret until the end, but I rather suspected what it was well before she finally revealed it. I think most readers will have the same experience with that part of the story, but suspense and efforts Penni and Dan make to come together that that a minor blip in my enjoyment.

Too Hard to Handle is a very well done addition to a very complex and realistic world created by Walker. While each book might be satisfying on its own, I would not recommend reading them as stand alones. The greater story is so well woven through the series that it would be a shame to read only part of it. I am looking forward to the continuation of this story, and how the rest of our BKI characters find their happy ever after. This is a must read for fans of Walker's work. If you love suspense, fast action, complex plots and characters, and hot love connections then I would highly recommend this series as a whole.
 

Early Book Review: Not Always a Saint by Mary Jo Putney

Not Always a Saint is the seventh book in the historical romance series, The Lost Lords, by Mary Jo Putney. It is currently scheduled for release on August 25 2015.  This is a book that can stand well on its own, but reading the previous books might give a better sense of some of the secondary characters. I have only read one of the previous books.

Daniel Herbert has spent most of his life focused on his medical studies and his passion for healing. Viewed as saintly by those who know him, he never quite manages to live up to his own high standards.  Daniel is appalled because the burden of wealth that comes with an unexpected inheritance, and the likelihood that it will interfere with his medical work. Warily he accepts that he must enter society and seek a wife, preferably a sensible woman who can oversee his properties, leaving him free to continue his work. Jessie Kelham’s looks have always been a curse. Now alone with a young daughter and a perilous secret, she is in need of protection. But dangerously attractive Daniel Herbert is not the kind of husband she has in mind. If he recognizes her, the demons of her past will surely erupt.

Not Always a Saint is an solid read, with my only complaint that it got a little too complicated and dramatic for my tastes. Daniel is a good, honorable man that loves his work and honestly cares about the welfare of other people. Jessie is a woman with many secrets, and two dead husbands. Rumors abound, and a greedy nephew plots to take over her daughter's unexpected inheritance- and he will stop at nothing to get his way. When these two run across each other in the ballrooms of London, each looking to marry for their own reasons, their plans all go awry. Neither planned for each other; but attraction, plots against Jessie, and similar needs draw them together against the odds. Marriage is only the start of their journey, as secrets from the past and that greedy nephew keep creeping up to cause danger and drama. I really enjoyed the honesty and banter between such honestly good hearted characters. Jessie has pretty much face every bad thing that could happen to a woman, and managed to stay a loving and compassionate woman. Daniel has faced hard times as well, and has focused all his grief and disappointment into helping others. While problem after problem arises, they actually talk things out and face everything head on. Most often, the conflict in romance comes from conflict between the main characters, rather than outside sources, so that was a change of pace.  I also liked that they were not instant bed mates, although they got to that pretty quick, since the wedding is fairly early in the book.


Not Always a Saint is an entertaining read, with plenty of action and witty banter. I think everything got a little too complicated, with several 'big reveals' but I enjoyed the character's banter and connection. All of the big drama worked, but I did not think it was absolutely necessary, a few more deep conversations between Daniel and Jessie would have covered all the ground needed for their happy ending without so many near death experiences.


Early Book Review: If He's Noble by Hannah Howell

If He's Noble is the seventh book in the Wherlocke series by Hannah Howell. It is currently scheduled for release on July 28 2015. Like all of Howells books this book can stand on its own, but readers that have read some books from the Murray or related series will come in with a better understanding of what to expect from her characters. 

For Lady Primrose Wootten nothing has been ordinary since her father the Baron died and his wayward family filled the estate with greed and treachery. Primrose knows if she can just track down her brother, he can send the odious relations on their way. But instead she finds this enormous, powerful stranger, and forgets entirely what she was doing in the first place. Sir Bened Vaughn is an honorable man, and he knows he has no right to desire Primrose. Yet he does have an obligation to help her, and as they learn more about her brother's disappearance, he realizes that means staying by her side and wondering how much longer they can resist temptation.

If He's Noble is a fun romp with high excitement and great characters. Primrose is a strong but sheltered girl dealing with the danger of a deviously deadly aunt looking to take over her family's holdings. Bened has earned a title by saving the life of a important but foolish noble, after spending most of his life in service to others. They find each other in the woods, and soon Bened knows that Primrose is in more danger than she is ready to admit. His gift helps predict and defend against the dangers they face in search of her brother, but he cannot protect himself from everything. Many characters are introduced and new family members found for both families, and the action does get a little complex in places, as do the character relations, but it all comes together well at the end. I think Primrose is one of my favorite heroines from Howell in a while, though I think she was a bit more of a risk taker than I expected from her after awhile. I also found the big bad to be a little too evil and calculating, more of a Cruella De Ville style villain than anything realistic. All in all, a satisfying but not quite perfect romp through the woods with deadly intent fast on the heels of our heroes.


If He's Noble is just as much fun and full of adventure as fans would expect. Howell maintained the level of quality in characters and action that I look for and expect from her books. While I still think Primrose fell into bed a little early, and her aunt was a little too much, I still highly enjoyed the book. 

Book Blog Tour with Author Message and Giveaway: Hell or High Water by Jullie Ann Walker

Did you see my 4 star review of Hell or High Water? Well, here is a special message and giveaway from the author!

Message From The Author

Hi everyone!  My name is Julie Ann Walker and I'm tickled pink to be here today talking about my BRAND SPANKING NEW romantic suspense series, Deep Six!  It revolves around six newly retired Navy SEALs who just can't seem to shake their past and the Navy SEAL motto that "the only easy day was yesterday."  Set in the Florida Keys, the series is filled with sun, sand, danger, intrigue, adventure, and plenty of half-dressed alpha hotties.  LOL!  Sound like a good time?  I guarantee it is!  And I guarantee you're going to fall in love with these six men. 

Take Leo "The Lion" Anderson.  With his sun-streaked, sandy blond hair and perpetual tan -- not to mention those hazel eyes and beard stubble -- he's sure to win your heart.  And that's before you get to his no-bullshit, take-command-of-any-situation attitude and the fact that he's trying to fulfill his father's dying wish. 

Then there's Brando "Bran" Pallidino.  A native New Jerseyan, Bran grew up on the mean streets of Newark.  He's rough.  He's tough.  And his Italian-American heritage means he comes complete with soulful brown eyes, a face that belongs on billboards, and a love for good food and good wine.  (That last part means his beer-loving teammates give him a lot of grief. *wink*)

You won't be able to resist Mason "Monet" McCarthy.  As a boy from Beantown, Mason learned to use the F-bomb in really colorful ways.  He's big.  He's burly.  He's not the kind of guy you'd like to meet in a dark alley.  Yet his thick black hair and crystal blue eyes soften what would otherwise be an entirely intimidating appearance.

Who doesn't love a country boy?  Dalton "Doc" Simmons was born and raised in Montana.  He's a lean, mean, fighting machine, with a face that's all angles as if it's been carved down to its barest essentials by a hot, stinging prairie wind.  Doc has a tragic past.  And he's fighting to come to terms with it.

Next up is Ray "Wolf" Roanhorse.  Wolf's Cherokee heritage makes him strikingly handsome, with a blade of a nose, high cheekbones, flashing black eyes, and a lush, beautifully-shaped mouth.  Born into poverty on a reservation in Oklahoma, Wolf has more than himself to worry about.  He has his whole family depending on him.  But if anyone can shoulder that burden, it's Wolf.

And last but certainly not least, we have Spiro "Romeo" Delgado.  Romeo likes to play up that whole Latin-lover thing.  And with his swarthy skin, precisely trimmed goatee, and honed physique, he does a pretty good job of it.  But that's just what's on the surface.  Underneath it all, Romeo is desperately trying to make up for the mistakes of his past.

See?  What did I tell you?  You love them already, don't you?  Read on for a bonus scene from HELL OR HIGH WATER where you get to meet all of the Deep Six heroes!

Book Information

Title: Hell or High Water
Author: Julie Ann Walker
Release Date: July 7, 2015
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Deep Six, Book #1

Summary
Only two things could make former Navy SEAL Leo Anderson return to the world of weapons and warfare. First, a capsule of chemical weapons lost on the ocean floor, and second, a plea for assistance from the one woman he can't seem to forget-CIA Agent Olivia Mortier.

Now, working together to race against the clock and a deadly terrorist faction, Leo and Olivia must find the missing capsule, all the while battling the intense desire burning between them. If they can survive, can their growing attraction become more than just a momentary flare?

Buy Links
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1HFf0IK
IndieBound: http://bit.ly/1BP774y

Author Biography

Julie Ann Walker is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of award-winning romantic suspense. She has won the Book Buyers Best Award, been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA award. Her latest release was named a Top Ten Romance of 2014 by Booklist. Her books have been described as "alpha, edgy, and downright hot." Most days you can find her on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission.

Social Networking Links


Early Book Review: The Art of Sinning by Sabrina Jeffries

The Art of Sinning (Sinful Suitors, #1) by Sabrina Jeffries avid Jeffries fans will recognize characters from previous series, but even if this is your first book from Jeffries (gasp!) you will not be at a loss. This historical romance is currently scheduled for release on July 21 2015. American artist Jeremy Keane refuses to return home and take over his father’s business. He’d much rather sample 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 is determined 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?

The Art of Sinning is a fun romance that has many of the elements I love. The main characters have troubles in their past, but maintain strong sense of self and a powerful wit. Jeremy has suffered, he is a widower losing his wife and child in one fell swoop. Not many know about the previous marriage and Jeremy allows everyone to see him as a rogue rather than admitting that he just is not interested with putting another woman through a marriage with him. Yvette's had a close call with scandal herself, and uses her causes and quick wit to keep men at bay. When the two meet they will need to decide if love, or just some lessons in sin, are worth the risk to their hearts. I loved the strength in Yvette, when combined with her innocent trust in her brothers, made be really care about her. Jeremy is such a good guy under his disguise as a rogue, although blind to how his past is coloring his future. Together the pair made for an entertaining and page turning story.


The Art of Sinning is a satisfying and entertaining read. If you enjoy historical romance with strong, dynamic characters all around then this would be a great weekend read. This book reminded me why I love Jeffries' work, and why she is such a powerhouse in the genre.

Early Book Review: Hell or High Water by Julie Ann Walker

Hell or High Water is the first book the the new Deep Six series by Julie Ann Walker. It is currently scheduled for release on July 7th 2015 and takes place in the same timeline and big picture as the Black Knights, Inc. series.  Only two things could make Leo Anderson abandon his hunt for the legendary lost ship, La Santa Christina, and return to the world of weapons and warfare he swore to leave behind: a capsule of enriched uranium, lost on the ocean floor, and a plea for assistance from the one woman he can't seem to forget. The nation's security has always been CIA agent Olivia Mortier's top priority. But a mission-gone-wrong has begun to make her wonder if there's more to life than risking hers.

Hell or High Water is a good start to a new series, and I was glad to see a couple references to the Black Knights series. If you liked the combination of strong characters with some visible, and deeper, scars finding a path to happiness and a kind of peace then you will like this. I admit to liking some of the secondary characters, and the women, in the story more than out hero. However, this does not mean that Leo is not a good character, he just did not resinate with me as much as the other guys in his team or Olivia and later Maddy. There was lots of action, plenty of excitement and nail biting moments as well as a few times I wanted to bang my head on the desk in sympathy as Leo and Olivia face more than one interruption in their path. 


Hell or High Water is exactly what I have come to expect from Walker. High action, hot guys, and characters that have multiple layers and high octane lives. I really liked Olivia and Maddy, as well as the full cast of guys in the dive team. I am looking forward to seeing how the big picture of the Black Knights and Deep Six teams come together as the stories continue. 

Early Book Review: Amber Smoke by Kristen Cast

Amber Smoke by Kristen Cast is the first book in her The Escaped series, and is scheduled for release on June 9 2015. There is a world that runs parallel to our own where the souls of the damned are caged and are looked over by the Furies. The barrier that separates our world from theirs has weaken and damned souls are escaping. The Furies send an untested warrior, their only son, Alek to try to bring those souls back. However, he won’t be able to do it alone. Eva has grown up, beautiful and beloved, but surrounded by secrets. First, she will be hunted in an ancient feud that will threaten her life. Then, she will become the hunter. With the police closing in and two worlds on the verge of crumbling around them Alek and Eva must find each other, discover the limits of their powers, and work together to save everything they hold dear, including one another.

In Amber Smoke we see the worlds on Alek and Eva collide and their adventure together begin. There is significant world building; getting the mythology, characters, and larger story arch in place for the continuing story. I enjoyed the character building. I liked Eva and Alek, and found myself caring about them and a few of the side characters quickly. I feel like I can predict at least one plot twist in book two, or maybe later, just by
Blending elements of mythology with the dazzling storytelling that her fans have devoured through the House of Night series, Kristin Cast weaves a spellbinding and passionate tale that starts a thrilling new series with an explosive charge.


You might recognize the name Cast from the writing team of the House of Night series, which Kristen co-wrote with her other. I read the Night, and recommended it to many. However, about halfway through that series I lost interest. I did enjoy a few references to the House of Night series made in the book, and sincerely hope that this series either holds steady or gets better rather than slowly sliding downhill like the Night series. 

Giveaway and Excerpt for The Duke's Disaster by Grace Burrows

The Duke’s Disaster by Grace Burrowes was released on April 7, 2015. I posted a review a few days ago, but thought you might like a chance at winning a giveaway and to learn more about the book (which received 4 stars in my review!). 

Summary
Noah Winters, Duke of Anselm, exercises the pragmatism for which he's infamous when his preferred choice of bride cries off, and her companion, Lady Thea Collins, becomes his next choice for his duchess. Lady Thea's mature, sensible and even rather attractive-what could possibly go wrong?
As a lady fallen on hard times, Thea doesn't expect tender sentiments from His Grace, but she does wish Noah had courted her trust, lest her past turn their hastily arranged marriage into a life of shared regrets. Is His Grace courting a convenient wife, or a beautiful disaster?

Excerpt

The Duke and Duchess are having a rocky start to their marriage, also to their day…

“Your tea, Duchess.”

Noah had woken up beside his wife—again, despite all plans to the contrary—creating another first for him. Thea had risen several times during the night to tend to herself. He hadn’t realized that monthly courses caused a woman’s rest to be interrupted.

Crashingly bad planning, for a lady’s sleep to be disturbed when she most needed rest.

“You’re not about to steal my tea?” Thea held out the cup, her gaze shy as she sat propped against the headboard.

“Where’s the fun in stealing what’s freely offered?” Noah settled in beside her and filched a bite of her cinnamon toast. “Would you rather have chocolate this morning?”

“Because?”

“You’re”— Noah waved a hand in the direction of her middle—“indisposed.”

“I am not indisposed.” Thea set her teacup down with a little clink. “The discomfort has passed, as it always does. You needn’t be concerned.”

“I am not concerned, Thea.” Not greatly concerned, now that she’d stopped ordering him to go away and was ready for a proper spat. “I am attempting in my bumbling way to dote. You will allow it.”

Drat. He’d given another order.

“You couldn’t bumble if one gave you written instructions, Anselm,” Thea said, looking a little less peaked for having run up her flags. “That was my toast you appropriated.”

“Appropriation is what happens when one’s wife can’t appreciate a little doting. You’re being stingy with the tea, just as you were stingy with the covers. How long does this indisposition last?” 

Her chin came up. “I am the Duchess of Anselm. I am not stingy with anything, but you are a very presuming husband.”

“Doting.” Noah took Thea’s free hand to kiss her knuckles— lest she mistake his point. “Also in need of my duchess’s guidance on this one marital matter.”

“This is so personal.” Thea’s gaze was on their joined hands— for Noah would not have her haring off in a fit of mortification. “I didn’t think you’d be a personal sort of husband. You were supposed to appear in my dressing-room doorway a few nights a month, silently take a few marital liberties, and then leave me in peace. We’d trade sections of the Times over breakfast the next morning.”

“Prosaic.” Boring and exactly what Noah himself had envisioned. “Hard to see any doting going on, though.”

“Husband?” Thea’s tone was hesitant. “Thank you, for keeping me company last night. I would not have known how to ask.”

“I suppose that’s the definition of doting.” Noah lingered at the cart to assemble a plate. “It’s the little things you can’t bring yourself to ask for, that an attentive spouse will enjoy providing to you. Bacon or ham?”

“A little of both, please.”

“Feeling carnivorous?”

“I’m a trifle indisposed. I need the sustenance.”

Noah piled both ham and bacon on Thea’s plate, and stole better than half of it, because he needed the sustenance too.


Buy Links
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1xmRtvf

Author Biography
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes' bestsellers include The Heir, The Soldier, Lady Maggie's Secret Scandal, Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish and Lady Eve's IndiscretionThe Heir was a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2010, The Soldier was a PW Best Spring Romance of 2011,Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish won Best Historical Romance of the Year in 2011 from RT Reviewers' Choice Awards, Lady Louisa's Christmas Knight was a Library Journal Best Book of 2012, and The Bridegroom Wore Plaid was a PW Best Book of 2012. Her Regency romances have received extensive praise, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Grace is branching out into short stories and Scotland-set Victorian romance with Sourcebooks. She is a practicing family law attorney and lives in rural Maryland.

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