Turbulent Desires by Melody Anne
Publication Date: November 8, 2016
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Netgalley (in exchange for an honest review)


Summary (from Amazon):
ER nurse Lindsey Helm used to be strong. Then a late-night attack at the hospital nearly killed her and left two close colleagues dead. Now Lindsey has retreated from the world. She knows she needs to move on, but every hint of danger seems threatening—including a certain sexy flyboy who's determined to show Lindsey what she's missing. But falling for F-18 pilot Maverick Armstrong is a risk she can't afford...

Maverick knows that fear can eat away at the soul, and he won't leave Lindsey to that fate. She needs someone to reach her and to remind her of the exhilaration and unbelievable passion of being touched. He'll help her heal, and then he'll talk away. He has to walk away. Because Maverick swore he would never fall in love and never marry. But this is a rescue operation, and Maverick will stay the course—even if things get hazardous. Eve if saving Lindsey means surrendering his heart in the process...

Review:
After Lindsey gets attacked at the hospital where she works, she begins to realize how unsafe the world really is. Now she's petrified to even leave her house or talk to strangers. Maverick, a pilot, had a one night stand with Lindsey before her attack and it kills him to see Lindsey live in fear of something she can't control. So he tries his best to get under her skin and try to open her up to the wonderful possibilities that life can bring. And although Maverick has always declared he's never going to get married, the more time he spends around Lindsey, the more he aches to put his heart on the line. Will Lindsey be able to move on after her horrific attack and will Maverick be able to open his heart to a relationship he never expected?

This was the first book I read by Melody Anne and I was pleasantly surprised by the cute romance. At times the novel was dark, such as at the beginning of the story when Lindsey was attacked, but I never thought the story was too dark or unrelatable. I actually thought the author did a great job of handling the attack and showing how something so tragic can have a negative impact on someone's life. I thought Lindsey was fully justified in pulling away from everyone and everything and I liked that Maverick wanted to help her overcome her fears. They were perfect for each other, and I enjoyed the second chance romance story line, since they previously had a one night stand. And while I enjoyed reading this story it didn't completely pull me in or make me think about the story or characters days later, which is why I have to give it 4 stars instead of 5.

Overall, I recommend Turbulent Desires to anyone looking for a cute contemporary romance that features the heroine trying to overcome fears.

Rating: 

What You Do to Me by Barbara Longley
Publication Date: November 1, 2016
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Netgalley (in exchange for an honest review)

Summary (from Amazon):
Whether it's repairing a home or taking care of clients' other needs, Twin Cities handyman Sam Haney is in demand from his mostly female clientele. Despite Sam's lothario reputation, love isn't part of him portfolio. He's built a lot of walls in his time, but the one that's surrounded his heart ever since the death of his parents is his most solid yet.

Haley Cooper has had enough heartache for a lifetime. Her high school sweetheart up and moved to Indonesia—alone—just two weeks before their wedding. Her mother thinks it's time for Haley to move on and contracts Sam to work on Haley's wreck of a house—and anything else, if he's got the notion. 

Sparks fly and passion ignites. But Haley isn't into Sam's love-em-and-leave-em act. She wants something more. Fixing a house is one thing, but for this handyman, building a relationship will need a whole different set of skills. 

Review:
After Haley's fiancee moves to Indonesia before their wedding, Haley's mother thinks she needs a pick-me-up. So she calls Sam Haney, a sexy handyman that also sleeps with his female clients. Haley has no idea who Sam is, so she's more than surprised when he makes a move. Sam is embarrassed that he mistook business for chemistry, and now that Haley questions his work ethic, he needs to show her that he really is one of the best handymen in the Twin Cities. But working with each other in a strictly platonic manner is hard, especially when sparks are flying.

I really liked the idea of this one. I knew from the summary that it wouldn't be an intense or even emotional romance, but a fun read. And although I didn't expect much, I was more than a little disappointed in this one. First of all, I felt the writing wasn't well edited and the writing didn't flow well, which constantly took me out of the story. It was also hard to like Sam as a character, since he was something of a man-whore, who didn't seem to take his job seriously. And although he tried to prove that he could do his job, it was hard to root for him because of his lack of morals, and I continued to question whether he could be faithful to Haley.

Overall, I wouldn't recommend What You Do To Me.

Rating: 

The Rogue's Wager by Christi Caldwell
Publication Date: October 25, 2016
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Netgalley (in exchange for an honest review)


Summary (from Amazon):
Lord Robert Dennington, the Marquess of Westfield, has long reveled in the freedom afforded him as the ducal heir. He knows he must someday do right by the Somerset line, but he's in no hurry to give up his carefree existence.

Helena Banbury is a bookkeeper in a gentleman's gambling club, adept at analyzing numbers and accounts but helpless for lack of influence. She's never belonged among the nobility on the gaming hell floors, but neither does she feel completely herself among the men who run the Hell and Sin Club, despite the fact that they are family. The once-illiterate girl from the streets wants more than the gilded walls her protective cage can offer.

When Robert mistakenly enters her chambers one night, Helena is forced out of her predictable life and thrust into the glittering world of Society. Will the charms of the marquess prove more perilous than any danger she ever knew on the streets?

Review:
Robert's family is running out of money, so his father demands he marry an heiress. And while he's never had trouble falling for women, he wants to get married on his own time. A trip to a gentleman's gambling club turns into more than he bargained for when he ends up in Helena's bedroom passed out drunk. Helena's family owns the gaming hell and she's in charge of the accounts. One night she finds Robert stumbling around her hallway and before her protective brother finds out, she helps hide him. But by morning both are aching for each other and a kiss turns into something more. Will Robert lose his heart to yet another woman or will he be forced to marry another?

To be honest, The Rogue's Wager was very hard for me to get into. I started and stopped it twice before finally sitting down and forcing myself to read the first chapter. After the first few pages, I began to enjoy the story more, but I still wasn't fully on board, mainly because I didn't like or connect to Robert. He's loved many women before Helena, and I know it's a personal preference but I like to read about heroes that haven't found love before. With Robert it felt like he would fall in love with anyone, so Helena didn't seem special, which took away from their relationship. Helena, on the other hand, was a wonderful character. I loved that she was smart and stood up for herself. I also enjoyed reading about her working in a gaming hell, since the plot was unique and exciting.

Overal, The Rogue's Wager wasn't my favorite. The story didn't suck me in and I couldn't connect to the hero.

Rating: 

Baron by Joanna Shupe
Publication Date: October 25, 2016
Publisher: Zebra
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Author (in exchange for an honest review)


Summary (from Amazon):
New York City's Gilded Age shines as bright as the power-wielding men of the Knickerbocker Club. And one pragmatic industrialist is about to learn that a man may make his own destiny, but love is a matter of fortune...

Born into one of New York's most respected families, William Sloane is a railroad baron who has all the right friends in all the right places. But no matter how much success he achieves, he always wants more. Having secured his place atop the city's highest echelons of society, he's now setting his sights on a political run. Nothing can distract him from his next pursuit—except, perhaps, the enchanting con artist he never saw coming.

Ava Jones has eked out a living the only way she knows how. As "Madam Zolikoff," she hoodwinks gullible audiences into believing she can communicate with the spirit world. But her carefully crafted persona is nearly destroyed when Will Sloane walks into her life—and lays bare her latest scheme. The charlatan is certain she can seduce the handsome millionaire into keeping her secret and using her skills for his campaign—unless he's the one who's already put a spell on her...

Review:
Ava's responsible for taking care of her three siblings but even though all of them work they're barely able to make enough money to stay afloat. One of her brothers is sick while the other wants to join a gang and steal money to help support them, which adds even more stress. Ava just needs a few more months, though, until she can move them to the country, where she hopes to give them a better life. But Ava doesn't expect William Sloane to disrupt her plans. William will do whatever it takes to get rid of Ava so his political partner doesn't rely on her for answers. But Ava won't give up her job, even when Will threatens to discredit her as a medium. As they spend more time together, they realize they have a connection that neither one of them expected—when they're apart they can't stop thinking of each other and when they're together they can't keep their hands to themselves. Even though they're from two separate worlds, will they be able to make a relationship work?

I've read other novels by Joanna Shupe and Baron is by far my favorite because the writing is great and the characters are perfect together. I liked the class difference between Ava and Will, and I appreciated that Ava understood that they likely could never get married and she didn't try to convince Will otherwise. Ava was my favorite part of the story because she was real and gritty and most readers will be able to connect to her. It was fun reading about her medium career and how she performed for her audiences, and it was easy to root for her from the beginning of the story because she would do anything for her siblings. Will, on the other hand, was at times likable but there were times where he wasn't likable, specifically in the way he tried to ruin Ava's career and did whatever he could to have a sexual relationship with her. But even that didn't stop me from liking Will because those aspects made him realistic and swoon worthy. He has all the elements that make up a great hero in a historical romance novel, and although he was stuck in his ways, I liked watching him grow as a character.

Overall, I would definitely recommend Baron.

Rating: 

The Governess Was Wicked by Julia Kelly
Publication Date: September 12, 2016
Publisher: Pocket Star
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
This delightfully charming and saucy Regency era romance is first in the Governess series in which three best friends are employed as governesses for different families, and all find themselves wanting something they can't have.

Elizabeth Porter is quite happy with her position as the governess for two sneaky-yet-sweet girls when she notices that they have a penchant for falling ill and needing the doctor. As the visits from the dashing and handsome Doctor Edward Fellows become more frequent, Elizabeth quickly sees through the lovesick girls' ruse. Yet even Elizabeth can't help but notice Edward's bewitching bedside manner even as she tries to convince herself that someone of her station would not make a suitable wife for a doctor. But one little kiss won't hurt...

Review:
Elizabeth is a governess for two young girls and when they continually get sick, she begins to suspect they're pretending so they can see the handsome doctor. Elizabeth doesn't fault them, though, because she can't help but like being in his presence as well, especially because he makes her feel special. And even though Elizabeth is attracted to Edward, and vice versa, she knows their relationship can't go beyond a kiss because she can't risk her job and she knows she can never be the wife of a doctor. Will Elizabeth be able to give into her desires without risking her reputation or her heart?

There are many historical romance novels with governess heroines, but Julia Kelly managed to weave a unique story with a doctor hero, instead of the typical titled lord. Edward was also very kind and didn't believe that he was above Elizabeth, even though she was a governess, which is something I liked about him. I also liked Elizabeth and Edward together. Their romance was sweet and heartwarming, even if it was predictable. And Elizabeth was a great heroine because she was serious about her position and loved the children she took care of, but because of that, the story fell apart a little bit for me. I couldn't help becoming frustrated that Elizabeth risked her job to kiss Edward, especially because Elizabeth and Edward would kiss in hallways and open rooms where anyone could easily walk in on them. I also thought the plot was lacking since the author focused so much on the romance.

Overall, I enjoyed The Governess Was Wicked and recommend it to anyone looking for a historical romance novel featuring a sweet relationship between a governess and a doctor.

Rating: 

On His Watch by Katie Ruggle
Publication Date: January 5, 2016
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
In the remote Rocky Mountains, lives depend on the Search & Rescue brotherhood. But in a place this far off the map, trust is hard to come by and secrets can be murder...

Ice rescue diver Derek Warner never meant to be a hero. But when two little girls go missing, he's the first in line to bring them home—even if that means scouring the wilderness with the woman he once loved and lost, Artemis Rey.

Artemis has never stopped wanting Derek. Now, racing to find the girls before it's too late, minutes turn to hours. Night falls. Old flames rekindle. And a danger grows in the darkest wilderness that may be more than even the Search and Rescue brotherhood can hope to face...

Review:
When two girls run away after they dare a boy to jump in the freezing water, Artemis, the children's teacher, knows she has to find them before it's too late, even if it means working with Derek, her ex-boyfriend, who she still has feelings for. Artemis and Derek dated years earlier but they broke up because Derek didn't think he was good enough for Artemis, even though he never stopped loving her. While they work together to find the two missing girls, will they give into their desires or is it too late to pick up where they left off?

On His Watch is a novella that is part of Katie Ruggle's Search and Rescue series. The novella is only 100 pages long, but I thought the author did a good job of creating an interesting plot while also developing the relationship between Artemis and Derek. I usually don't like novellas because they usually seem too short and the story doesn't seem fleshed out enough, but I enjoyed On His Watch. I liked that the relationship between Derek and Artemis was a second-chance romance, because it helped to create a more realistic romance since the relationship progressed quickly in the story. But while I enjoyed the story and the romance, it wasn't one of my favorites and I don't think it's unique enough to stand out from other novellas or novels.

Overall, I recommend On His Watch to fans of Katie Ruggle or readers looking for a novella featuring a search and rescue team and a second-chance romance.

Rating: 

Alliance by K. de Long and Rebecca Hamilton
Publication Date: October 11, 2016
Publisher: Self Published
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
With the prospect of war on the horizon, two rival packs must come together to solidify an uneasy truce. Tessa LaCroix, alpha mistress of the Kumori pack, is too fiery and competent to be passed around like some decoration. So when her father sends her to the Nefari pack to become their alpha leader's mate, she's furious. More aggravating, Marrock is the worst kind of alpha: proud and unmoving, more animal than man. But her own feelings betray her as she comes to know the man beneath the beast and realizes the animal in her wants the animal in him.

Liam Marrock was perfectly happy running his pack without a strong huntress defying him at every turn. However, the prospect of a ceasefire with the Kumori is too alluring to pass up. Unfortunately, it's not half as alluring as the headstrong spitfire now sharing his home, all the while cursing his name. But Tessa soon proves she's more trouble than she's worth, when her strong-willed attitude causes his pack mates to test his authority. As tensions escalate and the truth is tested, Tessa's quest for independence may cost him his life. 

Review:
Tessa, the alpha female of the Kumori pack, is pushed into a mating of convenience to Liam, alpha of a rival pack, in order to create a truce. Although neither wants the mating, they go along with it because it's what's best for their packs. Tessa doesn't go lightly, though, and puts up a fight at every turn. She doesn't want to be mated to Liam, and she hates that she has to uproot her life and move to a strange house. But as they spend more time together, it gets harder to not consummate their mating. Will they be able to turn a mating of convenience into something more or will their differences get in the way.

This was a typical paranormal romance where the hero and heroine were pushed to mate. There's nothing very unique about the story and at times the heroine and hero were unlikable, but it was still an enjoyable read. Tessa was the character I had the most problems with, mainly because she acted immature for being the supposed alpha female. She made bad decisions because she was bitter about being forced to mate with Liam, and it showed that she didn't really care about doing what was best for her or Liam's pack. She was also often cranky and bitchy to Liam. It also bothered me that most of the time Liam and Tessa found excuses to keep away from each other. They constantly used misunderstandings and their pack politics to prevent them from realizing their feelings for each other, which was frustrating.

Overall, Alliance was a fun paranormal romance but I won't be rereading it anytime soon.

Rating: 

Only You by Denise Grover Swank
Publication Date: June 14, 2016
Publisher: Forever
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Goodreads Giveaway


Summary (from Amazon):
Romance isn't an option for Holly Greenwood. With her wedding planner career on the line she needs to stay focused, and that means pleasing her demanding boss, and not getting distracted by her mind-alteringly hot neighbor...

Ex-Marine Kevin Vandemeer craves normalcy. Instead he has a broken-down old house in need of a match and some gasoline, a meddling family, and the uncanny ability to attract the world's craziest women. At least that last one he can fix: he and his buddies have made a pact to swear off women, and this includes his sweetly sexy new neighbor.

After one hot night that looks a whole lot like a disaster in the light of day, Kevin and Holly are about to learn that true love doesn't play by the rules...

Review:
Holly's instantly attracted to Kevin, who moves into the run-down fixer upper next door. And even though she's awkward during their first meeting, Kevin seems to be interested. They end up having mind blowing sex, but the morning after Kevin runs because he's afraid Holly is like his previous crazy ex-girlfriends. When Holly discovers Kevin is her boss's son, she knows they can never have a relationship because it would jeopardize her job. Can Kevin put aside his fears and give Holly a chance, and can Holly forgive Kevin for running and put her job on the line for love?

This is one of those books that took me a little longer to get into. I'm not sure if it was because of the writing or the story started out slowly, but either way after the first few chapters I began to really enjoy it. Holly was endearingly clumsy and awkward, evident in Holly and Kevin's first meeting, and the love scenes were well written. The one problem I had with the story was Kevin because he made assumptions about Holly after they had sex and it bothered me that he wasn't able to think logically or give Holly the benefit of the doubt. Yes, Kevin dated many crazy women, but that doesn't give him the right to lump Holly into that group before getting to know her. I also thought the relationship progressed too quickly. Right after they sleep together, when they haven't even known each other for more than a few weeks, Kevin looks at Holly and thinks she's the person he wants to be with for the rest of his life, which I found unrealistic and hypocritical.

Overall, I enjoyed Only You but I had problems with the hero and the relationship progressing too fast.

Rating: 

License to Shift by Kathy Lyons
Publication Date: October 4, 2016
Publisher: Forever Yours
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
Julie Simon returns to Saginaw, Michigan, to find her ailing father's missing research on local shapeshifter lore. Unlucky for her, the only person who can help her is the darkly sexy Mark Robertson, the guy who spent and entire summer giving her the cold shoulder—and one white-hot night of pleasure...

Mark is a hair's breadth away from going feral. Soon, his grizzly side will destroy everything that makes him a man. And after years of fighting, Mark is ready to give in to the beast. Then Julie—the gorgeous, curvy book nerd who awakened his most primal desires as a young man—shows up at his door. Now, he's fighting an insatiable longing to claim her as his mate. But Julie isn't the only one after her father's research. Someone—or something—evil is tracking Julie's every move...

Review:
When Julie was younger she spent a summer with her father and all she wanted was to make friends with the other teenagers in town, but Mark constantly pushed her away. Mark was always attracted to Julie but he needed to make sure she didn't find out that he and his friends were bear shifters. One night, though, Mark gave into his desires, but those desires got the best of him and he ran away before Julie could see him shift. Julie doesn't end up seeing Mark again until years later when she shows up on Mark's doorstep to get her father's research. But as soon as they see each other again, their desires come rushing back. Mark has a condition, though, that will eventually make him go feral and he will completely lose his manhood. He has accepted an early death, but Julie refuses to believe there's nothing they can do to help. Then Julie and Mark discover that someone stole her father's research and that they might be in more danger than they expected. Will they be able to save the shifters and Mark before they run out of time?

I've never read a bear shifter novel before because although I love paranormal romance, I tend to gravitate towards wolf shifters. Therefore, I didn't exactly know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised that I liked the bear shifter aspect, because similar to wolf shifters, the bear shifters were larger and more masculine. I also enjoyed reading about the specific aspects that make bear shifters unique—such as loving honey and hibernation. One of the best parts of the novel was Julie and Mark's relationship. It was a second chance romance which is one of my favorite tropes and something I thought the author wrote well. But the plot was where it fell flat for me. I just couldn't get into the story and I thought the plot was weak and forced at some points in the novel—such as when Julie went to Mark's house to get her father's research. It felt like the author just used that part of the story to push the two characters together and I didn't feel like it worked.

Overall, I enjoyed License to Shift but I won't be rereading it anytime soon.

Rating: 

My Brown-Eyed Earl by Anna Bennett

Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare
Publication Date: September 27, 2016
Publisher: Avon
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
On the night of the Parkhurst ball, someone had a scandalous tryst in the library. Was it Lord Canby, with the maid, on the divan? Or Miss Fairchild, with a rake against the wall? Perhaps the butler did it.

All Charlotte Highroad knows is this: it wasn't her. But rumors to the contrary are buzzing. Unless she can discover the lovers' true identity, she'll be forced to marry Piers Brandon, Lord Granville—the coldest, most arrogantly handsome gentleman she's ever had the misfortune to embrace. When it comes to emotion, the man hasn't got a clue.

But as they set about finding the mystery lovers, Piers reveals a few secrets of his own. The oh-so-proper marquess can pick locks, land punches, tease with sly wit...and melt a woman's knees with a single kiss. The only thing he guards more fiercely than Charlotte's safety is the truth about his dark past. 

Their passion is intense. The danger is real. Soon Charlotte's feeling torn. Will she risk all to prove her innocence? Or surrender it to a man who's sworn to never love?

Review:
When Charlotte attends a house party with her mother, she knows her mother will do whatever she can to get Charlotte engaged to a titled and rich man. So Charlotte meets Piers, Lord Granville, in the library to assure him that marriage is the last thing on her mind, especially to someone so cold and distant. But while they're having this conversation, a couple walks into the room and Piers drags Charlotte behind a curtain to stay hidden so they won't be caught alone. They wait until the couple is done making love on the sofa a few feet away before they can escape, but unfortunately Charlotte's mother discovers them. Piers doesn't want anyone to find out that he's actually a spy and he was in the library to find out information for a mission, so he does the only thing he can—he proposes marriage. Charlotte believes in love, though, and will do anything she can so they aren't forced to marry. She tries to find the real couple that was in the library while they were behind the curtain, but as she does a little spying herself she begins to develop real feelings for Piers. Can Piers open his heart to Charlotte before time runs out and can Charlotte figure out the mystery before she falls in love?

If you're familiar with Tessa Dare, then you know that Charlotte is the sister of Minerva and Diana from the Spindle Cove series, but Do You Want to Start a Scandal isn't set in spindle cover. I was very pleasantly surprised by Do You Want to Start a Scandal and it is now my absolute favorite Tessa Dare novel of all time. Charlotte was so precious. She's was so cute and humorous in the way she rambled and I loved her positive outlook on love. Piers on the other hand was a perfect hero—mysterious, distant and oh so sexy. The two of them together was explosive. From the first page I felt their chemistry and I laughed out loud at so many of the shenanigans these characters got into, including the scene where Piers and Charlotte hid behind the curtain while a couple makes love a few feet away. The writing was also phenomenal. I've always loved Tessa Dare but this one is a step above her other novels—it flowed so well and the writing was outstanding.

I definitely recommend Do You Want to Start a Scandal to anyone looking for a well written and fun historical romance.

Rating:

Good Earls Don't Lie by Michelle Willingham
Publication Date: September 27, 2016
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Netgalley (in exchange for an honest review)


Summary (from Amazon):
Lady Rose Thornton never expected to find a half-naked man in her garden. The handsome Irishman claims to be the Earl of Ashton, but was Iain Donovan truly robbed by thieves? Or is he merely an impoverished stranger lying to her?

After losing everything in the potato famine, Iain is searching for a wife whose dowry will save his estate. The beautiful and charming Lady Rose, unable to walk because of an illness that stole her strength, agrees to help him find a wife, but only if he will help her learn to take her first steps.

As their friendship takes root and blossoms into something more, secrets about Iain's birthright threaten the growing feelings between them. He has no right to love a woman like Rose, who deserves a better life than he can give her. Rose believes that there is more to Iain than a broken past, and she brings light to his shadows.

Within the walls of a secret garden, sometimes miracles happen...

Review:
After losing her ability to walk after eating bad potatoes, Rose tries to regain her strength so she can walk on her own again. But while attempting to do so in the garden, she comes across a half-naked man. Iain lost his clothes and horse to thieves, which isn't a good start to his time in England. He, as the new Earl of Ashton, came to England looking for a rich bride in order to save his estate and those who depend on it, and Rose agrees to help after hearing his predicament. But as they spend more time together, their friendship turns into something more, but can they give into their desires or is it better to go separate ways?

I really liked the idea of Rose not being able to walk, because it was interesting seeing her try to overcome her disability. I also liked that Rose and Iain began as friends and it took some time to develop romantic feelings toward each other. But I think that's where the book fell flat for me, because I didn't feel the chemistry between Rose and Iain, which was disappointing. Therefore, it was hard to root for the couple since I couldn't see them together in a romantic sense. The characters also made too many excuses as to why they couldn't be together, which was a little frustrating. I thought they could have easily sorted out their differences instead of yearning for each other from afar.

Overall, although Good Earls Don't Lie was well written, I was disappointed by the lack of chemistry between Rose and Iain.

Rating: 

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Publication Date: August 9, 2016
Publisher: HarperCollins
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman hate each other. Not dislike. Not begrudgingly tolerate. Hate. And they have no problem displaying their feelings through a series of ritualistic passive aggressive maneuvers as they sit across from each other, executive assistants to co-CEOs of a publishing company. Lucy can't understand Joshua's joyless, uptight, meticulous approach to his job. Joshua is clearly baffled by Lucy's overly bright clothes, quirkiness, and Pollyanna attitude.

Now up for the same promotion, their battle of wills has come to a head and Lucy refuses to back down when their latest game could cost her dream job...But the tension between Lucy and Joshua has also reached its boiling point, and Lucy is discovering that maybe she doesn't hate Joshua. And maybe, he doesn't hate her either. Or maybe this is just another game.

Review:
On Lucy's first day in the office Joshua refuses to smile at her which begins a rivalry. From the beginning they can't stand each other with their constant bickering and harassment. And now that they're up for the same promotion, their rivalry is kicked up a notch. Lucy can't let Joshua win the promotion because it's her dream job at the publishing company she loves working for. But one day in an elevator changes everything and they begin to rethink their feelings for each other. Lucy is beginning to see Joshua in a new light, a light that might mess up her chances at a promotion if she keeps thinking about Josh in a romantic way. Can their hating game turn into something else...like love?

I absolutely adored this book. From the first page the author caught my attention with her witty writing and interesting characters. Lucy is a great character. She's witty, charming, quirky and very relatable with her clumsiness and mistakes. And Joshua is the perfect hero. He's masculine, hot, and is very serious and determined. Their relationship together was so perfect and I loved every second of it. I love reading a novel that features a love/hate (enemies to lovers) romance, so The Hating Game was right up my alley. I could feel the sparks from the first page and it was interesting to watch Lucy try and sort out her feelings for Josh vice versa. It was romantic. It was funny. It was perfect.

I would definitely recommend The Hating Game to anyone looking for a witty well-written novel with a love/hate relationship.

Rating:

A Certain Wolfish Charm by Lydia Dare
Publication Date: March 6, 2010
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
He gets crankier as the moon gets full...

The rules of Society can be beastly—especially when you're a werewolf and it's that irritating time of the month. Simon Westfield, the Duke of Blackmoor, is rich, powerful, and sinfully handsome, and has spent his entire life creating scandal and mayhem. It doesn't help his wolfish temper at all that Miss Lily Rutledge seems not the least bit afraid of him, and in fact, may be as untamable as he is...

A woman whose charm is stronger than the moon...

When Lily's beloved nephew's behavior becomes inexplicably wild, she turns to Simon, the boy's cousin and guardian, for help. But Simon's idea of assistant is far different than hers, and Lily finds herself ensconced in his house and engaged to the rogue. 

They both may have bitten off more than they can chew when each begins to discover the other's darkest secrets...

Review:
When Lily's nephew begins acting odd, such as eating large amounts of food and being very irritable, Lily turns to Simon, the Duke of Blackmoor, for help. He is after all Oliver's guardian and sending money isn't enough. Lily wants answers. Unfortunately Simon can't give Lily answers because she would run the other way if she knew he turned into a wolf during the full moon and that Oliver's beginning to change as well. But Simon can't resist her, even knowing that he should stay far away because he could easily lose control. Will Simon be able to open up to Lily and tell her the truth and will Lily be able to accept Simon for everything he is?

A Certain Wolfish Charm and the following books in the series are historical romance novels but with werewolves. It's amazing how Lydia Dare weaved the story to make it so believable and combined my favorite elements from historical romance (time period and relationships) and paranormal romance (werewolves and mates) into a wonderfully fun to read novel. Lily is a great character because she cares so much for her nephew and will do anything to help him. I also liked that Simon was rude and standoffish at the beginning of the story but slowly came out of his comfort zone by the end of the novel. I also liked Lily and Simon together. I instantly felt the connection between them and loved watching their relationship expand.

Overall, I would recommend A Certain Wolfish Charm to anyone looking for a historical romance with werewolves.

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Dragon's Lair by Chantal Fernando
Publication Date: October 30, 2014
Publisher: Gallery Books
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
The first in a new sexy romance series from bestselling author Chantal Fernando about the bad boys of the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club and the women who fall in love with them.

When I found my boyfriend cheating on me, I did something stupid.

Or should I say, someone?

Because of that mistake, I'm now stuck in a world I don't belong in.

I'm a law student. They're criminals. He's the vice president of a motorcycle club. I'm a good girl with a strict upbringing. He's my ex-boyfriend's brother.

And I'm screwed.

Review:
When Faye walks in on her boyfriend having sex, she's devastated. So devastated that she goes to a bar by herself and ends up having mind blowing sex with Dex. Not only has Faye had a crush on Dex since she was a young girl, but he's also her ex-boyfriend's brother, and not to mention the vice president of a dangerous motorcycle club. Faye doesn't think one night with Dex can hurt, but she's wrong when the condom breaks and she ends up pregnant. Her parents kick her out and now her future as a lawyer seems unreachable. But when Dex shows up, angry that Faye didn't tell him about the baby, she's surprised that he wants to remain part of her life. He brings her back to his motorcycle club house, where she'll live for the next several months. And while at first Faye is nervous about living with a bunch of men who live for partying and sex, after getting to know them, she realizes they're not so bad after all. It tears Faye up, though, to see Dex with all the women he's slept with in the past, even though she knows she doesn't have a right to be jealous because they're not exactly dating. But spending time with Dex makes Faye realize that she wants something more—a family. But will Dex be able to put his fast lifestyle behind him and focus on the best thing that's ever happened to him?

This was the first novel I read by Chantal Fernando, and it definitely won't be my last. Dragon's Lair features a relationship between a good girl, Faye, and a bad boy, Dex. What I really appreciated about the book was that the author didn't make the story all about the happily-ever-after but instead added grit and realness that made the characters relatable and the story much more realistic. I also loved both Faye and Dex. I liked the fact that Faye stood up to Dex and the other men in the clubhouse, even though she obviously wouldn't have been able to physically defend herself. And I also appreciated her humor, which Chantal Fernando wrote perfectly into the story, and which I found myself laughing out loud several times. Dex was also likable even though he kept making mistakes. He never cheated on Faye, which would have been unredeemable to me, and always tried to make it up to Faye. Although he was rough on the outside and inside, there was still a caring side to him. I also loved all of the secondary characters, which Chantal Fernando did a great job of developing for future stories.

Overall, I couldn't put Dragon's Lair down and recommend it to anyone looking for a contemporary romance featuring a motorcycle club, pregnancy, and a good girl/bad boy relationship.

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Furious Rush by S. C. Stephens
Publication Date: August 23, 2016
Publisher: Forever
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
Mackenzie Cox has a lot to prove. Daughter of a racing legend, she is eager to show the world that she has inherited her father's talent in the male-dominated sport of professional motorcycle racing. The last thing Kenzie needs is to be antagonized by her rival team's newest rider, Hayden Hayes. Plucked from the world of illegal street racing, Hayden immediately gets under Kenzie's skin. HIs insinuations that Kenzie is a spoiled princess who has handed her career rules her desire to win, and much to her surprise, Kenzie soon learns she performs better when she's racing against Hayden.

As Kenzie and Hayden push each other on the track, the electric energy between them off the track shifts into an intense—and strictly forbidden—attraction. The only rule between their two ultra-competitive teams is zero contact. Kenzie always does her best to play by the rules, but when her team slips into a financial crisis, she has no choice but to turn to Hayden for help. The tension simmers during their secret, late-night rendezvous, but Kenzie has too much to lose to give in to her desires. Especially when she begins to doubt that Hayden has completely left his street life behind...

Review:
When Kenzie attends an illegal street race she meets Hayden Hayes, who everyone considers to be unbeatable. She's even more surprised to find him training for her family's rival team, but she gives him a chance because he says he's done with street racing. But can Kenzie trust him, especially after things begin to go wrong on the track, including bike accidents that seem planned? Kenzie has enough to worry about because her father's depending on her to win so their family's racing company can succeed. But when they begin to struggle financially, Kenzie turns to Hayden even though she knows nothing good can come from them two of them working together, and not to to mention the sexual connection they have that makes it hard not to jump each other whenever they're together.

As someone who isn't familiar with motorcycle racing, I appreciated the author's detail about the sport so I never felt confused. I also liked that Kenzie was trying to defy the odds because she's a female rider in a predominately male sport. But at times Kenzie's character came across as a little bitchy, because of her constant need to defend herself, which is one aspect I didn't like about her character. Hayden was a very sexy hero with typical bad boy traits. I also liked that he was trying to better his life by getting away from illegal street racing because it showed a caring side of him. I rooted for this couple from the beginning but I have to admit that it was very frustrating that their first kiss kept getting pushed off. There was at least three times in the story that they were about to kiss but got interrupted, which at first added tension but after it happened multiple times it just created frustration.

Overall, I would definitely recommend Furious Rush by S. C. Stephens to anyone looking for a bad-boy hero, a sports romance, or a love-hate relationship.

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The Double Wager by Mary Balogh
Publication Date: Digital Reissue Published August 23, 2016 (originally published in 1985)
Publisher: Signet
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
The Double Wager is the digital reissue of a perviously published and long out-of-print novel by New York Times Bestselling author Mary Balogh.

Henrietta Tallan has always preferred the company of her brother and his rough-and-tumble friends to that of other ladies. She rebels at the prospect of making her debut into London society and the great marriage mart. However, when her brother's friends challenge her to entice the toplofty, unattainable Duke of Eversleigh into offering her marriage within six weeks, she recklessly accepts and wagers her beloved horse.

The Duke of Eversleigh, who has always adamantly proclaimed his determination never to marry, is beginning to feel the pull of duty and the need to produce an heir. His friends do not believe he will give in so easily, however, and wager with him that he will not make a marriage offer within a month.

When Henrietta deliberately collides with the duke in a London ballroom, then, each is intent upon winning a wager—without any thought to what will happen after it is won.

Review:
When Marius, the Duke of Eversleigh, declares he wants to get married in order to beget heirs, his friends are in disbelief, so they wager he won't make an offer of marriage before the end of the month. Henry (Henrietta) is at the other end of a bargain, where she wagers her horse against getting the Duke of Eversleigh to offer her marriage. She "accidentally" bumps into him at a ball to get to know him, and Marius is enchanted with Henry from the beginning because she can humor him while no one else can. Henry also finds Marius attractive, but her inexperience makes her wary of any romantic activities. Will two wagers turn into love or will their differences be too difficult to overcome?

The Double Wager was originally written and published in 1985 and is now out of print. They recently brought back the book in a digital reissue so fans of Mary Balogh could read her earlier works. And while I am a fan of Mary Balogh, I wasn't a fan of this book. The characters and plot seemed outdated and the quality of Balogh's writing in this one doesn't compare to her newer works. I also didn't feel like the writing was as polished or as smooth as I expect in a historical romance, and I had some serious problems with the characters. Henry's a tomboy, but I would have liked to see more spunk, and Marius was a little too bland for my liking.

Overall, I wouldn't recommend The Double Wager unless you're a fan of Mary Balogh and want to read her earlier works.

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