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: 

Here are this week's new releases:

HISTORICAL ROMANCE:
Tuesday - October 25, 2016
1.) The Rogue's Wager by Christi Caldwell
Summary (from Amazon):

2.) The Virtues of Christmas by Grace Burrowes
Summary (from Amazon):
A duet of Regency holiday novellas set at the time of year when toes might be cold, but hearts are warm, and true love earns a helping hand from some well-placed mistletoe. 

Respect for Christmas features Henrietta Whitlow, who’s leaving behind the life of a very successful courtesan in hopes of making peace with her family in the shires. Michael Brenner’s family all but ignore him, despite his shiny new baronial title, and his errand along the Oxford road isn’t half so benign as Henrietta’s. While trying to settle a debt of honor involving Henrietta, Michael instead loses his heart, gains a friend, and learns an important holiday lesson. 

Patience for Christmas is the story of advice columnist Patience Friendly, whose relationship with her stubborn, over-bearing, publisher, Dougal MacHugh, is anything but cordial. Dougal challenges Patience to take on a rival columnist in a holiday advice-a-thon, and sparks fly clear up to the mistletoe hanging from every rafter. Will Patience follow the practical guidance of her head, or the passionate advice of her heart?

3.) The Earl by Katharine Ashe
Summary (from Amazon):

4.) While the Duke Was Sleeping by Sophie Jordan
Summary (from Amazon):

5.) Baron by Joanna Shupe
Summary (from Amazon):
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 . . .

6.) A Date at the Altar by Cathy Maxwell
Summary (from Amazon):
And he, in turn, has a few things to teach her about men  . . .



CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE:
Tuesday - October 25, 2016
1.) Heated Pursuit by April Hunt
Summary (from Amazon):
Penny Kline didn't come to Honduras on a pleasure trip. She's here to rescue her kidnapped niece, the only family she's got left. What she didn't plan on was walking into a covert ops mission---or being wrapped up in the hard-muscled arms of Rafe Ortega. The cool-as-ice operative's touch may get her all hot and bothered, but no man can have a hold on her heart until her niece is home where she belongs.

Even in the tropics, Alpha Security operative Rafe can take down the bad guys without breaking a sweat. Hostage extractions. Clandestine missions. Those are the things he's been trained to handle. Relationships? Not so much. But one look at this strong, sexy redhead and he's seized by a fierce urge to protect her at all costs. Now Penny and Rafe will have to up their game because they're about to go into a master criminal's lair without backup, and the danger---and passion---is about to explode . . .

2.) Mistletoe Cottage by Debbie Mason
Summary (from Amazon):
Sophie DiRossi loved growing up in Harmony Harbor. But after fleeing in disgrace many years ago, it is the last place she wants to be. Left homeless by a fire, she's forced to go back to the small coastal town that harbors a million secrets, including her own. Sophie sees this secret reflected every day in her daughter's blue eyes-and she must keep it hidden from the only man she has ever loved.

Sophie's return is a shock for everyone . . . especially Liam Gallagher. The firefighter had some serious feelings for Sophie-and seeing her again sparks a desire so fierce it takes his breath away. Now Liam will do whatever it takes to show Sophie that they deserve a second chance at love, even if everything they've concealed threatens to keep them apart. In this special town at this special time of the year, Sophie and Liam can only hope for a little holiday magic...

3.) The Billionaire Next Door by Jessica Lemmon
Summary (from Amazon):
It's Tag Crane's job to be the life of the party. Traveling from one exotic locale to another is just part of running the luxurious Crane Hotel empire. But even paradise isn't perfect. Devising a new business strategy is keeping Tag up at night-and so is the Great Dane barking at all hours in the apartment below his. To muzzle the problem, Tag charges downstairs . . . right into the most beautiful, blond distraction he's ever seen.

Dog-sitting by day, bartending by night. It's not exactly the life Rachel Foster dreamed of. But when Tag Crane rushes in, all mountain-man shoulders and obscenely sexy smile, needing her help for the Crane Hotels, it's a fantasy come true. What's the harm in a fun no-strings fling? Only a fool would give her heart to a billionaire player like Tag-until suddenly the one man who can't be caught is the one flirting with forever . . . 

4.) A Wedding for Christmas by Lori Wilde
Summary (from Amazon):

5.) Kept by Maya Banks
Summary (from Amazon):
A horrific childhood has made Silas the man he is today: dangerous, distrustful and demanding. He’s lived in self-imposed solitude, convinced that no woman could ever accept his need for absolute control—in business and pleasure. That is, until a young violinist walks into one of his buildings and into his life.
 
Hayley has been struggling to fulfill her father’s dying wish: for her to attend a prestigious music school in New York City. But even working multiple jobs, she can’t afford the tiniest of apartments. Seeing her hopeless and near tears, Silas vows to help and protect her, no matter the cost to himself. But when Hayley meets his every demand with unwavering acceptance and love, he is overwhelmed by her goodness and gentle spirit. He knows that the dark stain on his soul can never be erased—and rather than risk destroying the most beautiful person he's ever experienced, he'll have to do the hardest thing he's ever had to do. Let her go. But he's totally unprepared for the lengths to which Hayley will go to fight for his love and for a future brighter than the sun...

6.) Christmas in Destiny by Toni Blake
Summary (from Amazon):
7.) The Most Wonderful Time by Fern Michaels, Stacy Finz, Sarah Title, and Shirlee McCoy
Summary (from Amazon):
“Christmas Passed” by Fern Michaels
Three years after her husband’s death, Brandy Heyers still finds that celebrating the holidays without him is anything but jolly. Then handsome widower Ryan Rogers shows her that moving on is possible, and her frozen heart begins to melt…  
 
“A Glory Junction Christmas” by Stacy Finz
When Hannah Baldwin hears her ex is getting remarried, she’s ready to give up on Christmas, not to mention love. But the best gifts come in unexpected packages, and old friend Josh Garner is just the man to convince her that the coming New Year is going to be the happiest yet…  
 
 “Moonshine and Mistletoe” by Sarah Title
A holiday fling is all Emma Fallader expects when she meets gorgeous fiddler Abe Tate at her friend’s wedding—but after just days together, it isn’t all she wants. Can the spirit of the season work its special magic for two people separated by more than miles?    
 
“An Apple Valley Christmas” by Shirlee McCoy
Now that her beloved dad is gone, Emma Baily is facing the holidays alone—until her ex, Jack McAllister, shows up to help her close her father’s estate. After four years apart, only the magic of Christmas will show Emma that joy is a gift meant to be shared…



PARANORMAL ROMANCE:
Monday - October 24, 2016
1.) The Hunt by Harper A. Brooks
Summary (from Amazon):


2.) Children of the Veil by Colleen Halverson

Summary (from Amazon):

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: