Review: Shear Heaven by Katy Regnery

Shear Heaven by Katy Regnery

~a Modern Fairytale novella~

August 22, 2017

~Find on the Royally Mine anthology~

In this "Rapunzel" retelling, Bella Capelli, a hair stylist who works on the 32nd floor of the New York Metro Tower Hotel, meets His Serene Highness Prince Nico De'Medici, in town for the wedding of his twin sister, Valentina. Though the two come from vastly different worlds, and Nico is promised to another, the handsome prince can't seem to stay away from sweet Bella. After a whirlwind week of romance, will they manage to find their happily-ever-after?

SHEAR HEAVEN is a 30,000 word standalone novella based on "Rapunzel." Intended for readers 18+ due to scenes of graphic intimacy.

'Shear Heaven' was such a treat! This is a sweet novella that packs a heartfelt punch. I loved this creative twist on the story of Rapunzel. Bella is this lovely girl, inside and out, "trapped" in a tower, and Nico is this dashing prince, trapped in his life as well. When these two meet, the chemistry cannot be denied. But in true fairy tale form, there might be true love, but there are also true obstacles stacked against them. I found their story touching (seriously, they were so sweet and lovely and perfect for each other), and frustrating (because, you know, in every fairy tale there has to be a villain, and this one was a real meanie), and the perfect ending (awww, I love them!). Rapunzel and her sweet Prince were a delightful, romantic treat.

Amazon ~ Kobo ~ iBooks ~ B&N 

Review: Making It Right by Catherine Bybee

Making It Right by Catherine Bybee

(Most Likely To #3)

May 9, 2017

350 pages

In the final book in bestselling author Catherine Bybee’s Most Likely To trilogy, River Bend’s rebel follows in her father’s footsteps to become sheriff. But it might be time to forge her own path…

Some kids inherit a family business; Jo Ward inherited a badge. Once voted Most Likely to End Up in Jail, the town wild child has become sheriff—hell-bent on uncovering the truth about her father’s mysterious death. Life is quiet in rustic River Bend, but Jo longs for something beyond her small hometown and the painful memories it holds. All that keeps her sane is the support of her best friends, Melanie and Zoe.

But when Jo signs up for an expert law enforcement training seminar, she meets Gill Clausen, whose haunting eyes and dangerously sexy vibe just may challenge her single-minded focus. Commitment-phobic Jo can’t deny her attraction to the arrogant federal agent, and when odd things start happening around River Bend and danger surrounds her, she realizes she’ll need his help to discover who’s out to remove her from River Bend…permanently.

As Jo and Gill work together, it’s clear they make a great team. But can Jo loosen her grip on the past enough to let love in and reach for the future?

I've really enjoyed this trilogy, following the friendships, hardships, and romantic lives of Mel, Zoe, and Jo. And this third story brought everything together, finally bringing us Jo's story. It was a beautiful thing to see Jo come into herself. Living in her father's shadow and unresolved death, we didn't quite know who Jo was as an adult. And this story brought Jo to the forefront. She became her true self. And she fought for the truth. And during all this she found her perfect match in Gill. I loved them together, and loved what Bybee did with their story and their future. I'm sad to see these ladies go, but this series was a delight and Jo's story was a touching ending.

Amazon ~ Goodreads 

Review: The Director and the Don Juan by Katy Regnery

The Director and the Don Juan

By: Katy Regnery

Series: The Story Sisters #2

Release Date: June 30, 2017

♥ AMAZON US ♥ AMAZON UK ♥

From New York Times bestselling author Katy Regnery comes a brand new series set on Blueberry Lane!

The Director and Don Juan is the second of four books about the Philadelphia-based Story sisters who are all on the look-out for love.

Heiress Alice Story left her father's company three years ago in a blaze of glory, inviting all of his employees to jump ship and join her, but only one accepted her offer: mail room clerk, Carlos Vega.

While Alice spent the next three years getting her own company off the ground, Carlos became her indispensable right-hand man -- executive assistant and office manager, loyal counsel and trusted co-worker.

And all the while, they were quietly falling in love with each other.

When Alice is offered a lucrative business deal in Puerto Rico, island-born Carlos is the perfect person to accompany her on her trip as translator, but as they travel together from Philadelphia to Santo Domingo to Ponce, two unlikely co-workers will discover that during their three years working together, their feelings for each other have grown far deeper than they ever could have guessed.

And though business-minded, proper Alice will try her very best to ignore the longings of her heart, scorching hot, insanely sexy Boricua, Carlos, has no intention of letting her go.

'The Director and the Don Juan' was an enchanting read that I flew through in a day. I didn't want to put it down. Alice and Carlos have been working together for three years since she jumped ship from her father's business and started her own company - with Carlos faithfully by her side, sharing the ups and downs. Never have the two mixed business with pleasure, though their mutual respect has only gotten better. Unbeknownst to them, deeper feelings of love have also been growing and developing. And with an unexpected business trip, the two must finally face their feelings, and the risks involved with actually pursuing a relationship or not.

I loved Carlos and Alice's love story. Sure, there were some hiccups along the way. Three years seems like a long time to develop hidden feelings, but really, they both needed to grow on their own, and mature in their own ways. There is an age gap, but for me it was not a problem. Carlos had the opportunity to see the different options for his life, despite his younger age, and I loved his perspective and maturity in deciding what he really wanted. Alice had to take risks as well, holding the responsibilty of being Carlos's boss as well as older than him. But put these two together, with their mutual respect, all-encompassing trust, and deep love for the other, and you get a perfect match. Their love story was sweet and spicy and I loved them. I needed a second epilogue, because I like them so much as a couple and want to see their future.

Novella Review: Avenged by Jay Crownover

Avenged by Jay Crownover

March 21, 2017

110 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance 18+

Contains: language, explicit sex

New York Times bestselling author Jay Crownover brings heat and heart to Liliana Hart’s MacKenzie family with AVENGED…

Girl meets boy…

On the worst night of her life when she’s decided to take a drastic step that there is no going back from.

Girl is used to sitting by, letting fate deal cruel hand after cruel hand to good people with soft hearts and she’s had enough.

Girl thinks it’s time to fight back against fate and against men who aren’t careful with all the precious things a woman in love has to give him.

Fate shows girl who’s boss and turns her world and plans upside down without breaking a sweat.

Boy meets girl…

On the best night of his life when he’s decided that he’s going to make moves to be the man he was always meant to be instead of the man he was trained and conditioned to be.

Boy is used to a solitary life, quiet in the woods and knowing the only thing that might be looking for him is trouble and trouble is no longer his stock in trade.

Boy thinks it’s time to show trouble who’s boss, even if this trouble has big blue eyes and a body made to make men stupid. Trouble only gets the upper hand if the boy falls prey to its temptation.

Trouble turns the boy’s quiet, serene life sideways without any effort.

Trouble is fun and fate has a wicked sense of humor when it comes to this boy meeting this girl.

'Avenged' was a fun crossover between Crownover's The Point series and The Saints of Denver series. And though it takes place in the Mackenzie World (which I have not read before), you really don't have to have read any of the other books in these series to enjoy this novella.

This is essentially the story of two people who were not "good" people before, and are now on the road up. They've hit bottom. They've decided to make a go at being better people. But that doesn't mean old habits and temptations are not out of reach. And danger lingers. But a chance meeting between these two strangers gives them not only the hope they desperately need, but the love they didn't even know existed. Benny and Echo were intriguing, vulnerable, redemptive, and sexy. This was a fun little novella.

Amazon ~ Goodreads 

Review: HONOR by Jay Crownover

HONOR by Jay Crownover

(The Breaking Point #1)

October 18, 2016

368 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance 18+

Contains: language, explicit sex

Don't be fooled.

Don't make excuses for me.

I am not a good man.

I've seen things no one should, done things no one should talk about. Honor and conscience have no place in my life. But I've fought and I've survived. I've had to.

The first time I saw her dancing on that seedy stage in that second rate club, I felt my heart pulse for the first time. Keelyn Foster was too young, too vibrant for this place, and I knew in an instant that I would make her mine. But first I had to climb my way to the top. I had to have something more to offer her.

I'm here now, money is no object and I have no equal. Except for her. She's disappeared. But don't worry, I will find her and claim her. She will be mine.

Like I said, don't be fooled. I am not the devil in disguise… I'm the one front and center.

'Honor' is the first in a new spin-off series, The Breaking Point, from Jay's Welcome to the Point series. We were previously introduced to both Nassir and Keelyn previously, but here is where we get their real story and all the history and future we've been craving. I'm not sute that I'd recommend it as a starting point, since there's a lot you'd be missing with the other characters, and Nassir and Keelyn. I think you'd be better off starting with the previous series first.

Now, Nassir and Keelyn are quite the power couple. This series is dark and edgy, and Nassir and Keelyn are no exception. Nassir in particular has a heart-breaking past and it's a wonder he kept any of his heart at all. But he did. And with that heart he found Keelyn, another soul with a desperate past. Living in The Point up until this time had not aligned their paths to be completely together. They both had their own lives to establish, confidence to project, and intentions to plan for. But fate, in the form of a bullet, has reprioritized life. To rule The Point properly, these two must join together. And their passion is the cherry on top.

I really liked Nassir and Keelyn together. Not a lot of people could fit the shoes of the person to be the right match for them. They live in a dark and twisted land, where it's survival of the shrewd and calculating. They were loaded with the scars of their pasts, yet together they healed each other. And The Point is not an easy place to live. It's not uncommon to have a target on your back. So not only did they give each other business support, but the emotional support they'd never had before. And it doesn't hurt that they had passion in spades.

I loved Nassir and Keelyn together, and loved how much better they were as a couple. They really did complete each other. And I loved the sensitive sides that came about. There was a great intensity to this story. I felt like someone was always in danger (and frequently, I was right). The cameos were fantastic, and I'm super excited about the rest of the series.

Amazon ~ Goodreads

Review: Ride Hard by Laura Kaye

Ride Hard by Laura Kaye

(Raven Riders #1)

April 26, 2016

Contains: language, explicit sex (18+)

Brotherhood. Club. Family.

They live and ride by their own rules.

These are the Raven Riders . . .

Raven Riders Motorcycle Club President Dare Kenyon rides hard and values loyalty above all else. He’ll do anything to protect the brotherhood of bikers—the only family he’s got—as well as those who can’t defend themselves. So when mistrustful Haven Randall lands on the club’s doorstep scared that she’s being hunted, Dare takes her in, swears to keep her safe, and pushes to learn the secrets overshadowing her pretty smile.

Haven fled from years of abuse at the hands of her criminal father and is suspicious of any man’s promises, including those of the darkly sexy and overwhelmingly intense Ravens’ leader. But as the powerful attraction between them flares to life, Dare pushes her boundaries and tempts her to want things she never thought she could.

The past never dies without a fight, but Dare Kenyon’s never backed down before . . .

Outside of that first chapter (where I hadn't planned to continue, then months later I picked it up again), I really enjoyed this one. Turns out this is another Laura Kaye series to get hooked on. I'm not generally an MC club reader, as they generally contain unappealing topics outside my comfort zone. But I loved this gentler MC club. No, they aren't perfectly above the law, but their gray areas were palatable for me. Dare won me over and Haven was a great match for him. I loved his gentle, protector side, and I loved how she embraced herself. There's a bit of an age gap, but I didn't find it off-putting. Considering their respective histories, they were a wonderful match for each other. As Haven's past caught up with her, I felt the tension of the story heat up, and I loved that this was a great combination of budding romance and danger. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

Amazon ~ Goodreads 

Audiobook Review: The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer

The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer

November 8, 2016

512 pages

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Romance

Contains: violence, mild sexual references

In this gripping page-turner, an ex-agent on the run from her former employers must take one more case to clear her name and save her life.

She used to work for the U.S. government, but very few people ever knew that. An expert in her field, she was one of the darkest secrets of an agency so clandestine it doesn’t even have a name. And when they decided she was a liability, they came for her without warning.

Now, she rarely stays in the same place or uses the same name for long. They’ve killed the only other person she trusted, but something she knows still poses a threat. They want her dead, and soon.

When her former handler offers her a way out, she realizes it’s her only chance to erase the giant target on her back. But it means taking one last job for her ex-employers. To her horror, the information she acquires only makes her situation more dangerous.

Resolving to meet the threat head-on, she prepares for the toughest fight of her life but finds herself falling for a man who can only complicate her likelihood of survival. As she sees her choices being rapidly whittled down, she must apply her unique talents in ways she never dreamed of.

In this tautly plotted novel, Stephenie Meyer creates a fierce and fascinating new heroine with a very specialized skill set. And she shows once again why she’s one of the world’s bestselling authors.

I decided to listen to 'The Chemist' on audiobook, and I gotta say, I liked it. It was a great read in the car, easy to jump back in and out of, and definitely something I looked forward to diving back into.

The story definitely had a strong start, and I was very intrigued about Alex, our on-the-run ex-agent main heroine, and the predicament she was in, being constantly in fear of her life, and having to rely on her brilliant mind and chemistry skills to out-manueuver those hunting her. When Alex is joined by new characters, I found myself liking them as well. There were interesting contradictory personality traits that made for a fun dynamic. And I felt bonded to the characters more and more, hoping all would survive to the ultimate end from those hunting them down. The romance was a nice addition, but it felt overpowering to the storyline at times, even though I liked the coupling overall. I just didn't expect the romance element to be as strong as it was. Now obviously I've been vague about the whole story, but since the blurb is quite vague itself, I don't want to reveal too much. Overall, this was a great read, with exciting and dangerous (and bloody) moments, a sweet romance (perhaps a little too sweet for this story), and a medley of character growth and characters I really enjoyed.

Audible ~ Amazon ~ Goodreads 

Review: Close to Home by Lily Everett

Close to Home by Lily Everett

(Sanctuary Island #5)

February 7, 2017

304 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Standalone

Contains: some sex (not explicit)

The best journeys take us home….

When Tessa Alexander came to Sanctuary Island, she left behind a marriage to a man who didn’t love her the way she loved him. When she finally found the strength to set them both free, she discovered friendship and self-acceptance in her adopted hometown. Now she’s settled into a quiet life on her own—never expecting to see her husband again.

Johnny spent almost two years deep undercover, unable to let his wife into his cold, dangerous world. He’s shaken to the core when he comes home to find her gone. It’s painfully clear that Tessa is no longer the timid young woman he married—she’s become a force of nature, a brave and determined beauty. Johnny can’t let her go without a fight so he sets out to seduce his own wife. But will passion alone be enough to convince Tessa that her new life should include a second chance at happiness with a man who must learn to believe in love?

'Close to Home' was a heart-warming second-chance romance between Johnny and Tessa, who have been married "in name only" for the past eight years. While Johnny has been hiding away, saving the world, Tessa has been finding her own personal strength, realizing she wants more in life and in marriage. Johhny comes home to a rude awakening after his last lengthy mission, and must now decide how, and if, he can win his wife back.

I really enjoyed Johnny and Tessa's story. The tie-in with their unique backgrounds brought a tender dimension to their personalities, and what made them tick. But now they are older, and after eight years of marriage, which was really just eight years of living as roommates, they are finally realizing that the life they have been living was just a half-life. And despite eight years of marriage, they hardly knew each other. So this is really a new beginning for them, with the added complications of shedding their old selves, and learning about the person they thought they were closest to all these years.

Johnny is a stand-up guy, always a protector, but who has walled off his heart. Tessa has come into her own over the last year on Sactuary Island, and away from Johnny. She's independent, strong, and happy, but she still loves her husband. The reality is that these two have to break down Johnny's walls and Tessa's doubts. I loved discovering if Johnny could love his wife the way she needed him, and if Tessa could believe that he was more than just a protector. The journey was sweet and tender, honest and heartfelt. These were two beautiful souls that were really meant to be together.

Added to this story, that I had not expected, was some entertaining suspense. Johnny is still coming down off his mission high, so he's a bit paranoid. But not all of his paranoia should be brushed aside. I got a kick out of watching Johnny not only fall in love with his wife, but also discover himself at the same time. And as a bonus, there were some great side characters here. I loved Miss Patty. I also liked Marcus and Quinn. Marcus was so stubborn and Quinn was such a sweetheart. I can't wait to read the rest of their story.

Amazon ~ Goodreads 

Review: The Feeling of Forever by Jamie Howard

The Feeling of Forever by Jamie Howard

(Love Unplugged #2)

February 7, 2017

201 pages

Genre: Standalone, Romance 18+

Contains: language, sex

Juliet St. Clair has spent her life under Hollywood's spotlight. While being America's favorite girl next door has had its perks, having to testify against her stalker to put him behind bars certainly wasn't one of them. But when she thinks about walking away from it all, she can't help remembering the enormous pile of medical bills her family is drowning under. Bills that just keep on coming.

Felix Donovan had it all--stunning good looks, gorgeous women, and a spot as the drummer to a band that's sitting pretty at the top of the charts. Until one life-altering decision left him paralyzed from the waist down. He doesn't know whether to laugh or cry when he wins this year's Sexiest Man award, but the one thing he immediately does is send out a Non-disclosure agreement. Hiding his condition from the public is hard as hell, but he's not ready to face the world while he's still struggling to accept his new reality.

Except this year's Sexiest Woman--Juliet St. Clair--never looks at him with pity, only desire. But falling for Juliet means a permanent spot in the tabloids, a decision Felix isn't sure he's ready to make. And when Juliet's stalker re-emerges from her past, Felix's secret isn't the only thing at stake, it could cost Juliet her life.

Just what I'd been hoping for - a beautiful romance featuring a disability - but with so much more. Felix has been adjusting to paralyzed life after an accident, maintaining secrecy, while still continuing as drummer for his band. Juliet has secrets of her own, but continues on as a sought-after lead actress. When the Sexiest Man and Sexiest Woman meet, there's an instant connection. I loved how non-judgmental Juliet was. She really was sunshine and rainbows. She's the friend you'd want to have around to always put a positive spin on things. And she's exactly who Felix needed to part the clouds that were loitering around his head and get him to see the beautiful life he still had to live.

I fell in love with Juliet and Felix right along with them. They were a beautiful couple, inside and out. They filled in all the gaps and missing pieces the other had. Their tenderness and love was apparent. Unfortunately, Juliet had a stalker, and this stalker was ruining her life, and thus ruining Felix's. The author set the stage well for this stalker problem, building the suspense. And while I figured out who the stalker was, I still didn't know how it would all turn out and how they would catch this person. And with that, how all this stalker craziness was ultimately going to affect their relationship. But in the end, I loved Juliet and Felix all over again. The end made me smile. This story had a little bit of everything I love. Plus, I found Felix's bandmates fascinating, and now want to read their books.

Amazon ~ Goodreads 

Review: Hungry Ghosts by Stephen Blackmoore

Hungry Ghosts by Stephen Blackmoore

(Eric Carter #3)

February 7, 2017

288 pages

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Contains: language, violence

Necromancer Eric Carter's problems keep getting bigger.

Bad enough he's the unwilling husband to the patron saint of death, Santa Muerte, but now her ex, the Aztec King of the dead, Mictlantecuhtli has come back and it turns out that Carter and he are swapping places. As Mictlantecuhtli breaks loose of his prison of jade Carter is slowly turning to stone.

To make matters worse both gods are trying to get Carter to assassinate the other, but only one of them can be telling him the truth. And whichever god is left standing Carter's likely to suffer the consequences.

Carter's solution? Kill them both.

If he wants to get out of this situation with his soul intact he'll have to go to Mictlan, the Aztec land of the dead, and take down a couple of death gods while facing down the worst the place has to offer him: his own sins.

Continuing not long from where things left off from the second book in the 'Eric Carter' series, Eric's road to ridding himself of his "wife" and her ex takes us on a progressively crazier and crazier ride. Where the other books took place primarily in the Los Angeles area, this one takes us out of the country, and even out of this world.

One of the things I love about this series is Eric Carter himself. He's such a flawed character that I find him endearing. He's rough around the edges. He's quick to react, leading him to potentially deadly consequences. He has a history of cowardice, but through this series we're watching his transformation, his maturity, his growth as a person in not only bravery, but responsibility to more than just himself. He has become part of a larger picture that he has avoided for so long. He's also funny, with this great humor that, combined with his determination and focus, makes him such an engaging narrator.

Now, this book in particular seemed heavier in folklore and Aztec myth and info, which, to be honest, was overwhelming after a bit. So for that, this wasn't my favorite of the series. BUT, there were so many incredible twists and turns that I was completely hooked. I really had no clue how things were going to turn out for Eric and the other characters. And then when that climax hit towards the end, I was floored. What a ride! I can't wait to see how this series continues, because I never know what to expect, except that it's always great.

Amazon ~ Goodreads