Review: Until It Fades by KA Tucker

Until It Fades by KA Tucker

June 27, 2017

368 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Women's Fiction

Twenty-four-year-old truck stop waitress and single mother Catherine Wright has simple goals: to give her five-year-old daughter a happy life and to never again be the talk of the town in Balsam, Pennsylvania: population two thousand outside of tourist season.

And then one foggy night, on a lonely road back from another failed attempt at a relationship, Catherine saves a man’s life. It isn’t until after the police have arrived that Catherine realizes exactly who it is she has saved: Brett Madden, hockey icon and media darling.

Catherine has already had her fifteen minutes of fame and the last thing she wants is to have her past dragged back into the spotlight, only this time on a national stage. So she hides her identity. It works.

For a time.

But when she finds the man she saved standing on her doorstep, desperate to thank her, all that changes. What begins as an immediate friendship quickly turns into something neither of them expected. Something that Catherine isn’t sure she can handle; something that Catherine is afraid to trust.

Because how long can an extraordinary man like Brett be interested in an ordinary woman like Catherine…before the spark fades?

'Until It Fades' is an incredibly sweet love story about a single mom, Catherine, who has not had it easy. Not in the least. Some of her challenges were the result of youthful foolishness and its repercussions; many challenges were from the deceptions, hurts, and judgments of others. But Catherine is a fighter. Instead of wallowing in misery, she gets back on her feet, with a couple of strong hands in her corner, and takes charge of her life, challenges and all.

But despite all of Cathrine's challenges, they don't stop her from being a caring, gentle soul, who not only learned from her past, but has become a better person for it. Which leads her to risking her life to save a complete stranger. But her quiet life of staying under the radar is quickly interrupted when that stranger turns out to be hockey icon, Brett Madden.

What I really enjoyed about this story was the slow burn. You can feel the connection between Catherine and Brett right away, but there are a number of obstacles to overcome. So instead of insta-love, we get the beautiful building of a relationship, friendship, and more. I loved getting to know Catherine and Brett, and Catherine's daughter. All the things Cathrine had to consider were thoughtfully examined. And the chemistry between these two was palpable. I only wished there was a bit more focus on Brett and his time with Cathrine, as Cathrine's life and struggles tended to take center stage. But overall a sweet, touching story of overcoming the past, and finding someone who truly appreciates and loves all of who you are.

Amazon ~ Goodreads 

Review: Lethal Lies by Rebecca Zanetti

Lethal Lies by Rebecca Zanetti

(Blood Brothers #2)

May 16, 2017

Genre: Romantic Suspense 18+

Contains: language, explicit sex, serial killer

Lethal Lies is the second book in New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti's breathtaking romantic suspense series, Blood Brothers.

A deadly secret can't stay buried forever . . .

Revenge. It's the only thing that will help Anya Best sleep at night. The serial killer who murdered her sister is on the loose, and Anya will stop at nothing to put him behind bars-even use herself as bait to lure him out of hiding. But she can't do this alone.

Private investigator Heath Jones's job is to bring bastards to justice. This time it's personal. He knew the Copper Killer's latest victim so when her sister asks for his help, he's all in. But when Anya uses the media to taunt the killer, she exposes Heath's identity, putting them both in jeopardy. Now, secrets buried long ago are coming to light and the forces determined to destroy him are watching Heath's every move, waiting to exact their own revenge. And they'll use anything and anyone to get to Heath.

'Lethal Lies' was an exciting follow-up to 'Deadly Silence.' The brothers are still on the hunt for the Copper Killer, but with the murder of Anya's FBI agent sister, things have heated up even more. After a media stunt, Anya has attached herself to Heath, and now both are being watched closely, not only by the police, but by the serial killer and Heath's past. But what starts as bait and strategy to catch the killer, turns into so much more for Heath and Anya.

What an exciting, thrill-ride! I mean, this isn't just one mystery to solve. This is catching a serial killer, avoiding the sadistic past who are trying to catch or kill you, and facing the risk of falling in love. And I loved being a part of the investigation. I didn't know who to trust. I felt stressed right alongside the characters. I didn't want to put this book down. Zanetti did a wonderful job keeping the suspense going until the very end.

I also loved Heath and Anya. Heath was this fascinating combination of sensitive and brutal. I mean, the guy rescues wounded animals. Gotta love that! But with his enemies, or threats to the ones he loves, he is an immovable wall. Anya was the right match for Heath. She captured his sensitive side, yet challenged his control and trust. She was gentle, yet strong and persistent, and I was so thankful she didn't fall into the stupid damsel-in-distress role. Putting these two together what the right combo.

These "brothers" are just what you'd want in a family - pure love and dedication. I cannot wait for Denver's story!

Amazon ~ Goodreads 

Audiobook Review: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

November 6, 1939

Genre: Mystery, Suspense

First, there were ten - a curious assortment of strangers summoned as weekend guests to a private island off the coast of Devon. Their host, an eccentric millionaire unknown to all of them, is nowhere to be found. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they're unwilling to reveal - and a secret that will seal their fate. For each has been marked for murder. One by one they fall prey. Before the weekend is out, there will be none. And only the dead are above suspicion.

Wonderful! It was such a pleasure finally reading this classic. Or rather, listening to. I listened to the audiobook with my sons (age range 10-16), and we all enjoyed it. It really is a fine read for a variety of ages. It was great discussing our theories on who the killer was, what would hapen to everyone, and what the ultimate ending would be. Christie did a wonderful job keeping our interest and suspense. We couldn't help comparing it to more modern mysteries (including the game of Clue) and how inspirational her writing must have been for later mystery writers. There's a reason she's the Queen of Mystery. And the audiobook narrator was terrific. I'm looking forward to checking out more of her books!

Audible ~ Amazon ~ Goodreads

Review & Excerpt: Twist by Kylie Scott

TWIST By Kylie Scott 

(A Dive Bar Novel #2)

April 11, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance 18+
Contains: language, explicit sex

From New York Times bestselling author Kylie Scott comes the second sizzling stand-alone novel in the Dive Bar series! When his younger brother loses interest in online dating, hot bearded bartender Joe Collins only intends to log into his account and shut it down. Until he reads about her. Alex Parks is funny, fascinating, and pretty much everything he's been looking for in a woman—except that she lives across the country. Soon they're emailing up a storm and telling each other their deepest, darkest secrets...except the one that really matters. When Alex pays Joe a surprise visit, however, they both discover that when it comes to love, it's always better with a twist.

Amazon US | Amazon UK 

 Amazon AUS | Amazon CA 

 iBooks | B&N 

Kobo | Google Play

This story was a lot of fun, with a side of serious thrown in. I kinda loved Joe's initial deception, not because I like lying, but because of how it brought Joe and Alex together. Two people, who on the street wouldn't have given the other a second thought. But when these twisted circumstances bring them together, they can't help but have second (and third, and fourth, etc) thoughts about each other.

Joe is a people-pleasing, surrounded-by-friends-and-family yes-man, and Alex is a people-avoiding, limited-friend no-woman. But when these opposites meet, first on-line, then in-person, there's no avoiding how much their differing qualities are exactly what the other needs. I loved their blooming friendship, and how it blossomed into more. And just when I thought the story was plateauing into a simple, sweet romance, a new twist was thrown in to grab my interest once again. I definitely loved Joe and Alex.

I also loved the Dive Bar crew. The first book introduced us to the drama unfolding amongst these long-time friends turned business partners. And in this novel, more drama ensued. But for me, despite the heartache experienced, I liked how all the drama created better opportunity for character growth and futures. There were some surprises that came about, which made me actually like some of these characters a lot more than I did in the first novel. I look forward to continuing the journey with the Dive Bar members, their friendships and their love lives.

“I wanted to talk to you a bit more about what happened between us online,” he said, his mouth a serious straight line. “How I came to use my brother’s profile.” 

Ugh. “I’m pretty sure I found out everything I needed to know last night.”

“I didn’t mean to lie to you, Alex.”

“Once is a mistake.” I crossed my legs, kicking my black leather bootie back and forth. So I was a little aggravated. Sue me. “Months’ worth of e-mails is not. You could have introduced yourself to me, Joe, told me who you really were. You chose not to. Chr**t, no wonder you kept putting off meeting. I should have known something was wrong.”

“You’re right. I shouldn’t try to sell you excuses.” A big sigh from my “friend.” “Truth is, I’m not used to being the bad guy. Usually I’m the one cleaning up my brother’s messes.”

“Lucky me."

Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013 & 2014, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet. You can learn more about Kylie from http://www.kylie-scott.com/   FACEBOOK | TWITTER | FACEBOOK FAN GROUP | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS   

Review: Close Enough to Touch by Colleen Oakley

Close Enough to Touch by Colleen Oakley

March 7, 2017

336 pages

Genre: Women's Fiction, Contemporary Romance

Contains: some strong language

One time a boy kissed me and I almost died...

And so begins the story of Jubilee Jenkins, a young woman with a rare and debilitating medical condition: she’s allergic to other humans. After a humiliating near-death experience in high school, Jubilee has become a recluse, living the past nine years in the confines of the small town New Jersey house her unaffectionate mother left to her when she ran off with a Long Island businessman. But now, her mother is dead, and without her financial support, Jubilee is forced to leave home and face the world—and the people in it—that she’s been hiding from.

One of those people is Eric Keegan, a man who just moved into town for work. With a daughter from his failed marriage who is no longer speaking to him, and a brilliant, if psychologically troubled, adopted son, Eric’s struggling to figure out how his life got so off-course, and how to be the dad—and man—he wants so desperately to be. Then, one day, he meets a mysterious woman named Jubilee, with a unique condition...

Close Enough to Touch is an evocative, poignant, and heartrending exploration of the power and possibilities of the human heart.

This was a beautiful journey with Jubilee, a young woman allergic to humans, who faces down her fears and returns to the world after hiding for 9 years after a near-death experience. And what a journey it was! Despite her seclusion, Jubilee was such a neat character, and watching her react and rejoin human interactions was admirable and touching. I felt her fears and cheered her bravery.

Now add in Eric, divorced dad, who just moved into town. He's got a load of difficult circumstances of his own. But man is he trying. Really, really trying. But he's a bit lost on what to do next. Between his daughter who is no longer speaking to him, and his adoptive son who is having some serious problems of his own since the death of his parents, I really felt for the guy. He had his own fears to allay and his own victory to gain.

I loved how Eric and Jubilee met and befriended each other. There was such an innocence and such a beauty to Jubilee and Eric's relationship. This wasn't some quick romance. These were two people with real fears and real obstacles. I mean, Eric couldn't even touch her! So instead of a hot-and-heavy romance, we get this beautiful blooming friendship, attraction, and layers of genuine care and heart. We get Jubilee facing decisions about her future. We get Eric facing decisions about his kids and his future. There is this beautiful interweaving between Jubilee and Eric's lives, and the lives of their loved ones. I felt so many emotions reading about them.

I absolutely loved this book, up until the very end. The ending felt a bit rushed and I was like, "what's going on here?!" After so much investment, I wanted just a little more from that ending. BUT, after sitting and pondering the ending for a bit, I was like, "Ok, I think I get where you're heading with this." BUT, my brain has to imagine beyond the page. I simply cannot stop where the story stopped. Mostly, because I simply loved Eric and Jubilee so much! Really loved them.

Amazon ~ Goodreads 

Review: Indecent Proposal by Molly O'Keefe

Indecent Proposal by Molly O'Keefe

(Boys of Bishop #4)

September 30, 2014

Genre: Contemporary Romance 18+

Contains: sex, language

With his chiseled jaw and his thick blond hair, Harrison Montgomery was born to lead. Four generations of Montgomery men have served the state of Georgia and now he’s next in line. Harrison, though, is driven to right wrongs: namely to clean up the political mess left by his father’s greed and corruption. But Harrison must first win his congressional bid, and nothing can get in his way—not even an angel who served him whiskey and gave him a shoulder to lean on and a body to love for a night. Problem is, she’s pregnant. Scandal is brewing and there is only one solution: marriage.

Damage control? Ryan Kaminski can’t believe that a cold, calculating political animal now inhabits the body of the emotionally vulnerable stranger who’d given her the most unforgettable night of her life. Really, she doesn’t want anything from Harrison, except to be left alone to have her baby in peace. But Ryan is broke, jobless, and essentially blackmailed by Harrison’s desperate family to accept this crazy marriage deal. For two years, she will have to act the role of caring, supportive wife. But what is Ryan supposed to do when she realizes that, deep in her heart, she’s falling in love.

This was a great book where two people meet and have instant chemistry, but it's just for a night. They are two strangers living in different worlds. But when an accidental pregnancy and a nosy brother force these two back together, there's a lot of misunderstanding, misconceptions, and mistrust to wade through. But there are deeper feelings than either is willing to admit in the beginning, especially with political craziness and obnoxious family members interfering with the kindling of their relationship. But what started as a one time fling and an accident, turned out to be a perfect match for Ryan and Harrison.

I absolutely loved Ryan. She made this book! Her character is layered. She has flaws, but has overcome so much. She's the breath of fresh air that Harrison didn't know he needed. Harrison was fine. I liked him. But he had so much garbage from his upbringing to overcome that it took him a while to really hit his stride and start to become the man he needed to be. Thankfully, with a little help, he got it together. But Ryan was awesome. She saved Harrison. She found herself. She's reason alone to read this book.

Amazon ~ Goodreads 

Review & Giveaway: Riveted by Jay Crownover

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men books comes the next installment in the Saints of Denver series.

Riveted by Jay Crownover

(Saints of Denver #3)

February `14, 2017

368 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance 18+

Contains: language, explicit sex 

Everyone else in Dixie Carmichael’s life has made falling in love look easy, and now she is ready for her own chance at some of that happily ever after. Which means she’s done pining for the moody, silent former soldier who works with her at the bar that’s become her home away from home. Nope. No more chasing the hot as heck thundercloud of a man and no more waiting for Mr. Right to find her; she’s going hunting for him...even if she knows her heart is stuck on its stupid infatuation with Dash Churchill.

Denver has always been just a pit stop for Church on his way back to rural Mississippi. It was supposed to be simple, uneventful, but nothing could have prepared him for the bubbly, bouncy redhead with doe eyes and endless curves. Now he knows it’s time to get out of Denver, fast. For a man used to living in the shadows, the idea of spending his days in the sun is nothing short of terrifying. When Dixie and Church find themselves caught up in a homecoming overshadowed with lies and danger, Dixie realizes that while falling in love is easy, loving takes a whole lot more work…especially when Mr. Right thinks he’s all wrong for you.

I loved Dixie and Church. I'm a sucker for inter-racial relationships, so I was thrilled about this one. And it did not disappoint.

Dixie was the sunshine Church didn't know he needed until he met her. And as much as he avoided relationships, due to the heartbreak of his past, there was no way to avoid Dixie, try as he might. So when Church has to finally go home and face the people he's been avoiding for ten years, Dixie is just the travel companion he needs. And honestly, how could you not fall in love with Dixie on this homecoming journey?

I loved learning about Dixie and Church's pasts. They both had heartbreaking circumstances with their families, but handled things completely differently. And isn't that the way it is in real life? Now, Church's situation was particularly sad. I really felt for the guy, and his whole family. But thankfully he was compelled to come home, and with that discovered so many things he'd been missing out on due to fear. I got lots of warm fuzzies seeing Church come back to life, to joy, to feeling, to love. And Dixie was such a breath of fresh air. I worried about her becoming a doormat, but she took matters into her own hands, and you can't fault the girl for that. Ultimately, I loved the man Church became and the sunshine Dixie remained. They were a beautiful couple together.

I also loved traveling to Mississippi with Dixie and Church. We got a wealth of new characters with his family, and it made the story that much more special. I wouldn't mind getting some happy ever afters in the future for them as well.

Amazon | iBooks | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google

ADD RIVETED TO YOUR GOODREADS

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men, The Point, and the Saints of Denver series. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she'll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.

      

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Review: Justice Ascending by Rebecca Zanetti

Justice Ascending by Rebecca Zanetti

(The Scorpius Syndrome #3)

January 31, 2017

400 pages

Genre: Dystopian, Romantic Suspense 18+

Contains: language, explicit sex

Before surviving the Scorpius bacterium, Tace Justice was a good ole Texas cowboy who served his country and loved his mama. After Scorpius, the world became dark, dangerous, and deadly... and so did he. The Vanguard medic is stronger, faster, and smarter than before, but he's lost the line between right and wrong. His passion is absolute, and when he focuses it on one woman, there's no turning back for either of them.

Sami Steel has been fighting to survive right alongside Tace, convincing the Vanguard soldiers she's one of them. In truth, Sami is a former hacker turned government agent who worked at The Bunker, where scientists stored both contaminants and cures. Only she knows the location, and she's not telling. Yet when sexual fire explodes between her and Tace, she'll face even that hell again to save him.

I absolutely love this series. This is the third book in the Scorpius Syndrome series. While you could read this on its own, there is a lot of build-up and continuation of plot between each book, so you'll be missing pieces. I definitely recommend the entire series.

In this book, we get the new romantic relationship between Tace and Sami, while continuing on with the overall plot to find a cure for the syndrome and fight off the bad guys. I love the ongoing plot advancment. There are a plethora of things going on. But that's what makes this series so exciting. Not only is it full of twists and turns, but it has great characters.

Tace and Sami have been fighting alongside as colleagues. But not long since Tace contracted the syndrome, he's started to notice Sami in more ways. But the syndrome has changed who he used to be, so now he must face his new self and decide if he's good enough for a relationship with Sami. This is a risk for Sami as well. Risking a colleague. Risking her heart.

But as Tace and Sami's attraction and bond grew, as their hearts yearned for each other more and more, I fell for them as a couple more and more. There was something really special about them. And as the action and suspense built throughout the book, the intensity of Tace and Sami increased (and yes, this includes their super sexy times). The situations they were caught in, the risks they took, and the life or death situations - I loved Tace and Sami so much.

Outside of Tace's recent activities post-syndrome, I was completely onboard with this story. Now, Tace's activities prior to Sami were handled well. The author more than covered her bases to make sure everyone was feeling pretty great. But I wouldn't have minded skipping those shenanigans altogether.

Overall, I loved this series, and Tace and Sami's story was an excellent addition. I can't wait to see what comes next!

Amazon ~ Goodreads