Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Review: Bringing Home the Bad Boy by Jessica Lemmon

Whether or not you love or hate tattoos you'll fall head-over-heels for Evan Downey!

Grief had consumed Evan and Lyon's lives and the move would give them a chance to leave the bad memories behind. Evan needed to escape the memories of his wife's death every time he look at that particular place on the carpet. Relocating to Evergreen Cove for a fresh start is just what they need!

What Evan didn't count on was falling for his wife's best friend and his new next door neighbor, Charlotte. Charlotte's attracted to Evan is as strong as Evan's is to her. But she can't seem to stop apologizing to her deceased best friend for having thoughts about her husband, sharing a kiss or wanting more than a friendship.

Lemmon's Bringing Home the Bad Boy is a beautifully told love story about loss, family, and finding a second chance at love.

This is my first time to read a novel written by Lemmon and I am thrilled to say that Bringing Home the Bad Boy is a why I read romance. It will leave you breathless and on the edge of your seat as everything falls into place for the Evan and Charlotte.

As far as characters go Lemmon know how to keep her girls strong and exciting yet willing and adventurous. Her men are memorable and charming with rock hard bodies that seduce you with every word. Evan utilizes his skills as an artist painting Charlotte's nude body in the most seductive way. While the moment is sizzling hot it is well described and tastefully done. Lemmon melds art, love and lust to create warm and seductive love scenes between Evan and Charlotte that warm your heart and soul.

Beyond the romance of Bringing Home the Bad Boy is the creation of a loving family. Lyon having lost his mother isn't left out of the story or sat off to the side and forgotten about. His part of the love story is equally as big as the hero and heroine. Lemmon allowed the threesome to grow steadily without forcing the relationship on either side. The natural flow of things made for a fun, romantic, and exciting story.

Bringing Home the Bad Boy has much to offer readers of the romance genre. It's a love story that will speak to the heart and soul of all women. I'm looking forward to the second installment of the Second Chance series, Rescuing the Bad Boy.

Bringing Home the Bad Boy
By: Jessica Lemmon
Series: Second Chance
Book in Series: 1
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: 1/27/2015

Synopsis (per Goodreads)

Evan Downey needs a new beginning. Since the death of his wife five years ago, the brilliant tattoo artist has shut himself away in a prison of grief that not even his work can break him out of-and what's worse, Evan knows his son Lyon is bearing the brunt of his seclusion. Moving back to the lake town of Evergreen Cove where he spent his childhood summers is his last chance for a fresh start.

Charlotte Harris knows she owes it to her best friend's memory to help Evan and his son find their way again, but she can't stop her traitorous heart from skipping a beat every time she looks into Evan's mesmerizing eyes. Charlotte is determined to stay strictly in the Friend Zone-until a mind-blowing night knocks that plan by the wayside. Now, if they're brave enough to let it, Charlotte and Evan might just find a love capable of healing their broken hearts.

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Review: Fire Me Up by Kimberly Kincaid

I love bad boys and chefs so Kimberly Kincaid's Fire Me Up definitely gets my blood boiling.

There's so much to love about Fire Me Up. Kincaid crafted some pretty darn fabulous characters. Adrian is one of those bad boys that is so charming he could charm your panties off in a heart beat. He's a memorable hero in my book. Adrian's passion for his profession and food is almost equal to his attraction to Teagan. There's a part of the novel where Adrian cooks for Teagan that shows just how amazing Adrian is and how brilliantly seductive Kincaid is with her writing of that scene. The descriptions of the cooking process and Teagan's tasting the finished meal is red hot!

The overall plot of Fire Me Up is fast paced and exciting. It was fun to get to know Teagan and Adrian and experience their romance. Having the primary setting be Teagan's fathers bar and grill really made the story work for me. Adding a little unexpected drama via Teagan's dad was a a nice suspenseful surprise. Love it when the ending packs a punch that has you holding your breath.

As a bonus you will also find several recipes included in the novel that Adrian uses during the street fair towards the end of the story. The coleslaw sounds divine. This gal is definitely going to have some pulled pork sliders and coleslaw really soon.

Fire Me Up
By: Kimberly Kincaid
Series: Pine Mountain
Book in Series: 4
Publisher: Zebra Books
Release Date: 1/27/2015

Synopsis (per Goodreads)

If You Can’t Stand The Heat…

Teagan O’Malley can handle a crisis. She’s a paramedic, it’s her job. But she never expected to land in the kitchen of her father’s pub, with no notice, no cash, and no room for error. The kitchen is not her favorite place. Lucky for her, she just scraped a bad-boy chef off the pavement after a motorcycle accident—and something about him says he can turn up the heat in more ways than one.

Adrian Holt has had a rough few years, and he’s not eager to get tangled up in anything more complicated than a good risotto. But with a broken arm and a head full of bad memories, he needs a challenge to keep him sane. Teagan’s dare-me attitude and smoldering mess of a bar are just what the doctor ordered. And the two of them together might cook up some even better medicine…

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Review: The Trouble With Texas Cowboys by Carolyn Brown

Isn't this just the cutest cover ever? I just love covers like this! Just goes to show that you can show a little skin...er...muscles and everything is still sweet and romantic. It just wouldn't be the same without a glimpse at the heroes glorious chest. Anyway...

This is my first taste of Carolyn Brown's work and I'm so sad that I haven't picked up one of her books until now. The Trouble with Texas Cowboys was brilliantly told and was filled with characters that are so well developed that they seem real. I thoroughly enjoyed the humor Brown strategically places throughout the novel making the drama between the feuding families even more dramatic and intriguing. There's just so much to this love story.

Burnt Boot Texas is a very unique place with some of the most interesting people. When Jill Cleary and Sawyer O'Donnell first meet there aren't sparks of lust or romance fluttering about the room. Instead Sawyer's first glimpse of the feisty redhead is the deadly end of her gun. I really enjoyed watching this lovely couple move from strangers to friends to lovers. The difficulties Jill and Sawyer face when dealing with the two feuding families in Burnt Boot is just too funny for words. Jill's use of retail therapy to handle her frustration with the families is priceless. The humor is equally as exciting as the blooming romance between Sawyer and Jill.

If you're like me and haven't given Carolyn's novels a try then do so now. I'm definitely adding Carolyn to my favorite author list and adding her other novels to my to-read list.

The Trouble with Texas Cowboys
By: Carolyn Brown
Series: Burnt Boot Texas
Book in Series: 2
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: 1/6/2015

Synopsis (per Goodreads)

When Sawyer O'Donnell takes a ranch job on a whim, he lands smack dab in the middle of a Texas-sized feud! The Gallaghers and the Brennans are at each other's throats to woo the red-headed spitfire, Jill Cleary, and stake a claim for the Fiddle Creek Ranch.

Jill makes Sawyer's blood boil. They argue, they banter, but Sawyer soon goes from being driven crazy to crazy in love. Damned if he knows how that happened. But now that it has, how does he compete with two men that can give this cowgirl a lifestyle beyond her wildest dreams?

Friday, January 9, 2015

Just a Little Friday Fantasy

I don't know about you ladies but I desperately need a pick me up. Something to get me ready for the weekend. Bet you gals do too!

So here's a little treat to get you in the mood for whatever you have planned for the weekend.


I think I better be careful or my BAD GIRL might start to show.

Have a GREAT weekend filled with steamy hot novels.

Review: Unforgettable by Shannon Richard

I really enjoy trying new-to-me authors and Shannon Richard fit the bill. After devouring the short but thrilling synopsis I knew I would have to give Unforgettable a shot. At the time I didn't realize that it was a series and even if I did I don't think it would have mattered very much...if at all. The summary was pleasing enough that I couldn't resist.

Richard's Unforgettable is a lovely story about a couple that had given love a shot once and life happened pulling them apart. After thirteen long years of thinking of each other they are brought back together.

Being brought back to Mirabelle isn't all that it's cracked up to be in Hannah's eyes. She knows that she'll have to face the love of her life and resist his charms to safeguard her heart. Nathaniel had broken her heart once and she just couldn't go through that again. So in an effort to keep emotion out of the picture she pushes him away every chance she gets. She can keep on fighting but in the end she may just have to give in!

Unforgettable follows the basic pattern of a true romance novel. A beautiful couple that is obviously destined to be together is pulled apart. The force that destroys the relationship is usually something small in the grand scheme of things or tragic...in this case it's both. Hannah's leaving for college and Nathaniel's not fighting for her to stay. But there's more than that going on. The crushing blow comes when Hannah finds out she's pregnant and shortly thereafter has a miscarriage. She's devastated and who would be! This is a secret she keeps for thirteen long years. You can see where that secret will come into play later. Right?

But the reunion of this couple is absolutely amazing. Nathaniel's never give up attitude really has you cheering for him. He's one guy that you just can't help but fall in love with. Honestly, I feel sorry for him because no matter how much love, charm, or honesty he throws at Hannah he doesn't seem to get anywhere. It's just sad!

Hannah has all the makings of a girl you just want to grab by the shoulders and shake...HARD! I mean look at this beautiful hunky guy standing in front of you. You love him and you know it so stop fighting it! Even though you know the reason why she acts the way she does. She's still a wonderful character. As a couple they totally rock the bedroom and kitchen scenes. The sexy scenes are totally steamy and filled with love.

Could nI have asked for a better read? Hell no! Richard totally brought life to her characters, told an epic love story that brings tears to your eyes and shared some very awesome sexy scenes too. This is a fantastic read with excellent pacing. You'll dive in and won't come up for air until you turn the final page. I'll definitely be grabbing the rest of the Country Roads series very soon.

Unforgettable
By: Shannon Richard
Series:Country Roads
Book in Series:4
Publisher: Forever Yours
Release Date: 1/13/2015

Synopsis (per Goodreads)

 One long, hot summer would never be enough...

Attorney Hannah Sterling lives a life she's worked hard for. So when she unexpectedly inherits an inn, Hannah decides to take that long overdue holiday and settle her eccentric grandmother's estate. She knew there would be challenges, but what's hardest about returning to Mirabelle, Florida, is facing the man who gave her the most passionate summer of her life-and then broke her heart.

Nathanial Shepard never forgot the redheaded goddess who lit up his world and got away. Now that she's home, Shep vows to make up for their years apart-and if the fire in her kiss is any indication, they're well on their way. But when a devastating secret from their past threatens their future, Shep must fight to heal Hannah's heart. Because this time, their love will truly be unforgettable.

Monday, January 5, 2015

Review: Unfaded Glory by Sara Arden

I just adore the way Sara Arden brings Glory, Kansas to life. After reading the first installment of the Home to Glory series, Return to Glory I knew I had to revisit the amazing characters that make the town so very memorable.

In Unfaded Glory, Arden takes begins by introducing a hero that pulls at your heart strings and burrows deep into your soul. Byron has an earworm  and it's taken over his life. His past is something he can't escape. The screams of his fellow soldiers haunts him and keeps him from allowing himself to be close to others, to feel as though he can be worthy of anything...especially love.

The life of a mercenary works well for Byron. He can quiet the screams of his fallen brothers and get the job done. When Byron sets out on his latest mission he finds himself face to face with a beautiful woman that destroys the carefully laid plans for his mission, intrigues him in ways he never expected, and finds her way into his hardened heart.

Arden pulls out all of the stops in this thrilling love story. I love the idea of a soldier and a real-life princess making a life together against all odds. It's a fairy tale story if ever I heard/read one. Damara and Byron fill the pages with a passion that seduces the reader with the turn of every page. You will want more of them as I darn sure did.

The heated passion the hero and heroine share is spicy and exciting. As the princess throws caution to the wind she finds she can seduce as good as the next woman. Damara holds nothing back when she engages Byron. The fun loving banter they share coupled with the live threatening moments they face truly bring this couple to life. The sex scenes are quite steamy. I loved the way Byron took care in taking princess Damara's V-card. It was by far the most sweet and steamy description of a first time I've ever read.

Arden really keeps the spirit of a soldiers duty front and center in the Home to Glory series. You can not only relate to Byron emotionally but you feel as though he is a true soldier. His hurt and pain strengthen him in ways that leave you almost breathless.

The suspense and constant running for their lives, Russian gangsters, and other devilish situations keep Byron on his toes as he tries desperately to keep his princess safe. Does he succeed? Would a hunky soldier like Byron fail his lovely princess? I don't think so!

Arden is one of those authors that should be on everyone's reading lists. If you want romance, realistic characters, seduction, and a heartwarming ending that brings tears to your eyes and warms you heart then Sara Arden is the author for you. While I feel the series could be read as stand-alone novels they would be better appreciated when read in order. Enjoy! 

Unfaded Glory
By: Sara Arden
Series: Home to Glory
Book in Series:2
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: 1/272/2015

Synopsis (per Goodreads)


Byron Hawkins doesn't want to be responsible for anyone ever again. The former Black Ops soldier is better at taking lives than saving them. But on mission in Tunisia to deliver a package to safety, Hawk is dismayed to find that the precious cargo is actually a hostage rescue, and that his orders are to take Princess Demara Petrakis back to US soil and hide her in plain sight—as his newlywed wife.

Back in Hawk's hometown of Glory, Kansas, petite, fierce Demara keeps surprising him; she may be royalty, but she's fully trained in martial arts and will sacrifice anything for her country. As the town rallies around the returning hero and his bride, he's finding that it's way too easy to play the part, and after the hell he has seen, that terrifies him. Hawk didn't want another life to save, but the passionate beauty he's sworn to protect might just turn the tables and save him, instead.

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Review: Playing Doctor by Kate Allure

What's better than one intriguingly steamy romance with heated encounters that set your blood boiling?

How about three delicious short stories! That's exactly what you get from Kate Allure's amazingly HOT new title, Playing Doctor!

It's not often that you (in reality) have doctors as hot and hunky as the ones described in Allure's anthology but wouldn't that be freaking exciting. As a bonus who in their right mind wouldn't be thrilled to their very core to play doctor with a doctor or anyone one else.


The first story The Intern was very good. The exciting back and forth banter between Lauren and Courtney (aka Court) was fantastic. Their personalities and attraction to one another really made the story work for me. It was fun watching the relationship progress in a fulfilling way. With short stories you character building often falls apart but Allure did a wonderful job making these characters pop in the best of ways.

The sex scenes sizzled too! Oh my gosh did they ever! The chemistry was spot on throughout the story. I really enjoyed the fast pacing of this particular story. Every detail just worked for me. As a bonus I found Lauren to be a great character as far as strong females go. 

I wasn't totally in love with the second story, My Doctor, My Husband and Me. I'm not sure what it was exactly. Maybe it was just a little to normal?? It wasn't bad at all really. Valerie and her doctor (surgeon) were well developed but the husband was lacking. I felt like I got to know everyone but him. And the ending was well not at all what I expected. Like I said it wasn't bad. The sex scenes were deliciously steamy and written well too. Guess I was just curious at to why Allure chose the ending she did considering how much Valerie loved her husband. But overall I was pleased with the intensity of the erotic side of the story and less excited from a romance
angle.

In Seize the Doctor, you get everything you'd expect from a fun erotic short story. Great characters, hot steamy sex, and a fulfilling story all around. I enjoyed the use of multiple friends and doctors while concentrating on one couple. The use of a fantasy mentioned early in the story to wrap up the love story was brilliant. Probably one of the best scenes of this story happened at the end. Now that doesn't mean Nikki and her doctor boyfriend don't share some heated moments because they do.

All in all I have to say that Allure knows how to bring on the heat. And Playing Doctor is definitely sexual fantasy at its best with a hint of sweetness to top it off nicely.

Playing Doctor
By: Kate Allure
Series: Meeting Men
Book in Series: 1
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: 1/6/2015

Synopsis (per Goodreads)

The doctor will see you now…

Three sizzling-hot erotic romance stories to stoke your mood…

In The Intern, the temperature of Dr. Lauren Marks' office quickly rises when her new medical intern, Courtney, turns out to be a passionate and sexy young man.

Valerie realizes all of her fantasies when her sexy surgeon and her loving husband team up to offer her some extra-special treatment in My Doctor, My Husband, and Me.

Nikki gets more than she bargained for in Seize the Doctor when the hot guy she recently met at a bar walks into her exam room wearing a white coat. Good thing she wore her sexiest lingerie.