Rock Chick Awakening is the first novella in the series as #0.5 and I had no idea that there were so many novella's in this series and has me so excited to get to all of them. Now this story, I am so thrilled to see was written because its Daisy and Marcus' book. I am currently on book four of the series, and Daisy is one of my favorite characters in the series and Marcus' yeah he is a good one too despite some of his side businesses (although we do learn later in the series he goes more legitimate and legal) Daisy is such a lovely gal, southern woman who has had a rough life and this is her story.
Her mother wasn't very good to her, always bringing in strange men into their lives and living off of them as much as she could. But then she met a kind lady when she was thirteen, who gave her a necklace of pearls, and showed her true kindness. And those pearls bought her a ticked from the dump she grew up in and for a fresh start somewhere new. Now she is working as a dancer at a stripper club, and making GOOD money. She is good at what she does, loves nice clothes and is a good woman who is looking for a good man someday. Then she meets Marcus. Marcus is all GQ material, hot and wealthy but she knows that he only has flings and would never want to be with a woman like her. But when she is attacked and raped, Marcus shows his true colors to her and a relationship slowly forms between them. Daisy finds her prince charming who gives her the happily ever after she has always dreamed of.
I found Rock Chick Awakening to be a charming and such a cute romance and the five hours of this audiobook was so endearing and had me smiling the whole way through the story. This book is on the audible romance package, so I highly recommend listening to this novella if you get a chance here. What I love about this book though is seeing the fairytale theme in the story and seeing the true depth behind Daisy and Marcus and seeing their love story evolve. Definitely can't wait to see more of them throughout the series!!
Hot and Badgered is the first book in the "Honey Badger Chronicles" series and this has been such a hot series in the romance community and I am finally jumping on the wagon in reading these books WHEW this was a good one. I honestly never know what to expect with this author and quite frankly you do need to be in a certain mood for her writing style because its probably one of the most UNIQUE styles I have ever read and I have read a ton of romance especially. And I have really been intrigued by these books especially with the focus being honey badgers because they are an animal in the animal kingdom that gets hardly any praise for its tenacity, strength and feistyness. And I was beyond pleased to see how this author developed these characters and the plot building aspects.
Hot and Badgered features some main players ....the first being the three sisters. Charlie, Max and Stevie. And then we have our delightful solid strong hero....Berg. Now for much of the beginning of the story we are taken on an adventure with Charlie Max and Stevie. Charlie and Max are to save their sister, their father has put them in harms way ....again and they run into a den of bears whom they take protection from. Charlie is our heroine for the story and she is split. Charlie believes that she is cursed and couldn't be good for anyone, but especially Berg. He is sold, strong, caring and she could easily fall in love with him but she doesn't want to put him in harms way. But Berg is a grizzly bear and a Sheriff, he has two siblings of his own, and is more than capable of taking care of himself. But as Berg and Charlie work their way to figuring out what this relationship is capable of, there is a mystery and a danger that they will have to keep on top of with plenty of laughs along the way.
Hot and Badgered was simply a delightful story that I got so many laughs with. Its crazy though and you definitely just have to 'Roll" with many aspects of this story and be patient with this one. There are elements that I think some romance readers will definitely struggle with. The main concern I think is that it only has like two sex scenes for the WHOLE book, yeah that shocked me with this author. But there is a lot of build up and setting up the series so it does make sense in a way. I didn't have an issue with it, but I know some that do read romance for the sex value, will probably struggle. Much of the focus though is surrounding these sisters. I will say the prologue will pull you immediately into the story though. Which is definitely a plus for this story since it does take a while to get fully entrenched into the story. But that is to be expected with the first book in a new series.
I was really engaged with the romance between Charlie and Berg, definitely different and unique, but honestly with Shelly Laurenston, I expected that. And anyone that has read this author before would expect that as well. Charlie puts off Berg for quite a while through the story, but even from the beginning, you can sense their bond and chemistry that they have. There is a emotional yearning they have that is slowly built up through the story. What I loved was how steady and strong and sure Berg is, and he is exactly what Charlie needs. She has such a chaotic life, she needs someone normal, someone to have her back and be the partner she needs. She finds that in Berg.
I am really intrigued to see what will happen in Max and Stevie's books and this author has left me so fascinated with these two. Overall I found Hot and Badgered to a laugh your way delightfully type of story, its a book of intrigue, suspense, crazy bear and badger shenanigans and an adventure that will fascinated the reader in such a unique way. A true delight this story is!!
Such a cute short story of the lives that Henry and Sarah have together and loved seeing them twenty years later. I was disappointed by the length, I was expecting it to be a bit longer than it was and their daughter Jane, well she needs a wake up call because she is so spoiled. I hope this author plans on writing her book and giving us another novella to see how she turns out.
Royally Yours is a story that takes us on a adventure back through time. If you are familiar with this series than you know of the romance of this pair but now we get to have their story told and I have to say its my favorite of the WHOLE series and that is saying something considering how much love I have had for this series. Emma Chase, though, has definitely outdone herself with these books and Royally Yours tops them all in my opinion. I was nervous about this one that it wouldn't live up to the hype of it or the vision I have of his pair but it won in every regard. In the previous books we have seen the grandchildren of this pair find their love...but they have a legacy and it all starts with Edward and Lenora.
Because love is bloody awful, Chicken. And fantastic. A beautiful, horrible, messy thing. It will make you feel like you can fly one day and rip your guts out the next. It’s complicated.” Alfie shrugs. “And your father wants you to have simple, as much as you can. Because he knows there’s already a whole crown of complications just waiting to be put on your pretty head
Lenora has always known of her destiny, that she would one day rule as queen. But growing up her life wasn't easy or full of warmth and laughter. Her father was tough on her but in his own way did hold a love and affection for her even though that love wasn't apparent till the end. Her mother was full of love and laughter and taught her hope. But one by one Lenora started to lose her family, and she had to start protecting her heart and keeping herself aloof from those emotions so they wouldn't control her. And she thought she had it under control until Edward. She is now queen after her father passes away, but in order to maintain being the ruler of her people, she will need to marry and someone of noble blood. At first she and her best friend Andrew plan on marriage, but when he gets sick her plans get put on hold until his older brother comes home. Edward is a man she has had a crush on for years, she has yearned for the adventure he has lived. But there is an attraction between Edward and Lenora and even though they agree to a marriage of convenience, their relationship will become anything but that....it will be of desire, intimacy, and abiding love that will carry them through the years.
Making a life with you will be my greatest adventure, Lenora
Royally Yours is such a beautiful romance and I couldn't put this book down. Its definitely a quick and easy read that fills your heart with such light and love. I couldn't ever get enough of Edward and Lenora's story. I have been so intrigued on their love ever since we have seen Lenora in the previous books of the series. But I was so eager to see how she became the strong vibrant woman who became a powerful yet kind ruler she was destined to become. It was quite interesting to see how she handled everything that was set against her. But quite frankly, she became cold at times and this is where Edward comes in. He taught her so much, how to open herself to new possibilities and the ability to have love in your life without fearing it. There was such gratification in seeing her come into her own. Edward was such a delightful hero, I loved his strength, compassion, sense of leadership without taking anything away from Lenora, his ever ending support of her and their family.
“You are my joy and my heart . . . you are my home . . . and I would be lost without you.” He holds my face tight in his hands, and his words are low and forceful. “You will never be lost. I will be with you always. The vows were wrong. When death comes, he can have my body . . . but my soul will stay with you, I swear it.”
Now the setting of this story is vastly different as its an in between of contemporary and historical. Because its not set in the modern age, but its not the early 1900's either. So its hard to know where to put this one to be honest. I think I would stick it closer to historical though since its not a story that takes place within the last twenty years even. I really liked seeing Emma Chase write something so different and unique from anything we have ever seen from her before.
You fascinate me, even when you’re just sitting there breathing. You always have. I want to know you, Edward. Every piece and part that makes you, I want to know.
Overall I found Royally Yours to be a invigorating romance that speaks to the heart and soul of a person, that value in healing, facing adversity and growing in love with those around you ....an inspiration of a read!
Warcry is the fourth book in this incredible series and Warcry takes place about seven or eight months after Warlord. In Warcry, even though we get a main story line of the events the lead Lara and Keir back the land of Xy, our main romance of the story is focused around Heath and Attira the Bear. I am not sure why it took me so long to read this book especially considering how much I loved the first three books...maybe because Keir and Lara aren't our main couple featured here but that was just silly because we see plenty of them in this book. I really had such a fun time with Warcry and this is a definite page turner that I fell in love with. I just couldn't seem to get enough of this one here.
Warcry begins with Keir and Lara, although with their group, Marcus, Heath, Attira and an army heading back to the land of Xy. Lara is heavily pregnant, Keir is overprotective to the max, and in the land of Xy, there is traitors and betrayal who seeks to undermine Lara and Keir. Keir has his own goals of fighting to reign as warlord and eventually....warking. Heath and Attira, have a spark like none other. But their cultures are so vastly differently. Heath is from Xy and Attira is of the plains. And how they view commitment and bonding is opposite. Attira doesn't want to be tied down, she loves the pleasure she gets in Heath's arms, but doesn't understand his need to bond, she views it as a prison. But Heath refuses to give up, but his destiny lies in Xy, and he doesn't know if the love they have will be strong enough to stand the tide of what is to come for them.
Warcry was such a beautiful book that really showcased such a great story and man I just love this world that Elizabeth Vaughan has created here. I just can't seem to get enough of it. And I definitely grabbing up the next book very soon here because now I am back into a world I had forgotten how much I loved. This book has SO much in it and it definitely packs quite a punch. There are multiple plotlines happening here. We see the path that Keir and Lara are on, preparing for their new child and plans to regain Keir's position as warlord and even gaining support to be warking. Then we have the tension filled romance between Heath and Attira. And finally we have the drama of Marcus and his bonded. As you can tell there is so much goodness that is filled within this story and I was all for it. The writing just tugs you into the story so flawlessly and so quickly the investment into the characters becomes cemented.
Its very interesting seeing how this author brought all these storylines into one and just blended it so well that you could barely see the different, it harmonized so beautifully. I want to start with Heath and Attira. Oh boy...these two. So much fun drama, and seeing them work through it was so fun especially in how the different in their cultures really set the standard in the story. I so wanted so much for Attira and Heath. Both characters I have loved over the series and finally seeing them fight for their HEA was epic. But they have their own hurdles that they need to climb while trying to protect their leaders....Keir and Lara. Now Keir and Lara, are about to have a BABY, its so exciting but scary for them. There is so much danger in the court so there is such intensity for them. And you thought Keir was alpha in the first three books?.....you have no clue until you see him with a mate who is pregnant. Very entertaining to see Lara handle his overprotectiveness with grace though. Then finally we have Marcus. *sigh* he needed a kick in the rear and he got it. Finally, now we don't have the HEA for him yet, but boy this man is stubborn. But you see how his bonded really confronts him and this moment is probably one of the BEST of the whole book. I just wanted to CHEER him on. I hope in Wardance we get to see more of these two.
Overall I found Warcry to be a story of political intrigue, dangers around every corner, an unrequited love and depths on every page!!
The Next Always is the first book in the Innsboro Trilogy and this is a trilogy that I have been meaning to get to for quite a long while. First off, these covers are GORGEOUS....I so wish my home looked just like this...maybe one day :) Berkley has always done such an incredible job with covers, but these are a whole another element and I wish I had gotten around to these books earlier because this one definitely one my heart in many ways. I wasn't sure what to expect, but Nora Roberts has a certain style which is probably is what has kept her so renown in the world. The Next Always is a story that takes us to a small town to a widow single mother raising three boys and a sexy blue collar man who has interactions with a ghost and a second chance love....
The Next Always begins with the Montgomery brothers who along with their mother are doing a renovation of a infamous inn which survived wars and era's of peace. And now they want to do it the justice that it deserves. But then a new woman is settling in town, a single mother who lost her husband in the war and has three little boys to take care of. Beckett has always wanted Clare ever since high school and even though they have known each other a long time, they have never pursued anything ...until now. Beckett is determined not to let Clare get away from him a second time, and he charms her and her boys and Clare starts to believe in second chances and fresh beginnings. But a stalker and a ghost may put their relationship to the test...
The Next Always is a story that I adored in every way, and it just kept me up all night reading mostly due to its sweet and enthralling nature of the setting and these characters that just warm your heart. I was so drawn into this world that Nora Roberts creates here and she has a GHOST in this book. You really don't see too many "hauntings" in contemporary romance but Roberts tends to mix in unique elements and she definitely succeeded with this one here. I just fell in love with Clare and Beckett and their families. Clare is such a devoted mother, she adores her sons so much, and just seeing her made me want to be a momma. You see they are her world and that was simply beautiful to see. Then we see the bond that Beckett and his brothers have together. I love how loyal they are, and dedicated to working on this project together and uniting against their mother who is loving but kinda crazy at times and knows how to manipulate her boys lol I was really drawn into the connection that Beckett has with Clare's boys. He charms them and connects with them that almost brought me to tears, so many poignant moments this book is packed with.
Overall I found The Next Always to be a story of charm, sweet love and endearing characters which opens your heart to new possibilities....HEAD OVER HEELS!!
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Avon in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Waiting On A Cowboy is the first book to the new series by this author but is loosely connected with the previous series she wrote "Wild Rose Ranch" and we get the story with Tate McGrath. And I have to say that even though this book wasn't quite as emotionally intense as I normally receive from this author, it was a wonderful addition to her work. It was quite a fun and relaxing read and I had such a fun time especially with the playful tension between our characters and a bit of suspense.
Tate McGrath and Liz Scott have been best friends since they were in the sandbox. Liz always knew even at 5 years old that she would marry Tate McGrath. But Tate always put Liz on the "friend" pedestal. And Liz has been in love with Tate since she was a little girl. But she is tired of waiting for him to wake up and see her for the woman that she is instead of the "friend" he tends to always sees in her. But when Liz starts dating another man, Tate wakes up with powerful jealousy and begins realizing he could lose Liz and starts fighting for her. So may the best man win!
I want you to know I really love you. The kind of love that includes rings and vows and a home we share and waking up with you by my side
Waiting On A Cowboy is such a fun book and was quite the relaxing vibe that I really was in the right mood for at the time of reading it. I do love a good friends to lovers trope and Jennifer Ryan walked this out of the PARK....this book was pure romance and intimacy and I adored every single moment. Tate and Liz are so darling together and they make such a great team. Everyone that knows them know that they are meant to be. But Tate....*sigh* ignorant blind Tate lol Seeing him get his wake up call was quite fun. But he does make it up to Liz and love seeing him work his way back to redeeming himself especially when he realizes what an idiot he has been.
What I really loved seeing was the difference in the relationships that Liz has with the two men. And seeing the signs of abuse over love and respect. Tate really knows Liz but he respects her boundaries and even though he is an idiot at times, he never treats her less than she deserves. And I really adored seeing the difference in comparison to the "third party" and seeing the signs of manipulation and abuse and the power of saying "no" to it. I really adored seeing the maturity in this book and the amount of healthy relationship building that is shown here.
Overall I found Waiting On A Cowboy to be an enticing, beautifully portrayed story of friendship, love and fighting for what you believe in!!
Outlaw Hearts is a saga romance that will enthrall you from the first page, a love story that is majestic in its telling of it. In the past I have had the opportunity to read her before, but it has been many years. Almost ten years since I have read anything of her. So I was thrilled at the chance to read this one, especially with it being republished, and high ratings….and boy does this story deserve them, each and every one. This is not a short story, so be warned but so worth every moment of reading you take into it. It took me about two days to read this, it’s about 600 pages, but it didn’t feel that long to be honest. This story spans from when they first meet in their 20’s and ends when they are in their 40’s. We see them fall in love, get married, make love for the first time, have children, get separated and their relationship tested, we even see grandkids, but we see a love story that grows and becomes stronger with challenge they have to overcome together. We see how their relationship develops, and how no matter what they got put up against, they still won and their bond became even more firm than ever. This is a page turner, and keeps you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what these two will have to endure to stay together and keep each other safe. What I loved most was how this captivated me so much that I lost quite a few hours of sleep so I could read that one chapter. It is quite an emotional journey we are taken on as readers, and it will really tug at those heart-strings in ways that you won’t see coming, and FYI :Bring a box of tissues to your reading corner because you will need them) it leaves the story will some things settled and a few questions but what a wonderful ending, and what is better is you have a second book that just became published so you can find out what they have to deal with next. This is a western based romance, set in a historical context, and the author is fabulous in describing vivid detail and making the story come alive with each page there is raw emotion and a true interpretation of the time and culture that the reader is opened up to. I will say this for Rosanne Bittner, she is one of the best romance authors that have ever written. This is a unforgettable story and a book that I will be re reading again, a story that is by far one of the best romances ever to be read and I soaked it all in, every character…every detail…every setting, this is a must read for any romance lover, because I guarantee you will cry, you will laugh, you will jump up and down in excitement, your mind is going to enter into a world you have never known or dreamed, and you will adore every delicious moment!!
His Darkest Hunger is a story that I have actually wanted to read for the LONGEST time, ever since it was first published in 2010 and I will admit the COVER is the reason and its still the same reason why I actually picked this one up. It has a new cover but I don't care for it, so I used this one. There is so much in this cover and I just love what Avon did in their design of this cover and the whole trilogy. I will say that I think I might have skimmed the blurb before even reading this book. It was just one of those books for me. Its a story of angst though, of enemies to lovers, of some amnesia and some paranormal lovin.
The story starts our with our heroine, Libby who has lost her memory of years other than being on a bus cold and in a small town. She works at the local diner, and even though she has scars, pain from what is apparent torture sessions, she has no idea what happened, only that it had to have been bad for her. But then Jaxon arrives on the scene, angry and mistrustful and when they are attacked, he takes her to his base camp with two members of his team. He doesn't trust Libby, he thinks she betrayed them and caused the death of one of their team members. Even though his animal is happy to have his mate again, Jaxon knows he can't keep her for himself. But facts come to the surface, and Libby's memory returns and her hate for him is just as strong as his is for her. What they don't understand is that they were both betrayed, and only when they learn to let go of the hate, will they find their HEA and their enemies.
His Darkest Hunger was a story that was super complicated when it came to the relationship. Now I will say that when everything comes to the surface, I didn't quite understand or feel that Libby's anger was fully justified. Once you learn everything, you feel such compassion for what she went through but at the end of the day it shows these two should have had way more faith in each other. They both suffered betrayal of some kind, but their enemies were crafty and have a secret agenda that wasn't even fully revealed which means I will have to read book two to get more answers LOL
But I did find that I enjoyed this book in many ways and boy the angst in this book was powerful. Good thing I was in the right mood for it. But I am drawn into the mystery of the story line of the series and seeing what this villain will be up to next and how he will get the justice he deserves. Overall though I found this book to be full of its own exciting drama and sensuality to curl the toes of its readers.....truly CAPTIVATING
