I'll Be Home For Christmas is the first book that I have read from this author here, and I have heard so many amazing things about her work, especially in her talent in crafting such beautiful military romance novels. And I have to say after just reading this novella, I can definitely see why she is raved about so often because there is such a intense emotional vibe that is portrayed and a sense of realistic love that vibrant and real and I honestly couldn't believe that I had taken so long in reading this one because Jessica Scott crafted such a powerful story within this short read, and its not very often I am impressed by a novella but I definitely was with I'll Be Home For Christmas.
In this story we have a married couple, Vic and Nicole. In this story we see what a deployment does to a marriage and how it tests the bounds of resilience. Nicole knows that this deployment is very different from the others, the danger has escalated to terrifying levels and she doesn't know if her husband will survive this time. Vic on his end, is trying to keep the morale of his men and trying to keep his wife from worrying by making her life and playing his role as the "jokester" but as they are separated and the heat in the "sandbox" is increasing, he also knows he must do everything he can do get his R&R so he can be home for Christmas...
I found this journey of this marital couple through the military struggles to be so enriching and packed with so much raw emotion. You can just sense the edge that they are both on and that the future for them is so uncertain. I loved seeing the strength and courage of these wives that stay at home and have to continue living despite the dangers to the men that they love. We also get some teasers for some other couples that I am really curious about, and I just want to jump into book 2 because this book really showed them in a light that you need to have their story. As for Vic and Nicole, they were such a fun pair. I rarely see a hero like this though, he is so sarcastic and playful and doesn't take too much seriously. He is much more lighthearted and his wife takes it all in stride and really balances him out. I do like how he isn't naive to emotion or the depth of love his wife has for him. This pair definitely gets pushed to the limits here but I admired seeing them confront it and move forward with courage.
Overall I found I'll Be Home For Christmas to be the perfect holiday read that was quick, deep, and riveting and won my heart completely.
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.
Hunting For A Highlander is the most recent installment in her "Highland Brides" series which is number eight in the series ---highly impressive in how she has built this family and this whole series. I have had a blast with many of these books and I was delighted to read Geordie's book. Just some background information, this series the " Highland Brides" is a series that focuses on the Buchannan family, a set of brothers and their own journey in finding love, some mystery, danger, intrigue and plenty more. Now I would like to point out you really shouldn't take these stories so seriously. I know some readers have struggled with some of the books, the key is to ENJOY these books because the way this author writes is to entertain and have fun and that is what I really get out of these stories.
Our story starts off with our hero Geordie, who spots our lovely heroine (Dwyn Innes) who is hiding from her exasperating yet loving sisters and climbs a tree. Thinking she won't be able to get down he climbs up after her and some fun bantering goes back and forth, some kissing and instant attraction between the two. Dwyn. After some interactions with each other, Geordie is sure that he wants Dwyn for his wife but when it becomes apparent that someone is trying to harm her, he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe and his. But there is an enemy of theirs who seeks Dwyn family's land and will do whatever it takes to get them. Geordie and Dwyn will have to rely on their own intellect and capabilities to overcome the danger and find the future together...
What a fabulous story we have here, I simply loved so many things. Now I wouldn't say its my favorite of the series because the first few books still hold the trophies on that, however, I had such a fun time with this book and these endearing characters. One of the strongest traits in Lynsay Sand's writing is how she writes such compelling characters that you just find so drawn to and I found myself falling in love with Geordie and Dwyn and honestly didn't want to see their story end. They capture the heart so easily and even though I wished there could have been more plot built up (not as strong as some of the previous books) it was still a solid read and quite an entertaining ride.
Overall I found Hunting For A Highlander to be a sweet yet lively romance set in the highlands that captivates the reader with wit, crazy family machinations, a villain here and there and a romance which captures the heart!!
Nightchaser is the first book in the new series that Amanda Bouchet has written and this is a science fiction romance and I had a feeling that this author would deliver just as she has done within her fantasy series. I wasn't sure what to fully expect from this author though, when it came to this book here, I just had a feeling it would be a fun time and it definitely was. As this is the first book in the romance between Shade and Tess, there is a lot of build up of the romance between them. Their romance does start out pretty slow at first, because you can see how the author is slowly building up the world here, she doesn't really pack everything into this first book, I still have so many questions about where she will be heading with this series. But what she does have me on.....a level of intrigued where I want the mysteries unveiled.
In Nightchaser, we have our heroine, Captain Tess Bailey and a group that she flies with and they are a bit like "Robin Hood and his band of thieves" She has family that want her, no matter the cost, so that they can use what is in her blood for their own deceptive military means. Tess is determined to continue what she is doing, despite being chased all over the galaxy for it. Now her ship is damaged and in need of repairs so they touch down on a planet in search of someone that can do the repairs, quick and cheap and that is when Tess comes across Shade. Shade is working his way to buying back his family's empire business, and only through working with Tess he is realizing the chemistry between them, but there is more to it than that....the bounty on her safe return is a temptation he isn't sure he can resist. And Shade will have to make a choice and will he choose to stand by Tess in the end or be the one to betray her?
I found Nightchaser to be a astounding read and I was really captivated by the world that this author creates for us here. I really loved seeing the dynamics between Shade and Tess. They have such profound personalities and you come to see them for what they are in the end and what they are capable of and in the end what they are willing to sacrifice for each other. Tess was such a likeable heroine, while she can fight just as good as anyone, she has such a kind and caring heart and that was so attractive within the story. Seeing what she is willing to sacrifice for the sake of others especially children just warms the heart. Shade is a hero that will pull you into the story, he has that rugged blue collar vibe and I just wanted more of his background and hidden story because I know there are many depths to his character I am looking forward to seeing in future books.
Overall I found Nightchaser to be a stunning debut novel to this series, its a book that will gravitate your attention, gear one up for the world building with each chapter, and brings to light a beautiful balance of plot focus and character building....Amanda Bouchet delivers on a level that leaves this reader itching for more!!
The Virgin and the Rogue is a book that I have been meaning to get to ALL the year long and I finally got the courage to pick this one up. This newer series by this author has been a bit of a hit or miss for me and I can tell you I am beyond grateful I chose to read this one in audio format, because it did start out a bit slower than I would have liked if I had started it out in physical form. And oh boy, the crazy stuff that happens in this book was just laugh out loud fun at times and other times it provoked such swoony feels and even though the flow of the story wasn't quite as smooth as I would have wanted, it was still a solid romance to enjoy.
Our story begins with our heroine, Charlotte Langley. She is betrothed to be married to a man she grew up with. She is comfortable with him but he doesn't stir emotions like what she sees with her sister and her new husband. While having a dinner with her in laws and the family, she meets the brother of her brother in law...Kingston. Kingston has been known to many as a rogue, although Kingston is tired of the city life and the demands and misconceptions about his character. But when her sister gives her a potion to aid in her monthly' pains but only to have something worse given to her ...a aphrodisiac, one that provoked her into practically attacking Kingston in the library without realizing what was happening to her. Even though Charlotte believes she has been drugged by her sister, she knows that Kingston has awakened something inside her she doesn't want to give up but will she choose her own happiness over duty and obligation?
The Virgin and the Rogue was such a interesting take and I don't think I have read a book where the heroine is overcome by a aphrodisiac before, and it was pretty entertaining and HOT to see that scene unfold. Because I think that might be one the steamiest scenes that this author has ever written, although I could be wrong, she does do many well written sensual scenes within her books. And I will say as we are talking about this scene, side not....the SISTER I am NOT a fan of and she is the heroine in the next book *sigh* it might be a while before I read her book to be honest. Because I so didn't like her lack of remorse or care for her sister and the way she manipulated her in this one.
She, dull and proper Charlotte Langley, had a liaison with a renowned rogue, and he was still hanging about, complicating her life with public proposals.
The romance that builds within this story is so beautiful and I really liked seeing these two together. The sensuality is what kicks off their romance with a bang, but we go from the library to the mermaid in the lake scene to seeing them discover what is between them while all at the same time Charlotte is debating her engagement. You see how she wrestles with the expectations of her getting married, to actually realizing she has no fierce love for her fiancee and she wants more out of her life. Seeing these two journey towards each other in their own realization and expectations of what they desire in life was actually very heartwarming in many respects. Sophie Jordan is so talented in writing the balance of smexy and heart within her books and I found myself charmed within every chapter seeing their love blossoms so beautifully.
“You,” he answered thickly, his voice hoarse as he collapsed against a tree. “I was thinking of you. Only you. I only ever think of you. Your peace. Your happiness. You . . . you are everything to me, Charlie.”
Overall I found The Virgin and the Rogue to be a romance that offers a unique take that readers will find refreshing in most unexpected ways.
Wolfsong is the first book in the Green Creek series and the first book that I have been truly tempted to read by this author. I have heard some tremendous things about some of his other works especially his "House in the Cerulean Sea" but I need a good strong romance plot in my reads although who knows I might even read that one this year considering how much I FELL in head over heels in love with this author's work. Now I haven't read too many M/M romance reads in my time, I don't mind them, but I do need to be in the right mood for them for it to work for me. And I do apologize first hand because I know there is nothing I could say about this book to truly bring it the love and justice it truly deserves....It BLEW my mind away in all the best ways that I look for in a romance and for a male romance author, I am beyond impressed (although I do think males can make some of the best of the romance authors in the business)
Wolfsong is a story that takes us to a small town in the woods, where a boy lives with his parents, when his father leaves and has made him believe that he is worthless, he believes there is nothing good about him. And then this boy learns to be a man, and when he is sixteen, working as hard as he can, he meets a boy, a boy who charms his heart and their is a bond that is formed between them that is stronger than friendship. And as Oz and Joe grow into men, their bond becomes one so powerful and intense yet overwhelming for both of them. But their story is just beginning, because pain and betrayal will enter their lives, and they along with members of their pack, will have to find their own way back together and embracing what pack means....family, loyalty and love.
There is no one else I would have picked for him. Ox, you will do wondrous things together. He will be a leader, and as an Alpha, he will put the pack above all else. But remember that you’ll always be his heart and soul.
I honestly hadn't heard of this book until these past few months, I had seen some people raving about it around Goodreads of course, but didn't think much of it. But then when I saw how many of my favorite booktuber's RAVE about this one, I knew that it was one that I needed. And I happened to be in the mood for a paranormal romance, and since it has been too long since I have read a M/M romance, I knew it was time to grab this one up here. And this story ....just overwhelmed all of my emotions and I was here for it. It has been so long since I have sobbed in a book (like I normally don't cry in books hardly unless its pretty intense) and this author just provoked so many raw emotions within this story.
But I swear to god, if you choose me, I will make sure that you know the weight of your worth every day for the rest of our lives because that’s what this is. I am going to be a fucking Alpha one day, and there is no one I’d rather have by my side than you. It’s you, Ox. For me, it’s always been you.
I fell in love with all of these characters, but especially Oz and Joe. They were both just wonderful males, and loved seeing all the masculinity and vulnerability rise to the surface. It was so interesting to see them grow into adulthood and seeing their friendship turn into something way more deeper and heartfelt. And boy when they both realize the attraction ---SPARKS LITERALLY FLY-between these two. I really enjoyed seeing Joe's way's of courting his mate and typical shifter mating ritual right there and it was quite amusing to see their connection form over time. But what really breaks the heart is seeing their true characters being put to the test in the most brutal of ways. It just broke my heart to see all the conflicts that they have to overcome.
I would do anything to make you happy because no one had ever smelled like you did. It was candy canes and pinecones. It was epic and awesome. And it was home. You smelled like my home, Ox. I’d forgotten what that was like, okay? I’d forgotten that because he took it away from me and I couldn’t find it again until I found you.
Overall I found Wolfsong to be a breathtaking, heart achingly jewel of a romance, and one that will be in my memory for a long while. Its a story of love, friendship, hardship, and unity of family.
The Princess is the second in the trilogy that we have here, and this story in “The Bastard” does end in a bit of a cliffhanger of sorts. Its more like a unrevealed secret that the heroine was keeping from the hero, although not intentionally I don’t think. What we see is a traumatic event that happened to Harper, one in which Eric had no clue in and where his horrid brother was there for her when he wasn’t. I will admit that even though the ending of “The Bastard” wasn’t enough of a cliffhanger to have me picking up this book immediately, I definitely wanted to see how this reveal would turn out for our hero and heroine and I actually liked seeing how it ended up being beneficial to their relationship.
“Caring about someone is a weakness,” he says, echoing my thoughts from moments before. “It opens you up to pain and hurt. We just choose to make it worth the risk. And you are.”
Because they learn the value that the past lessons define them and seeing them learn to accept each other’s mistakes and learn to move on into a place that worked for both Eric and Harper was truly wondrous to see. We, of course, also get a more build up of the overall plot which I had a fun time seeing as it thickened on the essence of the mystery of the story as a whole. It was also interesting to see Eric’s group of friends and their unconditional and unwavering support of him. The romance that we have between Eric and Harper definitely deepens on a level that I respected so deeply. Definitely had a blast with this second installment.
Keep Me Safe is the first book in Bank's "Slow Burn" series, and its definitely been a long while since I have read this author and quite frankly I wasn't sure I wanted to read more of her ever since the whole fiasco with her and her PR team BUT I just realized I didn't want to keep that frustration for another series to keep me from some solid reads and I did see this on Libby and I just wanted to read it and as one of my main goals this year is to mood read I knew I wanted to try it out. So I grabbed this up and first impression was the narrator, I fell in love with his voice and the flow by which he narrated this novel and I do think his narration did increase my enjoyment of the story quite a bit, so I do love it when that narrator hits the spot and he just has this gruff sexy voice that just appealed to me and totally connects with the alpha vibes you get from this book.
So Keep Me Safe is a story that is focused on our hero, Caleb, who is on the hunt for his sister who has been kidnapped. He goes in search of a psychic woman who is known for finding serial killers and he will do anything to get his sister home and safe with them. So he forces Ramie to make a connection to get the location of his sister but when he sees the effects of the linking, Caleb realizes his mistake and what he put Ramie through and despite the horrible meeting, Caleb is drawn to Ramie and is determined to make it up to her no matter the cost. Ramie hasn't seen Caleb in six months and even though she has been furious with him, she needs him because she is being hunted and she knows that Caleb can help protect her from him. But Ramie never expected that upon calling Caleb for help, she would find herself in a fighting game with this psychic killer but also finding a love with Caleb she never thought possible for herself.
Keep Me Safe was quite different than I expected and yes it has been a while since I have read such a suspense thriller romance with a paranormal twist as this book was. I know there are a TON of mix thoughts on this one here. I am kinda on the fence on my true feelings to be honest. I enjoyed it quite a bit, but there was quite a bit of drama, so much that I almost felt like I was reading a new adult (which this is NOT new adult since the main characters are older and more experienced) I actually enjoyed seeing this romance form, I did think it had that insta love feel to it a bit. I mean, as a suspense novel, you definitely know that the plot will thicken and progress very quickly so you do need to take that aspect into account. But their romance was a bit too quick even for me and I adore the instant love trope. It just felt off and not quite right for the level of intensity that is found within the story.
The plot of the story is highly engaging and you definitely feel like you are on edge, not sure how I feel about reading audio romantic suspense because yeah my anxiety levels kinda went through the roof but then its been a while. Listening to this book was a good reminder that I have been lax on my romantic suspense reads because I realized (despite some of my issues with this one) that I miss these suspense, on the edge, vibes in a romance. I did adore many of the side characters that come into play with this book so you can count on me picking up the other books in the series for sure.
Overall I found Keep Me Safe to be a fantastic read that brought some unique elements together and I am highly intrigued to see where this author takes the series overall.
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Reckless Road is the latest edition in the Torpedo Ink series by Feehan. And I will admit that I was super nervous about this book, especially considering the certain "kink" that was contained in the previous book in the series and I had no clue where this author would take this book but "whew" thank goodness we found something normal ...normal for Christine Feehan that is. LOL In Reckless Road we have a story where we see more of our Torpedo Ink club and I am always fascinated in seeing how Feehan has been able to build this series yet also connect it to the previous series she has done. But I also found this one to be so unique from beginning to end that held my attention from beginning to end.
Our Hero "Player" is one that has certain psychic gifts where his mental capabilities are put at risk but he has talents the like of which his brothers can't comprehend and at times don't delve into and Player tends to keep it more private. But when his mind is almost shattered and he can barely think straight and barely makes it to the clubhouse in one piece, he finds a beautiful woman who breathes music in every movement, a woman of grace with a talent of belldancing and of Middle Eastern descent. After sharing a beautiful night together, not just of sex but of connecting on a deeper level, Player makes a mistake and shatters Zyah's heart. And now Player will have to get his humble boots on and make restitution to Zyah and prove to her he is genuine in his caring of her. But both their pasts will come together in a way neither expect but Player may have to make a difficult choice ....his brothers or the woman he loves.
In Reckless Road I had such a fascinating time with and my goodness I love seeing the beautiful representation here with a Middle Eastern heroine. I rarely see that in romance and loved it in this book. Zyah is such a beautiful heroine both inside and out and her sweet spirit is addicting, she just draws you in but she does stand her ground with Player but not too much. I appreciated that she didn't force this "groveling" for too long, it actually had a well balanced feel to the story in how relatable it felt. Feehan really works her magic with this story in conveying this romance and the more connecting variables between Player and Zyah.
I read Love Unexpected, as part of the book of the month for "The Taboo Book Club" and I really wanted to give this book a chance to work and quite frankly this taboo of "step family love" is what kept me from enjoying this book. Its just a taboo that in most cases hardly ever works for me. I also felt like what we see in this book is too rushed at times, it didn't have that slow burn feeling I was expecting to find with this one here, it was like one moment they treated each other as father and daughter and then then next they have this fierce sexual attraction. I did enjoy the level of emotion between these two especially at the end there, but it did feel too close to incest for me. This taboo is a hard one for me to just let go of and if it wasn't such a hard limit for me, I know I would have enjoyed it way more than I did.
The Queen's Gambit is the first book of this author's debut series. And as I fell in love with her Consortium Rebellion trilogy, I was super eager to try out this other series of hers and yep I fell in love with this book. I think even just a couple years her writing has improved vastly, but I quite had a blast with this book and it had so many laugh out loud moments. We have two strong protaganists that melted my heart in every way. You have our hero, who is the emperor and a new one at that. His father died and named him his replacement and he is the younger son, so had no clue why, and now dealing with all his advisors seeking his death including his brother. Then you have the heroine, Queen Samara. Her people are starving and she will do whatever it takes to see to their welfare including kidnapping Emperor Kos to get a ransom out of it. But the chemistry between these two is explosive and soon they join forces against their true enemies and build a peace between their two peoples, but their journey is just beginning.
Overall I couldn't seem to get enough of this book, at first, I wasn't quite a Samara fan to be honest. Kos had my heart from the get go, he just has such a solid foundation of goodness and honesty and a bit of craftiness and sometimes Samara wasn't the best to him. But she thoughout the story, did win my good will once again and I grew to admire her as the main focus of this trilogy and I am excited to see what becomes of her and Kos in this trilogy.
