Custom Built is the first of a series, but is also connected to the “Knights of Fury” series so if you are a fan of that series, which has been recently released, than you definitely will want to grab up Custom Built. To be honest I had no clue these two series were connected, and I grabbed it from Netgalley on the cover alone. Yep I am vain but sometimes I get a nice reward and this book was a solid read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was a bit nervous as it starts out with a “enemies to lovers” type of theme. But it proved to be a wonderful beginning to what I imagine will be an entertaining series here. Crow and Bronte don’t really like each other. More Crow is strongly drawn to Bronte and he doesn’t understand it, and is the opposite of his easy going nature as she is working for him. But soon something more builds between them. But Bronte’s life is in danger but she is about to see the bond these brothers have when their outreach extends to her. I actually had a blast with this book, especially the sexual tension that builds between Bronte and Crow. It proved to be an engaging read that captivates from beginning to end.
Gavin Whitridge, is the Duke of Baynton and expectations are high for him to marry and he can't just marry anyone especially the penniless playwright Sarah Pettijohn. She is the last woman that anyone would expect that Gavin would set his eyes on. Gavin knows that he can never marry Sarah, his mother and aunt already have a woman in mind. He knows he needs an heir however there is something different about Sarah that draws him. And when Sarah finds herself in trouble, Gavin proposes she become his mistress and he will support her and her dreams of seeing her play become a reality. Sarah finds herself agreeing to a bargain she never though she would agree to but becoming Gavin's mistress isn't what she expected. He makes no demands on her that she isn't willing to make. Gavin desires a woman that he can be himself with, someone that is safe and makes him feel like he is at home with. Gavin however is forced to make a difficult choice duty or love...or will he realize he can have both?
Plot and Story Line
What a story and Cathy Maxwell closes this series out with a bang with A Date At The Altar. I was highly impressed with this book, and I got it in audio format and I listened to it in TWO DAYS!!! I never listen to a audiobook that quickly, but after a couple of hours and I just wanted more and more and couldn't put it down. This story starts out with Sarah putting herself in a position to dance as the "siren" so she can have her play. And is shocked to see the infamous Gavin, Duke of Baynton at her show of all place. She is horrified, but when he saves her from a mob of men trying to get her she sees something more in him. Gavin has searched for the right wife for so long, and even though he wants a love match like his two brothers, he doesn't know if he will find it. Gavin and Sarah aren't the type of couple you could see together to be honest. They are so different from each other, however once they are together they just fit so perfectly well. I really enjoyed what I saw in this one. And we are also introduced into some surprises as well. This story does have its dramatic moments, and even though it seemed a bit unrealistic...it was so uniquely written that you have no real issue with it. I loved seeing the conflict that this pair is faced with and certain truths that they learn about themselves and about each other. There is a pivotal moment toward the end of the book, that brought tears to my eyes. A moment where Gavin and the hero (of the first book, the novella) and it made me fall in love with this series even more. It changes the whole tone to the story and is worth every moment until then to see how Gavin changes in certain ways. I loved the character growth and seeing one fight for LOVE over the threat of scandal. A love story you don't want to miss out on.
Children mean nothing to me if I can't have you. You are the one I choose. I was meant to love you Sarah.
The Narration
Sarah Jane Wells is simply brilliant and she did this series so well but especially Gavin's book is my favorite of her work. Her voice and the way she dispalys different tones of feelings of the story and character kept me captivated. She has such a pretty British accent, and I love the way she reflects that in the work she does. She is a must listen to if you like historical romances on audio.
The Cover
What a gorgeous cover...I just love her dress and the playful smirk. Sets a playful tone
Overall View
A Date At The Altar is a lively and dramatic romance that keeps the reader engaged, anxious and highly eager to see this couple get their HEA. A FUN ROMANTIC GEM!!
Books N Tunes Pick #2: Your Hands Are Cold
I was hearing this song in my head as I was listening to this book especially some of the later scenes of the book.
Rampage is the most infamous of the fighters at Redemption and his career as a MMA fighter is sky rocketing. He is a heavy weight fighter and trainer, and he is a friend to everyone even the little kids that want his autograph. But he is hiding something about himself. He came from the south, but he also is a master at a BDSM club and needs pain to get pleasure. He vows to never share his secret with anyone especially young and classy Penny. Who is innocent with a hint of wild but he knows he could never do that to her, cause her pain. Penny, on the outside seems to be a classy British gal but she has a wild side and unfortunately she ends up finding all the bad men of the crowd. Her father, past boyfriends and flings. But her heart is set on Rampage. And when delivering a notice to the club from her work, she is shocked to see her friend as a Master doing a whipping session and her mind starts thinking. Penny has a horrible past, and she needs pain to deal with the trauma. But while she explores with Jack the erotic possibilities, she wonders if she will be enough for him and what he needs....
Plot and Story Line
Now this book was quite the explosive romance and can I just say how fantastically pleased I am to see Castille back at this series. I fell in love with the first three books. Now in the first three books, she introduced some bondage play but it was much lighter than this book. So I was a bit overwhelmed at times with some of the scenes of this book but boy were they scorching HOT!!! Be forewarned, who needs the heater or the fire on when you have this book in your hands. hehe Even though the heat of the book was a bit too much for me at times I still fell in love with the actual romance and the way Penny handles our boy Jack. They both hide part of themselves and Penny is strong willed and I like how she is willing to explore other possibilities so she can see where their romantic relationship can go. Its not conventional but it works for both of them.
This is Penny. And I feel something for her--the kind of emotional connection I never thought I would feel again.
And it fucking scares me
And it changes too, I liked seeing the growth and the way these two help each other in various ways. Both characters are impressionable but Penny....she has balls of steel. Man some of the lengths she goes to in order to prove herself....yeah I couldn't do that and I was so impressed with her and her tenacity. I'll admit I wasn't sure what I thought of her in previous books but this author changed my mind.
I want you to see what I see. I want you to know that you are worth so much more than you got from the people in your life. You are strong. You are brave. You are worth loving, Penny. You are the kind of woman who deserves to have a man on his knees.
The Cover
HOT!!! I love it so very much. It might be one of my favorites of the series and from this author. Of course Sourcebooks always does a great job but I just love the cover model, I just want to pet him.
Overall View
Fighting Attraction is a scorching, hot romance that leaves you fully sated.....a tale of redemption, healing and a love story you will remember!!
Derek "Vader" Brown is a unique Bachelor of the Firemen of San Gabriel. He isn't your typical fire fighter and he knows it and so does everyone who has ever met Vader. Vader is spirited and wild at times but is honorable and loyal to a fault. Vader is also in love with his 'sometimes' girlfriend Cherie. There are times he thinks they are on the right track and then other times he wonders who Cherie really is and why she is holding back from him. Cherie Harper hasn't had it easy. She and her brother had to run away from home, and they have started a new life for themselves. But Cherie knows that no matter how much she cared for Vader she can never marry him, even though there is a big part of her that wants to. Cherie is truly herself when she is with Vader and it breaks her heart to hurt him. When Cherie's sister Trixie comes to town, things get a little crazy for Vader and Cherie, and soon Cherie will have to decide who she can really trust and will Vader still love her when he knows the full truth?
The Hero
Derek Brown or also known as "Vader" is quite unique. He doesn't hide who he is and is blunt and bold and says exactly what is on his mind. Vader is a character I have been so anxious to read ever since I was first introduced to this series in the first book. Vader is quite a sexual being and doesn't hide that fact from ANYONE. He is probably the most amusing out of all the firefighters. But in this story we see a deeper side to Vader. The side I have been looking for. Vader is in love with a woman that has turned down marriage proposals, but that doesn't keep him fully away. Vader is also trying to become Captain and taking care of his mother. And whew...the relationship he has with his mother is so amazing and heartwarming. Vader is so much more than he lets everyone think. He may be rambunctious and crazy at times, but he is also giving and compassionate and quite the protector. He has the whole true hero qualities, he has charisma and is charming. And the moment you meet Vader...you can't help but love him instantly.
The Heroine
Cherie Harper is a heroine that is between a rock and a hard place and you see how much she is struggling with that. She came from a family that lives in the country, true hicks, but her father is downright crazy when it comes to religion. She grew up in a home with very strict rules. What we see in this story of her family life is so bizarre and I can totally understand her running away. Cherie and her brother made a pact of secrecy and they can't risk her father or his "friend" finding her or it could mean giving up the life she has found in San Gabriel. Cherie is a heroine that is independent and passionate, but doesn't know how to accept help when its needed. She can be prideful and stubborn. What I really enjoyed about her character was seeing how she develops in this story. She begins to learn the meaning of trust, especially in a romantic relationship.
Plot and Story Line
Four Weddings and a Fireman was quite the story, and out of all the books that I have read so far, I think this one is one of my favorites. I really love how unique each book is, which various circumstances. Normally I am not a fan of big "secrets" in books, but this one seemed to work for me, even though I felt it dragged a bit in the end there. But I really loved this book overall. And oh boy the humor was just fantastic. I just couldn't stop laughing in so many moments of the story. Over the previous books, we have seen Vader and Cherie's relationship and a bit. This book starts out with them pretty serious in their commitment, and the beginning or the end of their relationship. Vader is mad for Cherie and wants to marry her. But when you get turned down twice, it tends to affect you. Vader decides to focus on his studies to become Captain and helping his mother. What is the turning point is Trixie's arrival and the havoc she brings. And boy is she a bit wild and energetic at times and I really loved how she brings Vader and Cherie together. What was most fascinating about this story, was seeing mystery and a hint of danger due to Cherie's past. I really couldn't get enough of seeing Vader and Cherie working through the tough issues of their relationship. It felt so "normal" and I felt like I could relate with them so easily. The chemistry between these two is quite hot and even at times when they aren't together emotionally....they sure have a connection physically. No problems there. I found this book to be highly entertaining and comical with a hint of seriousness to it.
The Cover
LOVE this cover. I do love those sweet romantic poses and this one is so dang good. Love the male behind, and that dress is so pretty.
Overall View
Four Weddings and a Fireman is a sensational contemporary love story that brings together two people in trust, love, intrigue, a spot of danger and some entertaining rides. Amusing and romantic.
Gabriel's Redemption is a story that brings more delights from Gabriel and Juliette's story and where their relationship reach higher bounds. I have to say that I am starting to really enjoy this author's writing style but this book did feel long...it is almost 500 pages, so its a story that might seem too much for some readers. But if you enjoy the books so far, then you will enjoy this one here. I really was entranced by this book because it was a bit different. I really love seeing more growth in a couple's relationship. In Gabriel's Redemption we see Gabriel and Julia are married now and enjoying being newlyweds. There was such a sense of normalcy in this novel. I think that was my favorite aspects. Too many times in romance we don't see this element between a couple and this author really made this book seem so relatable to any newly married couple especially.
Of all the gifts God gave me, he thought, the greatest one is you.
There is such a growth in their relationship and definitely in seeing how they are growing as a couple and learning to communicate better (although they still have to work at it in this book) seeing them work through their conflicted intellectual interests, with Gabriel teaching and Julia going her own way throughout her own exploration of Dante. And something more happens is their exploration of having a family. We see more dynamics with their families and I am very curious to see the outcome of those unique dynamics in book four.
Learning how to argue with a spouse is an art, not a science.
What was most interesting was seeing Juliette really come into her own strength in this book because there were some things to her personality you just don't expect. She is more reserved and shy at times because that is part of her personality and I know some may think of her as a door mat but I honestly don't think that is the case at all. I think that term that I have seen from some reviewers is disrespectful (quite frankly its my least liked term in the romance community mostly because there are all types of strength inn men and women and we should appreciate and see them as they are) But Juliette is realizing with her working on her thesis and exploring her intellectual boundaries and getting further advanced towards her degree, she grows so much as a woman and as a person. She really has to face up to where she wants to go both career wise and family wise. I really gravitated towards her seeing that she can have both without compromising either of them.
I could spend the rest of my life inside you and die happy. You're my home
In our hero we see some great growths as well and we do see lots of flashbacks to some aspects of his past that I know many readers of this couple definitely need to see more of. We see his ache to have children and to protect Julia and how he learns to be a partner and let her grow within herself even if that means she has to stand up to opposition. What we find in this story especially was the balance that becomes apparent that has been building within their relationship.
Overall I found Gabriel's Redemption to be a delightful exploration of Gabriel and Julia and their growths in intimacy....a treasure trove of sensuality and deep messages.
First off I want to talk about the cover, I absolutely adore the older covers more than Feehans more modernized cover for Dark Prince. This cover show more sensuality and connection between Raven and Mikail. I have always chosen to listen to Dark Prince, since my local library has most of the Carpathian Series on Audio form, and I prefer it that way. It is read by Juanita Parker, which she has such a great way about her in that she portrays the emotions so well. The story literally comes alive for you as you listen to it. I strongly recommend listening to this in Audio form, you won't regret it.
It starts out with Mikael who has lived hundred of years, and is a Carpathian. Carpathians are very different than vampire although they have similarities, but the big difference is that Carpathians are good, and Vampires are evil and have no soul. Mikael is the prince of his people, who are a dying race, with not many Carpathian women around, and with only sons being born to the women they are literally going extinct. Once during the time of the Crusades, many of their people defended the humans that were being threatened but in doing so many of them were slaughtered, since they become weak during the day. Some of the Carpathians were able to flee and escape. Those included in the slaughterings were Mikael's parents, his father being the leader of his people. Mikael has always taken huge responsibilities on his shoulders. In present day, he is tired and exhausted and wants to seek the sun and end his existence. Without a life-mate, he fears the darkness within him with take over his soul and he will turn into a vampire. He refuses to let that happen. However, when he is feeling desolate, he hears a womanly voice in his head comforting him. He is amazed to find that it is a mortal woman, and he seeks her out. Raven has always had psychic abilities, she comes to the Carpathian Mountains to find peace, she has recently hunted three killers using her psychic ability. She feels drained and at a loss. She is in pain when another touches her physically, and she yearns for solitude and peace among the beautiful Carpathian Mountains. However, hearing Mikaels bleakness she calls out to him, offering aide, knowing she couldn't refuse doing so. Upon talking with Mikael she finds him arrogant and Alpha Male 100% all the way, but she can't refuse him. Upon seeing him, a connection surges between them and neither one of them can resist. Raven is Mikael's life-mate, he starts seeing colors, when for hundreds of years he has only seen in grey. He also starts feeling emotions again, which are clear signs in finding one's life-mate. A journey begins, with Mikael and Raven finding their way, making mistakes along the way, but finding true love and a sensual passion that neither one of them can control or deny.
The Carpathian series, is my up most favorite paranormal series of all time. It always has been since I have started reading from Christine Feehan. The first book I read from her was Dark Challenge, which is my favorite in the series. However, I really have fallen in love with Dark Prince, I have loved reading Mikael and Raven's story. I have fallen in love with both characters. Mikael is typical Alpha Male (Which I love) and he is the leader of his people, and at the beginning of the book is very arrogant and believes everything he says is law. However upon meeting Raven, he finds himself at odds, having met the one person who has no problems with arguing with him, much less a woman. No one ever argues with him, apart from his best friend Gregori who has been at his side since they were young. Raven has lived in solitude most of her life, except when she hunted the killers. But ever since she was little, she has been despised for her gift. Once she comes to the Carpathian Mountains, and meeting Mikael, who is the one person whose touch doesn't cause her pain but pleasure and the likes of which she has never known. It has truly been a pleasure to listen to Dark Prince I can never get bored with Feehan's books I could read her over and over again. I truly loved the characters, the plot and the witty come backs in the conversations, also there was some suspense and mystery has well toward the end, which definitely made it a astounding and enthralling read.
Fallen is the second book in the Deep Ops series by Rebecca Zanetti and this is a story I was so excited for, I have really enjoyed these suspense books that this author has really been delving into. She really handles it so well and I love a good military-based romance and this definitely sparks all sorts of good emotions and feels within the story. This series is based on a deep operations team that tracks enemies of the state and does it secretly but also with the support of the government. In Fallen we have a story of two unlikely people having to pose as an engaged couple and where being forced to work together...find their way into feeling something deep and real.
Fallen is a thrilling installment that features:
Raider Tanaka- military operator, bodyguard, handler, protective, well trained in undercover operations
Brigid Banaghan-talented hacker, ex-convict, bad history of dating bad boys, smart and creative, has a heart of gold
Fallen sets off when Brigid is offered a great deal from the government, she works on this assignment and she gets early freedom from her jail sentence. Brigid hasn't had the best luck in the men that she has dated but she also might have hacked into the wrong system which had her up in the lockup joint. But she has always believed in doing what she believes is right and fighting for justice causes. But she hates this assignment, which will mean returning home and to a father, she hasn't spoken to in years. She will have to pose as a fiancee to Raider, who will be posing as a criminal bad boy. His team believes that her father is part of a mafia crime syndicate and even though on paper he left years ago, they believe that he is involved and want to know what he knows so that they can bring this mafia group down who are delving into some dangerous criminal activities including human trafficking. But before they know it, everything is not as it seems, and now Brigid's life is in danger, and Raider along with his team will have to be crafty in bringing them down and saving the woman he loves but there are secrets involved .....could these secrets be their downfall or test the strength of their trust in each other?
“Well, Irish. Looks like we’re engaged.” His smile sent butterflies winging through her abdomen. “This is going to be interesting. Now that you’re mine, I will finally figure you out.”
Fallen is such an action-packed story and I had so much fun with this one. I will admit that at times it went slow, I wasn't a big fan of the narrator at times. And not sure if I was in the right mood for this book, But I wasn't quite feeling this book which is why it didn't get a higher rating. I wanted to love it more, but I just found the chemistry between these two "off" and there were so many things happening in the story, that it just didn't flow together like I am used to seeing with this author. The premise of it was great, and I really liked seeing what they do in bringing down this crime organization. I think what I really liked seeing is the "secret" that becomes revealed. I was so interested in seeing how this would affect the team because it's not just about Raider and Brigid. There is a level of trust that becomes lost for all parties, and seeing the bond that this team has with each other was simply beautiful to see. It is a story that kept me on my toes all the way through and I am eager to see more of the team and their shenanigans.
Overall I had an enjoyable time with Fallen and I am looking forward to seeing more of this team. Fallen is a story that will give you all the kick-ass action you have come to love from this author while offering a worthy romance to match it.
Maybe We Will is the first book in the "Silver Harbor" series but I also believe it's part of the "Love in Bloom" series. I am not familiar with that later series (as it's massive, almost reach 100 titles) but it seems like it could be as there are connecting cast of characters that I believe are a part of that series according to the author's note in the back of this book "Maybe We Will". I am such a newbie to this author's work, she is such a prolific author, I mean she could be a big competitor for authors like Christine Feehan or Nora Roberts. From what I have read so far from this author has been charming small-town coastal reads, which tends to be the theme/setting in what this author Melissa Foster tends to write within her stories. I will say that I absolutely adored this book here. While it felt like a long reading, I think there was a part of me that just wanted to immerse myself so completely by this story.
Maybe We Will is a sweet coastal romance with some foodie lovin' that features:
Aiden Aldridge-Financial Whiz, Billionaire, Workaholic, Loves His Family
Abby de Messiéres-Chef, Devoted to Her Sisters, Dreamer
Maybe We Will is a story that starts off with our hero and heroine meeting on the beach. Abby is going out for a run working out her frustrations and our hero Aiden, is chillin' on a bistro chair with a pastry and coffee when he and Abby run into each other and sparks fly pretty quickly between each other and they share a pastry while appreciating the beauty of the coast. Abby has just returned home when her mother passes away, she has quit a job that she hated, and dreams of rebuilding her father's restaurant. Aiden has come to relax on orders of his sister. He tends to be a workaholic and she is forcing him on a vacation and even gave him a list of items he must do and take pictures of. As Abby and Aiden learn each other, a friendship builds between them while the chemistry builds into something more. They explore the town together, while rebuilding her father's restaurant together, and their chemistry and friendship turn into something so much more solid and real, but there are secrets that Aiden has kept from Abby. And when the truth is revealed, their love will be tested? Will Abby and Aiden be able to fight for the love they have built so quickly and will that love be strong enough to stand the tide upahead?
But in her heart she didn’t believe it, and walking away would mean losing the truest love she’d ever known and the only love she wanted
Maybe We Will was such a beautifully told story and I was so entranced by this story. Now I have read this author before, but there was something almost "magical" in this romance. Even though it felt like a long read, there were so many times I was caught up in the "moment" that was so connecting and romantic and felt so relatable. What I have really admired about this author is how real her stories feel, and I love seeing how human and vibrant her characters are written. This story was truly beautiful in every way. What we see in this romance is just worth every single moment of the reading. I became so invested in this story. First off the setting was SO well done, I could almost feel the beach breeze on my face as I was reading and all the scents portrayed were so perfect. It made me wish for summer. The characters in this one were so entrenching, and they win their way into your heart. I really loved how invested they were in each other. The type of investment that goes so much deeper than just the sexual intimacy, but to the soul of who they are. The way they care for each other, see to each other's needs and fight for each other in both the small and big ways was truly gratifying.
You haven’t known me long enough to realize this, but I want you to know that I’m only overtly sexual with you, Abs. You bring out parts of me I wasn’t even sure I possessed anymore and sides of me I never knew existed
This is a story that is focused on family and community. We see how much family means to both Aiden and Abby. Abby, even though just losing her mother, has discovered a hidden sister neither she or her sister knew about, but unlike her sister, she is thrilled to have another family member to call her own. The dynamics between the three women are so unique but fun. You see the deep connection they have despite their differing personalities from each other. Then we have the relationship between Aiden and his sister. (I am pretty sure she has a book so I want to read that soon) I just love how protective she is over her brother but also has no shame in forcing him to take vacations and find some love along the way. You can see how much they are devoted to each other. Then we have the community that is shown in this story as the backdrop and I want to LIVE there. Its so quaint, charming, and cozy. The way that they watch out for each other was so special. I just couldn't seem to get enough of it.
You changed my world, Abigail de Messiéres, and when I come back, I’m going to change yours
Overall I found Maybe We Will to be a deep connecting romance that fed all of my romantic needs in a story, its a relatable charming read that is bound to stun you in the small moments and evoke emotion in the bigger moments---a truly stunning read that took my breath away!
dreams of seeing her play become a reality. Sarah finds herself agreeing to a bargain she never though she would agree to but becoming Gavin's mistress isn't what she expected. He makes no demands on her that she isn't willing to make. Gavin desires a woman that he can be himself with, someone that is safe and makes him feel like he is at home with. Gavin however is forced to make a difficult choice duty or love...or will he realize he can have both?
Summary 
Click To Buy On Amazon 
Summary 
Click To Buy on Amazon 
