This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceEzekiel "Zee" was born into a crime boss family, but it was not a life he ever wanted and when his father murdered his girlfriend when he was only a teenager, he disappeared from his fathers life and made a life for himself setting up a gym and center to self defense for the community. He has worked hard to move on from his past to be worthy of a memory of a girl that held his heart and believed in him but lost her life in the process. Tamara does everything that her rich parents expect of her including dating a man she doesn't care about and expect her to marry. But when Tamara goes with a friend to a self defense class, and comes face to face with the formidable and sexy instructor Zee. Sparks fly between these two and the chemistry is fiery hot, but they soon realize how right they are for each other.

This was a story I was looking forward to, I really liked the blurb and was excited to see what this author would do with the story. This story is pretty high in sexual content, and even though this is Jackie's style, I was skimming quite a bit because I felt it overshadowed the actual love story that is going on here. There is a form of cheating that I also had issues with. Now Tamara was in a relationship with someone else, and even though eventually we learn it isn't a fully committed relationship but the first little while I struggled with this aspect of the story. What I did like was seeing the other aspects of the plot though. With the danger of Zee's father and the friendships of Zee's friends. It was quite fun to see their commaderie, and close ties to each other. But Overall I liked this story and loved seeing these two connect on a deeper level. Hot and stimulating!!!





 

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Summary

Boone Price and his brother know oil like the back of their hand, and either by pure luck and chance, they struck gold with a oil well in the west of Texas. Now they have money in the billions. Boone is a roughneck, always has dirt and oil on him and doesn't care one whit for formalities or suits. But it soon becomes apparent he might need to polish his image a bit. But then he sees an ad of a realtor, a woman that is classy and he knows that she would be perfect for his arm. But when he first meets her, he sees something more than just a beautifully classy woman, he sees a woman that makes him laugh and has a charming personality and he only wants to see more of her. But Ivy is hiding a secret, that she not what he really thinks and she fears that she will lose him once he learns the truth...

Plot and Story Line

This story packed a punch, and what a entertaining and fun story I found Dirty Money to be. Jessica Clare always knows how to write a solid romance, but the humor is just spot on. It does have its outrageous moments that not everyone may be comfortable with, but I got a kick out of it. The story sets off with Boone not having the best experience with a "suit" and the way certain types of men treat him just because he has a more rugged look. Boone isn't ashamed of who he is, and doesn't want to have to change anything. Our heroine is a bit different. Ivy has worked hard to not appear to come from the life she has. Her mother left them, and her father got sent to prison and she was left to care for her sister. She was able to get her realtor licence while working two jobs just trying to make ends meet so that her sister could go to college. But as she tries to build a career as a realtor, her bosses keep taking all the good clients and she is barely making it by financially. And when Boone comes in, looking not like any client she has ever seen but she senses something about him that intrigues her and even though he is arrogant and outrageous she is charmed.

Boone, I don’t know that I’m the right realtor for you. It’s just…complicated.”

“Well, I think you’re the right one for me. I don’t want anyone else. I told you that.”

…I haven’t ever wanted anything as badly as I want this woman, and I feel like she’s dancing just out of reach. I need to figure her out. Figure out the right words that will unlock her reservations and make her fall into my arms.

I honestly couldn't could enough of Boone and Ivy, they are so much more like each other than they seem at first. Even though there is a "secret" aspect which wasn't my favorite part of the story, it definitely worked and I liked the complexities of how the story plays out in the end. The drama, the humor, the passion wins me over and guaranteed to win you over as well.

The Cover

I like it, but I do wish it had a more rugged look to it, since the cover doesn't really portray the hero very well. But I do like the colors and style of the lettering used.

Overall View

Dirty Money is a passionate romance that is lively, has its outrageous moments, and we see how these two compliment each other in different ways that turn out so well balanced. HIGHLY ENTERTAINING!!

In the conclusion to Cavanaughs and Greer’s romance is simply beautiful in many ways that we see here. What we see happen though is that secrets come out about their past and why Cavanaugh truly broke up with her and the complexities in their past that connect them in certain ways. But as the past is revealed, Cavanaugh and Greer will need to learn to accept what is done and learn to move forward in their relationship. We see the potential that is within their relationship and what they are both willing to do to find what is worth fighting for. It isn’t an easy process to see them having to rebuild trust and be fully transparent in their relationship, but as they grow in their acceptance of it, we see a beautiful thriving love that they find worth fighting for.

I will be honest while this isn’t my favorite books by this author, I was simply captivated in seeing how they would heal their relationship from the scars and mistrusts that is obviously festering. But what we see is true growth from both of them, and the way they adapt to both of their career choices and finding the balance that their relationship truly deserves. So if you are a fan of this author I can highly recommend these books here.

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.

Dirty Little Secret is the first book in the newest series of Jennifer Ryan. I absolutely adore this author and even though her previous series I struggled with at times, this book was AMAZING. I just didn't want to put this one down and I easily breezed through it like I have in many of Jennifer Ryan's Earlier books. I simply loved the set up of the story and seeing everything fall into place as it does. I definitely believe if you are a fan of Jennifer Ryan (even if you didn't care for her previous series) you will love this one. But I will warn you it deals with an aspect in romance that I don't normally go for but Jennifer Ryan wrote it so well that I don't think you will have a problem with it. Read below for more information.

Our tale in Dirty Little Secret begins with Roxy who is our delightful female lead in the story. Roxy grew up with a mother who was into drugs, drinking and being a prostitute. Her birth father, is a highly respected rancher in a small town in Montana. Roxy has had to deal with her mother's drama, only seeing her father a handful of times, who for some reason unknown to her was unable to take her away from the abusive lifestyle her mother was in. But Roxy is tough and strong and has had to be self-sufficient. Her father eventually led them to the Wild Rose Ranch which is where she met her sisters who are also daughters of women who work at the Wild Rose Ranch which is a modern day brothel of sorts. Roxy has never understood why women sell themselves like that, and her mother has influenced much of that. Roxy has worked hard at rodeos and making herself to be a success. But she has never earned her father's love, she feels he is ashamed of her because of who her mother is. But now her father is on his deathbed and is asking for her and so she heads to Montana to get her answers and say goodbye.

Noah Cordero grew up on the spread in Montana where he learned everything to do about ranching and learning to love the man that raised him even if he wasn't his birth father. He and his sister have loved living on the ranch and have a close relationship with their father. But when Noah's father collapses and finds out that he is dying, he is devastated. But is shocked to learn that his father had a birth child that he never knew about, a daughter and whom he left half of his ranch to. At first, Noah is furious because he doesn't understand why his father never told him of Roxy. But he soon realizes that she deserves a place on the ranch as much as he does because she didn't have the loving home that Noah did. There is a chemistry that builds between Noah and Roxy. But Roxy has some secrets and she wonders if she can trust Noah with them or will he spurn and mock her like everyone else in her life has...

This book was simply incredible. And yes I don't normally go for the whole step sibling romance but this wasn't quite like that. Since Noah and Roxy have NO blood ties and didn't grow up together at all. I found the way that Jennifer Ryan wrote this book to be very interesting and once I understand the complexity of the relations between Roxy and Noah, then I really delved into this book. I absolutely adore it when an author spins an issue that isn't commonly used in romance and tackles a tough subject like for example prostitution and the consequences of being connected to it and how people view you differently. We see how small town people treat Roxy and its NOT pretty. Men view her as an easy lay in the sheets and women view her with contempt. But Roxy, has lived with it all of her life and handles it with such great care. She is not ashamed of who she is. She knows that she is a strong independent woman who creates her own success but you see how challenging it is for her. But I love how she handles it though, and how she treats others. She treats other with respect even while they ridicule her but speaks with them honestly about their treatment and how wrong it is but without mocking them in return and I admired that so much. She becomes such a great guardian for the teenager (Noah's sister) and I love seeing their relationship bloom in this book. You see how Roxy wants to be her friend but also won't tolerate any bad behavior but she handles her with care.

The romance that forms between Noah and Roxy is so delectable and sweet and heartwarming. We see them grow together and seeing them develop a strong bond in addition to the powerful sexual chemistry. You just feel how strong they want each other sexually and there are many moments that you become lost in the moment for them. In the beginning they both have many reservations and misunderstandings about each other. But as they learn each other and start being open and honest with one another, their relationship develops into one you can get on board with very easily. I had a blast seeing them find some common ground and deal with issues and learning to accept each other.

There are some other aspects in the plot that you will recognize as a Jennifer Ryan aspect in her books. There is a villain or two, there is some complex issues put into play and the main characters are put in danger and there is some suspense and what I find enjoyable is that it didn't detract from the story overall. I liked that it was a small aspect of the story and slowly builds into the climax at the end. I find that I really got a kick out of the way that this story played out overall. Its a romance that adds complexity, diverse issues and vibrant emotion. It will bring you to tears, have you laughing in public and making you want to grab your partner due to the sensuality that packs a punch. Simply a romance that is outsanding in every way, shape and form!



 

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

 

Summary 

Jenna has returned from the big city, and come back to her hometown. Its been ten years but she is ready to make her life away from the crowds and the expensive housing and to a place that feel like home. Her father has called her back for a job, and so now she is back in the same town as her only love, Cal Payton. A man whom she has always loved but had to hurt him to save him and she knows he has never forgiven her for it. She doesn't know if there is a chance to have a future with him again, but she is going to show him that is genuine in her feelings for him and stand by him. Cal Payton, is thirty years old, and helps run his father's car mechanic shop along with his younger brother. Cal due to the faults in his parents, was forced to raised his brothers. Now he is embracing freedom and enjoying the peace and quiet of his home with only sports as entertainment. But Cal will be forced to make a decision when Jenna returns. Beautiful and loving Jenna, a woman he has always loved but broke his heart. But when he finds he has a step brother he never knew about and might have to raise him, he starts to question his own beliefs for living, and wonders if he can let Jenna, his sunshine, back into his life and be content in the dark and bleak existence that is his life.

The Hero 

Cal had to grow up very quickly. His mother abandoned Cal and his brothers when they were young. His father wasn't the most loving of fathers and pretty much left them to their own devises. Cal as the oldest, had to be the one to raise his brothers, and show them the right way in living and it drained him completely. In high school he fell in love with Jenna, and they planned a life together, until her family forced her to make a difficult choice, either break it off with Cal or save his future and Jenna chose the latter. Cal has never forgotten. Cal is not the upbeat and positive young man he once was. He has changed into a man who is serious and thinks only of his own wants, which he has never had before. Cal is a hero that is a fighter, he has strength but also struggles emotionally. He is responsible and hard-working, and dedicated to his goals. But Cal's disposition is not very nice at all. He is so grumpy, moody and temperamental at times. But boy do I love my grumpy heroes.

The Heroine

Jenna fell in love with Cal, and even though she planned on going to school, she always wanted to be his wife and have a family with him. Her family didn't approve of their relationship, and when a fight broke out between Cal and her brother. Her parents gave her a choice, either they press charges and Cal goes to jail, which would ruin his future. Or break it off with him and go to college, and they would leave him alone. Jenna sacrificed her love so that Cal could be free without the stain of a criminal record. Jenna has returned and even though she doesn't expect anything from Cal, you see how much she wants him back in her life again. Jenna was feisty and funny and a fighter. She was a solid match for Cal, because she knew how to match his grumpy nature. Jenny is carefree and honest and good. She is upfront about the mistakes she has made in the past, and she makes an effort to get her "Cal" back.

Plot and Story Line 

Dirty Thoughts is the first book in a new series by Megan Erickson. This is also the first book I have read from this author. This series is a series based on a family of brothers, a mechanics family. This concept was very interesting, because this is a first for me, reading a romance that deals with one of the main characters being a car mechanic. I have to say sexy as all get out!! I had so much fun with this story and couldn't put it down. What a page turner too!! The writing that Megan Erickson displays in this story is so engaging and immediately draws you in. I do love it when authors can do that for a reader. That no matter what your mood, you can still fall in love with a story. What really drew me most to this book was the "second chance" trope. I just adore this trope in romance novels because its such a romantic concept that in the real world most people only dream about, and in this story it becomes a reality. Both Cal and Jenna have a past with each other. They were high school sweethearts, but were really in love with each other. But they were driven apart by circumstances neither of them had much control over. They moved on, worked and for ten years they have been apart, but neither of them have entered other relationships. That is something I quite enjoyed, because you sense how right they are for each other. But we have another aspect roll into the story...the step brother, a teenager who doesn't feel safe at home and wants to live with Cal. This is where the relationship between Cal and Jenna begins to shift from getting to know each other and being friends into something more. Now let me talk about these brothers. Boy did I have a rockin' time with all of them. We have the two brothers that Cal raised Brent and Gabe. Both brothers are a bit different but you they have similar traits too. And I can't wait for their stories. Then we have the step brother who is gay, (a unique twist), and we see some seeds that could be a future story--maybe? We will see what this author does. I truly had a fun time with this one, and what a truly tender and poignant story and still have some lighter moments that seemed to balance the story out for this reader!!

The Cover 

I just adore Avon covers, but they do so good with their contemporary ones. This cover I love, with the red and black background. The pose is so adorable, sensual and light-hearted all at the same time!!

Overall View 

Dirty Thoughts is a story that is guaranteed to capture your attention from the beginning. It's a romantic tale of two people who find each other after ten years, and rekindle a sensual passion, characters to fall in love with, and a story to endear you. A SEXY GEM!!



 

“Like me, how?”

“Um, like, all . . . ” Asher puffed out his chest and held his arms out from his body like his biceps were huge. “Don’t dirty my house,” he said in a false low voice. “Do what I say. Grrrr.”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There was a gasp, and Asher clapped his hand over his mouth. Jenna covered his ears with her hands and hissed, "Don't say things like that in front of the children!"

Had they both been at the sauce while he was in the shower? What the--

Jenna's handds dropped from Asher's ears, and he turned to her, clasping her hands. "Its okay, Jenna. Its going to be hard, but I think I can overcome this."

Cal threw up his hands. "For God's sake--"

"John Hughes is not an actor." Jenna's voice wobbled, like she was speaking at his funeral. "He's only one of the greatest film makers of all time."

"Breakfast Club...Ferris Bueller's Day Off..Weird Science!" Asher's voice cracked at the end.

They were still both clutching each other, staring at him like he had leprosy. He rolled his eyes and stalked into the kitchen for another beer. "You guys are ridiculous."

"We'll pray for your Hugh-less soul!" Asher shouted.

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Love you, Sunshine. Not sure I ever stopped. But what I felt for you at eighteen is nothing compared to how I feel about you now."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Thought I'd come here that night and steal a ray of that sunshine. Then walk away, hoping it would keep me warm for a while. But damn if you didn't catch me in a day, sucking me back in, making me feel like if you weren't by my side, I'd die of frostbite."

 



 

Dirty Thoughts (1) Cal & Jenna 

Dirty Talk (2) Brent & Ivy

Dirty Deeds (3)

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

I can't tell you how excited I was to see that I had been approved to get access to this title. I have been waiting for this book for like FOREVER. I really had a blast with book one Dirty Money. This series is about five brothers, who won the jackpoint rigging for oil and became billionaires overnight. This book is Clay's book and man he is yummy if he is a bit of a jerk sometimes. Now Clay has been in love with Natalie, they were once high school sweethearts. And then they were driven apart on the night he was going to propose to her, and they have been separated for seven long years. Neither Clay or Natalie have ever forgotten or been able to move on. In Clay's mind, there was only one woman for him and its always been Natalie. Natalie has been busy taken care of her father who had a stroke and then suffered from dementia and trying to keep them from going to the poor house. Clay wants Natalie back in his life and is willing to do anything to get her back. So he hatches up a crazy plan with the not so help from one of his brothers. He will give her an offer, take care of all her financial troubles, if she will become his "personal assistant". Yeah kinda a very crazy plan for a man that has an almost endless amount of cash on his hands. But our heroine reluctantly agrees. She hates the idea of practically selling herself to keep herself and her father afloat. But what goes from a sordid arrangement turns into an affair of love and trust and communication. Clay wants to appear hard and mean and a "scoundrel" but he caves the moment Natalie gets emotional.

At first I really struggled with the hero. I so didn't like how he treats Natalie at first, like he wants her to hate him so much he has to treat her like a bedmate. However he really grows on me, because he is SO flawed. He makes mistakes and he admits that they are stupid decisions and he should have just come clean with Natalie about how much he really loves her. Once they get everything out in the open and realize what drove them apart, this is where their relationship really blossoms and boy the swoons these two cause!! I quickly got over my not so good feels for the hero, and fell in love with him and Natalie too. I could see parts of myself in Natalie very easily. She isn't good in big crowds, she is more reserved but hardworking and loyal. I did love how devoted she is to her father despite how bad he treats her and always has in raising her. So I relaly liked how protective Clay was especially when it came to her father. And the family.....boy they were fun and entertaining. They remind me of big burly bears....rough on the edges but have soft and cuddly hearts. And this is true for Clay. He is very rough around the edges for sure, but he hasn't touched another woman since losing Natalie because he has never stopped loving her. *sigh* yeah he is pretty dreamy in moments in this story. I also was drawn to them as a couple. Because they fit so right together. And not just when it comes to sex. Once all the drama gets out of the way, and they learn the truth about each other, they fit like a glove, bound by the hip. They are so at ease with each other, comfortable,  and are able to let go of the lost seven years.

Now I did want to mention that there is a bit of a cliffhanger...not really. More like a shocker toward the end. Not about the couple, but something happens to the family that shocked me and one I never saw coming. So fair warning. :0

Dirty Scoundrel is a fast paced, quick witted romance that leaves you laughing and full of smiles from beginning to end. Its packed with real life characters that put the reader through their paces, challenge and get a bit teary eyed in moments. THIS READER HAD A BLAST!!

 

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance