I read The Game Plan right after The Friend Zone, because quite frankly, I couldn’t resist the cover. There are many covers that appeal to me, but this one just draws me more than the other two covers!! This one is sexy but it also has a deep emotional quality to it that just draws me like a bee to honey. So what really surprised me about this story is that a sexy pro football player, is a virgin hero. It is always a delight to see this aspect in a romance…but a contemporary–very rare. So I just swallowed up this story like you couldn’t believe. I was interested in this aspect because we see a man that probably could have any woman day or night. But he only wants one woman and he wants to save that part of himself for her, despite all the media attention he tends to get. Man, our hero, Ethan Dexter is one solid man. Fiona, our heroine, has made it her policy to never get involved with football players. She has issues with her father, and refuses to be hurt in the same way. But Ethan is different, and after entering a dare they begin a unique relationship that turns out being long distance. Both Ethan and Fiona realize how solid their bond is to each other, after the distance. But the tides turn, when the media learns about Ethan having been a virgin, and Fiona and Ethan truly realize that love isn’t full of roses and daisies….its full of oppsotion and conflict and they will have to fight to keep it together and strong. What I was really drawn to was seeing how much their relationship gets strengthened in this one because they are tested in some of the most horrid ways but come out on top. This is a romance that is superb on every page.
In Garrett, we have book two of the Carolina Cold Fury series. Now I was pretty excited to read Garrett’s book so badly because he plays such a role in book one in helping the pair in Alex. Garrett is the type of character that is charismatic and a great player and has a great body and loves women and yes he is a bit of a playboy. But he doesn’t deceive the women he has sex with. Its all for fun and his partners know that. He hasn’t ever been in a relationship before although he isn’t afraid of relationships or anything, just waiting for the right woman to come along. He comes from a good family and his parents are still in love, so he has good examples in his life but merely “sowing his oats” until he finds a good woman he wants to share his life with.
While attending a Cold Fury Hockey party, he sees one of the most beautiful women he has ever seen. She is exotic and full of spice and knows how to handle Garrett in all his charming ways. But when he learns that she is the cousin of Alex’s girl Sutton, he is warned off from her. Olivia Case, would normally want to encourage Garrett but at first she is hesitant. She has just learned that she has cancer, a form of cancer that is treatable but is uncurable and even if she does beat it now there is no way of telling when it will come back, only that it will in the future. But after talking to her closest friend and also her boss of the flower shop she works at she begins to realize she wants to live life especially if she doesn’t have that long of a life to live. Garrett and Olivia share some of the best nights of their lives, learning each other’s bodies and laughing and connecting. But right when it starts to get serious between them, Garrett learns the truth about Olivia’s condition and now Garrett will need to decide if he can be with someone that could die in the future. But Garrett is strong and determined to show Olivia that they are worth taking a chance on.
I found this story to be especially emotionally involved. I simply adored this book in every way and I had a blast seeing Garrett and Olivia connect in such an endearing way. We see them being tested by Olivia’s condition and you see how courageous they both are. Olivia is one of my favorite heroines I have read in a while, even though she makes some mistakes in this book, she is so courageous and has such zest for life and reading this book makes you want to be just like her. I love her free spirit and how much she knows herself and is comfortable in who she is.
To get him to forgive me. To get him to love me again. I wasn't going down without a vicious fight.
The romance that builds between Garrett and Olivia is so endearing in many ways. Of course, its Sawyer Bennett so the sex scenes are pretty steamy at times. But I love how connected these characters are with each other. You see what they are to each other and how much they are devoted to each other. The growth of their relationship is what really makes this book.
We have some fun moments with the supporting characters of course and there is a sad event that happens with the hero in the next book and yeah this moment really broke my heart so much so that I burst into tears because it was so heartfelt and real. Sawyer Bennett definitely knows how to spin a well written romance that toys with all of your emotion and I admired the way that this story played out in the end. Garrett is a story that is full of hockey love, true love and the true power of relationships. A Beautifully woven love tale you can fall in love with.
Ever since we saw the wonderful male character "Mike Haines" in one of the previous books in the series, I have been eager to read his story. And in his story we see something so profound and beautiful in the type of story that he definitely deserves. I am beyond thrilled that KA decided to do a book featuring him and in my opinion this is the BEST book of the series so far. I have really struggled with this series more than any of her other books (they just for me, are super difficult to get into in the beginning) but Games of the Heart? Definitely NOT!! This book was a breeze, and had the similar feels that I have experienced in many of KA's other works. So I was beyond happy with this book and this story swept me away.
So "Games of the Heart" is a story of long lost friends who are once reunited once again. Mike and Dusty were th closest of friends once in high school. Dusty was viewed as the "odd ball" of the town and even in her family, but Mike saw the true genuine heart of Dusty and that she was "gold" but then she left town and Mike never heard from her but then disaster strikes the family, and she returns home once again. When her sister spins lies about her, Mike is furious and goes to Dusty to confront her and hotel room smexy fun flares between the two as the truth is unveiled and the true heart of Dusty is revealed in the loss of losing her brother with whom she adored. Even though Dusty lives "not close" Dusty and Mike are determined to see where their relationship can go but there will be deception that will put a hold on their romance and it will take the family and Mike working together to confront the one who wants to destroy everything and the legacy Dusty's brother left behind.
Games of the Heart is a story that I was so drawn into and it definitely kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through. Definitely one of the easiest close to "600 pages" reads because I just swept through this book so quickly and it was such fun to experience. I actually LOVE how long Kristen Ashley's works actually are. Most cases you can't get enough and that is a rarety among romance this length. There is such a sense of normalcy in her work that is so relatable to reality in some respects and I love it. The romance that builds between Mike and Dusty is so warm and refreshing, it has a fresh feel to its level of emotion and the tension that builds within the plot line. Mike is such a wonderful alpha male---of course, KA writes the most delectable alpha males, and Mike is the one you would want to marry. I love his support and love of Dusty but also demands respect and care too. He sets those healthy boundaries that I love seeing within KA novels ---and one we need more in romance.
Overall I found Games of the Heart to be a true delight of endearing love, strong family bonds and the courage to fight for what is right!!
The Promise is a story that I just had to read and I am so glad that I was able to immerse myself into this book over the weekend. There is something so unique in the books that KA delivers, her voice that is portrayed in the writing is delectable in every way. And I was completely ready for the story of "The Promise" we were introduced to this wonderful family in Cal and Vi's book and I have to say I was tempted to skip over "Games of the Heart" to read this one because I adore ITALIAN families, there is something so entertaining and energetic about their connections to each other. One that if you love family bonds, is definitely something that you NEED in your life.
The Promise is a story that you NEED to read previous books in the series or there is a certain detail you will be so confused on. But the story starts off with a gunshot wound that our heroine has suffered while trying to save her friend. And now she has the Bianchi family all over her for it and she thought they were done with her. Seven years previous she lost her boyfriend, a man she loved that turned into a man she barely recognized and is the brother of Benny Bianchi and there were some hard feelings blasted toward her and she left the family but now they are back in her life, wanting to make amends and start anew. Frankie has always loved the Bianchi family, but she is still hurt over their rejection but especially from one man....Benny. He wants to redeem himself towards her, but Frankie is closed off for more than just the rejection and pain---and Benny is determined to dig deeper and find the genuine soul that resides in Frankie's heart--but it will take patience, love and fighting to do so--but the promise of it will be worth the work for it.
The Promise is quite different but the GROVELING is epic, so if you love a good groveling/redeemable story, than you definitely need to check out this book for sure. I love seeing the determination in our hero to find his way to Frankie's heart no matter the work he needs to put into it, because he sees her as "worth" it, no matter the cost. But I also love how he doesn't just let her run over him either, he sets the boundaries and gives his all to the relationship. Frankie has her own growing to do in the story. She has to find her path and her way to the Bianchi family and into Benny's heart. She has many unresolved issues from her past, and never had what Benny had growing up. So she has to learn how to build a healthy relationship with no experience of it except her interactions with friends and the Bianchi family. But we see such growth in her character in coming to this realization.
Overall I found The Promise to be a gratifying read that had me in tears from the depths of emotion that we feel within this story here....definitely worth its weight in gold!
The Gathering is Book 4 of the Immortal Series, which after reading this book leaves me eager to read the rest of the series, it captivated my heart and left me breathless. Leda Stowe is a witch, who lives on a island where she takes care of a bear and a lion that she saved from terrible masters who treated them crually. Leda has a tender heart, and has a genuine caring about others and especially animals. Hunter is a Immortal, a most powerful being who has spent centuries destroying demons and vampires and protecting the innocent. He lost his wife and children from a demon who he has long hunted but has not had any luck in destroying him. Then he is summoned to a island, which he assumes is by Leda. Where he finds himself in a cage with a Lion licking his face. Leda is shocked to see a strange virile man in the same vicinity as her precious Mukasa (The Lion). She then shoots him with a dart to put him out until she is able to secure and question him. After she does, she realizes how different he is from normal men, and that he isn't after Mukasa and convinces her that he was summoned here and is a Immortal. From the first moment that they meet, there is a sizzling desire that sparks between them, and they spend much time getting to know one another intimately. Then one of Leda's friend who was born half demon, and is a police officer asks for her help. Hunter however mistrusts her completely and almost's destroys her, since she is part demon. However he reluctantly chooses against it for Leda's sake. Leda then leaves Hunter with the animals on the Island and disappears with her friend, Samantha. Samantha's mother has been kidnapped, and both Leda and Samantha believes that it is her father, whom Samantha distrusts. They are then thrown into a whirlwind of danger from the very same demon that has taken control of Hunter's brother and killed his wife and children. Therefore all the brothers must join together to destroy the one that may destroy everything that they hold dear.
This is the first that I have read of the series, and the first fantasy that I have read from Jennifer Ashley. Mostly I have just read her historical's and have fallen madly in love with each and every one of them. I will just say that she has scored high once more. Leda is one of those heroines who has had to sacrificed much of herself to save those that she has loved. There was a man that she loved and he was dying, so in order to get him to be healed she had to go to a demon to save him; but the price was part of her soul which was tainted. She loses the man that she loves and is banished from a coven of witches that has been her haven. But she trudges on and continues doing good and protecting the innocent. Then she meets the mysterious yet captivating Immortal who heals her and makes her whole once more from the tainting. Is it any wonder she would fall in love? Hunter has four brothers, whom he hasn't been in contact with for centuries, but he has good memories of. He is very much tormented of his wife and children's death whom he couldn't protect at the time. Then he hears that his brother has is held under his nemesis. I also loved seeing the reunion between Hunter and his brothers once more. He is 100% Alpha Male, arrogant, knows his appeal, strong and insistent in protecting his woman. However he knows that even though he is falling for this beautiful, strong and courageous young woman, he knows it can never last since he is a Immortal. I definitely loved how the controversary of their relationship, they both fall in love pretty early in the book, which I love seeing sometimes. In this one though, it definitely was a plus and worked well for this plot. It was filled with all the great things with a good paranormal romance. The pages were filled sensual magic, intense action and intrigue, and you see a love that can indeed conquer all!
Georgina Anderson, has been on the hunt for the fiancee that disappeared during the war with Britain. Its been four years since he was taken by their Navy, and never heard a word from him. After her brother Thomas refuses to go in search for him, Georgina along with a trusted family friend and protector "Mac" go to England on their own to search for her missing fiancee Malcolm. But what she finds is a fiancee that married a English woman and already had children without a word to her. After a long search, and low on funds Georgina misses home and her overprotective brothers and wants to return back to the America's. Mac finds passage on a ship heading to the West Indies, where one of her brothers ships is at. And so she poses as the "cabin boy" for Captain James Malory. James Malory has been searching for the lady dressed in men's clothes that kicked his shin not too long ago, and shocked to find her dressed as his new cabin boy. Delighted and intrigued, he acts as though he only sees a boy, and plays with her. But the truth comes out, as does the desire they feel for each other. But Georgie will have to face her family that the man she has fallen hard for is the same pirate who sunk one of her brothers ships and has been their nemesis ever since...not going to go over well.
The Hero
James Malory is a rogue and loves his women...all different shapes and sizes and passions. He is known as the gentleman pirate, because he once was rebellious and wanted adventure and captained his own pirate ship. But gave that up so he could return home and be with his family once again. Especially when he learned that he has a teenage son who knew him upon meeting him. He had to turn somewhat respectable but it still chafed at him having to be all proper in society. Now James deals in trade, trying to be as good a father as he possibly can. James is the king of all rakes...I am telling you and boy is he entertaining. James might be one of my all time favorite characters of the whole Malory clan. He is so lively and entertaining, and very roguish in all so many fun ways. You can't take his character seriously, he is very amusing especially when you see the lengths he goes to be with his true love.
The Heroine
Georgiana Anderson has been well loved and pampered by her five older brothers. From forty years old to the youngest barely twenty. She may have lost her parents at a young age, but her brothers gave her a home and family and love. She grew up knowing how to get around any of their family company's ships since she could walk. She had a childhood sweetheart "Malcolm" that her brothers tried the hardest to keep her from falling for. But while all had left, she decided to go in search for him after six lonely years, if only to find some closure. Georgie is a spirited and care free character. She can be willful and impulsive at times, but she has a heart of gold with a bit of a temper. I love Georgie so much, so fiercely independent and a fighter.
Plot and Story Line
Gentle Rogue has to be one of my favorite books of the series, and I believe it was my first book I read in this series and got me hooked on this family and their amusing antics. In this book though, we are introduced to a new family, a family that will eventually work along side these Malory's...The American Anderson family. Now at the beginning of the book here, the Anderson despise anything English literally.
"Then why didn't you leave in the customary fashion, by purchasing passage?"
"Because the only ships crossing the atlantic were English."
"I imagine that's supposed to make sense. Give me a moment and I might figure it out...then again, I might not. What the deuce is wrong with English ships?"
"You wouldn't find anything wrong with them, but I happen to despise all things English."
"Do you indeed? Am I included in that package?"
When his brow went up this time, she had the greatest urge to yank it back down. "You were. I haven't made up my mind whether you still are."
But we see these families come together in such a glorious and adventurous way. Now it starts off with our lovely heroine Georgie. She has convinced a family friend Mac, to go with her to England in search of her fiancee. And they go through England searching for news of him. She and Mac do get into an altercation with James Malory and his brother in Tender Rebel but then Georgie finds out where Malcolm is and learns the painful truth. Now she wants to return home and agrees to be a cabin boy and dresses and acts the part. Now this is where the story really gets interesting. Because our hero is a devil at times and loves to play games, mostly harmless. He has George (his nickname for her and continues calling her that for the rest of the series) doing all sorts of things for him. Washing his back, delivering his food, cleaning his cabin, reading to him erotic stories (Yeah...he is totally working the disguise)
she found the page, Cleared her throat, and began to read. '"There was nary a doubt that I had ever seen such big ones, round and ripe. My teeth ached to bit them."'God what tripe. This would have them both asleep in minutes.'"I pinched one and heard her gasp of delight. The other beckoned my mouth, which was panting to oblige. Oh, heaven! Oh, sweet bliss of those succulent...beasts..."'
Georgina slammed the book closed with a horrified gasp."This...this.." "Yes. I know. Its called erotica, dear boy..
, acting like he has a headache and having her massage his scalp and she soon learns that he knows the truth and she also discovers that certain "feelings" she has had is desire and James introduces her to it. So they have a bit of a love affair going on while on his ship. But then they land in the West Indies, and Georgie leaves James without a word, to go to her brothers ship before it leaves for the America's. And James does what he does, and chases after her not realizing how much he cares about her at this point and there is a intense confrontation with her five over protective brothers. Now when reading this you have to understand the personality of James. He has a devil may care attitude at times and boldly tells them all the truth. Yeah five big muscled over protective brothers don't take the truth very well. What has made this a wonderful and most memorable romance over the years is really James Malory and our introduction to the Anderson Clan. I love that so many of these brothers become heroes in future books. We get to see some of our favorite characters including Anthony and Derek and we can't forget Percy. Now we don't get much of Percy until this point really...but you see a lot more of him in Say You Love Me and A Loving Scoundrel. His character is so funny a bit silly at times, but he is a charming rascal. The romance between James and George isn't conventional or what you expect but this is what I love about Lindsey. She can write outrageous and crazy and unique romances that endear you. And she does that with Gentle Rogue and I love the way this book was written. I was laughing and smiling all the way through the book and I realized why this is one of my all time favorites and had a blast reading it again especially since its been years. I can't wait for the next one up, Warren and Amy's book.
The Cover
I just adored these townhouse covers that are in the first half of the series, it has such a calming feel to it.
Overall View
Gentle Rogue is a romantic tale of adventure on the seas....of unconventional characters, a stunning display of humor and charm and a book that is guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face and wanting more of these delectable characters that are beyond memorable.
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.
Get A Life Chloe Brown is the first book in the latest series by this author, and even though I was SO not a fan of the animated covers, I was thrilled that Talia Hibbert is now an Avon author. I have been a strong fan of her for many years and this book was an ARC but one of those that got back logged and totally forgot about. So better late than never I guess lol Not sure why I waited so long or why I put this book off, because I adored this story. It was exactly what I needed and gave me the light hearted feel type of romance I was really in the mood for. I especially love the setting modern England, we just don't see that in contemporary romance and especially this new sub genre in contemporary.
Get A Life Chloe Brown is a story about two people that live in the same apartment complex. Our hero, is an artist and the superintendent of the apartment complex. And we have our heroine who is a computer geek who suffers from chronic illness. At first we see lots of tension between Red and Chloe. At first they really don't like each other, but the more interactions they have, the more it becomes evident that the dislike of each other is turning into something more. They begin to start to see the good parts of each other....but finding a balance in the struggles in their lives will prove to be a challenge for both of them as they try to figure out what they have together...
What a powerful book and so heartwarming and fun in so many ways. Of course, it has the lovely Talia Hibbert style of writing and really enjoyed seeing how she implemented Chloe's chronic pain. My mother suffers from Fibromyalgia so this story really struck close to home here. But what I loved about Chloe is that she has really accepted it all as a part of her life and manages it the best she can. Red is simply delightful, he has his own trauma and abuse he has suffered. Quite frankly THIS is what I loved most about the book. In seeing the truth of toxic femininity, that there are women that are emotionally abusive to men and the moment that Chloe learns of it she goes badass and I LOVED it. This is actually where I really fell in love with her characters, how protective she was of Red and what he had suffered.
Despite my dislike of the cover (and anyone who knows me knows these animated covers just make me cringe especially in how I don't understand why they are so popular) but overall I found this book to be a true delight of finding love in the most unexpected places and their story was captivating and real......BRAVO to Talia Hibbert in delivering such a solid story I fell for!!
Summary 
Click To Buy On Amazon 
