The high school crush all grown up plot made me very happy.  Even though Hunter and Katie didn’t know each other very well then there was something between them and when they meet again as adults it develops into something a bit … well, more  :) 

Hunter hasn’t been home in a long time – his childhood isn’t exactly something he wants to revisit.  He didn’t really fit into the small Montana community growing up and really couldn’t wait to get out.  But, given the chance, he finds it hard to pass up the chance to see Katie again.  He may be an adult but there is still a part of him that is still that boy.  

Katie tried living away from home but it wasn’t for her and Marietta is where she belongs.  When an old face appears again, spending a week at her ranch, the attraction proves impossible to ignore.  She knows he’s leaving but she can't resist the geeky, sexy man who is a genius with computers and looks oh-so-good in boots & a hat. 

Time spent with Katie at the Marshall ranch gives Hunter a chance to look at his past with adult eyes and decide what will really make him happy.

(I haven’t read the first book in this series (surprise!) but I don’t know that it really mattered.  There may have been a bit more development of the sibling relationship and how they’ve dealt with their father’s death but I felt that Stevens does a good job of giving her readers a complete and satisfying stand-alone story.)

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

I'll admit that this book had a big strike against it from the beginning - I am NOT a fan of manwhores, redeemable or not.  But Keating definitely shows her skill because Josh is pretty darn appealing regardless of his ... racy history.  He's decided that it is a good coping mechanism for his tragic past.  It makes sense but in the hands of a less skilled writer he might have still been off-putting for me.  Instead I understood how his awful parents and a devastating loss created the man he is today.  But he also has a loving grandmother and awesome friends who provide him the support he needs, especially when he reaches the point that he starts looking at things differently.  

Carina is coming out of a disastrous relationship, only to discover that her ex is also her new boss.  And the man is truly horrible - threatening and obsessed.  When she asks a guy she just met to pretend to be her boyfriend, it kicks off a series of events that she could never have expected.  Even as she recognizes that Josh is not for her, and vice versa, the attraction between them proves hard to resist.  

I would have expected the back and forth between the two to get old after a while - Carina is not a one night stand kind of girl and Josh isn't into relationships - but it works here.  Their conflicting emotions are very real and their struggle feels true.  And while Carina's ex is an awful, awful person, he wasn't too mustache-twirly as a villain.  Instead he's a good catalyst for some of the interactions between Carina and Josh, and definitely amps up the ending.  

Wanting More is an emotional roller-coaster, with wonderfully addictive characters and a storyline that will keep you reading late into the night.  

(Note: This is my first time with this series and I think that Keating does a really good job of explaining how everyone relates to each other.  There are some references to what happened in the first two stories that would make more sense to returning readers but they don't really impact the enjoyment of this story ... I'm just curious enough to add her other stories to my TBR pile :) )

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

The Whiskey parents raised quite the blunt, caring, and upstanding brood.  Just like Bear, Bullet is quite the responsible human being ... and, like Bear, he's taken on a little too much.  Not only is he running the family bar, but he's doing just about every heroic thing under the sun (while fighting the hero title with everything in him).  Along with rest of the Dark Knights, he protects the town from any rough elements, does charity work when it is needed, and steps in whenever there's trouble.  It's been fine when all he had in his life was his family and the town.  But now a fiesty wonan has caught his eye and his life might just be headed for a change.  

Finlay resists her attraction to Bullet a bit at first - they don't seem like they'd have much in common and his pickup lines could REALLY use some work.  But after they spend some time together, she realizes that there is more to him than she thought and their attraction may not be something to ignore.  It's pretty hard to ignore a built, stubborn, cocky (but uniquely charming) protector that shows his heart is just as big as his ... shoes.  

There's really not a lot of drama here.  Both Bullet and Finaly have a little contemplation they need to do at first as they decide whether getting involved is the right thing to do.  Plus, Bullet has some residual PTSD that he needs to address, but overall Driving Whiskey Wild is one of those slow-burn romances.  We're there with them as they make their way from dancing around each other to a HEA ending.  It's sweet, sexy, and satisfying to read.  

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

From the very first meet-cute to the HEA ending, I adored this book!  It's packed with real emotion, lovingly mixed with flirtatiousness and fun. 

Although I have to say that the blurb kinda gave me the wrong impression.  Based on the description of Caitlin I was expecting someone a little harder and more corporate, but she's not that at all.  The woman is planning to open a daycare and you can't get much gooey-er than that!  She's definitely a lady with a plan, though, and she's not going to let much deter her.  It's so much fun seeing her "lay siege" to Josh.  And readers are going to be absolutely delighted at his struggles as he fights THAT losing battle :) 

But Josh does have his reasons for not wanting to get involved - and they are really good ones, the poor guy - but he has it bad.  And though he tries to resist, he'll quickly find Caitlin difficult to ignore.  Unfortunately those demons of his are really hard to shake.  I have to give him massive props for everything he's done so far ... too bad he doesn't see it, too.  Pride, insecurity, and doubt sure can cause a whole mess of trouble.     

*Minor spoilers ahead so stop now if you don't want to know any more!*

  

I will admit that it seemed to me when the going got tough Caitlin didn't fight like I expected her to.  She knows that something is wrong with Josh but her own doubts and hurt feelings get the better of her.  It is suggested that she's not done but her actions don't really back that up.  Luckily Josh gets a little help in figuring things out and proves himself to be the man we know he is, but that it took him a little longer to recognize.  It's so awesome to see and I love him even more for doing it.  (I guess I just really wanted her to a little more soul-searching of her own and find a bit more strength too.)    

Full of sweetness and fun, but with a few bumps to make it interesting, The First Kiss of Spring is a real delight.  With her deftness at creating characters to cherish and story-lines that captivate until the very last word, March is continuing to show her fabulous talent.  I am so starting to fall under her spell!

(I think this one is a little easier for new readers to follow.  Like A Stardance Summer there are returning characters but enough of this one focuses on the main couple that it makes it easier to jump in.)

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

***Review includes what some MIGHT consider spoilers but the info is easily found with the descriptions of previous versions of this book***

This is a re-release of an older book and I think that the blurb leaves out a few things that might be important to readers that the original included :)  So thanks to a night out and a bit of an accident with a plate of chili cheese fries, good girl Maggie finds herself on the radar of the Chase brothers.  What this new blurb doesn’t share is that her first outing is with Shane Chase, town sheriff.  Unfortunately for Maggie (and Shane, but good news for Kyle), thanks to a previous relationship Shane is scared of anything even just the tiniest bit resembling commitment.  When he thinks that a couple of dates with Maggie could actually have him wanting more, he heads for the hills … leaving Maggie to be swept off her feet by his brother. 

Now, some could find this a little awkward but I think that Dane does an absolutely fantastic job of addressing it and really the two of them never get all that involved.  Instead it gives Kyle the perfect opportunity to show Maggie that not all Chase men are the same and that he’s ready to be the stand-up guy she needs. 

The Chases are so close and the connection between them is wonderful to see.  All of them, even Shane after a few awkward moments, accept Maggie into the family.  She finds herself being shown the love and support that her own family has never given her … and that she sorely needs.  But Maggie has a stalker and he’s not too happy about Kyle.  It’s going to take all of Maggie’s strength and the support of the Chases to keep her safe.     

Giving Chase has a lot heartwarming moments, especially as Maggie starts to really believe in herself and the love that Kyle is offering her.  But Dane mixes it well with the danger and action of dealing with a troubled ex who isn’t willing to let Maggie go.  I highly recommend giving this one a shot and I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the Chase brothers find their match!

(I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.)

Ruby has been a fixture in the Blessings stories (although, like all of them, this book can stand on its own) and I’m so happy to see her finally get her turn. And you definitely couldn’t ask for a better partner for her than Peanut. Readers should be prepared though because from the very beginning Sala will pull you in. And then not let go!

Over the years Ruby has done everything she could to help the people of her town … but she has kept something secret. An abusive ex, who has decided now is the time to make an appearance. Things don’t go well and, well, Ruby finds herself tied up & kidnapped. It’s a harrowing few pages, for us and for her and for Peanut. Things might get resolved pretty quickly, and in typical Ruby fashion (love that gal!), but it’s going to take a lot of courage to face the aftermath.

With Ruby’s kidnapping, Peanut realizes what his inaction might have cost him and he’s not willing to let another moment go by without Ruby knowing exactly how he feels about her. And because Peanut is just about perfect, he does it with lots of heart, understanding, and down-home charm. And because Ruby is Ruby, she handles it with her typical sass and spunk … eventually. It’s not easy to take on everything that life throws at her, with barely giving her a breath, but she has the courage and spine to take on whatever she has to with style. You have to admire how she faces things head on, even when seems like it won’t end.

The Color of Love starts off with a bang and barely manages to slow down before it gets you again. With a bit of danger and a whole lot of heart, Sala once again shows us why she’s a master writer.

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

(While this one can stand on its own, it does run parallel to So Over You, which adds a little extra fun for returning readers. The few references to the previous book make more sense if you’ve read it, but I don’t think that they will matter much to newbies or impact their reading pleasure.)

I couldn’t be happier with the story-line Meader gave these two! Cade is a big ball of awesome fun but it’s obvious there is more to him than what he wants people to see. And I have been so curious about Dante since he first showed up – all suave and debonair. They may seem like an unlikely pair but the tension between them hints at something more.

Dante has worked hard to get where he is in the NHL – the first openly gay GM of a professional hockey team. Running into one of his star players in a gay club, and being propositioned by said player, is definitely not good for his professional goals … regardless of how unbelievably sexy he finds Cade. Unfortunately there’s something about him that Dante just can’t ignore.

Cade is this appealing mix of brash confidence and uncertainty. He’s young and seems to have the world at his feet, but he’s hiding a pretty big secret. So far he’s been successful at keeping his love-life private but an instantaneous and overwhelming attraction to his new GM complicates things immensely. He may not have thought he was ready to make some tough decisions but life seems to have other plans.

Meader does such a fantastic job of balancing Dante’s gay yogi with growth moments. While he is older and has had more time being publicly gay, it doesn’t mean that he has the answer for everything. Instead, there’s this fantastic give and take between the two as Cade faces life choices (and they are big ones!) which has Dante evaluating his past and his future.

Cade and Dante might think that they can play with fire and not get burned but we know better :) Instead, the more time they spend together and the deeper their feelings grow, the more complications they’ll have to overcome. Steamy and sweet, with fabulous characters and heartfelt emotions, Undone By You beautifully highlights that just because you don’t want your heart to get involved doesn’t mean that it won’t.

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

Sarah lived an absolutely horrifying life before a slightly shady acquaintance helps her flee.  Said contact, who also helped both Jules & Grace (from the first two books), gets her hidden … unfortunately her brother has a big reach and she doesn’t stay hidden for long.  At that point the shenanigans begin.  And what action-packed shenanigans they are!  Luckily for Sarah she has Otto, along with Theo & Hugh, on her side.  And there’s not much that those guys can’t handle.   

Some of Otto’s development and back-story might have been rushed a little bit, what with all the bad guys trying to get them.  But we do get a little glimpse of what made him such a gentle giant, with a big heart and a huge protective streak.  And it takes him all of about half a second to decide he wanted to give all his love and protection to Sarah.  He’ll take on just about anything to keep her safe and in his arms.  And he might have to. 

I will admit that I was a little sad that the romance wasn’t as detailed as the action portion of this one.  It seemed to me that Ruggle balanced them a little bit better in the first two books … but man did she deliver an edge of your seat thrill ride with Otto & Sarah’s story.  I found myself glued to the pages and wanting to read just a little bit more, no matter how late it got.  That last third just about gave me an ulcer from all of the stress!  If you are looking for an exciting read, this one definitely cranks things up.   

(While technically this one can stand on its own it does tie in to the first two stories.  Both Jules and Grace’s pasts come back into play and is tied in, well & logically, with Sarah’s.)

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

There’s a lot of 3 star (or lower) reviews for this book and I’m not sure they are all deserved. I think part of the problem is that this was marketed as a romance but it is really more of a women’s fiction story … although, can you say that if the main character who does the growing is a man? Ethen does a lot evaluating through the story - his life and relationships - and has to decide what he wants his future to look like.

Unfortunately all of this reflecting comes because of the death of his sister-in-law. Home for her funeral he doesn’t head out of town right away like he normally does. Instead he finds himself spending time with his brother, niece & nephew, and the only woman he’s ever loved. And it’s causing him to really think. He has his reasons for staying away but it’s getting harder and harder to remember why they were so important.

I feel bad for all of the people involved but especially how much Ethan felt like he had to isolate himself from those he loved. There are misunderstandings, miscommunications, and hard feelings that they just feel like they can’t talk about. It’s been hard for all of them and luckily they finally reach a point where they have to do something to make things right again.

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

Annie is dealing with a lot of guilt over how her last assignment ended. She’s put her life on hold and is doing anything she can to bring the fugitives to justice. It’s made her hyper-focused, stubborn, and a bit angry. When she crosses paths with West, he gives her the opportunity she needs to see things through … and maybe find something more.

West has dealt a lot of guilt of his own and recognizes a lot of himself in Annie. He also finds himself admiring her determination and spunk. Time spent together chasing down leads gives their attraction time to build, quickly becoming something they can’t ignore. And as the danger ramps up so do their feelings.

As the first book in a new series, Black and Blue had to spend some time setting up all of the characters and how they relate to one another in Black Star Security. I enjoyed all of them and they way they relate to one another. There’s also some hints to at least a couple upcoming stories which is fun to consider. Unfortunately, though, it also means that there is some time spent away from the main couple that lends their story to being a little short-changed in a couple of spots. It’s common enough in first stories but I think Rayne minimizes it as much as she can.

I enjoyed how West tries to help Annie recognize her feelings and deal with them. It’s a nice bonding moment between the two and helps both of them come to come to terms with their past. The danger element is also very well done. I found myself curious about how they would track down the bad guys and the last half definitely has some great edge of your seat moments.

A story with characters I want to see more of and an adventure that kept me engaged, Black and Blue is a satisfying introduction to a new author for me and I’m looking forward to seeing what Rayne brings us next.

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***