Friday, 4 August 2017

REVIEW: UNDER FIRE by SCARLETT COLE

Under Fire

Love over Duty #1

By Scarlett Cole

Releasing August 1st, 2017

St Martin's Press

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In Under Fire (Love over Duty #1) by Scarlett Cole, Former SEAL Sixton 'Six' Rapp is now the owner along with his Navy "brothers" of a security firm that offer services from being a bodyguard to solving kidnapping cases. But when Dr. Louisa North, the intriguing woman he's recently met comes to him with a problem, Sixton finds it hard to turn her away, even though her problem isn't one the firm is equipped to handle just yet. Will Sixton and his brothers be able to help Louisa, or will the dangerous situation she finds herself being drawn into further stop the pair from achieving happy ever after?

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Cole, but it surely has me wanting to read more of her work, especially any books to come for this series, as the secondary characters in Six's Navy brothers were intriguing. They've been through so much together with many decisions for their career and future centred around honoring the death of a good friend. Is their decision to leave the military and start their own security firm the right decision?

As for the dialogue, it was well-written, compelling and I loved the combination of action and suspense, as Six is determined to help Louisa find out what's going on at the lab where she works and protect her from the people that want to hurt her for their own gain. Will Six be able to keep her safe? Will Louisa and Six be able to discover who the people are after her before things become too dangerous? Furthermore, the main characters had me completely fascinated by their back stories and their growing relationship, as the heroine finds it hard to be around people and interact with them. Yet, Six is different because he has his own worries in being in situations that take him back to his time in the military. I also like how resilient and courageous the heroine was in making sure the hero and his Navy brothers didn't shut her out in their investigation and that she challenged him to discover all she could to keep herself safe.

While the hero, he's done well for himself in his military career and I enjoyed learning all about his back story, which readers are introduced to right from the beginning. Leaving the military was the right decision for he and his friends, especially with what happened to them, and I liked how determined they were to succeed in their new endeavor of opening up a security firm. I also liked how confident the hero was in his ability to keep the heroine safe and how far he was willing to go for Louisa, because she's different to the women he normally goes for, which is something his friends need to realize.

Overall, Ms. Cole has delivered a thrilling and sizzling read in this book, which entertained me from start to finish due to the strong chemistry between this couple that brings them closer and closer together; a wonderful array of characters in both the main and secondary ones; intense dialogue that had me riveted and wanting to discover what the main characters would go through on their journey to happy ever after; and the ending which had me on the edge-of-my-seat, because of what the hero and heroine face. Will the bad guys win or will Six and Louisa come out on top? However, I liked how things turned out for this couple in the end and how far they've come in their relationship. I would recommend Under Fire by Scarlett Cole, if you enjoy romantic suspense or books by authors Rebecca Yarros, Cherrie Lynn, Kelly Elliott and Bella Jewel.

BLURB

HE CAN TAKE THE HEAT.

Hot, hard-bodied Sixten Rapp is a former SEAL who’s raring to begin his brand-new civilian life. He and his Navy “brothers” start a security firm that offers the kind of services only a team of military-trained professionals can provide. But nothing prepared Six for his new client: an innocent woman on a mission to improve thousands of lives. . . unless someone takes hers first.

CAN SHE HANDLE THE FLAMES?

Dr. Louisa North knows time is against her as she tries to create a “miracle” medical treatment for a disease with no known cure, until she creates a sample so powerful that the wrong people want to use it as a chemical weapon. At first, Six is unwilling to accept Louisa as his client. But soon he realizes that the danger is real and that there’s much more to this plain-Jane scientist…including a burning passion between them that neither of them can resist. And now that an enemy is on Louisa’s trail, Six will do whatever it takes to protect her—or die trying.

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REVIEW: ONE TRUE PAIRING by CATHY YARDLEY

One True Pairing

Fandom Hearts #2

By Cathy Yardley

Releasing July 25th, 2017

Swerve

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In One True Pairing (Fandom Hearts #2) by Cathy Yardley, Hailey Frost and Jake Reese find themselves helping each other with Jake needing to boost his star power to be able to secure his spot on the popular TV show, Mystics, and Hailey needing to help her sisters bring in customers to their bookstore. So, when they come up with a plan for Hailey to be Jake's girlfriend, everything seems to be headed in the right direction. But when things in their lives become complicated, will Jake and Hailey find the happiness they both deserve, or will the fact that they're from completely different worlds in him being a Hollywood actor and her being a hometown girl mean they end up going their separate ways?

From start to finish, this book was a quick read, because of the way it started with the trouble the hero is facing from his fans that are determined to get a little more frisky than what he'd like. How is he going to find a way out of the dilemma he's facing? However, there was so much more that made this story captivating too. Such as the fact that it encompasses the fake relationship trope two wonderful main characters that couldn't be more different.

As for the dialogue, it was fascinating and I loved the main characters back stories, as the heroine has been through so much and she finds it hard to trust. Will Hailey be able to help Jake secure his spot on the popular TV show he plays a character on? Furthermore, the heroine is strong, brave and I liked how determined she was to help Jake. Her plans to help him are full of fun and I liked how she wasn't afraid to get up close and personal with the hero in public to boost his star power. I also liked how far the heroine was willing to go to help her sisters, because they've been through so much together and have helped each other through the tough times.

While the hero, he's confident, determined to help the heroine any way he can and I liked how protective he got of Hailey when things became a tad dangerous because of a stalker. I also liked his friendship with his co-stars, as their support means a lot, especially when things don't seem to be going his way when it comes to his career. However, I felt sorry for him when it came to his father as he feels the pressure of having a famous father. Yet, I liked that he fought for his career when it seemed his options were heading more towards him not getting what he wanted.

Overall, Ms. Yardley has penned a delightful read in this story where the chemistry between this couple had me hooked, the romance was loving and had me wanting to discover whether the heroine would realize that her time with Jake was more than sex, and the ending had me concerned for both of the main characters due to the hero's career and his stalker. Will things turn out the way the hero wants them to? I would recommend One True Pairing by Cathy Yardley, if you enjoy the fake relationship trope, the opposites attract trope or books by authors Laura Florand, Kit Rocha, Tif Marcelo and Lucy Parker.

BLURB

They couldn't be more opposite, the Hollywood actor and the hometown girl, but all they need is a little convention magic to become the perfect ship in Cathy Yardley's One True Pairing.

Jake Reese needs a decoy girlfriend. Fast. The lead actor of the popular TV show, Mystics, is tired of losing his shirt to overeager fans. Literally. Which is why a chance meeting with gothabilly bookworm-slash-barista Hailey Frost seems almost too perfect to be true. Hailey is not impressed with his TV fame and is desperate to save her family's bookstore. It's a match made in Hollywood, but as the two pretend to date, fan fiction becomes reality. Can this OTP become canon?

BUY LINK: Amazon

Thursday, 3 August 2017

BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: IN WALKED TROUBLE by CHRISTINA ELLE

In Walked Trouble

Under Covers #2

by Christina Elle

Releasing July 31st, 2017

Entangled Publishing Select

In Walked Trouble (Under Covers #2) by Christina Elle, DEA agent Luke Calder finds himself needing to stay one step ahead of the bad guy that's determined to see him dead. However, it doesn't mean he can't have a little fun along the way. Meeting Cassandra Stone is a blessing, especially when he discovers she might have the intel he needs to break the case he and his team are working. Yet, when Cassandra discovers why Luke took an interest in her, will she be able to handle the truth so they can have a shot at happy ever after, or will she send Luke packing?

What a thrilling, fast-paced, entertaining read Ms. Elle has penned in this story, which encompasses a heroine determined to prove her ex wrong; a hero that has done the right thing for his team leader, but now finds his life on the line; dialogue that made me laugh at times because of the way Luke and his team tease each other and had me on the edge-of-my-seat at others, especially towards the end of this story; and has two interesting characters that have back stories that made me sympathize with them, especially that of the hero. Luckily, he managed to turn his life around.

The way this story started had me feeling sorry for the heroine, because her ex sounds like a real piece of work. How could he not have told her what he did earlier in their relationship, so maybe she had a chance to break things off before she invested so much time in the relationship? However, in saying that, I liked that the heroine didn't let her ex's words get her down too much and that she was willing to prove him wrong. Will Cassandra find the right man to hopefully have a one-night stand with? Moreover, the heroine is resilient, brave and I liked how determined she was to prove her ex wrong. Could she be adventurous in bed, if she found the right man? I also liked how tenacious the heroine was as a guidance counsellor to help her students find the right path in life. Her efforts to help may seem hopeless with what happens to one of her students, but still she's going to try her hardest, even if it means putting herself in danger with the people that want the students she's trying to help to follow a different path in life.

While the hero, he's had a tough life, but I liked how he used his past experiences to become a DEA agent. Certainly, it's important to get drugs off the street, and I liked his determination to do that, even if it meant using the heroine to get any information he deems useful to his team's investigation. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero is how protective he was of the heroine and that he would do anything to keep her safe, which is proven towards the end of this story when he realizes that his association with Cassandra puts her in as much danger as he when it comes to the bad guy he needs to stay one step ahead of, if he wants to stay alive.

Overall, Ms. Elle has penned an intriguing and scorching read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was instant from the moment they met; the romance hot and had me cheering for this couple's happy ever after, because Luke and Cassandra need each other to be completely happy; and the ending had me wanting to bite my nails with the danger the hero and heroine face. Will they come out on top of the bad guys? However, I liked how things worked out for this couple, and I liked how far the hero was willing to go to save Cassandra, because no way would he be able to go on without her in his life. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up wonderfully, as Luke is determined to keep Cassandra happy while still teasing the one member of his DEA team that he knows how to get a rise out of. I would recommend In Walked Trouble by Christina Elle, if you enjoy contemporary romance with a dash of suspense, the opposites attract trope or books by authors Sheryl Nantus, Anita DeVito, Lynn Rae Harris or Katie Reus.

BLURB

With a deadly target on his back, DEA agent Luke Calder's plan is to drink away his impending demise. Except instead of getting blessedly drunk, in walks a woman with a much deeper story than she's leading on. And he definitely wants to know more. Especially when he learns she might have intel he needs. He's not cool with lying to her, but desperate times call for desperate measures. And what starts out as simple surveillance turns into so much more.

Cassandra Stone is having a bad night. Her boyfriend's been cheating because she's not "adventurous enough" in bed. So, she does the next logical thing -- she goes in search of a dark, dangerous one-night stand. Instead, she finds smouldering eyes, deep dimples and the killer smile of a guy who won't leave her alone. Damn him. He says and does all the right things, making Cass believe that good men still exist. Until she learns why he took an interest in her in the first place.

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ABOUT CHRISTINA ELLE

Christina believes that laughter really is the best medicine, which is why in her stories she blends a healthy dose of hilarious hijinks with gritty suspense. When she’s not writing fun contemporary romance or quirky romantic suspense, Christina can be found devouring books in every genre, watching Chris Hemsworth on TV, playing board games with her family, working out, checking out Chris Hemsworth on Facebook, napping, stalking Chris Hemsworth on Instagram, and shopping…for Chris Hemsworth’s latest DVD. Christina lives near Baltimore with her husband and two sons, who give her an endless supply of humorous material to write about. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and Maryland Romance Writers.

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BLOG TOUR - SPOTLIGHT: BONDING GAMES by CATHRYN FOX

**Today we have the blog tour for Bonding Games by Cathryn Fox! Check out our stop and you’re your copy of this fantastic new romance today!**

About Bonding Games:

Former Navy SEAL Josh Steele gets tasked with a babysitting mission—watch over his boss’s daughter—a job he can only describe as hell. But when his assignment takes him to a tropical island, and he begins to see another side of Holly Fairfax, attraction sizzles between them—but he knows better than to risk his job for it. Holly can’t believe that underneath those baggy clothes tech-guru Josh Steele is all ripped abs and sexy hotness. Ignoring said hotness is tough, especially since she has to work with him on the team-building exercises her boss has assigned if she wants a coveted promotion. It’s even harder when she discovers being around Josh brings out her naughty side – one she didn’t know she had. But if she cracks the code on his cover, everything they’ve built could come crashing down.

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EXCERPT

She wiggled in his arms and a surge of pleasure shot through him. “Josh, really. I’m fine.”

“You might want to stop moving like that,” he bit out between clenched teeth.

“What? Why?”

His nerves twisted. “Just take my word on it, okay.”

She slipped lower in his arms, and he groaned as her hip rubbed against his cock. Her head snapped up, and her eyes widened when they met his. Her body visibly shook as sexual energy arced between them. “Oh,” she said on a breathless whisper. Her warm breath fluttered over his bare flesh, and he felt it all the way to his groin.

“Yeah, oh.”

She schooled her features, but she wasn’t fooling anyone, least of all him. Something potent had passed between them when she’d jumped into the pool to save him. She could pretend otherwise all she wanted, but her expressions were transparent. But even if she did act on what was happening between them, he was not going to give in to his urges.

“Maybe you should put me down, then,” she said.

“No, and I’m not leaving you, Holly.” She opened her mouth, but he cut her off. “Protest all you want, but I know there can be after effects from a sting, and until I know you’re okay, you’re stuck with me.”

“So, you’re just going to sit in my room and watch me for the next couple hours?”

“Yes,” he said, unless, of course, she had other ideas about how to pass the time.

Cool it, dude.

“You’re wasting your time if you ask me.”

“Nothing better to do.” Given that it was a small sting, and there wasn’t much swelling, he was ninety-nine percent certain that she’d be fine, but he still wasn’t leaving her. It wasn’t just the SEAL in him that wanted to protect her. It was the man.

One small hand splayed over his chest, holding on as he wove through the paths, taking a shortcut to her villa. His muscles shifted and bunched under her soft touch, and she gave a little breathy sigh. Her warm breath fell over him and stroked all the way to his cock. He dipped his head, her lips so close to his all he had to do was inch forward for a taste. Why is it, again, I can’t have her?

Oh, right, she’s the boss’s daughter and I’m here to protect her!

Flustered, he picked up the pace, and when he reached her villa, he rushed up the three flights of stairs. “Key card,” he said when he reached her door.

She pursed her lips. “Why don’t you just hack into it like you did at the clinic.”

“If that’s what you want.”

He set her down, and as she balanced on one leg, he pulled her against him to provide support. Digging his knife from his pocket, he pulled open a blade, slid it into the crack of the door, and jimmied the lock until the door open.

She shook her head. “Ohmigod, is it really that easy?”

“It’s really that easy,” he said.

After opening the door, he stepped into her room and carried her to the bed. But seeing her sitting there, looking up at him with those big, brown eyes, was more than he could take.

As desire slammed into him, he turned and plunked himself down in the chair by the window, determined to get his shit together and keep his distance.

“If you insist on staying, you might want to put a shirt on,” she bit out, but as soon as the words left her mouth, she seemed like she wanted to gobble them back up. “Wait, I mean…”

Hyperaware of the way she kept looking at him, he asked, “You mean what?”

“I have the air conditioning on high. You’re going to freeze.”

“I’m fine.”

“Suit yourself.” She stood, hobbled to the thermostat, and dropped the temperature even more. “Actually, I find it a bit hot in here.”

With his gaze latched on the lush curve of her ass he said, “Me, too.”

She spun to face him, and he sat there, completely still, as they glared at each other. Hand on her hip, she asked, “Just how long do you plan to stay?”

“Until I know you’re okay.”

Her chin lifted a little higher. “I’m fine.”

Stubborn.

“Maybe you’re hot because you have a fever?” he said. “Did you ever think of that?”

“I don’t have a fever.”

“Then why are you hot?”

“I just am. You just said you were hot, too. Maybe you have a fever.”

“Maybe I do.” Oh, he had a fever all right. He was burning up inside—for her.

About Cathryn Fox:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, Cathryn Fox is a wife, mom, sister, daughter, and friend. She loves dogs, sunny weather, anything chocolate (she never says no to a brownie) pizza and red wine. She has two teenagers who keep her busy with their never ending activities, and a husband who is convinced he can turn her into a mixed martial arts fan. Cathryn can never find balance in her life, is always trying to find time to go to the gym, can never keep up with emails, Facebook or Twitter but loves to spend time writing page-turning books that her readers will love.

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Wednesday, 2 August 2017

BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: MY HELLION, MY HEART by AMALIE HOWARD & ANGIE MORGAN

He fought battles for crown and country. She waged war for his heart.

MY HELLION, MY HEART

Lords of Essex #3

Amalie Howard & Angie Morgan

Releasing July 24, 2017

Entangled Select Historical

In My Hellion, My Heart (Lords of Essex #3) by Amalie Howard & Angie Morgan, Lord Henry Radcliffe doesn't want anything to do with love, but with his thirtieth birthday approaching, he must marry. However, the only woman he wants is too innocent for his sexual appetite. He won't subject her to his war-ravaged past, but Princess Irina Volkonsky is determined to provoke Henry every time they're in the same room together. Will Irina finally win the heart of the man she's always loved, or will Henry lose her to someone that wants Irina for themselves?

I am coming to absolutely love Historical Romance, and this book is just one of my many reasons why. Not only because the main characters were incredible and intriguing with their back stories and their journey to happy ever after, but because their chemistry and romance is explosive and spills over onto the pages in nicely-detailed sex scenes that are well worth the wait. Right from the beginning, this story was attention-grabbing because the heroine is an absolutely hellion, determined to scandalize London with her flirtations and her desire to remain single. Why should she marry before she's ready?

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, as both have been through hard times in the past with Henry suffering demons from his time at war and Irina suffering at the hands of someone that should have treated her and her sister with love and kindness. Will Irina be able to help Henry overcome his demons? However, there were some light-hearted moments between the hero and heroine that I loved. Henry knows he shouldn't be interacting in the up close and personal way he does with Irina, but she's the one woman he can't seem to resist.

Furthermore, the main characters made this story a real page turner for me, as Irina is resilient, sassy and I loved how determined she was to provoke the hero. Will a scandal ruin her reputation? I also liked how courageous the heroine was in going after what she wanted when it seemed all hope is lost. Henry is the only man she sees a future with and there's no way she's going to let him get away. While the hero, I could sympathize with him when it came to his past and the reactions he has to certain situations that remind him of what he's been through. Certainly, he's strong and brave and I liked how the heroine helped him overcome anything that was too hard for Henry to handle.

Overall, the wonderful duo of Ms. Howard and Ms. Morgan have penned a fascinating read in this book that entertained me from start to finish with a storyline that had me wondering whether Henry would ever be free of the past and whether the main characters would be able to find a way to put an end to someone's desire to see them never get their happy ever after. The way this story ended had me on the edge-of-my-seat with what Henry and Irina go through, but I liked how everything worked out for this couple in the end because they're meant to be together. Yet, what I liked most about the ending was the epilogue, as it wrapped this story up perfectly, especially with the surprise the heroine had for their family. I would recommend My Hellion, My Heart by Amalie Howard and Angie Morgan, if you enjoy Historical Romance or books by authors Collette Cameron, Sophie Jordan, Kimberly Bell and Lorraine Heath.

BLURB

He fought battles for crown and country. She waged war for his heart.

Lord Henry Radcliffe, the scarred but sinfully sexy Earl of Langlevit, is a beast. The only way Henry can exorcise the demons of his war-ravaged past is through intense physicality. In and out of bed. An endeavor that has no shortage of willing participants.

Intent on scandalizing London, Princess Irina Volkonsky is a hellion and every gentleman’s deepest desire...except for one. Irina knows better than to provoke the wickedly forbidding earl, but she will stop at nothing short of ruination to win the heart of the only man she’s ever loved.

But when one scandalous kiss makes dangerous passions ignite, neither of them can fight their sizzling attraction. When a sinister plot emerges to threaten them both, they will have to fight one last battle, this time for the ultimate prize...love.

“You’re good with children,” her sister commented as they left. “You should think about having some of your own.”

“I am content with yours, thank you.”

“Irina—”She stood, raising a hand and strode back to the window.

“I don’t want to fight with you about this, Lana. The truth is I have no interest in marrying anyone. And, yes, I do intend for London to be a repeat of Paris: diverting and fun. I won’t be anyone’s trophy.”

“Is it because of Lord Langlevit?”

Irina’s breath halted painfully in her lungs. She turned to face her sister, composing her face into a mask of indifference. “What do you mean?”

“You’ve carried a tendre for him for five years,” Lana said quietly. “Ever since you were fourteen. I suspect you still carry it, which is why no one else can measure up.”

A hundred reasons, excuses, words popped into Irina’s brain. Her sister had always been able to see right through her. She settled for four hard ones. “You mean my infatuation.”

“That doesn’t mean your feelings weren’t real.” Her sister rose unsteadily and met her at the window as Irina’s fingers wound into the folds of her skirts. “Certain events draw people close, tying them together in inexplicable ways. It’s not surprising that you...cared for Henry.”

“Hopelessly unrequited, as it were.”

“Be that as it may,” Lana said. “Henry is not the same man you knew, and I know you can see that for yourself. He has changed.”

“Because of France,” Irina whispered.

Lana nodded. “He’s never confided in me, but yes, Lady Langlevit has suggested that what happened to him is beyond understanding. I fear much of him was lost there.” She pulled Irina close. “I don’t want you to lose your heart to him and have it broken. You cannot save him, no matter how much you may wish to.” Her voice wavered. “Trust me, Henry does not want to be saved.”

“How do you know?”

“Because he told me so.”

Amalie Howard’s love of romance developed after she started pilfering her grandmother’s novels in high school when she should have been studying. She has no regrets. A #1 Amazon bestseller and a national IPPY silver medalist, she is the author of My Rogue, My Ruin, the first in the Lords of Essex historical romance series, as well as several award-winning young adult novels critically acclaimed by Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, VOYA, School Library Journal, and Booklist, including Waterfell, The Almost Girl, and Alpha Goddess, a Kid’s IndieNext pick. She currently resides in Colorado with her husband and three children. Visit her website for the latest news and information.

Angie Morgan lives in New Hampshire with her husband, their three daughters, a menagerie of pets, and an extensive collection of paperback romance novels. She’s the author of MY ROGUE, MY RUIN, the first book in the Lords of Essex historical romance series, as well as several young adult books, including The Dispossessed series written under the name Page Morgan. Critically acclaimed by Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, School Library Journal, VOYA, and The Bulletin, Angie’s novels have been an IndieNext selection, a Seventeen Magazine Summer Book Club Read, and a #1 Amazon bestseller. Visit her website for the latest news and information

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