REVIEW: A HUSBAND BY NEW YEAR'S by SEAN D. YOUNG

A Husband by New Year's

McClendon Holiday #3

By Sean D. Young

Releasing November 13th, 2017

Entangled Publishing

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When Renee McClendon was a teenager, she made a list of all the qualities her perfect man would have, but no matter how many handsome guys have ticked the boxes, she has yet to find the man for her. She wants a regular guy who's not afraid to get his hands dirty, and she's given herself a deadline. If she doesn't find Mr. Right by New Year's, she's done searching.

Patrick Dunlap is used to woman looking at him as a lowly chauffeur…until they realize he owns the whole company. All he wants is a woman who'll want him for who is, and not only see dollar signs. He hits it off with Renee right away, so while they get to know each other, he withholds some small details instead of risking what they're starting to build.

But when the truth comes out, how forgiving will Renee be?

BUY LINK:  Amazon

Each book in the McClendon Holiday series is a

STANDALONE story that can be enjoyed out of order.

* A McClendon Thanksgiving
* The Christmas Promise
* A Husband by New Year's

In A Husband by New Year's (McClendon Holiday #3) by Sean D. Young, Renee McClendon has a list for her Mr. Right and nothing will stop her from finding a man that possesses her listed qualities. However, if she doesn't find her Mr. Right by her New Years deadline, she's decided to give up on her list. Yet, when chauffeur Patrick Dunlap comes into her life, Renee knows she wants to get to know him better. Will a lie be enough to keep them apart, or will the pair fight for their chance at happy ever after?

The McClendon sisters and the secondary characters of this series are definitely reasons to come back for each book of this series, but it was the hero in this book that really made this story for me. He's everything Renee wants in a man, and yet, there's something he's keeping from her. Something that could blow up in his face, if he doesn't deliver the truth before she discovers it for herself. Will Renee discover the truth before the hero tells her? Will she be able to accept the truth?

As for the way this story started, it drew me into this story immediately and had me sympathizing with the heroine. How could her friends tease her about her list of qualities she wants in a man? Yet, in saying that, I liked that she didn't particularly care what they thought and made the decisions that she does. No way is she going to let anyone convince her that her list is silly. Moreover, the heroine is resilient; hard-working, which is proven by everything she does in her career as a marketing consultant; and I liked that she took a chance on Patrick because he's a good guy. I also liked the tight bond she shares with her siblings, as they would do anything for each other and aren't afraid to offer advice when things become complicated for each other when it comes to relationships. 

While the hero, he's been through tough times and I felt sorry for him when it came to his relationship with his brother. Will Patrick get to the truth of what's going on with the family company? Will he find a way to turn things around? Furthermore, the hero is confident, loyal and I liked how determined he was to win the heroine over. Yet, what I liked most of all about these two main characters is the challenges they face in their personal and professional lives that has them needing every single bit of courage and willingness to overcome the problems that arise. 

Overall, this author has delivered a riveting read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was intense and had me liking these two together; the romance was on the sweet side; and the ending had me liking the lengths the hero goes to in order to win the heroine back. Luckily, the hero has the secondary characters on his side. I would recommend A Husband by New Year's by Sean D. Young, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope or books by authors Cheris Hodges, Rochelle Alers, Lena Hart and Synithia Williams.

REVIEW: A CHOICE OF FATE by JEZZ DE SILVA

A Choice of Fate

Outback Heart #2

By Jezz Di Silva

Releasing January 29th, 2018

Entangled Publishing

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Los Angeles based Doctor Olivia Williams has everything she’s ever dreamed of—a healthy sister, the job of a lifetime, and more freedom than she knows what to do with. And she’s kicking off her new life with a month-long adventure Down Under to celebrate her sister’s wedding and meet the in-laws. But when the groom’s brother shows up to retrieve her from her hotel, the drop-dead gorgeous lawyer is everything and nothing she expected, and she'll have to make a choice she never anticipated.
 
Australian Jarrah Harper has an Aston Martin parked beneath his penthouse, an overflowing little black book, and an obscenely lucrative legal practice that ensures he’ll never have to wrangle cattle or wipe sweat from his forehead ever again. But he still feels empty. When he sees his family’s home through the eyes of the entrancing Olivia, suddenly he’s rethinking everything. Including the fact that the alluring Olivia spells nothing but trouble.

BUY LINK:  Amazon

In A Choice of Fate (Outback Hearts #2) by Jezz Di Silva, Doctor Olivia Williams has arrived from Los Angeles for her sister's wedding, but she never imagined her month-long adventure to celebrate it would have her spending time with Jarrah Harper, the best man for the wedding. The last thing she needs to do is fall in love, not when she has so much to look forward to on returning home where she will start the job of a lifetime, but sometimes life doesn't go according to plan. Will either be willing to make the biggest sacrifice of their lives to be together, or will they lose their chance at happy ever after because neither are willing to compromise? 

Having absolutely loved the first book of this series, I couldn't wait to read more about the Harper family and see each of the siblings get their own happy ever after, and I've got to say that this second book of the series was just as good as the first. Because not only was it very engaging due to the main characters back stories and the tough obstacles they face to be together, but because the secondary characters bring someone extra special to this story. And really, the one secondary character that stood out for me was Helen who was amusing and brilliant in her attempts to get the heroine to stay. Will Olivia take a chance on Jarrah? Will she be willing to give up everything for him or will Jarrah give up everything for her?

Both the main characters were compelling and I loved their back stories and their growing relationship, as Olivia is finally able to live her life the way she wants to live it now that her sister is healthy and cancer-free and found the man she loves. Furthermore, the heroine has worked hard for everything she's achieved, and I liked that she didn't make decisions based on her strong feelings for Jarrah without thinking about all that she would be giving up. I also liked how resilient and courageous she was in her past in dealing with her sister's cancer and being there for her every step of the way through the tough times. It wasn't easy for her, but the end result was worth it all. While the hero, he's confident, hard-working, will do anything for those he loves and I loved  that he didn't make things hard for the heroine when it came crunch time in their relationship. I also liked how determined the hero was to make her holiday fun and exciting and give her enough memories for the future. 

Overall, this author has delivered a wonderful read in this book where the chemistry was strong between this couple; the romance was delightful and showed how right these two are for each other; and the ending had me loving the sacrifice one of the main characters was willing to make to be with the one they loved. However, it was epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly, because of the interaction between Olivia and Helen and then the surprise the hero has for the heroine that had me glad these two overcame the obstacles they faced to be together. I would recommend A Choice of Fate by Jezz De Silva, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope, holiday romances or books by authors Alisha Rai, Tessa Dare, Lucy Parker and Ruthie Knox.

REVIEW: THE BITTERSWEET BRIDE by VANESSA RILEY

The Bittersweet Bride

Advertisements of Love #1

By Vanessa Riley

Releasing January 29th, 2018

Entangled Publishing

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Widow Theodosia Cecil needs a husband to help protect her son. The former flower seller turned estate owner posts an ad in the newspaper, and no one is more surprised than she when her first love, the man she thought dead, reappears.

Ewan Fitzwilliam has been at war for six years. Now, the second son of a powerful earl is back but his beloved Theo needs a husband and will not consider him. She believes Ewan left her—in desperate straits—so she denies the feelings she still harbors for the handsome, scarred soldier. Theo and playwright Ewan must overcome bitter lies and vengeful actions that ruined their youthful affair. Theo must reveal her deepest secret in order to reclaim the love that has long been denied.

BUY LINK:  Amazon

In The Bittersweet Bride (Advertisements of Love #1) by Vanessa Riley, Theodosia 'Theo' Cecil will do anything to protect her son from those that wish to take him away from her. But the only way she knows she can protect him is to find a man to marry that can stand up for her rights. However, when Ewan Fitzwilliam, a man she thought was dead re-enters her life, Theo finds it hard not to think about the past and how good Ewan made her. Will Theo and Ewan get a second chance at happy ever after, or will the vengeful actions of people they thought they could trust keep them apart again?

What a fascinating read Ms. Riley has delivered in this first story of her Advertisements of Love series where the main characters had me loving their back stories and had me hoping that Theo would give Ewan another chance; the dialogue was riveting, as most of Ewan's family are a piece of work and I could understand why he doesn't want anything to do with them; and the obstacles these two face on their journey to happy ever after had me hoping that Ewan would win Theo over because he still loves her. 

Both the main characters were riveting due to their past, their back stories and their growing relationship, as Theo does her best to resist Ewan, but it seems she can't because he's always been 'The One'. Moreover, the heroine is strong and brave in dealing with everything she has including the horribleness of Ewan's family and how they treated her in the past. I also liked how determined she was to do anything she can to protect her son, which is proven by her need to marry someone that can help her. Will Ewan be the man she needs or will she end up marrying someone else? Will Theo be able to protect her son without immediately marrying? Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine is the tight bond she shares with her son. He's her whole world and there's nothing she won't do to protect him, even if it means sacrificing her own happiness.

While Ewan, he's a wonderful hero and I couldn't help but sympathize with him when it comes to his family. He has a father that doesn't respect him and a mother that will do anything to make sure he doesn't end up with what she belongs is the wrong woman, even though Theo is the woman he loves and wants forever. I also liked the decisions he ended up making because there's nothing more important than love, family and happiness and Theo will always be home for him. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was how protective he was of the heroine and how determined he was to right the wrongs he made with the heroine in the past, which is proven by the huge choice he makes towards the end. 

Overall, Ms. Riley has delivered a splendid read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance was sweet and heart-warming and showed how these two have never gotten over each other; and the ending left me completely satisfied by what the hero does to show the heroine that she means everything to him. I would recommend The Bittersweet Bride by Vanessa Riley, if you enjoy historical romances, the second chance romance trope, or books by authors Rose Lerner, Alyssa Cole, Beverly Jenkins and Cat Sebastian.

REVIEW: LET IT BE ME by JODY HOLFORD

Let It Be Me

Love Unexpected #1

By Jody Holford

Releasing January 29th, 2018

Entangled Publishing

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Megan Carter’s spent the past five years nannying for a pint-size boss—the adorable Charlie—while also navigating her full-size boss, his somewhat grouchy, way-too-methodical dad, Adam. Now that she’s finally moving on, helping Adam find her replacement should be easy…except he doesn’t want another nanny. He wants a wife.

Adam’s been burned by love in the past, so of course he believes finding someone who can be a partner in raising his son is all that matters. Too bad the woman helping him search is the biggest believer in love at first sight and happily-ever-after he’s ever met.

Even as Adam’s funny, charming, and—who would have thought it?—super-hot side starts to come out, Megan knows that without love, a family would never be complete. But convincing Adam of that might be harder than she thought.

BUY LINK:  Amazon

In Let It Be Me (Love Unexpected #1) by Jody Holford, Megan Carter has finally achieved her dream. She's going to be a teacher, which means she's moving on from her job as a nanny to the sweet and adorable Charlie. Finding a replacement nanny is her first task, but when her boss Adam decides finding a wife for him is the better option, Megan can't help but feel a little disappointed by his need for companionship instead of love. However, as Megan does her best to find Adam what he wants, she finds it becoming harder and harder to deny the chemistry that exists between them. Will Megan be able to convince Adam that love is the best feeling in the world, or will she walk away from the man she loves because he'll never be capable of feeling the same way she does?

If you've never had the chance to read a book by Ms. Holford, then I would definitely get to reading one (most definitely this one), because not only does this story contain great characters that have plenty of chemistry, but the obstacles the couple face on their journey to happy ever after are tough with Adam not knowing whether he'll be able to take a chance on love again after being burned badly by his ex-wife. Will Adam see that a relationship with Megan is worth fighting for?

With the way this story started, I was hooked immediately, as Megan is finally getting everything she ever wanted in becoming a teacher. But with Adam always being so demanding and not being very good at compromising, I felt very sympathetic towards the heroine and her situation. How could Adam believe his job is more important than her future dreams? Moreover, the heroine is strong and brave when it comes to dealing with Adam and I liked that she would do anything for him, even though she doesn't seem happy about the decisions he's making. What about love? How could he continue to let his ex win and keep him from finding true happiness? I also liked the tight bond the heroine shared with the hero's son, which is proven by how much she loves him and that she would do anything to make the little boy happy.

While the hero, I did like him, even though I thought he took Megan for granted. Will he be able to handle her departing from his life when the time comes? Moreover, I also liked how determined the hero was to make a good life for his son and secure his future by working his butt off so his son would never want for anything. I also liked how much of a challenge the heroine provided for the hero and how hard he works to win her over, even though he knows that he could hurt her in the end. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was the decisions he made when it came to the things he wanted for the future. Will he realize how good the heroine is for him before it's too late? 

Overall, Ms. Holford has delivered a fantastic read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was heady and convincing; the romance was a touch on the sweet side, but had me liking how good the heroine is for the hero; and the ending had me liking how courageous the hero was in proving to the heroine that he loves and trusts her and that he wants her in his life. His words are precious and his actions definitely prove that he's ready to move on from his past and that he'll no longer let what his ex did prevent him from getting another chance at forever after. I would recommend Let it Be Me by Jody Holford, if you enjoy a boss-employee romance, the opposites attract trope or books by authors LE Rico, Jennifer Shirk, Charlee James and Sonya Weiss. 

BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: WHITE KNIGHT by ABIGAIL OWEN AND NICOLE FLOCKTON

About the Book:

Modern-day King Arthur meets Snow White for a surprising happily ever after in this magical mash-up of legends and fairy tales.

The victim of an ancient curse, Sasha White has wandered the world alone for centuries. The only way out of this endless, lonely cycle is to break the fabled Immortality Stone, which she’s finally located. Infiltrating Chevalier Jewels as an expert diamond cutter, she’s determined to steal the stone from her employers—the same seven men her wizard father was once sworn to shield.

Security expert Derek Arthur has gone undercover in order to catch a jewel thief for his latest, and greatest, client. But all his military training didn’t prepare him to deal with Sasha, the woman Chevalier Jewels assigned as his boss to complete the disguise. The need she ignites within him catches him off guard. Meanwhile, his own powerful secrets are attracting mysterious visions and dangers at every turn.

Can an immortal jewel thief and the man hunting her down find trust a way to trust? Or will the evil that separated them long ago continue to deny them their true destiny?

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Google Play | Kobo

In White Knight by Nicole Flockton and Abigail Owen, catching a jewel thief should be an easy task for security expert Derek Arthur, but not even all the military training in the world could prepare him for Sasha White; a woman that there is more to than meets the eye. However, when things begin to get more dangerous for the pair and powerful secrets come to light, will Derek and Sasha be able to trust each other in order to come out the other side on top, or will they lose their shot at happy ever after?

What a wonderfully-crafted, fast-paced, extremely-engaging read these two superb authors have delivered in this book where fairy-tales and magic are brought to life through the author's words; the main and secondary characters were fantastic and had me reading quickly, determined to discover whether this couple will get their happy ever after, considering the tough obstacles they face; and the dialogue was captivating and had me enjoying this couple's back stories and growing relationship.

As for the way this story started, it had me hooked, as the heroine is lucky to have the hero be her knight in shining armor, otherwise who knows what could have happened to her. Furthermore, both the main characters were relatable, likeable and had me enjoying everything they go through on their journey to happy ever after. Really, the heroine is resilient and courageous in her pursuit of the Immortality Stone and I liked that she put her trust in the hero, even though he could very easily ruin everything she's worked so hard to achieve because she can't continue to live the lonely and endless life she's been living. I also liked how much of a challenge the heroine provided the hero, which is proven by her ability not to break under Derek's scrutiny. While the hero, he's good at what he does and I liked how protective he was of the heroine once he learns why she's after the stone. I also liked how he handles everything he learns when it comes to who he really is. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was his determination to win the heroine over and prove that he is someone she could trust. 

Overall, Ms. Owen and Ms. Flockton have delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was intense; the romance nicely-detailed and showed how right these two are for each other; and the ending had me worried for the main characters because of what happens, but had me loving that everything works out for the best for the pair. I would recommend White Knight by Nicole Flockton and Abigail Owen, if you enjoy paranormal romance, second chance romances, or books by authors Juliette Cross, NJ Walters, Eve Langlais and Christine Warren.

He didn’t want to believe she could be any way responsible, but years of training meant he couldn’t ignore the possibility either.

Only one way to find out—he must head down to Lance’s office and see if he could apprehend the intruder.

Derek used the stairs to avoid alerting anyone. In a matter of minutes, he was on the opposite side of Lance’s half-closed office door.

Dammit. I don’t have a gun.

Didn’t matter, he had other skills. Not only could he maim with his martial arts training, he could maim with his ability to control energy, too. He’d done it once earlier. He could do it again. Closing his eyes, he drew within himself and pulled at the energy. A small white ball formed in his hand.

With the element of surprise on his side, he flung the door open and turned on the lights.

The gasp of surprise reached his ears in the surrounding white blur.

Sasha.

He blinked twice. Lance’s private safe, the one with an extra tricky combination, stood wide open. Sasha stood dressed in head-to-toe black, the Immortality Stone in her hand, a stone that wasn’t glowing. And not a single other soul stood in the room with her. She was alone. The energy ball in his hand fizzled out.

He’d found his thief.

Meet the Authors:

Nicole Flockton

USA Today Bestselling author Nicole Flockton writes sexy contemporary romances, seducing you one kiss at a time as you turn the pages. Nicole likes nothing better than taking characters and creating unique situations where they fight to find their true love.

On her first school report her teacher noted "Nicole likes to tell her own stories". It wasn’t until after the birth of her first child and after having fun on a romance community forum that she finally decided to take the plunge and write a book.

Apart from writing Nicole is busy looking after her very own hero – her wonderfully supportive husband, and two fabulous kids. She also enjoys watching sports and, of course, reading.

Connect: Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

---

Abigail Owen

Award-winning paranormal romance author, Abigail Owen, grew up consuming books and exploring the world through her writing. She attempted to find a practical career related to her favorite pastime by earning a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing). However, she swiftly discovered that writing without imagination is not nearly as fun as writing with it.

No matter the genre, she loves to write witty, feisty heroines, sexy heroes who deserve them, and a cast of lovable characters to surround them (and maybe get their own stories). She currently resides in Austin, Texas, with her own personal hero, her husband, and their two children, who are growing up way too fast.

Abigail also writes award-winning contemporary romance as Kadie Scott.

Connect: Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: UNTIL YOU'RE MINE by CINDI MADSEN

Today we have the Cindi Madsen’s UNTIL YOU’RE MINE blog tour stopping by! Check out this sexy new romance and grab your copy today!

Until You're Mine 

Fighting for Her #1

By Cindi Madsen

Releasing January 22nd, 2018

Entangled Publishing

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You might’ve heard of me, Shane Knox, the guy who rose quickly through the MMA fighter ranks, only to crash just as fast. No one cares about personal reasons when it comes to losing fights and money. I’m determined to get back to where I was. For you to hear my name again. I’ve finally convinced the owner of Team Domination to take a chance and get me back in fighting—and winning—shape. What I didn’t bargain for is the guy’s spitfire of a daughter. Factor in her two professional-fighter brothers who are acting as my coaches and the fact that my career hangs in the balance, and Brooklyn’s the last girl I should be fantasizing about.   The closer we get, the more I want Brooklyn. The stakes are high, and I know there’s a big chance of both of us getting hurt, but I won’t stop until she’s mine.

Get Your Copy Today:

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

In Until You're Mine (Fighting for Her #1) by Cindi Madsen, Shane Knox was one of the best MMA fighters until personal reasons caused him to crash and burn. Now though, he's determined to get back to tip-top shape and back in the cage and doesn't have time for distractions. Yet, there's something about Brooklyn Roth that makes him want to make her his. Will Brooklyn give him a chance, or are their dreams too important for either of them to compromise for a chance at happy ever after?

In my opinion, this is by far one of Ms. Madsen's best books. It had everything I love in a contemporary romance such as incredible characters that have some tough obstacles to overcome because they both want to make their dreams come true; entertaining dialogue that had me loving how confident the hero was in his determination to win over the heroine; and a great opening chapter that had me liking the heroine immediately, as it's not easy for her to be back with her family and at the gym that has always seemed more important to her father than his own daughter. Will her father see the error of his ways?

Both the main characters were compelling due to their back stories, their playful banter and this couple's romance that was filled with plenty of heat and passion. Moreover, the heroine is resilient in her desire to fulfil her dreams and I liked that she stood up for what she wanted for her life. I also liked the tight bond she shares with her brothers with one being the fun brother and the other being the more serious brother that offers support and is willing to stand up for her. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine is how much of a challenge she proved for the hero, as he tries his best to make her see how intense their chemistry is and that it's worth exploring. 

While the hero, he's been through so much and his fall from the top to where he is now was hard to deal with, but I liked how hard he's worked to bounce back and get someone to take a chance on him again because he has the strength and determination to rise to the top again. I also liked his charm, his confidence and his determination towards everything he does whether it's being the best he can and doing everything he can to get back to the top or when it comes to winning the heroine's heart. And, of course, I can't forget to mention the close relationship he shares with his mother. She's so supportive of his MMA career, which is proven by her enthusiasm for when he's in the cage.

Overall, Ms. Madsen has delivered a must read in this book where the delicious romance does justice to this couple's powerful chemistry; the secondary characters in Brooklyn's brothers have me looking forward to more of this series; and the ending had me loving that nothing could keep these two apart and that both were willing to do anything to be together. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up wonderfully, because the hero and heroine have come so far in their relationship and their happiness is delightful. I would recommend Until You're Mine by Cindi Madsen, if you enjoy sports romance, the enemy to lovers trope, the opposites attract trope or books by authors Sarah Robinson, Sara Ney, Marquita Valentine and Lia Riley.

Cindi Madsen is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance and young adult novels. She sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children.

Connect with Cindi:

Website | Facebook | Twitter

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