REVIEW: LUCK OF THE DRAW by KATE CLAYBORN

Luck of the Draw

Chance of a Lifetime #2

By Kate Clayborn

Releasing April 17th, 2018

Lyrical Shine

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Buying a lotto ticket with her two best friends didn’t change Zoe’s life. Only following her heart would do that... 

Sure, winning the lottery allows Zoe Ferris to quit her job as a cutthroat corporate attorney, but no amount of cash will clear her conscience about the way her firm treated the O’Leary family in a wrongful death case. So she sets out to make things right, only to find gruff, grieving Aiden O’Leary doesn’t need—or want—her apology. He does, however, need something else from her. Something Zoe is more than willing to give, if only to ease the pain in her heart, a sorrow she sees mirrored in his eyes...
 
Aiden doesn’t know what possesses him to ask his family’s enemy to be his fake fiancée. But he needs a bride if he hopes to be the winning bid on the campground he wants to purchase as part of his beloved brother’s legacy. Skilled in the art of deception, the cool beauty certainly fits the bill. Only Aiden didn’t expect all the humor and heart Zoe brings to their partnership—or the desire that runs deep between them. Now he’s struggling with his own dark truth—that he’s falling for the very woman he vowed never to forgive.

BUY LINK:  Amazon

In Luck of the Draw (Chance of a Lifetime #2) by Kate Clayborn, Zoe Ferris is determined to make things right with the O'Leary family, except when she arrives on their doorstep, there is no warm reception. Not that she was expecting one, but still, she didn't expect for Aiden to ask her to pose as his fiancé. Will Zoe and Aiden be able to pull their fake relationship off and prove to everyone that things between them are real or will they lose their shot at happy ever after because he sees her as the enemy?

Having really enjoyed the first book of this series, I've been looking forward to reading this one, and I've got to say that I love Ms. Clayborn's writing. She has a way of hooking this reader from the very beginning with sexy and engaging heroes like Aiden; independent heroines that are determined to do their absolute best in things they choose to pursue such as Zoe's determination to make things right with Aiden's family; and compelling dialogue that had me fascinated by the main characters back stories and had me loving their growing relationship, as Zoe does her best to win Aiden over since he sees her as the enemy because of what she did in the past. 

As for the dialogue, I loved it due to the main characters back stories and everything these two go through on their journey to happy ever after because Zoe isn't afraid to speak her mind and prove she can help Aiden to get what he wants. Will Aiden accept Zoe's help? Moreover, the heroine is sassy, independent, hard-working, kind, caring and I loved how determined she was to make things right with the hero because what her firm did to him and his family was despicable. I also liked the close friendship she shares with her two best friends and that she can go to them with any problems she has because she needs advice when it comes to Aiden. Is she doing the right thing? 

While the hero, he was such an interesting character driven by what happened to his brother and determined to help others that suffered what he did.  He's also confident and I liked that he was willing to accept the heroine's help, even though it couldn't have been easy to be in her company when she's partially to blame for how things went with his brother's wrongful death case. Will everyone believe they're a couple? Furthermore, I couldn't help but sympathize when it came to the hero's past and how much what happened to his family affected him and his parents. Why doe the hero feel such guilt? 

Overall, Ms. Clayborn has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple is strong from the start and gets stronger with every moment they interact; the romance was special and had me hoping that everything would work out for the best for these two; and the ending had me liking that Aiden realizes how much Zoe has come to mean to him before it was too late because the heroine is good for him and vice versa. Really, they need each other to heal and finally move on from their pasts. I would recommend Luck of the Draw by Kate Clayborn, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope or books by authors Lucy Parker, Ainslie Paton, Jenny Holiday and Julie Ann Long. 

COVER RE-REVEAL: OUT OF LOVE & OUT OF THE ASHES by RC BOLDT

Out of Love

Out of #1

By RC Boldt

Genre: Contemporary Military Romance
Cover Design: Cover Me Darling

Release Date: December 6, 2016


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Blurb

She was a battle he wasn't prepared for.

FOSTER KAVANAUGH

I have my limits. Rules. No attachments allowed because I don’t “do” love. But with her smart mouth and quick witted banter, Noelle Davis, my office manager begins to creep past my defenses.

NOELLE DAVIS

Swearing off men after escaping a toxic relationship, I’m grateful for a fresh start—new job included. Of course, my job isn’t tranquil and calm, because my boss is the most infuriating man on the planet.

The same man who makes me want to reconsider my self-imposed embargo of men.

The man who makes me want…more.

But more isn’t always possible when you're Out of Love.

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AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

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Out of the Ashes

 Out of #2

By RC Boldt

Genre: Contemporary Military Romance
Cover Design: Cover Me Darling

Release Date: May 9, 2017


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Blurb

She wouldn't let him give up the fight.

Phoenix /fēniks/: (in classical mythology) a unique bird inhabiting the Arabian Desert that burned itself on a funeral pyre before rising from the ashes with renewed youth to live through another cycle.

HENDY

Despite my efforts to save them, my team is killed before my very eyes, and I’m captured and subjected to merciless torture—losing virtually every piece of my identity but my pulse.

After my rescue, I’m saddled with facing the daunting task of healing my physical scars as well as the invisible ones—my emotional demons.

DR. PRESLEY COLE

I’ve always marched to my own drum and have never been one to shy away from a challenge. Embarking on a new journey—one that could impact my own life—I make it my mission to prove to Hendy that his life isn’t over; that he’s worthy of love.

Because sometimes even a phoenix needs help to rise…Out of the Ashes.

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Author Bio

RC Boldt currently lives on the southeastern coast of North Carolina, enjoys long walks on the beach, running, reading, people watching, and singing karaoke. If you're in the mood for some killer homemade mojitos, can't recall the lyrics to a particular 80's song, or just need to hang around a nonconformist who will do almost anything for a laugh, she's your girl.

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REVIEW: STRATEGIC SEDUCTION by CHERIS HODGES

Strategic Seduction

By Cheris Hodges 

Releasing April 24th, 2018

Dafina

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Alicia Michaels needs a major career reboot, so she’s got no time for romance. But starting over in Atlanta is an uphill battle for the cautious PR rep—especially after she teams up with wealthy Richmond Crawford on a make-or-break project. For one thing, the risk-taking entrepreneur is nothing like the staid businessman he used to be. For another, she and Richmond can’t see eye-to-eye on anything—except that the reckless attraction between them is sizzling, off-the-charts trouble . . .
 
Playing by the rules got Richmond betrayal from his rich family—and shattering heartbreak. He’s got to prove he can be his own man, so keeping things strictly-business with Alicia is the smart play. Still, even their conflicts only make Richmond want more of her honesty and courage. But a shocking revelation will endanger everything they’re fighting to build. And making things right could be the final deal breaker . . .

BUY LINK:  Amazon

In Strategic Seduction by Cheris Hodges, Alicia Michaels is determined to prove she has what it takes to be a great PR rep. However, teaming up with Richmond Crawford is more than she bargained for, especially when he's on her mind more than doing a good job. Yet, when their pasts come back to haunt them, will they continue to fight for their chance at happy ever after or will the pair walk away from each other?

When I started reading this book, I could not get into it. Yet, in saying that, I did liked the way this story progressed and found that it really took off once the hero's ex-wife and someone from the heroine's past began to cause trouble for the pair's growing relationship. Will the hero and heroine be able to find a way to fight back against someone wanting to hurt their chance of happy ever after? 

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, as both the hero and heroine have been through tough times that still have a huge impact on them. Since the heroine has kept some details of her life from the people that have always been there for her while the hero is still dealing with the fallout of information he's learnt when it comes to his family. Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous and I liked how determined she was to resist the hero because her job is important to her and she wants to do the best job she can. I also liked the close friendships she shares with some of the secondary characters and the way they tease her about her relationship with Richmond. Will they be able to convince her that she deserves to be happy and that she should give the hero a chance? 

While the hero, he's confident, had it rough because his ex-wife is an absolute witch that doesn't know how to let go because she isn't getting what she wants out of him, and I liked how determined the hero was to win the heroine over because he's had feelings for her ever since they met. Will Alicia give the hero a chance? I also liked the close relationship the hero had with his brother and that his brother was willing to do anything to support him through thick and thin, especially when it comes to dealing with Richmond's ex-wife. However, there were moments where I was frustrated by the hero because he was willing to do whatever it takes to make sure his newest venture took off, even if it meant dealing with people that could end up hurting his chances instead of helping him such as a certain politician that doesn't like Alicia all that much.

Overall, Ms. Hodges has delivered a read that I liked and where the connection between this couple was there from the beginning; the romance was nicely-detailed and had me loving that Alicia took a chance on Richmond; and the ending had me loving the heroine's courage to fight the people trying to cause trouble for her and Richmond's relationship. Then again, what's a better way than to fight fire with fire or in her case see that her ex can no longer hurt her the way she does. Certainly, there are great ways she can protect herself and what she does is definitely the way. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, as Alicia and Richmond have found the happiness they both deserve. I would recommend Strategic Seduction by Cheris Hodges, if you enjoy the friends to lovers trope, workplace romances, boss-employee romances or books by authors Elle Wright, AC Arthur, Deborah Fletcher Mello and Synithia Williams. 

REVIEW: TOUCHED BY YOU by ELLE WRIGHT

Touched by You

Wellspring #1

By Elle Wright

Releasing May 29th, 2018

Dafina

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Unimaginable luxury. Longstanding wealth. A powerful family empire that controls the town of Wellspring, Michigan. But three heirs are done--with all of it. Now one by one, these very different siblings are seizing control of their lives . . . and daring to find real hometown love.

 
Brooklyn Wells has fought her dominating father, CEO Parker Wells, every step of the way. Instead of taking her appointed place in the boardroom, she's a social worker. Instead of living for diamonds and designer gowns, she helps her community's poor and lost. And now she's falling hard for the troubled newcomer who saved her life--and holds dangerous secrets . . .

For Carter Marshall, Wellspring offers a chance to put tragedy behind him and start again. Caring too much is not in the plan--until the irrepressible Brooklyn teases him to live once more . . . and recklessly lose himself in passion.

But Parker Wells has a major deal riding on his daughter's arranged marriage. And he won't stop at using Brooklyn and Carter's pasts to drive them apart. As they fight scandal, betrayal, and their own vulnerabilities, will the fire between them burn even hotter--or flame out for good? 

BUY LINK:  Amazon

In Touched by You (Wellspring #1) by Elle Wright, Brooklyn Wells is finally determined to get out from her dominating father and show him that she doesn't need his money. However, nothing is ever simple, especially when her father continues to deprive her of everything she needs to survive -- money, a job and a place to live. Yet, she isn't about to let him win. Luckily, there's someone willing to help her in her time of need -- Carter Marshall, even if it could cost him everything he's worked so hard for. Will Carter be able to prove to Brooklyn that she can trust him or will she walk away from her shot at happy ever after to protect him from her ruthless father?

This was such an entertaining and captivating read, of which I loved from the beginning, as the heroine fights her father every step of the way no matter how many obstacles he puts in her way to independence and finally showing him that she will no longer be controlled by what he can offer -- the lifestyle of the rich. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time that I loved most about the beginning, as the hero works hard to get to know the heroine and as the story progresses is determined to protect her, no matter what the consequences are when it comes to him working for Wells family company. Will Brooklyn be able to make sure Carter keeps his job?

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, as the heroine is determined to find her father's vulnerabilities. Will she find what she needs to finally get her ruthless father to back down? Moreover, the heroine is strong, courageous, driven, smart, hard-working and I liked her determination to fight for her freedom because there's no way she can marry someone she doesn't even like. And besides, Carter is way more interesting than her ex so why wouldn't she fight? I also liked that she took a chance on the hero and that she would do anything to protect him, if being with her started to work against him. Because her father is a very influential man that could put Carter out of business if he's not careful. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine was the close relationship she had with her brother and that he would do anything to help her, even if it could mean things being turned upside down for his world as well as hers. Will their father start to punish the heroine's brother for helping his sister?

While the hero, he's worked hard to get to where he is, and yet, I liked that he was willing to help the heroine no matter the consequences. I also liked his confidence and his determination to win over the heroine because she's the first woman to interest him in a while. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero is the choices he made throughout this story that changed his life for the better, as he shouldn't allow the past to continue to haunt him.

Overall, Ms. Wright has delivered a superb first book for her Wellspring series where the chemistry between this couple was off-the-charts; the romance was delightful and had me loving these two together; and the ending had me loving the way Carter supports the heroine through thick and thin, especially with what happens with her dad. Will everything work out for the best when it comes to the battle she faces with her father? However, it was Carter's surprise for the heroine that I loved the most because Brooklyn has changed his life and there's no way he can let her go. I would recommend Touched by You by Elle Wright, if you enjoy the mysterious strangers trope or books by authors Farrah Rochon, Delaney Diamond, Cheris Hodges and Kianna Alexander. 

REVIEW: OUT OF A TEXAS NIGHT by PHYLISS MIRANDA

Out of a Texas Night

Kasota Springs #2

By Phyliss Miranda

Releasing May 29th, 2018

Lyrical Shine

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Everything’s bigger in Texas . . . including love.

A deputy sheriff in Houston, Avery Humphrey is ready for some hometown comfort when she heads back to Kasota Springs, but one kiss from Brody VanZant is enough to make her trade “soothing” for “sizzling.” When it turns out hot, hard-headed Brody is another Bonita County deputy, sizzling gets complicated, especially after Avery is made the interim sheriff. Brody knows romancing the boss isn’t on the duty roster, but to him it’s a state of emergency to prove to Avery that he’s the partner she needs—in her life and in her bed—and he’s ready to give her as many kisses as there are stars in the Texas sky to convince her. 

BUY LINK:  Amazon

In Out of a Texas Night (Kasota Springs #2) by Phyliss Miranda, after surviving an on-the-job shooting that left her partner dead, Avery Humphrey has returned home to Kasota Springs. She's determined to enjoy her downtime and fight her way back to her job as a deputy sheriff in Houston. Yet, when something happens in Kasota Springs that turns the town upside down, Avery finds herself the interim sheriff of the town. Will Avery and her new partner, Brody VanZant, be able to get to the bottom of what happened or will their shot at happy ever after never happen because Avery can't let go of the past and the guilt she feels because of what happened?

The moment I finished this book, I was completely ready to log into Amazon and buy the first book of this series because this story was absolutely spellbinding. Really, everything about it -- the incredible characters, the fast-paced plot that included some tough obstacles for these two to overcome, and the enthralling dialogue -- drew me in from the very beginning and kept me reading until I was at the end. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time where things get really interesting in this book, as Brody is willing to pay any price to -- at least -- get a kiss from the woman he wants. How much is he willing to pay?

As for the dialogue, it was highly entertaining and intense due to the suspense throughout this story that puts pressure on the police department. Will Avery discover what is going on before someone else gets hurt? Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous and I liked how determined she was to do her job, even though she's been through so much in the past and didn't know whether she'd ever return to police work. While the hero, he's been successful as an undercover agent and I liked how he proved himself to the heroine over and over again. He's also confident, driven and I liked how the hero and heroine challenge each other, especially since Avery doesn't know whether she can trust him after everything she's been through. Will the heroine put her trust in Brody?

Overall, Ms. Miranda has delivered an utterly fantastic read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was off-the-charts; the romance was delightful and had me loving these two together, as Avery begins to put her trust in another partner - both personally and professionally; and the ending had me worried for the main characters, as the investigation gets down to the crucial moment in discovering who they're after and whether they'll be able to bring the bad guy down. Yet, in saying that, I liked how everything worked out for the best for the hero and heroine, as being back in Kasota Springs has helped the heroine to heal and finally see that being an officer of the law is still the career for her. I would recommend Out of a Texas Night by Phyllis Miranda, if you enjoy romantic suspense, contemporary romance with a dash of suspense, the mysterious strangers trope, small town romances or books by authors Jodi Thomas, Kari Lynn Dell, Katie Lane and Sara Richardson.