RELEASE DAY BLITZ - REVIEW: HOT SEAL TARGET by LYNN RAYE HARRIS

 HOT SEAL Target

Hostile Operations Team Series #6

By Lynn Raye Harris

 Romantic Suspense
Releasing August 7, 2018
Self-Published

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Blurb

Navy SEAL Adam “Blade” Garrison’s assignment to infiltrate a tech billionaire’s criminal operations just got complicated. His cover: bodyguard for the man’s wife. His problem: Blade knows Quinn Halliday far too well. A sophisticated version of the chubby, shy girl Blade once knew, Quinn brings out all his protective instincts—as well as a few carnal ones that surprise him.

Quinn’s pride in having improved herself has turned bitter. She’s trapped in a relationship with a brutal man who views her as nothing more than a possession. Blade’s unexpected arrival makes her hope for more than a barren existence in a gilded prison. Until tragedy strikes, and Quinn realizes she’s next on the hit list.

Blade will do anything to shield Quinn from danger and keep her safe. But as they draw closer, an enemy works to flush them out. If he succeeds, he’ll put an end to Blade and Quinn’s budding happiness.

Unless Blade and his SEAL Team strike first…

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In Hot Seal Target (Hostile Operations Teams #6) by Lynn Raye Harris, Navy Seal Adam 'Blade' Garrison faces his toughest challenge yet when he's tasked to bodyguard his old high school friend Quinn Halliday while trying to discover what her husband is up to. However, it isn't easy being around her, especially when he knows he needs to keep his hands off her and the more time they spend together, the harder it is to resist the chemistry between them. Will Adam be able to keep Quinn safe, so they have a shot at happy ever after; or will they go their separate ways once Adam has neutralized the threat to Quinn's safety?

This is the first book I've read of this series and I was so glad it could be read as a stand-alone. Really, this book was very enjoyable, fast-paced and had me reading quickly, determined to discover what would happen to Quinn and how far Adam would have to go to protect her. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where this story really takes off, as Adam has always made Quinn feel safe and to have him back in her life makes everything better. 

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, especially that of the heroine, as she's been through so much because of her husband and needs to finally find a way to escape the hold he has on her. Will Adam be able to help her be free? However, there were times when I thought the heroine was a tad weak because she'd resigned herself to her fate. Still, I liked the heroine and found her character progression wonderful, as she fights for her future with or without Adam. Then again, she catches a lucky break, which makes things a little easier. While the hero, he's confident in his skills, charming and I loved how determined he was to protect the heroine because she's important to him. I also liked how far he's willing to go to protect Quinn because there's nothing more important than keeping her safe. 

Overall, Ms. Harris has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance was hot; and the ending had me worried for the main characters, but had me enjoying how things ended up for the pair because they are so deserving of their happy ever after. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, as it sets things in motion for the next book of the series and makes me want to get to know more about Ryan. I would recommend Hot Seal Target by Lynn Raye Harris, if you enjoy romantic suspense, the friends to lovers trope or books by authors Cat Johnson, Kaylea Cross, Katie Reus and Paige Tyler.

Author Bio

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lynn Raye Harris burst onto the scene when she won a writing contest held by Harlequin. A former finalist for the Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart Award and the National Readers Choice Award, Lynn lives in Alabama with her handsome former military husband and two crazy cats. Lynn writes about hot military heroes, sizzling international billionaires, and the women who dare to tame them. Her books have been called "exceptional and emotional," "intense," and "sizzling." To date, Lynn's books have sold over 2 million copies worldwide.

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COVER REVEAL: GOING DOWN ON ONE KNEE by CHRISTINA HOVLAND

Going Down on One Knee

Mile High Matched #1

By Chistina Hovland

Releasing October 15th, 2018

Self-Published

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Number-crunching Velma Johnson’s perfectly planned life is right on course. That’s a lie. Sure, she’s got the lucrative job. She’s got the posh apartment. But her sister nabbed Velma’s Mr. Right. There has to be a man out there for Velma. Hopefully one who’s hunky, wears pressed suits, and has a diversified financial portfolio. He’ll be exactly like, well… her sister’s new fiancé. 

Badass biker Brek Montomery blazes a trail across the country, managing Dimefront, one of the biggest rock bands of his generation. With the band on hiatus, Brek rolls into Denver to pay a quick visit to his family and friends. But when Brek’s sister suddenly gets put on bed rest, she convinces Brek to take over her wedding planning business for the duration of her pregnancy. 

Staying in Denver and dealing with bridezillas was not what Brek had in mind when he passed through town, but there is one particular maid-of-honor who might make his stay worthwhile. Velma finds herself strangely attracted to the man planning her sister’s wedding. 

Problem is, he ticks none of the boxes on her well-crafted list. Brek is rough around the edges, he cusses, and doesn’t even have a 401(k). But trying something crazy might get her out of the rut of her dating life—so long as she lays down boundaries up front and sticks to her plan… 

Preorder: Amazon

Christina Hovland lives her own version of a fairy tale—an artisan chocolatier by day and romance writer by night. Born in Colorado, Christina received a degree in journalism from Colorado State University. Before opening her chocolate company, Christina’s career spanned from the television newsroom to managing an award-winning public relations firm. She’s a recovering overachiever and perfectionist with a love of cupcakes and dinner she doesn’t have to cook herself. A 2017 Golden Heart® finalist, she lives in Colorado with her first-boyfriend-turned-husband, four children, and the sweetest dog around. 

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REVIEW: CATCH A KILLER by KRIS RAFFERTY

Catch a Killer

Secret Agents #2

By Kris Rafferty

Releasing June 12th, 2018

Lyrical Liaison 

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FBI agents are trained to delve deep into the minds of the most dangerous predators. So when the tables are turned and the hunter becomes the prey, they can trust their instincts—and their hearts—to keep each other from harm . . .

FBI Special Agent Hannah Cambridge is trying to rebuild her life after the death of her partner. But Jack Benton wasn’t just a fellow agent. He was her lover—and the father of her newborn baby. Now Hannah is in Boston, heading a task force to catch a serial killer. It’s a case that could make or break her career. Until the madman turns his twisted sights on her . . .

When Jack Benton went deep undercover, he thought it was a way out of a relationship that was spiraling beyond his control. He never knew Hannah wouldn’t be told about his “death”—or that she was pregnant. Turning up in Boston in the flesh, and looking better than ever, will send Hannah into a tailspin. But both will need to keep their wits about them to keep her alive—and to survive the truth about the passion that binds them . . . 

BUY LINK:  Amazon

In Catch a Killer (Secret Agents #2) by Kris Rafferty, losing her partner and the man she loved was hard for FBI agent Hannah Cambridge. However, when she discovers he's not dead, she's forced to work alongside him to hunt down a dangerous killer that has set his sights on Hannah. Will Hannah and Jack be able to work together in order to catch a dangerous killer or will they butt heads too much and lose their shot at happy ever after? 

After reading the first book of this series, I was looking forward to what Ms. Rafferty would come up with next when it comes to this series and I've got to say that this story was even better than the first. Really, and it's because of the highly entertaining dialogue that encompassed a fairly good dose of suspense and romance; and two incredible characters that have quite the past and face some tough obstacles to be together. Will Hannah be willing to let Jack back into her life, especially after what he did? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where things get very interesting because the heroine wasn't expecting him to walk back into her life again. Will she be able to understand why he did what he did?

As for the dialogue, it was entertaining and intense due to the main characters back stories, their past history and everything these two go through on their journey to happy ever after because of the threat to the heroine's life and whether she can escape the killer's determination to put an end to her life. Will Jack be able to protect Hannah? Moreover, I absolutely loved both the main characters because of their past history, their determination to get to the bottom of who is responsible for the deaths and the obstacles they face to be together. Will they find the killer before it's too late? 

With the heroine, she's feisty, courageous, resilient and I liked how much of a challenge she provided for the hero because there's no way she'll sit on the sidelines while he investigates. Not while someone is threatening her life and could take her away from the one person that needs her most. I also liked that she put her trust in Jack, especially after what's happened between them to make her mad at him. Yet, what I liked most of all was how far she was willing to go to protect the one person she cares about most. Then again, that decision could prove deadly. While the hero, he's confident, driven and I liked how determined he was to protect the heroine because she's the most important person to him. I also liked how determined he was to win back her trust, which it's palpable from the moment they come face-to-face will take time. Really, she has every right to be angry. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was how accepting he was of the heroine's news, which makes him see how selfish his past decisions were.

Overall, Ms. Rafferty has delivered another superb read for this series where the chemistry between Jack and Hannah was intense and it's palpable that it was just as strong now as it was in the past; the romance was special and delightful because Hannah never imagined she'd be reunited with the man she once loved; and the ending had me worried for the main characters because of the danger they face, but had me loving how things work out for the best between them because they deserve their second chance after all that they've been through. However, it was the epilogue that makes things interesting for the next book of this series, of which I'm so looking forward to. I would recommend Catch a Killer by Kris Rafferty, if you enjoy romantic suspense, the second chance romance trope or books by authors AJ Nuest, Gerry Bartlett, Laura Griffin and Allison B. Hanson. 

REVIEW: CHARMED AT FIRST SIGHT by SHARLA LOVELACE

Charmed at First Sight

Charmed in Texas #4

By Sharla Lovelace

Releasing July 10th, 2018

Lyrical Shine

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In the small town of Charmed, Texas, plenty of folks have found the path to true love. But now two outsiders have arrived to shake things up . . .
 
Never one to do things by the book, Micah Roman couldn’t just chalk it up to bridal jitters, or even quietly call off her wedding to her long-time fiancé. No, she has to high-tail it out of the church sporting a dress that cost more than her car, and jump on the back of a smoking-hot stranger’s motorcycle. Her knight in all-black is headed to a town called Charmed, so that’s where she’ll go and try to lay low. Except their appearance raises plenty of eyebrows . . . and a sudden, intense attraction she has no business exploring.
 
Who knew picking up a damsel in distress would lead to lust at first sight? Leo McKane headed to Charmed prepared to deal with some family secrets—including his status as long-lost brother. This runaway bride is an unexpected distraction his set agenda and loner lifestyle doesn’t include. She’s everywhere he turns, getting under his skin with her quirky, headstrong ways and eyes he can’t forget. But when Micah’s jilted ex comes looking for her and opens up his shady past, Leo knows he has a choice to make.
 
They both do.

Run to safer ground again? Or take a leap that their untrusting hearts are wary to take. 

BUY LINK:  Amazon

In Charmed at First Sight (Charmed in Texas #4) by Sharla Lovelace, Micah Roman is a desperate woman. So, jumping onto the back of a stranger's bike in order to run from her long-time fiancé and her wedding is what she decides to do. However, she never imagined her savior would tempt her the way he does and soon she finds herself falling for him. Will Micah and Leo fight for their shot at happy ever after or will Leo's shady past be too much for Micah to be able to handle?

Having really enjoyed the previous books of this series, I couldn't wait to read this book, and I've got to say that Ms. Lovelace has penned another wonderful read for this series where the main characters have plenty of chemistry; the dialogue was riveting due to the main characters back stories because Leo has a lot to make up for with his brother while the heroine discovers more and more that she made the right decision in running from her wedding because her groom-to-be is an absolute piece of work that doesn't deserve her. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time that completely drew me into this story, as Leo just happens to be in the right place at the right time for Micah and she couldn't be more thankful. 

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and everything these two go through on their journey to happy ever after including dealing with an ex that can't let what Micah did go and the heroine learning about Leo's past and how it ties into her present. Moreover, the heroine is strong and brave when it comes to confronting the man she left at the altar and I liked that she didn't stop fighting to get back things that were rightfully hers. I also liked the close relationship she has with her siblings and that they would do anything for her, especially since she did the right thing by not going through with the wedding. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine was that she took a chance on Leo, even though there are things in his past that have proven he lets people down. Then again, Leo is doing everything he can to make things right, so he's got that going in his favor. 

While the hero, he's been through a lot in his life, which wasn't always easy. Really, he has a lot of regrets, especially when it comes to the one person he cared about and tried to take care of, yet ended up failing. Will he be able to make things right with his brother? Will his brother give him a chance, considering how badly Leo let him down in the past? Moreover, the hero was kind in doing what he did for Micah and I liked how protective he was of her when it came to helping her deal with the man she ran out on before she was to be married. I also liked his confidence and how he's managed to turn his life around to get to where he is. 

Overall, Ms. Lovelace has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was tangible; the romance was well worth the wait once Micah and Leo realized they could no longer fight their feelings; and the ending had me worried for the main characters, but had me liking how protective the hero was of the heroine. However, what I liked most of all about the ending was that Micah realized life was so much better with Leo in it. So, how could she not want to fight for a future with him? I would recommend Charmed at First Sight by Sharla Lovelace, if you enjoy the mysterious strangers trope, small town romances or books by authors Kelly Moran, Marina Adair, Miranda Liasson and Jill Shalvis. 

BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: THE DUKE I TEMPTED by SCARLETT PECKHAM

He’s controlled. Meticulous. Immaculate. No one would expect the proper Duke of Westmead to be a member of London’s most illicit secret club. Least of all: his future wife. A marriage to a duke has never been such fun in THE DUKE I TEMPTED by Scarlett Peckham

The Duke I Tempted

Secrets of Charlotte Street #1 

By Scarlett Peckham

Releasing July 31st, 2018

Self-Published

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He’s controlled. Meticulous. Immaculate. No one would expect the proper Duke of Westmead to be a member of London’s most illicit secret club. Least of all: his future wife.

Having overcome financial ruin and redeemed his family name to become the most legendary investor in London, the Duke of Westmead needs to secure his holdings by producing an heir. Which means he must find a wife who won’t discover his secret craving to spend his nights on his knees—or make demands on his long scarred-over heart.

Poppy Cavendish is not that type of woman. An ambitious self-taught botanist designing the garden ballroom in which Westmead plans to woo a bride, Poppy has struggled against convention all her life to secure her hard-won independence. She wants the capital to expand her exotic nursery business—not a husband.

But there is something so compelling about Westmead, with his starchy bearing and impossibly kind eyes—that when an accidental scandal makes marriage to the duke the only means to save her nursery, Poppy worries she wants more than the title he is offering. The arrangement is meant to be just business. A greenhouse for an heir. But Poppy yearns to unravel her husband’s secrets—and to tempt the duke to risk his heart. 

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In The Duke I Tempted (Secrets of Charlotte Street #1) by Scarlett Peckham, Poppy Cavendish is having a hard time saying no to the Duke of Westmead's sister when it comes to designing the interior of their home for a ball. So, finally agreeing to the task in exchange for things she asks for in return, she finds herself working hard on the job she's offered while trying to expand her exotic plant business. However, when the Duke of Westmead comes to her with an offer, she finds it hard to say no, especially when the terms are so tempting. Will Poppy and the Duke fight for their happy ever after or will their marriage only ever be one of convenience?

What an interesting and emotional read Ms. Peckham has delivered in this book where emotions run high due to the main characters back stories and whether the hero is willing to let the heroine in by telling her everything about his past and the guilt he feels over what happened? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first where this story really takes off, as the heroine shouldn't be taking on the work the hero's sister wants her to do. Not when she already has her hands full when it comes to her nursery. Will she be able to keep her nursery and business afloat, considering what she's having to do with her plants?

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and I could understand why they're both so against relationships because the hero has already suffered when it comes to love while the heroine is determined to keep her independence. Who says she needs a man? Moreover, the heroine is sassy, very independent, resilient, courageous and I liked her determination to follow her dreams. I also liked that the heroine took a chance on the hero, even knowing he might never be able to give her the love she deserves. Will she be able to protect herself from hurt? While the hero, he's tortured by things that have happened in the past and I couldn't help but sympathize with his situation. Since he takes drastic measures in order to forget, which isn't easy. I also liked that he took a chance on the heroine because he needs her in order to be whole again. Will the hero open up to the heroine about his past?

Overall, Ms. Peckham has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry was tangible; the growing relationship and romance between these two was pleasing and had me loving how the heroine challenges the hero; and the ending had me liking the hero's determination to win the heroine back because they're good for each other. I would recommend The Duke I Tempted by Scarlett Peckham, if you enjoy Historical Romance, the marriage of convenience trope or books by authors Nicola Davidson, Jess Michaels, Elise Braden and Sophie Jordan. 

    

Poppy sat at a round table in the corner, surrounded by piles of drawings. She still wore her gardening clothes, and her eyes were heavy lidded. She looked intense and flushed and disheveled.

Beautiful.
No. He must stop doing that. Must chasten his reactions to her.
Hardworking. She looked tired from her labors.
He cleared his throat. “Poppy. You’re still awake.”
She looked up at him with a guilty expression. “Your Grace. Yes. And it seems I have invaded your study — I’m so sorry. The others were playing whist in the library and I thought to finish my work in the quiet. I’m just finishing — I’ll leave you.”
“Never mind. Stay. Please. Show me what it is you’re sketching.”
She hesitated. He felt her eyes linger on his face, like she was trying to discern something about him. No doubt, her downcast expression had something to do with his invasion of her bedchamber the previous evening. He needed to address that. No woman who’d been raised in Grove Vale would be ignorant of the stories about his father. He could not have her think that he expected similar liberties of her. He had taken far too many as it was.
“Poppy, last night — I hope I didn’t alarm you. I apologize for intruding. I would not normally disturb a lady’s privacy, and I hope I gave no offense. I was concerned. You seemed quite distressed.”
Her face flickered. “It was only a nightmare,” she said finally. “I shan’t disturb you again.”
“I was not disturbed,” he said quickly.
She smiled. “When I awoke this morning I wondered if I had dreamt you.”
“No,” he said, drinking in her languid eyes.
She reached up and touched his face above his cheekbone. “No,” she agreed. “Here you are. Real indeed.”
Damn him, but he caught her hand and dragged it down to his lips and placed a kiss inside her palm.
Her mouth parted. Perhaps in shock. Perhaps in something closer to the feeling surging behind his sternum, overriding his judgment, his propriety, his will to be the kind of person he had spent a decade refashioning himself into.
“Forgive me. I am not myself tonight,” he forced himself to say, releasing her. He looked into her green eyes and told her the truth of it: “You should leave me.”
He meant it.
And yet.
And yet.
He hoped she wouldn’t listen.

Scarlett Peckham fell in love with romance novels as a child, sneaking paperbacks from the stash in her grandmother's closet. By the time she came of age she had exhausted her library's supply and begun to dream of writing one of her own. 

Scarlett studied English at Columbia University and built a career in communications, but in her free hours always returned to her earliest obsession: those delicious, big-hearted books you devour in the dark and can never bear to put down. Her steamy historical romances about alpha heroines have been finalists for the Golden Heart® Award four times. Her debut book, THE DUKE I TEMPTED, will be out July 31, 2018.

Scarlett splits her time between London and Los Angeles. When not reading or writing romance she enjoys pretending to know about wine, discussing The Real Housewives, and cooking enormous pots of soup.

Scarlett is represented by Sarah Younger at the Nancy Yost Literary Agency, and spends far too much time on Instagram and Twitter. 

Connect with Scarlett:  Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram | Newsletter | Amazon

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