Thursday 30 June 2016

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: INSEVERABLE by CECY ROBSON


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Inseverable
A Carolina Beach Novel (Book One)
By: Cecy Robson
Releasing June 21, 2016 
Self-Published
In Inseverable (Carolina Beach #1) by Cecy Robson, Callahan has come to Kiawah Island for one reason and one reason only -- the peace and seclusion the Island has to offer. However, it doesn't seem possible he's going to get what he wants when the gorgeous and too perky Trinity sets her sights on him, determined to make friends. At first, he's annoyed by her persistence. Yet, the more time he spends with her, the harder it is for him to resist her.   
Trinity is determined to have the best summer ever before she moves on to bigger and better things for her life such as working overseas with the Peace Corps. However, she never expected to meet a man that would change her life. Yet, that's exactly what happens. Will she be able to walk away from her Mr. Right at the end of Summer to fulfill her dreams of helping those in need? 
Well what can I say other than Ms. Robson has done it again. Every time I sit down to read one of her books, I find myself so captivated by the story that I forget about everything else. Right from the beginning, I was charmed by this story, although it was introducing me to a difficult moment in the hero's life, which will affect him for the rest of his life due to the painful reminders of all those he lost. However, it was the moment that Callahan and Trinity first met that really drew me into this story, as Callahan didn't know what to make of the heroine.
The dialogue was intense due to the main characters back stories and the challenges that Trinity and Callahan face on their journey to happy ever after. Yet, there were some really delightful light-hearted moments that had me smiling or laughing. Trinity was unlike any heroine I've ever read, which was a good thing, and she made me enjoy this story a lot. Her tendency to overshare on certain subjects and her persistence in getting through to the hero definitely provided plenty of amusement for me as a reader, and I couldn't wait to read what she would do next to help Callahan find his way back to the light and not continue to be weighed down by his dark memories in his time as a Sniper. 
I really liked both Trinity and Callahan as well as the secondary characters. The heroine and her friends have a really tight bond, and I liked how they welcomed the hero into their group. Then there's the relationship Trinity has with her family. I found the heroine's family funny, especially when her brother was trying to rile Callahan. As for Trinity, she's kind, caring and I enjoyed how determined she was to befriend the hero because he needed someone to help him move on from his past and start to heal. To make him see that he should forgive himself. Also, she's strong and brave for the decisions she's made about her future, although when the time comes to choose between her future endeavors and Callahan it isn't easy. While Callahan, it's hard for him to adjust to civilian life when certain things remind him of his time in the Army, and end up stressing him out. So, I liked how Trinity helped him to deal with his PTSD. Not only through their growing romance that eventually spilled over onto the pages in hot sex scenes, but the way they conversed. The heroine has a way with words, and definitely proves that being persistent pays off. 
Overall, this first book in Ms. Robson's Carolina Beach series was a delightful read that has me looking forward to future books of this series. I really liked how this story ended with the way Callahan surprised Trinity, and then how the epilogue revealed how much their relationship had progressed after they found their way back to each other. I would recommend Inseverable by Cecy Robson, if you enjoy ex-military heroes, or persistent heroines that have a love for help people.
OVERALL RATING: 
       


BLURB:
How can you imagine forever with someone who's leaving everything behind?
 
Callahan, a former army sniper, wants to make an escape from his past and everything he experienced at war, but most of all, just not feel. Feeling leads to pain and he's suffered enough. When he inherits a house on South Carolina's Kiawah Island, he packs his bags, lured by the peace and seclusion he thinks it will bring. But, Callahan never counted on meeting anyone like Trinity . . .
 
Trinity has always been the cute, and funny one, who most guys overlook in pursuit of her "hot" friends. She became used to being everyone's pal, until the day the young man she was attracted to, was drawn to her in return. He became her first great love, and first crushing heartbreak when she found him in bed with one of her closest friends.
 
To move forward, and to carry out her commitment to helping those in need, Trinity enlists in the Peace Corps, but not before returning to Kiawah for one last memorable summer. She just never imagined it would be so unforgettable.
 
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Prologue
Callahan
Three days.
That’s all I have left until this shit ends.
Three days shouldn’t feel like forever, not compared to the eight years I’ve bled to the Army. Thing is, good men have been killed in less time. In as quick as a blink, a squeeze of a trigger, or a small breath right before a grenade blows is all the time it takes to shove someone right out of life and well into death.
That’s what makes three days as long as it is. Three days is plenty of time to die.
My eyes tear when the wind picks up and shoots grime through the small hole of my lookout point. This blown out piece of cinderblock is only big enough to allow me a view of the street below, but not so small I don’t get smacked in the face with more filth. The tarp flaps above me as I spit out another layer of the dirt-sand mix spackling my teeth. Christ Almighty, I need a swig of the water resting near my elbow. But my thirst, like everything else has to wait.
I have a job to do.
I adjust my hips against the cracked cement of my bed, bathroom, and home all rolled into one, thankful that the agonizing ache stretching over the lower half of my body has settled into a now familiar numbness.
Out of all the points I’d scouted, and all the accumulated years spent in this position, I should be used to it. And in a strange way, it should almost be home. Yet nothing ever has been home.
But in three days, maybe something finally will be . . .
I shove my thoughts away and breathe as my fellow Rangers stalk along the street. It’s then I see them, a mother and daughter walking straight toward my team. Less than one city block separates them from the men counting on me to keep them alive.
The hell? How did they get past the other sniper unreported? Rogers is new on watch. But the quick paces these two are taking should have clued him in that something’s up. I train my scope on their faces; their expressions are blank, unreadable. ‘Cept that’s not what keeps my attention.
The little girl can’t be more than five. So why the fuck isn’t her mother holding her hand? I lift my radio and bark a warning, dropping it beside me as I lock my scope dead center on the woman’s head.
The radio crackles and Modreski chimes in, yelling at his team to hold their positions. He asks me what my plan is, knowing if something’s caused the short-hairs on my neck to rise, he and the boys damn well need to listen. But I don’t hear him, with a breath and a squeeze of the trigger, I leave a kid without a mother.
Just beneath the sleeve of her abayah―the dress completely covering her body―I see it, a detonator that would trigger the explosives likely strapped to her chest. A few Rangers I know―Simons and Boreman, rush forward. I start to mutter a curse, pissed at her for making me shoot her in front of her kid. But the curse lodges in my throat when I see the kid isn’t looking at her mother lying next to her dead.
She’s watching my advancing team as she lifts the detonator clasped tight in her hand. 

 
 
 
Cecy Robson is a new adult and contemporary author of the Shattered Past series, the O’Brien Family novels and upcoming Carolina Beach novels, as well as the award-winning author of the Weird Girls urban fantasy romance series. A 2016 double nominated RITA®finalist for Once Pure and Once Kissed, Cecy is a recovering Jersey girl living in the South who enjoys carbs way too much, and exercise way too little. Gifted and cursed with an overactive imagination, you can typically find her on her laptop silencing the yappy characters in her head by telling their stories.

              Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads





 
 
 

 

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: HAPPY EVER AFTER IN CHRISTMAS by DEBBIE MASON

 
 
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Happy Ever After in Christmas
Christmas, Colorado #7
By: Debbie Mason 
Releasing June 28, 2016  
Forever
 
In Happy Ever After in Christmas (Christmas, Colorado #7) by Debbie Mason, Deputy Jill Flaherty has plenty of dreams she wants to come true such as becoming the town sheriff, buying the house she's always wanted, and finally confessing her long time crush to her brother's best friend in hopes he returns her feelings. Will her plan to confront Sawyer Anderson succeed? 
 
Sawyer Anderson has never thought of Jill Flaherty as anything more than the little sister of his best friend until now. Especially when she walks into his bar looking nothing like herself and ready to seduce a man. When that man turns out to be him, he's a lot shocked and maybe a little bit turned on. But with her being his best friend's little sister, will he ever have a shot at happy ever after with her when his best friend warns him to stay clear of Jill?
What an incredible and emotionally-charged read, encompassing the brother's best friend and matchmaking tropes; a heroine worried about her upcoming birthday, which makes her determined to go after the things she wants in life; and a hero unable to stay away from his best friends little sister, despite being warned not to pursue her. I really liked how this story with a friend pushing Jill to stop working so much and go out and have some fun. However, it was the moment Jill and Sawyer come face-to-face in a game her boss convinces her to play in that had me flipping the pages quickly. The way they tease each other goes to show how close the heroine is not only with her brother but with Sawyer as well. 
The dialogue really drew me into this story, and had me anticipating every moment Sawyer and Jill were together. Would Jill make a complete fool of herself? Would Sawyer finally realize how much Jill means to him? Would Jill give up on a future with Sawyer? Answers to those questions certainly had my eyes glued to every word, and the more I read of this story, the more I cheered for this couple to achieve their happy ever after. Even though the obstacles they had to overcome were tough such as another woman vying for Sawyer's affections and Jill's brother not approving of the hero being with his sister.
I really liked both the main characters, and found the secondary characters as entertaining as Jill and Sawyer. The women and men that are determined to match-make for Jill certainly make things interesting and amusing, especially with what one of the secondary characters reveal at Sawyer's bar, which ends with the hero getting in trouble. Also, there's what happens to Jill's nephew, which was scary and I could understand why she went into panic mode. Then again, with a nickname like the little boy has it was no wonder he did what he did.
As for Jill, she's strong, brave, hard-working, and I liked how determined she was to solve the cases she did. Honestly, she was a remarkable character and -- I reckon -- one of the best in this series so far. The way she was around Sawyer was amusing, because most of the time she stands up to him. Yet, at other times, it was as if she didn't know how to act around him, especially the moment when she was ready to finally admit her feelings. Would she tell him or wouldn't she? What would it take for her to admit her feelings? 
While Sawyer, he's confident and protective of those he cares about. It was palpable how much he loved Jill, even when he couldn't admit it until someone tricked him into facing the truth. I also liked what he tried to do for the heroine when they reached the make-or-break moment of their relationship, and Jill was determined to shut him out and not let him help her with what she was going through. 
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, which combined a heartwarming romance, plenty of emotion that had me either fighting tears or laughing at the characters antics, and a storyline that has me wanting to re-read this book. The way this story ended was perfect, as Sawyer proves to Jill that they can move on from their loss but also that there's no way they'll ever forget. Really, what he did was very precious for their future. I would highly recommend Happy Ever After in Christmas by Debbie Mason, especially if you enjoy the brother's best friend trope. Also, I would recommend reading this entire series, as Ms. Mason is a wonderful author. 
OVERALL RATING:   
 
 
BLURB:
It's beginning to look a lot like love . . .

As her thirtieth birthday approaches, Deputy Jill Flaherty decides it's time to live a little. When she walks into Sawyer Anderson's bar in her sexiest dress, she's not thinking that he's her brother's best friend or about the many women he dated during his years as a pro hockey player. All she's thinking is that it's finally time to confess to her longtime crush how she truly feels.
 
Sawyer is done being a player on and off the ice. Yet no one in the small town of Christmas seems to believe he's ready to settle down, not Jill, and certainly not Jack, who is determined to keep Sawyer from breaking his little sister's heart. But as Sawyer and Jill's relationship heats up, can he prove that he's her happy ever after?
 
Buy Links:      Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo
 

            "Sorry, no more whiskey for you. You're cut off," Jill said to one of Sawyer's regulars.
            "Boyo, she's cut four of us off. And she won't serve Jimmy," added Mr. Murray, another of his regulars and a Flaherty family friend.
            "Because he doesn't have any ID, and he looks like he's twelve," she defended herself.
            "He's twenty-three," Sawyer said, "Now why don't you sit down and sample the drink before you put me out of business."
            "Hey, I was protecting your license." She stepped closer and went up on her toes to whisper in his ear, "Mr. Murray's gout's acting up, and Jerry and whiskey aren't a good combination. I got called to his place twice this week. That's why I cut them off."
            With the feel of her chest pressed to his and the smell of her light floral scent, Sawyer was having a hard time staying focused. He cleared his throat. "And the other two?"
            "The girls you put in the penalty box. They were dancing on a table."
            "Okay, good call."
            "Yeah, I thought so too," she said, her brow furrowing as she looked toward the end of the bar where Ty sat. The hairstylist mouthed something to her, and her shoulders rose on a sigh. She wound her hair around her finger and gave Sawyer a wide smile.
            Jill. This is Jill, he reminded himself. "Here." He shoved the sports drink into her hand. "You, uh, should probably go sit down."
            "Oh, okay, I'll do that. " She glanced once more at Ty and nodded, having a little trouble unwinding her hair from her finger. Once she did, she pushed out her chest and walked away, swinging her hips. She tripped on the rubber runner behind the bar. "Dammit," she muttered. Placing her drink on the bar, she bent over and took off the stilettos.
            Sawyer stared at her heart-shaped ass. Jill had been hiding more than her long legs and what appeared to be a nice pair of breasts. Someone cleared their throat. He looked over his shoulder to see Mr. Murray grinning at him. "I'll take that drink now," the older man said.
            "You're cut off, remember?"
            "Jackson's awfully protective of his baby sister, isn't he? You two still best friends? I wonder how he'd feel--"
            Sawyer narrowed his eyes at the old man and got him his drink, his watered-down drink. He set the glass on the bar. "If your gout starts acting up, you've got only yourself to blame." He lowered his voice. "And I'm not interested in Jill. Not like that."
            "How come? Something wrong with your eyesight?"
 




Debbie Mason is USA Today bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado series. Her books have been praised for their "likable characters, clever dialogue and juicy plots" (RT Book Reviews). She also writes historical paranormals as Debbie Mazzuca. Her MacLeod series has received several nominations for best paranormal as well as a Holt Medallion Award of Merit. When she isn't writing or reading, Debbie enjoys spending time with her very own real-life hero, their four wonderful children, an adorable grandbaby, and a yappy Yorkie named Bella.
 
Author Links:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads 




 

Friday 24 June 2016

REVIEW: HIS DARLING BRIDE by ANNA DeSTEFANO


His Darling Bride
Echoes of the Heart #3
By: Anna DeStefano
Released 26th April, 2016
Montlake Romance

 
In His Darling Bride (Echoes of the Heart #3) by Anna DeStefano, Bethany Darling has a right not to trust men, especially after what her ex did to her. But the moment Mike Taylor helps her out of a rather awkward situation with her ex, she feels an incredible connection to him. But with her desire to re-discover her love for painting and to re-connect with her foster family, she doesn't have time to start dating again. However, it seems it isn't so easy to avoid the sexy man, especially when she discovers his role in helping her foster father on his road to recovery after the man's heart attack.

Having not read the other books of this series, I was pleased by the fact that this story can easily be read as a stand-alone. Right from the beginning, this book was captivating, fast-paced and a story I could not put down for even a second, as the heroine's ex is a real piece of work and needed to be put in his place. Needed to have someone make him realize that there was no way Bethany was going to go back to him.

The dialogue was compelling, and was a nice blend of intense and playful. The term 'kindred spirit' definitely applies to the bond Bethany and Mike share. What they've lived through in the past definitely made me understand why they were wary of trusting people outside of their close-knit circles. Mike because of his secret identity, and Bethany because she's been burned by her previous boyfriend. Yet, it's palpable that the strong chemistry they have would be impossible to deny. While the intense dialogue is due to the main characters back stories, whether Bethany can handle the truth about Mike's secret identity, and the problems Mike faces from his parents. Will he give in to the demands of his parents to save the peace, or will he finally stand up to his parents and their need to manipulate him?  

I really liked both the main characters, as well as the secondary ones. Except for -- of course -- Mike's parents, especially his mother. She's a real piece of work that treats her son more like a servant than her child. Her you-should-do-this attitude really annoyed me, because if that didn't work she thought manipulating him might. Why couldn't she just tell him the truth of her need for him to do what she asks?

Bethany is strong, brave and determined to get her life back on track after what her ex-boyfriend did. It isn't easy for her, because she believes she has a lot to make up for with her family. I could understand why she didn't trust easily after all she's been through, but I cheered when she finally gave Mike a chance after she discovered his biggest secret. Also, she's kind and caring, and I loved the relationship she has with one of her adopted sisters. They're close and realize how lucky they are to be a part of the family that they are.

While Mike, he's been through tough times, yet none tougher than the loss of his brother. It's made him a wanderer; a man determined to explore the world while doing what he can to help those less fortunate while giving back what he can to a good cause such as the charity to help find a cure for the medical condition his brother suffered from. He's also kind and caring to those in need like Bethany at the start. Then again, how could he not want to help her when her ex was such a jerk. 

Overall, this was an incredible book where the romance was a bit on the sweet side with the exception of the hot kisses this couple shared. Really, if it wasn't for the characters morning after narration, I wouldn't have realized this couple had even spent a night burning up the sheets. The way this story ended was perfect, as Mike fought for their relationship and didn't allow his parents to dictate his romantic future, because no way was he going to give up Bethany. Furthermore, I liked that those she loved helped him to surprise her. I would recommend His Darling Bride by Anna DeStefano, if you enjoy the mysterious strangers trope, or a couple that are destined to be no matter what obstacles they have to overcome; obstacles which include judgmental, overbearing parents.

OVERALL RATING:



  
BLURB:
Bethany Darling doesn’t kiss men at first sight…until she falls into the arms of a handsome cowboy bartender.

A mysterious stranger, Mike helps scare off Bethany’s obnoxious ex-boyfriend. Mike’s touch feels like coming home. But Bethany’s so not interested. Between stalled-out dreams of becoming a painter, troubles reconnecting with her sprawling foster family, and the happy chaos of her sister’s upcoming wedding, Bethany’s already in over her head. But each time she and Mike stumble across each other in small-town Chandlerville…sparks fly.

A famous photographer hiding under a Stetson, Mike Taylor recognizes Bethany as a kindred artistic spirit. Together they rekindle her passion for painting—and she inspires him in unexpected, undeniable ways. Then when Mike’s own past threatens to tear apart his present, Bethany becomes his safe place to turn.

Can these two wandering souls finally trust their hearts? Or will they run from the forever love they never expected to find?
 
BUY LINK: Amazon



 

REVIEW: DRIVEN TO TEMPTATION by MELIA ALEXANDER


Driven to Temptation
A Driven to Love Story
By: Melia Alexander
Released June 13, 2016
Entangled Lovestruck
 
In Driven to Temptation (Driven to Love #1) by Melia Alexander, Delaney Harper will do anything to prove she has what it takes to make it in the male-dominated field of engineering, even if she has to tell a little white lie to be the one accompanying CEO, Aiden Ross, to a tradeshow. The question is -- will the gorgeous CEO be impressed with her work, or will his attitude be the same as that of her family?
 
Aiden Ross isn't a people person. He'd rather stay in the background, then be the face of his company. With everything riding on the upcoming presentation at a tradeshow, he can't afford any distractions. However, that's what his new road trip buddy is and if he doesn't get his head in the game, then he could lose the best thing that's ever happened to him -- a second chance at love.
 
What a delightful read Ms. Alexander has penned, encompassing an anti-social hero who deserves a second chance at love, and a heroine determined to prove she's capable of making it in a male-dominated career. From the opening line of this story, I was hooked as it was a good one. Yet, it was from the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the very first time that had me flipping the pages quickly, determined to see whether Delaney can prove she's as good as she thinks she is.
 
The dialogue was entertaining, and I loved the banter between Delaney and Aiden. Can she convince Aiden to treat her like an equal? Will her presentation be able to secure the huge account that Aiden wants? There were some really good light-hearted moments between the main characters that had me smiling, especially since they make judgments about the other that turn out to be wrong. Yet, the dialogue was also intense due to the main characters back stories, and the obstacles this couple have to overcome on their journey to happy ever after. Can Aiden help Delaney when it seems she feels like she's failed in some way? Can Delaney convince Aiden that he deserves a second chance at love? 
 
I really liked both the main characters, as well as the secondary ones. I liked Aiden's second-in-command. He has absolute faith in Delaney, and I appreciated the fact that he pushed the hero to give her a chance to prove her worth. Then there's Delaney's parents. Could she prove them wrong? Could she show them that she's just as good as any man when it comes to having a career in engineering? Indeed, I cheered that she would prove them wrong.
 
Delaney is strong, brave, full of confidence and her determination to prove she's good at her job made me like her a lot. Seriously, it isn't easy for her and there's a moment when she feels like she's a failure. Yet, I liked that she didn't give up and that Aiden gave her some much needed encouragement to succeed. However, is Aiden helping Delaney for her benefit, or does he have an ulterior motive? While the hero, he's socially awkward, and the nickname 'Ice King' that he earned from his ex-wife definitely shines through at various times, yet being around Delaney helps melt the ice. Really, she's good for him in the way she takes him out of his comfort zone and provides him quite the challenge.
 
Overall, this was a really good book where the sex scenes were hot, passionate and did justice to this couple's intense chemistry, which kept increasing every time they bantered. The way this story ended was wonderful, as Aiden pleaded for his innermost wish concerning matters of the heart to be granted. Would Delaney turn up? Would she forgive him? I liked the words he spoke to Delaney about how there's more to life than how he's been living it. I would recommend Driven to Temptation by Melia Alexander, if you enjoy second chance romances.     
 
OVERALL RATING:
 
 
BLURB:
Aidan Ross might be an engineering genius, but people skills? Not this soldier’s forte. Thankfully, a trusted friend is accompanying him to a make-or-break tradeshow…but then a bubbly redhead hops into his truck, claiming to be his new road trip buddy. She’s a gorgeous distraction he can’t afford. Or ignore. 
 
Delaney Harper comes from a family of engineers—male engineers. With several impressive projects under her belt, she’s on a mission to prove she can hang with the big boys, too. But cracking the sexy, closed-off CEO is tougher than she expects…and hotter than she could have imagined.
 
With the tempting woman disrupting his carefully planned schedule, Aidan can’t focus on the road, much less their upcoming presentation. The future of his company is riding on this trip, and if they’re to land a huge account, he has to keep his head—and his heart—in the game…
 
Buy Links:      Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes