Packaged Husband Trophy Husbands: Book 3 by Noelle Adams

 Packaged Husband by Noelle Adams

Blurb:

On a Wednesday afternoon, Owen Masterson asks me to marry him.
I've never met the man before.
All I wanted was a job repackaging his image. He needs to ramp up his cool-factor to attract partnerships with better designers for his family's department store. But he wants me to be his temporary trophy wife instead.

I need to get out from under my grandfather's control and don't really care how I do it. Honestly, I'll rock the hell out of being a temporary trophy wife.
So maybe I'll marry him for a year, even though he has no social skills and he's a lot older than me. But I'm not going to fall for him.
I hope.

Okay, it was kind of very foreseeable but despite that, I really liked this story. It is nice and entertaining and despite the fact that I expected many of those twists and turns, I was captivated and kept reading.
The last of the three Greyson sisters meets her match - or at least her temporary match that might or might not morph into something deeper and lasting.

Well, I must admit that I still have a hard time to understand how exactly you become independent and learn to stand on your own two feet if you marry a man who will pay and do everything for you, especially if you want to get out from under your grandfather's thumb who - surprise, surprise, holds all the strings and tries to rule your life. It sounds a bit like a bushfire where you light a counter fire in order to get rid of the fire (or something like that) but what do I know and at least for Chelsea, our heroine, it seems to work.
This book was funny and sweet and deals with growing up, becoming independent and living your own life. Not an easy thing, no matter what your circumstances but Chelsea masters it with charm and a capable mind and also some heartbreak along the line. With Owen at her side, things could be great but....well, it's not as easy as it looks, to be fake-married, right?

★★★★

Cover reveal - Catastrophe Queen by Emma Hart

One hot mess. One hot boss.
One too many hot encounters...

It’s not you. It’s me.
No, seriously. It is me. Not only does my name literally mean “unfortunate,” but that’s the story of my life.
Everything I touch turns to crap. An apartment fire—that I swear I was not responsible for—means I’m living back at home with my sex-mad parents. Yay, me!
Which is why I need my new job as personal assistant to Cameron Reid to get back on my feet. Three months in this job and I can move back out and, hopefully, remember to turn off my flat iron once in a while.
Ahem. 
On paper, my job is easy. Make coffee. Book appointments. Keep everything in order.
Until I walk in on my boss, half-naked, wearing nothing but the kind of tiny white towel that dreams are made of.
Now, nothing is easy—except our mutual attraction. But he’s my boss, and you know what they say about mixing work and pleasure: unless you do porn, it’s just not worth it.
Or is it?
 

Amazon US → https://amzn.to/2AEm3pw Apple Books → https://apple.co/2CnZjLJ
B&N → http://bit.ly/2pVEdgk
Kobo → http://bit.ly/2yJ64o6

BLOGTOUR: Tequila, Tequila by Emma Hart #TequilaTequila #Blogtour

*Blogtour*

Tequila, Tequila by Emma Hart

Blurb:  

TEQUILA + YOUR BEST FRIEND + YOUR BEDROOM = UM. WHOOPSIE?

Don’t sleep with your best friend.
Take it from me. I did it. And it was awful.
I-wish-the-tequila-made-me-forget kind of bad.
The problem is, Luke has forgotten. He swears that he can’t remember a thing about that night beyond the trays of tequila shots being set on the tables.
Except I can't forget. I can’t forget how good his hands felt until I fell over and hit my hip on the dresser, and I sure as hell can’t forget the entire two minutes of tap-tap-squirt.
Awkward. Embarrassing. And the new subject of a couple of dirty lucid dreams.
But I have no intention of telling him what we did. Nothing good comes from telling your best friend he’s the worst guy you’ve ever slept with.
Which makes the tequila on my birthday a very, very bad idea…

This book made me laugh so hard, it's amazing! We had kind of a rough start, I read a couple of pages and then, well, I just put it away. When I went back and read a bit further, I simply couldn't put it down anymore. I laughed, snorted and giggled my way through this book till the very last page. Then I put it down with a deep swoon-ladden sigh. Yup, I loved this book. It was fun and it was a great story with amazing, authentic and very likable characters.

How do you go back from a Tequila-incident as in having the kind of pretty bad tap-tap-squish-action with your best friend? And what's more, if you really, really think about it - do you want to go back from there or could there be a chance for something more, something like forever?
Well, when a couple of tequilas, alright, some more of them, actually, turn Aspen and Luke's friendship upside down, they have to figure out what they really want. Step back and try to forget about it (or at least try to fake that they forgot about it) or go ahead and see where this might go.
Not an easy decision, when your friendship goes way back to kindergarten because there's always the risk of losing everything but when there's no going back the only way left may be the one forward.

I loved Aspen and Luke and I loved reading this amazing book - I can't wait for the next book by Emma Hart!

★★★★★

To Woo a Wicked Widow by Jenna Jaxon

 To Woo a Wicked Widow by Jenna Jaxon

Blurb:

The war years are behind them. 
The future is before them.
And one by one, the widows of Lyttlefield Park are getting restless...
 
Lady Charlotte Cavendish is still the spirited girl who tried to elope in the name of love. That dream was thwarted by her father who trapped her into a loveless, passionless marriage. But now widowed, Charlotte is free to reenter the giddy world of the ton—and pursue her desires. For hardly your typical widow, she remains innocent to the pleasures of the flesh. Yet her life is finally her own, and she intends to keep it that way.

Nash, the twelfth Earl of Wrotham, is beguiled by Charlotte at first sight—and the feeling is mutual. When he receives her intriguing invitation to a house party, the marriage-minded lord plans to further their acquaintance. But even he cannot sway her aversion to matrimony, and only with great restraint does he resist her most tempting offer. For unbeknownst to Charlotte, the misadventures of the past are revisiting them both, and bedding her could cost him everything—or give him everything he ever wanted.


I've already read and loved several other books by Jenna Jaxon, the Wicked Widow though, left me a bit at a loss. I liked it, yes but on the other hand, I felt like watching a ping-pong match of yes and no and yes and...

The story was nice but a bit too much drawn out. Coincidences galore and some things happening that didn't fit with the time and the role of women in those times  - despite that, I enjoyed reading the book because I liked the hero and the heroine even though I wanted to kick them once or twice (or even more often) to make them see reason and to talk to each other. On the whole, the story wasn't really believable but it was nice nonetheless. Considering the fact that I liked the other books by the author I will definitely read future books by her and I'm really looking forward to reading them even if the Wicked Widow couldn't fully captivate and convince me.

★★★

 

 

Blogtour: Player by Staci Hart #Player

 He's nothing but a Player - isn't he?

 Player by Staci Hart

Blurb:

He’s a player.

He plays the bass with expert fingers. He plays women with intoxicating charm. And he’ll play me with the ease of a virtuoso.

Who better to teach me to play than the master himself?

I’m his model student, front row, pencil sharp. Pick up lines? I’ve got them. Free drinks? By the dozen. Kissing? Let me grab my chapstick.

But the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that there’s so much I don’t know. Like why his touch sets off a chain reaction straight to my nethers. Or how I’m certain each kiss is the best I’ll ever have, until the moment his lips take mine again.

There’s so much I don’t know.

Like the fact that I’m only a bet.

But we are what we are. He’s a player, through and through.

And I’m the fool who fell in love with him.

Oh my goodness! I didn't like this book ...I freaking loved it! Yes, I loved the other books by Staci Hart that I've read but this one - wow. This one simply blew my mind. This book is not just a wonderful love story that made me laugh and cry but it's also a celebration of passion, love and music. Always of music and of love and of the fact that those two go hand in hand. If you are someone like Val or Sam, music is love in its purest form.

Reading about Val and her love for music, for dancing  - and her wolf pack, as in her four older (and very protective) brothers and the rest of the amazing Bolivars made me happy. Every page you read, every step she takes, every song she dances to, radiates so much happiness, you simply can't help but love Valentina with all your heart.
And so can't Sam either, no matter how hard he tries to convince himself (and how much he made me laugh in the process). He falls for her. Hard. And completely because that's just the way he is. Those two complete each other and they love each other and those around them with abandon, passionately and without reserve - just as much as they love music. Oh, and well, with those cheesy pick-up lines of hers? He never stood a chance anyway, right?

I really loved (even though it hurt me to see them hurt) how Sam learned - the hard way, I might add - that Val doesn't need rescuing. She is strong in her own way even though she doesn't seem to be at first glance. Having been hurt by others shaming her for her body, having been sexualized and ridiculed early on, she has to learn that she is beautiful and to trust herself. Even more, she has to learn to trust Sam.
Sure, there is trouble in paradise, especially when Sam's friend Ian shows his true colors and threatens to destroy everything but well, true love and all, right.

I can't say whether I loved the story most or the beautiful way it was written. The story itself was like a beautiful song, carrying the reader away with its celebration of love and music. A book that was not only beautiful to read but that also made me happy.
I can't wait for the print edition to come out because this is definitely one of those books that I have to have on my shelf as well as on my kindle!

★★★★★

From Ice To Flames (A West Brothers Novel) by A.M. Hargrove #FromIceToFlames

 From Ice To Flames (A West Brothers Novel) by A.M. Hargrove

Blurb: 

 One Rule: No More Men.

Two years ago I walked away from a marriage I thought would last forever and all I got from it was Dick …
and I don’t mean the one between my stupid ex’s legs.
I’m talking about the one-hundred-sixty pound furry kind said ex dropped off at my doorstep.
But I’d take Dick over any man, any day.
So why did I resemble my dog, panting and drooling, whenever I ran into Hudson West, my sexy neighbor?
True, the gorgeous veterinarian was hotter than sin.
And my new roommate only made it impossible for me to avoid conversation with a man I didn’t need.
Until … some asshole decided to run Dick down.
And it was hotter than hell Hudson who came to his rescue.
Then it became impossible to ignore him.
It was only supposed to be a fling, a quickie, a one and done, I’d given into.
We both had reasons to keep it that way … my one rule and his five-year-old son.
Except things didn’t quite work out that way.
One turned into two, then three, annnnd you get the picture.
Before we knew it, he gave me a lot more than puppies and fairy tales.
I was in way too deep.
And that stupid rule?
I should’ve stuck to it because now more than my heart was at risk.


Oh My....I was so furious! This guy behaved like an a...sh. Honestly, I would have loved to kick him somewhere. Hard. I mean, he was really great before that happened but that....no. After everything else that went on, this was downright mean and absolutely uncalled for. And I really hated that she, as in Milly, our heroine, felt that she was wrong in...yeah. Just believe me - she wasn't wrong. No matter what. Nope.

Alright, Hudson didn't behave like that all the time, otherwise, I would never have read this book. Most of the time, he is really sweet and when he talks to Wiley...*sigh* Oh, Wiley is his son and he is cute. And sweet. And he loves Dick. Not that one. The one with four legs.

Lots of action, lots of romance and a bunch of charming and lovable characters of the four-legged- and the two-legged variety - I really enjoyed reading this book!

 ★★★★

How the Earl Entices (Capturing the Carlisles #4) by Anna Harrington #HowTheEarlEntices

How the Earl Entices (Capturing the Carlisles #4) by Anna Harrington

Blurb: 

WHEN OLD DECEPTIONS LEAD TO NEW DESIRES
Ross Carlisle, Earl of Spalding, has dedicated his life to serving his country. When he discovers secrets that could endanger England, he’s forced into an impossible situation—commit treason and race to London to clear his name before the crown turns against him. He’s prepared to abandon everything he possesses in order to protect England, including his life…until he crosses paths with a woman who’s keeping her own secrets.

Ten years ago, Grace Alden fled the only life she’d ever known in order to protect her son, only to come face-to-face with that past when Ross collapses on her doorstep. They strike a deal—she’ll help him travel to London if he helps her reclaim her son’s inheritance. But as old deceptions turn into new desires, will they be willing to sacrifice everything they hold dear in order to protect the people they love?


Ohhh, I loved this book! Grace with all her fire and her stubbornness, her loyalty and her courage was a wonderful heroine and Ross, well, he is simply amazing. The well-written story was fast-paced and kept me on my toes, I was swooning and grinning goofily and the next moment I was sitting straight, turning the pages faster and faster and fearing the worst ... Captivating and thrilling with the right dose of romance and humor in between, I didn't put this book down. And when I browsed through it to write this review, I got lost in the story again.

I loved Grace and the way she stood up for her son's rights using every means available to get Ross to help her. And when everything fails and things are rough, she is there, ready to defend the man she loves. Ross' dedication to his country and to those he loves will make you fall for him. He is strong and tender, stubborn and courageous.

This was another amazing book in a great series and I really can't wait for the next book to come out. The next book "What A Lord Wants" will be out in early 2019 and those of you who have already met Evelyn Winslow will be, like me, looking forward to seeing her find her match!

★★★★★

Sinful Seduction (Red Stone Security #8) by Katie Reus

 Sinful Seduction (Red Stone Security #8) by Katie Reus

Blurb:

He'll do anything to protect her....

Former Marine and newest Red Stone Security employee Alexander Blue is still adjusting to the civilian world after a decade spent at war, but when he sees someone in danger, nothing can take away that intrinsic need to protect. After stopping a would-be mugger, Blue finds himself being bandaged up by a sensual local artist in her Key West condo. He never expected to stay the night, even if it is on her couch. The mysterious Mina gets under his skin in a way he never thought possible. When it becomes clear that her mugging wasn’t random and she’s being targeted by deadly men, Blue has no problem stepping into the role of protector.

But she doesn't want to be saved

Tired of being coddled and treated like a child, Mina has tried to distance herself from her family. When danger finds her, she’s forced to turn to the sexy stranger who she feels a strong, unexpected connection with. In him she sees glimmers of herself; a little broken, withdrawn and wary of the world. Soon she learns that the biggest threat might not be from the men trying to kidnap her, but from the quiet warrior who poses an immediate risk to her heart.

I haven't yet found a book by Katie Reus that I didn't love and "Sinful Seduction" is no exception from the rule. This book got me hooked right from the first page on and when I went through it to write this review....it drew me right back in and I didn't stop reading till the last page. Again.

This book is part of the Red Stone Security Series, a series of 15 books, all of them packed with lots of well-written action and romance.
In "Sinful Seduction" we get to meet Mina and Alexander. I really loved the chemistry between the two, you can feel their attraction and that they belong together.
It all starts with Alexander Blue rescuing Mina when someone tries to kidnap her... Their attraction is instant and when Blue stays around to protect her, the two can't help but fall in love - while at the same time trying to find out who is after her. The story is fast-paced and keeps you on your toes.

★★★★

The Duke Who Lied (The 1797 Club #8)

 

The Duke Who Lied by Jess Michaels

Blurb: 

The 8th Book in the bestselling 1797 Club series by USA Today Bestseller Jess Michaels

Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, has been keeping a secret that eats him up inside. His beloved sister was seduced and nearly ruined by a wicked man. The trauma sent her into exile and to protect her reputation, he never did anything about it. But now the ‘gentleman’ is back in Society and recently engaged to another lady.

Miss Amelia Quinton cannot believe her luck. After a whirlwind courtship, she has just become engaged and now she’s looking forward to a true love match. Only all her plans come to a screeching halt when her father announces she is now to marry the Duke of Brighthollow because he owns her father’s debts.

Amelia is horrified, for Hugh is nothing like the sweet and gentle boy she wanted to marry. Only once their vows are said, passions flare and she begins to know the man better. Little by little, both their walls come down and feelings grow. Until she finds out he lied. Will Hugh ever tell her the truth and will it even matter by the time it’s all said and done?


Ohhhh, I loved this book! I mean, I loved the other books in this series as well and every time I finish one of them, it feels as if this one is the best - till I read the next or one of the other ones again.
My heart went out to Hugh and Amelia, when both of them,  for different reasons, had to let go of their dreams of love and a loving family - only to find that sometimes love finds you unexpectedly.

Revisiting old friends and meeting new ones, I followed Amelia and Hugh's story from their rocky beginnings to their ...well, tumultuous but nonetheless happy ending.
Hugh and Amelia are both characters that I really liked. Both of them have been hurt in the past and it's not easy for them to trust considering the circumstances but never ever do they let their insecurities win and destroy what they have. Even when Amelia realizes the depth of the deception, all those lies....she is hurt, she is devastated but she is still willing to go on and make things right and even better.
And when things get really rough? Those two are so amazing and strong and courageous, you can't but love them!

Another beautiful and captivating book in a wonderful series!

★★★★★

 

 

 

 

Release Day Blitz ***HOT SEAL Target (HOT SEAL Team #6) by Lynn Raye Harris***Release Day Blitz

New Release

 HOT SEAL Target by Lynn Raye Harris

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…

**Stand Alone, No Cliffhangers, No Cheating, Happily Ever After Guaranteed!**

Another captivating pageturner in the Hot Seals series by Lynn Raye Harris. I really enioyed this story about Blade and Quinn and the action around it. It was sweet, sexy and filled with lots of action from the first page to the last! 

I loved to see Blade help Quinn, the girl he knew in High School when he defended her against some bullies. He makes her see her own worth again and helps her see that it is not about her weight but about what she feels and how she feels. 

Having dealt with my own share of weight problems, imagined or not, I felt with Quinn and loved Blade for being there for her when she is caught in a marriage with someone who is not only a criminal but also someone who tears other peoples down.Another bully in town....

I loved the love story and the action that went along with it. This book was once again a wonderful and thrilling read that made me look forward to the next installment in this amazing series!

★★★★

Breathless by Celeste Bradley & Susan Donovan #breathless

   

Breathless  

by  

Celeste Bradley  & Susan Donovan

Blurb:

She was “the Swan.” London’s premiere courtesan. Men want to be with her. Women loathe her success and yet admire her beauty, her riches, her independence. But when the jealous wife of her lover moves to have the Swan banished from her home on the high seas, she winds up crashed against Spain’s rocky coast with no shoes, no clothes—and no name. Taken in by a tortured, sensuous man known as The Artist, the Swan comes to know the woman she wants to be—her artist’s siren.
When Art Professor Brenna Anderson is in danger of losing her post at Harvard, the rule-following, prim professor is at a loss of how to salvage the shreds of her life. But when a new painting in the mysterious Siren collection is discovered in a dusty old house in France, Brenna does the unthinkable—hops on a plane to uncover the identity of the beautiful, enigmatic woman who is the subject of the paintings.
There’s just one hitch—the frustrating, irritating, bold and beautiful art hunter Fitch Wilder is also looking for the Siren. He’s been a thorn in Brenna’s professional side for years, but when their individual quests lead them to team up despite being enemies, a whole new sumptuous world of art and culture opens up for the two of them. And with it, they enter a realm of passion and love…



Set in two different times, this book tells the story of the time when the Swan, a famous courtesan, loses her life as she knows it only to find a better one and true love in a place where she'd never have expected it and it also tells the story of Brenna and Fitch, who are looking for the forgotten paintings of the Siren collection.
The women's lives are very different on the one hand but there are also many similarities and I really enjoyed reading about their lives and the love they find along the way. I also loved to read about Brenna and Fitch's hunt for the paintings and the story behind them.
From the first page on, this book captivated me. I really enjoyed reading this book with its interesting characters and really interesting story line.

When Brenna and Fitch set out to find the lost paintings, they have no idea that this trip will change their lives forever. Working together, well, that wasn't exactly what they'd been dreaming of considering the fact, ....uh...let's just say that it's not always a good idea to tweet when you are upset especially when you don't have all the facts. Now they'll have to work together in order to get what both of them are looking for and somehow this whole thing turns into something more. Something real and great.

And who would have thought that losing everything, even one's own name and identity, will lead to finding true love and happiness, no matter how short or how long it might last. When the Swan was driven out of the country only to end up on a journey even worse than she could ever have imagined, she had no idea what or rather who would be waiting for her at the end of this trip.

A beautiful story that I really enjoyed reading.

★★★★

Must Love Babies (Must Love Babies #1) by Lynnette Austin #mustlovebabies

  Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin

Blurb:

Brant Wylder is a bachelor and loving it! He's in Misty Bottoms, Georgia, property-hunting for his vintage car repair shop when he gets the call. His sister's been in an accident, and Brant has to drop everything and take care of his five-month-old nephew. That's the end of the bachelor lifestyle.

Bridal boutique owner Molly Stiles is all business all the time, until she sees that Brant's in trouble. In this Southern town, nobody ever has to go it alone. And besides, how can she resist that beautiful baby in the arms of a beautiful man...?

This book should come with a warning label: "Readers beware - danger of muscle soreness due to excessive and permanent smiling!"

A long way into the book, I realized that I hadn't stopped smiling and grinning all the time. Right from the beginning I really liked the characters, Brant and Molly are sweet and nice but when little Jax comes into his uncle's life...wow.
The joys of living with a baby for the first time, learning how to deal with everything, figuring out the logistics of putting on diapers, feeding a baby and changing its clothes while still trying to live, sleep...okay, kidding, forget about that part....and fall in love  and not just with said baby were beautifully and realistically described - and I couldn't stop grinning. And laughing. And smiling. You can't not fall for this amazing guy who juggles it all and believe me, when he starts and talking to little Jax and discussing things with him, I was a goner. Those two together were sweeter than one of Tansy's wedding cakes so it was no wonder that Molly was defenseless against their charms, no matter what her list says.

Add some well-measured pinches of romance, a charming small town with the obligatory nosy and caring villagers and well-meaning neighbors and you will find out quickly why Brant can't imagine living somewhere else anymore.
Between setting up a new shop, caring for his sister's little baby-boy and falling for an irresistible, warm-hearted woman, Brant doesn't have time to breathe (or, let's get back to that - sleep) but well, it might be just worth it!

I really loved this book and would like to meet all those amazing people in real life. So - if you are in for an overdose of cuteness and hot guys, well, this is your book!

★★★★★

And guess what - this is the first book in a trilogy (all stand-alones, though)  so I'm so looking forward to the next two books! :-)

The Undercover Duke (The 1797 Club #6) by Jess Michaels #theundercoverduke

  The Undercover Duke (The 1797 Club #6) by Jess Michaels

Blurb: 

Lucas Vincent may be the Duke of Willowby but he’s never acted as such. He’s been too busy working for the War Department as a spy. But years of dangerous work has finally caught up to him and he was involved in a violent attack that nearly killed him. Forced home, his angry, aggressive desire to get back in the field and find out to who betrayed him is keeping him from healing.

Diana Oakford was raised by a physician who served the King’s War Department and she knows better than most the dangers that job entails. She was also trained in healing, so when she’s asked to come and assist with Lucas’s recovery she has a hard time refusing.

Once they’re alone together an unexpected connection begins to grow between these two people who have fought their emotions all their lives and more begins to heal than just Lucas’s broken body. But just when they start to believe they could find some kind of happiness, the past rears its ugly head and Lucas will have to choose between the life he once led and the woman who has changed his world.  
 
Another fabulous book by one of the few authors whose books I one-click first and read the blurb later.
If you've read the other books in this series, you might already know about this group of young dukes and their fight for happiness and love despite their less than perfect families. Lucas Vincent, the Duke of Willowby, is part of this illustrious group even though his years of working as a spy have kept him apart from his friends for a long time now. Despite all those years, their friendship holds fast and the other dukes are there to help and to support when Lucas needs them.

When Diane Oakford is, well, bullied might be the right word, into caring for a colleague of her deceased father, who had been working as a physician for the War Departement, she doesn't know that this will change her life forever. Soon those two start to care for each other but they might need the help of Lucas' friends to get rid of the past and all the dangers it still holds in store for them.
Those two are an amazing couple and I liked how their friendship and love developed. I also loved to see how they interacted with the other dukes and their wives, letting us see how they fare and what became of them.

An interesting and captivating story that kept me glued to my reader - and once again when I started to browse the pages when I wanted to start this review. I got hooked again and couldn't stop reading. I can't wait for the next book in this amazing series!

★★★★★

The Viking's Chosen by Quinn Loftis #TheVikingsChosen

  

The Viking's Chosen by Quinn Loftis

Blurb:

His orders are clear: launch a raid against England and bring home the spoils of war. But the prophecy is also clear: General Torben will take a foreign bride—one who is a seer and healer just like his mother. The eldest princess of England is said to be just that…a beautiful, charming, and headstrong woman. But he's a Viking army general and she's an English princess—and one who is already promised to the king of Tara.

Two worlds collide in this epic historical fiction centered on an undeniable chemistry that smolders against the odds. Richly written and injected with moments of humor, this action-packed romantic tale will leave you breathless.

Alright, I must admit that very often Viking stories and I, well, let's just say that we don't mix well, as they tend to be rather brutal and I might have a problem with that high level of brutality. In this case though, I fell for the cobination of the author, the cover and the blurb and couldn't resist. After pushing it around a bit and starting, not really starting to read it, I finally put on my big girl panties and started. And didn't stop till the end.

There were some minor things that did strike me as not being completely conclusive but on the whole I really really enjoyed reading this book. Strong, feisty women, really bad villains (even though those tend to be mad as well) and strong, protective men who respect their women and don't smother them.
The chemistry between our hero Torben, the Viking and Princess Allete Auvray is convincing and you can feel that they belong together and not just because Cathal, her betrothed is a cruel brute. The villains like Cathal and the Viking King Magnus are defined by their brutality and their cruelty, there's nothing subtile or complex about them, the other characters are more complex though and I really loved all the dynamics. I laughed and chuckled a lot, giggled, was upset and laughed again.

A fast-paced story about love and magic and...love....of course and...a cliffhanger. If you are like me, you might want to wait a bit till at least the next book, The Viking's Captive is out because otherwise you might feel (like me) that November is simply too far away for the story to continue especially considering the circumstances in which we find our friends at the end of this book - but no matter what, read this book, it is definitely worth it!

★★★★

By the book by Julia Sonneborn

 By the book by Julia Sonneborn

Blurb:

An English professor struggling for tenure discovers that her ex-fiancé has just become the president of her college—and her new boss—in this whip-smart modern retelling of Jane Austen’s classic Persuasion.

Anne Corey is about to get schooled.

An English professor in California, she’s determined to score a position on the coveted tenure track at her college. All she’s got to do is get a book deal, snag a promotion, and boom! She’s in. But then Adam Martinez—her first love and ex-fiancé—shows up as the college’s new president.

Anne should be able to keep herself distracted. After all, she’s got a book to write, an aging father to take care of, and a new romance developing with the college’s insanely hot writer-in-residence. But no matter where she turns, there’s Adam, as smart and sexy as ever. As the school year advances and her long-buried feelings begin to resurface, Anne begins to wonder whether she just might get a second chance at love.

Funny, smart, and full of heart, this modern ode to Jane Austen’s classic explores what happens when we run into the demons of our past...and when they turn out not to be so bad, after all.
 

I cried, I laughed, I giggled and I was anxious to find out what would happen next. Even though it was a retelling of Persuasion, not everything was foreseeable and I loved to find out what would happen next and believe me, I enjoyed every single page in this book. This is definitely a book that I  will also buy in print in addition to the ebook because I simply loved it.

It was fun, it was modern and it wasn't afraid to touch rather sensitive issues like the fact of someone being successful despite initially being an undocumented citizen as well as affairs, the loss of loved ones, plagiarism and the choices in life that we make due to love.
A wide range of subjects to think about, a wonderful retelling of one of my favorite stories (by the way, guess which book is the favorite book of our heroine?) and, of course, books. It's not just about love and people, even though they make up a big part of the story, of course, but it is also about books and the love for books and words.



I loved to see how Anne and Adam's paths crossed again and again and even though they seemed to have moved on you felt (well, and knew of course, I mean, it is a retelling of Persuasion, right?) that there still were some feelings left and hoped for those feelings to blossom. Soon.
The end was, well, on the one hand, it was a bit sudden but on the other hand, all of it had been at least thirteen years in the making, so I didn't really think about it being too soon but just took out my hankie and cried a little bit because it was so beautiful (and I might be a bit sentimental and of course, it was this irresistible combination of books and love - who wouldn't cry?).

Oh, and I loved those amazing characters. Be it Larry or Jack (oh, my... Jack and his questions concerning Jane Eyre almost killed me... ), Anne, Pam, Tiffany or any of the others - they were great, vivacious and I could totally imagine them when I was reading about them. What I loved about Adam was that he reminded me a lot of the original Captain Wentworth with his rather aloof manner. You can guess, you think you know what he feels but you never really know because he is always a bit distant and bit reserved - at least that's what it looks like on the outside.

An amazing book that made me google things like "Jane Vampire", half expecting to find a movie in the making and checking out the works of e.e.cummings as well as those of nineteenth-century women writers and - well, the emojis in my messenger. I mean, who knows when a combination like 🌭 and ✂️ might come in handy....

★★★★★

One of my favorite series finally as audio book .... #storm #phantomislanders #ednahwalters

...and what an amazing audio book it is!

Do you remember the Phantom Islanders series by Ednah Walters?

These wonderful books are now available on audio and -wow, they are so amazing!

Narrated by Erin Mallon, a very talented narrator who did also read 

"Because of Him" by Terri E. Laine and Ednah's wonderful story - this is a must have!

Storm

A sassy heroine, a legend, and a race of people in peril

Nanny to a wealthy family, 18-year old Alexandria "Lexi" Greendale sends most of what she earns home to support her disabled brother. She is determined to help him get the surgery he needs to walk again. Her dreams come to an abrupt halt when she rescues a man from drowning. How does he repay her? Captain Storm Orath abducts her, claims her as his chosen mate, and takes her to a magical island that is centuries behind times with barbaric customs.

Storm is sexy, demanding, and protective

Lexi is determined to escape; Storm will do anything to keep her. For Lexi to make it home to her family, she must fight the lure of the man and the island he controls, or stay trapped forever. Are they fated to be together? Will Lexi make it home in time to help her brother?

Experience the adventure

This fast-paced tale is magical, complicated, beautiful, and mysterious. Warning! Once you start this audiobook, you will not be able to stop it until you reach the final minute.

This is part one of a three-part upper YA and new adult serial about a woman and her journey of discovery, adventure, and an unforgettable love.

©2017 Ednah Walters (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

 

 Storm Revealed

The mystery unfolds
 
Lexi resigns herself to the primitive living and the strange customs of the islands but struggles with the fact that she will never see or help her brother again. As the people embrace her as Storm's chosen mate, Lexi slowly begins to see the magic around her. When she discovers the truth about Storm and his people, she finally understands why he abducted her and why he needs her to stay.

Twists, turns, and traitors
 
Lexi's feelings for Storm start to change, she accepts the fact that she is Storm's lass and stops trying to escape. But a happy ending will have to wait.

Someone wants Lexi dead
  
Storm has an evil twin and he will use anything and everything to get what he wants. He threatens to destroy the island and its people. Left with no choice, Lexi makes the ultimate sacrifice.

The romance and the adventure continues in the second installment of the Phantom Islanders series
This is part two of a three-part upper YA and new adult serial about a woman and her journey of discovery, adventure, and an unforgettable love.  

©2017 Ednah Walters (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Storm Unleashed

Legends Are Made When All Seems Lost
 
The magical world Lexi has come to know isn't done with her yet, and she must discover the lengths she and Storm will go to prove their love and claim each other.
Lexi has been kidnapped and transported to HyBrazil, where Storm's evil brother reigns. He plans to make her his mate after he forces her to change. He has her locked in the tower until he breaks her. But Lexi never gives up and is always looking for a way to get back to Storm.

Pirates, Pirates and More Pirates Then an Oracle
 
Lexi thinks Storm is alive, but she isn't sure. She makes a few friends, but she is always waiting for Tully to grab her. The Oracle has been doing something very dangerous to the old woman in the next cell. Who is she? And why has she been sequestered to the tower?

An Epic Finale
 
Action dominates the end of this three-part adventure and romance series, along with some huge reveals. Set aside some time after listening to the first two books in the series. You won't be able to pause the last installment!
This is part III of a three-part upper YA and new adult serial about a woman and her journey of discovery, adventure, and an unforgettable love.

©2017 Ednah Walters (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

*** 

 

Promise Not to Tell (Cutler, Sutter & Salinas #2) by Jayne Ann Krentz

  Promise Not to Tell by Jayne Ann Krentz

Blurb: 
 
Seattle gallery owner Virginia Troy has spent years battling the demons that stem from her childhood time in a cult and the night a fire burned through the compound killing her mother. And now one of her artists has taken her own life, but not before sending Virginia a last picture...a painting that makes Virginia doubt everything about the so-called suicide--and her own past...

Like Virginia, PI Cabot Sutter was one of the children in the cult who survived that fire--and only he can help her now. As they struggle to unravel the clues in the picture, it becomes clear that someone thinks Virginia knows more than she does and that she must be stopped. Thrown into an inferno of desire and deception, Virginia and Cabot draw ever closer to the mystery of their shared memories--and the shocking fate of the one man who still wields the power to destroy everything they hold dear.


This book drew me in from the first page on. When Cabot and Virginia slowly realize what they are dealing with and when things got really, really tight, I just couldn't stop reading. I flew through the pages and I just hoped that everything would turn out well and that maybe, maybe things would get better for Virginia and Cabot as well.

As survivors of a terrible fire that took their mothers' lives when they were kids, Virginia and Cabot still suffer from nightmares and sleeplessness among other things. When something happens that makes them think that the leader of the cult that they had been part of, the same man who was responsible for the fire, might still be alive and that Virginia might be in danger, they find that it is easier to face their demons - and their enemy - together. And maybe, if they survive, they will even get a chance at love...

I loved those wonderful, multi-layered characters and I was captivated by their intriguing and interesting story. It kept me on my toes and I may have needed a hanky once or twice  - and I really can't wait to read the next book by Jayne Ann Krentz.

Even though I've read a couple of books by the author written under her pen name Amanda Quick, this is my first contemporary romance book by her but I can't wait to read other contemporary romance books by her as well.

★★★★★

 

 

 

Moonlight over Manhattan by Sarah Morgan

Moonlight over Manhattan by Sarah Morgan

Blurb:
 

She'll risk everything for her own Christmas miracle… 

Determined to conquer a lifetime of shyness, Harriet Knight challenges herself to do one thing a day in December that scares her, including celebrating Christmas without her family. But when dog walker Harriet meets her newest client, exuberant spaniel Madi, she adds an extra challenge to her list—dealing with Madi's temporary dog sitter, gruff doctor Ethan Black, and their very unexpected chemistry.

Ethan thought he was used to chaos, until he met Madi—how can one tiny dog cause such mayhem? To Ethan, the solution is simple—he will pay Harriet to share his New York apartment and provide twenty-four-hour care. But there's nothing simple about how Harriet makes him feel.

Ethan's kisses make Harriet shine brighter than the stars over moonlit Manhattan. But when his dog-sitting duties are over and Harriet returns to her own home, will she dare to take the biggest challenge of all—letting Ethan know he has her heart for life, not just for Christmas?

Sarah Morgan is back with more love and laughter in her acclaimed series, From Manhattan With Love, which Publishers Weekly calls "engaging…[a] classic sweep-you-off-your-feet romantic experience."

I loved this book, plain and simple. I laughed and swooned a lot, I felt with our heroine and I really really hoped for this magical HEA - and the author delivered. A wonderful, very christmassy and very amazing and wonderful story that kept me glued to my reader. I just had to know what happened next and if the two of them would fall in love and overcome their obstacles. Those obstacles might not have been that huge from the outside but, as they are rather personal, from the inside it looked very different.

Getting to know Harriet and witnessing her warmth and her loving nature, seeing Ethan rediscover his heart and his feelings, I was so happy to see Harriet grow stronger and more secure of herself. She takes her life into her own hands but she still manages to care for others and to be there for them.
Okay, I might have wanted to kick Ethan the one or the other time but, well, let's just say that he is able to learn rather quickly and - considering his former relationships- I forgave him in the end.
The characters are authentic and real, it is very easy to take them into your heart and to feel with them. Harriet hasn't had an easy childhood but she didn't become bitter or hard but stayed warm and supportive. It is good to see how much she cares for her brother and sister and how close those three are but it is even better to see her spread her wings, gaining confidence and finding her own way.
Family is important to both of them and even though their families and their dynamics are completely different they are a very important part of their lives and a big support.

Warm, witty and very much in the spirit of the season, I really loved this book and will definitely read it again, probably next Christmas.

★★★★★

Running into Love by Aurora Rose Reynolds

Running into Love by Aurora Rose Reynolds

Blurb:

Fawn Reed has kissed one too many toads and has finally decided that Prince Charming doesn’t exist. After countless mishaps, mistakes, and unmitigated disasters on the dating scene, she’s decided to give up and move on with her life…solo.

Everything changes, however, after Fawn runs into Levi Fremont, a homicide detective new to New York City.

Dedication to the job has rendered Levi’s love life nonexistent—until he moves in next door to the free-spirited Fawn. After a series of comedic run-ins push them together, will they finally give in to the inevitable and realize—maybe—they are perfect for each other?

When I saw this book on Netgalley, I realized that it was written by an author who will also attend RARE London in  February and I also realized that I hadn't read any books by her yet.The blurb sounded really promising so I just had to request an ARC of this book. Let's just say that maybe this was the first book by Aurora Rose Reynolds that I've read but it definitely won't be the last.
I really, really enjoyed reading this book even though the hero's bossiness and possessiveness sometimes made me a bit mad.

Fawn is attracted to Levi and she is rather shy and insecure so it definitely helps that he kind of bullies her into celebrating with him and letting him in her life and so on but sometimes I was a bit annoyed. He couldn't be sure that she felt for him the way she felt and if she hadn't shared his feelings, she might have been pushed into a relationship that she didn't want. Perhaps he would have realized it and would have accepted it but...
Apart from that I loved Levi and Fawn. Their chemistry is amazing and I just kept laughing and giggling and, of course, swooning my way through the book.

I also loved when their families meet, all this chaos, drama and laughter - wonderful! Fawn is a very sweet and loving character and the way she cared for the little girl just made me love her even more. Levi is also a wonderful character, despite his bossiness, hard cop and loving boyfriend all rolled up in one gorgeous package.

If you are looking for a sweet love, great characters and a lot of wit and humor, this book is the right one for you. If that's not what you are looking for---well, try it anyway, it is amazing!

★★★★

Because of Him by Terri E. Laine - audiobook -

***

First of all, I must apologize. It's been a very long time now since I have posted my last review but life and the stupid internet or rather a lack of internet due to technical problems (old cables and such annoying things) interfered. But I am back now, my internet is back and ....the reviews are back!

***

 Because of Him by Terri E. Laine

read by 

  Jason Clarke and‎ Erin Mallon

 

 ***

Blurb:

Past and present intertwine with light and dark to tell a story ...Because of Him

Something inside me fiercely craves normal.
Sheltered all my life and taught to be afraid, I want to be bold, fearless.
Up until now I've kept myself and my heart safe.
Tade Astor, a guy so hot he steals my breath away, jeopardizes it all.

He isn't the kind of guy to give up on what he wants—me.
He’s determined to prove my safe world is missing something—him.
Even though he may not be the cocky guy I assumed him to be...
He’s definitely not the guy I should give my heart to.
But each time I see him, he becomes harder to resist.
I want to be brave and give him a chance... though it might come back to haunt me.

At the heart of Because of Him is a love story. But due to certain sensitive topics, it might not be suitable for all readers. 


I got this book as an audiobook from the author with a warning that it might not be easy to listen to for some people because due to some sensitive topics it might trigger reactions. Okay, I didn't think that that would be a problem because even though some things are really hard to read and some books I would never read because I find them too hard to stomach, on the whole, I don't have a problem with such topics. That's what I thought at least.
I had definitely underestimated the effect of an intense and well-done narration versus reading myself. Listening to a good narration, you have fewer chances of blocking unwanted images and emotions than when you are reading the text yourself.

Soooo... if certain topics could be a problem, you might want to read it first instead of listening or - the trigger warning is real, the book deals with some really hard stuff. The author kept the fine balance between telling enough to get the horror of the things done to the young girl across and keeping it vague enough that the situation and the images weren't overwhelming.  It's a very fine line but without ever belittling the horror and the pain of everything that happens and that is done to her, Terri E. Laine succeeds at writing a story that is captivating and beautiful while still showing this very dark part of the human nature and the pain and the suffering of those who are caught in it.

Right, this book was absolutely intense, like - standing in front of your supermarket, listening on and on and finally going in with red, puffy eyes and such intense. It wasn't even the hard parts that really made me cry but the beautiful and wonderful parts in between. Tade's awakening love for Reagan, Reagan, spreading her wings, defying her mother (Oh. my. ....that was really hard. You get why her mother reacts that way, at least, you think you get it and you probably do so but nevertheless, this is so hard and I was so proud when Reagan pushed and fought to rid herself of her mother's fears and worries), daring to love and to trust. Nothing is easy for them because their history isn't easy and there are always those around them that interfere and make things even harder but I love how they fight for their love and how they stand together.
Reagan frees herself and Tade, well, I think you can see him grow and become more mature. He was never a bad guy (just a wild one) but loving Reagan makes him realize what really counts and well, just read it  - or listen to it.

The story is amazing, beautiful and, yes, I have to repeat it, intense and the audiobook is really well done. A wonderful narration that makes you feel and dread and hope even more.
As I ordered the print book the moment I finished the audiobook, I think it is safe to say that I can definitely recommend this book and I am really looking forward to the next books in this series. Gavin's story is already out and will find its way on my reader very soon....and next year, well, I am so very much looking forward to that one!

★★★★★