Review: "Wild Boys - Jackson" by Melissa Foster

Synopsis:

Receiving a marriage proposal is supposed to make a women happy, but when Erica Lane receives a beautiful marriage proposal from her perfect boyfriend on the eve of her annual camping trip with her best friend, Jackson Wild, the first thing she does is jump into bed with Jackson.

Jackson’s all too happy to screw the annoyance out of Erica. After all, they’ve always screwed the hell out of each other when they were bored or angry, lonely, or too damn drunk to see straight.

But the marriage proposal changes everything, and their annual camping trip takes unexpected turns. Will a few nights in the wilderness set these friends with benefits free, or lead them on a path of destruction?

Genre: Contemporary Romance (borderline, but not quite erotic)

My Review:

I almost feel like I could repeat myself over and over when reviewing a book by Melissa Foster, but she hit it out of the park with Jackson's book. I felt the connection between Jackson and Laney from the very beginning - perhaps because their relationship had been developing for so long. But as much as their relationship is about "benefits" as much as it is "friends", their connection is deep. I don't think either of them realized the depth of their connection at the beginning of this book, but their transformation throughout the story was enjoyable to watch. Each has realizations about their relationship with the other, and it rocks what they thought was a solid foundation. There were times that I wanted to smack each of them upside the head and tell them to "catch on" to not only the other's feelings, but their own.

The author includes a lot of poignant points in these characters' story - the tattoos that are truly ingenious, the incorporation of the cover photo into their relationship - these are little unique aspects of the story that make the book memorable, and are a hallmark of a Melissa Foster book.

Links:

Goodreads • Amazon • Barnes and Noble • Kobo • iBooks • Google Play

About the Author:

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa at The World Literary Cafe or her personal website.Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.

Find the author on the following sites....

Facebook   Twitter    Google+   Goodreads   Pinterest 

Blog Tour: "Built to Last" by Elisabeth Grace

USA Today Bestselling Author Elisabeth Grace's BUILT TO LAST is available now! We're so thrilled for readers to get their hands on Scarlett and Luke's story! If you love second chance romances and small town contemporaries, you definitely need to get your hands on this one!

 

About BUILT TO LAST 
At seventeen, the small town of Saltwater Springs had been everything to Scarlett Devereaux—as had her boyfriend Luke. Never had she imagined she’d have to leave them both behind—until the night that changed everything. A decade after skipping town Scarlett returns to start over in the only place that ever really felt like home. But when nothing goes as planned, she’s forced to turn to Luke for help. With a drunk for a dad and a mom making pocket change at the local diner, no one ever thought Luke Garrity would amount to anything. After building a successful contracting business he’s proven everyone wrong professionally, but things in his personal life are upside down. Making it the exact wrong time for Scarlett to return to Saltwater Springs. With a history of devastation and heartbreak between them can Scarlett and Luke make amends, or will secrets from the past threaten the foundation of Scarlett’s new life? Were Luke and Scarlett really built to last?

BUILT TO LAST is available now – add it to your Goodreads list here!

Read BUILT TO LAST for free on Kindle Unlimited: Amazon

My Review:

Built to Last is a sweet "second chance" romance. This is the first book I've read by this author - the cover drew me in! Scarlett and Luke were both great characters. Luke is very strong and sensitive and I liked how he made no apologies for how he felt about Scarlett and was quick to acknowledge that his feelings hadn't waned. Scarlett is a bit of a hot mess, but I think that makes her the perfect heroine for Luke. He's a helper and she needs help, which puts them on a collision course for romance.

I thought the crisis was a bit predictable - I saw it coming about 1/3 of the way through the book, but I did think how Luke handled it was well done, and realistic. His knee-jerk reaction was realistic and how he reasoned through the situation after he calmed down was well done.

I thought the intimacy scenes were well done and tasteful. They were also well placed and not overwhelming to the story.

And every good romance novel has a feisty octogenarian and this one doesn't disappoint. They are always good for a few laughs and straight talk when everyone else skirts around the issues.

I look forward to reading about some of the other residents of Saltwater Springs in subsequent books. This series is definitely on my "must buy" list.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Read an excerpt from BUILT TO LAST 
“Place your left hand on the piece of wood away from where you’re cutting, but close enough that it’s comfortable.” She did as he instructed. “Good, just like that. Now you’re ready to cut.”

Luke moved to stand beside her. Scarlett was nervously biting her lip. “I don’t know if I can do this.” She glanced up to him, her eyes almost pleading with him not to force her.

He couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to the spitfire of a woman she’d been blossoming into before she left town. Not only had she lost some of her Southern accent during her time away, but apparently she’d also lost some of her “hear me roar” attitude. What had shaken her confidence so much that she questioned her abilities? His stomach twisted at all the different scenarios running through his mind that could have made that possible.

“I’ll help you with the first cut.” Luke positioned himself behind Scarlett and leaned over her bent frame, placing his hand over hers. Her soft hand twitched underneath his for a second and then settled. “All right, the key is to keep an eye on the saw base as you cut and to push with enough force that the saw keeps moving through the wood, but not so fast that the saw seems to slow down. Sound good?”

She nodded, the movement of her body shifting her hips ever so slightly—enough that he became painfully aware of his crotch’s proximity to the juncture of her thighs. He shifted his weight, trying to get comfortable in pants that were becoming more uncomfortable by the second. Scarlett’s whole body tensed underneath him.

With a deep breath, Luke decided the best course of action was to ignore her response to being so physically close to him, even though her rigidity further twisted the knife she’d dug into him a decade earlier, leaving him wanting to question why he was never good enough.

Scarlett cleared her throat. “Let’s get this over with.” Her words dug the knife in deeper. “Once I have the first one under my belt, I’m sure it will get easier.”

Maybe that’s all he’d ever been to her—a notch in the proverbial belt for experience sake. He’d never thought he was just a good time to her, but she’d left him questioning everything. “Turn the saw on then, and I’ll help you guide it,” he said in a brusque tone.

The sound of the blade whirling against the side of the wood cut through the silence in the storefront and Scarlett jerked a bit, startled, bumping into him.

Not at all helping the situation below his belt.

Luke lightly squeezed her hand below his, indicating that she should push the saw forward. As she did, bits of wood and sawdust bounced up and into the air. Five seconds later, the small piece they’d cut fell to the ground and the saw’s rotation started to slow.

The noise died down, and Luke was about to congratulate Scarlett on making her first cut when a shrill voice rang out from behind them.


“Well, well. Isn’t this cozy? Still trying to sleep your way into high society, are you, Luke?”

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Review: "Love on a Summer Night" by Zoe York

Synopsis:

Zander Minelli has six months left in his Army career, and then he's coming home to Pine Harbour for good. But first he needs to figure out what he's going to do with the rest of his life--after he spends a good long while kicking back and enjoying his freedom.

Widowed single mother Faith Davidson is ready to start dating again. But only someone solid, with a job and a pension and absolutely no tattoos. Definitely not someone who's only in town for a week, whose extended life plans include riding his motorcycle across the country and sleeping until noon.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review:

Love on a Summer Night is Zander's much anticipated story and the author doesn't disappoint. I wasn't sure what to expect from Zander when we were teased with him previously, but he's not what you'd expect from a leather-clad motorcycle-riding soldier. And that's what Faith discovers quickly as well. She forms an early opinion of him and spends the rest of the story trying to reconcile her heart and her mind regarding Zander.

Zander is just, well, I'm not sure how to describe Zander except to say "I want me one". He's an alpha hero but extremely sensitive, patient, and understanding. He's incredibly sexy and confident and knows what he wants and makes no bones about it. But he understands where Faith is coming from with her perceptions and ideas of love and relationships and is patient with her, but makes his intentions known. He's great with Faith's son and sensitive to not usurping Faith's relationship with her son as his develops.

Love on a Summer Night is well written and well paced. The relationship between Zander and Faith is well developed and very realistic and the intimacy scenes are well written and very sexy. A great addition to the Pine Harbour series. You don't need to have read the previous books in order to enjoy Love on a Summer Night, but you'll want to read them because they are all equally fantastic.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Links:

Goodreads • Amazon •  Barnes and Noble • Kobo • iBooks

About the Author:
I’m a busy working mom of two young boys, and for as long as I can remember, I have been a voracious romance reader. In early 2012, I got an idea for a novel. Then another, and another. My Google Drive account exploded with outlines and chunks of text and character bibles.

Over Christmas, I started a holiday novella. By the end of January, it was clear I was going to wander past novella length, and the story wasn’t limited to the holiday season. And it wasn’t just one book, anymore – it was also an introduction to a small town, Wardham.

Two years later, I can’t believe how much my life has changed. I published my tenth book earlier this fall, and have been blessed to be involved in the bestselling SEALs of Summer and SEALs of Winter boxed sets with some of my favourite author friends.

Website: http://www.zoeyork.com

Review: "Wyne and Song" by Donna Michaels

Synopsis:

Single father Ethan Wyne’s trust in women stopped when his cheating wife died while he was deployed. Dating and relationships are in the past. His son is his life now, and he’s proud of the stable home he’s created through hard work, determination, and support. But when a family celebration in NYC leads to a moment of weakness with a vivacious beauty, he’s tempted to rethink his reasoning. Especially when she turns up in the Poconos. Can he take a chance again when more than his heart is at stake?

Phoebe Weston’s temporary gig in a summer production in the Poconos is just what the Broadway star needs to keep busy while awaiting a Hollywood screen test. The magic of the show reawakens her passion for the basics, and her frequent encounters with the handsome, single father of one of her friends awakens something more.

But Ethan’s made it clear he’s not looking for permanent, and for the first time in her life, Phoebe’s not looking for temporary. Maybe what the jaded father’s locked up, guarded heart needs is a little song.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review:

I love this book. Who doesn't love a sexy soldier - but make him one that is a great dad, too, and I'm hooked. The author weaves a complicated story of two people who need to fight their attraction for each other - they both know that where they are in their lives makes a relationship impossible. Ethan is a great character. I'm always amazed when I read a series with brothers and they are all really distinctive characters - that's a sign that the author has developed a good character. He's intense but wholly committed to his son and wary of women because of his past.

Phoebe is driven. She knows what she wants and what she has to do to get it. She doesn't have any intention of letting anything get in her way. It's like she owes it to her mother for what her mother sacrificed for her. She also knows that means a relationship isn't in the cards for her. She fights against her feelings for Ethan and goes out of her way to avoid putting herself in the way of his temptation. She's honest with him and herself what she wants and what she can't commit to.

But fate has other plans and throws them together over and over until neither of them can fight it. But, that cruel fate also threw roadblock after roadblock in their way and I thought for certain Ethan and Phoebe were through at one point. But both of them found a way to meet in the middle and find a way to achieve their own happily-ever-after.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Links:

Goodreads • Amazon Exclusive 

About the Author:

It’s all my mother’s fault.

She read to me before I could read and opened up that magical world where I still reside today. Then came television and movies. Now I had three avenues that fed my imagination...and boy could I eat! As you no doubt figured out, this lead to my writing career. I’m a NY Times, USA Today, and Amazon Bestselling Award winning author. Phew, that was a mouthful! Multi-published in e-book and print with several publishers, I certainly have a ton of voices in my head.

I’m happily married to a military man for 28 years.  We have four children and several rescued cats. Michael’s been in the Army National Guard since before he graduated. The Guard has been a part of our lives right from the start. It was only natural for the military to spill into my writing.  God bless the military and their families. Thank you all for your sacrifices. ♥

You already know my mom inspired my love of reading,but it was my dad who got me hooked on movies. Even now, if I had the time, I could happily go from one movie to another all day long. They are the reason I love mixed genre and why I can’t just stick to just one in my writing, although, as you can tell, I have a soft spot for cowboys and the military.

Well, that’s about it. Thanks for getting to know me a little better. Remember, keep reading to your children. The journey you’re igniting is precious. And the next time you’re at the movies, turn around. I just might be the person sitting behind you. No, not the one throwing popcorn (it’s too expensive to waste). I’m the one already imagining the sequel.

Website: http://www.donnamichaelsauthor.com/

Review: "Daring Her Love" by Melissa Foster

Synopsis:

Kat Martin knows what she wants in a man—someone stable and adoring, definitely not the type of guy who sleeps around. After all, Kat rarely does the wrong thing—until she meets seductively enticing Eric James, and suddenly wrong has never felt so right.

When it comes to his career, race-car driver Eric James is intense, obsessive, and passionate, but when it comes to sex, there's only one kind—daring, unbridled, and no-strings-attached.

One stormy night, a delayed flight and the dangerous allure of the unknown leads Kat to throw caution to the wind, and she indulges in a rendezvous that she vows to immediately forget—but the secret tryst stirs something possessive in Eric, and forgetting is not an option.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review:

I love how Daring Her Love ties in with Brianna and Hugh Braden, and give us a chance to check in with several of our favorite Bradens in Weston and Trusty. As with other Melissa Foster books, this book is full of sexy scenes between the hero and heroine. It is intense from the start and through most of the book. The book is well written and fast-paced and a quick easy read. I had a bit more trouble connecting with the characters in this book than other Melissa Foster books - I think I just didn't quite understand what was driving them as characters and felt, as a result, that it was just skimming the surface of their lives. The other struggle I had it that it felt as though the story ended and wasn't quite as wrapped up as I'm used to seeing in a Melissa Foster book. But that said, it is an intense story of two souls who are looking for something more than they currently have. The hero is sexy and considerate and the heroine is a bit of a "hot mess" with her feelings towards Eric, which makes her perfect for him. The positives far outweighed the concerns I have with the story and I look forward to catching up with Eric and Kat in future Braden stories.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Links:

Goodreads • Amazon • Barnes and Noble • Kobo • iBooks • Google Play

About the Author:

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa at The World Literary Cafe or her personal website.Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.

Find the author on the following sites....

Facebook   Twitter    Google+   Goodreads   Pinterest 

Review: "Holiday Gifts" (Castle Mountain Lodge) by Elena Aitken

Synopsis:

Fall in love with Christmas at Castle Mountain Lodge!

Ever since Ryan Morrison has taken over as Customer Service Manager at the famous Castle Mountain Lodge he’s witnessed the ‘magic of the Lodge’ and couples of all kinds falling in love around him. Is it the backdrop of the majestic mountains? Or maybe just the luxuriously rustic setting? Either way, Ryan’s convinced it won’t ever happen to him.

For Julie Pitts her number one focus has always been raising sixteen-year-old Shay. Julie would do anything for her daughter, including organizing a special Christmas crafting retreat at Castle Mountain Lodge as a way for them to spend the holidays in the mountains the way her daughter has always wanted.

Shay has also always wanted her mother to fall in love and when she sees a potential love match between the handsome manager and her mom who is long overdue for some romance in her life, she sets out to give the ‘magic of the Lodge’ a little festive help. After all…what’s more romantic than Christmas at Castle Mountain Lodge?

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review:

Holiday Gifts is a sweet novella that returns you to the magical Castle Mountain Lodge for Christmas. I really enjoyed the book because both characters are relatable. Ryan is feeling that life is starting to pass him by and is interested in finding a woman and getting married. Julie has been relying on herself to raise her daughter alone for a long time. She isn't looking for love but finds it when she all but trips over it. Julie was especially relatable because every step in her relationship with Ryan was fraught with anxiety and second-guessing his feelings for her as well as her feelings for him - a very realistic emotion for someone who has been fending on her own for so long. Sweet story with a Christmas theme and a precocious teenager. 

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Links:

Goodreads • Amazon • Barnes and Noble • Kobo • iBooks • Google Play

About the Author:

I’ve been writing in one form or another since elementary school but although I always knew I wanted to be a writer when I grew up, instead I earned university degrees in Marketing and Psychology and writing got put on the back burner. After my twins were born I was buried in diaper changes, middle of the night feedings and mountains of laundry—obviously it was the logical time to start writing again. I guess it took me while to grow up. 

I turned to non-fiction and became a regular contributor to local parenting magazines, published in four Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies, and a compilation by Seal Press. It wasn’t until 2005 that I tried my hand at writing fiction and wrote my first novel. It’s buried on my hard drive where it should be, and ever since I just keep writing more.

Like a lot of my readers, I’m a busy mom. It often feels like life is pulling us in a million different directions, which is why I love to write romance!

There’s nothing better than knowing you have an escape waiting for you at the end of a long day in the form of a good book.

I’m lucky enough to live in the shadow of the Canadian Rocky Mountains in the foothills of Alberta, where I can write the stories I love. Whenever I get the chance, I escape into those amazing mountains and I can usually be found sitting with my feet in the lake, working on my next book. As well as contemporary romance novels, I also like to write women’s fiction and my collection of stand alone novels are all part of the Escape Collection. I’m always trying something new, so stay tuned to see what’s next!

Website: http://elenaaitken.com/

Review: "A Very Crimson Christmas" by Michelle Major

Synopsis:

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR 

For years there'd been only one woman in Liam Donovan's life—his beloved nanny, who'd raised him as her own. But someone is clearly taking advantage of Ruth, which brings the studly CEO back to Crimson, the place he was all too happy to have left behind. And there Liam finds Ruth has live-in help—in the form of his high school love, Natalie Holt, and her adorable son… He better not fall for Nat a second time—because what if she is the cause of his nanny's missing money? 

If Natalie had time for any guy besides her son, it would not be Liam Donovan, who'd broken her heart once, and now seems to think she could add thief to her long list of job titles! She could prove easily enough that she can be trusted with the money—but can Natalie trust Liam with her heart…again?

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review:

I love second chance romances and Liam and Natalie give us just that. The author developed a relationship between Liam and Natalie where each blames the other for their high school relationship ending. Natalie has had a hard life since then whereas Liam has made it big. I really enjoyed both characters and the depth of their flaws and challenges made them interesting to read. Liam has very little self-esteem and is constantly looking for the angle when people warm up to him. He thinks that no one can possibly like him for him, and that is an endearing character trait in him. Natalie is distrustful of everyone because she's been burned more than once and her mother, from an early age, has created a deep feeling of fear in Natalie. Natalie's mother's toxic views on life have permeated every aspect of her life and relationships. Both Liam and Natalie have to overcome some pretty major hurdles if they're going to have a chance together.

The storyline revolves around Christmas and I love stories set at Christmas. I think the holiday season helped break the shell around Liam, but made him vulnerable at the same time. And Natalie has the additional burden of trying to make Christmas special for her son while dealing with an overbearing-alpha in Liam, a sweet old lady who means well, and an ugly, angry ex-husband who makes an appearance at just the worst, or is it the best, time. It is a sweet story with a happy ending, although the characters has to travel a long road to get there.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Links:

Goodreads • Amazon • Barnes and Noble • Kobo • iBooks • Google Play

About the Author:

I was raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, and for as long as I can remember I’ve loved books. Growing up, I wrote stories and plays and graduated with a degree in Journalism from Ohio University.

By then I’d also fallen in love with the mountains. After college I pointed my ancient Honda west until I came to Colorado. I worked on a dude ranch and then spent a month camping through the southwestern part of the state. Technically, I might have been homeless but that hardly seemed to matter while sleeping under the stars.

I settled down to a career in Human Resources and traveled across the country for my job. With my fear of flying, I needed something to distract me on all those planes. I picked up a Julia Quinn novel in an airport bookstore and was hooked. It dawned on me that the stories milling around in my head were actually romance plots. My passion for novel writing was born.

Fast forward a couple of years and I’m now married, a part-time writer and a full-time Professional Wiper (noses, bottoms, tears, scraped knees, pet accidents – you name it, I’ve cleaned it up).


My family fills my heart and now writing feeds my soul.

Website: http://www.michellemajor.com/

Release Day Review: "Wild Boys - Heath" by Melissa Foster

Synopsis:

No last names. No strings. No ties.
Except of the silk variety.

Dr. Heath Wild and Allyson Jenner only wanted a simple tryst. But Heath couldn’t live with just one night, just one taste, of Ally—and Ally couldn’t escape the memory of his hands on her skin, the way he looked at her like she was his obsession, or his seduction, which had pushed her to the edge and had made her want to do things she never had before.


One night leads to one tantalizing phone call. Can one phone call lead to forever?

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review:

Heath, the 2nd book in the Wild Boys series, is an intensely sexual and emotional read. The author immerses the reader in the intensity of Heath and Ally's sexual relationship from the very first page. But, as the book progresses, you fall in love with Heath and Ally for who they are out of the bedroom more than in. Heath is intense, but he is also very considerate and respectful, and he is a great communicator. Heath really listens to Ally when she talks and he really seeks to understand her and not to pressure her. Ally is a bit of a hot mess because she can't figure out what she wants for herself in this situation, but Heath is incredibly patient and waits for her to decide what she wants.

The authors descriptions of the settings in this book were well done - for some reason, they have really stuck with me after reading the book. I feel like I can see Heath's condo in my mind, as well as Ally's apartment. The visual images she created left an impression on me.

And, in true Melissa Foster fashion, she gave us a check in with the previous "Wild Boy", Logan, and teased us with the other brothers who haven't found their happily-ever-after yet. And, she even teased us with future possibilities of relationships for other characters. All great ways to draw in a reader and keep them coming back again.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Links:

Goodreads • Amazon • Barnes and Noble • Kobo • iBooks • GooglePlay

Other Books in the Wild Boys Series:
Wild Boys After Dark: Logan Goodreads • Amazon • BN • Kobo • iBooks • Google Play

Wild Boys After Dark: Jackson (Nov 24) Goodreads • Amazon • BN • Kobo • iBooks • GooglePlay

Wild Boys After Dark: Cooper (Dec 1) Goodreads • Amazon • BN • Kobo • iBooks • GooglePlay

About the Author:

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa at The World Literary Cafe or her personal website.Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.

Find the author on the following sites....

Facebook   Twitter    Google+   Goodreads   Pinterest 

Review: "Mistletoe Misconduct" by Catherine Gayle (part of 12 Christmas Romances to Melt Your Heart)

Synopsis:
He says everyone deserves a second chance. She thinks it’s high time for him to turn that idea around on himself.

Genre: Contemporary Romance (Short Story)

My Review:

Mistletoe Misconduct gives fans of the Portland Storm series the chance to finally give Jim his happily-ever-after. With some help from the players wives, Jim reconnects with his estranged wife of 20 years and the both quickly realize their love never died, despite their struggles. I really liked both of the characters in this book and thought it was a realistic look into a marriage gone wrong and shows that second chances are possible. Readers of Portland Storm will celebrate right along with owner Jim Sutter as he finds the happiness and second chance everyone else has enjoyed.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Links:
Goodreads • Amazon • Barnes and Noble • Kobo • iBooks

About the Author:

Catherine Gayle is a USA Today bestselling author of Regency-set historical romance and contemporary hockey romance with a New Adult feel. She’s a transplanted Texan living in North Carolina with two extremely spoiled felines. In her spare time, she watches way too much hockey and reality TV, plans fun things to do for the Nephew Monster’s next visit, and performs experiments in the kitchen which are rarely toxic.

If you enjoyed this book and want to know when more like it will be available, be sure to sign up for Catherine’s mailing list. You can find out more on her website, her blog, at Red Door Reads, at Hockey Romance, at Facebook, on Twitter, and at Goodreads. If you want to see some of her cats’ antics and possibly the occasional video update from Catherine, visit her YouTube account.

Release Day Review: "The Idea of You" by Darcy Burke

Synopsis:

Evan Archer has always preferred peace and solitude to the loud antics of his large, hard-to-navigate family. But when Archer Enterprises needs a new creative director, Evan jumps at the chance to claim the job he’s always wanted. Moving home is easier than he expected, but Evan isn’t prepared for the stunning A-list celebrity hiding out in his family’s garage apartment.

Following a major tabloid scandal, movie star Alaina Pierce escapes to Ribbon Ridge. She’s immediately drawn to the quiet, picturesque town and the incredibly sexy—if a little quirky—Evan. He may be built like a Greek god, but he’s honest and straightforward… so different from the Hollywood types she normally dates.


Their attraction is undeniable, but Alaina can’t elude the paparazzi forever, and Evan has no interest in being in the limelight. When the secret she’s been keeping is exposed, the idea of Evan—of real love and a family like the Archers—could vanish in an instant.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review:

I've loved the books in the Ribbon Ridge series and The Idea of You didn't disappoint. It's the story of Evan Archer, one of the more elusive siblings. In each book, we've seen that many of the Archer children has socially-related struggles and the same is true for Evan. He suffers from Asperger's Syndrome, albeit milder than some I've known. The author does a great job of depicting Evan's Asperger's, including his inability to read social cues and his struggles with large groups and loud noises. I really thought it was well done because Even was very straight forward with Alaina about things that she could otherwise misinterpret. It took them a while to navigate how to make a relationship work and the struggles make Evan endearing to the reader.

I thought Alaina was incredibly grounded for a Hollywood starlet and I appreciated how down-to-earth she was. Even the "Hollywood" aspects of the storyline, to her, were just run of the mill. She didn't come to Ribbon Ridge looking for a relationship but I love how it found her when she was least looking for it.

I found this book very realistic. Evan's perceptions and understandings about his family were very realistic, as were his struggles with Asperger's. Alaina's desires for the future and her "go get em" attitude to meet her goals was relatable. We also were given the chance to check in with our favorite Archer couples!

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Links:

Goodreads • Amazon • Barnes and Noble • Kobo • iBooks

About the Author:
I live on the edge of wine country in Oregon’s Willamette Valley with my devoted husband (my own hero), a daughter and son who illuminate my world, and two Bengal cats. My first completed book was called The Magic Swan. Dedicated to my grandmother (who adored swans), I wrote and illustrated it in sixth grade. My daughter loved to have me read it to her when she was younger. The story is about a guy (swan, of course), Albert, who goes on a magic kick, much to the annoyance of his girlfriend, Gwen, who loves him just the way he is. Seeking to put an end to Albert’s newfound obsession, Gwen (with the help of her awesome pal Phyllis) pretends to need rescuing. Albert rushes to Ponderosa Falls to “save” her from certain doom! Gwen happily points out he saved her without magic…and Albert realizes he has everything he wants and needs in Gwen. Naturally they get married and have many baby cygnets. As you can see, by age 12 I was plotting happy ever afters (and demonstrating my inability to ever be an illustrator). Fast forward some number of years and I decided to get serious about writing a romance novel. Joining RWA was a huge step in attaining that goal, but understand: finishing a book is hard. And oh so rewarding. I’m thrilled to be represented by the brilliant Jim McCarthy of Dystel and Goderich Literary Management and excited for my books to be read and (hopefully) enjoyed!

Website: http://www.darcyburke.com

Release Day Blast: "Built to Last" by Elisabeth Grace

USA Today Bestselling Author Elisabeth Grace's BUILT TO LAST is available now! We're so thrilled for readers to get their hands on Scarlett and Luke's story! If you love second chance romances and small town contemporaries, you definitely need to get your hands on this one!

 

About BUILT TO LAST 
At seventeen, the small town of Saltwater Springs had been everything to Scarlett Devereaux—as had her boyfriend Luke. Never had she imagined she’d have to leave them both behind—until the night that changed everything. A decade after skipping town Scarlett returns to start over in the only place that ever really felt like home. But when nothing goes as planned, she’s forced to turn to Luke for help. With a drunk for a dad and a mom making pocket change at the local diner, no one ever thought Luke Garrity would amount to anything. After building a successful contracting business he’s proven everyone wrong professionally, but things in his personal life are upside down. Making it the exact wrong time for Scarlett to return to Saltwater Springs. With a history of devastation and heartbreak between them can Scarlett and Luke make amends, or will secrets from the past threaten the foundation of Scarlett’s new life? Were Luke and Scarlett really built to last?

BUILT TO LAST is available now – add it to your Goodreads list here!

Read BUILT TO LAST for free on Kindle Unlimited:

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Read an excerpt from BUILT TO LAST 
“Place your left hand on the piece of wood away from where you’re cutting, but close enough that it’s comfortable.” She did as he instructed. “Good, just like that. Now you’re ready to cut.”

Luke moved to stand beside her. Scarlett was nervously biting her lip. “I don’t know if I can do this.” She glanced up to him, her eyes almost pleading with him not to force her.

He couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to the spitfire of a woman she’d been blossoming into before she left town. Not only had she lost some of her Southern accent during her time away, but apparently she’d also lost some of her “hear me roar” attitude. What had shaken her confidence so much that she questioned her abilities? His stomach twisted at all the different scenarios running through his mind that could have made that possible.

“I’ll help you with the first cut.” Luke positioned himself behind Scarlett and leaned over her bent frame, placing his hand over hers. Her soft hand twitched underneath his for a second and then settled. “All right, the key is to keep an eye on the saw base as you cut and to push with enough force that the saw keeps moving through the wood, but not so fast that the saw seems to slow down. Sound good?”

She nodded, the movement of her body shifting her hips ever so slightly—enough that he became painfully aware of his crotch’s proximity to the juncture of her thighs. He shifted his weight, trying to get comfortable in pants that were becoming more uncomfortable by the second. Scarlett’s whole body tensed underneath him.

With a deep breath, Luke decided the best course of action was to ignore her response to being so physically close to him, even though her rigidity further twisted the knife she’d dug into him a decade earlier, leaving him wanting to question why he was never good enough.

Scarlett cleared her throat. “Let’s get this over with.” Her words dug the knife in deeper. “Once I have the first one under my belt, I’m sure it will get easier.”

Maybe that’s all he’d ever been to her—a notch in the proverbial belt for experience sake. He’d never thought he was just a good time to her, but she’d left him questioning everything. “Turn the saw on then, and I’ll help you guide it,” he said in a brusque tone.

The sound of the blade whirling against the side of the wood cut through the silence in the storefront and Scarlett jerked a bit, startled, bumping into him.

Not at all helping the situation below his belt.

Luke lightly squeezed her hand below his, indicating that she should push the saw forward. As she did, bits of wood and sawdust bounced up and into the air. Five seconds later, the small piece they’d cut fell to the ground and the saw’s rotation started to slow.

The noise died down, and Luke was about to congratulate Scarlett on making her first cut when a shrill voice rang out from behind them.


“Well, well. Isn’t this cozy? Still trying to sleep your way into high society, are you, Luke?”

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"Wild Boys After Dark: Logan" by Melissa Foster

Synopsis:

Stella “Stormy” Knight is an expert at hiding—her feelings, her past, and her identity. Sometimes all that hiding takes its toll, and she needs to come out from under that heavy suit of armor and cut loose—but it never takes her long to put it right back on and disappear without a trace.

Private Investigator Logan Wild is relentless in his pursuit to discover the truth for his clients. He works hard, plays even harder, and always walks away unscathed and untethered. Until he meets mysterious and sexy-as-hell Stormy, who leaves him craving more than a one-night stand.

Passion ignites, secrets are shared, and their deep connection is impossible to ignore. But in order to have a future, Logan must uncover Stormy’s dark past—and when he does, he’ll hold her fate in his hands. 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review:

I was intrigued when author Melissa Foster said the "Wild Boys" was a hotter series than her normal ones - because her regular books are pretty hot. After reading Logan, I'm convinced that this book is hot because Melissa wrote it - it has little to do with the language (which is coarser) or the storyline (which is darker). This book is hot because Melissa knows how to draw a reader in to a sexy story and keep them captivated until the last page.

The characters in Logan are both complex, wounded souls. Stella is running from an abusive boyfriend and Logan is haunted because of what he saw during his time in the Navy SEALs, and what he was confronted with about his family when he returned home. I believe these two were drawn to each other because Logan is a "protector" and Stella needs protecting. Even Logan's mother picked up on it - those two were drawn to each other because they were meant to be together.

The language is a bit more explicit than a typical Melissa Foster book, the sex scenes are a bit more graphic and the sex comes a bit earlier than is typical of a Melissa Foster book. But, it is as well written as any Melissa Foster book, it's fast paced and compelling. It's a quick, easy read!

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Links:

Goodreads • Amazon • Barnes and Noble • Kobo • iBooks • Google Play

Other Books in the Wild Boys Series:
Wild Boys After Dark: Heath (Nov 17) - Goodreads • Amazon • BN • Kobo • iBooks • GooglePlay
Wild Boys After Dark: Jackson (Nov 24) - Goodreads • Amazon • BN • Kobo • iBooks • GooglePlay
Wild Boys After Dark: Cooper (Dec 1)- Goodreads • Amazon • BN • Kobo • iBooks • GooglePlay

About the Author:

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa at The World Literary Cafe or her personal website.Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.

Find the author on the following sites....

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Review: "The Cowboy's Christmas Bride" by Cora Seton

Synopsis:
After traveling around the globe for over a year, Cole Linden is more than ready to return home to Montana, so when his fiancée, Sunshine, suddenly cuts their trip short and books them flights back to Chance Creek, Cole feels like the holidays have come early this year. He hopes she’ll love the present he bought her: a restaurant space downtown. If only he can transform it into the sleek, modern style she likes before Christmas, maybe she’ll finally agree to set a date for their wedding.

Sunshine can’t believe she’s pregnant, but she is, which means it’s high time to get back home. It also means she needs to re-think her career goals. She can’t run a world-class restaurant in tiny Chance Creek—especially not with a baby. So Cole will have to be the breadwinner of the family. Which means he needs a ranch. Luckily she’s found one. Three hundred acres of prime ranch land and a wonderful—if dilapidated—house. With Christmas looming, she’ll need to race to turn it into the comfortable family home they’ll need as soon as they get married.

But when a delayed flight results in the loss of their hotel room, Cole and Sunshine realize they’ll have to couch surf through the holidays. Staying with each of their friends in turn leads to a series of revelations that might undermine their relationship for good. Can Cole and Sunshine make it until Christmas?


Or will this be the holiday that ends it all?

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review:

The Cowboy's Christmas Bride is a "follow-up" to The Cowboy Inherits a Bride in that the primary focus is Cole and Sunshine from The Cowboy Inherits a Bride. But in a cross between "The Gift of the Magi" and "No Room at the Inn", Cole and Sunshine give the reader a chance to catch up with all of our Cowboys of Chance Creek as they move from home to home each day, looking for a place to stay. It's a really fascinating way to give the reader a check-in with all of our favorite cowboys, as Cole and Sunshine have been away three years and need a catch-up of their own.

Cole and Sunshine struggle with some major communication issues. What starts as secret Christmas gifts turns into anxiety over their relationship and their future together. I struggled mostly with Sunshine as she had made a commitment to Cole to return to Chance Creek after their time abroad and after three years - three years - traveling around the world, she's now debating reneging on that promise. Without discussing it with Cole. She keeps considering making a decision that would affect Cole's life without even including him in the decision. I didn't like Sunshine because of that for a long time in the book, but she did redeem herself in the end.

I felt the author's depiction of their relationship struggles were realistic, where arguments led to not talking, short snips, and cold shoulders at bedtime. Very realistic for a couple that has gotten comfortable together and it was refreshing to see that it wasn't all rainbows and unicorns for Cole and Sunshine. But that said, the lengths to which both Cole and Sunshine went to conceal their secrets (can I just say rock band and line dancing) was hilarious.

All in all, a fun book wrapped up in the spirit of Christmas with a check-in with all of our favorite Chance Creek Cowboys!

Disclosure: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Links:

Goodreads • Amazon • Barnes and Noble • Kobo • iBooks

About the Author:

Cora Seton loves cowboys, country life, gardening, bike-riding, and lazing around with a good book. Mother of four, wife to a computer programmer/eco-farmer, she ditched her California lifestyle eight years ago and moved to a remote logging town in northwestern British Columbia. Like the characters in her novels, Cora enjoys old-fashioned pursuits and modern technology, spending mornings transforming a one-acre lot into a paradise of orchards, berry bushes and market gardens, and afternoons writing the latest Chance Creek romance novel on her iPad mini.

Website: Visit www.coraseton.com to read about new releases, locate your favorite characters on the Chance Creek map, and learn about contests and other cool events!

Release Day Review: "Reckless in Love" by Bella Andre and Jennifer Skully

Synopsis:

Sebastian Montgomery rose from nothing to become one of the most powerful media moguls in the world. Yet beneath the seemingly perfect façade of his life, the past still haunts him. Because when he lost his parents in his teens, he also lost his faith in love. When he discovers Charlie Ballard and her incredible metal sculptures, he is awed, inspired—and he can’t help feeling things he swore never to let himself feel again. Soon, Sebastian wants not only Charlie’s art, he wants her as a woman, too. More than he’s ever wanted anything in his life. And what a Maverick wants, he always gets…

For Charlie, Sebastian offers the commission of a lifetime. Creating a magnificent sculpture for his new headquarters is a dream come true, but falling for the spellbinding billionaire isn’t part of the plan...until his luscious kisses entice her into total recklessness. He fascinates and captivates her, and as Charlie learns more about the dark depths of Sebastian’s past, all she wants is to heal him with her love. But can a man who has grown up thinking love is toxic ever believe that true love is real?

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review:

Reckless in Love is the 2nd book in Maverick Billionaires series by Bella Andre and Jennifer Skully. I thought the character development was well done. Sebastian is a complex character who is influenced by specific experiences in his childhood - one very much so. It drives everything he does in his life and he's constantly analyzing himself and his actions against the yardstick he formed as a child. I really liked Sebastian as a character.

Charlie is also complex. She's driven by a different set of principles but there are similarities in how their past has influenced their daily life. What I didn't like about Charlie is that she made decisions based on what she thought she needed to do to please Sebastian and lost herself in the relationship. As strong as she was portrayed, she didn't see that in herself.

The one thing that held back a 5 star rating is some of the writing style. I felt there were many times that cliches and superlatives were overused. I rarely find it credible when the first time a couple comes together that it was the "best sex they'd ever had" or "most intense orgasm they ever had". Those superlatives tend to turn me off and I felt they were overused a bit in the book. I also felt the book could have been a bit more balanced between storyline and intimacy scenes. I wanted a bit more of the story line in the book. The intimacy scenes were well written but I feel, at times, that an author can overdo it with detailed intimacy scenes over and over when sometimes they can be left to the imagination of the reader. It wasn't that there was "too much sex" per se, it was more that there were times that I felt the balance wasn't quite right and once a couple has come together, there are times the intimacy can be alluded to without specifics to keep the story moving along.

That said, the complex character development and the unique storyline of a relationship between a billionaire and a junkyard artist make it an interesting read. The authors also gave us a check-in with our previous favorite characters and continued to draw us into the lives of the other Mavericks and their parents and I look forward to subsequent stories.

Disclosure: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Links:

Goodreads • Amazon • Barnes and Noble • Kobo • iBooks • Google Play

About the Authors:
Bella Andre is the New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of “The Sullivans” and “The Morrisons” series.

Having sold more than 4 million books, Bella Andre’s novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world and have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists 18 times. She has been the #1 Ranked Author at Amazon (on a top 10 list that included Nora Roberts, JK Rowling, James Patterson and Steven King), and Publishers Weekly named Oak Press (the publishing company she created to publish her own books) the Fastest-Growing Independent Publisher in the US. Known for “sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance” (Publishers Weekly), her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine “Red Hot Reads” twice and have been translated into ten languages. Winner of the Award of Excellence, The Washington Post called her “One of the top writers in America” and she has been featured by NPR, Entertainment Weekly, USA Today, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and TIME Magazine. Bella also writes the New York Times bestselling Four Weddings and a Fiasco series as Lucy Kevin.

If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, swimming or laughing. Married with two children, Bella splits her time between the Northern California wine country and a 100 year old log cabin in the Adirondacks.

Website: http://bellaandre.com/

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Jennifer Skully NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Skully is a lover of contemporary romance, bringing you poignant tales peopled with hilarious characters that will make you laugh and make you cry. Writing as Jasmine Haynes, she's authored over 35 classy, sensual romance tales about real issues like growing older, facing divorce, starting over. Her books have passion and heart and humor and happy endings, even if they aren't always traditional. She also writes gritty, paranormal mysteries in the Max Starr series.

Jasmine and Jennifer lives in the foothills of a gorgeous California mountain range, the perfect setting for writing sensual romance, chilling mystery or something guaranteed to make you laugh. She and her husband have a recent addition to the household, an adorable nuisance, oops, adorable cat named Wrigley!

Website: http://www.jasminehaynes.com/