Friday, August 30, 2013

Home to Whiskey Creek by Brenda Novak

Home to Whiskey Creek (Whiskey Creek, #4)Book Description:
Sometimes home is the refuge you need-and sometimes it isn't.  Adelaide Davies, who's been living in Sacramento, returns to Whiskey Creek, the place she once called home. She's there to take care of her aging grandmother and to help with Gran's restaurant, Just Like Mom's. But Adelaide isn't happy to be back. There are too many people here she'd rather avoid, people who were involved in that terrible June night fifteen years ago. 

Ever since the graduation party that changed her life, she's wanted to go to the police and make sure the boys responsible-men now-are punished. But she can't, not without revealing an even darker secret. So it's better to pretend.... 

Noah Rackham, popular, attractive, successful, is shocked when Adelaide won't have anything to do with him. He has no idea that his very presence reminds her of something she'd rather forget. He only knows that he's finally met a woman he could love.

My Thoughts:
This was a pretty good book.  Addy is back home in Whiskey Creek to help her Gran and through a terrible twist of events winds up in the very place she never wanted to be.  The place where she was gang raped in high school.  She is rescued by Noah a man who doesn't understand why the beautiful woman wants nothing to do with him.  Addie can't tell him that seeing him reminds her of his twin brother who was a part of the rape and something much worse!This book was intriguing.  Noah  and Addy really shouldn't ever wind up together in my mind because of what he reminds her of and I couldn't wait to see how the author got past that.  Ms. Novak did a good job with it, making it believable and not that they just automatically fell into each other and everything was fine.  There were issues to deal with and when Noah finds out Addy is in real trouble, he is there.  Overall, it was a good storyline and I did enjoy it.
I rate this a 3/5. 

Thank you to for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

**This book contains adult content**

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Darkness Lies in Winter by Ariana Wood

Book Description:

Though Victoria's life appears picture-perfect from the outside, no one knows what it's really like on the inside.  Her father is a callous, yammering cad.  Her mother grows more distant and ill with each passing day.  When her older brother's attempt to be like their father begins to fail, he turns to drugs.  And then there's her baby brother, Bradley.  He's a sweet boy that can't help that he's just a little different.
Victoria seems to be getting a handle on things until the unthinkable happens:  Her mother suddenly dies.  Victoria is tossed into a world of survival for not only herself, but for her little brother as well.  But, how high will the price of her sacrifices be?  Will she ever be able to have a life of her own?
 
My Thoughts:
This was a good read.  Victoria's life isn't what it seems.  Her father used to be a loving man and now is indifferent at best.  Her mother used to have time for her but now her little brother, Bradley, gets all her attention.  Her brother went from top of the class to stoner.  So the happy family they present to the world is no where near what reality is.  All the problems seem to stem from Bradley's birth and the family's inability to deal with him.  When her mother dies, Victoria takes over the role of caring for her special needs brother and struggles through each day.
I liked Victoria.  She was such a loving, hurting, and helpful child that you couldn't help but like her.  I also loved that while her father and brother couldn't seem to stand Bradley, she loved him for exactly who he was.  She gives up a lot to take care of her brother but to her, it is worth it because Bradley is special.  I absolutely hated her father and disliked her brother.  The mother I thought handled everything badly but probably did the best with what she had to work with. 
I rate this a 4/5.  It was an original book that kept you engrossed.
 
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

**This book contains adult content**

Sunday, August 25, 2013

In Pursuit of a Princess by Lenora Worth

Book Description:

A PICTURE-PERFECT CRIME Princess Lara Kincade returned home to New Orleans to continue her late husband's humanitarian work. She also hopes to force his killer out of hiding. But a priceless painting has put her plans—and life—at risk. Embroiled in a deadly art scandal, Lara must depend on handsome photojournalist Gabriel Murdock to help her expose a murderer. Gabriel's determination to keep her safe has softened her heart to love's possibilities again. Somewhere among his photos lies the identity of the murderer, but can they uncover the killer before this heist turns deadly?

My Thoughts:
This was a pretty good book.  Princess Lara has agreed to have a photographer/reporter follow her while she is home in New Orleans.  Gabriel Murdock is there for a 'fluff' piece on the princess.  She is home to continue her late husband's work but there is more to it than that and he wants to know all of it.  His instincts lead him and he agrees to help Lara with her plot to find answers.  Problem is, there is someone who wants to see her dead and all her security doesn't deter them in the least!
I liked Gabriel.  He was strong and dependable.  He had some past issues to deal with but he was focused on keeping Lara safe no matter what.  Lara, honestly I got annoyed with, but I did like her.  She wanted to find answers and didn't care if she got hurt in the process.  She did some really stupid things but all of it were possible considering the situation.  The support characters were interesting.  I liked Lara's head of security but never trusted the assistant!  The plot was good and the romance was a slow build with plenty of suspense thrown in. 
I rate this a 4/5.  It was a solid quick read.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Friday, August 23, 2013

The Icing on the Cake by Janice Thompson

The Icing on the Cake (Weddings by Design #2)Book Description:
Scarlet Lindsey’s aunt Wilhelmina may be Texas’s most popular cake baker extraordinaire, but she’s also getting on in years. When Scarlet decides to take on the role of cake decorator at her cranky aunt’s bidding, it’s just the beginning of a series of misunderstandings and mishaps that will lead her to compete in a cake challenge on national television-and might even lead her to finding true love.
Fan favorite Janice Thompson is back with more wit, more weddings, and more of what her readers love best-bridal business drama. Bella and the gang are all here and readers will fall in love with the newest quirky characters straight from the creative mind of a fantastic storyteller.


My Thoughts:
Adored this book.  Scarlet's business has never been better.  She has a prime location, is well connected, and is exceptionally talented.  Her love life is a different story.  She knows her assistant likes her but she doesn't see him that way.  Then her best friend's brother Armando comes into her life and she has some decisions to make.
Scarlet was a real character.  She had real problems, real ups and downs, and real feelings.  I could relate to pretty much everything and it made her such a joy to read about.  I wasn't certain if she was going to go with the Italian hunk or the 'safe' guy so that mystery was fun.  Her aunt and best friend also added an air of reality to the story because everyone has those types of family members and some are blessed to have that close of friends.  Second in the series but can be read as a stand alone book.
I rate this a 5/5.  I can't wait for the next in this series!

Thank you to Revell for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Sassy in Stilettos by Nana Malone

Sassy in Stilettos (In Stilettos, #3)Book Description:
Smart mouthed and in charge, magazine editor, Micha Bennett, has learned the hard way to choose her career over love. When she’s up for the job of a lifetime, the competition becomes deadly fierce. To protect their best asset, her company hires the one person who’s ever put Micha on edge and threatens her sense of control.

Sexy, security consultant, Caleb Atkins, knows what he wants and it’s Micha Bennett. He just has to convince her she wants him too. With ugly shadows in his own past, he’ll die before he lets anything harm the woman he loves. Too bad Micha doesn’t think she needs his protection or his love.

Can Caleb convince Micha to let go of control long enough to fall in love? Or will fear and danger tear them apart?

Warning: Sexy, sass talking women will make you laugh, cry and want a pair of killer footwear.


My Thoughts:
This was a quick read.  Micha is a tough chick.  She hasn't had a 'real' family in a long time but has two close friends that are family and a host of others tagged on to make things interesting.  She is also up for a big promotion at work...problem is it puts her in the spotlight and her past could come back to find her.  Caleb has been wanting Micha for two years now and being close enough to be her bodyguard lets their chemistry go off the charts!
Micha was definitely a strong woman.  She has taught herself to be self-reliant and never let men get too close.  Her past is painful and she is letting it shape her future.  Caleb is patient but quickly losing that patience.  He knows he needs to handle Micha just right or he will lose her forever.  They fight a lot and sometimes it feels wrong, but the author did a good job of setting them up as opposites.
I rate this a 3/5.  It was a quick read that stands alone though it is third in the series. 

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

**This book contains adult content**

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

The Letters by Susznne Woods Fisher

The LettersBook Description:
Rose Schrock is a plain woman with a simple plan. Determined to find a way to support her family and pay off her late husband's debts, she sets to work to convert the basement of her Amish farmhouse into an inn. While her family, especially her cranky mother-in-law, is unhappy with Rose's big idea, her friend and neighbor, Galen King, supports the decision and he helps with the conversion. As Rose finalizes preparations for visitors, she prays. She asks God to bless each guest who stays at the Inn at Eagle Hill. As the first guest arrives and settles in, Rose is surprised to discover that her entire family is the one who receives the blessings, in the most unexpected ways. And she's even more surprised when that guest decides to play matchmaker for Galen King.
With her signature plot twists combined with gentle Amish romance, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites readers back to Stoney Ridge for fresh stories of simple pleasures despite the complexity of life. Fisher's tale of God's providence and provision will delight her fans and create many new ones. Welcome to the Inn at Eagle Hill.


My Thoughts:
Loved this book.  Rose is trying to keep her head above water.  When her husband died, he left her with five children, a grouchy mother-in-law and a mountain of debt.  She prays for direction in how to support her family and her prayer is answered when she overhears a conversation.  She is going to turn her basement into an inn, regardless of what her mother-in-law thinks.  Her neighbor, Galen is supportive and works with her to build the inn, and maybe work his way into her heart.
Rose was a wonderful character.  She was loving and giving.  It didn't matter who she was talking to, from her children to her mother-in-law to guests, her caring shined through.  Galen was a strong man who, I believe, showed Rose his love through his actions.  Seeing characters from her past books was a great treat and I cannot wait to see where this story continues on in the next book!
I rate this a 5/5.  Ms. Fisher always does a wonderful job with her books and this is a great start to a new series.

Thank you to litfuse for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Dire Destraction by Dee Davis

Book Description:

As the commander for A-Tac, a black-ops CIA unit masquerading as Ivy League faculty, Avery Solomon is the best of the best. He'll stop at nothing to ensure the safety of his team, but when a mystery from the past resurfaces, he puts himself directly in the line of fire.

PUSHED TOO FAR
After years of covert missions, Avery harbors regrets that continue to haunt him. He still blames himself for his wife's death fourteen years ago-until an A-Tac operative finds a photo that suggests Avery's wife may still be alive. Determined to discover the truth, Avery heads deep into the hostile territory of Southeast Asia, ready for danger and violence-only to find himself captured by desire . . .

Wilderness guide Sydney Price never backs down from a challenge. She has her own reasons for wanting revenge against the men being hunted by Avery. Though she tries to deny her attraction to the tough, handsome warrior, the spirited Sydney soon finds him impossible to resist. Now she and Avery must work together to uncover the truth-and stay alive. But as the enemy closes in and old secrets unravel, the line between partners and lovers vanishes like mist in the jungle . . . 

My Thoughts:
This one was good.  A-Tac has been trying to thwart the bad guys but they always seem one step ahead of them.  Avery is their leader and has a painful past.  When one of his team finds evidence that his wife might still be alive, Avery charges in to find the truth.  Sydney has been in deep cover for several years and now her assignment is to help Avery.  Though she isn't given any details, she can't resist helping him once she meets him. 
I liked that Avery was completely devoted to his wife.  When she was alive that was it for him and he'd held her close all those years.  That devotion was a great thing to see.  Sydney was in a tough position through the company then with her feelings toward Avery.  It would have been different if the mission hadn't involved his wife but the fact that it did and that both of them had feelings for the other could have made it awkward but the author did a good job of making it not.  I loved the storyline and seeing all the previous characters from the A-Tac group.
I rate this a 4/5.  I really enjoyed Avery's book!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

**This book contains adult content**

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Ten Reasons to Stay by Sabrina Jeffries

Book Description:

A delightful eNovella from New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries about a young woman who learns that you can’t learn about love from a textbook.
In “Ten Reasons to Stay,” previously published in the anthology The School for Heiresses, lessons go far beyond etiquette and needlepoint. Eliza Crenshawe’s lesson is to look before she leaps. But when she discovers that her new guardian plans to marry her off without so much as a Season, she forgets all that. She flees—on a horse she unwittingly steals (oops!)—from Colin Hunt, a newly minted earl who wants nothing more than for her to go home…or stay forever.

My Thoughts:
This was a pretty good book.  Eliza is determined to escape her guardian.  The problem she runs into is she starts to borrow the wrong man's horse.  Colin is used to looks from people because of his skin and he is used to a different world.  Being in England is a drastic change from where he is used to and finding a beautiful woman in his stable is something he never expected.  Now he has to save her from herself and her guardian who is determined to marry her off to someone she has never met.
Eliza was a good character if a bit off.  It was great that she stood up for herself and tried to escape the horrible things that were planned for her.  Colin was a great guy if a bit strange!  He locked Eliza in his closet because she couldn't be caught in his house.  The story was interesting and the author did a good job of pulling you along.
I rate this a 3/5.  It was a good quick read.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

**This book contains adult content**

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

The Diamond Secret by Lenora Worth

Book Description:

A DANGEROUS MAN
He’s a pirate, an adventurer—and Esther Carlisle has just let him into her New Orleans antiques shop. Cullen Murphy claims he knew Esther’s late father…and that her wild-dreaming daddy discovered the true location of the legendary chocolate diamond. Esther knows she should show the handsome treasure hunter the door. And she will.
In a minute. Everything changes when gun-wielding thugs barge in and start shooting. Esther may not trust Cullen, yet staying at his side is the only way for her to find the diamond first—and stay alive. But some treasures can be found only with the heart…
My Thoughts:
I really liked this book!  Esther was really close to her father.  Though he was a bit detached at times, he was all the family she had and she cherished him.  Cullen is in search of something he knows Esther must know about.  Problem is he brought danger close behind him and as he and Esther try to decipher the clues her father left he realizes there may be a bigger prize than a diamond.
I liked Cullen a lot.  The accent gets to me even if it was all on paper!  Esther was a great character as well.  She was so wrapped up in her life and the fact that nothing significant ever happened until Cullen showed up and everything began to happen.  I did guess what was going to happen toward the end but the storyline was still good.
I rate this one a 4/5.  I want to read more from this author.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Fugitive by Shirlee McCoy

Book Description:

“HELP ME.”

When she opens her door to a wounded, handcuffed stranger, Laney Jefferson is terrified…until she recognizes her unexpected visitor. Thirteen years ago, Logan Randal was there for her when she
desperately needed a friend. Now the wrongfully convicted lawman needs the widow’s help. On the run from the law and guided only by Laney’s unswerving faith in Logan’s innocence, their mutual attraction
begins to break down the barriers around Laney’s heart. But the real culprit is much closer than they imagine…a cunning enemy determined to keep the past—and the truth—buried forever.

Heroes for Hire: Seeking the truth—at any cost

My Thoughts:
I liked this one.  Laney has gone back home to clean up the past and move on.  Her husband has passed away, her parents have been punished for their past actions and she just wants to move forward with her new life.  She never expected to run into the man that saved her life and she's always loved.  Logan needs her help and she can't turn him away, but helping him puts her on the wrong side of the law and in his arms.
I completely loved Logan.  He was strong, caring and just a good man.  Laney knows this but the way she was raised overshadows a lot of her life.  Her parents were horrible human beings that didn't get near what they deserved but at least they got punished.  The two of them are thrown back together on in the middle of a snow storm with bad guys hot on Logan's trail.  I loved the other characters that were brought in and the storyline was great.  
I rate this a 4/5.  It was a good book in this series no matter what order you read them in!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Hide and Seek by Lynette Eason

Book Description:

SHE WON'T GIVE UP
Erica James has spent the past three years as a skip tracer, hunting down others and hoping one day it will lead to her kidnapped daughter. Now she has a new suspect-Max Powell's missing sister. Max, a private investigator, has found evidence that connects the two missing girls, and together, he and Erica search for answers. The closer they get to finding answers, the stronger their feelings for each other become. But the kidnapper will stop at nothing-including murder-to keep them from finding Erica's daughter. 
Family Reunions: Bringing loved ones back together
My Thoughts:
The book was pretty good.  Erica is searching for her missing daughter...a daughter that has been missing for 3 years and all odds are against her finding.  Max is looking for his missing sister, the problem is Erica is looking for her as well.  Erica believes Max's sister knows something about her daughter's abduction and is determined to find out what.  The closer she and Max get to the truth, the more danger they are in.
I liked Erica.  She was so passionate and determined to find her daughter though everyone else had give up and all odds were against her.  I felt her pain, anger and confusion throughout the book.  I liked that her family was involved at different levels.  Max had a rough childhood and was determined to look out for his sister no matter what.  I liked the book, but I knew what had happened to the daughter early on and so the 'ah ha' moment wasn't there for me but the story was still good.
I rate this a 4/5.  A good mystery/romance that is a quick read.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.