My Favorite Reads of 2017

January 01, 2018


I found several books to five-star this year and I'm hoping to find even more in 2018. Have you read any of these? Interested?

Contemporary Romance



Dark Romance



Paranormal Romance



Romantic Comedy



Romantic Suspense


ARC Review: THREE BLIND DATES by Meghan Quinn

December 31, 2017

Three Blind Dates by Meghan Quinn"Good Morning Malibu, it’s another beautiful day on the west coast! I'm Noely Clark, your host: and I'm in the market for love…”

When the publicity team of the new local restaurant, Going in Blind, began their search for a hot, local celebrity to promote the wildly popular eatery, they couldn’t have found a better person than me.

Outgoing? Check.
Single? Check.
Open to finding love? Check.

I signed up immediately.

A hopeless romantic with an exceedingly demanding schedule, I've found it impossible to find the man of my dreams—so Going in Blind seems too good to be true! That’s until they start setting me up on dates—three very different, very attractive, very distinct blind dates—and only one thing is for certain . . .

I’m in big trouble.

Good Morning Malibu,
I'm Noely Clark, and I have a choice to make.
The question is who will I choose; the suit, the rebel, or the jock.

ARC Review: THE THING ABOUT LOVE by Kim Karr

December 30, 2017

The whole stethoscope-and-white coat thing isn’t my cup of tea.

I prefer a man with an artistic vein in his body. 9 - 5 hours. And I can definitely do without the half-lidded, sleepy bedroom eyes. (Okay, so those are kind of sexy.)
The Thing About Love by Kim Karr
Tall, dark, and handsome doesn’t change the fact that he’s arrogant, cocky, and rude.
Not that I care, but he’s made it clear he wants nothing to do with a quirky girl like me, which is why he said no.

Turns out no isn’t an option.

I have a quickie wedding to plan, and Dr. Jake Kissinger doesn’t have a choice. He looks at our situation like he’s stuck with me, but in reality I’m stuck with him. Stuck with his pouty mouth. His long, lean body. And stuck with those loose, low riding scrub pants. (Okay, so the doctor thing is growing on me.)

When spending time together turns into more than it should, I know I’m in trouble.
He isn’t supposed to make my heart pound.
I’m not supposed to make him look twice.
And we aren’t supposed to spend the night together. (Okay, so he has more than one artistic vein in his body, and other places.)

Falling for him is definitely a mistake.

Here’s the thing…
Jake is unavailable, and I know it.
Just not in the way you might think.

I guess you can’t have your cake and eat it too.


MY REVIEW


My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Anyone who has paid attention to the books I read or the authors I one-click, you’d know that Kim Karr’s collection always makes the cut. While I haven’t read everything she’s written (yet), I’ve read tons of her books. So when I say that The Thing About Love was unlike anything I’ve read by her so far, you know that I’m onto something.


Juliette was having a really rough go of it. She took over her uncle’s successful event planning business and she’s failing at it. While she’s great at creating the visual and putting the event together, the actual day-to-day operations go over her head. She’s drowning and she needs one stellar client to put things back on track. The only thing standing in the way of her landing her latest potential client is the brother, Dr. Jake Kissinger, or Dr. Kiss, who is decidedly unimpressed with Jules, especially after she throws a cake in his face.


I’ve gotta say, that cake did sound super delicious though. Well, circumstances change and all of a sudden the wedding has to be rushed. So lucky for Juliette, her schedule’s wide open. The only hitch… she has to work with Jake. But then things turn out for the better because these two finally act on the sparks that fired off from their first meeting. Unfortunately, there’s an unspoken deadline to their romance. Will their hearts come out whole on the other side?

★★★★★★

As I said, this book was a bit different from what I’m used to from this author. It had heavy doses of pain that threaded throughout the story that stayed with me right to the end. It’s never easy to tackle an event that still gives ripples of anguish through many of us who witnessed it. I’m thrilled that the author wove this tragedy into the plot and tied it to the characters. It added another element of depth to their relationship and continued to strengthen the traces of fate that could be found everywhere.


Both Jake and Juliette were fighting their own personal demons and it was difficult to watch. It made me just want to give them huge hugs. Especially Jake. His guilt was potent and the driving force for everything he did. The fact that his demons rode him so hard for most of this story made me want more of him. It felt like from one second to the next he was fighting the inevitable connection he had with Jules and then diving headfirst into forever. I think I needed more of his perspective to make this transition truly believable.

Regardless, what won me over from the start, aside from Juliette’s awkward, clumsy quirkiness, was the banter between her and Jake. It was hard to get a real read on him but I loved the ways Juliette tried to decipher the meaning behind his words, looks and actions. I was busy trying to figure him out right along with her. Together, these two were insanely hot and sweet, which is one of my favorite combinations.


Now I’m going to not-so-patiently wait for Jaxson and Finn’s books. These side characters have me curious as all heck and I’m desperate for their happy endings!!

Expected Release Date: January 3, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Heat: 4 out of 5
Type: Standalone

ARC Review: DIRTY TALK by Lauren Landish

December 29, 2017

He makes dirty sound so good. So right.

The moment I heard his velvety voice growl that I’m his ‘Kitty Kat’, I knew I was in trouble.
Dirty Talk by Lauren Landish

Derrick ‘The Love Whisperer’ King gives out relationship and sex advice on the radio to everyone, but he’s giving me something a bit more personal. Nobody’s ever talked to me the way he does. Daring, Demanding, Sexy… and oh, so Dirty.

Maybe we started this whole thing a little backward, sex first and getting to know each other after. But I'm starting to let my guard down, my untrusting heart beginning to think that maybe fairy tales do come true. Even for me.

I feel beautiful and hopeful when he worships my body. I feel dirty and naughty when he whispers filthy things in my ear.

But is it real? Can something so naughty really be good for me?

And more importantly, against all odds, can it last… forever?

Dirty Talk is a full-length Romance with a happy ever after, no cheating, and no cliffhanger!

One-Click!! http://amzn.to/2Ckslw9


MY REVIEW


My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Out celebrating her recent promotion, Katrina Snow finds out that her boyfriend of one year has been cheating. Derrick King, also known as the Love Whisperer, runs a successful radio show where he dishes out advice about sex and relationships. On this ‘special’ night, the theme is cheating. Kat calls in and Derrick instantly feels a connection with her. He continues the conversation off the air and from one conversation to another, these two embark on an road not yet travelled. Between phone sex, video sex, and actual sex, their initial spark develops into an actual relationship. Despite her reluctance to believe in happy endings, Derrick has been able to knock down every wall she’s ever built. Will their newfound and fragile love survive the tests that are sure to come?

Derrick sounded so hot!! The author did an amazing job bringing this character to life for me. He was incredibly attractive and yet he was old fashioned in his outlook on love. He was waiting for THE ONE!! He was truly a throwback, right? As for Kat, she was very easy to like. With Derrick, she finally found a partner she was comfortable enough to explore with, to own her sexuality, and to finally feel emotions that at one time seemed to be elusive. These two simply worked and their story was fresh and unique… oh and insanely hot!!

Release Date: December 26, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Heat: 4.5 out of 5
Type: Standalone

Review: THE MERCENARY by Petra Landon

The Mercenary by Petra Landon
She's a prisoner of the Imperial Forces. He's a nomad with a mercenary army. Can a desperate girl's risky gamble and a fierce warrior's love turn the tide of war and rewrite the destiny of their corner of the galaxy?

In a distant corner of the galaxy, Quadrant Five burns in the flames of a deadly war. The Budheya people are one of the worst affected.

Saakshi
Imprisoned by the Ketaari Imperial Forces, a young Budheya rebel is sent to a distant space station to work in an alehouse. For a girl who has known only hardship in her short life, things could be worse. Until an old foe walks into the alehouse.

Zoran
Zoran is Hadari'Kor - notoriously fierce mercenaries who only fight for hire. Drawn to a weary-eyed server girl, Zoran is forced to confront age-old traditions and question his role in the war.

The Rebel & The Mercenary
Alone, friendless and far from home, Saakshi makes a desperate gamble to trust an enigmatic stranger whose hot gaze haunts her dreams. The echoes of this unlikely alliance reverberate across the quadrant. As a relentless enemy hunts Saakshi, Zoran must fight with everything in his arsenal to protect her. When passion ignites amidst the embers of a smoldering war, will a warrior's quest for justice bring a mighty Empire to its knees ...

Author's Note: A spirited and resilient girl, a fierce warrior with a mighty heart, a fiery passion that flares amidst the debris of a deadly war and a love that will alter the fate of an entire quadrant forms the tale of The Mercenary, a standalone story that sets the scene for The War Chronicles - a collection of SciFi Romance & Space Opera tales with romance, swashbuckling adventure & a sprinkling of action.

Review: A BARGAIN IN SILVER by Josie Jaffrey

December 28, 2017

A Bargain in Silver by Josie Jaffrey
If the price of safety is slavery, would you bargain your life?

A Bargain in Silver is book one of Josie Jaffrey's Solis Invicti paranormal romance series, set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic London.

A deadly infection threatens to wipe out humanity. The only people who can stem its advance are the Silver, a vampiric race who offer a simple exchange: protection in return for blood and subservience. It's not a deal that Emmy's willing to make, but as her world burns around her she finds herself in the arms of the enemy and the line between oppressor and saviour begins to blur.

After an attack by the infected, Emmy is rescued by the handsome Drew who introduces her to the world of the Silver. Desperate to escape subjugation and confused by her attraction to him, she gathers what remains of her surrogate family and plans to make a break for freedom.

But despite her efforts to resist, she is drawn further into the intrigues of the mysterious Silver through the agency of their ruler, the Primus: Solomon. Emmy refuses to submit to the cold and detached Primus and an attempt on her life makes it clear that he is unable to protect her from the political machinations of his race.

As the connection between them deepens she must choose between her desire and her will to rebel, but can she trust his intentions when everyone is after her blood?

ARC Review: END GAME by Lisa Renee Jones

December 26, 2017

End Game by Lisa Renee Jones
How deep can you love?

Passion and danger collide in the explosive finale to Emily and Shane's story.

After tragedy strikes, Shane hovers on the edge of being consumed by darkness. He will fight for the woman he loves. He will destroy his enemy. He will not back down. As shocking twists, dark secrets, and explosive betrayals within the Brandon family come to the light, Shane must fight harder than ever before.

Every thread weaves a dangerous web. Emily and Derek. Brandon Senior. Maggie and her affair. The leader of the dangerous cartel who's wedged itself inside the Brandon Empire. It all comes to a head in the shattering conclusion to the Dirty Money series.

Purchase Link: http://amzn.to/2DVSFL7

ARC Review: DAMAGED by R.R. Banks

December 25, 2017

Damaged by RR Banks
10 years ago, I lost her.
Now only Charlotte can melt my cold heart.

I made my billions, and then I built my fortress.
I was alone on my mountain.
Till she came.
I saved her, but she can't remember her past.
And I can't forget mine.
The winter storm trapped us together.
But I'll keep her safe and warm.
With every caress, I'll show her body what it craves.
With every kiss, I'll mark her as my woman.
I know someone hurt her.
And that b@stard wants her back.
He doesn't know who the f*ck he's messing with.
Charlotte is mine now, and I'll protect her no matter what.

But will she stay mine when her memories return?

*** This is a full length novel with a happily ever after, no cliffhanger, no cheating, and plenty of steam. ***

ARC Review: MOON BOUND by Donna Grant

Moon Bound by Donna Grant
HIS CURSE TO BEAR

Enigmatic and strong-willed werewolf Kane LaRue realizes the benefits of doing things in a pack. But not this time. He feels responsible for the additional terror a Voodoo priestess has leveled on his family, and has vowed to stop at nothing to end her reign of terror. He almost had Delphine once, and this time, he’s promised himself that he will succeed in wiping her from the face of the earth—or die trying. But when her followers almost destroy him, Kane is forced to accept the help of a stunning and fiercely independent woman who makes Kane re-evaluate what’s important…and listen to his heart.


HER WILL TO SURVIVE

Elise is a survivor, but because of the tragic events of her past, she has chosen to live out her days in the bayou, helping the animals she loves and giving back as much as she can to the community that literally saved her life. When a gorgeous dog she tries to save turns out to be so much more, Elise is compelled to let someone in—and faces things about herself she isn’t entirely comfortable with. But the breathtakingly handsome shifter makes her feel things she hasn’t experienced in ages, and she soon realizes that she needs Kane’s help as much as he needs hers. Together, they are unstoppable, and if they’re lucky, they just might rid the world of the evil that has plagued New Orleans for much too long.

Purchase Link: http://amzn.to/2zrrfcB

ARC Review: YOU'VE GOT FAIL by Celia Aaron

December 23, 2017

You've Got Fail by Celia Aaron
A romantic comedy from Celia Aaron

I single-handedly built the hottest website for dating and relationship advice.
Got a question? Scarlet Rocket can answer it for you.
I was your modern day agony aunt with the solutions to all your pesky personal problems.
The only issue? I was actually a man named Willis Halloran, not the female Scarlet Rocket.
I thought my secret was safe.
But then a sexy con artist calling herself Scarlet Rocket began showing up at society events, pretending to be me.
I couldn’t let it go, so I tracked her down and confronted her.
It went well … except for the part where she stole my wallet.
Oh, and the part where she conned my agent into having us work together.
And after that?
Let’s just say she wound up stealing something much more valuable than my wallet or my [fake] name.

Add to your TBR: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36481999-you-ve-got-fail