Review: The Way We Fall by Cassia Leo

 Five years is a long time to get over a love lost. Even though Houston and Rory have moved on with their careers and relationships, the chemistry that first ignited between them back in college is still there. To complicate matters, Houston has a secret that would explain so much of what happened between them all those years ago. Revealing the secret though may cause more damage than he can risk.

Rory is a mess. She's been passing time since graduation, pretending not to still have feelings for Houston and pretending that she's over the grief of her past. Even though she's dated, there are no prospective men in her future until she's reunited with Houston... and Liam. Now faced with the attentions of two men, she has to decide if she's mature enough, and strong enough to face these new feelings that she's experiencing and move into the future.

Houston and Rory find themselves in a difficult situation. I'm always torn when confronted with these types of dilemmas. There's the love of your past that you have an opportunity to revisit and the reality of your present, which you have an obligation to honor. It's difficult to say which way these two will go or which is the best path to take. Unfortunately we'll have to wait until the next installment in order to find out.                   

Review: The Truth About Him by M. O'Keefe

 This isn't some tender love story with rainbows and cotton candy endings. It's hard and ugly; the type of love worth fighting for; the kind of love that endures.

When we left Annie and Dylan in Everything Left Unsaid, the situation was bleak. Both had revealed secrets and exposed their wounds. With pride in the balance, Annie had walked away from Dylan with the promise of returning and Dylan was fighting with all his might to let her go.

Fast forward to the opening chapters in this newest installment. Annie is still not out of the woods and Dylan's involvement with her leads him to confront some very serious family issues that he had long vowed to resolve by walking away. Together, the two come to learn far more about one another than has been revealed in their late night, lust filled conversations. They discover one another's strength, the promise and redemption to be found in family, and a future that is forged of blood, sweat and tears.

M. O'Keefe delivers again with characters that demand your respect, romance that is steamy, and a story that is compelling. I'm crossing my fingers that there is another story line brewing in this series.

Review: Once Kissed by Cecy Robson

 It's often hard to imagine the lengths that people go to to abuse and control others. Everyday we encounter new people and we probably never think about the tortured existences that they lead behind closed doors. In this book, Contessa Newart is one of those people. To the unassuming eye, Contessa is just the frumpy, bookish intern who has been selected to work on the biggest case of the year. While this hasn't earned her points with her classmates, it does speak to her intelligence and capability. Staying below the radar has become an art that she's mastered so it's a surprise to her that she catches the eye of the one person that she thought would never notice or remember her.

Curran O'Brien is the one person who knows Contessa for who she really is. He's witnessed a side of her that contradicts the mousy persona that others are subjected to. When he's forced to spend time with her, he discovers that not even he knows the true depths of the woman. What he discovers enrages him and gives him the conviction to help her stand up to what she must overcome to survive.

In this sometimes comical but often sad tale, Cecy Robson's characters are faced with the worst possible situations. Secrets built on shame, remorse and pain almost prove to be too much for Curran and Contessa to overcome. While they both have experienced completely different traumas, when all the chips are down it is one another that they are able to rely on. Happily ever after is a fairy tale that one wouldn't expect in a story like this but through it all, these two show us that you can forge your own version of forever from even the darkest of circumstances.

Review: Head Over Heels for the Boss by Susan Meier

 I can't imagine having to grow up in a small town where everyone knows you and has known you from your first awkward moments until maturity. I do, however, know what it's like to have matured and not be seen for the person that I've become as opposed to who I was. This understanding makes Isabelle's character that much more relatable in this small town romance.

Devon Donovan is the responsible older brother. He took on the role out of necessity and out of love for his mother and younger brothers. Somewhere along the way he lost track of his needs and never figured out what he needed for himself to be happy. When he is reacquainted with Isabelle, the tomboyish girl from his past, it is difficult for him to see her as a woman with desires. Stuck with the image of her as a young girl with a crush, Devon dismisses her interest as nothing more than awkwardness when they begin working together.

Isabelle has been comfortable as the girl next door. She's been content to work with her parents over the years following grad school and has not put much effort into her love life considering the options available to her in her small town. When her world is shaken by an announcement by her parents, she is given the opportunity to explore her desires and go after what she really wants.

Meier lays the basis for a good story here. While there is romance, there isn't the overwhelming sex and kink that we find any many of today's romances. It actually reminds you of previous generations of romance where sex has hinted at and not described in explicit detail. At the end of the chapter you knew that something meaningful happened between the characters but you didn't have a bedside seat to all of the action.

Overall this was a good summer read. There were areas that could have been filled in a bit more so that we could get a good understanding of what the character was going through but that would have just been making a good story great. Without that additional information you still have a good read, worthy of the download.

Review: The Name of the Game by Jennifer Dawson

 I wasn't expecting it but I'm so glad I picked this book up! Jennifer Dawson has written the type of story that any fiesty yet passionate girl can feel proud of.

Gracie Roberts is the type of girl that many of us girls can relate to. She's independent, unconventionally gorgeous, and fun to be around. A natural charmer, she has no problem attracting men with her lush curves and sharp whit. A great friend to all, there's nobody that doesn't like her or her the baked goods that she's known for catering through her bakery.

With all these plusses stacking up in her corner, its hard to imagine why just the sight of James Donovan sets her teeth on edge. Every time the two are in the same room together their friends run for cover as the wars begin. There's something about James that Gracie doesn't like and the feeling is definitely mutual for James, who can't deal with Gracie's unreasonable nature. Although their friends would like nothing more than for the two to get along... or hook up, there seems to be no hope for these two.

Review: His Kind of Trouble by Terri L. Austin

 There's not much hotter than a gorgeous man with an accent. Especially if you're a girl looking to get into a little bit of trouble. When Monica Campbell first sees Cal Hughes she almost forgets herself and attacks him at none other than her father's wedding! Cal is nothing if not accomodating as he attempts to take Monica up on her invitation for a little one on one time. The spark that was ignited between the two on that night is enough to keep the two of them wondering "what if" for the next five years.

All grown up and infinitely more responsible, Monica tries her best to resist Cal when they are reunited years later. The mistakes of her past have taught her a valuable lesson that she has no desire to re-learn. Staying away from Cal is a must if she is going to maintain the tight reign over her sensibilities. If restraint is the order of the day, apparently Cal didn't get the memo. His number one objective when he sees Monica again is to get the answers to all of those 'what ifs" that have been plaguing him over the years.

Since no good romance is complete without drama, these two dish it out in spades. The troubles of their pasts run interference as they try to get to know the present day versions of themselves. To make matters worse, some of those past troubles come in the form of ex lovers who aren't quite ready to let go. It's worth the read to see Cal and Monica can be a perfect match or the kind of trouble for each other than will make you want to run and keep running.

Review: Burned Deep by Calista Fox

 Ari DeMille is an up and coming bridal planner who has garnered some success by putting on stellar weddings for the southwest's more prominent residents. It is on one such occasion that she meets Dane Bax, a mysterious stranger who steps up and saves the day when the wedding party starts to get a bit out of control. Dane Bax is the type of man that Ari fantasizes about but can never let herself have. For Dane, Ari is a temptation that he can't resist and he will use whatever influence and power he has to win her over.

This story seems to follow the script of many others, the rich and powerful man woos the more fragile woman into his bed by making an offer that she can't refuse. Enter the other guy, who, to his credit, has his own strengths. He's just not the guy that she wants and is forever relegated to the infamous "friend zone". Fast forward to the intrigue and we have a situation where all of Dane's accomplishments at his world class resort are being threatened. The cloak and dagger antics put Ari right in the middle of the danger and Dane will go to any length to save her.

Of course there's a happily ever after... or so we hope. While the story seems as though it can be resolved in the end, the author leaves room for the plot to continue on in another book. I'm rather torn about this as I don't think it's original enough of a tale to continue on but, allowing the lesser man to have his say might be interesting if he's built up in a future tale. All in all this is a good vacation read and I'd probably read a continuation of the story if there is, in fact, another installment.

Review: Irresistably Yours: An Oxford Novel by Lauren Layne

 They say a little competition is good for the soul. I agree, especially if winnning means that you get the job and the girl/boy. Cole Sharpe and Penelope Pope are in competition for the job of a lifetime. While they both have their personal reasons for wanting the coveted position, they can't help but admire one another's talent. Cole definitely has a leg up on the competition due to his history with the magazine but Penelope is the curve ball that he wasn't expecting.

When the two meet, it isn't love at first sight (which is kind of refreshing if you think about it) but there is attraction and it grows bigger and hotter over time as they get to know one another and spend time just hanging out. When Penelope and Cole finally realize that what they feel for each other goes beyond friendship, the sparks definitely fly.

Lauren Layne has definitely delivered with this latest installment and I can't wait to read more of her work.

Review: Wicked Lies by Lora Leigh

 Annie Mayes' interest in Jazz Lancing goes far beyond curiosity. There's a longing within her for him that she can never reveal, at least not until she has completed her mission. Giving in too soon to the feelings stirring inside her could prove to be deadly.
Jazz is known for his love of women but there's something about the mysterious teacher that piques his interest beyond the carnal. Something about her sticks out and rouses a possessiveness within him that he's only ever felt for one other person. The tension between them is building and its passion is enough to burn down the whole town.

When Annie is finally discovered, Jazz is her only option. It's a matter of life or death, and even though he has ties to the enemy, his own sense of justice is the only thing that she can count on to save her from her own kin.

Leigh's new novel is sure to be a page turner if you are a fan of her work. It'll be interesting to see the characters develop throughout the series.

Review: Playing Dirty by CL Parker

 C.L. Parker does not disappoint with this new story centered around the lives of two high powered sports management execs who's competition spreads far beyond the boardroom.

Shaw Matthews is the flashy, smooth talking charmer that everyone drools over; everyone except Cassidy Whalen, the no nonsense deal closer who is in competition with him for partnership at their sports management firm. Together they are like oil and water, trading insults and tick marks on the quest to rise to the top. But like the best recipes, when combined properly with the right ingredients, oil and water can result in something explosively good.

For us sarcastic girls, this novel will keep you cheering for Cassidy as she gives as good as she gets. In the end, its this bite in personality that makes the relationship between Shaw and Cassidy work as more than just a conquest. They begrudgingly respect each other, even if neither will admit it. The only real negative I have for this book is that you can't get the whole story in one sitting. As with all good things, they are worth waiting for so I'll keep the final installment marked "to-read" until its release in January 2016.

Review: Under My Skin by J. Kenner

 Jackson and Sylvia have faced many challenges together. It's hard to overcome the world and your own issues while builing a relationship. And while some might go so far as to say its impossible, Jackson and Sylvia are literary proof that it can be done... even if they do have a few more scars as a result.

I am a big J. Kenner fan and have read all of the Stark and Stark International books. In the beginning I was caught up in the steamy plots, rich decadence and all the bells and whistles that make her books top sellers. But it wasn't until finishing this book that I really understood the tough issues that Kenner deals with in her books. Both Jackson and Sylvia come from abusive backgrounds and that becomes even the more evident as each has to confront, in his/her own way, the perpetrators of the abuse that they endured. How their upbringings have shaped them has everything to do with how they are able to come together throughout the book and that is very evident in this book.

Jackson and Sylvia's story is more than just a steamy romance, its the story of how two broken people find strenghth in themselves and become whole.

Review: Escaping Reality by Lisa Renee Jones

 For better or worse I am a dedicated reader of a very select group of authors. With them I know exactly what to expect; good grammar, a nice intriguing plot, great characters, etc. So, needless to say, I often have to force myself to step outside of my circle and explore new (to me) authors. In this day and age where everyone has jumped on the poor girl, rich bad boy guy wagon, it's often times hard to find fresh perspective.... and then comes Lisa Renee Jones!

I knew within the first few paragraphs that this was going to be a good book. On the surface Amy is your typical down on her luck heroine, forced to deal with circumstances beyond her control with few resources yada, yada, yada. Liam is rich and mysterious but from the moment he sees her, he's got to have her. You get the point. What makes this book good is the equal amounts of mystery, seduction and romance that the author is able to balance throughout the book. Not only do the characters have a steamy love life, but they deal with real insecurities in front of each other, with a minimum of running away from themselves and each other.

Amy has been forced to deal with unspeakable tragedy and as a result has become secretive and independent. Liam too, has dealt with loss and become reclusive in his own right, Perhaps it is the recognition that they are both alone that draws them together more than just their physical attraction. Whatever it is, Liam knows that with the added benefit of his wealth, he can help Amy. Doing so pushes both of their boundaries and causes friction in their newly formed relationship. In this tale money doesn't cure all, so the two must strategize and look outside of themselves if they want to survive what is facing them.

At the end of the book I found myself wondering what had taken me so long to pick this book up and fumbling trying to download the second installment with haste. I 'm glad I took a chance on Amy and Liam's story and can't wat to see what more Lisa Renee Jones has to offer.

Review: Breaking Love

 When single mom Megan is bullied into a dream trip to Paris with her well-meaning best friend, she has no idea that a few days of pleasure will change her life forever.

Luc Chevalier is the kind of uber rich, gorgeous businessman that we've come to look forward to rescuing the damsel in distress. He's got money, his pick of women, and just enough baggage to raise red flags. What he doesn't have, is a desire to engage in any happily ever afters. When these two unlikely characters meet, its passion and romance beyond what either can imagine.

This book is a departure from the hard core erotica that we have been inundated with in the market these days. Don't get me wrong, the sex is HOT and the chemistry between Megan and Luc is enviable. What this book does have is real life situations. A single mom, worried about how her ordinary life will be perceived in the face of a relationship with a man who can afford to buy everything she owns with the swipe of one card; who wouldn't be able to relate to that?

if this book is any indication of how good the other's will be, i'll have plenty of good reading ahead of me this summer. 

Review: On My Knees

The highly anticipated second book is finally on sale. Jackson and Sylvia return to the scene more determined to be together after overcoming the devastating secret that kept them apart for so many years. Of course, no Stark novel is complete without new challenges to face and Sylvia and Jackson rise to the occasion once again to meet them head on.

When the secrets start to spill this time, both are stronger and wiser. They still have their destructive coping mechanisms but instead of running from one another, this time they choose to run towards one another and use their combined desire as the salve to their wounds. 

While I'm not usually one for spin-off novels and series, I love the way that Kenner continues in the spirit of the Stark trilogy while giving the new characters their own unique personalities and distinct relationships that don't make it seem like you'r reading the same story with different names thrown in. The passion between Jackson and Sylvia may not be as in your face as Damien and Nikki's but it is just as intense and will leave you wanting more by the time you reach the final pages.

Say My Name by J. Kenner

If anyone told me that J. Kenner had a character hotter than Damien Stark I'd look at them as though they were crazy. Well, I was wrong Jackson Steele burns through the pages in this new novel from the author of the Stark International series. Featuring Damien's previously, little talked about assistant Sylvia Brooks, and famed architect Jackson Steele, Kenner manages to create a whole new story line while staying true to what fans love about the Damien and Nikki novels.

Both Jackson and Sylvia harbor secrets that have kept them apart. Afraid that the knowledge of who they each are will destroy them, the two have to find a way to work together in love and business. How this plays out will keep you flipping pages until there are no more.