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.