Cowboy with a Cause (by Carla Cassidy)

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Release date:  February 1, 2013

 Rating:  4 out of 5 stars 

 Series Rating:  Reviewer has not read them all 
Cowboy with a Cause is book 3 in the Cowboy Cafe Series

How are the sex scenes?

Passionate, emotional and sensual.

How are the story lines?

Well constructed, cleverly woven and suspenseful.

Would you read it again?

Yes

Back of the Book

"I'd apologize for kissing you, but I'm not all that sorry."

Dancer Melanie Brooks had escaped small-town Oklahoma, giving up the country for Broadway's bright lights. Yet after her mother's funeral called her back, her own health issues forced her to stay. Now her tenant, too-hot-for-his-own-good Adam Benson, is giving her a reason to dance again. But has a killer set his sights on her, too?

Adam knows a little something about fresh starts. As for his beautiful neighbor, he doesn't see a wheelchair—he sees a woman who understands. But as the heat grows between them, he can't avoid the feeling that more than her big-city past haunts her—and that danger has been lurking, waiting to strike….

Review

Cowboy with a Cause by seasoned Romantic Suspense author Carla Cassidy, was a terrific, enthralling addition to her Cowboy Café series. Once again, you will salivate over a deep thinking, drop dead gorgeous Hero, and admire her strong, courageous heroine.

Beautiful, passionate and talented dancer Melanie Brooks, at eighteen, packed up her small town life in Oklahoma to pursue her life-long dream of becoming a successful dancer in New York. She had succeeded, but all her dreams died following the devastating death of her mother and the onset of a debilitating illness so cruel in its focus, that her bitterness was completely understandable. She felt trapped, grief stricken and alone. Her new existence a mirror of autumn’s dying leaves – a gradual demise.

What Melanie hadn’t expected ever to feel again, was desire or hope. She had not anticipated that the dark haired, blue-eyed, powerfully built sexy cowboy, Adam Benson, would or could evoke such a visceral response in her. “He carried with him an energy that seemed to pulse in the air around him, an energy that seductively drew her to him.”  She feared that his transitional state would only cause her a broken heart. After all, in her mind, she was now a liability, half a woman, a burden – a cripple.

Adam Benson was simply looking for a new start. Life had in the last two years, “tossed him a live grenade that had exploded” resulting in dark times of despair and shame. Having lost many of whom he had loved, it was instinctual to guard his heart, becoming isolated and reclusive. Moving in to Melanie’s house was his opportunity to find a haven, a chance to heal, a place to re-group; and decide what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. 

When he first laid eyes on Melanie, he was struck by her elegant beauty and sexy mouth. Quickly, he saw through her brittle façade, despite her vulnerable, resigned disposition and was dazzled by her inner strength, sharp mind and sense of humour, prompting protective urges to emerge. He knew first hand what hiding from life was like, and suspected Melanie did too. As he battled his own demons, would he act on his tendency to ‘fix’ things, acknowledging his growing attraction to the blond haired beauty, or could he remain aloof and unaffected?

 Grady Gulch, where the story was set, had been on the receiving end of a killer’s evil hand. Tension was tight in the small town. Innocence lost. To many, Melanie Brooks was an enigma, but to one man, her very presence stole his breath in anger. To him, she deserved terrorizing and punishment. Death.

The mystery is woven masterfully throughout Cowboy with a Cause with the author allowing glimpses of possible suspects, as well as insight into the perpetrator’s mind, yet covering well his identity. The love story between Adam and Melanie is both believable and beautifully written. The book’s very gripping conclusion was excellent, ensuring that the reader must read the next book in the series. Cleverly done. I need to know who the killer is! If you are a fan of Romantic Suspense, do not go past this Author. She writes with experience, wisdom and passion.

Learn more about Carla Cassidy and upcoming titles on her website , Facebook and Twitter.

Published by Harlequin

Disclaimer:  No compensation was received for this review.  ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

This review provided by:

Operation: Endeavor, Book #2 of When the Mission Ends (by Christi Snow)

- Amazon - 

Will not be available on B&N

Book Release Date:  January 2, 2012

Operation: Endgame rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

When the Mission Ends series rating:  4 out of 5 stars

"Operation: Endeavor" is book two of the When the Mission Ends series

Read Maddie's review of book one, Operation: Endgame

How are the sex scenes?

"He breathed heavy and shallow and passion filled his eyes..."

"Having him within her was heaven..."

"She was trapped by the emotion she saw there 

as much as she was imprisoned by his hard, pulsing body."

How are the story lines?

Solid. A little predictable, but a little intriguing and solid.

Would you read it again?

Yes.

  

Back of the Book

Colton Robertson left his career in the Air Force to come home and help his family heal. Unfortunately, his reception was not quite what he'd hoped for and he ended up as a roommate to hippy dippy yoga instructor Penelope Pruitt. 

Penelope has spent her life under the restrictive thumb of her parents and she doesn't want to do the same with the straight-laced, serious Colton. But when it becomes apparent that Penelope's life is in danger, Colton won't settle for anyone else protecting Penelope besides him.

Opposites attract and that's definitely the case with Colton and Penelope. On the surface, they don't have anything in common, but as the sparks fly and the danger ramps up, their passion is inevitable.

Review

Operation: Endeavor by Author Christi Snow, is the second book in her thrilling Romantic Suspense series When the Mission Ends. It picks up soon after the end of Operation: Endgame, which would be beneficial to read prior to Endeavor. There are more hot ex-military men, more steamy sex scenes, and more suspenseful moments to keep you guessing!!

Oh uber Alpha-Male Colton! Seriously – how is one meant to cope when you read this: 

“I promise I could fulfill you better than he ever could.” Okay – I. Was. Hooked.

Meet our Hero Colton Robertson– he was serious, competent, dynamic, sexy and totally in command. (Did I mention he was sexy?? I was only just getting my lust under control from Jake!) Having been thrust into a parenting role at the tender age of ten years, Colton, the elder brother of Cassie and Chris, was a natural leader. He had only just retired from his highly successful career in the Air Force, to come home to help his family heal. In many ways, he was a man always alone and isolated, with the twins having each other, and Jake. His tendency to be overbearing also corresponded with his aloof façade, which was perhaps part of his allure. He was extremely easy to admire, and yes, I will say it again, lust after!

For so long, beautiful, intelligent and feisty Penelope Pruitt, could only equate independence with singleness, having fought for control of her life from her manipulative and unsupportive parents. Her dread of being controlled far outweighed her deeper yearnings for love, nurture and desire. Ultimately, she is a Heroine to love – particularly as she ‘has to take book wherever she goes”. (I think we might be related!) She was perceptive, gutsy and sassy, yet beneath a strong façade, hid a loving, generous heart, a woman desiring the country homestead, complete with the non-negotiable wrap around porch and swing.

Penelope didn’t need or want overbearing. As Colton’s admiration and attraction for her grows, his need to protect was triggered, especially as she became embroiled in a mysterious and lethal situation ostensibly concerning her Bookstore. She’s beautiful inside and out, and Colton is completely beguiled by her, but will he be willing to bend to a new shape without compromising what comes so naturally to him? He’s unrepentantly autocratic, extremely sexy, and sends chills throughout her body when near, but, will Penelope be able to receive love from one so strong and naturally domineering?

Once again, Christi Snow delivered an engrossing, engaging and sizzling romantic suspense. Hot, blistering sexual tension then chemistry, a mystery to be unraveled  perpetrators of evil, cleverly masked behind their facades of reputable citizens, touches of humor and a deeply coded sense of family/friendship, and you have a hit in my mind. There was a good mix of predictable with unexpected twists and turns. The author successfully took the malevolence up a notch with Operation: Endeavor, and I am now eagerly awaiting the next book! Gah!

Learn more about Christi Snow and upcoming titles on her website , Facebook and Twitter.

This review provided by

Published by Christi Snow

Disclaimer:  No compensation was received for this review.  

ARC received from author in exchange for honest review.

Operation: Endgame, Book #1 of When the Mission Ends (by Christi Snow)

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Book Release Date:  June 20, 2012

Operation: Endgame rating: 4 out of 5 stars

When the Mission Ends series rating:  4 out of 5 stars

"Operation: Endgame" is book one of the When the Mission Ends series

See Maddie's review of book two, Operation: Endeavor

How are the sex scenes?

The sex scenes were salacious, descriptive and I wanted more!

How are the story lines?

Interesting, fast paced and mostly believable.

Would you read it again?

Yes.

  

Back of the Book

It’s been six months.

Six months since Jake Madsen let Chris Robertson die.

Six months since the passion between Jake and Cassie, Chris’ sister, stepped over the line.

But now Cassie’s being stalked and it’s time for Jake to swallow his guilt, grief, and lust so he can save her life, even if it’s a life without him. He owes it to his dead friend and he owes it to Cassie. Can he overcome these challenges to be a part of his best friend’s life?

Review

Operation: Endgame by debut author Christi Snow is the first book in a Contemporary Romantic Suspense Trilogy, set in Lubbock, Texas. All three books feature former active duty Air Force officers and the women they love. This is an excellent opener to what should be a fabulous series.

Establishing character credibility and history adeptly is always a plus in a series. Christi Snow accomplishes this brilliantly, shifting through time, allowing the reader to become familiar with Colton, and Cassie and Chris Robertson, who from an early age were orphaned. Endgame primarily focuses on Cassie (twin of Fighter Pilot Chris) enduring her brother's tragic death and her traumatic experience with a crazed stalker. We also met the supporting characters: Jake, the hunky best friend of Cassie and Chris; the vivacious, highly intelligent Penelope; and sweet, serious Julie.

You can't but love a heroine who is intelligent, beautiful, sassy and fiercely independent! Cassie, a Military Professor is someone used to control. She maintains a full, busy life determined to keep her fears at bay for her ‘boys’, all involved in active duty. Due to her proficiency as a Military Strategist, she draws the attention of a nefarious stalker, hell bent on making her his. Cassie grew up knowing she was loved and cared for by her men, but one man in particular held her heart, and had for a long time.

Honorable, luscious and delectable Jake Madsen had been friends with the twins for 20 years. With grief constricting their hearts on the night of the funeral, and dormant passion stirring, a night of sex realized a fantasy for Cassie, and caused Jake to become assuaged with guilt, risking their easy friendship.

Jake is extremely likeable. He is sexy, gorgeous, courageous and a wonderfully tactile man. He also needs to overcome many obstacles to restore peace to his mind. Admirably moral, almost to his detriment, his life has come to a crossroads in both his career as a Pararescue Jumper (PJ) and his relationship with Cassie. He knew he loved her, but until her life was at risk, had not acknowledged the true depth of his feelings. Was it lust, love or guilt motivating his actions?

As a couple, Jake and Cassie are very believable. Having been friends for such a long time, their familiarity made for easy lovers. When passion took hold, it was delicious.

“He softly worked the petals of her core and felt her falter as she stroked him. Slowly he inserted one finger, then two into her….He lowered himself to his knees in front of her and slowly inched her sides of her dress up her hips until he could see the tops of her garter and the matching bright red lace thong that made his mouth water……He grasped her clit between his tongue and his lip and sucked.” Just a sneak peek…

Endgame is what I would call a light suspense. There are twists and turns, which keep you guessing; funny interchanges; and enough sizzling chemistry to keep you panting. It read like a Television mini series with all the characters, wicked and virtuous, being introduced and the perpetrator easily identifiable. Despite being a little predictable, the pace is good, the characters strong - each adding significant dimension to the book, and the action/suspense is arresting. The author balances the intensity between the mystery and the romance effortlessly. I feel there could have been more probing into the dreams Cassie experienced, and a less conspicuous villain, but otherwise, it was an engaging, promising start to an excellent series. Just wait till you read the second book Operation: Endeavor…

Learn more about Christi Snow and upcoming titles on her website, Facebook and Twitter.

This review provided by: Musing Maddie

Published by Christi Snow

Disclaimer:  No compensation was received for this review.  

ARC received from author in exchange for honest review.

All In, Book #2 of The Blackstone Affair (by Raine Miller)

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All In rating:  4 out of 5 stars

The Blackstone Affair series rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Release Date:  November 9, 2012

"All In" is book two of The Blackstone Affair Trilogy

How are the sex scenes?

Oh so hot! 

“Right now I had a feast before me. It was time to partake. 

I needed that flesh against my tongue and lips”

  

How are the story lines?

Compelling and multiple, with a few twists.

Would you read it again?

Yes.

Back of the Book

Ethan Blackstone has problems. He's broken the trust of the woman he loves and she's left him because of it. Ethan isn't giving up though--he's determined to get his girl back. Their passion together was explosive, but their secrets are even darker and more frightening. With political threats directed at Brynne, Ethan has no choice but to fight for her, to win her love, and to protect her from the very dangers that could take her away from him forever. He’s willing to risk everything to have Brynne and to keep her safe. He’ll go all in…

Review

All In by Raine Miller is the second book in the Trilogy, The Blackstone Affair. Once again, it is a short book with colourful characters, highly amusing dialogue, and fast paced action.  It provides a very revealing insight into our Hero, Ethan's, mind. Writing a Romance Suspense novel from a male's POV must be such a challenge, and I feel that the author does a brilliant job!

Ethan is an intelligent, domineering and passionate man, but also quite surprisingly, discerning. As you are introduced to his astute, wonderful father his insight becomes believable. He does acknowledge that there is no man that can completely understand the female mind in saying "I never know what she is thinking. She is a woman after all."

The novel picks up from where Brynne left Ethan, after feeling the betrayal of two men she loved, with Ethan's emotional agony laid bare. She had trusted him implicitly and his lie of omission caused a major rift. We learn of the devastating circumstances that left Brynne in her scared, insecure position, and gain a better understanding of why she is in danger. Also of her bravery, her accomplishments.

Ethan's (almost overbearing) protective instincts are on full alert, as well as his ever eager libido!! That certainly provided some scintillating scenes to enjoy!! Often! In detail!

“Making you come under my tongue is the sexiest thing in the world”…”I held her open and devoured the quivering softness…I buried my cock on a hard slick thrust, unable to deny myself for another second…..she felt good-tight and hot and swallowing me in, her inner muscles clenching around me through the force of her ongoing climax.” Wow~

As with the first book, it is his humour that was such a wonderful compliment to the feisty, brilliant and beautiful Brynne. Comments like these were so Ethan:  

“All the time I struggled with my desires when she was near. This was a new problem I’d never faced in a relationship before. I loved the shagging part – I’m a guy and I have a cock.” 

And another in response to a co-worker of Brynne’s, who he instantly loathed:   

“I truly hoped he could read minds because I had so much worth saying that he really needed to hear. You cock-swinging, worthless shit-bag! You will absolutely NOT call her to talk to her…You won’t look at her and you won’t think about her either.” 

Protective and cocky much?? Loved it.

All In moves the story of the entangled situation Brynne is in due to the American Senator’s son, along swiftly, however, it’s also a book examining trust in a relationship. Can he gain her trust? Can he alleviate her self-enforced loneliness? Will he be able to open up his own horrific wounds deeply hidden?

Falling in love with Brynne made Ethan vulnerable. It was actually quite wonderful to see into Ethan’s mind and glimpse his very consuming love for Brynne. “Everyone needs the basics, Brynne. Food, water…a bed.”  He also had some very dark places that caused terrifying nightmares. Their growing relationship and the depth of their honesty was very compelling and beautifully written.

So, despite the book being brief, it kept me riveted and completely absorbed. I am dying for more! Well done Raine Miller for a wonderful book, filled with scorching love scenes, witty repartee and enough intrigue to keep us guessing and eagerly awaiting the conclusion, Eyes Wide Open due out December 2012.

Learn more about Raine Miller and upcoming titles on her website, Facebook and Twitter.

This review provided by:

Published by Raine Miller Romance

Disclaimer:  No compensation was received for this review.  

Deadly Relations, Deadly Trilogy Book #3 (by Alexa Grace)

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Deadly Relations rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Deadly Trilogy rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Book release date: September 20, 2012

"Deadly Relations" is book 3 of the Deadly Trilogy

How are the sex scenes?

Rich, sensuous but brief.

How are the story lines?

A few storylines seemed undeveloped, but the main story was compelling, suspenseful and believable. 

Would you read it again?

Yes. It is Book three in a Trilogy, and I would read the whole series again.

Back of the Book

In Deadly Relations, a serial killer of young women hides in plain sight in a quiet county in the Midwest. Despite hiding behind a façade of trustworthy and charming, this killer has a rage to kill he can't control.

Detective Jennifer Brennan, still haunted by her abduction five years before, devotes her life to serve and protect others. So when three young women go missing and are found murdered on her watch, she vows to find the killer — or die trying.

A personal relationship with her partner, Detective Blake Stone, would be violating the strictest of the department's unspoken rules and career suicide, especially since she is the sheriff's daughter. But the connection Jennifer has with her partner, Blake Stone, is nothing short of electric. Working with him daily and denying her attraction is hard. But when he moves in to protect her, it becomes unbearable.

As they fight temptation, two detectives race against time to find the killer before he strikes again.

Review

Deadly Relations by author Alexa Grace, is the third and final installment in the Deadly Trilogy. If you have read the first two books, Deadly Offerings (which is FREE now!) and Deadly Deception, you need to complete the series. This is her best book in the Deadly Trilogy and I eagerly await more from her in the future.

Five years ago, vivacious Jennifer Brennan’s story began in Deadly Deception. She was pregnant and in college. Now, she is a talented and driven Detective in a small town of Indiana.  Her intelligence and tenacity has gained respect from her peers, and her dark brush with danger five years prior, compassion and courage.

And then there’s Blake Stone! How could she have not noticed the tall, dark ‘Mr Hotness’, fellow Detective and the man who creates tingly sensations all over her body merely by breathing in her presence? He was not obnoxious or overbearing, but he did scream testosterone! Yet, it was actually the warmth and sincerity of his smile coupled with his innate empathy and strength that impressed her most. In many ways, this caused more danger for her. After all, it is extremely difficult to resist tall, dark and delicious when combined with smart, kind and tender! Sigh!

Ripped, gorgeous and devastatingly sexy, Blake was just as enamored by the beautiful Jennifer. He was also just as aware that as she was a Detective in the same Police Department, she was forbidden fruit. Growing up in a house shredded by divorce, he desired stability, a home rich in love and trust. From observing and working with Jennifer, particularly in the Serial Killer case, which brought them into closer proximity, he could actually envision such an existence.

Once presented with the opportunity to taste a small slice of heaven in her kisses, he knew he was lost. Not to lust, but to need. “He wanted her in his life. Period.” This was actually a refreshing difference to many other Romance novels, consistent in all three books.

That is not to say that once ignited, their passion was less than hot. Blake was the first man in five years that Jennifer had been attracted to. Erotic dreams filled with Jennifer had been part of Blake’s night times for quite a few years, so their passion together, once unleashed, was dynamic.

“His tongue tantalized her nipples, which had swollen to their fullest. His hand seared a path down her middle and onto her thigh, the gentle massage sending currents of desire through her……Her body ignited as his magic, gentle fingers stroked her, sending waves of ecstasy throbbing through her body until she shattered into a million glowing stars.
She rocked against him and he picked up the perfect rhythm that bound their bodies together. He pushed into her in a hot, slick dance she wished would never end.”  Sizzle!

In Deadly Relations, there is a disturbed and sick serial killer stalking young women. What makes for a very interesting read is that you are privy to the killer’s thoughts, motivations and darkness. His identity is not the mystery, but you are kept invested on how, and if, he will be brought down. Naturally, as with all good suspense, this sicko sets his nefarious sights on Jennifer, adding to the tension.

Alexa Grace is one of the most talented, upcoming authors. Her characters are believable and strong, her stories credible, her writing, fabulous. She has an easy-to-read style that provides enough details without being overtly graphic. Some of her sub-stories seemed a little undeveloped or possibly unnecessary, but that didn’t subtract from the main story.

So, if you are in the mood for some light suspense and some sensual loving with a touch of humor, you are bound to enjoy Deadly Relations.

Learn more about Alexa Grace and upcoming titles on her website, Facebook and Twitter.

This review provided by

Published by Alexa Grace

Disclaimer:  No compensation was received for this review.

Logan's Redemption (by Cara Marsi)

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Logan's Redemption rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Release date: August 24, 2010

How are the sex scenes?

The sex scenes are electric. The sexual tension is so well prepared, that the reader is well and truly primed for the sizzling, sexual ride once it occurs.

 

How are the story lines?

The storylines are believable, not terribly intense, but with enough suspense and heat to keep your attention.

Would you read it again?

Yes, Logan is hot and there will be a sequel!

Summary

In this book, the hero and heroine have guarded secrets and both have damaged, untrusting hearts.  

'The Callahan Princess', 32 year old, Doriana Callahan is a strong, intelligent and confident woman, who was forced to forgo her dreams of becoming an architect.  

The Hero, Logan Tanner, is a self-employed security firm manager, powerful, sensual, secretive and sexy! (Have you seen the cover?! One hot combination.) Logan oozes strength, virility and mystery.  

For Logan, years of rejection and brutality from his father and guilt from perceived past betrayal has hardened him.  Despite recognizing his yearning for love, family and fulfillment to replace his isolated existence, he keeps himself aloof, distant and controlled.  

Both Doriana and Logan believe confidently that their history as teenage lovers should remain just that: history. However, being suddenly thrown together by her father's business troubles, that theory is about to be tested.

Review

In many ways, Logan’s Redemption is a predictable story.  Yet author Cara Marsi manages to maintain tension; both storyline and sexual. Her characters are believable and love scenes delicious. The length is perfect for the story it tells.

 Logan became Dan Callahan's hired investigator attempting to identify a saboteur to Callahan Construction. Hired by her father, Doriana is not aware of his true vocation, a secret Logan is forced to maintain. As Logan crashes into Doriana's world, her carefully maintained cool facade begins to crumble. Logan is very aware of her attraction to him and feels the same intense desire. Eventually, neither can resist the pull. 

"His body and soul burned for her."

For sixteen years Doriana has kept her teenage love for Logan resulting in her pregnancy with Josh a secret. She had also created an impenetrable wall to hide behind, shielding her from emotional intimacy with any other man. She knows the heights of pleasure Logan can take her to and that the intensity of his kisses can set her on fire.

 As the story progresses and suspense mounts, with danger lurking closely, the emotional and physical barriers between Doriana and Logan slowly collapse. Despite guarding their hearts, they both privately acknowledge that they had found the one who could alleviate the aching loneliness of their souls. 

Aptly written however, “…..their unresolved issues hung over them like a vengeful enemy ready to snatch their happiness”.

 Logan, a wonderfully sensuous, thoughtful, downright sexy man and Doriana, with her tempting beauty, intelligence and loyalty, make a believable and striking pair. Their ravenous passion, once we get there, is incredible and sizzling.

"He plundered her mouth with his tongue. She scraped her nails across his back and met every thrust of his tongue and hard penis. Her female heat, moist and slick, wrapped around him, claiming him.....The fire and fury of their passion spiraled them into a private paradise that she never wanted to end."  

Hmmm!

Logan's Redemption is so nicely written that the reader will be interested and invested the whole way through. Interaction between characters is at times a little unbelievable and simplistic, but with the mystery, suspense, and some steamy sexual scenes, the book is successful in its provision of a quick, enjoyable read. 

There is no great surprise to the ending, but that is okay. I'd recommend this book to anyone, especially those who crave a bit of saucy, a light suspense and their beloved Happily Ever After! Looking forward to the sequel.

Learn more about Cara Marsi on her website or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

This review provided by:

Published by Carolyn Matkowsky

Disclaimer: No compensation was received for this review.  

ARC received via the author.