His Brand of Beautiful (by Lily Malone)

Amazon - B&N

Book Release Date: March 1, 2013

Book Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

How are the sex scenes? 

Quick and sizzling. 

How are the story lines? 

Engaging and interesting. 

Would you read it again? 

If there was a sequel, I would read it again. 

Blurb

Christina Clay only wants the best when it comes to her family’s iconic Australian wine company, and Tate Newell has the best marketing brain in the business. But there are some people in the world Tate doesn’t want to work for and Clay Wines’ eccentric chief executive is high on his list. Christina collects causes like some women collect shoes, and every time she opens her mouth, he’s reminded of the one person he wants to forget.

Sometimes, to get a woman out of your head, you have to let her in.

Before Christina can say Crocodile Dundee, she’s in a two-seater plane flying into the heart of central Australia to visit Tate’s childhood roots: the remote cattle station his family still own and run. It’s a ‘research project’ he says, to see just how ‘wild’ she wants her new wine brand to be.

Battling the demons of a previous miscarriage, Christina soon has a project of her own in mind when it comes to Tate, and less than a day into her outback research trip, her ovaries are ticking. She wants a baby and a brand. And in Tate, she’s found the one man who can give her both.


Review

His Brand of Beautiful by debut Australian author Lily Malone is your classic Contemporary Romantic Comedy. It is fun, with loads of colloquial Australian-isms, that for some, might require translation.

Tate and Christina are two people running from love, having been burnt before. From the non-verbal dismissal from her abandoning mother, and her ex-boyfriend's condescending behaviour, causing her feelings of inadequacy, Christina believes she isn't enough. Marriage is not on her radar, but for some time, the desire to become a mother was certainly a time-bomb waiting to explode. Christina is lucky to have Lacy, the best friend and sister-in-law, determined to help her open her guarded heart to the possibility for love.

Tate has not forgiven himself for his younger sister's death, which he'd assumed had resulted from his inaction and inattention. He has hidden himself emotionally in his work and lives in his sterile shell of a house alone. Tate, thankfully, is a patient, determined man, accepting that Christina could allow him in eventually. But, he has some challenges to overcome before that can be possible.

From the outset, their interactions are snarky, heated and volatile. Their attraction--instantaneous and sizzling.

His Brand of Beautiful has a little bit of drama, witty humor and entertaining interaction between characters. Lily Malone's descriptive prose is enchanting, the storyline is good, but I wanted more. More character insight, more time spent watching the relationships develop, more story. It was easy to understand the steamy sexual chemistry; that was hot! However, it was harder to contemplate the seemingly rapid progression to love, and why her eclectic, philanthropic personality meshed with his rugged, yet staid persona. I feel this could have been unpacked a little more.

It is a quick, engaging read providing excellent visuals of Rural Australia, and an HEA between two damaged, isolated hearts.


Learn more about Lily Malone and her upcoming titles on her website and Goodreads.

This review provided by:

Published by Escape Publishing - Harlequin Australia 

Disclaimer: No compensation was received for this review. 

ARC received from author in exchange for honest review. 

Hopeless (by Colleen Hoover)

Amazon - B&N

Book release date: December 19, 2012

Book Rating: 6 STARS

"Hopeless" is book one of the Hopeless series

How are the sex scenes?

Discrete, heart-felt, passionate and real.

How are the story lines?

Overwhelmingly poignant, deep and cleverly mysterious.

Would you read it again?

Absolutely.

Back of the Book

Sometimes discovering the truth can leave you more hopeless than believing the lies…

That’s what seventeen-year-old Sky realizes after she meets Dean Holder. A guy with a reputation that rivals her own and an uncanny ability to invoke feelings in her she’s never had before. He terrifies her and captivates her all in the span of just one encounter, and something about the way he makes her feel sparks buried memories from a past she wishes could just stay buried.

Sky struggles to keep him at a distance knowing he’s nothing but trouble, but Holder insists on learning everything about her. After finally caving to his unwavering pursuit, Sky soon finds that Holder isn’t at all who he’s been claiming to be. When the secrets he’s been keeping are finally revealed, every single facet of Sky’s life will change forever.

Review

I am not really sure how to begin a review for a book that so touched my heart, made me laugh and cry, was so exceptional, that it makes me wonder if my review is actually necessary!

New York Times Best Selling Author (of three books within 12 months); Colleen Hoover, I am in awe. Hopeless, was incredible.

Hopeless ostensibly charts the life-altering journey of 18 year-old, high school senior Sky Davis, whose home-schooled existence to date, had left her bereft of, (yet not saddened by), the nasty antics of immature teenagers, and the social and technological world including the Internet. With the exception of the movies, boy-groping, and eye-opening offerings from her feisty & irreverent neighbor Six, her experience of the real world was limited. She was beautiful, stubborn, intelligent, witty and courageous, but also undeniably broken.

Fate seemed to bring handsome and mysterious Dean (Holder) and Sky together. Her presence was able to spark both life and confusion into Holder's world. This gorgeous young man, tattooed with the word ‘Hopeless’, was anything but. In fact, his maturity, contemplative and generous nature leapt from the pages, procuring my full admiration and love. He was brave, thoughtful, passionate. He was also heart broken. Two girls he loved - he'd lost.

Prior to Holder, Sky had cocooned herself in her safe bubble of numb existence. As Holder pried open her guarded soul with his thought provoking honesty and love, more than just passion and a desire to feel, arose. Disturbing images - long and safely buried - began to surface.

This is not your typical narrative of teenage angst and woe, but a compelling, unraveling of a mystery, so unpredictable, that you will be kept guessing to the very end. It was impeccably elegant in its prose, and refreshingly unique in its tale.

Sky of Holder

"I want him to lock his arms around me and throw away the key, because this is where he belongs..."

"His presence alone works wonders for a wounded soul."

“I know by the way his existence is like a magnetic pull on my heart, that if he ever hurts me again, I'll be far from just 'fine'. I'll be broken.”

Holder to Sky

“The moment my lips touch yours, it will be your first kiss. Because if you’ve never felt anything when someone’s kissed you, then no one’s ever really kissed you. Not the way I plan on kissing you.”

"I'm not apologizing to you....because I don't want you to forgive me."

"You don't deserve words, Sky. You deserve actions."

Interspersed perfectly amidst the deeply moving story, was incredibly funny and heart warning banter between characters. “Who makes ceramic salt and pepper shakers fashioned out of small and large intestines?” Who indeed?! Every character received their proportionate air-time; their contribution enhancing, not detracting from the story.

There was no choice but to become consumed by Hopeless. Even in the name – it felt as though the cause for its title changed from being about a sad boy to a dedication to lost girls. It was a brilliant story about love, hope, betrayal, sadness, joy, courage, and survival. It's about the strength of two. "It's what happens when two people become one: they no longer only share love. They also share pain, heartache, sorrow, and grief. " Very poignant. Very apt. Very true.

You will laugh, cry, moan and sigh as you read this book. You will fall in love with the characters. You will be affected deeply. You will be silenced by the stunning conclusion. That's the phenomenal strength and caliber of Colleen Hoover's writing.

Should a sequel be written to Hopeless, I will unquestionably buy and devour it.

Learn more about Colleen Hoover and upcoming titles on her website, Facebook and Twitter.

This review provided by

Published by Colleen Hoover

Disclaimer:  No compensation was received for this review.

The Bull Rider's Brother (by Lynn Cahoon)

Amazon - B&N

The Bull Rider's Brother rating:  3 out of 5 stars

Release Date:  June 28, 2012

How are the sex scenes? 

Romantic. There wasn’t an abundance of sex scenes - just one night where they got together. 

Nothing that would embarrass you when discussing the book. 

How are the story lines? 

Romantic with some angst mixed in. I thought the back story could have been discussed in more detail to help with the character development. Maybe have more detailed flash back scenes? 

Would you read it again? 

Probably not. 

Summary

The Bull Rider’s Brother tells the story of Lizzie Hudson, a single mother living in a rodeo town. Her first love, James Sullivan comes back into town with his bull riding brother Jesse. Lizzie and James broke up right after high school because James chose to follow Jesse in the rodeo circuit, an act meant to protect his brother from making mistakes in life. James returns to town hoping to make things right with Lizzie after six years of being gone without communication.

Review 

The Bull Rider’s Brother by Lynn Cahoon is a contemporary western romance set in modern day Shawnee, Texas. (Though the author never mentioned it was Texas.)

This story is a decent read. There is just enough angst to keep you interested and enough mystery in how the characters hide a secret that everyone seems to know except James. The character development could use more details. I wasn't hooked immediately until 1/4 of the story was over. I found myself being angry with Lizzie for holding her secret from James. The diner scene where he poured out his heart without any response from her was a little frustrating. However after she finally admits her reason for holding back her feelings (and why she’s keeping a secret) it’s easier to understand.

The details regarding the previous time they spent away from each other wasn’t enough. More flashback memories in the beginning (when she first sees James again) might have added to the character development. Adding more memories might have made the reader feel more of the emotion behind their relationship. It was difficult believing Lizzie wanted James to be part of her life but didn’t know how to do it after so long. After the third chapter, I started to see more within her emotions and began liking her character.

The story picks up and becomes more interesting once you understand the reason behind why Lizzie and James separated. I did enjoy the book once the characters explained their past actions and a secret was revealed. I think at least one more love scene might have added to the believability of the love connection between the characters. For me, there’s not enough potential romantic moments or love scenes.

I would have like to have seen more “almost” moments with touching or even kissing before it goes too far.

Overall the book has a decent story and gave me my happily ever after.

For more information about Lyn Cahoon and her upcoming titles please visit her webpage, Facebook or Twitter.

Review provided by:

Blogger and Reviewer

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Published by Crimson Romance

Disclaimer:  No compensation was received for this review

ARC received from the author

Shadow Rising, Dark Dynasties #3 (by Kendra Castle)

Shadow Rising rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Dark Dynasties series rating:  N/A (haven't read them all)

Shadow Rising is book #3 of the Dark Dynasties series.

It can be read as a stand-alone novel.

How are the sex scenes?

Sweet, short and hot.  Read last paragraph in review.

How are the story lines?

Great.  There are so many characters doing so many things, but everyone is trying to reach the same end goal - either for good or for evil.

Would you read it again?

Yes.  I'd like to read the series.

Review

I'm a reviewer for Beverley Kendall's The Season for Romance website!  Read the review here.

Learn more about Kendra Castle and upcoming titles on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Goodreads.

Disclaimer:  No compensation was received for this review.  eARC received from The Season

Published by Forever, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing



Rescue Me (by Rachel Gibson)

Rescue Me rating:  3 out of 5 stars
Release Date:  May 29, 2012

Lovett, Texas series rating:  N/A (haven't read them all)

Rescue Me is the third and most recent book published in Rachel Gibson's Lovett, Texas series.

How are the sex scenes?

A half-step above PG-13, but there are several and most of them show the before and after. 

How are the story lines?

Entertaining and believable.  Some were left unresolved at the end. 

Would you read it again?

Probably not, but I'm glad I read it the first time.

Not sure it's worth the $7.99 price tag, but is a great buy if you can pay $3 or less.

Summary

Mercedes "Sadie" Hollowell is returning home to Lovett, Texas for her cousin's wedding.  They might not know each other, but they're family and family attends each other's weddings.  Her mother having passed away when she was a child, Sadie was raised by her father - a hard, emotionally detached man who shows his only child his rare approval in the form of three back pats.

Vincent "Vince" Haven is a keep-to-himself alpha male with strong opinions. And those opinions normally end with, "...and they think I give a shit."  He's the epitome of self-reliance and preparedness due to his SEAL background and refuses to acknowledge he may suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.  With nothing on the horizon, Vince heeds his aunt's request and drives to Lovett, Texas to discuss her "business proposition."

Sadie spies Vince, a gorgeous, tight lipped stranger whose truck has broken down, and offers him a ride - after threatening him with her nonexistent stun gun.  That pretty much sets the tone for their whole relationship.


Review

Rescue Me is definitely a quick, light hearted read with no deep undertones, but Gibson gives it substance with multiple story lines for both Sadie and Vince (i.e., Sadie deals with her father, Vince has problems with his sister's ex-husband, etc.).  I do wish some story lines weren't left wide open at the end. 

The characters are likeable:  Sadie is a modern woman who dates every emotionally unavailable man in a 20 mile radius and Vince is a closed off male who's happy to just be a jerk, yet often plays the unintentional hero. 

The dialogue between Sadie and Vince is witty, though during intimate scenes their banter sometimes turns repetitive and distracts you from the novel.  It's also entertaining as hell, because Gibson leaves the physical aspects to the imagination, yet keeps the dialogue in.  I often wondered whether this was the characters' version of dirty talk or if they had head injuries.

All in all, it's an entertaining book when you feel like you've read an hour when you've actually read three.  Rescue Me does that.


Comment About It

Are fun, light, summer romances worth their book price or do you wait to buy them used?



Learn more about Rachel Gibson and her upcoming titles on her website:

http://www.rachelgibson.com/


Read the Lovett, Texas series (currently on Book #3, unsure if series will continue);

Daisy's Back in Town (Lovett, Texas Series #1)
Crazy on You (Lovett, Texas Series #2 - novella)
Rescue Me (Lovett, Texas Series #3)

The Sleeping Night (by Barbara Samuel)

The Sleeping Night rating:  5 out of 5 stars 

Release Date:  June 2012

How are the sex scenes?
Meaningful.  A few leading up to scenes and some implied,
but nothing that would embarrass you at the next book club meeting. 
(Yes, you should definitely be discussing this book.)

How are the story lines?
Romantic and beautiful with heart wrenching realism about southern life during the 1940s.

Would you read it again?
Yes.  Great literature should always be read again.

The Sleeping Night tells the story of Angel Corey, a white daughter left alone after the sudden passing of her father, and Isiah High, a black solider returned home after fighting during World War II.  Angel and Isiah's childhood friendship mirrored their fathers', despite the racial inequalities gripping the South and small town Gideon, Texas.  Angel and Isiah were separated as teenagers, an act meant to protect them from public rebuke, and as adults Isiah joined the army, thus saving him from the racist-fueled death suffered by his father.  Isiah returns to Gideon after the war with every intention of keeping his distance from Angel, whom he had secretly corresponded with while deployed.  Unable to watch Angel's struggle for survival, Isiah offers his help and a begrudging friendship grows. 

This story is a beautiful telling of forbidden romance. 

Angel is a stubborn, resilient character, quickly gaining the reader's respect (and in my case, awe) with her strong will and work ethic.  This woman is not your damsel in distress and only relies on herself and God to change her circumstance.

Isiah is a courageous and intelligent man, accepting the things he cannot win and finding ways to help Angel despite the limitations put to him by the color of his skin.  Well read, world traveled and utterly devoted, he is a practical hero, one every girl might be lucky enough to bring home to momma.  Even with Angel's superwoman toughness, Isiah's bravery refuses to be overshadowed.  He uses it, proving his love to Angel over and over again.

The supporting characters have great personalities and back stories of their own.  When their names are mentioned, you immediately recall their life, purpose and relevance to the story.

This novel is further enhanced by Angel and Isiah's letters exchanged during the war and its accurate 1940s setting, giving a realistic view of what life was like for African Americans and people who befriended them.

The Sleeping Night is a refined, romantic tale.  I imagine if Jane Austen wrote novels today, her stories would read a lot like Barbara Samuel's. 

I would love to discuss this book with readers.  Leave a comment here, find me on Facebook or let me know when your group has added it to your list. 

Learn more about Barbara Samuel (or her other pen names Barbara O'Neal and Ruth Wind) on her websites:

http://barbarasamuel.com/

http://www.barbaraoneal.com/

http://www.facebook.com/BarbaraSamuelONeal

The Sleeping Night is not part of a series, but you can read more Barbara Samuel novels based in Gideon, Texas:

In the Midnight Rain; and

Jezebel's Blues

Disclaimer: No compensation was received for this review. eARC courtesty of NetGalley.

The Look of Love - The Sullivans Book 1 (by Bella Andre)

The Look of Love rating:  3 out of 5 stars

Release Date:  2011

The Sullivans series rating:  N/A (haven't read them all)

The Look of Love is the first book of Bella Andre's The Sullivan series.

How are the sex scenes?

My iPad says this book is 279 pages.  I'd say at least half that is filled with scorching hot, clever, bocce ball inspired, stranger sex.

How are the story lines?

Story line.  You only get one for your money with this book, but it's a decent one.

 

Would you read it again?

Yes, especially if I finish the series.  I might also print out specific pages and tape them to my bedroom mirror for reference...

Chase Sullivan is one of six ridiculously good looking, overachieving brothers who go through women like a flu victim does Kleenex.  As a world traveled photographer currently shooting a high profile fashion spread, Chase is ready to spend some quality time on the job site that just so happens to be his brother's multi-acre winery.  We all know at least one of these families.  Real life's version of the Will Smith dynasty.

Chloe Peterson is on the run and suffering from obvious trust issues while delivering serious blows to Chase's heroic deeds by questioning his every attempt to help and remaining a tight lipped, obliviously seductive mystery.

The entire story takes place at the winery and over the course of one week, excluding the Epilogue.  Chase and Chloe grow to "know" each other and ultimately decide whether their new found feelings are strong enough to develop a permanent bond of trust and love.  The supporting characters are few, but very adequate and add just enough to the novel's singular purpose - to drive Chase and Chloe's relationship forward.  Trust is a the recurring theme.  So much so that the word is written 50 times during the story and I'd guess mainly in reference to Chase's feelings, thoughts and words towards Chloe. 

The writing is some of Bella Andre's finest.  There are some repetitive words that appear within sentences of each other (i.e., take her to a motel, leave her in some dank motel, I told you to take me to a motel), but as a whole the story flowed.  The plot line is not multi-dimensional, but Marcus Sullivan's appearances are entertaining and I'm curious to read the second book and hear his story.  If the Epilogue was any indication, Marcus will be a wonderfully tortured and wounded soul in need of healing.

As whirlwind romances go, this one is pretty fantastic and we would all be lucky to find a Chase (or Chloe, for the male readers) of our own.

Learn more about Bella Andre and upcoming titles at her website: http://www.bellaandre.com/


Read The Sullivans Series (currently on Book #5)

The Look of Love (Chase & Chloe, The Sullivans - book #1)
From This Moment On (Marcus & Nicola, The Sullivans - book #2)
Can't Help Falling in Love (Gabe & Megan, The Sullivans - book #3)
I Only Have Eyes for You (Sophie & Jake, The Sullivans - book #4)
If You Were Mine (Zach & Heather, The Sullivans - book #5)