Kitty Smile

Review: To Catch a Texas Cowboy (Wishing, Texas #2) by Julie Benson

 
Synopsis:

Grace Henry needs a reboot. Laid off and unable to find a new job in her native NYC, Grace heads West to Wishing, Texas to run her best friend’s bed and breakfast. But before she hits the city limits, to her luck, Grace rear ends the chief of police’s truck. As the mouth watering western dream peels off his shirt to clean her cut, she reminds herself what cops are like—cynical, inflexible, curious and controlling. Her NYPD father taught her that fact.

FBI agent AJ Quinn is undercover in Wishing to catch a forger. Though his best friend lives in Wishing and he always longed to buy land there, Wishing is an annoying detour from his purpose, working major cases and fulfilling the vow to his father to make a difference in the world. But when Grace crashes into his life, AJ suddenly finds himself questioning his direction and determination to remain single.

Though Grace and AJ insist they don’t want a relationship and are wrong on too many levels to count, when the head says no, the heart says yes…..

Wishing, Texas series
Book 1: To Love a Texas Cowboy
Book 2: To Catch a Texas Cowboy
Book 3: To Marry a Texas Cowboy - Coming soon
Book 4: To Tame a Texas Cowboy - Coming soon


My Review:

With her business reputation on the line and unable to find a job in NYC, Grace Henry decides it’s time to move to Wishing Texas to help run her friend Cassie's B&B, The Bluebonnet Inn.  As soon as she gets into town, the brakes on her car give out and she slams into the back of a pickup truck.  Only she could start off her new life in Wishing by rear-ending, and then insulting the chief of police, AJ Quinn.

AJ came to Wishing two months ago to help his friend Jack break a forgery case.  When Jack dies in a plane crash, AJ takes over Jack's position as chief of police while still working undercover for the FBI.  As soon as he cracks the case, he will be able to leave Wishing and get back to his life.

The last thing Grace wants is a relationship with a cop.  But it seems the forces are working against her and she soon finds herself drawn to this sexy small town police chief.  How long with Grace and AJ be able to fight the strong attraction that is growing between them? 

This is an enjoyable story with a lot of depth to it.  The characters and storyline keep your attention until the very end.  I look forward to reading more in this series. 

Review: The Greatest Gift (Frost Family Christmas Book 5) by Roxy Boroughs

Synopsis:

All she wants for Christmas is...her mommy.

Welcome back to Carol Falls, Vermont, with this fifth book from the Frost Family Christmas/Frost Family & Friends series.

Heather Connolly has done some questionable things in the past. But it was all to regain custody of her six-year-old daughter, Charlotte. Finally together, Heather is now planning the perfect Christmas for her little girl.

Until police officers show up at the door and arrest Heather for robbery and arson.

Only one man can help prove her innocence. It’s Zack Jones, a volunteer firefighter...and the man she ran out on after their first and only night together.

Can he give her The Greatest Gift this Christmas, and once again unite Heather with her daughter? Or will Heather’s past keep her from Charlotte forever?

This story is a stand-alone sweet romance/cozy mystery. Series readers will enjoy catching up with town news and the latest happenings of the Frost Family...including a wedding.

Other books in the series:
Book 1 = “What Child Is This” by C.J. Carmichael
Book 2 = “Home For Christmas” by Roxy Boroughs
Book 3 = “The Holly & The Ivy” by B.C. Deeks
Book 4 = “More Than A Feeling” by C.J. Carmichael
Book 5 = “The Greatest Gift” by Roxy Boroughs

My Review: 

Reading a Frost Family & Friends book is like returning to Carol Falls for a visit with old friends and to make new ones.

After her marriage ended, single mother Heather Connolly spent the night with Zack Jones.  She took off early the next morning leaving Zack to wake up alone.  He hasn't seen her since.  Now, Heather is being accused of setting a fire at her former place of employment, Billy Boy's Bar, to cover up a theft.  As much as Heather says she didn't do it, the people in Carol Falls don't believe her.  But Zack believes her.

Zack, being a bouncer and bartender at the bar, knew Heather when she worked there and knows she is innocent.  Zack is also one of the firemen who helped put out the fire.  So he has inside information about the scene.  He will do anything prove Heather is innocence and with some luck, he just might be able to pick up where they left off a year ago.  Zack also wants to see Heather and her daughter Charlotte living the happy quiet life that they deserve. 

Zack and Heather work together to find out who is responsible for the crime and clear Heather's name.  Will they be able to solve the crime before Heather’s reputation is completely ruined? 

This book is a real page turner.  The story is fast paced, unpredictable and exciting.  As with any of the other stories in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone.   

Kitty Smile

Review: Broken (Sons of San Clemente Book 3) by Sinclair Jayne

Synopsis:

Lane Duke, game designer and mogul, is carving the edge of his company’s most advanced release just days away. Excitement and tension are jacked tight. The future is wide open. Until he sees his past rise out of the Pacific in a barely there bikini, and 12 years disappear in a blink.

Luz De Luna doesn’t want to dig up the past and Lane is her past with a capital P. Newly divorced, she’s returned to San Clemente to bury some ghosts, but it’s hard to move on when the path to personal redemption is blocked by the one man who won’t forgive and she can’t forget.

My Review: 

An engaging story written with such enthusiasm it was easy to visualize it unfolding right before my eyes.

Luz de Luna Duke's marriage didn't work out as she planned.  She spent ten years with Alex and his controlling family.  It finally came to the point where Luz couldn't take it anymore.   She is finished with the lies and demands of the Dukes.  She wants a divorce. 

Luz has returned to her home town of San Clemente looking for her sister Paz.   She is ready to make amends with Paz and start her life over again.  But who was the first person she runs into, none other than Lane Duke, Alex's brother, Luz's first love. 

Lane never stopped loving Luz.  He couldn't believe she was back in town.   Why was she there?   Surely his family didn't send her to find him.  He turned away from his family twelve years ago and never looked back.  Lane fights his feelings for Luz at first.  Then he decides to give in and do whatever it takes to get her back, even if it means going up against his powerful family. 

This series is highly addictive.  I am ready for another addition right now.  The passion is off the charts in this book. 

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Kitty Smile

Review: Heart Conditions (The Breakup Doctor Series Book 3) by Phoebe Fox

Synopsis: 

Breakup Doctor Brook Ogden has spent the last year sifting through the fallout from the disastrous decision that led to her unconscious uncoupling with boyfriend Ben Garrett. Despite advising her clients you can’t be friends with an ex, she and Ben have somehow begun to stitch together a friendship—one Brook hopes is slowly turning into more. That is, until Ben introduces his new girlfriend, Perfect Pamela, a paragon of womanly virtues who is everything Brook is not.

While Brook navigates her newly volatile emotional life, an unwelcome surprise shows up on her doorstep: the ex-fiancé who broke her heart two years ago—one month before their wedding. Between her ex’s desire to rekindle their attachment, her best friend Sasha’s unexpected crisis, and her own unsquelchable feelings for Ben, Brook finds herself questioning the personal progress she’s made in the last two years—and threatened with the highest-stakes Breakup Doctor failures she’s ever faced.

Books in The Breakup Doctor Chick Lit Series:

THE BREAKUP DOCTOR (#1)
BEDSIDE MANNERS (#2) 
HEART CONDITIONS (#3)


My Review:

Brook Ogden, The Breakup Doctor, is a therapist who has her own practice, runs a newspaper column and a radio show to help people move on after their breakup.  But Brook faces a few dilemmas of her own.  First off, trying to be friends with her recent breakup, Ben and his girlfriend, Perfect Pamela, is starting to be a bit more difficult than expected. Then, another ex-boyfriend is back in the picture as well and wants to work through their unfinished business.  To top it off, Brook's best friend Sasha is keeping something from her.   It’s almost enough to send a girl into a complete meltdown.  How will Brook handle everything in her personal life while trying to help those who depend on her professionally? 

I didn't read the previous books in this series and felt if I had, I would have had more background on the characters.  But story had a way of telling enough to get through the book, while not giving away too much in case you want to read the previous books.  The story was very vivid and easy to follow and the situations felt like something anyone could be going through.  I thought it was well told and entertaining.

Review: Taken by the Raider by Dani Collins

Synopsis:

The first time Aubrey Hargrave was “acquired” by corporate raider Griffen Woodlock, she was unable to resist his potent sexuality. She made the fatal mistake of mixing business with pleasure, but had to end their passionate affair to save her father’s reputation—and her heart.

At 20, Griffen pushed his abusive father out of his CEO position to take the chair himself. Aside from indulging his passion for beautiful women, Griffen hasn’t made an emotional decision since. When Aubrey cuts short their white-hot affair, he tells himself she can easily be replaced. Except she can’t.

Discovering Aubrey’s family secret gives Griffen the power to force a second take-over, but he intends to seize more than her business. He wants her.

My Review: 

How far will a ruthless businessman go to be with the woman he desires?

Aubrey Hargrave and Griffen Woodlock had a professional and personal relationship until Aubrey decided to leave him and go to work for Cutting Edge.  Griffen will do anything to get Aubrey back, even taking over the company Aubrey has invested a lot of time into.  Once he has her back, he will have his way with her once again.  

When Griffen discovers the family secret that Aubrey has been hiding, he has more leverage to get her to do as he wishes.  How far will it go before Aubrey decides enough is enough and walks out for good?  Will Griffen be able to get Aubrey back this time?  

There was a lot of tension between Aubrey and Griffen and through a lot of the book I got where I didn't like Griffen.  But he redeemed himself in the end when he told Aubrey his family secrets and why he was so persistent in all areas of his life.  Great writing and a lot of steamy intimate scenes kept this book interesting. 

Review: One Secret Night, One Secret Baby by Charlene Sands

Synopsis: 

An unforgettable baby dilemma. Only from USA TODAY bestselling author Charlene Sands.

During a city-wide power outage, Emma Bloom turns to her old friend Dylan McKay for help. The Hollywood heartthrob comes to her rescue, action-hero style, and sees her safely home. But what happened next? The details are blurry—because Emma was tipsy, and an on-set accident leaves Dylan's memory of that night in tatters.

But soon irrefutable evidence surfaces: Emma is pregnant. It's hard enough sharing her secret with a man used to fending off scheming women. But Dylan does the right thing and proposes. And then, one day, his memory returns…


My Review:

A one night stand with one of Hollywood's hottest actors just got very complicated.

Emma Rae Bloom had her first one night stand when she got drunk on the night of the infamous Los Angeles blackout.  And it was with none other than the hottest guy on earth, Dylan McKay, Hollywood heartthrob and her best friend's brother.  Now Emma is pregnant.

Emma barely remembers the night because she drank too much.  Dylan doesn't remember it because he has amnesia after an accident on the set of his new movie which left him injured and one of his good friends dead.

When Dylan starts getting back some memories, everything changes fast.  The night of the blackout might not have gone as Emma thinks it did.  What happens next, no one could have expected.

Beautifully written.  Emma and Dylan's story is one you won't forget easily.  Not a detail was missed and the book had my complete attention from start to finish.  Many of the scenes were easy to visualize and the characters were easy to identify with.  I didn’t see the plot twist coming at the end and really enjoyed the little surprise in the story.

Pre-Order Links for One Secret Night, One Secret Baby

Harlequin

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

 

Kitty Smile

Review: Lady in Red by Mel Teshco

Synopsis:

Bullied and battered as a child, Kate Matthews grows up and transforms herself into beautiful and confident, Brandy Alexander, a sexy, high-class call girl. With a select number of rich and successful clients and a jaw dropping income, Kate feels like she’s living her dream being desired and bedded by some of Australia’s most powerful and influential men. But she has one rule. Don’t fall in love. Except the more time she spends with her favorite client Blaine Waymann, the more she fears he might be the one man who could topple the perfect world she’s built.

Billionaire philanthropist Blaine Waymann is determined to break Kate’s rule. He wants exclusive rights to Brandy and Kate, in bed and out, and is willing to risk everything to win her body and her trust. But when Kate starts opening her heart to Blaine, she faces an agonizing decision. Run like she always does, or stay with the man she not only lusts after, but loves.


My Review: 

Sinfully sexy

Kate Matthews, also known as Brandy Alexander when she was working, had a past she would rather forget.  She was once an insecure girl, now she was highly desired by men.  As a high class call girl for VIP Escort Agency, she now had total control of every aspect of her life.  That is until she started having feelings for one of her clients. 

Blaine Leo Waymann, billionaire businessman, philanthropist and Australia’s most eligible bachelor, had first seen Brandy on the arm of another man at an event and he was instantly enthralled by her.  Until that moment, he’d never believed in fairytales, or even true love. The fact that she was a call girl hadn’t ever bothered him.  He needed her in his life and was willing to do anything to make that dream come true.  How far will Blaine go to win over Brandy/Kate’s heart?

This is an amazingly well written story that was easy to get into.  I felt sad for Kate with how she fought her feelings once she realized she loved Blaine.  She definitely deserved love but wanted her independence as well.  Blaine would do anything to make Kate happy, but she kept pushing him away.  If two people deserved a happily ever after, it was definitely these two.  If you liked the movie Pretty Woman and like a very spicy book, you will enjoy this story. 

Review: Driftwood Hero (Driftwood Bay Book 2) by Lenora Worth

Synopsis:

When reclusive war hero, Sam Hinson, is asked to be the best man for his friend Brodie Steven, he heads to the small town of Spirit, Louisiana, only to find out from the bride’s gorgeous older sister that he needs to deliver the “best man” speech at the wedding reception. He doesn’t like to even be in a crowd, let along speak to one.

Still hurting from her ex-husband, Madeline Sonnier Parker is ready for a little temporary romance. She tells Sam she’ll help him write his toast to the bride and groom if he’ll help her aggravate her ex-husband. But Sam’s been used before, and after being around Madeline, he decides he wants more than what she’s willing to give.

Their pact sets off a string of revealing old hurts and new fears as Sam and Madeline come together. But once they begin opening up to each other, they realize that this wedding bargain might just be the start to something more…


My Review:

Can a Valentine’s Day wedding bring two people who have sworn off love together? 

Madeline “Maddie” Sonnier Parker does not want to be in her sister’s wedding, but she will do it because it’s the right thing to do.  She wants to see her sister happy.  Maddie is still hurting after her marriage fell apart because of her husband’s cheating and drinking. 

Sam Hinson is not exactly happy about being in his best friend’s wedding either.  He has his own reasons why he doesn’t do relationships.    

When Maddie finds out her ex-husband will be in town for the wedding, she comes up with a plan.  Sam needs someone to help him write his best man’s toast for the wedding.  So, Maddie wants Sam to be her date to irritate her ex.   Will their little make believe relationship lead to more than just an act? 

This was the kind of book that keeps you interested all the way through it.  The story lines of all of the characters were well planned out and each scene was very believable.  Maddie and Sam had me cheering for them throughout the book.  With all that they had been through, I felt they made a great couple.    Although this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone. 

 

Kitty Smile

Review: The Valentine Gamble (Whiskey River Series Book 6) by Katherine Garbera and Eve Gaddy

Synopsis:

Johnny Gamble isn’t afraid of anything. Except Fiona Lannigan’s effect on him. It’s not just that she sees through his love ‘em and leave ‘em ways, she’s also his partner in Whiskey River’s most prestigious law firm. He believes she deserves better than him until they “matched” at the annual Valentine’s Day dance and the night turns into one of the most romantic of his life. Convincing him that he’s found a woman he doesn’t want to leave.

Fiona is all for a good time with Johnny. There have been sparks between them from the beginning, but more than one night between the sheets isn’t in the cards. Or so she thinks, until Johnny turns on the romance.

Can Johnny convince Fiona that this is one Valentine’s Gamble worth taking?

Whiskey River series
Book 1: Where There's a Will
Book 2: One Night with the Cowboy
Book 3: One Night with the Tycoon
Book 4: One Night with the Bad Boy
Book 5: One Night with the Playboy
Book 6: The Valentine Gamble

My Review: 

A love worth the gamble.

Kissing Johnny Gamble under the mistletoe at Christmas was something Fiona Lannigan couldn't get out of her mind.  Now Valentine's Day was here and Fiona's fantasies were getting out of control.  They were co-workers and she knew they needed to stay professional.

Trusting a man romantically wasn’t something Fiona did easily.  Would Johnny be different from her ex-fiancé?  Could he be trusted with her heart? 

As fate would have it, Fiona and Johnny got set up as a couple for The Whiskey River Valentine’s Day Dance.  Afterwards, they decided to take it one step further.  Johnny had already reserved a hotel room and Fiona was willing to give him one night and then they would decide where they go from there.  They had an amazing time, but then Fiona left abruptly and Johnny didn't know what to make of it.  Will Johnny be able to convince Fiona that he is worth taking a chance on love?  Can they be together romantically and still be business partners?

This was a fun book to read. Fiona and Johnny had great chemistry together and I couldn't wait for the, to be together.  The authors did a wonderful job with their story.

 

Review: Daring the Bad Boy by Heidi Rice

Synopsis:

What happens on Valentine’s Night, stays on Valentine’s Night… That’s the rule.

After a trip home to bury his father, US photographer in London Caleb Landry finds himself stranded in a Soho bar full of boozy women brooding his way through his least favourite night of the year.

But when college art teacher Rosie Smith tries out the cheesiest pick-up line ever on him, Cal becomes captivated by this good girl with a filthy mind – especially when he discovers she has a V-Day allergy of her own. So he dares her to one smokin’ hot Valentine’s night hook-up with no questions asked, satisfaction guaranteed…

But when Valentine’s Night turns into the morning after, suddenly Rosie’s asking questions she shouldn’t, and putting Cal in danger of breaking his number one rule.


My review:

All she wanted was some hot fun to cure her V-Day curse.  And what better person to do it with than a guy who could kiss her senseless.

It was a dare made by her friends that was supposed to get Rosie Smith out of her dating rut.  Last year on Valentine’s Day her boyfriend dumped her and she hasn’t been with a man since then.  The dare goes all wrong from the start.  First off, Rosie spills her drink on Mr. Abso-Fricking-Luscious, and then she is too drunk and passes out before her hot one night stand even begins.  But the worst part is Rosie doesn’t even remember if anything happened.   

Cal Landry is back in London after handling his father’s affairs and dealing with the ghosts of his childhood in New York.   Drinking alone wasn’t the plan, especially not on Valentine’s Day.  But he needed to get hammered before returning to his apartment.  He sure could use a little company in his bed to make returning home a bit more pleasant.  He was about to give up the search and head home when a pretty girl comes up to him with a cheesy pick up line and dumps her drink on him.  The night just got a little more interesting.

He had no idea she was actually a boring good girl in bad girl clothing.  Neither, Rosie or Cal had any idea this chance meeting would lead to true love. 

This isn’t your typical good girl, bad boy romance.  It was kicked up a notch with some hilarious situations.  Rosie and her friends made me laugh with the things they said.  I could just picture sitting around with them and my cheeks hurting from laughing and smiling all night.  And the scene where Rosie got Cal to model in her art class was one you won’t forget.    

Review: A Latte Love by Denise Stout

Synopsis:

Lorna Rosetti, a do-it-all paralegal, hasn't found Mr. Right. Notoriously late and a sometimes klutz, she stumbles into the arms of a stranger at the local coffee shop. Joe Thornton, a pharmacist new to town, has hopes for a bright future, and when Lorna falls into his arms, it sparks an attraction he can't ignore. With Valentine's Day approaching, love is in the air, but Lorna and Joe receive a little push from Miss Maybelle – Joe's aunt and designated town cupid – to make their budding romance everlasting.

My Review:

A super sweet romance

The morning that Lorna Rosetti bumped into a man leaving Latte Latte, her sister’s coffee shop, was the morning that changed Lorna’s life.  She had no idea the mystery man was none other than the nephew Maybelle, the town’s busybody who was always trying to set up couples. 

Joe Thornton recently moved from Pennsylvania to the small town of Macy in southwest Virginia.  It was a good place to start over.  It was far enough south, but he could still enjoy the four seasons.  Little did he know he would be meeting a woman he would soon fall in love with.      

This cute story is very short, so you can read it in one sitting.  Even though it is short, it still picks up all the details you would find in a longer story. Even the town’s descriptions felt like you were there.  And of course there is a happily ever after that wraps up the story perfectly. 

You can find A Latte Love in Be My Everything, a collection of sweet to sensual stories from six multi-talented authors       

  

Six complete sweet to sensual stories from six multi-talented authors. Let us take you into a world of romance where love is in the air and tantalizing kisses lead to an everlasting love. Included in this Valentine Collection: 

Hearts as One by Barbara Miller- Candy Lane has just catered her best friend's intimate wedding and is feeling a little teary because she is once again a bridesmaid. While she is putting away leftovers, a handsome stranger drives up to The Haven, her friend's B&B, and asks for a room. His hypnotic eyes almost compel her to rent him a suite. What is such a hunk doing alone on Valentine's weekend? Bryson Williams has been scouting for a location for his next horror film, and after reading about the town called The Hallows and specifically The Haven B&B, he thinks he has found it.

A Valentine Wedding by Lindsay Downs-When Guy, Earl of Tining Abbey receives an intriguing plea for his assistance, he decides to return to the scene of his greatest defeat. London. Once there, he learns, Lady Julia, author of the letter, has taken up residence with his mother. As the events unfold, he places the lady under his protection. What he finds interesting, Lady Julia doesn't shun him as the others do. As preparations continue for the annual Tining Abbey Valentine Eve ball, Julia goes missing. Immediately, Guy knows who took her and where they were going. Will he be able to rescue the fair lady so they may marry, or will she be lost to him forever?

Clint's Choice by Rebecca J. Vickery- Clint Sanders, rancher and horseman, loses the woman he loves to bright lights and a modeling career. Skyelar Harrison discovers all is not glitz and glamour in the big city. Used and abused, she has no one to turn to but Clint. But will Clint choose to put the past behind him and help her?

Afterlife by Cecilia Corona-Scotlynn Marjun, a psychic medium, is finally turning her life around when she opens up her shop called Afterlife where she helps clients – both living and dead – find peace, but then a past love shows up to shake things up.
Marshall Kingston is rich, handsome, and a real charmer, but when his stepmother plans his murder, he seeks his ex-girlfriend's special talents to bring justice to his family. Murder. Mayhem. Ghosts. Valentine's Day promises to be an adventure of a lifetime.

A Latte Love by Denise Stout-Lorna Rosetti, a do-it-all paralegal, hasn't found Mr. Right. Notoriously late and a sometimes klutz, she stumbles into the arms of a stranger at the local coffee shop. Joe Thornton, a pharmacist new to town, has hopes for a bright future, and when Lorna falls into his arms, it sparks an attraction he can't ignore. With Valentine's Day approaching, love is in the air, but Lorna and Joe receive a little push from Miss Maybelle – Joe's aunt and designated town cupid – to make their budding romance everlasting.

Heart of the Sea by Karen Michelle Nutt-Sirena Seafair of Grimm Nitch is half human and half Merrow, one of the merfolk. At fourteen, she saved a teenage boy who'd drowned, but magic always comes with a price. She forfeited the red cap – the very essence of the Merrow and her ability to shift into a mermaid – the moment she breathed life into the teen. Ten years later, Sirena has made a living for herself in the human world, but she has never felt like she's truly belonged until Jack O'Casey. Jack's made Grimm Nitch his home and has opened a restaurant overlooking the cove. This Valentine's Day, he's bound and determined to make Sirena his sweetheart, but she's just as unwavering to keep him at bay. They're from different worlds, but Sirena is about to find out Jack may have a little magic of his own.