Review: All of Me (Compass Cove Book 3) by Jeannie Moon

There's no place like home, and no love like his...

Lilly Vasquez has returned home to Compass Cove after making her way in Hollywood as a hair stylist to the stars. With such a successful career, why she moved back to Long Island to open her own salon is a mystery, and Lilly's not talking. That is until a movie shoot nearby drops the trouble she thought she left in California right into her backyard.

FBI Special Agent Jack Miller has floated in and out of Compass Cove for the last fifteen years, rarely staying in town for more than a few days because he’s so wrapped up in his work. But when a complaint about a potentially dangerous situation in town lands in his lap, Jack is gobsmacked to see the name of the woman who has occupied his thoughts for more years than he can remember, Lilly Vasquez.

With the excitement of a big family wedding, Jack has an excuse to stick close, but Lilly doesn’t appreciate the attention, especially since it stirs up a bee's nest of long-buried feelings. Likewise, Jack is dealing with his own attraction to the fiery brunette, and it’s making him crazy. He needs to stay objective to keep Lilly safe, but his heart isn't listening to reason. Will the long-time friends succumb to the small town magic and take the biggest risk of their lives? Or will they play it safe, and miss their happily ever after?

My Review:

Old friends, Lilly Vasquez and Jack Miller, are reunited when Lilly returns to her hometown of Compass Cove and Jack takes on the job of protecting Lilly from her abusive ex.

Eighteen years ago, Lilly confessed her love for Jack, but Jack turned her away.  Lilly never got over the rejection.  She moved to LA where she became a stylist to the stars and eventually ended up in a relationship with a well-known actor.  When the relationship turned abusive and Lilly couldn't take it anymore, she went back home.

FBI agent, Jack didn’t plan on settling down.  With a job that had him traveling all the time, a wife and family didn’t fit that lifestyle.  But when he takes on the job of protecting Lilly, everything changes.  He has finally fallen in love and will do anything to keep Lilly safe and start a new life with her.

I really liked the previous Compass Cove books, so I couldn’t wait to read this book.  Lilly is a character that I could easily relate to.  She got taken advantage of and in a situation that got out of control.  She found the strength to leave and take her life back.  With the help of her friends and family, Lilly was able to feel safe again and start her life over.  It was fun seeing her and Jack finally get together.  The story flowed easily.  The plot was well written and all of the characters fit well within the story. 

 

Review: Highest Bid (Bachelor Brothers of Sydney Book 1) by Mel Teshco

An unapologetic player and a reserved wallflower… one night would never be enough

Galan Black carries a burden he can’t share with anyone, least of all his two brothers. Not even after the blood, sweat, and tears, it took for them to open and make the Black Pearl Nightclub a raging success. He’s just glad his secret doesn’t haunt him half as much in the arms of the eager women he takes to bed.

Yet he can’t stop thinking about the plain Jane bartender and waitress, who he impulsively hired against his better judgment. Then she steps half-naked onto the stage for the club’s once-yearly charity auction, and he can’t keep his bidding paddle down, or his eyes off her. He’ll have her for the night, and get her out of his system once and for all.

Layla doesn’t trust men, yet her infatuation with the eldest Black brother is getting beyond a joke. She needs to experience a night in his bedroom, and get over her silly fixation. But then one night becomes two, with the heat between them showing no signs of cooling. Until Layla’s trust is put to the ultimate test and dirty little secrets are exposed.

My Review:

He was her boss and should have been off limits.  But she couldn’t get him out her mind. 

Galan Black, who owned the Black Pearl Nightclub with his brothers Aiden and Liam, had become obsessed with his new employee Layla Selvey.  She was far from his type, but there was something about her that intrigued him.  Then she came out on the stage of the Black Pearl's charity auction, wearing next to nothing, and took Galan's breath away.  He had to have her.  Let the bidding begin.

Layla had been working for a Galan for six months and had constantly fantasized about him.  The charity auction was a way to get him to notice her.  And notice her, he did.  His winning be was one hundred thousand dollars.  One night with Galan would not be enough.  Layla wanted the whole package and wanted it forever. 

This book might have been shorter than I expected, but it was packed with action, emotion and explosive intimate scenes.  Layla and Galan were both basically broken characters, having lived through things no child should, but it made them stronger and provided an interesting background to the story.  I enjoyed the way the author told the story.  The book held my interest through the entire story.  I can't wait to read the books following this one so I can find out more about Galan’s brothers and the women they fall in love with.     

 

Review: Right for Me by Cindy Dorminy

Shelby Williams has never had a boyfriend worthy of her parents’ approval. The ones she dated were either not rich enough, not well bred enough, or just not good enough. Her luck changes when she meets Tommy Edwards. With an IQ of about a billion, a sexy smile, and a personality as sweet as the treats he bakes, he’s a guy even her parents will have to accept.

Between the pressure of graduate school and a needy ex-girlfriend, Tommy Edwards has had enough stress to last a lifetime. But when he meets Shelby, his plans to stay unattached go up in smoke. Shelby makes him laugh, and the passion she stirs in him is hotter than an oven. She’s the only girl he’s ever met who likes him for who he is rather than just for his intelligence.

When Shelby’s parents take a shine to Tommy, she blurts out that they are engaged, even though they’ve only been dating for three weeks. Tommy is furious, but before she can set everyone straight, both families go into full-blown nuptial mode, including hiring a wedding planner and shopping for a dress. Tommy and Shelby need to figure out how to tell their families the engagement was fake without ruining what’s real.

My Review:

This was a sweet and memorable book.  I have to admit, it took a little time for me to get into it, but once I did, I zipped right through it needing to know what would happen next.  Shelby and Tommy were perfect for each other, but it seemed every time things were going great, something would happen to almost pull them apart.   I was so happy they got a happily ever after because for a while I thought maybe it wouldn’t happen with all of the lies and misunderstandings. 

I enjoyed the author’s writing and the characters she created.  Along with the romance, there is family drama and close friendships that keep this story moving along nicely.   I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romance or women’s fiction.