Rai’s Proof

When I started my book club, I never knew the types of books that we would end up reading.  Our second month of book club was hosted by a friend who knew a local author.  This is the second book written by that author.

Rai’s Proof
by Jill Marie Denton

Rai, Second’s petite yet powerful guitarist, epitomizes the persona of a rock star and thoroughly enjoys the lifestyle it affords. A brutally talented musician with a humanitarian heart, she spends her life proving her worth to the world, onstage and off. Sidling the tough work and keeping her relations casual, she prefers the tempting over the tedious. Tough yet sultry, the charismatic musician earns her place in Second with exotic Asian beauty and the natural ability to sway even the most guarded producers and venue owners.

But when she tangles with an older, successful television writer and fellow art fan, she doubts all the tough lessons she’s learned in life. The years of routine are threatened by his golden good looks and sharp mind. And his heart hides a desperate secret, one that keeps his soul in chains. Desperate for proof, hungry for affection, she pushes her perceptions, gambles with her heart, and puts her faith in his hands.

Can she dig deep, learn to love the man and the life he offers, and still find the proof she so desperately needs from him?

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My Review:

3 Stars!

Overall, I continue to enjoy reading about the girls in Second. These books are written by a local author and I love to support local and new writers. I read the first book in this series a while ago. It was nice to get back into this realm for a short period of time. Rai is a rough around the edges independent girl with a rough past. She doesn’t need anyone to keep her happy. Steve comes along and breaks down her barriers. They learn they have a few things to work through individually before they can foster a healthy relationship. This book is full of ups and downs at the turn of each page. I look forward to reading the next book in the series about Deis.

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Until the Tequila

I was lucky enough to join Brynne Asher’s review team.  This was the first ARC that I have received since joining her team.

Until the Tequila
by Brynne Asher

Tequila: a distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant and, in Mary’s case, a truth serum.

It took one night.
No, it took one dinner, a bevy of cocktails, and a woman who’s been skirting me for months. Then, everything changed. Because the tequila did what it does best, Mary’s words flowed faster than the magic liquid she was shooting with salt and lime.
Mary had demons—ones she thought were buried. She thought wrong.
She can’t hide from her past or from me. Not anymore.
I’m Evan Hargrove and I’ll turn the world red before I let anything happen to her.

This is a Killers Series Crossover Novella written for the Happily Ever Alpha World of NYT Bestselling Author, Aurora Rose Reynolds.

Warning: This book contains naughty words and sexy bits. If you aren’t eighteen, step away from the purchase button, turn around, and walk away. We’ll pretend this never happened and I won’t tell your parents. 

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My Review:

5 Stars!

Oh, how I fell in love with these characters from the very beginning.  Mary has had it rough.  She has learned that nothing good is supposed to happen to her so she is extremely hesitant to let Evan in.  But Evan won’t let her push him away.  He breaks down her walls and proves to her that she deserves something good.  He won my heart at the same time he won Mary’s.

I can’t wait to read more of The Killers series!

The Road Home

The first ARC that I ever read for the other blog was by Jane Ashley Converse.  It was absolutely amazing so I jumped at the opportunity to read another one of her books when it was presented to me.

The Road Home 
by Jane Ashley Converse

My life was a dream…

Sold-out concerts, number one hits, and a different city every night…

I’d been coined America’s sweetheart and learned to live by the rules. That was until I met him.

Two years ago I practically threw myself at Charlie Higgins, my mom’s newest ranch hand.

With one kiss he took my breath away, but before it went any further, he turned me away telling me to forget about him.

I took my bruised heart back to Nashville and did what country singers do best: I wrote a song about it. I just never expected it to be a number one hit.

Now I’m back for my cousin’s wedding. And Charlie isn’t as in love with the song as the rest of the world.

But the way he’s looking at me makes me think maybe there’s a chance…this time he won’t tell me to go.

As long as the secret I’m keeping doesn’t scare him away.

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My Review:

5 Stars!

Cowboys, rock stars, and weddings – some of my favorite things.

Alexis and Charlie have a history. One that has haunted both of them for years. It was easy to live with it when they weren’t forced to see each other. However, that will soon change. They are thrown back together and the chemistry is intense. Alexis can’t resist Charlie but he doesn’t believe he is good enough for her.

Reading their interactions and watching Alexis and Charlie grow together creates an amazing page-turner. They know it won’t be easy but they both can’t imagine not having each other at all.

I loved returning to the ranch, bed and breakfast, and many of the characters that I fell in love with when I read Backroads last year! Another great book from Ms. Converse!

Breaking His Rules

An ARC from a new-to-me author.

Breaking His Rules
by Aliza Mann

An international playboy finds true love in a sexy new standalone contemporary romance from Aliza Mann.

Ashton Lyle is a man in control. His rules are simple:
Discipline.
Hard work.
No deviation.
And lucky for him no one is able to resist his mega-watt smile, dazzling wit, sexy British accent, and ability to manipulate any situation in business . . . and in bed.
That is, until he meets a woman with rules of her own.

Terra Ellis is a self-made woman who knows what she wants.
A successful entrepreneur, she has worked hard to cultivate an impeccable image.
A tumultuous relationship with her ex-husband has reinforced her drive but it has also made her question serious relationships.
After all, a busy woman has no time for romance.
That is, until Terra meets a man who sees through her façade.

Ashton and Terra are about to discover that some rules were made to be broken. . . .

This ebook includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

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My Review:

3 Stars!

Honestly, this book was just okay for me. I had been waiting and waiting for it to be available but it honestly did not do much for me.

The premise is a romance surrounding a middle-aged woman (Terra) and a younger man (Ashton) who doesn’t actually commit to relationships. I felt that Ashton “fell in love” with Terra very quickly for someone who doesn’t commit. Then Terra fights pretty hard to keep him at arm’s length – this helped to build some much needed romantic tension. Their romance became sweet and fun. Their chemistry ignites and their love blossoms. This is definitely a quick read that is different from the normal modern romance. If you are looking for something that flips the gender roles a little, this may be the book for you.

The Benefits of Bad Decisions

Another ARC – seems I received a lot of these in March.

The Benefits of Bad Decisions
by Lisa Suzanne

After a bad decision lands me a role on a reality show, I expect it to be my big break as a TV star. Despite getting kicked off the first night, I land on my feet again when a talent agent who saw the show offers me an audition as back-up dancer for a popular rock band.

Knowing this could be my stepping stone is exciting, but the real thrill is watching Brody bang on his drums every night. It’s a bad idea for a dancer to hook up with a band member, but after he kisses me, I can’t stay away.

Facing the consequences was inevitable, and it only takes one scandalous mistake from my past to cause our complete destruction.

Bad decision or not, I always manage to come out on top… until I don’t.

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My Review:

4 Stars!

I was going between 3 and 4 stars until that twist! Definitely didn’t see that coming. I was afraid that I wasn’t going to like Zoey at the beginning of this book but I quickly began to understand her character. Brody is her perfect balance and I loved reading their story.

Zoey is looking for her big break. Her brother is famous for being the drummer in Vail but she doesn’t want to use this connection to help jump-start her acting career. Little does she know, her break is coming in the most unexpected way!

Brody saved this story for me. Once he was introduced and started interacting with Zoey, I couldn’t put this book down!

Ms. Baker

Last year, I was given the opportunity to read and review an ARC from Lea Coll called Ms. Lawyer.  I absolutely fell in love with the book and I was so excited to learn that it was going to be a series.  This is the second book in that series.

Ms. Baker
by Lea Coll

She’s done being friends

Ever since Jack protected Samantha from a high school bully, the two have been friends. But she wants more from the sexy firefighter. Too bad Jack has always seen her as the shy sweet girl, who can’t stand up for herself.

She can’t resist his boyish smile when he stops by the bakery for coffee. Or stop herself from bringing baked goods to the fire station.

It’s time to prove she’s all grown up and can take care of herself.

And show him, she’s done being friends

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My Review:

5 Stars!

I have been anxiously awaiting the release of this book since I read Ms. Lawyer last year. This sequel did not disappoint! It was absolutely everything I hoped it would be!

Samantha is the local baker but wants more. She doesn’t want to continue working for someone who doesn’t respect her. Her drive to start her own business is admirable. Samantha is sweet, kind-hearted, and eventually learns to stand up for herself even though Jack is always there to stand up for her.

Jack is a volunteer firefighter and helps his father run the local marina. When someone starts vandalizing his property, the responsibility and relationship shared with his father starts to crumble. He has always had a thing for Samantha but never took the steps to act on it. I love how Jack leans on Samantha to help him through this as it really shows the type of man that he is.

I fell in love with the tension between Samantha and Jack from the very beginning. They have been close friends for years but have both longed for more. When they finally decide to take a chance on love, it is absolutely entrancing. I love their chemistry! Another page-turner by Ms. Coll. I can’t wait for the next!

Violent Delights

I recently was searching through Facebook and ended up in another author group.  This happens often.  This group was getting a lot of hype about an upcoming book and I was immediately intrigued.  When the opportunity for an ARC was presented by the blog, I jumped on it.

Violent Delights
by Jessica Hawkins

In the de la Rosa family, old grudges run deeper than loyalty, and betrayal is a three-letter word: war. But this feud isn’t between enemies. It’s between brothers. And I’m the prize.

I was born a princess among criminals. An untouchable among thieves. Heiress to a life others have killed for, and one I’m prepared to trade for my freedom. I vowed not to leave without Diego, my first love and best friend, but if his ruthless brother has his way, I won’t leave at all. Cristiano de la Rosa is a man as big and bold as his legend. Once upon a time, he was our cartel’s best soldier . . . until he became my family’s worst enemy.

A man like Cristiano will bend fate to his will to get what he wants. Even if it means dragging me to hell—and tearing me from his brother’s arms.

“She is mine.” Three words from two different men.
A life, future, and love I don’t get to choose.

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My Review:

3.5 Stars

I was anxiously awaiting the release of this book. I had been following it on Jessica’s Facebook page and was super excited when the opportunity for an ARC was released.

Overall, I felt that this was a good book. It left me with a desire for more so I know that I will end up reading the sequel. However, I feel like some of the characters lacked the depth that I need in order to become connected with the plot. I still don’t feel like I know Natalia, Diego, or Cristiano very well. I understand many of the motives but other than that, they just didn’t grab my attention.

I am hoping that in the sequel to this book, there will be more character development in order to allow me to really feel connected with the characters and the plot!