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Notebook Mysteries ~ Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries Book 6) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Angela Shirley

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Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries #6)Parisian Intrigue by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emma and Jeremy are in the swig of their business, until one day an invitation arrives for them to travel to Paris, although at first this seems like a gracious gift from a benefactor it all seems just too perfect. Although to there better judgement they decide to take the trip and explore the sights of Paris and the Exposition which is due to be there too.

So while they are seeing the sights and wonderful innovations Emma and Jeremy stumble upon a girl who requires there help but as soon as they are helping her she vanishes, can they find her an understand what is going on, while Dora and Tim are caught up in a plot which they have been told about regarding the exposition, can they race against the time and find out what is really going on, you will have to read the book.

This is the sixth book in the series and although this is a series each book can be read as a standalone, the nice thing in reading the whole series is you get to see the relationship grow between Emma and Jeremy over the time and how the whole crew got together.

I love the historical aspect of the story and the vivid descriptions and words feel like you are transported back to 1889 and experiencing all this with the characters of the book. I love the way these stories weave a web and thrilling adventures that feel like you are with the characters and helping them solve the mysterious as you go along.

I can’t wait to keep reading more and look forward to the next book in this series.

Broken. (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Angela Shirley

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Broken. (Green St. Girls #2)Broken. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When one of your best friends leaves a dying wish for you to take a chance and live life what are you supposed to say, well Charlie would not let me get away with not fulfilling this promise or knowing her she would haunt me forever.

Indigo is a genius, anything programming or gaming she is into it, building up her companies from scratch with the help of her friends she is on top of the software world. Although she has not had that many relationships, with her past it seems easier to live alone but when Athena’s brother shows up, Indigo starts getting feelings and reactions she has not had with anyone.

Gideon has searched long and hard for his sister, her thought she had abandoned him all those years ago but now retired from the army and reunited with her her is in a great place. So living with one of Athena’s friends seemed the logical thing to do, so here he is in Indigo’s guest house and with his friendship blossoming with this intriguing lady he starts to development more than friendship feelings.

When there is a threat to Indigo’s life she asks Gideon to be her bodyguard so they can blend in when she is at her conference, can there relationship stay friends or is more brewing under the surface and can they both admit their feelings to each other?

This the second book in the Green St Girls series and although this is the second book I believe it can be read as a stand alone book, as you go through it does explain who certain people are in relation to each other.

Indigo has had struggles and with her past still so raw your heart really goes out for her, trying to run her companies with this attacker after her really weighs a toll on her and you get to see the sassy, badass girl she is which is brilliant to read. Gideon is a quiet force of nature, having his issues have only made this man even more lovably, he is patient and calm with Indigo but when he needs to become the alpha male he is gentle and tries to let her have the ahhhh moment which is great to read.

I love these stories and if you have not read Athena’s and Tru’s story you need to it is brilliant. Now I hope Gwyn’s story is next as she needs some love in her life.

Bared. (A Green St. Girls Romance) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Angela Shirley

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Bared. (Green St. Girls #1)Bared. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When your best friend demands you to live your life on her death bed, you tend to have to make good on the promises.

Athena is young and successful, being thrown out of your home at 17 and force to live on your own was a hard lesson to learn but in walked the family I choose, my girls, Gwyn, Indigo and Charlie became all the family I needed. Until Charlie got ill and all the money in the world which they had could not save her, so on her death bed in typical Charlie style she made me promise to live life and find love.

Tru is living the life he always wanted, most people say a Professional Pool Player is not really a career but tell his bank that. All he is interested in is the top prize and winning this will catapult him to the top of the listing and more sponsorship and recognition he deserves. Arriving at the venue he spots a beautiful woman who he just needs to get know, when they finally get to chat he discovers that she is the owner of the pub and various other clubs and bars throughout the country.

As Athena gets to know Tru she is more aware that the intial fun she wanted to share is becoming more serious and that Charlie may have had a point of finding a forever person and she may have found them in Tru.

Can they both put there past behind them and embrace the future together?

I loved this book, it is full of emotion and tragedy which is heart-breaking and draws you in from the first chapter. I loved the character of Athena, she is definitely a woman to not mess with, with her passion and ambition was a refreshing read and that said Tru was just enough Alpha to be strong with her but his softer side really was a counter and calming influence to Athena which was lovely.

I loved the secondary characters and they enhanced the story and showed that family can be grown and chosen, with the way they were complete ready to have each other backs and damn the world was brilliantly and engaging to read. Thank you for a brilliant and well written story and can’t wait to read about the Green Street Girls.

Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap Book 2) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Angela Shirley

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Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap, #2)Smooth Hoperator by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Carter had a successful career in politics mapped out for him ever since High School and his first debate, but over the past year he has slowly become disillusion with the whole thing on Capitol Hill. When he discovers his mentor may have sold herself out for money and while trying to understand the dilemma he is in, he overhears a conversation that turns his whole world upside down and has him leaving DC and returning home to hide.

Once at home, he picks up his job with his brother in the Brewery as Brew master all while trying to investigate into what he overheard, but as this is becoming more and more dangerous he needs to be more careful, but researching at the library is becoming more difficult but when the Librarian decides to make him her pet project things are going to turn out ugly and dangerous.

Sunshine has always wanted to be a Librarian, she loves the facts and knowledge that is uncovered under her walls and when she spots a homeless man coming in every couple of weeks, she takes it upon herself to help him with what ever addiction he has, but as time goes on Sunny is drawn into a world of espionage, cover ups and danger, can she survive a) the bad guys and b) the attraction of the stranger in the Library.

Can Carter keep Sunny safe and his family, all while exposing the corruption on Capitol Hill.

Oh my, I love, love, love this author and this story is no different. This is a stand alone story regarding Carter and Sunny and is part of the Love on Tap Series. Carter in the first book was the brooding brother who sneaked around the brewery and not really interacting with anyone, so reading him in this book was a great insight into him as a person. Sunny was just the most brilliant sidekick to him with her optimistic outlook on life against the grey and pessimistic world of Carter where brilliant to read.

I can also appreciate the quirky characters as in Duke, Sunny’s grandfather and Knuckles the spy were hilarious to read and brought a light hearted feel to the story. As always Miller’s antics brought a smile and overall I loved all the secondary characters which just embrace the story and make it what it is.

There are some many questions which I hope are answered in the next books, like does Miller find out who’s following him? Does Gina and Duke have a thing going on? and what’s Lynne up to at college as there has to be a story there.

Thank you for the enjoyment and entertainment of all your stories and look forward to reading the next book and books lol.

Love Bites More (The Darkness & Light Duology, and the Love Bites World) by TL Clark – Review by Angela Shirley

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Love Bites MoreLove Bites More by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elan and Arwyn have been friends for years, although there is an attraction they pledged not to enter the urge as this would mess with the dynamic of the friends, until one day all that is thrown out and they discover lust and love with each other and another.

Hassan has travelled with Pryderi and wants to settle in the area, although his background is different to the rest of them he finds peace and connection with Elan. Hassan is not sure what will happen but as his attraction and chemistry grows he gets involved in more than one love, he discovers two.

With the bond pulling them closer, can the pact that Elan and Arwyn made survive the relationship which is on the cards.

This is the first book I have read in this series and this author and I have to say it fascinated me. It can be read as a stand alone as the author makes sure understand the characters as Elinefae and what that entails. The book leads you into a world of pure fantasy and unlocks your imagination in ways I have never really explored.

I loved the characters of Elan and Arwyn as they had a torture start before even adding the complexity of the third male into the equation, although at times I felt the conversations forced it did not take away the overall story. Although this is not normally something I would read necessarily it did hold my interest to the end.

Thank you T Clark for opening my eyes to the world of the Elinefae, witches, dragons and fantasies.

 

Guarding the Crease (The Playmakers Series Hockey Romances Book 9) by G.K. Brady – Review by Angela Shirley

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Guarding the Crease (The Playmakers #9)Guarding the Crease by G.K. Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wyatt Tompkins is in a slump, using his status as a NHL Goalie just a little too much so when his antics are no longer fun and hindering his career he spirals into a slump. With no team anymore and not knowing what he can do to bring him back into the NHL he decides to go out and have a drink with his cousin, Noah. That night changes his life forever.

Serena Lambert has her career on the incline, PR Director of one of the top NHL teams wanting her savvy skills to take her higher until one night she is thrown into the path of the most infamous hockey player she has ever met but as she gets to know him, he starts to work his way into her heart.

When Wyatt asks Serena to help him improve his image, she is reluctant at first but over time the chemistry and attraction is too much to ignore but when two personalities are that different can they find the line in the sand to be together.

I loved this story and another great addition to the series, although this is part of the series you can easily read this as a standalone book.

I must admit when you first meet Wyatt you do think what a complete waste of space, he has caused this on himself and he needs to grow up, but as they story moves along you understand and get to see the real person inside and grow to love him, I know but you do. Serena is a brilliant sassy, independent strong woman, who takes no nonsense from him and calls him on his behaviour which is brilliant to read.

The story was well written, and the main characters really drive the story along which enhanced the reading experience and I was frantically diving in to finish and see what happens in the end. I can’t wait to read more in this series and by this author.

Shadowed Obsession (Shadow Defense Security Series Book 1) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Angela Shirley

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Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series Book 1)Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kiera O’Ryan is smart, successful and is good at her job, but there is one thing that has her searching the dark corners and causing her to question her sanity she has a stalker. Although she has requested help from the Montana Police they can’t seem to find or locate who the person is. They always feel one step ahead, until she recruits her neighbour to help.

Cade Hartford is ex-forces and working for a Private Military contractor but when his neighbour comes to him to help with her stalker problem, he jumps straight in to help, the only problem is this stalker is always ahead of them and it feels very much like a game of cat and mouse.

Can Cade help Kiera find the culprit and recuse Kiera?

This is the first book I have read from this author and will not be the last, the twists and turns in this book have you at the edge of your seat with anticipation.

The story is well written, and the main characters are well balanced and suit each other brilliantly, the chemistry between them jumps off the page and adds to the flow of the story as the drama builds. The character of Cade is a great alpha male and as I say I love a flawed character and he has his hang-ups along the way, although with the strong female character of Kiera and her strong will and sassy nature this makes a brilliant combination.

As this book can be read as a standalone, I can’t wait for the next book in this series and I believe Mavery Ellscott has just become another author in my very long TBR list.

A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Angela Shirley

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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta, #2)A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Annie Miller has had tragedy in her life, losing both your parents is a trauma but when you lose them together in the same accident you become lost but knowing she had to look after her brother and sister they decided to make a break and move to a town which held both good memories and a new start for the family.

Marietta was the place that her parents had taken them on holidays and the right place to make a new life, buying the B and B and making it home was all Annie was thinking about. Her sister was getting married in a few weeks and all the arrangements were getting sorted, but Annie worried about the business, she had a few bookings but nothing to make it a living which she needed to do. Although Janie has suggested her godson a big marketing man from Portland, Annie had reservations about working with the handsome man from the big city.

Craig O’Sullivan is becoming disillusioned working for a big firm, with the new contract they have just won meant that a smaller marketing company folded and that does not sit right with him, so when his Aunty Janice calls saying she needs help with his cousin’s wedding plans he sees this as an opportunity to escape the race for a bit and unwind. When he arrives to the small town of Marietta, he is pushed into helping Annie with her marketing strategy for the B and B but once he meets her the sparks fly and he can’t get her out of his head.

They decide to see where these sparks go but can they both agree on the short-term fun or when its time to say goodbye can they or are there hearts too invested in each other.

I loved this story; it was fully of swoon moments and just a good romance from start to finish. This is the first book I read by this author and loved the storytelling that flowed from the page. The character of Annie was lovely and although her confidence had been hit with a shovel by her ex-partner, I loved the willingness in the end to take a chance and go for what she wanted. Craig’s character was a perfect accompany to Annie and although he seemed confident and sure on the outside there was the doubt in him that he would be hurt and abandoned just like his parents had done all those years ago and that giving your heart always meant heartbreak.

The secondary characters were brilliant and enhanced the story and showed the families merging as one, please tell me that Riley and Mitch get together in the end as that chemistry was also jumping off the page and deserves a book of there own lol. Thank you for letting me invade and feel that these people could be my friends to.

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Angela Shirley

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1)A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Laurent has lived in and worked at his families Vineyards for what seems like forever, but getting to his position in the company has taken hard work and determination, although he always felt like he was missing something in his life when his best friend and really love of his life Phoebe left all those years ago.

Phoebe left the small town which had her heart years ago, leaving everything and everyone was one of the hardest decisions he has ever had to make but with all the tragedy that has happen in her life she wants comfort and familiarity and to collect on a promise hopefully Laurent has not forgot about. Leaving him was the hardest thing of all but over the years of roaming the world and not wanting to settle down it always leads her back to Vine Valley and the unconditional love of a man.

Standing there in the tasting room was the scariest thing Phoebe had done but seeing him all the old feeling came flooding back and will he be able to forgive her and help her in this dilemma.

This is the first story I have read by this author, and it was a heartwarming read, the chemistry between the two main characters was a joy to be a part of and the angst and pain felt in some of the conversations were real and to the point. I love a flawed character and Phoebe unfortunately was a product of mental abuse and sheer tragedy in her life, with her only escape was running.

Laurent character was a great counter to Phoebe’s but with his utter loss and being heartbroken when she left not knowing where or why she vanished as imprinted on him and with him wanting to trust and be with her moving forward. I also thought the secondary characters added to the flow and depth of the story.

I can’t wait to read more by this wonderful author and hopefully more in this series.

Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Angela Shirley

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Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3)Grand Slam by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Heath Bailey is on top of his sport, with his team just winning the Championship and riding high, what more does he want or need but with his friends finding that special someone he feels its time to put his love’ em and leave them attitude behind him and settle down. So, when he is invited to am event at the animal shelter his worst nightmare appears but when after the event he can’t stop thinking of the bossy, rude woman is there something there.

Grace Dyer has her dream job which she loves with all her heart, the only problem is she is only just scrapping by. When she decides to organise an event for the Animal Shelter in walks the cocky, arrogant ball player, Heath Bailey. The man infuriates her and boils her blood but once the event is over, she kind wants him around, but when she meets him again at his sister’s hospital bed there is an attraction which she can’t really pin down but as she gets to know the real him, he starts to get into her heart and her head.

This is the third book in this series and it brilliant just like the other stories in this series. You get to see some of the characters in the other books, but it was lovely to see the interactions and the chemistry between these two in a full story. The book is well written and can be read as a stand-alone story but the other books are brilliant in their own right would make a great addition to you TBR list.

I loved the interaction between Grace and Cash and the understanding that in the end they were perfect for each other. The sassy character of Grace was just what Heath needed to put him in his place and the fact that Grace called his bull and vice a versa was refreshing to read and be a part of. I love the fact that these books make you feel like you in there world with them as a cherished friend and I hope there is another book or two to continue this series.

A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2) by Tami Lund – Review by Angela Shirley

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A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2)A Way Out by Tami Lund
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Maria has decided to get control of her life, divorcing her husband who to be fair she only really married as she thought her mother would approve but as the years have gone on, she has discovered she is bored and has never really been in love. With divorce now final and her ex-husband kicking out of the house with their daughter she has only one place that is safe, her sister Holly’s.

Maria then drive’s to Holly’s only to discover that she is not home but a rather sexy rocker is in her place, once realising that it’s Holly and Sam’s wedding and she should be there, panicking she agrees to stay with Oz and take the trip together, but can she stay away from the sexy rocker or should she just let loose and do something for her for a change.

Oz has agreed to look after Sam and Holly’s house while they are away on honeymoon but when Holly’s sister turns up her has a feeling of protection and attraction towards her and her daughter. Although he has enough in his life looking after his sisters’ children and his mother her is drawn to Maria and Reilly which he can not understand. Swearing against acting on his feelings he is given a great opportunity to go further in the band, but it means that Maria will technically become his boss and those affairs never go well, but can he stay away.

I loved this story of heartbreak but also discovery which had me turning the pages to finish this beautiful tale. Maria’s character in the beginning I felt a bit wishy washy but are the story progressed you saw her come out of her shell and become a strong woman who in the end knew what she wanted. Oz, I have to say has been added to the long list of book boyfriends as his character was so empathic and was also struggling with the internal conversations of being attracted to her but was it right which had me internally shouting “just do it, follow your heart”.

The secondary characters added to the whole flow of the story, and I hope there are another few books along to the to let us into the world of Cash and Travis all but a few. Although this is the second book in this series, I feel this story can be read as a standalone. I look forward to reading more in this series and the others.

Twisted Oath (Bound By Blood Book 1) by A. S. Roberts – Review by Angela Shirley

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Twisted Oath (Bound By Blood #1)Twisted Oath by A.S. Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Salvatore grow up an orphan but knowing his destiny he strived to take his rightful place in the family but he has to be careful and strategic. Once all his options are in a row he announces himself to his grandfather the underboss of one of the most dangerous mafia families. Being welcomed into the fold his plan is almost complete, when he revenges his mothers kidnapping, his trophy becomes his everything.

Serafina has known her family is part of the family but it has never really affected her with her dreams of becoming a doctor she has her life ahead of her, but there is always the secret she has kept for years. He never approaches, he always stays in the shadow of the rocks of her families beach in Italy but she has a kinship to him that even she can’t explain, ut one day that all changes and she is thrown into the life of the mafia, arranged to marry someone the Don has choose, there is no option she must accept to save her family and although she vows not to love her husband she must go through with it, but when she see him the boy of her childhood a peace comes over her.

Salvatore did not want to fall in love with her but she has woven her way into his heart and he will do anything to protect her.

OMG I have read a few of AS Roberts book but this one went straight to my soul. Salvatore although a strong alpha character has a vulnerability with his total devotion to Sera and to see him pen up in the second part of the story was brilliant and beautiful to read. Sera was such a great equal to him and with her own struggles through the marriage were beautiful also to read.

The story was fast paced and well written, it held my attention till the very last word and could not get enough of it, I had to stay up and finish to see what happened in the end. I loved the secondary character with Mia and Gia being my favourite and I hope to read there stories next.

Thank you for a brilliant start to this series and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

Deception by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Angela Shirley

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Deception (Central Florida Stories, #1)Deception by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Joe has just come back from a tour which devastated him and his teammates, when IED exploded all, he can see is his friend running toward the bomb to save them but also stop the depression with that fateful letter, Joe’s world is turned upside down.

Now, moved back home and running his families Landscaping business Joe leads a solitary life but when his colleague invites to the local pub, Joe is fed up of being on his own and decides to join him but when he meets the woman who ruined his friend and cause the devastation with made him take his own life, a plan of revenge creeps into Joe’s mind and Hunter becomes the hunted.

Hunter is lost in life, not quite sure where she is going but has the goal to get her son moved from her mother’s clutches to be with her. Although she is not one for relationships, the love them until they want more then she dismisses them and moves on, but when the tall, dark and Alpha walks into the bar her insides call to her to get to know this man, but when she finally gets to be with Joe will she be able to be the submissive woman he requires and needs.

This is the first story I have read by this author, and I enjoyed the book thoroughly, although at the beginning I found it tough to get into once over the initial couple of chapters it was intriguing and flowed well. I loved the character of Hunter, she was sassy and thought she knew who she was, although when Joe started introducing her to certain ways and behaviours her whole mind set needed to change and understood the need to be with Joe.

I always love a good, flawed character and Joe is another one to add to my pile, with his alpha male tendencies and the pure dominance he was great to read as a character. The relationship was lovely to watch as a slow burn and knowing the true reason at the beginning for the relationship was interesting to see the whole love blossom in the end. The ending of the story was brilliant, and I am glad they got there happy ending.

Can’t wait to read the next story and see the sexy Master Kurt’s story.

Undeniable (Central Florida Stories Book 2) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Angela Shirley

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Undeniable (Central Florida Stories, #2)Undeniable by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Arley has not had the best life so far, when that fateful night happened with her brother, she did not know how she was going to survive it literally but over time her body healed but not her heart, but when night she is kidnapped realising that this is not just a abduction but human trafficking she need to escape and get her life back.

Although escaping the nightmare, Arley may hold the key to stopping the cartel so she is moved to Orlando to hide, until one day she sees someone from her past who she thought had long gone or had forgotten her, but can she put him in danger or throw caution to the wind and let him in her world.

Kurt has always had a soft spot for Arley, as a kid in the neighbourhood he knew what was going on in the house of his best friend but with college Arley’s brother and Kurt drifted further apart until one night he did not recognise the man who just beat up his sister to an inch of her life. Losing track after all these year’s he is surprised to see her in his club. Since coming back from Afghanistan, he is not really interest in the lifestyle but when he sees her behind the bar, he starts to have feelings and wants her to be his. So, when she is in danger can he protect her at any costs.

I loved this story; Kurt had been so tempting in the first book and was glad to get to read his story. They had both suffered so much and just wanted there happy ending and I am so glad it came together in the end. Arley was a brilliant character to match with Kurt and reading their relationship and chemistry blossom and grow was wonderful and brilliant to read.

There are triggers within the story which some people may find hard to read but I feel this shows the strength of character that Arley was and that she needed a strong Alpha to care for her although she rebelled against it at every turn in the end it was a lovely relationship to discover.
I can’t wait to read the next story and see which sexy Dom this relates to.

Twisted Proposal (Central Florida Stories Book 3) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Angela Shirley

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Twisted Proposal (Central Florida Stories)Twisted Proposal by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ethan Ashford is an enigma, coming from money he has the world open to him, but as a private person he likes to play in private, with his friends they created a world where people can come and play. In a community of Million-dollar houses sits the Nexus club, on the outside a mansion and on the inside a world of BDSM and role play.

Although one night his father asks him to attend a Gala on his behalf, Ethan is not prepared for what is going to happen, there at the bar is his arch nemesis the one woman who he detests and will break, but once getting closer to her he discovers he has made a mistake and it is a relation. Ethan then hatches a plan to seek revenge on the innocent Siena, but when he is inflicting his plan, he does not imagine that she will crawl under his skin and plant herself in his heart.

Siena is just looking for investors when her cousin Joyce invested some money, she was hoping the other half would come from her brother but when she finds out he is broke and owes people monies she is doomed until he walks in and offers a proposition to solve all her problems but the only thing is can she give herself fully to Ethan and become his sub for money.

Ethan has popped up in the other books along the way and I am so glad you get to see him in his full story. Ethan to me has always been coasting along the way not really finding that someone he can totally open to, but seeing how the relationship between the two of them grows from Enemies to lovers is lovely to read. The overall struggle of Ethan in the end to try and reconcile the way he wanted to use her to then understand the feelings for her was brilliant.

I really can’t wait to read the next book.

Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Angela Shirley

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Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2)Sacrifice Bunt by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Zara has her career and her love and leave them attitude but there is only man that has managed to get under her skin is Noah Ashe, since college and him walking in on her in a compromising position and walking away she has had this innate compulsion to fight with him. So when Hannah her best friend asks her to fill in for her in big business meeting will she make it through dinner or kill Noah.

Noah has had feelings for Zara ever since her found her in his apartment in college naked waiting for his room mate, over the years it has become a cat and mouse game with her to annoy her as much as possible his own kind of foreplay, but when she accompanies him to a business deal he cant let his pent up attraction hid anymore and with the single kiss his world is spinning out of control on its axis, but when Zara shuts him down will he get a second chance.

Zara is still dreaming about the kiss but can she break her own rules and decide to give Noah a try or will it end in tears and ruin friendships.

This is the second book in the Ground Rule series and is absolutely brilliant. I am glad that these two characters are the second story as you get a hint of the frustration of these two characters in the first book but they just explode off the page in this book.

I always love a strong female character and Zara is that to a tee but it is always lovely to see the vulnerable side and the fact that she is lonely and that Noah fills that void without her really understanding or knowing that she needed it was brilliant to read. Noah’s character although is tough and strong alpha having flaws with him was lovely to read and be empathic with a male mental health is now coming to the forefront.

Although as I said this is the second book in the series this book can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the first book and get to see the blossoming relationship of Celia and Kyle. Thank you for this story and hope to read more in the future.

Walk Off (Ground Rule Book 1) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Angela Shirley

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Walk OffWalk Off by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Celia is trying to live her life, having a great job and a beautiful daughter but there has always been the secret which has burnt a hole in her heart for years, until at her friend’s wedding her whole world caves in and she is eye to eye with man she loved and gave up for him to follow his career in baseball.

Kyle is excited to see his best friend get married, friends from college he will always be there for Benji but as his flight was delayed, he missed the ceremony but arrives just in time to see a ghost from his past, the woman he has always loved but lost her when he wanted to pursue his career. Can he put the hurt aside and see if there is anything there again or has, she moved on with her life.

As they start to see each other it is becoming difficult to keep the secret of the past, will Kyle forgive Celia for the betrayal, or will Kyle understand why she kept it from him for so long.

I really enjoyed this book and the way the author weaved the story with such ease and brilliance that you feel your invested in these characters from the first word. I loved Celia’s character and the understanding that she let the person she loved go because she knew he would give everything up for her if her discover her secret was heart-breaking and pure selfishness but also suffered eternal gut of not letting her daughter have a relationship with her father.

The relationship between the main characters was brilliant and the chemistry rose off the page with each word, with the interaction of the secondary characters making this a face paced, can’t put down read. This is not the first book I have read by this author and will definitely will not be the last.

Someone to Watch Over Me (Wounded Hearts Series Book 3) by Debbie Cromack – Review by Angela Shirley

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Someone to Watch Over Me (Wounded Hearts, #3)Someone to Watch Over Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Angelo had loved Lucia since the first time he saw her, but being her brother’s best friend, he always put himself in the role of protector until one night Lucia asked him for the thing he could not give. Lucia was devastated with the rejection from Angelo but although heartbroken she will carry on with her life and leave him and their friendship behind.

Months go by without them speaking and Angelo is becoming more agitated that he has not spoken to Lucia for ages until the summer when their family’s holiday together and there she is more beautiful than ever and still stirs the attraction within him, but he has to keep it in check until he is more stable and reliable in his work and life to offer her the vey best she deserves. Lucia is nervous to see him but as the holiday goes on the slip back into the ease of friendship until one night when he kisses her all her worlds come together only to be rejected again and heartbroken all over again.

Years later, water under the bridge Lucia discovers something which turns her world upside down, but all she can think about is the only person who can help her make sense of the situation and take care of her is Angelo, but will he be onboard for the long haul.

This is not the first book I have read by this author, and this certainly won’t be the last, although this is the third book in the series this book can be read as a standalone. The story is about a bond which although we try to dismiss seems to guide us back to the light which shines. Angelo was a great character full of honour and morale’s although through the story his loses his way with Lucia in the end it works out brilliantly. Lucia’s character was strong and resilient and even though she was rejected a couple of times by Angelo she knew he was the one for her and pursued until the end.

I thought the tragedy in the story was written brilliantly and with compassion for someone who has never been through such tragedy the emotion through the writing was gut wrenching and my heart just hurt with the emotion. The writing was engaging, and the story flowed easily, with me not want to stop until I had finished the story. Thank you for a wonderful book and can’t wait to read more in the future.

Fireflies (The Physical Collection) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Angela Shirley

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Fireflies (The Physical Collection)Fireflies by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mike and Dane have been together for years, always looking for the perfect relationship. As a bisexual couple, Dane wanting to start a family and bring something fresh to the relationship discusses to bring a female into the couple and become a Polyamorous relationship.

As they search for the perfect fit, each man goes through a journey of discovery and in the end will this strength or destroy the bonds they have within their relationship.

This is the first book I have read by this author, and this is not my usual genre, but I was curious regarding the subject matter and decided to give the story ago. At the beginning you see the love these two people have for each other but as they discover the female and then females to bring into the relationship the story flows with the internal fears and hopes of each of the characters.

The subject matter is delivered brilliantly and brings you into the world without judgement but pure respect for the strength of love and committed, although there are drama and emotions do run high it is a well told story. Although this is the third book in the series, I did not feel that it took away from the story, not reading the other two books.

Thank you for opening my mind to a subject I had little knowledge on and I hope to read more in the future.

Breathless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 3) by KG Fletcher – Review by Angela Shirley

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Breathless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #3)Breathless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hank Bennett is lost in a world of unknowns now. With his band breaking up and him coming back home has his dreams been lost forever or can he make it on his own, but one night he thought he was going to the concert of his hero, and it ended up changing his life’s path forever.

Ella Mae was working the merch table and was trying to just get through the night when a rather drunk, cute cowboy came crashing into her life. Although she knew what could happen if he knew her real identity, but she could not resist Hank’s charms, understanding his story and feeling for him she invited him on the last few tour dates to experience the true life of a Country Music star.

Along the way the truth is laid out and Hank starts to have feeling for Ella but can tour life and a needy brother get in the way of true love in the end.

I am so in love with Hank, and I am glad you choose his story next; he has always seemed a bit lost in the previous books not quite sure whether the farm or music is the way to go but this book brings it all forward and embraces what family is all about. The interactions between Hank and Ella were beautiful to read and the chemistry was off the page.

There is some pretty heavy feelings in this story and the way the brothers struggles were described where a great insight into something I have not dealt with but could understand Ella’s reactions and emotions. I have to say I want to be a part of The Bennetts, they have so much love and respect for each other that you feel like you are a part of the family and want to hug Roy as he seems like a good hugger lol.

I can’t wait for the next book and trust Becky to throw a huge bomb in the middle of The Bennetts and can’t wait to read it. Thank KG Fletcher for creating a world of pure love and respect.

Punk (Popov Boys Book 6) by Leslie Georgeson – Review by Angela Shirley

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Punk (Popov Boys #6)Punk by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Efrem Popov is struggling to find his space in the world, being from one of the most dangerous families their reputation always muddies the water to who he is. Once making a deal with his grandfather to disband the illegal side of the family he is still hiding his secret from his family, but one day he decides to leave the family business and find a job on his own. That’s when he finds Miranda and she recuses him more than she will ever know.

Miranda is locked in a nasty divorce and is struggling with her business until one day in walks a young man looking for a job, she has a opening for, he sets to work discovering what her ex-husband and friend was up to and finds a whole heap of dog poo to unravel. Efrem helps Miranda uncover the embezzlement, but more drama follows when her stepdaughter shows up pleading for her to stay with Miranda.

As the story goes on Miranda and Efrem discover feelings for each other but with Efrem’s dark secret and Miranda’s ex-husband can the couple survive the pressures and become one with each other.

OMG, I love this series. I have devoured every book but this one I confess is my favourite as in the other books you get a glimpse of Efrem, but this book lets him shine. I love the interaction with his family and that the emotion of him being lost in a world of violence. Miranda is the quiet calm to Efrem, and the chemistry sparks off the page regarding these to beautiful characters.

As always, the story is well written and flows effortlessly drawing you in to the world of Bratva and Efrem’s reality. I hope there are more books in this series as I am not ready to give up the Popov’s just yet.

Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Angela Shirley

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Hero Complex (Bluestone Series, #3)Hero Complex by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ivy has lived and breathed the ranch life for what seems all her life, inheriting Moonrock from her grandfather was the biggest honour he could have bestowed on her but as she sits looking through the books something must change, she is failing miserably. Having to let the only ranch hand go she is stuck in the cycle of chores and sleep until one night at he friends she meets the man of her dreams, and he also needs somewhere to stay for a while.

Ace is lost, being medically discharged from the Marines he is wondering a path he has no purpose to now, but when he decides to move and accepts Ivy’s offer of somewhere to stay he offers his services as a ranch hand as compensation, but he is drawn to this strong woman but will she let him in and love him the way he loves her or will his literal scars push her away.

This is the second book I have read by this author, and it was a lovely romantic story. I always love a flawed character and Ace was one of not only physical scars but was also trying to comprehend the man he is now to the man he was is heart-breaking to read. I loved that Ivy was although at times shy and reserved her character was brilliant to read as she blossomed with the help of Ace and that she helped him love himself again.

The secondary characters added to the story and as the story twists through the misogynistic characters it just makes Ace’s character more lovable as you see the true determination to protect this woman with all his heart.

If you are looking for a quick read I definitely recommend this book and you will fall in love with the characters as much as I did.

Obedience (Ties That Bind Book 1) by Liza Snow – Review by Angela Shirley

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ObedienceObedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cassandra has waited all her life to be a top class aerialist, studying with the best in the industry, Chandler Moreau but can fantasy and reality match up. Once she has passed her audition she is embraced in the world of the Circus, with friends who knew her parents but one person is her obsession and curse as your hero’s are never quite the same.

Chandler Moreau is stuck in the illusion of a perfect life on the outside but a tortured soul on the inside, with his father’s and family pressures all he wants to do is fly in the circus. Until one day she walks into his life and plants herself deeply in his soul but will his dark family history and her thirst to find who killed her parents come crashing down around them and drive a wedge through them in the end.

I enjoyed the story and the characters within greatly, they way it built up the tense was brilliant to read. The chemistry between Chandler and Cassandra was palpable off the page and during the Shibari scenes where erotic in description and wording.

The one regret is I feel the story dragged a little at the start and took a while to build with the relationship between the two main characters but other than that I really enjoyed the book and can’t wait to read more by this author in the future.

Euphoric Wonderland by Ryan M. Becker – Review by Angela Shirley

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Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the MindEuphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is not the sort of genre I would ever consider reading but the idea of the poetry opened my mind to read something new and I really thought this collection of poems was thought provoking and brilliant.

Although I have not read any poetry seen school the theme and flow of them was interesting and complex provoking deep thoughts regarding some of the subject matter.

I enjoyed the book and with the colour and artwork which accompanied them gave a special feeling as one person wrote a drug trip without the drugs.

Thank you for opening my mind and I am glad I took a chance on a book I may have just scrolled past.

Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Angela Shirley

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elle left the small town of Sweet Valley and the only person she really loved, when she got caught up with Aaron she thought this is the best she could do but over the ten years of marriage and torture she is making her way back to the childhood town she misses. Aaron had warn her down and with the physical abuse and mental torture believing no-one will care to love her within her family she is nervous driving into town.

Elle is left utterly shocked that not only is she welcomed home but her family rally around her to make sure is overcomes the abuse she has suffered, but what will happen when she sees the one man she ever loved and left looking back.

Blake has been lost in Sweet Valley ever since Elle moved on, his only ever love of his life so what is there worth fighting for, she left and I am still here, until one day she comes crashing back in his life but although the chemistry and memories are still there his heart is that protected can she hammer her way through and let them have the happily ever after they deserve.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I loved it. I love a good flawed character and you had two for the price of one. I have to say if you have triggers ready abuse this may not be the right book for you, but the author wrote those scenes with emotion and tact that your heart bleeds for the character of Elle and just want to protect her. I loved the character also of Blake who is just heartbroken by the past but you see with Elle’s help him putting his life back together and seeing that he does have a future.

The goats arriving at the ranch made me giggle as you can just imagine within the description of the book the scene and that just sums the book up, well written with brilliant main characters with the added extra of the secondary characters adding to the story as it went on although there is a hint of sadness in parts I devoured the book and want to read more in this wondering series, possibly Katelyn story next.

Consigliere’s Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Angela Shirley

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Consigliere's Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3)Consigliere’s Revenge by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lorenzo is in Vegas to help the family exact revenge n the De Rosa’s after the blood shed of his family Larussio, but he has a thorn in his side as consigliere, a reporter is telling the secrets of the mafia and he must stop her before more family secrets are print across the papers.

Isabella is determined to expose the dirty under belly of the Mafia in Vegas, from the De Rosa’s feud to the revenge of the Larussio family, so when she gets access to to the inner sanctum of the VIP floor of Larussio’s hotel she sees things which would make a great story, upon leaving she is stopped by him, The Consigliere, he should scare her but with his dark soulless eyes and his alpha present she is attracted to this fascinated man who in one order could have her killed. But there is something there she can’t quite understand, but she has learnt not to trust these powerful men.

Lorenzo see’s her and instantly is drawn to her, once he makes her a proposition to work with them, she is his not just in work but in body too, can he get Izzy to trust him and love him back?

OMG, I love this series. This book although the third book in the Sicilian Gods Series you can read as a stand alone as each book focuses on one member of the family. This happens to be Lorenzo’s book which what a fast paced brilliant read. Lorenzo in the other books has always been a fleeting character and it was nice to read his “Forever Love” story. The character of Izzy was a brilliant equal to his character with fight and sass and it seems all your woman have the strength running through which makes them brilliant alpha ladies to these violent alpha males.

The only regret I have is not getting more of the Izzy’s relationship with “Families” in Italy as there is certainly a back story there which would be fascinating to read, also to understand the secret her father is keeping as that really peaked my interest but that may be in a different story relating to other characters we will see.

The story was well written and the two characters where just the right air of illusion to each other and to see the trust and chemistry build was brilliant to discovery.

Please, Please make Sergio your next story, he needs calming down with the love of a good woman, LOL.

Stay For Me (The Balefire Series Book 5) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Angela Shirley

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Stay For Me (The Balefire Series Book 5)Stay For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Garrett has managed the biggest Rock band for almost ten years, but over the past few years he has done things he is not proud of which has made his trust with the band shaky at times but he excuses have always been for the good of the band. Garrett has loved the lifestyle and enjoys the single, young guy status but Garrett has had his regrets and one was the woman he left behind all those years ago to manage the band, but he has never really loved anyone else but her.

Olivia is at the top of her career, getting the gig of directing the Grammy’s is a once in a lifetime thing and she has to pinch herself, the only thing is she will see the man who walked out on her ten years ago and took her heart with him, choosing a group of young rock stars instead of her, hurts more than he will ever know. But, when Olivia gets a request to direct the new video for Balefire is he prepare to see Garrett and will all the old feelings come back. She has learnt to hide things can she hide the love still burning in her heart for this man.

OMG, I am not the biggest Garret fan but I loved this story of love and lost and the fairy-tale that can come true. Did he deserve to get Olivia back into his life, NO but to be fair the more I read of the book the more I actually warmed to Garrett and you get to understand the reasons behind all the things he did. I loved the characters of Olivia with her sassy, kick ass side to her but underneath all the glamour and armour still was still that lost girl hurt by the love of her life.

This was a brilliant well paced and written story, which if you have not read the series from the start can be read as a stand alone story but I recommend reading the whole series as you get the full view of Garrett and what he has done and how everything fits in. The relationship between him and the band in the end was lovely to read and how they understood his sacrifices that he took at the beginning and was a great end to the story.

Thank you for a brilliant series and a fitting ending to this series and pulling Garrett out of the idiot section to the AHHH section.

Hot For Me (The Balefire Series Book 4) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Angela Shirley

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Hot For Me (Balefire, #4)Hot For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Adam Tron is part of the biggest rock band of the century and as such can have his choice of woman but as his friends in the band are slowly finding there futures he is feeling a bit lost at the moment. Although he has a plan that hopefully will bringing with the woman who has dreamed about for a while now but never approach.

Christy Valor has overcome a lot in her life to get to the heights of the Pop world, so when one of the hottest Rock bands asks her to come and tour for some of there dates she jumps at the chance, although full of sass and seduction she is really looking forward to Tron, his bass speaks to her and if his music anything to go by he would be a brilliant lover, a bit of fun for the tour.

Although they strike up a relationship on the road, Adam feels like there is a secret with Christy that she is not comfortable sharing, yet. But, we need to get through Adam’s manager and Christy’s Manager who seem it is there right to sabotage the relationship from the beginning.

This is the first book I have read in this series and it can be read as a stand alone book, but I am determine to see how each of the other band members find there awesome women. This story is full of pace and you delve straight into the action from the first chapter.

I love the characters of Adam and Christy, as they gel well together and the chemistry which sparks of the age makes you want to keep turning the page to see where the story takes you. There are also great secondary characters with the sense of a family with the band comes off the page and you get the feeling of care and protection from them. I have to say I could have crawled into book and punched the manager Garrett but in the end you do have a sense of sadness for him but not much, Lol.

I can’t wait to read the next book and the books before this ones, as you have made a fan of me.

Other People’s Money (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 7) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Angela Shirley

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Other People's Money (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 7)Other People’s Money by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Madeline is off on another case when an old friend asks her and her team to help solve some missing monies within her husband’s company. So while the team investigates the missing bookkeeper, the case gets more and more stranger.

As Madeline runs into another case from a child who are worried regarding their father’s younger fiancée and wonder if she is all cracked up to be, but as her team delves into the case they are struggling to find any information on her, but strangely things are starting to cross over in all the cases and, Madeline is left wondering what is going on. Can she solve were the missing bookkeeper is, tackle the gold digger fiancée and understand how everything seems to lead back to single point.

I love this series and as this is the seventh book in the series, all the books can be read as stand alone stories, the author is really good at filling you in on some of the history of the main characters and you go, but if you have enjoyed this book I recommend you read the others as you will not be disappointed.

I love the way that Madeline, Mike and the team work together to solve the mysteries and that you feel like you become a Honorary member of the group. The story flows brilliant through the clues and conversations which you devour with enthusiasm and can’t wait to carry on to see the outcome.

Please keep writing more as I think I am totally addicted to them now and would miss to be part of the group. Thank you.

Afflicted Love (Rhythm & Heart Series) by Autumn Sand – Review by Angela Shirley

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Afflicted LoveAfflicted Love by Autumn Sand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kyle was always a loner, hiding in the shadows when the other boys played until one night seeing the bullies push around the younger kid he felt a protection to save the boy. When he came out of his hiding place and stood up for that sweet little boy his whole world turn on its axis and nothing would be the same.

Lyle had a protector, someone who would not let anything bad happen to him, seeing that Kyle had no where to go he invited him back home where his family adopted him, but although Kyle left one abusive family he was plunged into another one but he had a purpose to protect Lyle and his mother.

Until that faithfully night when the world changed and Lyle and Kyle got plunged into world of Love and heartbreak.

For such a short book it certainly packs a punch. I have to say there are alot of triggers in this book regarding abuse and although harrowing to read this adds an add depth to the characters to show they have overcome or trying to overcome the past. The relationship between the main characters is a heartfelt journey of forbidden love, jealous and utter heartbreak which will have you just in bits about.

The story was well written and although complex at times draws you in from the first word to the end, I can’t wait to read the next book as you left us hanging there Ms Sand and am on the edge of my seat to see what happens.

Thank you for such a brilliant book.