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Dead Keen (Things Unseen Book 2) by Anise Eden – Review by Kerry Carr

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Dead Keen (Things Unseen #2)Dead Keen by Anise Eden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Things Unseen Series. I would recommend reading these books in order as it will give you a better understanding of the characters and why they find themselves in the position they are in now.
We are back with Con and Neve. After they barely survived their first adventure together they are asked to help Con’s brother and his partner Ciara. After Ciara starts suffering with a mysterious illness that means she harms herself while she sleeps she is admitted to hospital. And this is where Con and Neve come in as they work together to uncover the reason before these episodes and hopefully find a way of stopping them.
However things aren’t straight forward and their investigation leads them into danger as they try to get answers from Ciara’s ex and a cult leader has them in his sites.
This is a fast paced Suspense story as we yet again see Con and Neve put themselves in danger trying to protect someone else. The twists and turns in this story were great. I never knew what to expect and I was gripped from beginning to end.
Can Neve and Con help to get to the bottom of Ciara’s problems? What will they uncover along the way? And at what cost.

I loved this book. It was a great read that I couldn’t put down.

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Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Kerry Carr

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Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3)Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book 3 of the Protector Wolf Series and they just keep getting better. We are back with Tamaska and Kodiak as they struggle to be together as well as uncovering all the secrets of Tamaska’s past.
This book follows on from the last book so I do recommend reading these books in order.
In this book we find the Pack struggling to deal with the aftermath of the vampire attack. The pack needs to regroup and rebuild with Kodiak as their alpha.
As if that isn’t hard enough Tamaska is struggling to find her place within the pack. Does she even belong there? And what happens if the pack don’t except her? Will Kodiak have to choose between his mate and his pack?
Tamaska’s got her own stuff to deal with as well. Still trying to understand this new world she finds herself in she doesnt understand the dangers she puts herself in by defying Kodiak’s orders which in turn puts the pack in danger.
She knows she needs to be accepted into the pack so she can be with Kodiak so she needs to understand her past and what she finds reveals answers to the questions of Why does Tamaska seem more than human? What is the Blood Opal used for? And why do the vampires need Tamaska?
This story is full of action as the pack try to protect themselves from the vampires attacks but what will happen when Kodiak gets kidnapped? Will they be able to rescue him in time? Will the pack exchange Tamaska for Kodiak’s release? Will Tamaska finally listen and obey orders or will her indepdent attitude be the one thing that saves Kodiak and the pack?
I loved this story and can’t wait to see what happens next.

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Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Kerry Carr

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Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite #5)Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Omg omg. This series is literally ripping my heart out and stealing my breath. This is the 5th book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series and you most definately need to read every book in order. Trust me you won’t regret it.

Well where to start with this book. We are back with Aspen and Phoenix. Things for this couple was never going to be easy. When a one night stand turns into Aspen falling pregnant the couple have a lot of stuff to deal with. Add to that dysfunctional families on both sides, starting a new college, Phoenix’s dreams of joining the NFL and Aspen’s dreams and goals. Neither of them wanted to add a kid into the mix but that’s what’s going to happen.
The chemistry and sexual attraction between them is off the charts however Phoenix is hiding secrets which means that the sexual chemistry turns into rage and anger towards each other. How are they going to cope raising a child when everytime they are together they argue and fight.
There is no denying the connection and attraction they feel for each other if only they would stop being so stubborn and just admit it.
This story is full of drama and angst and conflict and OMG the cliff hanger at the end. I literally am holding my breath for the next installment of this series.

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Atonement (The McIntire County Series Book 1) by Winter Austin – Review by Kerry Carr

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Atonement (The McIntire County Series: #1)Atonement by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the McIntire County Series and wow what a start. I was gripped right from the beginning.
This is a gripping Suspense read full of twists and turns that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I wasn’t able to work out the ending which to me makes a good story when you can’t tell what is coming next.
The author does an amazing job with out lead character Nic. Nic was a military sniper. After leaving she is now a sheriffs deputy however things aren’t straight forward. Nic suffers really badly with PTSD as a result of her time as a military sniper and even though she has left she still suffers. It was a really eye opening look at how PTSD effects not only the person suffering but everyone around them.
In this story there are several suicides which Nic needs to investigate. Were these a sad case of suicide or is something more sinister happening. Could Nic be walking into the trap of a killer?
With Con O’Halon assigned to help her they need to work together to solve this even though Nic pushes back against his assistance at every turn.
As Nic finds it increasingly hard to control her demons from the past will Con be strong enough to pull her back from the brink of despair?
This is a story full of heartbreak and secrets and as the secrets become revealed the fight that Nic has to fight becomes harder. It is a story of a constant battle that Nic has to go through against PTSD and how hard it is for her to keep her life on track. When a killer is out there as well trying everything in his power to bring her down Nic has a lot of things to deal with. Can she allow Con in and trust him to help her or will she continue to spiral out of control.

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As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Kerry Carr

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As Though You Were MineAs Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow this book was such an emotional read. It was so hard reading all the struggles and fights that Julie had to go through but her strength was amazing.
When Julie donated her eggs to allow her brother and sister in law to become parents she only ever imagine she would be an aunty and she was happy with that. She never really wanted her own kids so helping them seemed the perfect idea.
That is until a accident took them away and left Julie as legal guardian to four year old twins.
From that moment on Julie’s life is turned upside down and inside out. As well as dealing with her own grief she now has to learn how to take care of and help 2 little people who struggle just as much from the loss of their parents.
Julie struggles to manage everything, the kids, the grief, her job with an inflexible boss everything is one struggle after another and more than once Julie wonders if she is good enough and whether her brother and sister made the right choice in selecting her to care for their children.
When the children’ uncle Grant turns up offering to help Julie isn’t as happy as she thought she would be. Does he have another reason for wanting to be around? Does he think he is going to take those kids away from her?
It’s the Julie realises that she has to fight for those babies harder than anything she has ever fought for in her life. Even when everyone including her parents doubt her abilities to raise these kids she is determined to prove them all wrong.

I loved Julie’s growth through this story and as she learns to think like a parent you see her fight appear when it comes to being the best parent she can be for those children no matter what anyone else’s opinion is.

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The Reluctant Suitor (The Studs of Clear Creek County) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Kerry Carr

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The Reluctant Suitor (The Studs of Clear Creek County)The Reluctant Suitor by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 5th book in the  The Studs of Clear Creek County Series. These stories are historical romance set in a time when interacial relationships weren’t the right thing and were frowned upon.
As with all the books in this series the writer creates strong female characters who are dealing with oppression and disadvantages because of the colour of their skin and this is just the same. This is a fast paced read so i was able to read it in one sitting.
In this story we meet Billie Jean. She has come to visit her cousins. She is seen as a bit of a trouble maker as she is the only member of the family to attend college and that wasn’t really heard off.
While she is visiting she hears about the poor treatment of her people on a farm so
Billie Jean and her cousin prepare to fight for change. What she doesn’t expect is to fall for the one man she needs to hate.

Fisher Hines is the supervisor of Locke Farm. All he wants is to make his parents proud and he intends to keep doing that. However what he didn’t plan for was Billie Jean. From the day he rescued her he can’t get her off his mind but when she comes ready for a war and attempting to destroy everything he has worked hard for will he still see her as a breathtaking damsel?
Their attraction to each other keep pulling them closer but their difference of opinions keep forcing them apart. Can their love ever succeed? What will be Fisher parents reaction when they realise just who the girl is that has captured his heart.
This is a really interesting read and as a reader I was fully immersed into their story and their fights. Both fighting for what they believe in but also fighting to be together.

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Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4) by Isobel Reed – Review by Kerry Carr

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Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4)Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book 4 in the Bluestone series and I have loved everyone. If you like rugged men who are hard working and love with passion and protectivness that no one can break then these books are definately for you.
In this story we read about Teddy and Summers story and romance and wow what a read.
Teddy and Summer have been friends since they were kids. Both of them had feelings for each other but neither was brave enough to admit it and so they went their separate ways.
Fast forward and Summer returns to Bluestone to find that the bar she assumed would be hers had been sold to Teddy. Now she needs a place to live and a job and Teddy is only to happy to offer her them. As they spend time together the old feelings resurface. Will they finally get their happy ever after this time? When an ex from Summers past arrives will he be the one to destroy and tear apart Teddy and Summer?
This is a great read. I got butterflies myself reading all the romantic thoughts and feelings the couple shared.

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Sing For Me (The Balefire Series Book 2) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Kerry Carr

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Sing For MeSing For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd book in the Balefire Series. Even though it can be read as a standalone I do recommend reading them in order so you get a deeper understanding of all the characters and their personalities. This is a rock star romance which I love. The main characters in this book are so well written and just how you would imagine a romance with a rock star to be. Ashleigh lives a quiet life. She loves her work and lives for her garden. She knows who Blu is and is a fan of Balefire but she also knows about Blus reputation and she isn’t silly enough to fall into his trap and get her heart broken.
Blu is the lead singer of Balefire. His voice mesmerises and has women falling on their knees in front of him all the time. Because of this Blu has a reputation of a playboy. He has different women all the time and never pays attention to who they are. It’s part of his life style and if women are prepared to drop their knickers for him when ever he asks then of courses he’s going to enjoy the perk.
Women are putty in his hands. Until he meets Ashleigh. She doesn’t fall or go doe eyed in his presence. In fact she comes across like she hates the ground he walks on.
To Blu this is a breath of fresh air and makes her more appealing to him. As their attraction grows he realises he needs her in his life to be more than just a conquest but will Ashleigh see past the reputation and the playboy image and open her heart to him?

This is a rollercoaster ride of a read. Blu messes up countless times as he learns to navigate the situation he finds himself in. This is a slow burn romance and what I love about it is that Ashleigh is strong enough to put Blu in his place. Their relationship isn’t plain sailing but the journey is beautiful to watch.

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Deadly Vengeance (The Vaccaro Empire Collection Book 2) by Anise Storm – Review by Kerry Carr

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Deadly Vengeance (The Vaccaro Empire #2)Deadly Vengeance by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a captivating, gripping, dark Mafia Romance. As you would expect it is filled with danger, secrets, lies, enemies and death which is always alive in the Mafia world as well as protective, possessive men and the underlining thing that you do what it takes to protect your family.

This is the second book in The Vaccaro Empire series and wow what a read.
In this story we follow Luca and Valenzia.

Luca was raised away from the Mafia world and the rivalry between the Valenzia’s family and his. When he discovers that his father and the rest of his family were wipes out by the Vaccaro’s (mainly Valenzia’s father) Luca decides he will get his revenge. His plan is to take the eldest daughter of the Vaccaro family, make her his wife and for her to produce an heir to his family. All while her family watches on.
Luca thinks his plan is solid and knows once he gets what he wants he will destroy the Vaccaro family like they destroyed his. What he didn’t expect was to actually be attracted to and to fall for his captive.

Valenzia is a strong women but lived a very sheltered life. However when she finds herself in the grasp of Luca she resists him at every turn until he starts threatening her siblings. She knows she must do what’s necessary to protect her family even if it means giving up her life. What she doesn’t expect is for there to be an explosive chemistry between them. Could it be something more or is it just pure hatred that is driving this chemistry.
What will Luca do when he realises that he is falling for Valenzia? If they succeed will their relationship survive? And what will happen between the families if the join together? Will they still be enemy’s who won’t stop until the other is dead or will their partnership but exactly what is needed to repair the damage between the families.
What happens when the vengeance you wanted and planned for isn’t the most important thing to you but the love of the enemies daughter is?

I loved the characters of Luca and Valenzia. My heart went out to Luca after everything he went through but also to Valenzia as she uncovered secrets in her families past she never knew existed. Luca and Valenzia both have a passionate fire inside them but together they seem to soothe each other. I loved their chemistry and spark. It really jumped off the page.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Kerry Carr

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a beautiful story. It is one that children and adults will enjoy. The idea of this story is really unique and I love how each horse that Rusty rode on taught him a different thing about himself and made him realise just how brave and competent he is as a child growing into an adult.
Rusty is a sweet kid. But his life has problems, his dad is a alcoholic, he lost his bedroom to his grandad, he’s failing school and he is being bullied daily by someone who used to be his friend. Everyday is a fight as with every fight he loses his confidence in himself and his abilities gets less and less.
His grandad was always telling him fantastical stories. They were so crazy they couldn’t possible be real. One day when his grandad forced him to ride the carousel with him, Rusty sion finds out where his stories come from. What follows is an adventure that will take Rusty through time, meeting different horses and their lives and through it all learning just how brave and capable he is.

The horses characters were amazingly written and each one had a unique story and lesson to teach which really made it special.
This is a very magical ride which you will love no matter what your age.

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Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales Book 1) by Lee Wood – Review by Kerry Carr

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Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales #1)Mr Lucky by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really good read. It is the first book in the Trentbridge Tales series.It was full of twists and turns and very fast paced. In the beginning I wasn’t sure how all the characters were related. It tells a story from different people’s points of view and its hard to see how they all join together and that’s part of what I loved. The not knowing. The author does a really good job with the main character James. And it’s such a unique twist of a riches to rags back to riches story. My heart broken for James when his wife and kids were killed. From that moment his life spiralled. He went from a amazing home and job with promotion to becoming a homeless alcoholic. While living on the streets a stranger suggests he should by a lottery ticket and that one decision changed his life all over again. But they say money can’t buy you happiness and in this case its true. With James winning this money it has put him on the radar of some very dangerous people who he know has to outwit to survive all the while still dealing with his own demons from his past.

Thus is a gripping crime Thriller which kept me gripped from beginning to end.
I can’t wait to see what else this author has is store.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Kerry Carr

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Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a YA family story. It is a story of strength resistance and so much love. It is a very moving story about a young girl called Claire who has her whole future ahead of her. But when her mum has another baby and then falls into a pit of depression and despair it is up to Claire to raise her brother. Dealing with a parent that is unwell is hard enough but also dealing with the responsibility of a newborn is more than any young person should have to shoulder. But Claire steps up and does that. Putting her life and dreams and ambitions on hold to care for her mum and brother.
There is a member of the family who seems to want to help though and that’s Claires Uncle. He offers to give her the money for her college fund but there’s a catch, she has to give up her brother for adoption.
Now Claire has a decision to make that doesn’t just affect her but everyone she loves. Should she allow her brother to be put up for adoption so that her life can return to normal? Or should she fight to keep her brother and her family together?
This is is a very moving and inspiring story and Claires character is so well written. You feel every emotion she goes through and you feel like your fighting every fight that she does.
Overall I enjoyed this story and everything it was trying to teach us but more importantly I loved Claire. Her strong character is what really made this story for me. The strength it took to not only care for herself and her brother but also her mum was amazing I’m not sure I could have been that strong at her age.

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Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers Book 2) by Toya Richardson – Review by Kerry Carr

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Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers #2)Mesmerised by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Hybrid Lovers series and it can be read as a standalone. This book was so captivating that I couldn’t put it down. I love a fated mates paranormal romance and this one had all of that and more. The connection between Donna and Antonie just jumped off the page and the chemistry sizzled constantly between them.
I loved Donna’s character and her strength with everything she has dealt with and the way she pulled herself back from the depths of despair to become the mate that Antonie was searching for and needs to help protect his territory from demons. Together they are a strong and fierce couple who will stop at nothing to protect what is there’s and the people they love.
This is a fast paced story filled with danger, hot steamy connections, a fated mate romance and a dominant male in Antonie who will protect his mate no matter what and also a equally dominant female in Donna who will destroy anyone who trys to harm her mate.
I can’t wait to see what else this series had in store.

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Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Kerry Carr

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Refrain (Off the Record Book 3)Refrain by Madelynne Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a very emotional and deeply intense read. It is the 3rd book in the Off The Record series which I didn’t realise until I was already too deep in. I will however be going back to read them in order as at times I did feel a bit lost knowing who the characters were and their role. That being said it didn’t stop this from being a emotional rollercoaster of a ride. It deals with loss, secrets, lies,depression,and friendship. It is the story of Spook who has a trouble past, a past that is still affecting him today even though he is successful. When things get too much for him and he gets the urge to run he does just that leaving behind the band and group of friends he loves and his gf.
We follow not only Spooks journey through the darkness of depression and mental illness but also the effect it has on his friend Xane.
Xane refuses to give up on Spook and refuses to let him go through things on his own. Xane is determined to fight for his friend at the cost of everything, his relationships, even his own mental well being take a back seat to saving Spook from the dark pit he finds himself in.
The authors writing is amazing. The story grabs you right from the beginning and doesn’t let go. The story is really emotional but highlights the real struggle that some men go through but try to hide everyday.
I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us next but I have my tissues at the ready.

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Marked Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 2) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Kerry Carr

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Marked Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 2)Marked Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd book in the Protector Wolf Shifter series and it as a great way to continue the story. This book definately follows on from the first book so I do recommend that you read that first to get a complete understanding for this book.
This is a great read filled with action, adventure and danger. I love paranormal romances and the whole fated mates has always been an element that I love. However this story is a little different with the female lead not knowing anything about that side of things. She didn’t even know werewolves and vampires existed but now she does she doesn’t want nothing to do with them. But unfortunately that isn’t her choice any more. Hunted down by vampires and the fated mate to a werewolf she is getting hunted by both sides which is going to cause a war.
Kodiak is the one forming the bond with her and even those his pack refused to accept her he can’t deny or fight what he is feeling. The problem comes when he has to choose between fighting with and protecting his pack or fighting to protect the person he believes his his mate. Can he do both? What if he pack never accepts Tamaska?
This is a great series and from this book it is just going to get better. I can’t wait to read the next one.

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Russian and Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Kerry Carr

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Russian and Royally ComplicatedRussian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a great read. It is full of action, sexual tension, secrets and a great enemies to lovers romance. I loved the characters of Lev and Daphne really bring this story to life. I love their chemistry both the sexual chemistry but also their hatred for each other. The way they argue and irritated each other is funny to read but you just know that type of tension and chemistry is going to be explosive when they finally give into the attraction between them and boy did it explode.

It isn’t just a steamy story filled with sexual tension both Lev and Daphne are hiding things and keeping secrets and when these secrets start to reveal themselves we see them grow closer together.

This story was really well written and I was totally invested in these characters and their story. The author’s did an incredible job of bringing their personalities to life which in turn makes them seem more real and engaging.
I can’t wait to read more.

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Reticent Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Kerry Carr

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Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend's Older Sister Forbidden Romance (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2)Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend’s Older Sister Forbidden Romance by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Second Generation of Hawke series. I have loved every book in this series. These romances are more than a romance. They are stories of family, friendships, danger, past traumas and the effects they have on a person.
In this story we are with Jude and Angelina. Jude was taken into the Hawke family at the age of 10 but because if his past he constantly pushed everyone away to protect himself including the one person he really wants close Angelina.
Angelina is the oldest sister to Jude’s best friend Allie. She can sense something is troubling Jude but she has never been close enough to him to find out what.
When Allie starts to go MIA, missing work, lying about where she is and who she is with it and generally just not being herself it leads Jude and Angelina to work together to figure what is going on with her. Untied in the need to help someone they care about the more time they spend together the more they realise their attraction to each other.
Both Jude and Angelina have suffered in their lives, both have built high walls of protection around themselves but what happens when those walls start to come down.
This is a story about 2 people who have been emotionally damaged but who are trying to rebuild their lives. There is also the danger of the enemy that is still trying to wrestle control and bring down the Hawke Family that puts all of them in danger but the main focus for me was how Jude started to blossom and grow the more he allowed Angelina in.
I can’t wait to see what happens next. What is Allie playing at? Who is she with and why is it such a secret?

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Sleeping with the Enemy (Astoria Royals Book 3) by Deborah Garland – Review by Kerry Carr

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Sleeping with the Enemy (Astoria Royals, #3)Sleeping with the Enemy by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. My 2 favourite things are Mafia danger and dangerous passionate romance and this book has it in spade. It is book 3 in the Astoria Royals series and even though it can be read as a standalone I will definately be going back to read the first 2 books in the series.
As you would expect with a Mafia Romance there is danger, enemies, forced marriage, with a possessive dominant male. There are a couple of themes which some readers may get triggered by so it is definately for a mature reader.
Riordan is an underboss who has worked hard to keep his reputation. He is feared by many people and enemy of many more. Years ago a girl he had feelings for was attacked by 3 members of the Russian Mafia. He took care of the men but lost the women he had feelings for. She left and he didn’t know what had happened to her.
Fast forward and they meet again when she is a sub to the Russian Mafia. The same group of people that harmed her all those years before. Riordan is immediately attracted to her and when she warns him and takes a bullet to protect him he wonders what game is she playing. She is an enemy so how can she be trusted.
When he realises who she is exactly Riordan is determined not to lose her again and do whatever it takes to protect her.
Priscilla however isn’t the same women he knew all those years ago and when secrets are reveled about how she actually is now Riordan becomes only too aware of how much of an enemy she is to the family. But as the saying goes. Keep your friends close but your enemies closer and that is exactly what Riordan plans to do.
This plan is great in theory but what happens when he true feelings for Priscilla comes to light and he starts to fall for her. After all this time is the girl that fell for him years before still there or is the strong determined woman going to end up destroying herself and him on her path for revenge.
This was an amazing read. I loved that it was told from the view of both main characters as it gave the story more depth. If you like Mafia romances that keeps the pages turning then i definately recommend this book.

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Back to the 80s by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan – Review by Kerry Carr

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Back to the 80'sBack to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers rom-com. The author did an amazing job with this book with added elements that makes it stand apart from other enemies to lovers stories. The characters were well written and relatable and you feel totally invested in their story. The connection between Blaine and Eric was interesting to watch grow and develop. But for me the main thing i adored was the flash back to the 80s. There was so much nostalgia that it made me want to get my leg warmers out and neon bangles out. This story made me smile, and laugh out loud in parts. I love the fight and determination Blaine has to save her store and her mother’s legacy.

Blaine has a very unique store in a shopping mall. Her story in my dream place as it sells everything you can imagine from the 80s. From toys and games to fashion and music Blaines store has it all. It was passed down to her after her mother passed away and she is determined to make it successful. It goes well until the shopping mall is sold to a construction company who wants to redevelop the area and that means moving Blaines shop.
When Blaine makes a bet with Eric (the son of the development company) does she stand any chance of saving her store? And if she wins what will that mean for Eric? Can he really pick her over the demands of his family? Could Blaine actually be the one to show him there is more to life than work? What happens as they spend time together and their connection grows.
This was such a sweet funny nostalgic story that I loved every second of it.

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Love, Only Better (Bold Journeys Book 1) by Paulette Stout – Review by Kerry Carr

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Love, Only BetterLove, Only Better by Paulette Stout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this read enjoyable and I liked the message the book was giving about women as sexual beings. Women exploring their bodies and finding out what they enjoy is to this day still a bit of a taboo subject so I really like the fact that the author has highlighted this, hopefully this will lead to conversations starting and stop other young woman going through life feeling the same as Rebecca like they are damaged and not normal.
Rebecca has gone through life feeling like she isn’t normal. She doesn’t have the same experience as “normal” people do when they are intimate with their partners and this issue weighs heavy on her mind. Especially since this was the reason her last relationship failed.
Now she is on a mission to to find out what is wrong with her and she is determined to solve this issues. Is she broken as she fears or is it something else?
This story is a journey of self discovery as Rebecca learns things about herself she didn’t realise and also learned how things that happened in her past still effect her today.
There are tears, heartbreak but also a spark of hope in the new love interest Kyle.
This book to me felt personal as there were parts that I could personally relate to and I understood the emotions that Rebecca went through.
The author for me took a very sensitive and not talked about subject and brought it out into the light in a way that women reading it will no longer feel alone or abnormal about their bodies and their feelings. For me it was a very moving and empowering read.

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Firewall by Jessica Mehring – Review by Kerry Carr

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FirewallFirewall by Jessica Mehring
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this romance. It has elements of a Suspense Thriller too which makes it different to a boy meets girl and falls in love romance. The author has the perfect mix of chemistry, attraction and danger which makes this a fast paced gripping read. It is a short read which means I read it in one sitting but it isn’t missing anything and feels like a complete read where as some shorter books can feel unfinished, however this one felt completely finished.
Veronica works for IT security for a financial company. She loves her job and everything runs smoothly until the day she notices something is very wrong with one of the hard drive. As she starts to investigate she unknowingly paints a target on her back and now her well being isn’t safe.
Cera is Veronica’s best friend and when she hears that Veronica is in danger she asks her brother Angus to protect her.
Angus is a firefighter and he is focused on his career, the last thing he wants to do is play bodyguard to his sisters friend and definstely isn’t in the market for a relationship. But as they spend time together the chemistry between them increases and becomes as hot as the fires Angus has to fight.
Can Angus protect Veronica from the danger that is after her?
This book is full of chemistry and twists and turns that I did not see happening.

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Granting Katelyn (Sweet Valley Series) by S.E. Reichert – Review by Kerry Carr

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Granting KatelynGranting Katelyn by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Sweet Valley series. Even though it is part of a series this can be read as a standalone but personally I loved the first book so much that I was glad I read that first. The author does an amazing job at writing romance stories that are deep, emotional and the characters all have issues and problems to overcome before they go to the HEA. For me it makes the stories more realistic and relatable and the characters more real and I become more invested in their story.
In this story we meet Elle’ sister Katelyn. When she arrives to help the injured horse she doesn’t expect to feel such a strong connection to the owner.
As their chemistry grows Katelyn soon realises that it’s not just the horse that needs help healing.
Can Katelyn’s strength and determination help Grant to heal from his past pains or will the hurdles in their path mean that they can’t work through them.
This is a heart warming and emotional story about 2 people who have such a strong connection but who need to heal and sort through the issues of the past before they have any hope of a happy future. I loved both Grant and Katelyn and I felt every emotion they went through. I was completely invested in this couple and was willing them to succeed every step of the way. They say the road to love is never smooth and this is definately the case for this couple.

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Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey – Review by Kerry Carr

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Softest TouchSoftest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Softest touch was an enjoyable slow burn romance. It has the element of a forbidden relationship (employer and employee), there is an element of enemies to lovers as well as chemistry and finding love when you least expect it. The author does an amazing job with the main characters making them both deep and connectable.
This is a story about 2 people from different worlds coming together and even though everything say it should work they are actually perfect for each other.
Derek hires Melinda to be his personal assistant. Both of them are stubborn individuals, Derek is a workaholic and Melinda is determined to prove she can succeed in a male dominated environment. At first they don’t get on, their stubbornness means they butt heads with each other however the closer they work together the chemistry starts to build and they can’t deny their feelings for each other.
Things aren’t straight forward though and there are problems and roadblocks in their way. When Melinda has to deal with family issues, I was really surprised at how supportive Derek became.

Overall this romance was really enjoyable to read. The characters were well written and easy to relate to. They were easy to like and they make you feel invested in their story and their romance.

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

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

I really enjoyed this paranormal romance. This is part of a series, however it can be read as a standalone and the author does a great recap at the start of the book bringing the reader up to date with the characters that appear in this story.
This is a male Triad story about fated mates. The men are strong and possessive and when they find their mates that increases. I love a story about fated mates where there is no choice but to acknowledge you are meant to be together.

Arwyn and Elan have been friends for years and made an agreement that there would never be anything more than friendship between them. However things start to change with their 3rd friend Pryderi finds his fated mate.
Now it’s just the two of them they need to adjust to this new way of living along with the new feelings that are suddenly becoming harder and harder to fight and the pair find themselves struggling with this torture.
When Keira comes back from an mission she brings another guy back with her. When it becomes clear that Hassan and Elan are fated mates it sends Arwyn into madness and a sense of grief as he feels he has lost his chance to be with the only man he’s ever wanted.

As the story progresses we see the bond between Hassan, Arwyn and Elan grow until they realise that they are all fated to be with each other and their triad is born.
This is an emotional magical story about finding love and learning to follow your heart.
This story is action packed and emotional as both Arwyn and Elan come to terms with their feelings for each other and for Hassan.

This is a magical read with Suspense, magic, kidnapping, angst, an emotional rollercaster and steam. The author does an amazing job of creating a unique world and a unique fated mate story. As a reader I was captivated by this story and I felt I knew the characters like friends. I shared all their laughter and tears and felt like I was willing them to find their happy ever after.

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

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

This is the 9th book in The Playmakers Series. This is a sports romance with an element of the couple being opposites that attract. The author does a great job with the characters. At first Wyatt is definately someone I couldn’t like. He was arrogant and thought he was gods gift. He just expected things to go his own way and when they didn’t he looked to other people to fix problems he made. He has got a reputation of being the teams bad boy and that has led him to be dropped from playing the game he loves. He is desperate to find a way back into the coaches good books and to repair his reputation but he needs help.
The person who normally has to clean up his mess is Serena who works the PR for the team Wyatt is part of. She is very career focused and what’s to go far in her career.
When an incident occurs and Wyatt came to her rescue she knew he would call in a favour at some point, but when he tells her he wants her to rebuild his reputation and get him back on the first team she is shocked and also annoyed as this will take her away from her primary goal of advancing her career.
Now she has the challenge which will get all of her PR skills. How does she changes the reputation of the biggest PR nightmare she has ever known?
As they start to work together the chemistry starts to sizzle. Both of them have things to learn. As Serena starts to uncover the real Wyatt she sees a side to him she didn’t realise existed. Maybe Wyatt isn’t so bad after all?
Wyatt meanwhile is learning how to be a bit more appreciative of his team and teammates.
As both of them learn to grow and change can they get what they in both their careers and blossoming relationship or will the pressures of their jobs and the forces that are trying to bring them down succeed in stopping them.
This was a really good read. And the character development was amazing. I went from not liking Wyatt at all to find him a strong and protective person who will protect those he cares about. As he realises that things are just about him, I loved how this realisation enabled him to improve his relationships not only with his team mates but with Serena the girl he wants.
This story is a slow burn romance and I loved how our main characters grew together and that growth made them more connected and attracted to each other.

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Cruel King by K.M. Scott – Review by Kerry Carr

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Cruel KingCruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this romance. It is a very emotional read. This book had me laughing and crying and feeling really frustrated by Matthias and the way he treated Ava. He loves her and wants her but he treats her so badly that I just want to shake him and make him realise his mistakes.
Ava has been friends with Theo King for years. She gets on well with all the King brothers apart from Matthias. For some reason Matthias hates her and Ava has never known why. Until a snow storm leaves them stuck together for 2 days. During these 2 days secrets and feelings are uncovered that neither realised existed.

Fast forwards 5 years later and after Ava disappeared Matthias trys to move on with his life but forgetting about the only girl he has ever wanted isn’t going to be easy. When he returns because his father is dying he sees Ava again and all those old feelings resurface. But now there’s a even bigger problem. Ava has moved on and is now with another man. Matthias’s brother. How can he justify wanting a woman if having her breaks his brothers heart?
This is a story of passion, hidden feelings, love/hate relationships, and a lot of confusion and twisted stories which keeps this couple apart and separated.
Will they ever get it together? As secrets begin to be revealed and the actions of others are come to light can this couple now make it work?
There is so many things happing that neither Matthias or Ava are aware of but that keeps them apart. You find yourself screaming at them to wake up and see through people’s lies? I loved this romance. It was emotional and gripping. I couldn’t stop reading it.

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Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Kerry Carr

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Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance (Playing for Keeps Book 3)Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Playing for Keeps series. This is a sports romance. It can be read as a standalone even though it is part of a series. The author does an amazing job with the characters. They are so relatable they feel like they are your friends. This story is a second chance romance. It is an emotional story that is very heartwarming.

In this story we are with Jeff and Kia. Jeff and Kia have history. After a one night stand Kia was left with a remind in the form of her son. When she found out she was pregnant she tried to contact Jeff but couldn’t find him.
Fast forward 6 years and Kia has been finding her way. Working as a tattoo artist and raising her son Max alone. Things seem to be heading in the right direction finally. Until her one night stand comes back into her life and the secret of her sons dad is revealed.
Jeff has returned home and is now a coach of a baseball team. He can’t believe his luck when Kia appears. And even though he is shocked at first by the realisation he is a dad, he is determined to be the best and make up for the time he has lost.
The more time he spends with Max and Kia the more he falls in love with them both. His attraction to Kia never left and as their chemistry builds they both need to learn to navigate this new relationship and everything that involves.
Can their relationship work this time or will the pressured of Jeff’s job and the pressure of parenthood put to many obstacles in their way.
This is a fast paced story full of love, family drama, past hurts and jealousy. I loved the characters and little Max really brings the story together. I was totally invested in this couple and wanted them to get their happily ever after

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Leaving No Traces (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Kerry Carr

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Leaving No Traces (Commissario Scala #5)Leaving No Traces by P. J. Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book 5 in the Commissario Scala Mystery series. Even though it is part of a series they can be read as a standalone as each book is a different case. This author does an incredible job of creating a story full of action and twists and turns that you never see coming. The detective is like a dog with a bone and will stop at nothing until the mystery is solved and the murderer caught.
When a car is found abandoned with blood splatter in Detective Scala is in a race against time to find out what happened to the woman. Was it a case of an affair ending badly or did the woman have connection to something darker.
As Scala trys to uncover the lies and secrets to get to the truth he has to come face to face with the darker side of society. Is this the case that finally gets to Scala? Can he solve the case, keep himself safe and protect a witness? Will he be able to discover the truth before its too late?

This book is action packed right from the start and doesn’t let go until the end. The twists and turns means you can’t predict the outcome of the story which makes it even more gripping as you can’t stop until the end.

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Saved by the Everyday Hero (Limited Edition Romance Collections) by Naomi Valkyrie & Various Authors – Review by Kerry Carr

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Saved by the Everyday HeroSaved by the Everyday Hero by Amelia Hayden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a collection of steamy romance reads about guys who are everyday hero’s. It is a collection of 13 stories and all of them are unique and different. I loved them all but my 2 favourites are:

Unexpected Hero’s by Naomi Valkyrie
I always jump at any stories this author has because I know I will really enjoy them and this one was no exception. This is a MM Romance. It is a second chance small town romance with danger and Suspense inside. It is definately a page turner.
Elijah has moved with his son after problems in his past. Now he’s starting again and isn’t planning on a relationship or romance until he meets his neighbour Jude.
Jude is struggling with coming to terms with his past after losing his husband. So far he has his work and the bottle keeping him going but that all changes when he meets Elijah and his son. But things aren’t going to be plain sailing and when something from Elijah’s past returns threatening his and his sons safety, Jude is going to use all his skills and training to protect the new man in his life.

Broken Pieces by Amelia Hayden
This is a story that was very emotional to read. It was beautifully written and the author does an amazing job of showing the reader that not everyone comes back from war the same as they were when they went. This is a MM Romance and is a story about dealing with the aftermath of war, of finding your broken pieces and trying to put yourself back together again and also finding love along the way

Crossing the Lines By: Anne M. Scott
This for me was also a great read as I love anything crime related and this had it all. Danger, intrigue, chemistry and more. When a FBI agent and security expert are thrown together to go against a Russian mob, this story really gets fast paced and full of action.

All the stories are unique and different and all of them are great reads. Some will make you laugh, some will make you cry, some will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will be burning up with the passion and chemistry that are between these pages. If you love stories of hot men in uniform overcoming odds and finding love then this is definately for you.

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Fortune’s Favorite (Soulbound Journeys Book 2) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Kerry Carr

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Fortune's Favorite (Soulbound Journeys #2)Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book 2 in the Soulbound Journey and wow what a great book. The author does a great job of world building and creating a story which is captivating and magical, that grips the reader from the first page. This is a story filled with magic, danger, adventure and I love this series. I do recommend reading these books in order so you get the full story and full enjoyment of what the author has created.

We are back with Ian Troy and Jarryd. They have found there way to the town of Maldarehm. It seems like the perfect place to stop and get supplies. After Jarryd has heard stories about this place and is so excited to go and explore. He heads straight to the centre of town to see if the stories are true. Meanwhile Ian is a bit more cautious and decides to take a slower path into town. Something doesn’t sit right with him so he’s going to find his own way.
Are the stories they were told about the place true? What happen when fortune turns into misfortune? What follows is a story that is dangerous but intriguing as 2 men take 2 separate routes that lead them both to a dangerous outcome. Can they survive this time? Or will the odds be stacked too high against them?

I have loved every book by this author and i can’t wait to see where we are taken next with this series.

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