Friday, October 9, 2015

I Need A Hero

Sergeant Oliver Martinez joined the military to serve his country—not plan parties. But after a run-in with his commanding officer, Oliver is suddenly responsible for the Alpha Dogs Training Program’s upcoming charity event. Worse, he’s got to work with the bossiest, sexiest woman he's ever met—who just happens to be the general’s daughter.

When it comes to military men, Evelyn Reynolds is not interested. And with the opportunity to launch her new PR firm at the charity event, she doesn't have time for some sexy, arrogant jerk with a hero complex. Evelyn is determined to keep things professional—if only she can ignore how Oliver’s muscles fill out a t-shirt and the infuriating way he makes her heart pound.

But when tempers flare and a scorching kiss turns into so much more, Oliver and Evelyn will have to decide if this attraction is forever…or just for now.



***Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***
***GET YOUR COPY at all retailers October 20th, 2015***
CLICK HERE for a ***SNEAK PEEK*** of the 1st Chapter

As a HUGE fan of Codi Gary's 2 other series, I can tell you I was nervous to dive into a THIRD series by her. Could she do it again? Could she win my heart with her words the way she did in Loco, Texas and Rock Canyon, Idaho? The answer?!? HELL YES! 

You find yourself at the Alpha Dog Training Center with Dean (Sparks) and Tyler (Best) when they are joined by the reluctant Sergeant Oliver Martinez. Oliver was removed from the field and placed on PR duty until General Reynolds deemed him "fit" to return to regular duty. Enter the beautiful, Evelyn Reynolds into the picture. (Note the last name!) Eve is the publicist hired to help with the event that Oliver has been assigned to during his punishment. 

The attraction was immediate. But, neither were going to act on it. He was her type, and she wasn't his. The General created some other issues, as well. He was stuck in this task, and it was far from what he wanted to do. He liked to be out and about in the field, while Eve craved stability and an uneventful home life. Falling for a military man - like her father - was OUT OF THE QUESTION. But, she couldn't get Oliver out of her mind. 

"There are no details to tell. I don't even know if I like him, it's more that I just-"

"Want to strip him naked and eat chocolate off his abs?" Megan offered.
Eve thought about that, grinning. "His butt too. He's got a great butt." 


So begins the slow build-up. Man, does Codi write a mean build-up. But the passion behind Oliver's eyes and his seduction skills - Eve is a goner! 

"I'll tell you one thing, Oliver Martinez. The next time you want to seduce me in Spanish, you better be prepared to follow through." (SIDENOTE: I want to be friends with Eve. She is so strong-willed and sassy! We could hang out in her messy apartment and just laugh! )

Meeting Sparks, Best, Megan and everyone else - you get a real feel for all the emotions behind having an overprotective General of a Dad, friends who would do anything for you, passions that drive you to go the distance to acheive your dreams and falling hard for a person who is a complete 180 from your plans BUT meeting the family who raised them and falling even harder, seeing him change and grow as a person right before your very eyes, sneaking BACK into your room so his Mom doesn't know you snuck OUT in the first place. 

This story is genuine. It grabs your heart, straps it in and takes it for a bumpy ride. It wouldn't be a romance novella if it didn't. This story leaves you craving to know more about the others you got a sample of and wishing you could get dirty in the sand with your very own Oliver, after having his mom's enchiladas first. *insert a squeal here* 

When it gets closer to the actual release day, I will post my full review with photos on our blog, and post the link here. 

I will leave you with my final thoughts: 
1) I love the relationships these characters hold with their animal co-stars. It truly is such an important topic, and the author sheds such a wonderful light to the importance of those companionships. 
2) The Spanish mumblings and rumblings is perfect. Adds just the right amount of spice to the strong macho type that is Oliver. 
3) I love how the heroine is not this cookie cutter perfect woman. She drives like a crazy person, she is messy and all around NORMAL! How refreshing. 
4) And last, but not least - it flowed so well that you felt like you were living the story. This is what Codi does so well: she can tell a story so effortlessly you forget you are not in the facility with the guys training the dogs or cleaning up the mess made after leaving an untrained dog with you couch! Enjoy what is sure to be Codi's third incredibly successful series.


The Hunter

As Right Worshipful Master of Lodge Drysor, Dominic Cacciari will do anything to ensure the integrity of the brotherhood of Freemasonry—even if it means seducing the woman determined to uncover their secrets.

Gemma Hughes is tired of reporting about the social happenings of Perth’s elite, she wants to be taken as a serious journalist. When her newly discovered father dies in mysterious circumstances, she’s on a mission to find the people responsible and make them pay for taking her father from her. Even if the people involved are from the fraternity her father once was a member of. 

Attraction flares to life the moment Dominic and Gemma touch. With both of them on a mission to protect the things they hold important, fighting that attraction is imperative. Only the more they’re thrown together, the more the lines between what they’re fighting for become blurred. Will secrets be uncovered and a love lost? Or will love be stronger than the secrets of a mysterious brotherhood?



***Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***

Nicole Flockton is the Aussie Queen of Romance! The Hunter is the second book in her latest series, The Freemasons. In this installment you dive into the inner workings the Dominic Cacciari, the head honcho of the lodge. Dom and the rest of "The Fab Four" as they have been dubbed are working on their secretive mission to help save kids that have been snatched up. ENTER Gemma, known as the thorn in the side of the lodge. Gemma reports all the latest gossip in Perth while trying to get her foot in the door as a well respected journalist. Gemma and Dom are not kind to one another. (And that is putting it nicely!) 

Nicole can pen some tension. Dom holds the title of Right Worshipful Master, but Gemma sarcastically refers to him as Grand Poobah (GP for short!) And boy did it irk him. 
"I thought I told you not to call me that?"
"Call you what?" 
"You know what."

Both deny the attraction, although it is very obvious to everyone who sees the two bicker and fight. 

"Why so bitter? Surely you're not jealous are you, Tesoro?"
Gemma snorted in a very unladylike manner. "As if. And cut the Italian sweet talk, GP. It's not going to work on me."

I can't tell you ALL my favorite parts without giving away everything in the novel, but this book is JAM-PACKED with mystery, love, fighting, finding one's self, friendship, Australia and so much more! The one thing I really adore is that Nicole writes Australia for us who have never been there. I felt like I knew all the spots in Perth and I felt at home. Ms. Flockton, that is talent. I love (and respect!) your integrity when sticking to the language used. Catching up with Ava & Cole was an added bonus. I really felt for them in the last novel. I urge you romance readers out there to take a chance on Nicole Flockton's writing. 



Below you will find all the ways to find out the goods about Nicole.  My recommendations? Her BOUND series rocks! Also based in Australia - and you can check out my reviews here: CLICK HERE for: Bound by her Ring and CLICK HERE for: Bound by his Desire - I cannot wait to read the final installment! Leave your comments below if you have ever been to Australia! :) 

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Watch Over Me (Danvers #7)

Gwen Day has never been lucky in love, but now she’s betting on one man ready to care for her like no one ever has…

Fresh off of the most humiliating romantic disaster of her life, Gwen sees no reason not to get tipsy and throw herself at her sexy bad boy neighbor. But she never expected their one night stand to have consequences that would keep them together...or for his concern to turn into something that feels like it could last.

Dominic Brady has always admired Gwen from afar, and now that she’s single, he has no reservations about saying yes to one wild night. Soon he’s interested in a real relationship. But when their future is uncertain, Dominic is determined to show her that he takes care of what’s his. And that no matter what happens, he’s one man she can’t lose.



***Received an ARC for an honest review***
I will be the first to admit, I was not a fan of Gwen in the last book. Did Gwen do anything? Nope! Just, in my heart of hearts, I knew she wasn't endgame for Mac - and that led me to see her as a hurdle and not the wonderful individual she is. After reading 'Watch Over Me' - Gwen is probably my favorite female character from the Danvers Gang. 

Dominic Brady, best friend to Mac, has longed for Gwen since the moment he laid eyes on her. Unsure as to how to approach the woman who made him feel differently than any other woman in his life, he missed his chance when Mac started dating her. Since Mac found his way to his true love, Dom has taken to watching her from a distance and waiting. Until...

One night, fate knocks on his door and takes his breath away. 

Hell, this entire book took  my breath away. I watched Dom be set up for failure by Gwen and the insane neighbor girls. Then Gwen was set up by Dom with his hilarious sister. Could they be any more perfect for each other? They doubted every action and motive that the true feelings and emotions were incredibly overlooked... but, EVERYONE else at Danvers saw it growing. To be the sole focus of  a man like Dominic was heady and intoxicating. Let me tell you, I can atest to that! This book had me feeling drunk on this couple. :) 

Sydney created a masterpiece with Danvers. Each addition is such a strong addition to the story. So many series nowadays feel forced when they get to the length that Sydney has achieved, but now Danvers. Each novel feels like a piece that was missing from the one before. In 'Watch Over Me' you catch Suzy grow to this woman who shows her fears, you get the humor from the guys like in this situation: 
"Go ahead and leave your man card on the desk because that is the most pussified statement I've ever heard from a dude before."
and I love to see the growth and progression of the girl's lunches and parenthood at it's finest with these couples. It's sexy, fresh, romantic and yet so real life. That is what Sydney creates, real life romance. Yes, there was some GRAND gestures, but for the most part - you get love the way real life experiences it, with the small and incredibly thoughtful gestures. 

I adored this story because the second Dom got his opening with Gwen - he took it 200%! There was no turning back. There were coffees, dinners, dates and so much more. I swooned everytime he brought her a morning cup of Joe. 

And then, you have Gage. Poor guy. I think Gage and I would be friends. He gives the WORST advice, and is a hot mess. That guy who will never settle down, and when he gets knocked on his ass - it will NOT be an easy road. (You may or may not get to see this happen!) He means well, but God does he cause so much trouble for Gwen and Dom. He is definitely the comedic relief you crave in a romance. 
I cannot really give you much more without finding myself retelling the entire story. Gwen and Dom's road to love is full of laughs, "bumps," meddling friends who mean well, awkward "first" dates, the knowledge that you should not name your kid Baxter and broken phones. One thing you will not find within the pages of this story is disappointment. Sydney takes the ups and downs in love, friendship and life and represents them all within each novel. Another FIVE STAR read from the talented Ms. Landon.
Excited to see in the end that Mark DeSantos is about to be the next victim of whats in the water at Danvers. Is this smooth talking, tall glass of water ready for what one Crystal Webber has in store? I am sure he isn't. Be on the lookout for 'The One for Me.'  Before I go, and leave you will all the ways to stalk Sydney via Social Media, let me ask those who have fell in LOVE with the gang at Danvers - Who are you hoping to have their own story? (Please leave it in the comments!!!) I for one, am DYING to know Gage's story. Even in the form of a novella. Hint...hint... Sydney! He is probably one of my favorite male characters. Many said Dom gave their favorite a run for their money. Dom is officially my favorite. He gave it as hard as he got it from Gwen, and that is a WINNER in my book. Until next time Danvers...

Now let's give her some love!  Now to give this lady some LOVE! 


Thursday, July 30, 2015

I Need A Hero Cover Reveal!!!


Ignore that I look toasted!!! 
Before we get to the AWESOME SAUCE that is the COVER REVEAL for I Need a Hero, I need you to understand that this author rocks!!! And she loves her readers! Even when we stalk her at book conventions. Hehe! So... if you haven't already hopped on the Codi wagon - here is all her Social Media Dets...

Twitter: @codigary
Facebook: codigarysbooks
Pinterest: CodiGaryAuthor
Instagram: CodiGaryAuthor


I Need A Hero blurb...

Sergeant Oliver Martinez joined the military to serve his country—not plan parties. But after a run-in with his commanding officer, Oliver is suddenly responsible for the Alpha Dogs Training Program’s upcoming charity event. Worse, he’s got to work with the bossiest, sexiest woman he's ever met—who just happens to be the general’s daughter.

When it comes to military men, Evelyn Reynolds is not interested. And with the opportunity to launch her new PR firm at the charity event, she doesn't have time for some sexy, arrogant jerk with a hero complex. Evelyn is determined to keep things professional—if only she can ignore how Oliver’s muscles fill out a t-shirt and the infuriating way he makes her heart pound.

But when tempers flare and a scorching kiss turns into so much more, Oliver and Evelyn will have to decide if this attraction is forever…or just for now.

The Links to Pre-Order 
Amazon: http://ow.ly/QcCQC 
Barnes and Noble: http://ow.ly/QcDwy 
Google: http://ow.ly/QcDaR 
HarperCollins: http://ow.ly/QcDHV 

Now... the moment you have all been waiting for! 
FANGIRL! 
I kid... I kid... here is the BEAUTIFUL cover to what I am sure it going to be another amazing series! Tell us your thoughts in the comments below! What makes a GREAT cover for you?!? Share some of your favorites with us too! 


Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Secret Kiss (Hope Falls, Book #10)

Adam Dorsey was used to living a life of deceit and falsehood both professionally and personally. The former CIA operative—with an extremely high IQ—was ready for a quieter, more authentic life. Enter Jane, a gorgeous and adorable hazel eyed beauty that complicated his plan. No matter what she made him feel, he knew that he had to stay away from her for fear of damaging more than just her innocence… 

Jane Marshall always believed in the power of positive thinking and all that could create. She felt accomplished in her career, and was blessed with great friends and family. And yet, she questioned whether or not there existed a man that would be able to unleash and explore her inexperienced heart…until she laid eyes on Adam. 

Will Adam be able to let go of his past and accept Jane for the genuine soul she truly is? Will Jane be able to navigate through never before had feelings? Are there some things that are even beyond the control of two highly intelligent people? Discover the truth in …Secret Kiss 



***
A few things: 
  • Any book with Vanilla Ice references is a book I can dig! Her motto came from the immortal words of Vanilla Ice: if there was a problem, yo, she'd solve it. 
  • Same goes for a funny Twilight reference! Why you ask? Maybe it allows me to really feel into the book. I worked at Borders during the CRAZINESS that was Twilight in real time. He'd never had vampire urges before, but apparently, Jane brought out the Twilight in him. 
  • Crazy family members are THE BEST! 
  • And then there is Jane. I love Jane. Jane is awkward in social situation, uncomfortable being the center of attention and clumsy. So, to say to simply - she is me in book form. Therefore, I love her. 
Back to the book. Secret Kiss stars Jane, who we all know and love from working for Mike Gowan, a former congressman who moved to Hope Falls after falling in love with Nikki. Jane caught the interest of one Adam Dorsey. Adam, cousin to Levi (who owns JT's Roadhouse and is newly married to Shelby! LOVED their road to HEA too!) Adam is not interested in taking that road again with any woman, let alone the one who seems to captivate every thought whether he  be working...working out or sleeping. When fate, and Lauren (Hope Falls resident celebrity realtor) places Adam in the only other house near Jane's cottage in the woods things become REAL. She was already concerned with her ability to share her office space with such a distracting specimen... but now she would have to see him in his sweat-drenched workout clothes that clung to  every contour of his carved from stone body. Jane put it best when she thought:
Holy.Hotness.Batman! 

Things between these are comical. Everything from split pants, to robes caught in doors to looking for the contact on the floor that YOU DON'T need - this coupling is made for Rom-Com success. 
"Has anyone ever told you that you are adorable?"
The small wrinkle appeared, once again, above her nose as she shook her head, "Uhh...what? No."
"Well, you are," Adam said matter-of-factly. 

One misunderstood conversation with Jane's well-meaning, but meddling grandparents leave her explaining to Adam why they think he is her beau. Mind you, he meets them after being involved in an intense lip-lock with their bunny, Jane. To Jane's surprise, Adam just rolled with the flow taking every chance this opportunity gave him to touch Jane - which he has been thinking about since he first saw her at JT's. 

I friggin LOVE Jane's grandparents, Wally & Delores. They cement the awkwardness that is the epitome of Jane. 
"Oh, yeah. She's very big on text slang. Half the time I have to Google what she puts because I have no idea. The first time she wrote SMH, I thought it was a new medication that she was taking. My grandparents have always been much cooler than I am." She smiled and ducked her head.
This book was so well written, that it left me feeling like I had just experienced the turmoil of a divorce that was dragged out too long, of a crush that left me breathless with every thought of those dimples, and of friendships that left me giggling with how blessed I was to have girls who had my back like those in Hope Falls. 
"Oh yeah. That boy's a smitten kitten fo'sheezy breezy," Karina stated in her perfect slang, as if this were a fact. She was the only one of them would could pull that off. 
Finally, a few more things: 
  • The love is real. The authors love for the characters they pen. REAL. The love between friendships. REAL. The love that everyone has for this little town. REAL. The love that Adam felt when he first laid eyes on Jane. REAL. I think this is what I love most about the books written by Melanie Shawn. The emotions are real. Not adjective filled ideas of emotions, but straight-up Paula Abdul lyric filled emotions. (Maybe with a little Vanilla Ice on the hook!) 
  • The humor that fills these novels is a perfect amount, not too much that it overwhelms the storyline, but the perfect dose that makes it feel like a real relationship developing. Those innocent quirks that you sweetly pick at. Adam teasing Jane about her snoring is one that makes me think about the first time my now-hubby heard me snore! Of course, I denied it too.
    "Looks like you and your nana are sharing a canoe on your river trip down Denial." 
  • Friendship. I think this is the key element throughout the last 10 books. Yes, I will admit - the sex is HOT! The love is swoon-worthy, but the friendships take the cake. Adam with Declan. (Which, by the way is a damn swoon-worthy name!) The Fabulous Four, and those added along the way. These are the relationships that keep the author's loyal fan base coming back for more! (In my opinion) As Jane started clicking away, Nikki called out for the kitchen, "Side note: ummm, hello? How hawt was Tow Truck Driver Lance?!" "I heard that!" Mike shouted from his office." "Yeah, babe," Nikki yelled back playfully. "I wasn't trying to be subtle." 
  • I need Eli to have his own story. I feel like he is ready to get down to business, and he is like the man who tries to pick up the woman RIGHT BEFORE she finds the one. :) I think he deserves a woman who is a damn handful. Like the Fab Four wrapped up into one kind of handful. 
Lastly, I will leave you with this: Yes, my reviews are random. And OMG, there is SOOOO much more to this story that I didn't touch. That is the magic of Melanie Shawn. The books have so many layers, you feel like you just keep peeling. In a GREAT WAY! Another FIVE STAR READ from these lovely ladies! 
NOW GIVE THE DUO KNOWN AS MELANIE SHAWN SOME LOVE! 

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Healing Harts (Jess, Julia & Justin)

T.J. Kline first stole my book heart with her amazing Rodeo series. Let me dust of them cowboy boots and head out on the circuit. I was roped in! (Pun totally intended!) Her latest series, Healing Harts, is one of those series that grabs a lot of your heart strings and doesn't let them go until you are a whimpering emotional wreck in the corner rocking back and forth need of a hug. Wow. In a GREAT way, of course.

Heart's Desire you meet "Jessie Hart has a soft spot for healing the broken, especially horses and children, but her business is failing and bankruptcy is looming. The one man who can save Heart Fire Ranch is the last man she wants to take advice from—financial expert Nathan Kerrington, the same man who broke her heart eight years ago.

Nathan Kerrington has it all, except the one thing he wanted most—Jessie. Now that he’s finally freed himself from his corrupt family, he wants to make amends. When he’s called in to save Jessie’s ranch, he sees his chance to win her back—if only he can prove to her that she can trust him with her heart…" (Blurb from Goodreads) 


I adore Jessie. She is snarky and the kind of girl I could be friends with in a heartbeat. Nathan may have broke her heart over 8 years ago - but she is still going to give him a hard time as if no time has passed. And then there is Nathan. Nathan is so not a cowboy. At first, this hurt my heart. *sigh* But, Nathan's chemistry with Jessie and the rest of the Hart family allowed for me to forgive 'Wall Street' for his ties and lack of dust on his boots.  "Nathan Kerrington. You've got some brass ones showing up here." Gosh - even his name is stuffy. Jess in her jeans and Nathan in his polos and slacks seemed comical to everyone (Except Justin - who is unaware of their history!) - but you get to catch glimpses of the moments when they let their guards down and see a real sense of love and respect forming. 
"I'm not going to hurt you," he whispered. 
"Yes, you will," she disagreed. Her voice choked with emotion she didn't want him to see. "You're going to destroy me." 
Without giving too much away, this romance is full of mystery, shady supporting characters, death, murder, embezzlement and so much more. I was shocked with some turns this book took - but so excited to turn (or swipe!) each page. The confidence that Jessie showed as the story developed made me proud. 
She'd no more closed the door when Jessie crooked a finger at Nathan. 
"You think that's all it takes, woman?" he asked. 
(spoiler? That is all it takes!!!!) 

Taking heart brings you back to the Hartland (hehe) to dive back in and find out about how "Julia Hart knows how much good she does training therapy dogs—it's what helped her overcome her own trials after a relationship turned unexpectedly violent. But moving beyond her mistakes meant trusting only her family with her heart.

Dylan, a former soldier, has run out of hope for recovery. Plagued by nightmares and flashbacks, he doubts anything will help him overcome his PTSD. When his brother convinces him to try one last time, he agrees to get a therapy dog.

Dylan didn't expect to find Julia or a chance for a "normal" future again. But when Julia's attacker is released from prison, Dylan and Julia will have to face the past together.
 " (Goodreads Blurb) 


Julia doesn't do much other than spend time with her siblings and her dogs. Her past experiences have left her unable to trust anyone aside from her dogs. Pairing the right dog with the right person is her passion in life. Dylan is humoring his brother's final attempt to help him with his PTSD and lack of luster for life. He didn't know what he was getting himself into with a Hart woman. They are a damn handful. Totally worth it, but still. One thing I was waiting for was the initial showdown between Dylan and Justin. Those two are such men. Let the pissing battle ensue. 
"You don't like me, I get that. I can even respect that, but could you at least show your sister some gratitude for her hospitality and stop making her feel like her every move is being scrutinized?"
Justin took a long draw from the bottle and met Dylan's gaze, his brows climbing high on his forehead. "Not a man to mince words, huh?" 
A few thoughts on this installment from the Hartland: 
  • I love Gage. Gage is the lucky brother (of Dylan) who seems to have to greatest (or worst) timing of catching Julia and Dylan every time they find themselves unable to fight the magnetic connection.  
    • "You need some help, Dylan? They just went to halftime and... Again?" Gage complained as he walked into the kitchen. "This is getting old," he muttered to Jessie.
    • "Really?" The screen door slammed, and they froze as Gage entered the house. "You two are like a couple of rabbits. Get a room!"
  • Bailey is the BEST supporting character ever. Late night condom delivery and snark all wrapped up into one. 
  • TJ Kline needs to write Suspense movies because I would watch them... or she could just keep writing... yeah. She does Suspense well!
In Close to Heart, you finally get to see the inner-workings of the only brother on the Heartland, "As the only veterinarian in town, Justin Hart doesn't have time to think about romance. So when A-list actress Alyssa Cole crashes her car outside his clinic, it's entirely unexpected when there's a spark between them he can't ignore. Still, she's a movie star, and he's just a small town cowboy.
Alyssa has learned the hard way not to believe first impressions, especially not in Hollywood. But, 400 miles from her former life with nowhere to go and no one to turn to, she places her trust in the handsome vet who comes to her rescue.
There's no denying the connection between them, but when Alyssa's past shows up at the door, will their new relationship be able to withstand the storm?" 
I just love how this couple comes to play. He doesn't do commitment, and she is married AND expecting. TJ really shows us life is funny about giving us what we need and deserve. Lyssa is a quiet and submissive soul when Justin finds her stranded outside of his office. As she realizes she doesn't need to settle on what she has been told she deserves - the fire she had starts to show itself, and Justin and I both laugh. 
"I was just waking you up. I thought that's how you princesses liked it."
She frowned, letting her gaze slide over him. "I don't remember Disney ever having a jack-ass in one of their movies. 
"Ouch! You wound me, m'lady."
Justin lacks the confidence to think he can provide and be what Lyssa wants and needs and so he thinks... He's better savor every moment because it wouldn't last. Woman like Alyssa, with champagne dreams, didn't want to settle for a country vet with a beer budget. And then you have Lyssa who is so filled with her renewed sense of freedom that she doesn't want to allow Justin to take care of her because she fears it is what she is escaping with her ex.Lyssa shook her head and arched a saucy brow at him. "Look, Aquaman, I'm not letting you boss me around, too." Happy to see the spark in her, Justin simply replies, "I thought we agrees, I'm more like Thor."
I don't want to give anything away, but you get one laugh-filled proposal, a WHOLE lot of sass, comic book love and a sense of complete in the Hartland. If you love a well-written story of love with a little country and a whole lot of real emotions from fear to laughter to the overwhelming need to protect by any means necessary - then this series is JUST FOR YOU. Before I leave you to go ONE-CLICK, I must leave you with some parting thoughts: 
  • When Gage's story comes out - HANDS OFF. He is mine. Period. No arguments, no bribes. Mine. Capital M...Mine! 
  • His eyes went dark, hot, and heavy as they skimmed over her. "Honey, you know what they say about dancing, that it's an indication of how a man is in bed." Be still, my beating heart... Justin is... damn. 
  • Nathan laughed quietly. "I'll admit I don't miss the suits, but no gel? That's just uncivilized." Too much Nathan!!! 
  • I can't get enough of the covers of these books. They are beautiful. Intense. Perfect. You can tell the love put in to choosing each one for the story. And it made the story that much more powerful. From the cover to the last word, you sense the author's love for the story she was telling. A huge FIVE stars from this lady. 




Thursday, July 2, 2015

Sinful Rewards: The Final Installment

The thrilling conclusion to the Billionaires and Bikers series!

One tiny mistake turns Bee Carter's worst fears into a terrifying reality. She knows she isn't alone. The sexy, honorable man she adores stands by her side, willing to sacrifice his freedom to ease her concerns.

But she yearns for more than he is offering. She wants a partner who will love her as fiercely as she loves him, who will say the words and mean them, and someone who will choose her because this is what he desires more than anything else, not merely out of a misguided sense of duty.

Will saying no to the man she loves earn Bee unbearable heartache or will she finally get the forever she craves?


***
A few thoughts. 
  • I cannot believe that I have been on this sinful ride with Cynthia Sax for a whole YEAR now! My eyes tear up a little thinking about the whole in my heart that will not be filled with my monthly dose of Bee, Hawke and Nicolas. 
  • Purple! What a perfect way to end. It is my favorite color. And speaking of covers - How hot is this one?!? *fans self*
  • I saw a lot of talk that there was little need for a 12 because 11 was pretty well ended. Let me tell you something I have learned... Cynthia doesn't write to fill pages. Everything in 12 was needed. Period. 
A proposal of epic proportions happens at a not so epic time causing doubt to fill Bee's mind. My heart ached for Hawke. This man of few words may not verbalize the feelings he feels, but he shows her. Hawke, once again, understands what Bee needs to feel no doubt. In his unique way, he sums it up perfectly: 
"My lame-ass proposal, my offer to permanently fuse my life with yours, wasn't enough, was it?" He bites off each word. "You need more from me." 
He's angry and hurt. I hurt the man I love. 
"I-"
"I'll get you more, sweetheart." Hawke puts a sarcastic twist on this endearment. "I'll get you so much damn proof, you won't have room for doubt. We'll settle this insecurities shit once and for all."  
And he leaves. OUCH! And then who  better to show up, then my all-time favorite crappy friend - Mr. Nicolas Rainer. YAY! I adore his tone and snark. When Bee goes on and on (and on...) about how Hawke doesn't love her because their situation doesn't match the movies (hehe) - he stops her and simply says
"Don't you have an article on this?"  I love him for this. I love Nicolas for his blunt manner of speech. Similar to Hawke in the way of being blunt - but oh so different. His eyes sparkle. "I've never said I love ice cream." He shovels the sweet treat into his mouth with a boyish glee. "But I do. Very much." His lips curl upward. Let's talk about my feelings in regards to my jellybean billionaire. First, I was #TeamNicolas for a large portion of this series. Even when it was obvious that Hawke was her person. Nicolas has something about him that calls to my soul. Or maybe it is just the love for jellybeans that he and I share. When I finally converted to the dark side and joined #TeamHawke, I fell for Nicolas on an entirely different level. His loyalty to Hawke and the protective vibe he had with Bee was beyond sweet...sprinkled with the perfect amount of sarcasm. Hawke plans this perfect scenario for Bee - everything she has always wanted - and offers her the grand gift of proving to everyone she is not who they think... and Bee makes me SO STINKIN PROUD in her reaction and her realizations that none of that matters. She has her man, she has her true friends (even if they are terrible...hehe) her Mom and she has her life. That is all that matters. Bee, Nicolas and Hawke were bound to have a fun dynamic once they got together, and they don't let me down with the asking of him to be the best man: 
"I'll also need a best man, someone who doesn't mind wearing a tux and can make it through an entire speech without cussing... The pickings are slim." 
"I'll  be a terrible best man." His eyes shimmer with moisture.
Those can't be tears. The billionaire would never cry. 
"I'll send you some articles." 
So much of this story warmed my heart. Seeing the final pieces of this story come together was breathtaking. All the players in Bee's life that she didn't think would come together did - and for one beautiful reason: The love Bee & Hawke share. The final part I want to share is my favorite because it shows Lona, Cyndi and Nicolas (along with Bee's mother in the background) all together in the name of Bee. 
Nicolas gazes at me, appreciation in his brown eyes. "Are you trying to get me killed, Miss LaMarre? I'm not commenting on the attractiveness of our bride-to-be. I like my head where it is."
"Stuck up your ass," Cyndi mutters. 
...
"Straight men don't know about fashion.: Kenzie is on Cyndi's side. 
"Maybe not.: Nicolas's voice is curt and clipped. "But this straight man does know he'd rather not look at his best friend's nipples all night."
"She's not your best friend." Cyndi jumps to her feet. "She's mine."
Cynthia simply put - made a series that glowed throughout the entire 12 installments. You fell in love, had your heart broken, made friends for life and realized that you are stronger than you thought, braver than you thought and deserve all life has to offer. This series was more than an erotic tale of love - it was about family, blood and not; friendship, simple and not; striving for all you deserve and want while surviving all the world is going to hit you with. Perfection. Beautiful. A series I will read again and again. 

Finally, let's show this lady some LOVE...