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.

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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! 

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Taking Heart Cover Reveal & More!

Taking Heart
Healing Harts (#2)
Anticipated Date of Release: June 2, 2015
Pre-Order on Amazon

Why this cover?
Taking Heart was a book that has been ruminating in my mind for quite some time. It was a very special story for me to write, not just the subject matter but both of the characters were incredible. It wasn’t easy to tackle serious subjects like PTSD and the after-effects of trauma, so the characters were extremely important and Julia and Dylan are a perfect couple to tackle this.
Julia Hart has used the trauma of her ex-boyfriend’s attack to benefit others by training therapy dogs for PTSD. When Dylan Granger arrives at her facility, at his brother’s request, he doubts that a dog is going to help change the nightmare his life has become. The last thing either of them expected was the connection they share. But, when they are both required to face their pasts, they find it’s possible when they rely on one another.
With the Healing Harts series, the covers were specifically chosen to convey the romance of the relationship but also the emotional connection of the characters. Since animals play a very special part in this series, it was integral that they be included in the covers. I also wanted to let the readers form their own picture of Julia in their minds, without relying on a cover model. In the end, I think this cover was a great choice and conveys a touching, emotional story.

An Excerpt

"You okay?" Gage glanced his way. Dylan hated the constant worry he could read in his brother's eyes.

He couldn't keep doing this to his brother. He'd become nothing more than a burden, the way their alcoholic father had been. Dylan had been the one who had stepped up from a young age, far too young for the responsibility of taking care of his mother and younger brother. To know that Gage might one day resent him, the way he did his father — he couldn't let that happen. As much as he didn't think a dog would help him, it might at least do enough good that he could give his brother back the freedom he'd lost when Dylan returned from Afghanistan.

He shifted in the seat of the Camaro his brother had rented. The old Dylan would have been itching to open the car on the long stretch of highway, to press his foot to the floor and let the powerful beast fly over the asphalt, like Icarus soaring toward the sun. But that man had become mortal, died the day a bullet grazed his temple and a grenade exploded beside him. He fisted his hands, trying to control the anger that rose to the surface whenever he thought of what he'd lost.

"Yeah. Where is this place? B.F.E.? How much farther?"

Gage checked the GPS navigation. "About five miles. Just off the next exit."

Dylan's brows drooped. "Not much around here, is there?"

Gage shrugged as he turned off the highway. "Maybe that's a good thing."

"I don't like it. There's a lot of trees and ground cover. Too many hills."

He knew it might not make sense to anyone else but the hills and wooded areas made it harder for Dylan to see anyone approaching. He might not be in combat any longer, but that didn't stop him from scanning the woods for enemies. The doctors claimed it was just part of the PTSD, but he hadn't met a soldier yet who didn't continue to watch his back, even at home.

It was the same reason he'd done Internet searches on this training facility while his brother was sleeping. He not only wanted to get a lay of the place, but he wanted to know what he should expect. He was surprised to find out it was run by a woman. He'd even watched a few of the videos posted on her website. As much as it looked like she knew what she was doing, he wasn't sure how much a dog trainer could understand about a PTSD case like his without having been in combat. The woman in the videos looked more like a cheerleader than someone who knew anything about fear, trauma, or death.

Dylan crossed his arms over his chest as they approached the entrance and a sign welcoming them to Heart Fire Training Facility. As they pulled up to the main house, Dylan saw his brother's eyes widen. The house was a sprawling two story ranch style with a wraparound porch but what really caught his attention was the beautiful woman seated on the steps waiting for them.

"Damn."

Dylan chuckled at his brother's response. He couldn't help but agree. She was much prettier in person than she'd been in her videos, and that was saying a lot. He turned to say something and found his brother staring at him. "What?"

"You laughed."

"Okay?"

Gage stopped the car and turned it off. "That's the first time I've heard you laugh since you came home."

Dylan clenched his jaw, reaching for the door handle. His brother was right, and it had actually felt good, until he realized that he was the only one in his unit still able to laugh. Guilt washed over him as he thought about the families who had lost loved ones because of his failure. He climbed out of the car, refusing to respond.

"Hi, I'm Julia. You must be Dylan?"

The woman moved down the stairs, a broad smile on her face as she extended her hand. Immediately a monster sized dog bounded down the stairs and sat at her feet, staring up at Dylan. He tucked his hands into his pockets, his mouth turning down as his brows bunched in a frown. He wasn't about to put out a hand where this beast could bite. The dog cocked his head to one side, studying Dylan, then opened his mouth in what looked like a grin, his huge pink tongue lolling to the side.

She laughed. "It's okay. Tango is a big teddy bear." She seemed to catch herself. "Unless he's on alert and working."

He wondered at her hesitation and looked back at the dog, and the teeth he could see inside the sloppy grin. "Teddy bear, huh?"

His brother moved around the car and reached for her hand. "Hi, I'm Gage. We spoke on the phone. This is Dylan."

Dylan nodded at her, not moving to approach as he looked around at the facility. He assumed from the barks, yips and howls that the solitary outbuilding was a kennel or training area. The rest of the property was open with pine trees surrounding the back of the property into the hills. She had landscaped the front with wildflowers and grasses that looked native yet too orderly to be natural.

"If you want to grab your bags, I'll show you to your rooms," she offered as she turned back to the house.

Dylan didn't miss the fact that the dog rose and followed behind her. He met his brother at the truck of the car. "That dog is a monster," he muttered. "If you think I'm taking something like that home, you're the crazy one.""You're not crazy and just give it a chance, will you?" Gage looked around the side of the car, making sure Julia couldn't hear the criticism. "What's the worst case scenario? That you get to stare ather for three weeks?"

Dylan glared at his brother. The last thing he needed was any sort of romantic entanglement. He couldn't even take care of himself right now. "You go right ahead."

"You can't be serious. Are you blind?"

Dylan shrugged. He hadn't missed anything - not her curves, not her smile, not the white scar at her temple, and certainly not the way her dark brown eyes seemed to dance as she spoke. But he had nothing to offer and he wasn't selfish enough to sentence anyone else to the hell that was his life now. It was just easier to avoid any emotion, even the good ones. Hurt followed too closely at every turn.

"Are you two coming?" she called from the doorway. Dylan shut the trunk as his brother headed toward the house.

That smile was on her lips again as she opened the door and he felt stab of jealousy at the opportunity he'd just passed up for his brother. He didn't fault Gage; under different circumstances, he would have taken a shot at her. Dylan had always assumed he'd hoped to be married by now, maybe with a kid or two, but now, with a different sort of future ahead of him, he was glad he'd never taken the plunge. He had enough guilt on his shoulders without a wife and kids to disappoint. Gage held open the door for him and followed Julia inside.

Now let's show TINA some Healing Harts LOVE! 

Tina Klinesmith

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Author of Journey to Almighty, Journey to Grace & Journey to Faith 

Rebuilding the Temple: Revolutionary Health Change (non-fiction)

As T.J. Kline: 

Rodeo Queen, Cowboy and the Angel, Learning the Ropes and Runaway Cowboy (2/3/15)

Heart's Desire (4/28/15), Taking Heart (6/2/15) and Close to Heart (7/14/15) 

Bad For Me

Callie Jacobsen isn't about to open her heart to just anyone. Not so very long ago, trusting someone changed her life forever—and not in a fun way. Now she's better off focusing on her career, her friends, and her dog. So when former Marine Everett Silverton takes an interest in her, Callie's more than a little wary. No matter how charming he is, men are a bad idea. In fact, she's got the scars to prove it.

But Everett isn't convinced Callie should shut everyone out—especially not him. He may be a hero to the people of Rock Canyon, but he's got his own demons, and he bets they're not that different from Callie's. Still, he knows it's going to take more than chemistry to get her to let her guard down. Everett will do whatever it takes to show her she's safe with him. All she has to do is take a chance, take a step … and take his hand

***I received this book in exchange for an honest review***

***Expected Date of Release: April 7th, 2015***

Rock Canyon, Idaho may be a small town with a nosy Miss Know It All who has advanced to blogging - but there is still so much love left to be had. Especially when it is for the voice behind the early morning radio show on Kat Country that he calls into everyday like clockwork. Who is he, you ask? None other than Rock Canyon's very own, Everett Silverton. Silverton you say? Yes - we have recently met the handful that is his brother, Justin. Everett, known to his family as 'Rhett', finds himself oddly at ease when talking to Callie Jay. 

It was a hell of a reaction to have to a woman he'd never actually met. 

After years of living in the same town without even a bump into at their local Hall's Market. The bumps in they faced now seemed inevitable since she would be DJ'ing his brother's wedding and the other small fact - Rhett was smitten. (And, me as a reader was beyond smitten with him!) Living in a small town like Rock Canyon, their worlds are sure to intertwine. Perhaps not to the extent that these two do, but surely they will have friends and acquaintances that run in the same circles. While both might prefer the comfort of their jobs behind the phone/microphone - their loved ones are determined to bring them back to the land of the living and crazy in Callie's case. The ladies of RC are a riot, to say the least. And Caroline is my favorite of the crazy bunch. 

"What's wrong with being picky or discreet?" Callie said, her voice rising. "Just because I don't advertise my conquests, doesn't mean I'm not getting any. I am conquering all kinds of ass."

"Fine, I'll just call you Callie, the ass conqueror," Caroline said as she parked in front of Jensen's. 

Friends like the ones that Callie has found herself adopted by are the kind of sitcoms. (Which is appropriate for our Big Bang Theory loving author!) This brings me to Dalton. I hope to see more of Dalton (and maybe a younger Andrews girl?) in a future book or short story. It is obvious to everyone but Callie that this kid has it bad for her, and it offers some serious teasing material. 

"Um, do you not see the look in his eyes? It says, 'Oh please, older and more experienced hot woman, I need you to show me the ropes and teach me a few new tricks."

"Will you shut up?"

"Ride it, my pony."

"I am going to take out your windpipe."

Codi Gary loves her characters. You can see that with most authors, but the love she writes into her characters is breathtaking. Your hero will never be perfect, but she loves all his imperfections.  Your heroine may focus on her flaws, but the strength that shines through shows the love that has flown through the pen of the author onto the page you are reading. (And re-reading because it's THAT GOOD!) The time taken to watch the relationship blossom shows unconditional love from the author like that of a mother and her child. You can't help but fall in love with even the most sinister of people in the story. Usually in a romance, I dread the bumps. I am so eager for the HEA, that the awkward attempts of showing interest are read quickly, but Everett... Geez. 

"Maybe it's about time you let someone else take the wheel." And with that piece of advice, he placed the flowers in her lap and shut the door on her surprise. 

And then Callie. Callie is my book BFF. Has only happened a few times in my life before that I find a female character I like so much that I am dying to be friends with them. Callie is in my gang now. Straight up dork. Coffee addicted. Great taste in men. Awkward homebody. We are homies for life! 

"I take it back; she is my mortal enemy. Initiate Mortal Kombat fighting stance." She punched the air above her in some kind of crazy fighting style. 

Back to the way the author handles the stories she writes. (Yes, I know I am scatter-brained when it comes to writing this review!... I am a reader, NOT a writer!) I am obsessed with the way she ties music into every book. Each book has a clear soundtrack to the love story. My favorite mention of music in this installment was a more subtle one. The nod to Blake Shelton's 'Austin.' 

"Hey, it's Everett. Leave your message at the beep...and Whiskey?" - Callie's breath and heart stopped - "I'm still waiting." 

Ummm...SWOON! Ok, so before I become a book pirate for quoting the ENTIRE book, I am going to let you go with this one piece of advice that I am sure even Miss Know-It-All herself would back me up on: 

READ THIS SERIES! Geez. The town is lovable. The characters are so approachable and real. The love is that of EPIC 'Say Anything' size grand gestures. And the author is one talented doll. With each book, the story gets deeper, the writing gets better and the love is even grander. (Is that a word?!?) FIVE STARS from this lover of books. Now, let's give Codi Gary some LOVE! 

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Wild With You: Book Four: Independence Falls series

Dr. Katherine "Kat" Arnolds left Oregon and never looked back at the town that failed her as a child. But when a new patient from Independence Falls joins her clinical trial, she returns determined to show everyone in her hometown how she has thrived—including her high school crush.

Brody Summers saves people. For years, he looked out for his younger siblings and ran the family business. Now he works search and rescue. After a failed mission, Brody plans to take an evening off. When a blonde city girl knocks him off his feet, he refuses to walk away from desire. But it doesn't take long for Brody to realize the past is returning to haunt him—and it goes back farther than one wild night.

The last thing Kat wants is a reason to extend her stay in Independence Falls. But she can't escape the memory of Brody's wicked touch. As their passion heats up, Brody wonders if he's falling for the one woman who doesn't need rescuing.

***Anticipated Date of Release: April, 14th 2015***

***I received this book in exchange for an honest review*** 

I devoured the first 3 books in this series, and was eager with the release of this one. If you didn't catch my review of the first 3, CLICK HERE! - the first two were incredibly strong 4's, and Sara stuck gold with the 3rd installment. When I received an ARC of Wild With You - I quickly finished the book I was reading and dove right in. 

Picking up where Chad and Lena's story left off, I was quickly transported back to my new favorite town. Well, almost. Brody was in Portland pick up the Dr. Westbury, who was their last resort to help their brother who had been severely injured on the job. When Brody is literally knocked on his ass by a pair of gorgeous long legs, he has trouble remaining focused on the task at hand; and is more concerned with..."What would she look like bound to his bed?" Not picking up on her identity as quickly as Kat did, she opted to leave that tidbit out of their conversations.  

Determined to keep his mind on the task at hand, he declined her initial offer for a drink. Fate had different plans, and Kat was determined. To say that Brody's discovery of Kat's actual identity was awkward is an understatement. 

Some long, tedious sessions in the kitchen (and possibly some help from a topless waitress/nursing student) brought Josh back to the land of those with a semi-functioning memory. Were there moments in which he had to leave himself a post-it of what he did the night before? Sure! But, his memory was returning. Thanks to Kat and the trial? Maybe, but she has an inkling that this was happening before she arrived, and he was scared to accept it for fear of losing it again. 

Sara wraps this story together so effortlessly with the previous 3, that it really felt like you were reading one REALLY LONG, AMAZING book. 

Watching Brody try to court his lady friend was sweet beyond words. His teasing drove me bananas, and I wasn't the one receiving it. One of my all-time favorite scenes from the book was this one: 

"I have two words for you."Her voice hit a sultry note that drove him damn near crazy. "Whip cream."

The best two words he'd heard all day.

"I was thinking pizza," he said. "And while you might win points for creativity, my idea gets us both fed while you tell me about your day."

"My day?" She raised an eyebrow. "I spent the last hour sitting at a table you made wondering if you'd ever thought about bending me over it and binding my ankles to the table legs."

If I had to choose ONE word to describe this story, I would select "Fantasy." Brody was the fantasy for Kat growing up in Independence Falls as an unwanted foster child. Kat helped Brody explore his fantasies, even though nobody knew that side of him. "Independence Falls, the people there, they don't have a clue about your wild, dirty mouth, do they?" and Kat created a fantasy about the child she was mentoring. While, Kat tried to keep things fantasy related, Brody quickly realized... "I didn't fall for the fantasy, Kat," he said. "I fell for you." 

My heart went through the entire spectrum of emotions in this one, and when it was all said and done - I was a happy lady. I give this book a BIG 4 stars. If I could have hoped for one thing... and don't die when I say this, since you know how I feel about these - it needed an Epilogue. I am sure she will cover the afters in the next book - but I wanted more! :) Greedy, I know! But, a GREAT GREAT job by the talented Sara Jane Stone. 

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