Lions, Tigers, and Sexy Bears Oh My!

3.5 Animalistic Stars

I enjoyed Candace Havens’ Lions, Tigers, and Sexy Bears Oh My! The title alone had me intrigued. This book has betrayal, vows to never fall in love again, the undeniable desire to break that vow, small town characteristics, stubborn women, and pig-headed men. Oh, and of course, how could I forget, humans that turn into animals.

The heiress, Ainsley McLeon, is on the run from her family after someone tried to kill her. She finds herself in the last place they’ll look; Montana. Getting caught in a blizzard, a run in with a tiger and needing her truck fixed, she decides to work at the one bar in town. That bar just happens to be owned by Luc. A bear of a man, he does not want Ainsely in or around his bar, but he has no choice when his big heart wins out and cannot let her sleep on the street. She takes up residence in his place and things go from bad to worse in a matter of pages. The temperature is rising between the two, but Ainsely can never know what Luc is or what majority of the town is. They are shifters (turning human to animal) and it would be dangerous for her to find out that information. But can Luc handle the feelings that are bursting in him every time Ainsely is around? Can he keep his temper in check when his sudden need to protect her comes into play? Could Ainsely handle the truth and will she ever be able to stop hiding from her family?

Ainsely and Luc have such a unique connection and such horrific backgrounds that I couldn’t help but root for them, yet enjoyed their stubbornness is attempting to ignore what is between them.

Candace packs in so many brilliant twists and turns in this story that took me by surprise, but I give it 3.5/5 because I craved more to each of these outcomes where I felt the surface was only scratched. I could see this book being expanded into at least another book to capture all the amazing ideas here. I also wish there had been more shifting happening. Being that shifters where a huge aspect to the story and who Luc is, I was surprised there wasn’t a lot more animals emerging throughout.

Overall, this was a fun read and wonderfully written and I adored the characters!

(I received an ARC for my review and this is my honest-to-goodness, straight from the heart review!)

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lions-Tigers-Bears-Entangled-ebook/dp/B00DK42NWG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375141717&sr=8-1&keywords=lions%2C+tigers%2C+and+sexy+bears

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lions-tigers-and-sexy-bears-oh-my-candace-havens/1115810176?ean=9781622668076

Dishing Up Desire

4 Temperature Rising Stars!

A successful, stubborn woman coupled with a devastatingly handsome man telling her to change everything about her, what could possibly go wrong with that combo? J Barbara DeLeo’s Dishing Up Desire was hilarious as well as emotional. And I enjoyed it from beginning to end.

The stakes run high for Chef star, Kirin Hart when she is sued by one of her younger staff members. Her image is going down the drain and she is trying everything to just stay sane and keep her business from going under. This would be the moment that Blake Matthews saunters in to take control and tell her how to fix everything. Not only does she not listen because she is uncomfortable with everything being thrown at her, she doesn’t know if she can trust him. Blake Matthews is the sexy-as-sin PR rep trying to prove himself to the company that Kirin is under contract with. If Blake is successful in turning around Kirin’s image in two weeks, they will sell him their company and he will have acquired the largest PR Empire in the nation.

Just as things start to come together, things begin to boil over, causing chaos and pain for all those involved. Blake and Kirin must decide what is more important to them; their careers or their love.

I admire everything that Kirin has gone through in her life and still comes out standing, no matter how much her stubbornness got on my nerves and I just wanted her to give in to Blake. As much as Blake seems to be aloof and uncaring to what others think of him, he is vulnerable to those he cares the most about, leaving him truly insecure. Kirin pulls at this side of him in a way he never thought possible. Their relationship is always on a see-saw of epic proportions that left me unable to put the book down.

(I received an ARC for my review and this is my honest-to-goodness, straight from the heart review!)

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dishing-Desire-Entangled-Indulgence-ebook/dp/B00DFFIKT0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374457980&sr=8-1&keywords=dishing+up+desire

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dishing-up-desire-barbara-deleo/1115688174?ean=9781622661718

Some Like It Spicy

4.5 Hot Heat Stars!

I’m not much of a cook, I leave that to my husband, but I have always enjoyed watching Food Network and eating new things. Robbie Terman’s Some Like It Spicy was a book version of those things to me and so much more!

Ashton Grey is a strong, slightly angry, defensive, and determined chef, but she has one problem: her restaurant is failing and she’s about to be forced into closing. This would be an ultimate failure on more levels that just her restaurant being unsuccessful. She would be failing her best friends and partners, her parents would be disappointed and ashamed, and this is all she has to live for. After a massive tantrum with a customer, Ashton is approached to be on a cooking competition show, The Next Celebrity Chef. She hates being critiqued and lashes out on those who do it and dreads  having to do this show, but it’s her only shot at saving her restaurant.

In walks Ty Cates, the shows host and sexy celebrity chef. Ashton swoons, like every other woman who lays eyes on him, but she can’t lose her focus over him. However, the street seems to run both ways and Ty is doing everything he can to be alone with Ashton, even though he has signed a contract that means legally he can’t have any relationship with contestants. But they can sneak around and hide things, right?

Some Like It Spicy has an incredible amount of layers that are woven so well into this story, with writing that had me laughing and cringing and on the edge of my seat. I read this in one day, refusing to put it down until I knew what would happen between Ty and Ashton.

(I received an ARC for my review and this is my honest-to-goodness, straight from the heart review!)

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Spicy-Perfect-Recipe-Entangled-ebook/dp/B00DFFMYOW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374157521&sr=8-1&keywords=some+like+it+spicy

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/some-like-it-spicy-robbie-terman/1115688178?ean=9781622661473

Love Him or Leave Him

4 Big-City-Lights Stars!

I have always wondered what it would be like to grow up in a small town, wishing that I had and I still want to raise a family in a small town. Sara Daniel’s Love Him or Leave Him just solidified that dream for me. I truly enjoyed this heartwarming tale of Becca and Connor in small town Kortville, IL.

Becca is feisty, strong, sticks by those she loves, and carried more on her shoulders than any young person ever should. After her dreams of leaving Kortville for college and to explore the world were shattered, she couldn’t wait to get out of town a decade later when she saw the chance. Especially after Connor O’Malley came back into the picture. She would never forgive him for believing the rumor mill of the small town, not trusting her, not sticking up for her, and letting her reputation sink in high school. There was a reason why he was her ex-boyfriend and no amount of time had healed her heart from his betrayal. Yet, Connor still showed up with a need for help that no one else but Becca saw. And Becca’s good nature couldn’t be so cold towards him.

Connor has suffered immensely from self-pity and guilt from not being able to protect those close to him and he doesn’t think he could ever be able to give Becca everything she deserves. Yet, he just can’t help himself. He wants Becca to be his.

As things in the usually quiet town of Kortville start to escalate in acts of extreme vandalism, the town seems to be against Becca once again and it’s up to Connor to pick a side, once again.

I didn’t know how to handle Becca’s situation. I’m not sure I would have handled things the way she did (and her way was much better) and that’s what I was most drawn to with her. She was strong and knew herself well enough that she could stand up for what she believed to be right. Connor also found a soft spot with me in his need to do everything right by Becca, even if it was too late.

Sara’s writing had a way of making the reading effortless and incredibly enjoyable, letting the time slip away J

(I received an ARC for my review and this is my honest-to-goodness, straight from the heart review)

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Him-Leave-Entangled-ebook/dp/B00DFFLCZO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1373942824&sr=8-2&keywords=love+him+or+leave+him

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-him-or-leave-him-sara-daniel/1115688176?ean=9781622661930

Suddenly Beautiful

5 Goddess Worthy Stars!!

I am finding that I really enjoy mythology based romance books, and Boone Brux’s Suddenly Beautiful is one of those reasons why I am falling for these stories! I’m not entirely sure how Nikki kept her intense crush on her boss, Toreas, a secret for four years, but I was relieved when all of their attraction came to the surface in a night of untamed passion. The outcome? Not so “happily-ever-after” as you would expect.

Being the boss, Tor couldn’t let his desire for Nikki interfere with their working situation, but it becomes increasingly more difficult when the devilishly handsome Creed Killion, his new creative director for his company, shows an interest in Nikki. Creed suggests she become the new face of their new product line and gives her a make over, making her even more stunning. How can Tor resist? He can’t, but he tries so dang hard.

Suddenly Beautiful has everything from the gorgeous leading man, the beautiful inside-&-out leading lady to the jealous and vindictive woman, the trying-to-snag-the-beauty guy to godlike powers, family secrets to chaos and deceit.

Boone Brux’s writing is phenomenal and I found myself completely enraptured with the story of Nikki and Tor.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a strong, witty, won’t-back-down kind of girl, paired with a guy who tries to keep his control over everything, but seems to fail when it comes to said girl.

(I received an ARC for my review and this is my honest-to-goodness, straight from the heart review!)

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Suddenly-Beautiful-Entangled-Covet-ebook/dp/B00CGFJ16Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373916106&sr=8-1&keywords=suddenly+beautiful

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/suddenly-beautiful-boone-brux/1115161577?ean=9781622661169

The busy month of July

What a wonderful month July has been with the celebration of our country's independence, beautiful weather, and other family celebrations for me (My Great-Grandma turned 100!!!). But with all of these wonderful things, I have been slacking on reviews and getting things posted. But never fear! There will be three new reviews posted within the next two days and they have been fabulous reads! I can't wait to share them with you.

Now, for all you lovely ladies (and gentlemen) who have read Fifty Shades, while visiting family in Iowa, I had a wine that I picked just because of its name, which I normally don't do, but I couldn't resist. And I loved it! It is a dry white, called Fifty Shades of Grape. Heehee. I plan on getting some sent to my house! And their other wines are delish as well. Here is their site!
http://www.grapeescapeiowa.com/ourwines/whites.html

I plan on getting reacquainted with Christian when I get my Fifty Shades wine :)

Happy Monday!!!

Wilde Nights in Paradise

5 Suspenseful Desire-filled Stars for Tonya Burrow’s Wilde Nights in Paradise!!

Now, who wouldn’t want a sexy marine guarding your life with his own? I know I would, but Elizabeth Pruitt isn’t a fan of the idea especially when she learns it’s the man who broke her heart eight years ago. Jude Wilde was always sure to live up to the “Wilde” name since none of his older brothers wanted to do such a thing. Jude is constantly burning bridges and causing destruction wherever he goes because it is easier than dealing with his emotions. He isn’t thrilled when he finds out he will be the new bodyguard to Libby Pruitt, his ex-fiancée.

Libby’s life has been threatened and the only way to keep her safe is to hide her away until the mob boss she is prosecuting is behind bars permanently. The problem? It will just be her and Jude in a secluded spot for an undetermined amount of time. Libby has yet to heal from Jude’s betrayal and she isn’t sure she will survive this time around with him.

Jude’s one regret in life is what he did to Libby, but he wouldn’t have changed things because it was the best thing for her. Still, Jude never got over the effect Libby had on him and his heart all those years ago. He wants to make things right with her, but he feels he doesn’t deserve the forgiveness or her love. But anything can happen when cooped up with someone that grates on your nerves, yet sparks a desire in you that you thought was long dead.

My heart went out to both Libby and Jude and their complicated relationship because of Jude’s betrayal. I was rooting for them from the get go and for Jude to stop covering up his pain with a smile. I adored them as a couple; their arguments, their desire, and, most importantly, their love.

Tonya’s writing brings you in and doesn’t let go until the story is over, but leaves you begging for more. And if you have read SEAL of Honor, you will see HORNET pop up! (I may have had a giddy moment when that happened) J

Can’t wait for more from Tonya Burrows!!

(I received an ARC for my review and this is my honest-to-goodness, straight from the heart review!)

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Nights-Paradise-Security-Entangled-ebook/dp/B00CVNRWUA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1372738156&sr=1-1&keywords=wilde+nights+in+paradise

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wilde-nights-in-paradise-tonya-burrows/1115375441?ean=9781622662241

Deja Voodoo

4 Voodoo infused stars!

I truly enjoyed Elle James’ Déjà Voodoo and the story the brought to life magic and love. The third installment in the series, it continued with the feel and voice of the prior two books. However, this one had a little bit more spunk to it.

Alex Boyette is the oldest girl of 19 children, successful in business, owns her own house, but her mom refuses to let her single life continue to happen. Constantly being set up at family dinners, Alex is not thrilled to follow through with the latest invite, but she can’t refuse.

Ed Marceau is in the small Voodoo town of Bayou Miste hiding the most sought after witness for an upcoming trial. Renting the Boyette cottage, he feels rude to ignore the dinner invitation from Barbara Boyette, however, he especially doesn’t want to attend after speaking with his co-worker Ben, the oldest of the Boyettes.

After formally meeting each other, Alex and Ed fight their instant attraction to each other. Alex doesn’t want to complicate life even further with a relationship, especially to a man who is only on vacation and leaving Bayou Miste soon. Ed was burned from his previous marriage and he doesn’t have time to concentrate on a fling while trying to protect his witness.

Things escalate until there is no turning back, yet danger has arrived at their door step and someone will have to be saved before they both lose each other.

Alex is a fun character who takes life too seriously, is strong, independent, and always feels the need to be in control. When her life is thrown into chaos with her dog, Sport and best friend Calliope, and her mother and Ed, she keeps pushing things away to try and handle them.

Ed is simply irresistible especially when he can’t seem to resist Alex and he lets her know it. Extremely protective yet knowing when to back off, Ed is off the charts sexy and just the man to handle Alex.

(I received an ARC for my review and this is my honest-to-goodness, straight from the heart review!

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Voodoo-Cajun-Entangled-Suspense-ebook/dp/B00CQY7T3E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372736186&sr=8-1&keywords=deja+voodoo

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deja-voodoo-elle-james/1115290463?ean=9781622660827

Origin Cover Reveal!!

Book 4 in the Lux Series!! 

Releases August 27th! Pre-Order now :D

Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.

After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.

Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?

Together, they can face anything.  

But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on? And will they even be together?

SEXY COVER FOR ANOTHER INSTALLMENT OF A STEAMY SERIES!!!

Links for Origin:

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13644052-origin

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Origin-Lux-Series-Entangled-Teen/dp/1622660757/

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/origin-jennifer-armentrout/1114855732

For the first 3 books (and 0.5) of the Lux series, check them out here!

http://www.goodreads.com/series/66252-lux