Her Secret (The Amish of Hart County #1) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Blurb

After a stalker went too far, Hannah Hilty and her family had no choice but to leave the bustling Amish community where she grew up. Now she’s getting a fresh start in Hart County, Kentucky…if only she wasn’t too scared to take it. Hannah has become afraid to trust anyone—even Isaac, the friendly Amish man who lives next door. She wonders if she'll ever return to the trusting, easy-going woman she once was.

For Isaac Troyer, the beautiful girl he teasingly called “The Recluse” confuses him like no other. When he learns of her past, he knows he's misjudged her. However, he also understands the importance of being grateful for God’s gifts, and wonders if they will ever have anything in common. But as Hannah and Isaac slowly grow closer, they realize that there’s always more to someone than meets the eye.

Just as Hannah is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding a new love, more secrets are revealed and tragedy strikes. Now Hannah must decide if she should run again or dare to fight for the future she has found in Hart County.

Shelley Shepard Gray writes the sweetest Amish/Christian romances, and with this first installment of the Amish of Hart County series she's added an element of suspense to the story, too.

In the beginning, our heroine Hannah seemed to be a bit skittish, and who can blame her? It didn't take long, however, for her to find her inner strength and bravely move on. Of course Isaac was a big help with that! His patience and compassion and willingness to 'go slow' made me love him for Hannah, and I hope to see more of them in future installments of the series!

I've read several of Ms. Gray's Amish romances and have enjoyed every one of them. The characters are such awesome people who are easy to relate to. Whether going through a "crisis of faith" or suffering loss that makes their faith stronger, I always find myself invested in the people and their journey down whatever path life has put them on. So, if you find yourself in the mood for a charming Christian read, be sure to take a peek at Shelley Shepard Gray's stories. You'll be glad you did!

An ARC was provided by Avon Inspire. In appreciation I'm giving them an honest review.

Seven Minutes in Heaven (Desperate Duchesses #9) by Eloisa James

Blurb

All of Eugenia Snowe’s problems start when Edward Reeve, an arrogant bastard son of an earl, bursts into her registry office. He wants a governess and he wants her. She gives him the governess he demands, but she refuses to give herself.

No question that Eugenia enjoys crossing wits with the brilliant inventor, but she will never tarnish her reputation with an affaire, particularly with a man who doesn’t realize she’s a lady!

She holds her ground…until he kidnaps her.

Ward will stop at nothing to convince Eugenia that they’re meant to be together. He promises her heaven.

She gives him seven minutes.

Seven Minutes in Heaven is the 9th book in Eloisa James’ Desperate Duchesses series (Desperate Duchesses by the Numbers #3) and, at times, had me laughing so hard I was in tears. Reading this also had me sighing, tsking, and falling in love with Edward Reeve and Eugenia Snowe, and cheering for their happily ever after.

I just love the way Ms. James’ brings her characters to life, making me love them for all the things they are, and all the things they are not. They are flawed, they are quirky and, sometimes, haven’t the judgment of a gnat… and I love them all the more for it.

Brava! An absolutely delightfully entertaining story!

An ARC was provided by Avon Books. In appreciation I’m giving them an honest review.

Purchase Seven Minutes in Heaven on Amazon by clicking here

Do You Want to Start a Scandal? (Spindle Cove #5) by Tessa Dare

Blurb:

On the night of the Parkhurst ball, someone had a scandalous tryst in the library.

~Was it Lord Canby, with the maid, on the divan?
~Or Miss Fairchild, with a rake, against the wall?
~Perhaps the butler did it.

All Charlotte Highwood knows is this: it wasn’t her. But rumors to the contrary are buzzing. Unless she can discover the lovers’ true identity, she’ll be forced to marry Piers Brandon, Lord Granville—the coldest, most arrogantly handsome gentleman she’s ever had the misfortune to embrace. When it comes to emotion, the man hasn’t got a clue.

But as they set about finding the mystery lovers, Piers reveals a few secrets of his own. The oh-so-proper marquess can pick locks, land punches, tease with sly wit … and melt a woman’s knees with a single kiss. The only thing he guards more fiercely than Charlotte’s safety is the truth about his dark past.

Their passion is intense. The danger is real. Soon Charlotte’s feeling torn. Will she risk all to prove her innocence? Or surrender it to a man who’s sworn to never love?

I don't often squee when I hear about a new book release, but I always do when it's a book by Tessa Dare who makes historical romance fun, exciting, and passionate!

Do You Want to Start a Scandal is not only a wonderful romance, it's also a great mystery. The way it all unfolds is brilliantly told and oh, how I loved it! When it comes to historical romance, Tessa Dare always delivers the very best! I adore Charlotte and Piers, and watching them obtain their scandalous happily ever after was comical, and suited them perfectly!!

An ARC was provided by Avon Books and in appreciation I'm giving them an honest review.

Shanna by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss

Blurb...

All of London knows the Duke of Rutherford has position and wealth. They also whisper that he’s dissolute, devilish, and determinedly unwed. So why, everyone is asking, has he hired a governess?

When Miss Lily Russell crosses the threshold of the Duke of Rutherford’s stylish townhouse, she knows she has come face to face with sensual danger. For this is no doting papa. Rather, his behavior is scandalous, and his reputation rightly earned. And his pursuit of her is nearly irresistible—but resist she must for the sake of her pupil.

As for the duke himself, it was bad enough when his unknown child landed on his doorstep. Now Lily, with her unassuming beauty, has aroused his most wicked fantasies—and, shockingly, his desire to change his wanton ways. He’s determined to become worthy of her, and so he asks for her help in correcting his behavior.

But Lily has a secret, one that, if it becomes known, could change everything . . .onsents to wed a beautiful heiress . . . in return for one night of unparalleled pleasure.

In the fading echoes of hollow wedding vows, a promise is broken -- as a sensuous free-spirit flees to a lush Caribbean paradise, abandoning the handsome stranger she married to the gallows. But Ruark Beauchamp's destiny is now eternally intertwined with his exquisite, tempestuous Shanna's. And no iron ever forged can imprison his magnificent passion . . . and no hangman's noose will deny him the ecstasy that is rightfully his.

Wonderful!

This is my first foray into the brilliance that is Kathleen E. Woodiwiss's writing, even though I've had some of her books on my shelves for years. But when the publisher sent me a copy of Shanna I decided that there's no time like the present, and dove right in. And oh, how glad I am that I did because this isn't just a historical romance, it's an epic love story. There's mystery, romance, passion, sword fights, pirates, kidnapping, murder...start to finish it's one captivating, exciting adventure!

Needless to say - but I'll say it anyway - I'll be reading more of this author's writing, very soon!

My thanks to Avon Books for providing me with a copy of this story. In appreciation I'm giving them an honest review.

The Rogue Not Taken (Scandal & Scoundrel #1) by Sarah MacLean

Lady Sophie’s Society Splash

When Sophie, the least interesting of the Talbot sisters, lands her philandering brother-in-law backside-first in a goldfish pond in front of all society, she becomes the target of very public aristocratic scorn. Her only choice is to flee London, vowing to start a new life far from the aristocracy. Unfortunately, the carriage in which she stows away isn’t saving her from ruin . . . it’s filled with it.

Rogue’s Reign of Ravishment!

Kingscote, “King,” the Marquess of Eversley, has never met a woman he couldn’t charm, resulting in a reputation far worse than the truth, a general sense that he’s more pretty face than proper gentleman, and an irate summons home to the Scottish border. When King discovers stowaway Sophie, however, the journey becomes anything but boring.

War? Or More?

He thinks she’s trying to trick him into marriage. She wouldn’t have him if he were the last man on earth. But carriages bring close quarters, dark secrets, and unbearable temptation, making opposites altogether too attractive . . .

Sarah MacLean is one of the few authors whose stories will, without fail, take me on a wild ride of emotions, so it came as no surprise to me that this first in her new Scandal and Scoundrel series did just that. The Rogue Not Taken had me laughing and crying and clenching my hands in fists of outrage because Sophia and her sisters grabbed hold of my heart from the start and never let go. And when you add a roguish scoundrel like King to the mix, things become (fanning myself) interesting, to say the least!

From the first page to the last, The Rogue Not Taken is a delight to read! Well... a delight and steamy and funny and thought-provoking and heartbreaking and hopeful… it’s absolutely everything I've come to expect from Sarah MacLean’s amazing gift for telling a story!

I can promise you this, dear readers of my review… this is going to be a fabulous series!!!

An ARC was provided by Avon Books. In appreciation I'm giving them an honest review.

Click here to purchase The Rogue Not Taken at Amazon

The Match of the Century (Marrying the Duke #1) by Cathy Maxwell

Every debutante aspires to snag a duke. Elin Morris just happens to have had one reserved since birth. But postponements of her marriage to London's most powerful peer give Elin time to wonder how she will marry Gavin Baynton when she cannot forget his brother, Benedict.

Already exasperated at being yanked from the military to meet "family obligations," now Ben must suffer watching his arrogant sibling squire the only woman he has ever loved. Joining the army saved Ben from sinking into bitterness, but seeing Elin again takes him back to the day they surrendered to their intoxicating desire.

As the wedding draws near, Elin tries to push Ben far from her thoughts. When danger brings them together, there is no denying their feelings. But can Elin choose love over duty?

The Match of the Century has intrigue, adventure, passion, and humor. There were things I loved, things I liked, and things I wish had been included, but all-in-all it's a great start to Cathy Maxwell's new historical romance series, Marrying the Duke.

Gavin's story is next and I'm excited to see him get his much deserved and long past due happily ever after!

An ARC was provided by Avon Books. In appreciation I'm giving them an honest review!

Purchase at Amazon:  The Match of the Century: Marrying the Duke

Falling Into Bed With A Duke (Hellions of Havisham #1) by Lorraine Heath

In the first in a dazzling new series, New York Times bestselling author Lorraine Heath introduces the Hellions of Havisham—three charismatic rogues destined to lose their hearts . . .

After six unsuccessful Seasons, Miss Minerva Dodger chooses spinsterhood over fortune-hungry suitors. But thanks to the Nightingale Club, she can at least enjoy one night of pleasure. At that notorious establishment, ladies don masks before choosing a lover. The sinfully handsome Duke of Ashebury is more than willing to satisfy the secretive lady's desires—and draws Minerva into an exquisite, increasingly intimate affair.

A man of remarkable talents, Ashe soon deduces that his bedmate is the unconventional Miss Dodger. Intrigued by her wit and daring, he sets out to woo her in earnest. Yet Minerva refuses to trust him. How to court a woman he has already thoroughly seduced? And how to prove that the passion unleashed in darkness is only the beginning of a lifetime's pleasure . . . ?

There are very few authors who can sweep me off my feet with every story they tell, but Lorraine Heath does just that - again and again and again. This first book in her new Hellions of Havisham series is romantic, passionate, heartbreaking, uplifting... it's everything I want in my historical romance reading. Start to finish I was riding a roller-coaster of emotions. Laughing, smiling, sighing, fanning myself...in short - Falling Into Bed with a Duke had me falling into a world I didn't want to leave!

An ARC was provided by Avon Books. In appreciation I'm giving them an honest review.

Forever With You by Jennifer L. Armentrout Virtual Signing!

Forever With You by Jennifer L. Armentrout
On Sale: 9/29/2015 | ISBN 13: 9780062362766

The next in an irresistibly sexy series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout, two free spirits find their lives changed by a one-night stand…

Some things you just believe in, even if you’ve never experienced them. For Stephanie, that list includes love. It’s out there. Somewhere. Eventually. Meanwhile she’s got her job at the mixed martial arts training center and hot flings with gorgeous, temporary guys like Nick. Then a secret brings them closer, opening Steph’s eyes to a future she never knew she wanted-until tragedy rips it away.

Nick’s self-assured surface shields a past no one needs to know about. His mind-blowing connection with Steph changes all that. As fast as he’s knocking down the walls that have kept him commitment-free, she’s building them up again, determined to keep the hurt-and Nick-out. But he can’t walk away. Not when she’s the only one who’s ever made him wish for forever…

About the Author:

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russel Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes Young Adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen.

She also writes Adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

For more information click here: Forever With You Virtual Signing

One Lucky Vampire (Argeneau #19) by Lynsay Sands

When Nicole Phillips agreed to hire a housekeeper, she pictured someone a little frumpy and almost certainly female. Instead, she gets gorgeous, unmistakably male Jake Colson. The man is proving indispensable in the kitchen—and everywhere else. Except Jake might not be a mortal man at all.

Who wouldn't want to be a tall, dark, powerful vampire? Jake, for one. He's barely had time to adjust to his new state before he's roped into a family favor. Still, secretly playing bodyguard to sweet, sexy Nicole is turning out to be the wildest ride of his life. First, he'll put a stop to whoever's targeting her. Then he'll prove that this kind of love, and luck, happens only once in an eternity.

Kindle Edition, 327 pages
Published September 24th 2013 by Avon
Purchase at Amazon

Keepin' it short: Loads of fun and plenty of passion! Lynsay Sands ROCKS the Vampire genre!

Back in the Game (Stardust, Texas #1) by Lori Wilde

Back in the Game is the first book in Lori Wilde’s newest series, Stardust, Texas. It’s one of those stories that has all the makings of a perfect read, except for… well, I’ll cover that in a bit.

Blurb…

Wanted: ghostwriter. Must be female, a baseball fan, and have a great pair of legs.

Ex-pitcher Rowdy Blanton never saw a woman he couldn't conquer or a team he couldn't beat. And now that he's off the field he's ready to tell all about when he played the field. So he chooses Breeanne Carlyle to do the job—she's got the requirements, but more important, there's something about her that makes him want to be a better man.

Convinced there's more to Rowdy than a good fastball, a wicked smile, and a tight pair of pants, Breeanne can't help but be tempted. After all, it's boring always being the good girl, and Rowdy dares her to be just a little bad. The stakes are high, but win or lose, this time Breeanne's breaking all the rules playing the game of love.

My thoughts…

Okay, so… I absolutely loved this story (almost) start to finish. The writing is great, the characters are awesome, and the happily ever after is just the way I like it – slow, hot, and well deserved. The way things were going I was sure I was looking at a perfect read, but it didn’t turn out that way for me – and I’ll give spoiler free details in a minute. The thing is, I’ve come to expect great stories from Ms. Wilde. I’ve adored every one of her stories I’ve read, and was more than a little excited to begin this new series. Were my expectations too high? Maybe – but an author of her talents can do better than the “I saw that coming” twist we got.

Here’s my spoiler free beef – There are some poignant moments as Rowdy shares his difficult past with Breeanne, trusting her to keep the secrets. Breeanne is an honorable woman, but apparently not too bright – or so it would seem given the way she totally blows something this extremely sensitive. I feel as though Ms. Wilde came up with an easy out – an eyerollingly convenient happening to propel the story to its inevitable conclusion. The minute a certain character was introduced along with the situation she was introduced in to, I knew she was up to no good and had a feeling how things would pan out. But all was quiet for awhile which had me breathing a premature sigh of relief, and then “it” happens. Too fast, too easy, too coincidental and too, too convenient… and I was disappointed that the author chose this way to move a situation.

Am I sounding vague? Good. No spoilers, as I said, but this is a pet peeve of mine and took Back in the Game from an almost guaranteed winner down to an  ‘oh, I wish she hadn’t gone there’ read. Maybe I'm being unfair, given how much I enjoyed the majority of the story... I don't know. But I was expecting a great ending where justice is served and scumbags fall... and we get that, but it didn't feel very triumphant.

The bottom line...

No question this is a highly rated book, so I guess I’m the only person who felt let down – but I’m being honest in sharing my thoughts. And so sure am I that this is just a momentary lapse in the brilliance that is Ms. Wilde’s storytelling that I’ve already begun book two, Rules of the Game, and have very high hopes for it!

An ARC was provided by Avon Books. In appreciation, I’m giving them an honest review.

Forbidden (Under the Skin #2) by Charlotte Stein

Forbidden has all the things I most hate about the New Adult Genre - the angst, the drama, and the growing pains experienced by the characters - but it also has the brilliant storytelling I've come to expect from Charlotte Stein...

Blurb...

They say I need help. Another exorcism. This is not new. This is my life. Today, I expect to suffer at the hands of a man as warped by superstition and fear as my mother. A man who will torture me in order to save me from things that don’t exist.

But the man who actually comes to me is different.

Killian is good and decent and he sees what’s good and decent in me. And I don’t mean for it to happen, but every time he looks at me his gaze sets me on fire. He brings me to the light, gives me back my life. For the first time, I see a future for myself. A future with him.

I burn for Killian - a man who’s intent on protecting me. On healing me.He doesn’t get it. The only thing that can heal me is him. But Killian will soon be a priest. Untouchable. Forbidden.

How can I ask a man to choose between me…and God?

My thoughts...

One of the things I most love about Ms. Stein's writing is how she takes us deep into the heart and soul of her characters, which she does once again in Forbidden. That said, one of my least favorite things about her writing is how much we 'hear' rather than 'see' take place. We spend the majority of this book inside Dot's thoughts as she struggles to understand her feelings. While this gives us a deep insight into hers, it made the story feel very one-sided and left me wondering what Killian was truly thinking and, more importantly, feeling.

The bottom line...

Charlotte Stein is a brilliant storyteller in so many ways, and anyone looking for a dark, anxious, sexually intense New Adult read need look no further. If this story doesn't sound like your cuppa, be sure to check the author's back-list for a storyline more to your taste. Granted, many readers gave a love/hate relationship with her - as her ratings will prove - but don't pass up the opportunity to find out if she's your kind of author.

An ARC was provided by Avon Books/Avon Impulse

Silent Night by C.J. Kyle

SILENT NIGHT ISN'T MY USUAL TYPE OF READ, but I'm so glad I decided to give it a go. It's an intense, gruesome, psychological thriller, one that kept me guessing and turning the pages into the wee hours of the morning.

Description...

Christmas, Tennessee, is a town where no one locks their doors and the worst crime is a stolen bicycle. Until the night blood is found . . . but there's no body.

Police Chief Tucker Ambrose hopes it's just a prank, but his years as a cop in Chicago tell him different. Then a body is discovered in the middle of the woods, staged with a bible, a crucifix, and a rosary . . . and Tucker knows something dark and sinister has arrived in his town.

Miranda Harley knows exactly what's going on. In fact, she's been tracking this serial killer, hoping to gather enough evidence to convict him. Trouble is, no one will believe her, not even the sexy police chief whose heated gazes promise nights of sin. But when Miranda falls into the crosshairs of a psychopath, Tucker must put aside his doubts and race to stop the killer from striking again.

My review...

Silent Night is my first taste of C.J. Kyle's writing and, while it's not perfect, it's an exciting, fast paced, riveting story that had me locking my car doors while waiting for my daughter to finish up in Target, and checking the doors and windows in my house when she and I got home.

There's definitely a romance here, but it does take a backseat to the murder mystery. That's understandable given the twists and turns and amount of time our hero, the sheriff, has to spend hunting this serial killer.

Just a word of warning to the squeamish amongst us, the murders and crime scenes are pretty disturbing, so keep this in mind should you decide to give this a try, and if you're a fan of crime thrillers, I highly recommend you do!

An eARC was provided by Avon Books and Edelweiss, and in return I'm giving them an honest review.

The Gunslinger by Lorraine Heath

No one writes Western Historical Romance like Lorraine Heath!

I had no idea this novella existed as part of a print anthology, and when I saw that it's being re-released in digital format, I was thrilled! Lorraine Heath writes three of my very favorite books, The Texas Trilogy, a Western Historical Romance trilogy that introduced me to the genre and had me clamoring for more just like it.

Description...

A hired gun falls for the one woman who's completely wrong for him in this Western romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lorraine Heath.

Chance Wilder never wanted to be a hero. A road-weary gunslinger with a ruthless reputation, he focuses only on his next target—and his next payday. That is, until a young boy offers Chance everything he owns—a piece of string, a harmonica, and a bent penny—if he'll save his sister from a couple of thugs. Chance agrees, only to discover that the beautiful, fierce young woman in need of rescue is actually the very person he's been hunting: his next mark.

But after he saves her, Lillian Madison awakens in him long-buried dreams and possibilities. Facing the demons of his past, Chance is forced to question his next move. Dare he risk everything by following his heart … and trust that the road to redemption begins with Lillian?

My short review...

The Gunslinger isn't part of the Texas Trilogy - that I can recall, but even if it is, this works very well as a stand alone. It's a sweet novella with some shoot-outs, romance, and steam, and it gives me two things - One; the Lorraine Heath Western HR fix I was in need of, and most importantly, two; the hope that since Avon chose to re-release it, I have hope that we Texas Trilogy fangirls will finally get Rawley's much needed story. I can't think of anyone more deserving of a happily ever after than that boy.

Note... A version of this work originally appeared in the print anthology To Tame a Texan, under the title Long Stretch of Lonesome.

My thanks to Avon Books and Edelweiss for providing me with a copy of this story. In exchange, I'm giving them an honest review.

How to Lose a Duke in Ten Days (American Heiress in London #2) by Laura Lee Guhrke

Title: How to Lose a Duke in Ten Days
Author: Laura Lee Guhrke
Publisher: Avon Books
On Sale Date: April 29, 2014
Click Here to Buy at Amazon 
Click Here to Buy at B&N

Book Blurb: 
They had a deal . . .
From the moment she met the devil-may-care Duke of Margrave, Edie knew he could change her life. And when he agreed to her outrageous proposal of a marriage of convenience, she was transformed from ruined American heiress to English duchess. Five years later, she's delighted with their arrangement, especially since her husband is living on another continent.
But deals are made to be broken . . .
By marrying an heiress, Stuart was able to pay his family's enormous debts, and Edie's terms that he leave England forever seemed a small price to pay. But when a brush with death impels him home, he decides it's time for a real marriage with his luscious American bride, and he proposes a bold new bargain: ten days to win her willing kiss. But is ten days enough to win her heart?

*********

My review...

How to Lose a Duke in Ten Days took me by surprise! I was expecting a fun, mildly angsty, historical romance novel, but instead I got a delightful, deeply romantic, passionate and poignant love story. I sighed, I laughed, I fought back the tears... I adored every word!!! Stuart and Edie have earned a place on my Top Couples shelf, something that hasn't been added to in a long time. That should tell you something about their happily ever after... It's a beautiful thing.

An eARC was provided by Avon Books via Edelweiss and in return I'm giving them an honest review.     

Three Weeks With Lady X by Eloisa James

Description...

Having made a fortune, Thorn Dautry, the powerful bastard son of a duke, decides that he needs a wife. But to marry a lady, Thorn must acquire a gleaming, civilized façade, the specialty of Lady Xenobia India.

Exquisite, head-strong, and independent, India vows to make Thorn marriageable in just three weeks.

But neither Thorn nor India anticipate the forbidden passion that explodes between them.

Thorn will stop at nothing to make India his. Failure is not an option. 

But there is only one thing that will make India his—the one thing Thorn can't afford to lose...

His fierce and lawless heart.

***** 

My review….. Three Weeks With Lady X is such a charming, witty, sexy story. The way it all unfolds grabbed me from the first pages and held on to the very last. Lady Xenobia India is the perfect example of my favorite heroines. A strong, independent free thinker, she's the furthest thing from a Wallflower the ton has ever seen. She's a beautiful woman and had many opportunities to marry, but didn't want a conventional arrangement. She's worked hard to fund her own dowry so that she could choose her own husband, and this alone made me love her! Thorn Dautry, the hero of this story, is Tobias, the illegitimate son of the Duke of Villiers. There was something so powerful about him, and yet so vulnerable, too. Being labeled a bastard, even though his father found and claimed all his bastard children, was something Thorn had to live with. But it was refreshing to see how he handled it all... not accepting and assuming his role as a lesser member of society, but making himself into a force to be reckoned with, in his own rights. This alone made me adore him and hope for the kind of happily ever after only the most amazing of heroes is worthy of. The bottom line... Despite something that was, in my mind, a highly unlikely, in fact, nearly impossible event towards the end - I loved this book! Eloisa James has been a favorite historical romance author of mine from the very first book I read, A Kiss At Midnight, and has been an auto-buy author ever since. I adore the humor, the passion, and the unique stories she gives us, and the beauty of her happily ever afters. A copy of this story was provided by Avon Books in exchange for an honest review.

WANTED: Wife by Gwen Jones

Andy Devine is advertising for a wife on a utility pole, and interviewing him is the last thing TV reporter Julie Knott needs. Especially after her cheating fiancé just tweeted their disengagement. Now she has got to choose: 

Get the story — or become it?

WANTED: Wife

Landed, Financially Secure 40-Yr-Old Male

* Handsome, but with old-school communication skills and a secret past *

Seeks Healthy, Athletic Female

* Preferably a pretty reporter with a messy love life who has never spent a day in the woods *

For Marriage and Family

* What could possibly go wrong? *

Fresh, quirky, loaded with fun... such a cute, romantic, sexy story! 

When reporter Julie Knott answers an advertisement placed on a utility pole by a man wanting to interview potential wives, she does so in hopes of a story, never dreaming she'd end up his wife. But that's exactly what happens when one disaster after another makes Andy Devine her last hope of salvaging her career and her self respect.

Life with Andy is more than Julie could have ever imagined it would be, and Andy feels the same way about her. They get along well, bot in bed and out, and given life on the farm, that's saying a lot. Things are going better than either could have hoped for until, that is, Julie utters the "love" word and quickly discovers there's so much more to Andy than meets the eye, and it's heartbreaking.

Can Julie find a way through the fortress Andy has built around his heart so they can find a happily ever after despite the odds, or are Andy's secrets too much for them to overcome?

I can't even tell you what a surprising delight WANTED: Wife turned out to be. There's so much more to this story than just a cutesy contemporary romance, and I enjoyed every single bit of it! Andy is a super sexy French talkin' hottie and I want an Andy for myself!

I'm blown away by the idea that this is Gwen Jones' debut novel, because it doesn't read like one at all. Ms. Jones is an incredibly gifted storyteller and I'm looking forward to reading more!

ARC provided by Avon Books in exchange for an honest review.

Vampire Most Wanted by Lynsay Sands - And An Argeneau Series Primer

Take a road trip with the undead . . . in this latest in the argeneau series by New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands 

For Basha Argeneau, anything is better than facing her estranged family. Even hiding out in sweltering southern California. But when a sexy immortal in black shows up determined to bring her back to the clan, she'll do anything to keep far, far away from the past she can't outrun. 

Marcus Notte isn't here to play games—especially not with someone as crazy as the infamous blonde. Asked by Lucian Argeneau to bring her back for questioning, Marcus is determined to carry out Lucian's request—no matter how the seductive little mind-reading vamp feels about it. 

Basha doesn't mind fighting fire with fire, especially with a hot immortal involved. But if he wants to take her away, he'll have to catch her first . . . 

***

To celebrate 10 years and the soon to be released 20th book in the series, we're giving you an Argeneau Vampire Primer and Reference Guide! These handy visuals will help newcomers keep up with the series and will give long time readers a fun trip down memory lane!

We hope you'll enjoy our little gift! 

Click Images Below to View Full Size

Run to You by Rachel Gibson

Description…

There's nothing like fleeing Miami to ruin a girl's day. Stella Leon's bartending gig was going fine until gorgeous ex-Marine Beau Junger decked her mob-connected boss, spirited her out of the city, and claimed that Stella's half-sister--the one with the perfect life--sent him. Now Stella has no choice but to go along for the ride... and seduce Beau's military-issue socks off...

The Marine Corps was Beau's escape from his old man's legacy of naval heroism and serial philandering, but no amount of training could prepare him for the day he looked in the mirror and saw his father staring back. The answer: swear off meaningless sex. Oh, and find a way to make Stella Leon quit being so damn hot.

Fun, Romantic, Sexy!

"I'm an idiot. I thought love happened like bullets and flashbang." He waved the smoke away. "I was wrong. It happens one smile at a time. One beautiful, torturous smile at a time. One look into your eyes. One touch of your hand. The sound of your laughter." -Beau

Run to You is the fourth book in Rachel Gibson’s Lovett, Texas series, and I find I’m becoming quite fond of her writing. It’s got that small town, down home feel, but the pace of this story is anything but slow.

My review…

I really enjoyed Run to You. For the record, I read it out of order and while I wasn’t lost at all, I do wish I had had the background stories so I could understand the players better.

Beau is a great hero, in more ways than one. He’s got that … charisma… that magnetism that draws people to him while, at the same time, warning them off. He’s had it tough growing up, but the Marine’s toughened him up and made him take a good long look in the mirror and realize he’s not the man he could be. In fact, he’s destined to be the very last man on the planet he would want to be – his own father.
Stella was fun, albeit at bit annoying at times. But to be fair, I tend to favor the heroes in my romance reads and get peeved at the heroines who don’t fall into line tout de suite. But that’s my problem and, in the end, I really did enjoy Stella’s spunky attitude and her relationship with Beau.

The bottom line…

Rachel Gibson is a name I’ve seen around my friends’ reviews quite often, and I’m glad I finally gave her a try. I enjoyed the Lovett, Texas world she has created and look forward to reading more in the series!

My thanks to Avon Books for providing me with a copy of this ARC. 

Sweetest Mistake by Candis Terry

Made me laugh, made me cry, made me fall in love!

I just adore the Sweet, Texas series by Candis Terry! The stories are funny, sweet, romantic, and very sexy, and while they are light, Contemporary Romance reads, they’re not shallow. The stories are filled with life’s trials and triumphs, each poignant in its own unique way. And Sweetest Mistake even had me a bit teary eyed.

Description…

Firefighter and former Marine Jackson Wilder has tough guy down to an art, but he’s learned the hard way that promises were made to be broken. Abigail Morgan was once his best friend, his first kiss, his first love, his first everything. He’d just forgotten to mention all that to her and she blew out of his life. Five years later, she’s back and he’s battling a load of mistrust for her disappearing act. But for some reason he just can’t keep his lips—or his hands—to himself.

When her stint as a trophy wife abruptly ends, Abby returns home to Sweet, Texas, and comes face-to-face with Jackson—her biggest and sexiest mistake. Time and distance did nothing to squash her love for the act-first-think-later stubborn hunk of a man, and when he suggests they renew their old just-friends vow, Abby realizes she wants more. She’d cut and run once. Could she do it again? Or could she tempt him enough to break his promise?

My thoughts…

Candis Terry really knows how to tell a story that draws me in and captures my heart, first page to the last. In Sweetest Mistake I found myself running a wide range of emotions – hurt, frustration, sorrow, anger – but the whole time I was filled with hope that these two amazing people would be able to look past the past, and stop letting the fear of “what if” ruin their future. It’s not that I didn’t understand where they were coming from, because I totally did. But sometimes you have to take a chance… just one more chance… because the payoff, as it was for Jackson and Abby, is worth the risk.

The bottom line…

If you’re a fan of small town romances with awesome heroes and heroines, an amazing supporting cast, lot’s of steam and beautiful happily ever afters, then you need to pay a visit to Sweet, Texas. You may just decide you never want to leave!

My thanks to Avon Books for providing me with a copy of Sweetest Mistake. No mistake about it, I loved every minute I spent reading it!

Avon Books Happy Release Day - January 28!

Check out these great new releases by Avon Romance authors! 

(Click on cover or link to buy from Amazon)

#3 in the Trust No One Series

Beautiful but deadly, Rayna Dugan is a force to be reckoned with--even in heels.

But when her plans for the evening suddenly involve defending her life against a criminal empire, Rayna knows she needs backup. The choice she made to leave Ty and her old mercenary team in Montana starts to seem like a bad call. She's been running from her feelings for the tough, rugged man, but Rayna needs Ty now more than ever. Yet when Ty becomes the new target, his help could mean his death ...

Ex-cop Ty Whitlock has spent the last six years waiting for his past to catch up with him. When it finally does, he isn't expecting the woman he loves--the one who walked out on him--to be caught in its web. He knows she's moved on, but he can't help wanting another chance with the petite beauty. Ty's got only one choice: find Rayna and keep her safe. But that's the easy part. Once he finds her, can he convince her to stay?

#4 in the Valentine Valley Series

Welcome to Valentine Valley, where the cowboys have many talents and love is waiting around every corner . . .

Ever since a heated late-night kiss—that absolutely should not have happened—cowboy Josh Thalberg makes former Hollywood bad girl Whitney Winslow's pulse beat faster. But when she decides to use his gorgeous leatherwork in her new upscale lingerie shop, Leather & Lace, she's determined to keep their relationship strictly professional . . . even if she wants so much more.

Josh has never met a challenge he isn't up for. Which is probably why he allowed Whitney to persuade him to take the sexy publicity photo that went viral—and now has every woman in America knocking down his door . . . every woman except the one he can't get out of his head.

But how to convince a reformed bad girl that some rules are worth breaking?

****

#3.5 in Finding It (Losing It)

Jackson Hunt gets his turn in this Finding It prequel novella …
Jackson Hunt hasn't been out of the military for long, but he needs to get a job and find a sense of normalcy if he is going to keep his demons at bay. The job that falls into his lap, though, is anything but normal.
Becoming bodyguard (and babysitter) to spoiled rich girl Kelsey Summers isn't exactly what he had in mind, but it's a chance to travel, to get away. The catch: Kelsey's father doesn't want her to know she's being followed.
She's vibrant and infuriating, exciting and reckless, mysterious and familiar. When Jackson sees her falling into the same patterns he suffered years ago, he decides it's time to stop watching and help her instead. But getting to know Kelsey is more difficult than he thought, especially because the more he knows her, the more he wants her.

#1 in the Castles Ever After Series

In the first in Tessa Dare's captivating Castles Ever After series, a mysterious fortress is the setting for an unlikely love . . .

As the daughter of a famed author, Isolde

Ophelia Goodnight grew up on tales of brave knights and fair maidens.

She never doubted romance would be in her future, too.  The storybooks

offered endless possibilities.

And as she grew older, Izzy crossed them off.  One by one by one.

Ugly duckling turned swan?

Abducted by handsome highwayman?

Rescued from drudgery by charming prince?

No, no, and... Heh.

Now Izzy's given up yearning for romance.

She'll settle for a roof over her head.  What fairy tales are left over

for an impoverished twenty-six year-old woman who's never even been

kissed?

This one.

****

#7 in the Night Huntress Series

The Grave Ends Here.

Lately, life has been unnaturally calm for vampires Cat Crawfield and her husband Bones.  They should have known better than to relax their guard, because a shocking revelation sends them back into action to stop an all-out war...

A rogue CIA agent is involved in horrifying secret activities that threaten to raise tensions between humans and the undead to dangerous heights.  Now Cat and Bones are in a race against time to save their friends from a fate worse than death...because the more secrets they unravel, the deadlier the consequences.  And if they fail, their lives--and those of everyone they hold dear-- will be hovering on the edge of the grave.

Final novel in the Night Huntress series.
***

#1 of a two-part series

The Scarlet Letter meets Minority Report in bestselling author Sophie Jordan's chilling new novel about a teenage girl who is ostracized when her genetic test proves she's destined to become a murderer.

When Davy Hamilton's tests come back positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS)-aka the kill gene-she loses everything. Her boyfriend ditches her, her parents are scared of her, and she can forget about her bright future at Juilliard. Davy doesn't feel any different, but genes don't lie. One day she will kill someone.

Only Sean, a fellow HTS carrier, can relate to her new life. Davy wants to trust him; maybe he's not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.

The first in a two-book series, Uninvited tackles intriguing questions about free will, identity, and human nature. Steeped in New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan's trademark mix of gripping action and breathless romance, this suspenseful tale is perfect for fans of James Patterson, Michelle Hodkin, and Lisa McMann.

***

#1 in The Brides of Wishmore Series

New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell returns with a delicious new series, The Brides of Wishmore

What happens when a bride says no?

He is the bastard son of a duke, arrogant, handsome, a little bit dangerous, and, of course, one of the most sought-after bachelors in London. He is also about to be publically jilted by some chit of a girl! Blake Stephens' pride isn't about to let him be humiliated, so he charges after his bride to the wilds of Scotland, determined to bring her to the altar.

What happens when the heart says yes?

He is promised to one woman, but discovers his soul stirred by . . . the chit's sister! Lady Aileen Davidson's reputation was ruined ages ago, which is why she's buried herself in the country, but her fiery spirit and bold beauty threaten to bring Blake to his knees, making him wonder if he has proposed to the wrong lass.

And now he must make a choice: marry for honor . . . or marry for love? 

****

 #8 in the Feral Warriors Series

They are called Feral Warriors—an elite band of immortals who can change shape at will. Sworn to rid the world of evil, consumed by sorcery and seduction, their wild natures are primed for release . . .

The most enigmatic and tortured of the Feral Warriors, Wulfe is haunted by the quiet beauty of a human woman who no longer remembers him. Once a captive of both the Mage and the Ferals, Natalie stole a piece of his heart before he took her memories and sent her safely back to her fiancé. But now the Mage are threatening her again, and Wulfe will risk anything to protect her.

Natalie Cash is stunned when she's saved by a wolf who shifts suddenly into a splendidly built, if badly scarred, man, a man with the kindest eyes. Swept into a world of intrigue and danger beyond her comprehension, she turns to the powerful Wulfe, finding a passion she'd only dreamed of. But when time runs out, they must trust one another and surrender to a wild, untamed love.
*****************