A short story that can steam up some of your time

Synopsis

Chase owes a lot to Addison’s father since he helped him get his life together when he had a jail record. So he knows a relationship with Addison is out of the question.

If only she was not so desirable…

Two years ago, Chase turned Addison down when she wanted a relationship with him. With Addison back in town for a wedding, Chase’s self-control is not as strong. Addison is trying to come to terms with her attraction for Chase as well.

Opinion

Since this was a short story, there was not much to review. The couple has history which is alluded to many times. It is the love-lost-the-first-time trope. Chase does not think he deserves someone like Addison even though it is obvious that he is head over heels in love. Addison has a way of breaking through his resolve. Overall, I liked how the story ended. Happy. It is great that the villains attempt to separate the couple backfires and results in them coming together. This is a very short novella and will probably take about an hour or less to read. Hence, the review is very short as well.

Note: the love scenes are steamy and there is some profanity (more than a few F – bombs)

If you do not mind steamy love scenes or profanity, this is really cute short story.

To buy Just One Night (Decadence Creek) on Amazon click any of the links in this post

She’s not in it for the money

May20

The Substitute Millionaire (Silhouette Desire) : ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Synopsis:

Julie loses rock paper scissors with her sister and has to go on a blind date with Todd Ashton III. Her previously estranged grandmother set it up and sweeten the deal by offering $1 million. Ryan agreed with his cousin Todd to go in his place to teach gold digging women a lesson because he assumed Julie was in it for the money.

Ryan did not anticipate the instant strong attraction he felt. Sparks flew and although both agreed it was a bad idea, the blind date quickly led into a one night stand. Once night turned into morning, Ryan’s conscience began to bother him because he realized Julie was not what he expected. She was honest, straightforward, and sincere. He admits to his deception and all those warm fuzzy feelings Julie had are extinguished.

Understandably, she is hurt. But after dealing with an absentee father and unfaithful ex fiancé, she would rather never see him again. Julie’s father is a jerk. Of course, you can guess this love story hasn’t happy ending because I gave it four stars. The plot thickens considerably and circumstances are created so Julie and Ryan are forced to spend time together. In which time, it gives Ryan plenty of opportunity, through trial and error, to convince Julie that she is the one for him.

My opinion

I love this story! Julie’s grandmother is a major meddler in everyone’s lives. However she is also the catalyst that brought them together. Julie and Ryan have valid reasons for their behavior, but it is good that they were empathetic enough to see and understand the other person side. Julie sisters were loving and supportive. Todd was extremely skeptical of Julie’s intentions but came around when he realized he was mistaken.

Words that come to mind when thinking of The Substitute Millionaire : Fun. Cute. Smiles and laughter. Entertaining with a really sweet, unexpected ending.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book!

To buy on Amazon click any of the links in this post

Can’t buy me love

Apr10

Can’t Buy Me Love (The Eligible Billionaires) (Volume 1) ♥♥♥

Synopsis:

Meg is Cole’s executive personal assistant and the lead working on closing a deal that would be a major win for Cole’s company. Due to an unstable childhood because of a mother who was not discerning with her bed partners, Meg has a rule not to engage in a physical relationship with her boss.

Cole is CEO and his executive assistant has been getting under his skin. Although he suspects that he might be in love, he does not want to succumb because of his major trust issues. Yes, they are justified concerns, but he cannot assume every person is out to get him.

Opinion:

Both main characters are emotionally damage, but Cole’s distrust is almost the downfall of the relationship. At least in the end, he addresses those issues in the correct romantic way. Meg was a good, strong female. She was spunky enough to stand up for herself and walked away when she needed to do so. She might have been crying when she left, but she made her exit with her head held high. She was the ultimate professional and thought a lot about safeguarding her reputation.

Overall, I totally liked Meg. She had her principles and she stuck to them so that she would not be accused of ending up like her mother. Cole was okay, but even better once he realized that what a gem he had in Meg. For most of the book, he was the stereotypical alpha-male who did not know what to do when love had his life spiraling out of his control. Plus, Cole’s lack of empathy for the position he put Meg in was slightly annoying to me. While he might have lost money if she was a gold-digger, Meg would lose her professional reputation, and possibly future career opportunities, if people thought she was sleeping with her boss.

In many ways, Can’t Buy Me Love was your typical boss-secretary romance. The story was entertaining and the conflict was well played. I gave the book 3 hearts instead of 4 because it took a while for Cole to learn his lesson.

First Cari and now Jess- Valendran males are falling in love

Apr5

Finding Jess (Men of Valendra) – ♥♥♥

Synopsis

This book is the sequel to Hunting Cari (Men of Valendra).

Amun felt a connection to Jess when he found out she existed. After a year of searching, Amun is still determined to find her so that she can be his mate.

Jess is a hybrid Valendra-human who was at the mercy of the Relians (evil enemy aliens) since she was a child. For many years, she suffered unspeakable physical and emotional abuse. During it all, she helped others to safety. She cannot understand what Amun would want with her since she is damaged.

Opinion:

In Hunting Cari, Jess played a major role in making sure that Cari survived her abduction and abuse. I got a glimpse of her personality and gift. Because of Amun’s reaction to Cari’s bracelet, I had a feeling that he would be her mate. Because of those points, I wanted to read her story and experience her happy ever after ending.

With any abuse survivor, there are feelings of doubt of their own self-worth. It was evident that Jess thought herself to be unworthy of Amun. Amun’s attempts to treat her delicately had the opposite effect since she thought he did not want her. Jess has to heal physically and emotionally in order to accept Amun’s love without question. I thought the author did a decent job delving into the issues that Jess faced because of her trauma. When something like that happens to a woman, it is necessary that her love interest be very understanding in helping her come to terms with what she is up against.

Although the story was mainly focused on Amum and Jess, there was so many other things going on.

1. Traitor in their midst
2. Finding the rest of the hybrid women and children scattered around the earth
3. Dealing with Relian threats
4. Budding romances between two other couples

Overall, Finding Jess (Men of Valendra) was a very endearing book to me. It was a sweet story, and by the end of the book, I was even more interested in the Valendran people and hoping for the rescue of more hybrids in coming books. The book could be read on its own, but I think to get the full effect, Hunting Cari should be read first. I am ready for the next book!!!!

Hunting Cari – Aliens & Romance = All together good story

Mar30

Hunting Cari (Men of Valendra) – ♥♥♥♥

Synopsis

Cari has known she is different from most girls her age. She is half human and half Valendran. For most of her life, she has thought that meant she has to be on the run with her uncle. After being captured by Valendrans’ nemesis the Relians, a series of events causes her to begin to understand what it means to be Valendran. When she is saved by Valendran male Scaden, she feels emotions she never knew existed.

Scaden is a Valendran commander responding to a distress call from earth. Once he has met Cari, he feels in his whole being that this hybrid woman is his mate. It is increasingly difficult to follow Valendran cultural traditions and rules if that means being separated from Cari.

My Opinion:

Hunting Cari (Men of Valendra) is an entertaining book with a creative storyline. Valendran males are alpha males who think all females should be coddled and protected. The nemesis alien race Relians wreak havoc wherever they go and provided the conflict for the story. There is a lot going on in the story, so I can only say “Read it” if you want to get the full picture. I do not think you will be disappointed.

Cari lived a very sheltered life but adapted well once she was rescued by Scaden. He was a hunky alpha-male who would do whatever it took to be with his soul mate. There were so many sweet, tender moments in the book. But there was some humor too. To me, some of the funniest parts of the book were when Scaden’s inner beast was getting out control. For their race, irrational jealousy was one side effect of identifying but not yet claiming a mate.

I was in the mood to read an alien romance and found this. What a great find for me! The author told the story in such a way that was easy to follow. It was as if the author gave just enough breadcrumbs to keep me engaged but not so many that I was bored with the story. When I finished Hunting Cari , I was interested enough to want to read her follow up book Finding Jess (Men of Valendra) because I wanted to read more from this author.