ARC Review: Sentinel's Kiss

I really enjoyed Necessary Evil, so when I saw that Sentinel's Kiss was up for review on Netgalley, I jumped at the chance!

Title: Sentinel's Kiss
Series: Sentinels of Babylon, #2
Author: Jamie K. Schmidt
Publisher: Loveswept
Release Date: March 7, 2017
Pages: 216
Buy Links: Amazon

Blurb:
A fiercely protective bad boy. An innocent reporter in serious trouble. They shouldn’t work, but after he throws her onto his bike, there’s no going back.
 
If Josh Lehman learned one thing as a Green Beret, it’s patience. Josh founded the Sentinels of Babylon because he was sick and tired of watching scumbags cheat the system—scumbags like the man who murdered his sister. Of course, if Josh’s sniper rifle was linked to the death of his ex-brother-in-law, that might be a problem. The bigger problem is the nosy reporter who’s this close to exposing the club. Josh has to find a way to keep her hot mouth from talking . . . but he’ll be damned if he lets someone take her from him. Not on his watch.
 
Ashley Carver thought she’d do anything for a scoop. That was before her latest story leads to multiple attempts on her life. Ashley’s been investigating a homicide that has gone unsolved for five years when she uncovers evidence tying the vigilantes of the Sentinels of Babylon to a revenge killing. Now she’s in their crosshairs. But after Josh defies all notions of club loyalty to come to Ashley’s aid, soon they’re burning up the sheets—and taking on the world.

A thrilling read!

When you hear the name Ashley, you think of a sweet woman who lived on the straight and narrow, right? Well, not this Ashley! She was an adrenaline junkie. She liked to live dangerously in hopes that she'd outrun the sorrows of her past.

Josh, aka Sentinel, was the kind of man who did a lot of bad things whether as a soldier or as a civilian. He was a badass biker as well. So hot, he could probably convince anyone to do his bidding without using his charm. I think it was the cocky attitude. There was something about it that got women's ovaries exploding. 

I liked the easy relationship between Josh and Ashley. They were almost each other's drug of choice. Josh was Ashley's danger while Ashley was Josh's addiction. I loved the funny parts of the book. I always enjoyed a mixture of intense action and humor.

The author did a great job creating an air of constant danger in the book even during sexy times. 

There was one really cool thing about Josh, but I wouldn't say because I don't want to give it away. Trust me, though, that this book had so many great moments and witty scenes. It was pretty hard narrowing down to a couple snippets to even share here. 

Josh: "I figure if you can handle me being a dick, I can handle whatever you can throw out."

Ashley: Why do you want more than sex with me?"

Josh: "You're special. You're beautiful. You don't take any of my shit and I admire the hell out of you. I also don't like the idea of any other asshole touching you."

Ashley: "So you're the only asshole that can touch me?"

Josh: "Damn straight."

Ashley: "Do you have a trigger guard on that?"

Josh: "Of course."

Ashley: "Why did you bring it?"

Josh: "In case I need to use it."

Ashley: "Here? Lots of pretty things, in a really nice neighborhood. I don't like having that around Maya."

Josh: "I don't like having to use it around the kids. But you can bet your sweet...cakes that I will use it to protect everyone in this house."

Maya: "Ew. It's your turn. Stop kissing auntie."

Josh: "She kissed me."

Maya: "Telling lies is bad."

Ashley: "She told you."

Josh: "You're right, Maya. I'm sorry I lied."

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Review: Worthless

Lynne Silver is one of those authors that I tend to read whenever I am presented with the opportunity. I initially read Unworthy and was really curious as to the next story, so when I saw book two on sale, I immediately grabbed it. Check out my thoughts below.

Title: Worthless
Series: Worthy, #2
Author: Lynne Silver
Self-Published
Release Date: January 5, 2017
Pages: 196
Buy Links: Amazon | iBooks | GooglePlay | Kobo | Nook

Blurb:
Daniel Ross is getting his life in Miami back on track. Common lore says once an addict, always an addict, but Danny's out to prove lore is a moron. After a tough, celibate year of getting sober, a rental room in the home of his sister’s best friend Amy is only a stop on his journey to better things. But the best thing in Danny's life may be right in front of him--the sweet, curvaceous Amy. When they tumble into bed, he discovers a new addiction to her smokin' lips and body.

When Amy Stern agrees to let Danny move in, it’s out of compassion. Her new tenant isn’t supposed to fill her thoughts, and star in her sexy dreams. He's definitely not meant to interfere with her budding relationship with a steady, sweet lawyer. If Amy were smart, she’d design clothes for her plus-sized women’s boutique, date her lawyer, and suppress her longing for Danny. And she'd definitely never touch him. Because once she does, his kisses and his embrace set off an explosive craving neither of them can control.

Now Amy's caught in a love triangle, and she has a secret that she's going to have to share with both men, the sooner the better. Which one of them is worthy of her trust, and her commitment?

Where do I start? I practically tweeted the author every other page; I loved it so much!

Right from the very start, this book did not mess around. The characters went straight to the good stuff. You know what I'm talking about. They pretty much did everything backwards, and it was glorious!

This book was so funny and heartwarming from beginning to end. Danny and Amy had their own internal struggles, but together, they were able to work things out by strengthening each other's resolve. It was really quite inspiring.

Danny: "I think Cat left these here...and let that be the very last time I ever say my sister's name during sex."

Danny was the perfect damaged book boyfriend. Seriously, I might have wished he was real and available for me ;) He was funny, witty, and all-around amazing. He was vulnerable at times, but I think, being able to admit his weakness was so admirable. 

Amy wasn't perfect, definitely not in her own opinion. She had a lot of hang ups about her weight and her appearance in general. But when Danny needed her, she was at his side no matter what. She was his rock and it was so beautiful reading about them leaning on each other at times.

One of my favorite moments were when they would share a meal together. It was so domestic and refreshing. I especially loved that one of the dishes were called "Cuban chicken chop chop." I'm a sucker for those clever names of things so I was swooning at the name alone. 

Overall, this book was hilarious, but also very, very romantic. Despite all the troubles they'd had, this book was light and so easy to read, and one of my 2017 favorite reads. Highly recommend!

Drew: "It's midnight, Ian. Night's barely started."

Ian: *grinning "True. I'm headed to bed, but not for sleeping." 

Danny: *glaring* "That's my sister you're talking about."

Ian: *laughing* "Sorry. Let's go."

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Review: The Best Friend Bargain

This review is extra special because the day before I finished this book, I met the author herself and we had lunch together! What a lovely day it was! Also, she gave me Honor and Bryce's book. I'd be going backwards, but watch out for my review on their book later this year as well.

Title: The Best Friend Bargain
Series: Kisses in the Sand, #3
Author: Robin Bielman
Publisher: Entangled: Love Struck
Release Date: August 8, 2016
Pages: 204
Buy Links: Amazon | BN | Kobo | iBooks

Blurb:

Olivia Lincoln has a plan guaranteed to get her life back on track. A plan that involves her best friend, Danny. And he’s on board, too…until she blurts out that they’re engaged and expecting a baby, and the news spreads like wildfire.

The problem? Danny doesn’t do marriage. Or family. And everyone knows it, including Olivia.

As irritated as he might be, protecting Olivia is what Danny does. But put best friends under one roof, add house rules begging to be broken, accidental nakedness, and pancakes in bed, and what started as a marriage between friends threatens to turn into the real deal…which would ruin everything.

So cute, so adorable, so perfect!

This book was so light and easy to read. I was hooked from the very beginning so I pretty much devoured this book. Was there any other way to do it?

Danny was the sweetest book boyfriend I have ever read; I just wanted to squeeze him so hard. Olivia was one lucky woman. He was always there for her no matter what, where, or when. He would do anything for her, including giving up his life and accepting her crazy proposal.

Of course, Danny was not without fault. There were times when I wanted to punch him and knock some sense into him. Or at the very least, wished that Bryce would do it on my behalf. Sheesh!

Olivia, on the other hand, seemed to believe that she never did anything right, because that was what her mother had always told her. What a witch! Thankfully, Danny was there by her side no matter what. That meant a lot, I was sure of it. I always told myself that even the worst people have at least one friend, so there must be something redeemable about them, right? Olivia certainly had a lot of amazing qualities. Qualities that Danny sure noticed more and more. Poor thing, the first half of the book was full of sexual tension, but they were so darn cute!

So anyway, this book was amazing and I can't wait to go backwards and read the second book. Click here if you want to read my review of the first one, Keeping Mr. Right Now.

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Review: Tempting the New Boss

Title: Tempting the New Boss
Series: Sleeping with the Enemy
Author: Angela Claire
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen
Release Date: October 19, 2015
Pages: 200
Buy Link: Amazon | BN | iBooks | Kobo | Amazon UK | Amazon CA

I was provided a copy of this book for an honest review.

Blurb:

Sometimes you have to break the rules…

When Camilla Anderson loses her job just as a position at Talbot Inc. opens up, there's no way she's questioning the lucky break. Working for the quirky, reclusive CEO will pay off her student loans within a year, and they're flying to Europe in his private jet.

Mason Talbot isn't good at talking to women. Well, to anyone, really. But when his new lawyer boards his plane, biology kicks in. But he can't tell if her adverse reaction is to him or his painfully awkward attempts at flirting.

As the flight gets bumpier, Mr. High IQ gets calmer. And…he holds her hand? Maybe the guy is redeemable after all. As soon as they land, she'll have to teach her endearingly awkward new boss how to seduce a girl properly.

That is, if they don't die in a fiery plane crash first.

One of the most enjoyable books I've read this year!

From the very beginning, this book hooked me. It was so interesting and so funny! I was literally laughing out loud in my room while I read it. The funniest part was when Mason was absolutely clueless about life. Although, he certainly wasn't clueless about one thing: you'd have to read the book to find out ;)

I loved the dynamic between Camilla and Mason. Camilla was such a bright presence while Mason was a mystery. I loved that Camilla was a well-rounded person, and even when she was upset, she was able to explain why she was upset to her new boss. Very mature indeed.

Mason: "You don't look like one of my normal employees. Except for the suit and everything. You look like a woman I'd want to have sex with."

Camilla: "You jerk!"

Mason: "How am I being a jerk by wanting to have sex with you?"

Camilla: "You're being a jerk by saying so."

Mason: "Even if it's true?"

Camilla: "Yes!"

Mason: "Even if I'm thinking it?"

Camilla: "Yes. For instance, I'm not saying right now that I think you're the biggest asshole boss I've ever come across in a long, long line of asshole bosses."

Mason: "I think you did just say it."

Camilla: "Is there something wrong with you?"

Mason: "Like what? I'm horny right now, but otherwise, I'm okay."

As for Mason, completely ignorant of the world around him made him quite adorable. I could just imagine his facial expressions when he said such ridiculous things to Camilla.

I also really loved the relationship that Camilla had with her family. They had a very close relationship and everyone really cared and loved each other. It made for a refreshing read.

Camilla: "Not that it's any of your business, but he was very hot in bed."
Brandy (Camilla's sister): "Of course it's not my business. Tell me more."

I would highly recommend this book. It's a novella, but I wish it had been a full novel. I wanted to know what exactly it was that Mason did for a living. Ah well, I guess I'd never know. Still, buy this book, it's amazing :)

Arianne

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Review: Blame it on the Kiss

Title: Blame it on the Kiss

Series: Kisses in the Sand, #2

Author: Robin Bielman

Publisher: Entangled: Bliss

Release Date: June 9, 2015

Pages: 208

Buy Link: Amazon

Blurb:

The one guy she shouldn't want...

Honor Mitchell has lived with guilt and regret for a long time, so when she promises to do the things on her dying best friend's wish list, she's determined to follow through and do something right for a change. But when she's thrown together for wedding duties with the one man who complicates her vow - just by looking at him - she has to put her faith in Bryce Bishop's pledge to help her, no strings attached.

Bryce's near one-night stand with his ex-girlfriend's best friend a few months ago might have been a mistake, but helping the beautiful, free-spirited Honor with her promise isn't. His trust in women is shot, but he can't help but play his best man card to his advantage and help Honor tick off the items on his ex's list, even if it puts him in a no-win situation. Because his assistance might get Honor what she wants, but suddenly being the do-good guy puts his plans - and heart - in serious jeopardy.

This book was so romantic! Bryce was the fictional boyfriend that readers would want to have for their own!

I love the way Honor was portrayed in this story. She lit up every room and made every person she encountered feel at ease. She was great at being an antique dealer, and she was selfless. Her one flaw? She didn't believe in herself. 

Enter Bryce. Bryce literally was the guy I would personally want. He wanted a serious relationship and he wasn't the kind to sleep around. Talk about perfect! He was patient and understanding, and such a gentleman!

"What movie are we watching?"

He opened the styrofoam lid on his take-out. She tucked one leg under her bottom and got busy with her own food.

"Breakfast at Tiffany's. It's one of my favorites."

He made a face, no doubt wishing he'd scored an action film instead, but lifted the remote and pressed play. She stifled a giggle. And swallowed a shiver when he gave her a sidelong glance that tracked from her face down to her legs before he took a bite of his dinner."

Another character I loved was Honor's brother, Cooper. He was protective of his sister and I really appreciated that. There was even a time when I was a bit jealous of their sibling relationship.

Finally, there was Danny. I can't wait to read his book! He seemed like a great guy and he deserved true love. 

Okay, she texted. Her phone chirped two seconds later.

Okay what? Just want to be clear since several days have passed since my offer.

Okay to one night. And thanks for sending me Danny.

Happy to help. With both. Danny's not for the taking btw.

A flash of heat whipped through her at his possessive and flirtatious answer. She waited a beat before texting.

That's not what he said.

WHAT DID HE SAY?

She giggled at his use of all caps.

Something about keeping my keys and--

I'm going to kill him.

Now? I'd like to make good use of those hands of his first.

The only hands allowed to touch you are mine.

I mean, if the snippets above aren't enough to get you to read this book, then I don't know what would convince you. I'd tell you though, if you don't read this book, you'd miss out on something great. 

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Promo: Captive of the Cattle Baron

Today's promo is a sweet contemporary romance with a rancher! I do love me a bit of western romance :) I hope you enjoy!

Title: Captive of the Cattle Baron
Series: Selkirk Family Ranch, #1
Author: Irene Vartanoff
Self-Published
Release Date: June 15, 2015
Pages: 226
Buy Link: Amazon

Blurb:

Abducted by rancher Baron Selkirk—okay, it was an accident, but now he won't let her go!—former TV child star turned horse whisperer Addie Jelleff enjoys a respite from the media circus that ruined her quiet retreat in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, but she's due back to town to defend her actor pal at his trial very soon. Baron's vast, isolated ranch is only one of his many attractions, but he's awfully domineering and she can't possibly give in to their growing attraction while she's virtually his prisoner, can she? Baron sees the situation differently. Forced to drop his geology career and take over the family ranch, he's frustrated by too many people saying no to him. Isn't he in charge? Why is Addie so mysterious about her past and her commitments to another man? Why won't she give in to Baron, when every time they touch, they catch fire? It's a battle of wills—with neither one backing down. Addie can tame the wildest stallion, but taming her own growing attraction to the high-handed rancher and keeping him from breaking through her defenses requires all her strength—and some help from unexpected sources. 

“Why do I get the feeling that you do not want to cooperate and arrange to get me back north?” she cried.

“Because it’s true.”

Her mouth dropped open.

“You were in sad shape earlier today,” he said. “Would it hurt you to stay here for a while and recover fully?”

“If it was my free choice, that would be different,” she said, crossing her arms and glaring at him.

“At this moment, I don’t believe you’re in any shape to make a rational free choice about yourself, so I’m choosing for you. For now, you stay on my ranch, where you will be safe and can recover.” His expression was adamant.

She let out an exasperated breath. “We’re getting nowhere.”

“Then go back to bed. Rest.”

He’d defeated her for the moment, but only for the moment, she promised herself. She walked toward the kitchen door. “Good night.”

He moved away from the stove to intercept her. “No need to wear yourself out all over again. I’ll carry you up,” he said.

She stopped dead. Being in his arms, alone with him, in the middle of the night? That would be asking for trouble. “No, thanks. I’m good.”

“Are you?” Baron gave her whole body a comprehensive look, but lingered on her face. His eyes held an expression she understood all too well. What he wanted from her in the middle of the night was clear.

Her breath was giving her trouble again. Her limbs tingled and her breasts ached. She whirled and sped out of the kitchen, not daring to look back. It took all her energy to climb the stairs, shaky as she was now from the awareness that had suddenly spring up between them. She locked her bedroom door, trying to keep herself in as much as keep Baron Selkirk out. This never happened to her. She could not recall ever being so sexually carried away over so little. Over a mere glance. A few seconds more, and they could have been having sex on the kitchen counter.

Baron held his breath until she turned on the landing and was out of sight. Finally, he exhaled. What the hell just happened? They’d gone from arguing to sizing each other up as potential lovers. He knew the signs. What about his offer to carry her up to bed? Sheer madness. She was smart to turn him down, because he would have been in that bed with her, making love to her despite her fragile condition. From the look she’d given him, she’d considered it.

He policed the kitchen, stowing the plate and the pitcher of tea, and turning off the lights. His pulse was still jumping. Feisty Addie did that to him, turned him into a tyrant who wouldn’t hear of letting her leave. Were all men pigs? Offering to carry her to bed. Right. Genius. He was lucky she hadn’t laughed in his face. She’d gone pink instead. He’d seen the flush that rose in her cheeks. Her hands had trembled a bit, too. She’d known what he wanted. Maybe she’d wanted it, too.

The nightgown under her robe had hidden her major assets modestly, but had ended above her knees, showing off nicely shaped legs and pretty toes with pink polish. He shoved his feet into his boots, and flung on a coat. He needed to walk this off. Women knew how to make the most of their power over men. Here he was salivating over Addie, a near stranger, because he’d seen her toes. Too bad his housekeeper hadn’t found Addie a granny gown that reached the floor and hid those toes. Whatever a granny gown was.

About the Author
Award-winning author Irene Vartanoff started reading romances and comic books as a teenager. Emilie Loring and Superman were her gateway drugs, which led to the serious stuff, Gothic novels and Lois Lane comics—and romance comics.

Writing romance comic books and working on staff at Marvel Comics and DC Comics absorbed her early career years, aspects of which are gently spoofed in her superhero adventure novel, Temporary Superheroine.

Editing for major publishers of romance Harlequin, Bantam, and Berkley inspired her next career shift to writing novels. Captive of the Cattle Baron is her first sweet contemporary romance. Visit her at www.irenevartanoff.com

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Review: If You Need Me

I think Cassi Carver is quite underrated as an author. Just look at her ratings on Amazon: she has 4 and 5 stars, but not enough exposure.. Here's to hoping this one review will change that, even if just in a small way...

Title: If You Need Me
Series: The Ashford Legacy, #1
Author: Cassi Carver
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Release Date: March 18, 2014
Pages: 99
Buy Links: Amazon | Samhain | BN | ARe

I was gifted a copy of this book for an honest review.

Blurb:

How far will she go for love?

Erotica author Rayna Sommers wears a daring smile in her publicity photos, but the truth would shock her legions of fans. The woman whose stories take readers on wild sexual adventures to exotic locales is terrified of the world outside her front door.

Isolation may be safe, but it’s also quite lonely until Rayna meets a charming fan online. Kyle is sexy, funny, everything Rayna desires, and soon their daily emails flare into sizzling-hot video chats. Too bad Kyle lives on the East Coast and Rayna on the West. For a woman who can’t even cross the street, much less the country, her dream of a life with Kyle is just too far out of reach.

Kyle has an even bigger problem than getting Rayna Sommers to step outside her comfort zone. He’s head over heels in love with her, but he hasn’t told her the truth. He’s really Kyle Ashford, billionaire heir to the Ashford empire. The owner of the company that’s about to shut her publisher—and her livelihood—down for good.

Warning: This book contains a sexy billionaire who knows what he wants, a housebound author who’d love to give it to him, and a special-needs pet hen that just might steal your heart.

Contemporary is one of my favorite genres of romance. I just think it's the most relatable genre and most realistic.

I came across this book when Samhain was having a sale on their website. I contacted the author and it turns out, I had the perk of getting review copies for being part of the author's street team. Since this was the first book, I went ahead and accepted it to see if I would like it.

Rayna had agoraphobia which meant she couldn't leave the house without getting really panicky. I could understand the struggle since I have anxiety and sometimes being out in public is a difficulty. Having a relatable character certainly was a winner for me.

Rayna's relationship with Kyle could be viewed as too good to be true. However, Kyle proved that he was real and he was not messing around. I really appreciated the way he cared for Rayna and tried to understand her situation without judging her. 

I sent a message to Cassi a few times commenting on the book as I read, and one of my favorite parts was when Rayna shrieked at Kyle saying "give me my chicken!" I mean, not only did she have a phobia, but she also had a pet chicken. It was an interesting combination.

Overall, this was such a fun read. Just be warned that this book isn't a clean contemporary. I mean, Rayna was an erotica author. What do you expect? ;) I do think it's worth the read. I really enjoyed it.

P.S. I just bought the second book on Amazon. Watch out for a review in about a month or so :)

Arianne

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