Category Archives: Contemp. Romance

Contemp. Romance, Part of a Series, Suspense

#WOTR #Review – A Reason to Live by @CPSmith63 #ARTL #ReasonSeries @WritersonRiver

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ARTL COVER

WARNING: Author believes in soul mates and insta-love, proceed with caution if you’re not a romantic at heart.

Love’s greatest cure is salvation of one’s soul.

Shane Sherman has a problem. Well, two, actually. One has auburn hair and pale-green eyes, and the other? . . . Is a secret. One he doesn’t want to talk about. But all that changes when Sage comes to town.

Sage Sloan is being stalked. So she runs to Trails End and the bravest man her sister said she’d ever met. Sergeant Shane Sherman.

Sparks fly, tempers flare, and bears misbehave as Shane and Sage find a way to coexist in Trails End. That is, until a killer comes to call. Then all bets are off. Shane isn’t about to lose his saving grace.

This is the third and final book in the Reason Series. I highly recommend you read books one and two before “A Reason To Live.”

Rated R for sexual content and language and M for Maxine.

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Ahhhh... Maxine
Ahhhh… Maxine

TWINSIE DEB’S REVIEW

A Reason To Live by C.P. Smith
Shane & Sage
GREAT CONCLUSION TO A MAGNIFICENT SERIES
5 Stars cause 10 wasn’t an option

Holy. Freakin’. Hell. This book knocked me on my ass. CP Smith really outdid herself with this one. From a prologue that grabs you immediately with it’s heart wrenching detail and the thick with emotion story to follow, I fear she’ll have a hard time trying to top this one. It’s THAT good people! This tale of two lost souls wondering through life not sure of their next moves will make you laugh, it’ll make you cry, and somewhere in between, it’ll make your heart leap with vast amounts of emotion.

Sgt. Shane Sherman is struggling with life after war, life after death, and what the future holds for a man who doesn’t seem to think he’s worthy of love or life. He’s bitter, he’s callused, and he’s Trails Ends most eligible headcase… I mean bachelor, lol. He fits in well in Trails End, however he’s in limbo between putting some roots down and being a fly-by-night drifter that works odd jobs, very rarely interacts with his peers, and can’t overlook his past. Enter the beautiful and talented Sage Sloan.

This girl fits in so perfectly in Trails End and into the lives of our awesome “First Family” of the town. Mia and Maxine really take a liking to her immediately and I say what’s not to love with her. Sage is a strong female character lead. She’s a therapist for troubled and abused kids, but taking a bit of a leave due to unsettling threats happening to her lately. She goes to Trails End looking for Sgt. Sherman so that he can help her figure out what’s going on and hopefully solve the mystery of the threats. She gets way more than she bargained for and I’m not just talking about Shane. Holy cowz these women of Trails End are relentless.

Maxine is insistent on Sage hanging around Trails End for a while. She always knows more than we do and can predict more for some reason. That woman makes this story and every other story she’s in that much richer, funnier, and more meaningful. I just love this town and it’s inhabitants. I’m going to beg CP to take me there one day! I’m sad to see that this is the last “Reason” book, but wow… what a book this is to close out one of the most memorable series I’ve ever read.

It’s compelling, it’s emotional, and it’s full to the rim with suspense, wit, and sex appeal. The pacing is perfect, the characters powerful and convincing, and the dialogue flows with ease and felt very natural. The build up to the climax was superb and created the right amount of tension to keep me hanging on every damn word. It’s not light-hearted, but not awfully dark either. It’s the perfect blend of anticipation and hope. I loved it and wish I could read it again for the first time!

Check out CP Smith’s other works of art…

Books 1 & 2 in the Reason Series

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Her Stand-Alones

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

C.P. Smith is a stay-at-home mom with a keyboard. She’s never serious and lives inside her head.

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Contemp. Romance, Part of a Series

#Review – When I’m With You (Hope Town, #3) by Harper Sloan

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Nate:

It’s nearly impossible to be surrounded by love but not understand it. My parents, my sister, and just about everyone around us has no trouble accepting that love. To give your trust to someone else and believe they would die before hurting you. I’ve witnessed it—I’ve seen the power of it—but I’ve also seen the pain. Because for me, I’ve only loved someone I could never have, and my biggest fear is that by giving her my love, all I would do is ruin her. I should have tried harder, but I’m not sure I can because I only feel complete when I’m with her.

Emberlyn:

The only time I feel like I belong is when he’s near. His infectious smile warms me straight to my bones. Any insecurities I have vanish with just a wink from him. A sliver of his attention makes me feel invincible. But all it took was one drunken night of truths for me to lose everything I had begun to crave. Now, I’m not sure how to move on because I only feel complete when I’m with him.

He said I was too young. I said he was perfect. He said our families wouldn’t understand. I said we could weather any storm. He said he would ruin me. And he was right.

Twinsie Jo’s Review:

As I am a huge fan of this series, it comes as no surprise that I truly loved this book. Nate always intrigued me in the other books. He was funny and obnoxious at times but I wanted to know his story. And boy did we ever find it out! I loved how unpredictable he was and how hot his scenes are. He sure does love a little alone time. *blush*

I love a good crazy ex. Ember has a douche of a boyfriend and I could totally predict that he did certain things. I was expecting it. He wouldn’t let her go easily and we eventually find out just how far he’ll go to make her see that. I would have enjoyed a little more from him but I think if Harper did that, then the book would have to be labeled in a different category.

Ember and Nate have been friends for years. He used to tutor her and well of course, she fell in love with him. Awww. I really loved the scene’s between Locke and Nate.  regarding Locke’s little girl. We see the typical Alpha Locke. *swoon* He’s protective but realizes that Nate has a good head on his shoulders but I love seeing him go papa bear over his daughter. Nate doesn’t back down though and I loved that even more about him.

This story is written in the Harper way we have all come to know and love. Feels, angst, drama and humor. Oh and the hotness! This book is by far Harper’s hottest. Nate takes her usual steamy scene’s to a whole new level.

5 stars overall

5 steamy scorching stars for heat … YUM!

 

 

Contemp. Romance, Cops/Detectives, Part of a Series, Standalone

Holding Fast (A Love and Order Novel) by Jeanine Binder

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synopsis

Been there, done that – there wasn’t much that Eli Walker hadn’t experienced as a cop. Even working in one of the better precincts in New York City didn’t help dispel the depravity he saw on a daily basis. It was all part and parcel of his mantra of living life in the now, not worrying about the future.
And especially with women. No strings, no attachments, and he made that perfectly clear before he ever bedded them. Relationships were not on his agenda – not now, not anytime in the near future. Women flocked to him and he could take his pick; himself exiting the encounter with what he’d wanted and leaving them aching for more, left dreaming of his curly locks and bronze body.
A chance encounter pulling a mugger off of a woman changed his whole world. She was blonde and beautiful – Eli didn’t care about any of the interracial politics that would surround any serious relationship. He just knew he had to have Ainsley, like an alcoholic needs his next drink. This was all new territory for Eli and could he stay to the path, all the way to its end? Or would she be like all the others in his life .

kristis review

I received a copy of this book for a honest review

This is A Love and Order Novel and can be read as a standalone. I have not read any of the others in this series and I wasn’t lost when it read this one.
Eli Walker is a detective for NYPD when he is called to Annalise Bernett’s family shop for a robbery and assault.
From what I can gather Eli isn’t a man whore he just isn’t looking for a relationship and isn’t one to turn down want is offered. No one woman has really snagged his attention, until Annalise who is the total opposite of the women he has been with.
Annalise isn’t looking for a relationship either having gotten out of a abusive one two years ago, but she can’t stop thinking about the handsome Detective Walker.
Since Eli can’t stop thinking about her either he just sucks it up and asks her out.
These two fit together so well, he is the exact opposite of her ex and makes her feel safe, even if he is bossy, and she is the exact opposite in that she’s not aggressive and she makes him feel level headed and calm.
Even though they fit together they have things going against them, they are a mixed race couple and even though it’s 2016 there are still people out there that give them crap about it and Annalise’s ex is stalking her.
I enjoying getting to see Eli in is element as a police officer with the cases that he works and seeing Annalise in her element as a writer when we see her having to dealing with traveling for book signings.
The fear that Annalise feels when her ex has her and the pain that she and Eli feel in the hospital is so real it brought tears to my eyes!!
I will say it again, these two belong together!! He is her savior and she is the calm in his storm.

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Jeanine Binder grew up in a small town in California on the outskirts of Palm Springs, where the Hollywood celebrities liked to vacation. After thirty years, she packed up, moved to Arkansas where she still lives today. Her hobbies include her writing, reading good books, and seeing exotic places (loves to go on cruises).

Writing has always been a passion and hoping the next twenty years will bring many enjoyable books for others to read.

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Contemp. Romance

#Review – Beautifully Used, The Beaumont Brothers 2, by Susan Griscom

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synopsis

A Beaumont Brothers Series stand-alone book 2

18+ due to adult situations

Suave, handsome Brodie Beaumont has a history of using and being used by women. Playing bass in his brother’s band doesn’t hurt.

A past he doesn’t like to talk about has turned him into the type of guy he is today, but he hasn’t really cared. Until the beautiful and feisty Gabrielle Demeres comes back into his life.

Gabrielle learned the hard way what type of guy Brodie was the first time she met him. His crude seduction attempt earned him a slap to his face, and Gabrielle wasn’t exactly looking forward to another encounter with the cad. Unfortunately, her best friend was marrying Brodie’s brother, and Gabrielle and Brodie would be forced to spend time together whether she liked it or not.

As things in the small, quiet town of Turtle Lake take a decidedly dark and dangerous turn, Gabrielle and Brodie only have each other to turn to. Will they be capable of overcoming their aversion to one another while coping with their own troubled pasts and dealing with the current dangers surrounding them? Or is their hostility just skating the fine line between love and hate?

 

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kellys review

I  adore the Beaumont Brothers! This is Brodie and Gabrielle’s story. We have two people that couldn’t be more opposite of one another. Their first encounter was not fun and they are dreading seeing each other now. Brodie has a past that makes him who he is today, a playboy that will not commit to spending two nights with the same woman let alone commit to a relationship. Gabrielle has a past that she has kept hidden from everyone and has made her a bit more reserved than most. All hell breaks loose and they lean on each other for support. To watch their relationship bloom and feel every single emotion is beautiful. The author has an amazing way with words and will rock your world when you find out about their pasts!

“There was no question in my mind, she was a goddess, and I silently cursed my stupid attempt at carelessly trying to get her into my bed last year. One does not simply just have sex with a goddess.”

“…the trees blowing in the wind outside the window caught my eye. I studied them as they swayed, the way they withstood the abuse from the wind was amazing. I wanted to be like the trees. Able to stand tall the next day after being slammed by something I had no control over; only dropping a few fragments of my self-esteem the way the trees only lost a few of their leaves.”

“I do know that when I kiss you, my entire world stops. My head buzzes and my body goes into overdrive , making me dizzy . Just like with a car, my body goes into high gear to maintain the speed my heart is pumping because of the way I feel about you.”

There is a respect that these two develop for one another. Fear and rejection have made them weary but their love is incredible!

 

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Susan Griscom writes paranormal and contemporary romance. She’s hooked on gritty romances and is a huge fan of superheroes and bad boys confronted with extraordinary forces of nature, powers, and abilities beyond the norm mixed with steamy romance, of course.

She loves those days when she gets to sit around in her sweat pants, doing nothing but writing emotionally charged stories about love and violence and drinking coffee.

She lives in Northern California with her romantic husband and together they have five great superhero kids and eight mini-superhero grand kids, so far.

Contemp. Romance, Part of a Serial

#Review – Skilled: He’s Armed But She’s Dangerous (Skilled Serial Series Book 1), by S. Reynolds

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synopsis

He’s Armed…She’s Dangerous

Chloe Justice grew up on American soil and in Old World China. When she witnesses her best friend’s murder, her life takes a drastic turn. Chloe dedicates her life to tracking her friend’s killer, and honing her own skills.

Detective Damon Delandre’ is having zero luck closing the homicide cases crossing his desk. When he unexpectedly stumbles upon the first and only piece of evidence in one of his cases, his ethics and heart are at odds.

 

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kellys review

A badass female assassin and a hot detective….Need I say more?

Chloe is an assassin with a conciensce. She is a strong independent woman who loves her job and is not looking to settle down anytime soon. Damon is a hot detective that has been investigating murders of some pretty shady people. Chloe’s and Damon’s personal lives cross with what ends up being a one night stand. They can’t seem to stay away from each other and end up bumping into each other again. The connection they have is extremely strong and they can’t keep their hands to themselves. Soon Damon starts putting bits and pieces of his puzzles together and Chloe seems to be in the mix.

“She was still a little in shock that Damon was a Detective. That wasn’t smart on her part. Never get involved with the police if you commit murder on a daily basis.”

This is a fast paced, witty, steamy, and action packed story. An absolute page turner! Looking forward to their story being continued!

 

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about-the-author

I  currently live in Charleston, WV with my two beautiful children. I do work a full time job and I have a passion for writing. My only hobby is reading.

I have been working on my first book for some time now, but I am finally making that leap. I have many stories that I want to put to paper and hopefully you all will follow me on my journey.

I like to write whatever is on my mind but I like to explore with my writing. I like to have my books feel like your inside them as the actual characters. I like my characters to be strong. Sex is important between loving people therefore all my books contain graphic scenes but are not classified as erotica. The character’s themselves have more basis.

Contemp. Romance, Standalone, Suspense

#Review – Enshrine by @ChelleBliss1 #Emotional and #Inspirational

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STANDALONE NOVEL FROM CHELLE BLISS
EVERYTHING CHANGED IN AN INSTANT.
I thought I knew what was important, but one phone call sent my life into a tailspin. Alone and afraid, I clung to the one man I shouldn’t. I was warned about him and told to stay away. “He’s dangerous,” they said. But the man who could hurt me the most, gave me the greatest comfort. “He’s not who they think,” I told myself. But just like an illusion, things are never what they seem.

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Twinsie Deb’s Review


Enshrine by Chelle Bliss
Bruno & Callie
HEARTBREAKING, EMOTIONAL, AND JUST RIGHT
5 Stars cause 10 is not an option!

Well, for starters, this book is amazeballs! This one is so off the charts it will put you into a tail spin and your soul in an uproar. I can’t remember when I read a book so full of emotion that I had to put it down for a bit just to collect myself and my thoughts! Chelle has poured her heart and soul into this book and it shows. Don’t mistake me, you WILL cry and you WILL gasp, but you most definitely will laugh your ass off as well.

Callie is such a powerful character. I am amazed at her strength and her wisdom. Staring down the barrel of a gun with a rough road ahead, she does exactly what I would have done. She closes in on herself. She shuts everyone and everything out. I believe she thinks if she acknowledges the “elephant” in the room that it’ll crush her into a million tiny pieces and she’ll never see the light of day again. Enter Bruno! The light at the end of the tunnel. I love this man!

Bruno is everything and nothing all at once. He’s mysterious, he’s uber hot, and his life couldn’t be more complicating. He deals with his own demons, but finds the power to be what Callie needs. He brings so much depth to this story with his curious lifestyle and his temperamental ways. What once was a frightening, dark stranger has now become the driving force within himself and Callie. This man will make your day, your week, hell, even your year!

The supporting character cast is not small, but really not too big either. Lee, Bruno’s sister is so damn cute. I just need this girl in my posse like NOW. I think she’s just a little bit of a crutch to her brother right at the times he needs it the most. Knowing now what I know about her, she couldn’t have come into Callie’s life at a better time. As for the rest of Bruno’s family, they effing rocked! Welcoming and warm! Funny and blunt. I loved them, but I always love Chelle’s made up families… somehow they seem to make me want to be adopted by them. Now, Becca, Callie’s bestie is such a doofis. I mean, she cares about Callie, but it seems most of the shit Becca did or said didn’t help at all. I still loved her and her quirky ways!

This story will stain your soul forever. The pacing is medium to fast paced and keeps you turning pages before you even know it’s 2AM and you’ve gotta be up at 4:30AM for work (True story). The characters are lovable and believable. They make this story so rich with love and laughter. The dialogue flows and feels very natural. Chelle doesn’t tell you a story here, she shows you one. The tension created by this tale will lead you to the most exhilarating climax. I loved it and will be talking about this one for years to come.

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Bliss

Chelle Bliss, USA Today Bestselling author, currently lives in a small town near the Gulf of Mexico. She’s a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, and coffee fiend. She’s written over thirteen books and has three series available. She loves spending her free time with her boyfriend, 2 cats, and her hamster.
Before becoming a writer, Chelle taught high school history for over ten years. She holds a master’s degree in Instructional Technology and a bachelor’s in history. Although history is her first love, writing has become her dream job and she can’t imagine doing anything else.

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Contemp. Romance, Part of a Series

#Review – The One for Me by @SydneyLandon1 #Contemporary #Romance @BerkleyRomance

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the one for me cover

The New York Times bestselling author of Watch Over Me delivers a steamy new novel of irresistible attraction in her popular Danvers series.

Mark DeSanto has never denied himself anything—especially in the bedroom. Rich, attractive, and successful, men envy him and women desire him. But when a sweet, guileless beauty faints at his feet, he suddenly finds himself wondering if it’s time to look for something more lasting…

Until her divorce, Crystal Webber never knew what it was like to follow her heart. Now she wants to experience all life has to offer. So when she catches a glimpse of Mark DeSanto in the halls of Danvers International, she’s instantly infatuated—and eager to join him for a walk on the wild side. Fainting at his feet wasn’t her plan, but at least it got his attention…

But for the first time, Mark wants to take things slow, which—considering the electricity between them—may take far more willpower than he’s ever had.

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Twinsie Deb’s Review

The One for Me by Sydney Landon
Mark & Crystal
MAKE THE LEAP FROM HONDA TO LAMBORGHINI
5 Stars

So this installment into the Danver’s menagerie is a little different than the rest. Wanna know why? It’s hotter, it’s sexier, and holy freaking hell is it ever dirty! I have love this series from get-go. Sydney’s books are always so well rounded… Sexy alpha, head-strong female, a dilemma, a solution, and a kickass climax. I’m not gonna sit here and blow smoke up your ass, if you’re checking this book out it’s because you already love Sydney like I do. What I will do is tell you right from the start you’ll be captivated with Mark DeSanto and his jet black hair and Crystal Webber and her quirky banter! Good luck not laughing out loud or wiping tears away!

Crystal comes from a bizarre home. We met her mother back in another book, the title escapes me at the moment, but that woman was a total jerkface back then and believe me you she doesn’t get any better in this one. Crystal struggles to please her Mother, but can never quite get there. She makes some dreadful decision based on shit other people want and finds herself in some pretty sticky situations. When an illness lands her in Mark DeSanto’s life, you can bet your ass that things are going to change.

Mark’s life has been anything but simple and he likes it that way. He lives life on the edge. Different women grace his arm and bed regularly. His business comes first and he’s a very hands on kind of guy. His childhood wasn’t much better than Crystals. His parents pretty much ignored him. Drinking and partying their life away on his dime. When he meets Crystal, well, he can’t quite figure out why he’s so compelled to take care of her or why he can’t stop thinking about her or why the thought of her without him doesn’t seem to be an option. Just talking about this is putting the goofiest damn smile on my face.

The supporting character cast is enormous as usual. All the chickies, all the Danver’s men, and those miserable parents on both sides. I really wanted to beat the crap outta of those parents. I mean who really treats their kids or family that way? Why would Mark or Crystal put up with it for so long? Damn Sydney, you’re killing me. One character that stands out to me is Denny, Mark’s cousin and driver. This guy will have you rolling on the floor, laughing your ass off. Very cool dude!

I really enjoyed this one. I even think this may be my favorite Danvers novel. The pacing kept me enthralled and never left me wanting to skip around. The dialogue flowed with efficiency and so much stinking humor I must have highlighted like an insane amount of the banter! Those “tweets” back and fourth were superb! The tension was a great build and that climax, Wowza! I loved it immensely.

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Sydney Landon is the New York Times & USA Today Best Selling author of: Weekends Required, Not Planning on You, Fall For Me, Fighting For You, Betting on You, No Denying You, Always Loving You, Pierced and Fractured. Sydney is currently working on the next book in the Danvers’ Series as well as the Pierced Series. When she isn’t writing, Sydney enjoys reading, swimming and the beach. She lives with her family in Greenville, South Carolina.

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