10 Days in Paradise (Tropical Nights #1)

10 Days in Paradise

(This review is based on the ARC provided by the publisher via Net Galley)

This was my first time reading a book by award winning Jennifer Haymore and I did enjoy her writing style and unique ideas. Generally when one reads books based in exotic locations, you don't get to know much about the history and culture of the place, but Jennifer manages to teach you so much about Hawaii and it's native language through this book.  I enjoyed the characters especially Celeste because she was strong, ambitious and always willing to try something new, however I did wish that there was more depth in Kanoe's character because we didn't learn much about him as a person. The secondary characters were well conceived but I would have liked to see more of them in the book. One of the best things about the book was the scorching hot chemistry and sex scenes between Celeste and Kanoe. I did feel that the almost rape scene in the beginning of the book was dealt with too lightly and ends up sending the wrong message of being able to get away with something if you are rich. I did enjoy the book especially the location and the knowledge and culture of Hawaii.

Rating: 3/5

Plot

Celeste McMillan, is a successful first year business analyst, who after a traumatic event at work goes on holiday to Hawaii. Once there she runs into sexy surfer boy Kanoe.

As Kanoe and Celeste give into their sizzling hot chemistry, they begin to fall hard for each other. The only problem is Kanoe is rooted in his culture and Celeste believes her future is in the corporate world in LA. Will they be able to let go of their ambitions for each other?

From This Moment On (Windswept Bay #1)

From This Moment On

This is one of those books that catch your attention from the first chapter because of its strong characters and plot. It was my first time reading a Debra Clopton book and she has managed to make me a fan with her flawless writing and amazing story.  This is the first book in the Windswept Bay series and I have already fallen in love with the quaint town on the coast because Debra has described the location so well that you can picture going on vacation there. The characters were well conceived and they both had good background stories which helped keep the reader engaged throughout the book. The chemistry between Cali and Grant was sweet and romantic and if you are looking for a clean romance this is a must read. However I did feel the ending of the book was rushed as Debra could have spent more time on the characters journey towards healing. I loved the addition of the saving the sea turtles awareness in the book as it brought to the front an issue which is rarely discussed. I loved this book and looking forward to reading the rest of the series in this beautiful town.

Rating: 4/5

Plot

Cali Sinclair has recently returned home after having her heart broken and going through a ugly and messy divorce. She begins to run and renovate her family resort and refuses to put her heart at risk again. But Cali doesn’t know fate has other plans for her when renowned artist Grant Ellington comes to their resort to paint murals as a favour to her brother.

Grant Ellington, a rancher and famous artist is suffering from survivors guilt after he walked away from a plane crash which killed his best friend and the pilot. Once he sees Cali, he begins to feel emotion and alive again for the first time in months. After a few meetings Grant begins to realise that Cali might be the one for him.

Will Cali and Grant be able to get over their insecurities and give their relationship a chance?

First Love Second Choice

First Love Second Choice

A short and cute story which I personally felt could have been longer.  The writing was good and I enjoyed the bit of sadness in the book, but I would have preferred a dual point of view style of writing so we could get to know Bryce better. Keslee's character was well conceived whereas Bryce lacked a depth which I believed would have made the book better.  The chemistry between Bryce and Keslee was sweet, but would have liked to see more of their journey together. A good story of switched identities which I would have loved to be longer.

Rating: 3/5

Plot

Keslee, is a wedding planner who during an emergency ice cream run to the grocery store in her pajamas, gets asked out by her childhood crush Bryce, but Bryce thinks that Keslee is her dead twin sister Jay den. Keslee doesn't correct Bryce and this leads to a very awkward date.

Too make matters worse Bryce is the marketing director of a wedding venue where Keslee client wants to get married. Keslee is afraid that she will always be a replacement for her sister. 

Kiss a Girl in the Rain (Take Chance #1)

Kiss a Girl in the Rain

This one of those sweet and cute stories which makes you fall in love with both the characters and the setting (even if it is a small town in the middle of nowhere.  It was my first time reading a book by Nancy Warren and I found that I loved her writing which was seamless and flawless. It was a unique to story of a man (who is practically having a mid life crisis), that realizes that he is not where he pictured himself to be at thirty five. I loved the depth involved in Evan's character because Nancy gave us a glimpse into his family life, love life and professional life before starting his journey.  The characters in the book are very likable and this enables the reader to connect and get involved with them very easily, which is not something easy for a writer to achieve. The chemistry between Evan and Caitlyn was good and the funny banter keeps you interested throughout the entire book.  I did wish that the book was longer and that I got to see more of Caitlyn's life before Miller Pond, but nevertheless this was a great book and I look forward to the rest of the series.   

Rating: 4/5

Plot

Evan Chance, a successful lawyer at one of the top law firms at Seattle, receives a wake up call when his mentor dies. He realizes that he is not the person he had envisioned and then sets out to complete a bucket list that he had written when he was twelve years old. Evan's journey begins with a motorcycle ride across America. 

Caitlyn Sorenson, is a doctor in a small town called Millers Pond. She meets Evan after he ends up in an accident with a dog, this results in Evan being stuck in Millers Pond for a few days while his bike is being fixed.

After spending hot nights together, will Evan and Caitlyn be able to face the reality of their lives and love?

Maid for the Rockstar ( Romance Island Resort #1)

Maid for the Rockstar

This is the first book in the Romance Island Resort series and it there is nothing special or unique about the book. We had typical characters of a spoiled Rockstar who wants what he can't have and a maid who is working hard to provide for herself and her family. In the beginning of the story the reader tends to hate Jay because of his cockiness and crude comments, but as the book went along I did enjoy the vulnerability Demelza had brought to his character.  I personally felt there wasn't much romance in this book and even the chemistry felt a bit lack luster. The writing was good, but I wished I had seen more of Jay's point of view. The worst part of the book is it has a very abrupt ending which leaves the reader with many unanswered questions.  I did enjoy that towards the end of the book Audra stood up to all the people in her life who was taking advantage of her and bringing her down. This book never really managed to catch my attention,so won't be reading the rest of the series.

Rating: 2.5/5

Plot

Audra, a maid at the exclusive Romance Island resort, is used to dealing with celebrities and billionaires. She knows how to keep their secrets and clean up their messes, but never has a relationship with the guests as it is against the rules.

Jay Felix, is a rockstar whose band is on the verge of breaking up and he refuses to go into retirement. Jay knows relationships with the staff is not allowed, but he sets his eyes on Audra because he believes no girl can resist him. 

Audra continues to follow the rules and Jay refuses to accept that he can't have Audra. Will Jay manage to convince Audra to sleep with him?

Bedding the Wrong Brother (Bedding the Bachelors #1)

Bedding the Wrong Brother

This was my first time reading a book by Virna Depaul and I found that I really enjoy her writing style. Bedding the Wrong Brother was a sweet and short romantic novel with steaming chemistry. I loved how the book started in Melinda and Rhys's childhood as it gave the story and characters some depth that was much needed.  I enjoyed the twist of the magician twins as it was a unique idea I have never come across before.  The characters were well conceived, but I would have liked to see more of the secondary characters and their stories. I loved the scenes were Rhys is teaching Melinda about the power she holds as a woman. The sex scenes were well written and was very hot. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Rating: 3.5/5

Plot

Melinda Parker, is an entomologist, who has been told by her ex boyfriends that she is not good in bed. In order to change this and learn how to please a man she asks one of her childhood best friends Max Dalton for help to find her inner diva.

By a twist of fate and Max's interference, Melina ended up in Rhys Dalton's bed. Melina has always been in love with Rhys, but thought she could never get him.

After embarrassment the next morning, Rhys manages to convince Melina he is the right man to help her find her sexual diva.

Will Melina be able to learn what she needs without losing her heart to Rhys?

His Five Night Stand (Bedroom Secrets #1)

His Five Night Stand

This is one of the hottest books I have ever read. His Five Night Stand is the first book in the Bedroom Secrets series and I have to say it is a great start to the series.  The story was realistic which ensured that the readers connected easily with the characters.  I loved how this book was based on a women's empowerment after a bad breakup, this is not something we see often enough. The idea was unique and the book was well written. I enjoyed all the characters as they were well conceived and had depth.  The attraction and chemistry between Theo and Callie was my favourite part of the book and the sex scenes were scorching hot and off the charts. I did wish that thee book had focused a little more on the characters back stories. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Rating: 4/5

Plot

Callie has just gotten out a bad breakup which forces her to rethink her life and living arrangements. This leads Callie to The Holiday, her new apartment where her new neighbour ,Theo, a gorgeous man who oozes sex. Theo promises Callie five nights of hot sex which is guaranteed to help her get over her ex and heal her heart.

Theo has experienced loss through love so he knows how to help Callie mend her broken heart.

What if Callie wants more than five nights, will Theo break his rules?

The Billionaire Boys Club (Billionaire Romance Series Book 1)

The Billionaire Boys Club

This is the first book by Cara Miller and personally I disliked both the writing and the story. Firstly I have no idea why this book is called Billionaire Boys Club because there are no billionaires, but just some spoilt boys who most probably won't  inherit their parents fortune. Once you start reading the book, you will find that the male lead characters are only introduced properly half way through the book which is one of the main reasons why the book is unable to catch and keep your attention. The worst part of the book is that there is barely any romance in the story which means the series title Billionaire Romance was misleading. The writing was poor and the charters were not well conceived and I especially felt that there was too much law jargon in the book for the average reader. I really do hope that Cara Miller improves her writing as she has a lot of potential.

Rating: 1.5/5

Plot

Kelsey North is a middle class girl with big dreams and in order to fufiil her dream of becoming a lawyer, she attends the prestigious Darrow Law School. At law school she meets the billionaires Tyler Olson and Ryan Perkins. This story is about their journey through first year of law school and all their trials and tribulations. 

Filthy Rich (Blackstone Dynasty #1)

Filthy Rich

(This review is based on the ARC provided by the publisher via Net Galley)

This is the first book in the Blackstone Dynasty and my first Raine Miller book and I can already say that just after one book I have become a fan of Raine Miller. I have a soft spot for gorgeous alpha male billionaires, hence I fell in love with Caleb Blackstone. Brooke Casterly with her British accent and strong personality slowly crept her way into my heart and made me admire her strength to overcome a difficult past. Raine's writing style is brilliant and flawless and her secondary characters especially the Blackstone family were well conceived. The chemistry between Caleb and Brooke was hotter than a five star alarm and their sex scenes were so well written that it made me feel hot and bothered. I did feel that towards the middle of the book the story began to drag and I would have loved to see more drama from Caleb's mother, but nevertheless this was still a brilliant book. I can't wait to read the rest of the series as well as other Raine Miller books.

Rating: 4.5/5

Plot

Caleb Blackstone, a gorgeous billionaire, has everything money can buy, but when he sees Brooke Casterly he realizes she is the only woman for him and he must have her.

Brooke, an interior designer, is not looking for love because she has been burnt in the past as is well aware of the pain that it brought her. Caleb and Brooke intially start out with flirtation, but this quickly turns into an all consuming passion and Brooke realizes that Caleb's touch can help her heal.

Their past mistakes still follow them and Brooke realizes that maybe falling in love with Caleb might be more trouble than she can handle.

Turbulent Desires (Billionaire Aviators #2)

Turbulent Desires

( This review is based on the ARC provided by the publisher via Net Galley)

I am a huge fan of Melody Anne ever since I read the Billionaire Bachelors series, so when I saw this book available for review I could not resist requesting it. This book is the second book in the Billionaire Aviators series, but it was the first book that I have read of this series. Turbulent Desires gave me everything I have come to expect and love from a Melody Anne novel including her flawless writing and brilliant writing style. I loved the characters in the book especially Maverick because who can resist a hot alpha male billionaire pilot, who is also sweet and caring. Lindsey's character was a strong and independent woman which is what made me like her even more. The chemistry and romance between Lindsey was steaming hot and it was one of my favorite aspects of the book.  I loved how Melody had incorporated the Anderson's from her previous series because it had made me  connect with the characters and brought in the family that is always a part of her books. This is a brilliant book and yet again Melody Anne does not fail to disappoint.

Rating: 5/5

Plot

Lindsey Helm is a nurse who used to live her job until a late night attack on the hospital where she works almost left her dead. Lindsey who then begins to suffer with PTSD, starts to retract away from her friends and life and she lives in fear that danger is always lurking around the corner. 

Maverick Armstrong, a F-18 pilot, is determined to get Lindsey over her fear and teach her how to live life to the fullest again. Maverick believes that he will help Lindsey to heal and will walk away after that as he does not believe in failing in love and getting married. Little does Maverick know that its not easy to control the heart and it is even more difficult to walk away from the women you fall in love with

 

10 ARC's Reviewed

10 ARC's Reviewed

Taking Charge (Lone Star Burn #4)

Taking Charge

(This review is based on the ARC provided by the publisher via Net Galley)

I am a huge fan of Ruth Cardello because she always manages to give you characters that you end up falling in love with, but when I read Taking Charge  I was highly disappointed because it didn't have everything I love and have come to expect from a Ruth Carell novel. The book began with the prologue where Ruth started to give some background story of both David and Lucy, but immediately after the prologue they skipped six months later, which resulted in a lot of the important parts of the beginning of the relationship between Lucy and David being left out.  The part of the book that I disliked the most was that most of the first part of the book consisted of inner monologue from Lucy which got really irritating in some parts. I found that both characters of Lucy and David lacked depth and they were very cliché. As the book progressed it had gotten marginally better with some hilarious scenes from Lucy with her sex toys business. The writing was good even though I didn't particularly enjoy the writing style of this book. I am still a fan of Ruth Cardello and will continue reading her books even though I did not enjoy this book.

Rating: 2.5/5

Plot

Lucy Albrighton always wanted out from Fort Mavis, but when her father dies she is forced to come back home and try to save her family ranch. She wants to save the ranch herself as she has been burnt before when accepting a man's help who wanted more than just to help her. In order to save the ranch she starts an online business marketing high tech sex toys.

David Harmon, a horse trainer and ranch manager, is sent by Lucy's friends to try and help her save a ranch. When David sees Lucy  he instantly knows she is the one for him. Lucy refuses to accept help from David, but he doesn't back down as he will do anything to protect her.

When the ranch is threatened by Lucy neighbour, David refuses to leave and while the attractions between them grows David must be willing to do everything in his power to protect Lucy.