Archive for February, 2015


The Cowboy Next Door – Tepid!

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February 4, 2015

I don’t recall ever reading Roxanne Snopek, although feels that I should know her writings. But “The Cowboy Next Door” in my opinion just did not make my heart skip a beat, shiver in anticipation or tingle me happy.

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I’m really not sure what did not work for me in this book, but I get the feeling that the story was pieced in a hurry with no proper development of characters. Granted Leda is a young and single mother, but not that young to sound immature, confused, and childlike.

Past rodeo star turned agent Eric Anders is organized, efficient, and can’t stand to see anyone being hurt or cheated of what they are entitled to in life. And in this case, he wants to help Leda get what she’s entitled from the jerk who left her pregnant.

Somehow Leda and Eric just did not click as a couple. Age has never been an issue for me, but “The Cowboy Next Door” sure did not tingle my senses or draw me into his love story with Leda. And Leda’s character really did not ignite any empathy or sympathy. The characters just lacked chemistry and that special bond, which draws a reader into their story.

Received an ARC from Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

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The Playboy – Lukewarm

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Book 3 of the Hot Aussie Heroes Series, “The Playboy” goes the way of Book 1, The Cowboy for me – too short to develop the characters and the story.

Actress Alexia Burton returns to Australia to research for a role she covets in LA, a role that demands her to be sexually confident and self-assured. And to achieve this the innocent Alexia needs to find a lover, who would just teach her the nuances of intense desire, flirty and sensual, with no strings attached.ThePlayboy-HotAussieHero3-MadelineAsh-Jan2015

In walks the rich surfer boy and bar owner Parker Hargreaves. Alexia and Parker share an unpleasant past that left her hurt. But now Parker wants to make amends, and who better than he to help Alexia research for her role.

The story line is plausible; Madeline Ash’s writing is good, yet the development of the story and the relationship lacked conviction, chemistry and charm. Somehow I couldn’t relate to the characters and their thoughts. I just wish that there were more to Parker and Alexia. It’s like the story is missing its heart and soul.

Rest assured that I would read Madeline Ash again, but “The Playboy” just did not sizzle my libido.

Received an ARC from Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

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Worth The Risk – Worth The Gold In Reading!

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Two chapters into this book, I was raving about it to a book buddy of mine. Six chapters into the book, I immediately added the first book “Worth The Fall” (McKinney Brothers Series), to my Wish List. I believe “Worth The Risk” by Claudia Connor is one of those discoveries that give you immense pleasure and tickles you pink for finding a new author worthy of reading, and the anticipation of having her on the list of “Must Read”.

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“Worth The Risk” takes us up close and personal with Stephen McKinney the real estate billionaire and Hannah Walker, a hippo-therapist. One has lost a love to a madman, while the other has become the victim of a mad man. Two souls trying hard to break through the trauma and nightmares of a past that has changed the entire course of their life and they have to survive one day at a time.

A chance meeting with Hannah Walker, stirs the feelings of attraction for Stephan McKinney. An impromptu date gives them a chance for future encounters. With attraction on both sides, yet both unaware of each other’s painful pasts embark on a journey of friendship, attraction and love; a journey that also takes them on a ride of fear, pain, and betrayal. Now it is left to Hannah and Stephan to grab this second chance of love, and hopefully trust each other enough to endure the insecurities of a painful past and a betrayal close to home, enough to give their hearts and relationship a promising future.

“Worth The Risk” is runaway hit for me, as Claudia Connor does a brilliant job of keeping the story line taut with tension and sizzling with chemistry, and oozing with family relationships. Stephan and Hannah are two amazing characters who deserve all the love that this world can offer, their feelings are clearly etched, their pain is penned with perfection and their love for each other is charismatic. Two very strong characters who have endured so much and come out on the other side with unconditional love and support from families with big hearts.

And Claudia Connor just got added to “My Go To Writers List”…unconditionally!

Received an ARC from Random House Publishing – Loveswept, via NetGalley for an honest review.

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Teasing Destiny – Wishing Well, Texas Series Romance Opener

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February 3, 2015

Wide Texas skies, ranches and families, cowboys lassoing their cowgirls, small town of warmth, love and support – Melanie and Shawna are headed to Texas with their new Wishing Well Series. Their Wishing Well sure is being very generous with a trilogy of three friends and their happily ever-afters.

“Teasing Destiny” is a teaser novella and is part of the Pink Shades Of Words Anthology, introducing Destiny and JJ Briggs. Destiny is the adopted child of the entire town, and JJ is the quintessential cowboy. A pitcher for the Portland Bluebirds and the guy who’s almost stolen Destiny’s cherry, JJ is pitching himself to snag Destiny forever.

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Loaded with humor, meddling and caring townspeople marking their presence, warmth and simplicity in hearts, love and passion sizzling under the Texas sky, Melanie and Shawna have laid a charismatic foundation to this new series. Nothing short of what is expected from this sister-duo, as they are raring to set the summer blazing.

Teasing Destiny will be published as a full length book in July 2015, and bookmark your calendars for these sizzling romances

July 2015 – Teasing Destiny (Wishing Well, Texas, #1)

August 2015 – Convincing Cara (Wishing Well, Texas, #2)

September 2015 – Discovering Harmony (Wishing Well, Texas, #3)

Received an ARC from the author for an honest review.

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Hero – A Definite Winner!!!

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February 1, 2015

Samantha Young has been on my ‘To-Be-Read’ list for the longest and finally I debuted her writing with her latest “Hero”. Beyond expectation, impressive and engrossing, that I actually read it back to back.

Alexa Holland is an executive assistant to a famous photographer, a job that is jeopardized when Caine Carraway happens to be an assignment gone wrong. With a past that left her life in lies and pain, Alexa steers off her family legacy and makes her own life. But Caine is a part of those very lies and betrayal that had left him an orphan and now is a successful and rich businessman, through sheer determination, hard work and tenacity.

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Fate puts Alexa in Caine’s office as his assistant and sparks flare taking them on a ride of lust and passion. A lust that frightens Caine of the consequences of it, and a passion that turns into love for Alexa. But Alexa’s past becomes a threat to her life, and Caine’s secret may drive a wedge into their romance.

Caine Carraway as the tenacious and sullen millionaire with a soft heart and empathy was a treat to unravel. As much as he wants to keep Alexa away, he is driven towards her with a passion and love beyond his soul. Alexa is just this simple and beautiful human being, who looks for the good in all, despite being estranged from her family, is positive and has a sunny disposition, and in-spite of the pain her family brought to her front door, is determined to live her life on her terms and believes in love and family.

Spunky, witty, adorable and utterly sexy, she makes life a living hell working closely with him, as Caine tries to resist her. All alpha, rude, snobby and utterly charming, Caine falls head over heels for Alexa who brings out his protective instincts and love to the fore.

Samantha Young does a fabulous job etching Caine and Alexa, building a great story that is entreating, enticing and exciting and will remain with me as one of my favorites.

“Hero” is a definite winner for me!

Received an ARC from Penguin Group Berkley, NAL/Signet Romance DAW via NetGalley for an honest review.

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