ZEKE (Breaking the Declan Brothers, #3) by Kelly Gendron

ZEKE (Breaking the Declan Brothers, #3)  by Kelly Gendron

Every girl in Galveston County knows about Zeke Declan’s rules and has agreed to them or is considering them.
Rule #1 Don’t call him. He’ll call you.
Rule #2 He doesn’t date.
Rule #3 No sleepovers.
Rule #4 Absolutely, no virgins.

When a couple friends talk me into going back to their hometown in the Bayou for the summer and challenge me to break “the best damn lay in Galveston County” along with every single one of his ridiculous rules, I’m confident that I can get the job done. I’m no stranger to men. I have five older brothers. I’m a teacher and I’m used to being around rebellious teenagers. However, Zeke Declan is definitely not someone that I could have prepared for. He’s not a testosterone-fueled, immature boy. He’s a confident, arousing, playful, and mind-melting man. But, behind that sexy charming smile, I know he’s hiding a secret. And, in order to break him, I’m going to need to find out what it is..

This book started off a little slow for me but then it got interesting. I thought the rules were pretty funny and a great addition to the story. I loved how she would attack them one rule at a time.  I really want to go back and read the rest of the series now!!!

***This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review***

Betting the Bad Boy by Sugar Jamison

Description

Ten years ago, Duke King knew that getting involved with Grace Truman would only bring trouble into his already hard life. After all, the son of the town drunk has no business falling for the judge’s daughter…a passion that led to disaster and ended with Duke serving a ten year prison sentence. Duke never wanted to return to Destiny, especially now that he’s built a multimillion dollar custom car empire with his brothers. But when his sick aunt calls him home, he must face his past and discover a secret that instantly changes his life.

Grace never thought she would see Duke again, especially after years of silence. But when Duke comes storming back into her life, looking hotter than ever, and determined to get to know the son he never knew he had, she realizes that maybe she’d been wrong about him so many years ago. So Grace decides to make Duke a bet. If he can stay in the house with them for the next thirty days and prove he’ll be a good father, she’ll agree to letting him be part of his son’s life. If not, he’d better be prepared for a fight.

Going from single guy to family man isn’t going to be easy for Duke, especially with the still sexy, now fiery, Grace clouding his every thought. Can Duke be the man he never thought he could be or will his old bad boy ways be too much to conquer?

My Thoughts

I loved the first book in this series with Colt and this book is just as good, if not better! This whole book felt very realistic. What I mean by that is that the characters and plot are believable. I can understand why she kept the kid a secret and I understand why he is upset. It all makes sense and is believable!!

Watching this relationship grow was awesome! I felt like I knew them. I could feel their hurt, anger and love. There was comedy and drama. This was a very well rounded book and that is part of why it was so good.

Sugar Jamison is one of my favorite authors and this book was just icing on the cake. Now, can you please hurry up and release the next one please!!!

**This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review**

The Safe Bet by Shealy James

There’s no man in the world who won’t break Reagan Anders’s heart…

At the fragile age of eight, Reagan’s life seemed perfect. But when her beloved father abandoned their tiny family, Reagan was left emotionally scarred.

Now in high school, not much has changed. Reagan still won’t let her guard down. Not even for her long-time friend, Brock Anderson, who has spent years pursuing Reagan, yet never tearing down her walls.

If you push hard enough, eventually you’ll get your way...

By graduation, Brock has finally won over Reagan’s affections. They aren’t a public item, but Brock is content just being hers, even if that means going without the official boyfriend title.

As usual, Reagan’s fears get the better of her, and suspicions of Brock’s commitment creep in. Surviving their relationship’s tension, they make it to college together, where their game of cat and mouse takes a darker twist.

Tragedies come in threes...

But after a tragic car crash that kills her best friend, her mother ships her off to the one person Reagan hates more than herself. Her father.

When she meets her brother she never knew, they immediately become friends. Years pass until one day when she meets one of her brother’s friends…Brock Anderson—and he’s on a mission to win her back.

When Reagan and Brock are reunited, the chemistry is stronger than ever. But when uncertainty threatens their future, will Brock be the safe bet, or will he be the heartache she always feared?

This book was a good read but was not very captivating. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it and wanted to get back to reading it but I did not spend my day thinking about it. Idid enjoy the game of chase but wish there had been more of that. It seemed like Reagan caved to fast and too easily when in reality, she would have fought more based on her past, Brock sounds like a great man that I would like to meet and hang out with!

If you want a fun read for a rainy day, this is your book! If you want something realistic that you can relate to, you won't find that here, but you can still enjoy the story.

**This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review**

Happy Valentine's Day

If you were like me, you hated Valentine's Day. This is the day that all married, engaged and dating people run around talking about how perfect their life is and how amazing their significant other is. Their fairly tale life is perfect for this one day. What they never seem to realize is that this one day makes those of us who are single feel worthless.

Years ago I decided to change the way I think and now Valentine's Day revolves around the relationship between my son and myself. We have a special dinner (at home cuz all the love birds flock to the restaurants to show off their perfect love for each other (gag me), I usually buy him a new toy or two and some candy and we snuggle, That is what makes my Valentine's Day better than everyone elses.

But alas, I do read romance books so I wanted to bring this post back to that. I would love to know which romance books you have read lately. Is there one that blew you away, one that made you laugh, cry or think of the past?

In Deep with the FBI Agent by Lynne Silver

To Casey, Montgomery Prep isn't just DC's most prestigious private school-it's her alma mater, the place where her fondest memories were made. It's also her current employer and the target of a dangerous cyber criminal. But even more shocking than the crime is the sexy FBI agent who comes to investigate . . .
With his six-plus frame and gym-sculpted body, no one would suspect FBI special agent Sam Cooper was once an awkward teenage computer geek-no one, that is, except Casey, the gorgeous girl who captured his heart on the first day of high school and held it for the last fourteen years. When a hunt for a hacker brings Casey back into Sam's life, his long-denied desire becomes impossible to ignore. He knows just how to make her forget the boy he was . . . and show her the man he's become.

This book was really cute! I enjoyed the story line and the characters. Sam was hot even though he was nerdy. Casey was a little unreal at the beginning but she got more realistic as the book continued. The end was extremely predictable and disappointing but all in all, it was a fun read.

**This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review!**

Stripped by Piper Lawson

"I’ve been in New York four weeks. I’m behind on the spring line, days from homeless, and getting sued by the only person in the whole damn city who’s seen me naked."

Ava Cameron has stars in her eyes. When the feisty designer moves to NYC after graduation with her best friend, things are finally clicking into place.

But now their brand new label, Travesty, is under attack.

The man leading the charge is the hottest hookup Ava ever had. One she never wanted to see again...

Nate Townsend might be from the right schools, the right neighborhood and the right family. But under the surface, his scars run deep.

When the society prince and the loud designer come face to face on a case that could decide Ava's future, sparks fly.

Nate's not about to let Ava forget she's the only person who knows his secrets. And Ava’s walking the line between getting Travesty back on track and being dragged into the gutter by one stubborn young lawyer planning to take her down.

This book was catchy from the first page to the last. I had a very hard time putting it down!  The characters were great and believable. I love how independant Ava was. Nate sounds like a fantastic man and I wish he were real so I could meet him!

***This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review***

Playing with Fire Kate Meader

Playing with Fire Kate Meader

Description:
As the only female firefighter at Engine Co. 6, Alexandra Dempsey gets it from all sides: the male coworkers who think she can’t do the job, the wives and girlfriends who see her as a threat to their firefighter men, and her overprotective foster brothers who want to shelter their baby sister at all costs. So when she single-handedly saves the life of Eli Cooper, Chicago’s devastatingly handsome mayor, she assumes the respect she’s longed for will finally come her way. But it seems Mr. Mayor has other ideas…

Eli Cooper’s mayoral ratings are plummeting, his chances at reelection dead in the water. When a sexy, curvaceous firefighter gives him the kiss of life, she does more than bring him back to the land of the living—she also breathes vitality into his campaign. Riding the wave of their feel-good story might prop up Eli’s flagging political fortunes, but the sizzling attraction between them can go nowhere; he’s her boss, and there are rules that must be obeyed. But you know what they say about rules: they’re made to be broken.

My thoughts:
There is something really great about a female firefighter saving a cocky man. I loved the story line here. Alexandra has some serious spunk and humor. Surrounded by so many guys all the time, she has to stand up for herself and fight hard!

Watching the relationship grow between Eli and Alexandra was fascinating. I laughed and I cried. There were points that I forgot I was reading, and felt like this was really happening. To me, that shows some amazing writing skills!

I did enjoy reading this book all the way through. I hope there are many more! Kate Meader is a great author and I can not wait to read more of her books.

***This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an open and honest review***

Hard to Fight by Bella Jewel

Hard to Fight by Bella Jewel

Description:
Grace is a bounty hunter who wants to be taken seriously, but her boss refuses to believe that a woman can bring down a dangerous criminal. She finally gets a chance to prove herself when she's given the case of a lifetime: capture Raide Knox and bring him to justice.

Raide is a dangerous fugitive on the run...and the sexiest man Grace has ever met. Catching Raide won't be easy. He's not the kind of man to go down without a fight. Raide is more intense and frustrating than any man she's ever had to deal with, and the instantaneous attraction that sparks between them is undeniable. One thing is for sure...it's going to be a case they will never forget.

My thoughts:
HOT HOT HOT!!! Holy moly this is a hot book! Raide...... I mean....whew!!! If you want to lock me in a room with that man.......

This book had me gasping, laughing and all kinds of excited from beginning to end. I loved every minute of it! The characters are well written, the story is fantastic and I highly recommend this book to everyone!!!

I am going to end this review now so I can go read this book again!!!

***This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review***

The Lessons by Elizabeth Brown

Lessons by Elizabeth Brown




Description:
Things weren’t exactly going according to my Plan, so I did what most Americans do when confronted with a problem : I hired someone else to fix it.

Except ‘it’ was my virginity.

And that ‘someone else’ was a sex surrogate.

I should have known the answer wouldn’t be that simple.

My Thoughts:

This is not a book I would normally pick up and read but the title caught my attention and I was intrigued. I wanted to see how the author would write about this particular topic and I was pleasantly surprised with the way it was handled. The characters were written very well, in fact, I felt like I could be friends with them all right now!

The cover and title were catchy, the author was well written and the story line was fantastic. This is a book I would read again!

***This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an open and honest review***

Hard to Break by Bella Jewel

Hard to Break by Bella Jewel

Quinn has spent her whole life working in her dad's garage, leaving her more comfortable with a carburetor than a curling iron. Her world is turned upside down when her beloved garage is bought by none other than world famous, sexy as sin, custom car builder, Tazen Watts. He's the one man she can't stand...even though he makes her hotter than a high performance engine in top gear.

Tazen has no use for Quinn, at least not professionally, and he's making sure she knows it. But there's a spark between them that she's finding hard to ignore. She's determined to prove her talent is as impressive as her sassy mouth. When she finds out Tazen is hiding a secret that could bring down his career and everyone involved in it, she wonders: is falling for him is going to be work the risk?

This book is surprisingly packed full of comedy! I laughed and cried as I read through the pages. The way that Quinn has to fight to prove herself is very realistic. The macho attitude that Tazen has is realistic. The way their relationship formed was pretty realistic. I enjoyed all of that. I found myself yelling at Quinn and yelling at Tazen and then laughing at myself.

I do not know anything about cars but I still knew exactly what was happening in this book so that tells me that this book was very well written. The title is perfect and the cover is sexy. I really enjoyed every moment of this book.

***This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review***

The Surrender Series by Priscilla West

Forbidden Surrender

The minute I saw Vincent Sorenson, I knew he was trouble. Billionaire. Bad boy. And dangerously sexy. He was everything I craved, and nothing I needed.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t just avoid him. The higher ups at my company decided they needed his business, and I was on the team to bring him in. Vincent Sorenson didn’t seem as interested in business as he was in me, but I knew that was a door better left unopened. If I got involved with him, it would only unearth the pain I spent years trying to bury.

I thought I had it under control, but I seriously underestimated Vincent’s seductive charm and silver-tongue. I would soon find out how delicious it would feel to let myself fall into this forbidden surrender.

Secret Surrender

When a trip to Vincent's exclusive private island revealed the real Vincent underneath the layers of suave nonchalance, I thought we were close to the start of something special.

Just when things were looking up for us, I would discover the one secret that Vincent never intended for me to find.

Beautiful Surrender

No one is who they seem to be.

I let Vincent into my heart because he seemed so different from everyone in my conservative world of wealth management. I thought we shared something special, but Vincent has been playing me this entire time.

As our relationship reaches a crisis point, a man from my past returns looking for a second chance. Is my ex really looking for redemption or is his goal something more sinister?

I try my best to hold it all together, until I discover a revelation that will change everything.

Review of all three

I LOVED them. They were fantastic! I did not want them to end! I loved the way Vincent was protective and firm but also fun and romantic. He took care of Kristen no matter what. Yes he could be seen as over protective but that was part of his charm. I thought this was a great and fun read. They were written well, the covers are catchy and the story line is fun. 

All three stories are very short and you will want to have all of them when you sit down to read but trust me, it will be worth it! 

***These books were given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review***

Hot Toy by Jennifer Crusie

Hot Toy by Jennifer Crusie

Mayhem ensues under the mistletoe as a determined shopper grabs the very last hot toy action figure off the shelf, only to find herself plunged into the middle of a real-life spy game and in the arms of a sexy secret agent...

Jennifer Cruisie is one of my favorite authors so I was excited to have the chance to review this book. The title was right on and perfect for the story. I found that this book followed a certain Christmas movie that I will not name here but it did spin off the movie a little. I was slightly disappointed and felt that this book was not as good as most of her others but all in all, I thought this was a great short story to read on a cold winter day! 

***This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review***

The Wedding Audition Runaway Brides by Catherine Mann, Joanne Rock

The Wedding Audition Runaway Brides by Catherine Mann, Joanne Rock

The tabloids call her the Hit and Run Bride after reality show star Annamae Jessup walked out on Atlanta’s favorite baseball player on cable television. Eager to escape her notoriety, Annamae takes a road trip to find the grandmother she’s never met and winds up discovering a whole lot more than a band of back woods relatives. There’s no escape from reality TV, even in Beulah, Alabama, population 3000.

The last thing Wynn Rafferty needs in his new life is a spoiled television princess who can’t even know his real name. He’s in temporary witness protection as an apple farmer after his undercover work put his life in danger. He needs to lay low until the heat dies down from his last case— even if he sucks at growing apples as badly as he sucks at relationships. But Annamae turns his new town into a media circus, unwittingly threatening the lives of him, her and most of Beulah. Wynn is an expert at keeping the world at arm’s length, but when it comes to Annamae, the only way he can keep her safe is to keep her very, very close.

This was a great read! I loved how Annamae completely turned Wynn's life upside down. Poor guy didn't know what to do!!! While this book did not captivate me, I did find parts of it to be great. It was a fun, rainy day read!

***This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review***

Hit 'n Run by Lori Power

Hit 'n Run by Lori Power

 Determined to build a better life, Lorna has climbed the ladder to a successful public relations career one slippery rung at a time. But while on her way to an important meeting, a former lover crashes back into her life—literally—and she becomes embroiled in a police investigation that threatens everything she’s achieved.

Mitch Morgan doesn’t believe in coincidences.

Mitch has spent five years trying to forget Lorna, only to run into her on his way to an undercover sting operation. Old feelings quickly resurface and passion reignites, but as his investigation unfolds, evidence suggests the woman he’s falling for might have ties to the very criminals he’s after.

When Mitch tugs any thread of his investigation, it seems to lead back to Lorna. Caught between his desire for the strong, curious beauty and the growing suspicions of his superiors, he must choose between trusting his instincts and following regulations.

Lorna finds herself entangled in a web of betrayal.

When she learns the nature of the investigation—and her role as a suspected spy—Lorna goes to dangerous lengths to clear her name and prove to everyone, including herself, she’s worthy of the handsome, tenacious Mitch. With danger around every corner, Lorna is on the run for her life, but refuses to run from the past any longer.

She can find the evidence she needs, but at what cost?

Mitch now knows her secrets and must find her first and convince her she—and their love—are worth fighting for, before it’s too late.

My thoughts......

I have found a new author that I love! Lori Power of course! This book is amazing! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the way these two characters stumble across each other after so many years! The tension and suspense kept me intrigued from start to finish! The story line is fabulous and the title is perfect! I can not wait to read the next one!!!

***This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review***

The Bad Boy CEO by Sugar Jamison

The Bad Boy CEO by Sugar Jamison


Colt King has spent his whole life trying to prove he's not the trash his hometown of Destiny, Nevada, thought he and his brothers were. As soon as he was old enough he left town, vowing to make a name for himself and never looking back at the place that looked down on him. But that plan goes out the window when his ailing elderly aunt asks him to come home.

He begrudgingly returns to help the woman who raised him. But he's no longer the poor kid from the bad part of town. He's the ruler of a custom car empire and a financial genius. He arrives expecting a boring stay, but when he walks into his childhood home to find a woman in nothing but her underwear pointing a shotgun at his face, he knows his trip home will be a memorable one. With his aunt sick and forcing him to help her restore her fledgling hair salon, he has more than enough on his plate. Colt has no idea that her sexy tenant, Zanna, is going to be the cause of his many sleepless nights.

Zanna Jacobs came to the ghost town of Destiny to stay out of trouble and stay the hell away from men. She's got a serious thing for bad boys that's she trying to kick, and when she lays her eyes on the brutishly handsome Colt, she knows he's got bad news written all over him. He's not the typical thug she goes for: He's too clean cut, too good looking, and too cold--and when he comes to take over her salon, she's not going to take it. Zanna decides to show him exactly who the boss is. Colt is used to people following his orders, and when Zanna challenges his every word he finds her infuriating and incredibly sexy. He can't keep his hands off her...and knows that once he returns to Las Vegas, all bets are off...


Once again, Sugar Jamison does a great job! This book has drama, love, frustration, and a hot bad boy, what more could you want? I really enjoyed the story line this time. We all have parts of our past that we do not like but most of us hide or run from it. Colt was forced to face his past in order to have a better future with Zanna. Add in a meddling old lady and this is a great read!!!

***This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review***

You Are Mine by Jackie Ashenden

You Are Mine by Jackie Ashenden

In the Nine Circles Club, there's a fine line between pleasure and pain, sin and salvation, heaven and hell. And it takes one bold pair of lovers to cross it...

He's master of the game.
Zac Rutherford is one of the most powerful and sought-after men in New York's private club scene. Masterful and demanding, he attracts beautiful women willing to surrender to his every whim, every desire, and every command. But Zac is in love with one woman, and one woman only. She is his true passion-and sole obsession. A glorious angel in the flesh...who refuses to be touched by any man.

She doesn't play by the rules.
Eva King owes her life to Zac. Seven years ago, he rescued her from darkness. Still, in spite of her attraction to Zac, she refuses to allow any man to touch her body, let alone her heart. But when a dangerous enemy from Eva's past reappears, Zac is the only one who can save her-if she's willing to bare her soul, shed her inhibitions, and surrender control...to him.

FANTASTIC!!! This book was amazing from start to finish! The characters were captivating, the story line was catchy and the writing was amazing. As I read this book, I was taken out of my real life and inserted into this book. I felt like everything was really happening all around me. There was romance, mystery and suspense, it was very well rounded.

After reading this book, I am now desperate to get my hands on the next one (which does not come out until next year-agh). I will have to settle for going back and reading the first two while I wait on the next one to get released.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to branch outside the typical romance book and get a little darker.

***This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review***

Did you miss me?

I'MMMM BBBAAACCCKKKK!!!!!

I have missed this blog in the last few months but I am happy to announce that I am back and ready to review! I have some amazing books on my shelf that I can not wait to read and share with you!!! Thank you to those of you who sent messages while I was gone, you are much appreciated!

Be back soon!!!

~Libby~

Risk It by Jennifer Chance

Risk It by Jennifer Chance

As dominating in business as he is in bed, Rand Sterling Winston, IV, always gets what he wants. And even before he realizes that she’s scammed him into paying triple the cost for her friend’s painting, he wants Dani Michaels. To catch her alone, Rand demands she personally deliver his purchase. The attraction between them is immediate and electric, and he knows she feels it, too. So when the part-time petty thief rebuffs his advances, he gives her a choice: a night in jail or an evening with him.

Despite her checkered past, Dani has never met someone like Rand: brooding, intense, and oh-so tempting. Only a man with a broken soul could make losing control feel this dangerous. Still, when Rand proposes a no-strings, no-holds-barred affair, Dani’s more than a little intrigued. It’ll be the trickiest con she's ever run and a chance to indulge her steamiest fantasies—nothing more. But as their encounters grow increasingly intimate, Dani uncovers a vulnerable side to Rand’s steely exterior . . . and opens her heart to the ultimate risk.

This book was great! I did not want to put it down! There were twists and turns, ups and downs, comedy and romance. A great, well rounded package. I love Dani and love Rand even more! The relationship they have is great! I found myself completely absorbed in this book from beginning to end. 

***This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review*** 

Kneel, Mr. President by Lauren Gallagher

Kneel, Mr. President by Lauren Gallagher

Secret Service agent Kent Sinclair, head of POTUS security, thought himself prepared for every contingency. Until the First Lady—a woman who barely tolerates his presence—approaches him with a request that startles the hell out of him.

Carlene Broderick is frightened. With the weight of the country and impending war on his shoulders, her husband, James, is buckling under the strain. The key to helping him cope is the name he calls out in his sleep—and it’s not hers. It belongs to his fellow ex-SEAL team buddy. His ex-lover. Kent.

Without hesitation, Kent plunges into treacherous emotional territory, only to realize it’s not really him that James needs. The Commander in Chief needs to give up complete control in the bedroom.

To relieve that much pressure, Kent and Carlene must work together and declare a truce that rapidly heats up into something more. Something that leaves James caught deep in forbidden territory—torn between his beloved wife and the man he’s never stopped loving.

This book was not quite what I expected. It was fun and entertaining but I was expecting a little more adventure. The characters were good, but nothing spectacular. All in all it was a good read for a rainy day but nothing too intriguing.

***This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review***

I Choose You by Charles A. Bush

I Choose You by Charles A. Bush

 Emily Robertson is fully content with her life. She was valedictorian of her Yale undergrad class, is ranked top of her Yale Medical School class, and unlike her promiscuous roommate, she would rather spend her free nights reading Jane Austen than out partying. Undeniably, the lifelong promise that she made to her dying mother to become a doctor, is firmly in her grasp and she is focused not to let anything or anyone deter her from fulfilling it. That is, until the last day of her second year of medical school, when her friends surprise her with a summer vacation to England. While in England, she breaks one of her many sacred rules and falls for, Jude, a professional footballer with an appetite for wild parties and beautiful women. Over the course of their improbable summer romance, Jude introduces Emily to a new world of excitement and spontaneity, leaving her to question the secluded life she had always known, while Emily shows Jude the depths of the human heart and all the joy it can bring. However, once the summer ends, their love is tested by distance, social class, and the sacrifices needed to make enduring love blossom. And when fate intervenes by sending their lives spiraling on separate paths, will a memorable summer romance years ago be enough to bring them back together? 

Looking for a sweet romance to read? Tired of all the "romance books" that are full of  "sex scenes" and no real story? This book is perfect for you. Seeing Emily and Jude fall in love is very sweet. Watching them figure out how to sacrifice and make a long distance relationship work is very refreshing. There were several phrases that were used that I did not understand and that slowed me down a bit, but other than that, I really enjoyed this book. The surprise ending is unheard of and really threw me for a loop but I will not spoil anything here. I hope you all enjoy this book as well!!!