Enjoyable read, 4.5 stars
925731
The Kid Sensation stories are good, solid storytelling.  This one would be all five stars except for some places where the editing isn't quite tight, and the sense of peril isn't quite as strong as in the previous book.  That's not really necessary, we all need a 'down issue' or two in our comics between major arcs, but usually that's so you can build on the characters with more interaction, and that doesn't really happen to the degree that it should.  There could also be a bit more 'show' and a bit less 'tell' even though the story IS being narrated from the POV of the hero.

Still a good read.
3507356
This was lovely, an enjoyable, easy read in which one woman works extremely hard to run her hotel and take care of her boys, despite serious bullying opposition from her father and her nasty ex. Then along comes a sexy rock star who stirs her up like nothing before and is amazing with her boys  theres just one problem. His reputation might make Casey lose everything.

Poor Casey, there are times in this book where it seems life is determined to make her miserable and there is no possible way she can ever be totally happy. To make matters worse, none of it is her fault. Shes a nice woman who works hard and is an amazing mother, yet her ex husband is determined to ruin her life. Hes quite a piece of work. I just wanted Casey to catch a break, because it seems like every time something good happens to her, something awful is waiting around the corner to spring.

As for Zane, hes a good guy, sweet with the boys, sexy with Casey and too much of a pushover when it comes to other areas of his life. There were times I wanted to shake him so he would sort his life out. I knew why he was reluctant to, but with so much good on offer gah! However, when its just him, Casey and the boys they're all so perfect together that it filled me with warmth and happiness. When they were together it made all the bad stuff seem worth going through in order to keep it.

If you're looking for something romantic and easy, then try this, especially if you like cute kids, hard working mothers and sexy rock stars who are far sweeter than their reputation might suggest. This was my first read from this author and series, but it won't be my last. This town is far too interesting not to revisit.

(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
1814650
3.5  4.0 Stars!

This was my first book by L.P. Dover. I really enjoyed it and plan on reading other books in the series, as well as other books by this author.

This is the sixth book in the Second Chances series, but it can be read as a standalone. This was the first book I read in the series and while Im sure I was missing some of the back stories of the other characters, I didn't feel like I was missing anything while reading this one.

I was a little surprised by the series name, Second Chances. I guess I just assumed that the series would be about a couple that had been together, were separated, and then got back together. That wasn't the case with this book at least. This is book is about Summer, and how she deals with the death of her husband and finding love again.

I will say that while I believe all the characters are in their late 20s, I felt like the first part of this book read like a high school romance with some of the drama involved.

There were a few things that didn't really jive for me, like playing an NFL game on a Saturday, or nurses working with an NFL team, but I just tried to overlook those things.

The synopsis also mentions some danger is in store for them. This part of the story didn't happen until pretty late in the book, and I was fairly certain who the perpetrator was, so it wasn't especially suspenseful for me, but it still added a nice twist to the story.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

ARC received from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
543956
Themes: 2nd chance romance, friends to lovers, family pressures

POV: Dual

What I loved: Kelsey and Ethan were both great characters. I enjoyed the fact that Ethan totally owned up to the mistakes he has made. Both of them struggle with trying to get their parents approval (even though Ethan's family is sinister!). I felt that Ethan's POV was really honest which was nice. He is certainly not a 'beat your chest' alpha. I found this refreshing too. Don't get me wrong-I love a good alpha but its nice to read a book with a Beta to switch it up. The writing is good, the plot moves at a good pace, and the dual POV was really well done in this book. I also liked that many months pass throughout the book. It makes the relationship seem more believable because it truly develops over time.

What I didn't love: Overall, the book is fairly predictable. Its not necessarily a bad thing because it is still a good book. But, if you are looking for something shockingly new and different, this isn't for you.

If you liked: Bella Andre and Melissa Foster Cape Cod Promises, Jill Shalvis, Jennifer Probst
1045786
4.5 / 5 stars

Received through Tasty Book Tours/NetGalley in exchange for an honest review; full, original post can be found at:
http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com/2015/04/review-what-lady-requires.html

In WHAT A LADY REQUIRES, we have Emma and Rowan. Rowan owes Jennings money, and the way Jennings and Rowan's brother decide to fix that is by having Rowan marry Emma. Rowan's brother does not intend to marry, therefore his title will one day go to Rowan, and if not him, to his children, thus giving Emma the title her father wants. With the marriage comes money so that Rowan can pay off debts.

Rowan immediately comes across as a money wasting drunk, but as we get to know him, we learn that the drunken episode was an exception. That's not to say he is an overly great guy but he certainly isn't the drunkard who walked into the morning room to meet the ladies of the house.

Emma is unlike other ladies. She's given up on the idea she'll ever marry for love, or even that her eventual husband will grow to love her. She's plain, wears glasses, and is far too interested in money affairs -- all of which other ladies never fail to forget to point out to her (it broke my heart a little).

The thing is, Rowan grows to love these things about Emma. He feels like a failure next, but he certainly tries to impress Emma once they wed.

He was so good to Emma. You can feel on the pages how his love for her begins to grow. While he has sour memories of the townhouse they are to live in (hence the 'in his cups' episode when he first was called upon), he tries bartering with Emma to get her to change the house -- his bartering tool of choice? The pins that hold up her perfect hair.

I loved that he preferred Emma messy and unruly. (which, to be honest, is more like her; she's sassy and defiant toward society). He liked breaking her control and seriousness.

However, as evidence of the time frame this book is in, they don't talk about things. They both harbor a decent secret from the other, and when bits and pieces start to fall, each doubts the other... Granted, Emma was a bit more forgiving in Rowan's sins, but we'll chalk Rowan's lack of forgiveness to his being male. But also with this, Emma doesn't see Rowan's growing feelings, and it hurts her when she 'realizes' that he doesn't truly want her, when her own feelings are growing.

I just loved Rowan and his desire to help Emma unwind -- it was more than the pins, but the quick smiles and terrible puns. He never let her put herself down and always was sure to push her back up when she belittled herself. It was rather endearing.

I'm awfully picky with my historicals, but this one certainly did it for me!
1776726
4 Stars

I enjoyed this story quite a bit. It was a little long winded in some areas, but the overall feel of the book was great. I really enjoyed Turk and Lock. Both were rough around the edges, but in the end, they were exactly what each other needed. Twinkletoes was my next favorite character. I liked that his character, while having a medical issue was not down played, or down written. He was just as much a part of the group - he was integral to the outcome of the story.

The chemistry between Lock and Turk was off the charts. Wolfe did a great job at keeping the roughness of the biker persona while portraying the dynamic between a Dom and his submissive.

Wolfe did a great job creating a twisting, turning story line that was both complex, but believable.  I really liked how the characters were created - shaped to become their own, cohesive group.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.

AvidReader

4 Stars

I had a hard time getting into and following the beginning.  It seemed like it kept switching back and forth from their street names to their regular names, just seemed confusing.  Once I got through the first two chapters it started to flow a little better.

This book was a dark romance, with lots of violence, if you don't like that, this book is not for you.  I liked that Lock and Turk were from different MC's. Both Lock and Turk were alpha men, but they came together after a few scuffles and ended up working well together.  There were plenty of hot sex scenes, but most of the book revolved around their mission. They did seem to get into the worst situations, which made it a very good read.

Even though at first I wasn't sure if this was going to hold my interest it turned out to be a good read.  I definitely would read more in this series.

I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.

Sherry
4410528
First, I just want to say that I enjoyed this eARC. Its different than what I was expecting, but still great. Thanks to the author for providing me a copy in exchange for a honest review. Im giving it 4 out of 5 stars.

This was well-written, and very entertaining (I laughed and cried and swooned), but based on the summary, I was expecting a whirlwind romance. And while there was romance, it wasn't the main part of the book. There was pretty much zero romance for the first half of the book. And even for some time after that, it still wasn't super romantic.

Even though Im a die-hard romance fan, and pretty much want it to be a major plot in the books I read, I still liked this storya lot. The characters were amazing (Brooke, James, and Ellie to name a few), and I enjoyed their interactions. There was a healthy dose of drama with the going ons at the club, the attraction between Brooke and James, etc., so beware if dramas not your thing.

James is definitely going on my book boyfriend list. Hes such a sweetheart, and I just love him to bits. I liked Brooke for the most part, but sometimes I just wanted to shake her and tell her to knock it off and open her eyes. She came to the right conclusion eventually, so points for that.

This was a fast, enjoyable read. I cant wait to see what the author publishes next, and to go back to read her older books. Definitely check her out if you haven't already! And might I recommend Scoring Wilder by her? Its fantastic!
4509158
This is quite an enjoyable story, well written and with interesting characters. The plot has plenty of suspense, angst and romance to keep the reader entertained through to the end of the book. Perhaps it could of had a little more depth to the story and in particular, the characters, but that is hard to achieve with such a short read. Still a good read though. I believe this is the first ebook for this author and look forward to seeing her future work.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
1819909
FourStars
This is a quick, fun read full of sweetness (both of the love and the bakery variety).
Characters are always my favorite part of any story, and I loved the two main characters, Jessica and Grace. They're both strong, independent professional women, yet they're remarkably down-to-earth and relatable. They each have their vulnerabilities which round them out as people.

Personally, I would have liked to see this as a longer story. It seems like there's a lot underneath these two women that I would have loved to discover. There wasn't quite enough spark or tension to really grab my interest, but with a longer story, I think there would have been.

I give it 4 stars.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Amy

FourStars
This book was a quick, easy and very sweet read. The characters had their own personalities that meshed together with a strong sexual tension throughout the majority of the book. I was worried for a while because its set up like it could be a full-length novel, but I was completely satisfied by the ending of it.

The two characters run their own lives and are very successful women. They each have their careers but aren't afraid of how a relationship will affect that. It was very nice to read and see that; I don't think its done enough. Both women in this story carry their own.

Its very well-written. There are a few words missing here and there, which is distracting but not to the point where I wanted to put the book down. Overall, this is a fantastic read for a rainy day.

I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.

~AJ
3819404
In reviewing this book, I gave this book four out of five stars due to minor issues I had with the characters... but other than that, this was a enjoyable read and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes a little suspense/ thriller/ romance along with  steamy sex.

Howard "Six Pack" Paxton has grey areas to his character, He's a damaged soul haunted by nightmares and memories he wishes to forget from his abusive childhood, as a young child he was rescued by his adoptive parents, he moved forward and blocked out the memories and strived to honor his adoptive Father's career as a Firefighter, something Six pack loves with his whole heart along with his family at Station 5 a place he lives and breathes.

As others have mentioned in their reviews, the man behind the bedroom door is quite different from the sensitive teddy bear we're given in the "real world".  Behind closed doors he's dominant, and raw, taking what he wants and giving it just as good, this could be the authors way of showing the complexity of a man who has never dealt with the abuse and abandonment of his childhood, as way of seeking to control and express his emotion through physical action rather that emotional.

We are introduced to Kat "Katherine" Mckenna right at the intro, we never really get much more than a brief bio on her family and her past which includes her sister Grace (who will appear in future books), as this is "Six Packs" story, and I was okay with that for the most part, as I enjoy a book in which the author gives us the emotions and thoughts of the male hero as much as I want to know what the heroine is thinking and feeling too.

While I was pretty sure who the "bad guy" was, it wasn't revealed until halfway through the book, it's quite possible the author wanted us to walk through Six Packs shoes as he fights to block out the repressed memories, but can't stop the truth from coming out.

The romance that grows between Kat and Six Pack is enjoyable, they are likeable characters and you wanted them to work through the issues of Howards' refusal to open up to Kat which leads to the eventual storm that threatens to break this couple up.

While I understood the writers motive of realism in Howard's behavior at the gym and then later in his garage, I couldn't help but feel my stomach drop at the idea that he was about to ruin a loving future with Kat,  because of his inability to open up to her and share his past with her, but the writer was also able to make my sympathize for him, he was such a damaged soul and he wanted his Happily Ever After, he just didn't think he deserved one.

The secondary characters (that are eventually spotlighted in their own book) were enjoyable.  I loved Zack from the start and can't wait to read his story.

Give the series a shot, I don't think you will be disappointed.
3443445
I really liked reading Behind the Scenes, though I don't have much to say about it! Liam and Ally were definitely a great couple. Their chemistry was fantastic and their relationship was believable. Liam was kind and respectful--an all around good guy. He made a great love interest. Ally dealt with a lot: jealousy, worry, insecurity. She didn't see herself in the same way Liam did. She compared herself to Hollywood girls all the time. Part of her story was about looking past her insecurities and seeing how others saw her--knowing that they truly care for her. The romance was enjoyable (if a bit rocky, which I expected), but the struggles Ally faced--and how she faced them--was what made the book great to me. Overall, Behind the Scenes was an enjoyable read, but not a very memorable one.
3360965
3.5-4 stars

I forgot how much I enjoy this authors voice. This turned out to be a really sweet contemporary with likeable MCs. I wouldve liked a bit more character and plot development but all in all, an enjoyable read.
987074
This was a fun read, yet still has the angst and even some quite sweet and endearing moments. I really enjoyed the female lead, even though she had her flaws. And don't get me started on the male lead. Without a doubt, perfect book boyfriend material. (Even if he isn't a billionaire.) :D I love music, and especially enjoy when music gets intertwined in a book, which it does in this book. (We even get to enjoy the lyrics for an entire song.) Each of the side characters (the other band members) have enough qualities that intrigue you, and maybe with a little luck, will get their own books in the future. ;) There is a bit of mystery with the male lead that leads to a twist of sorts. There are a few heart breaking scenes that left you feeling hurt for one or the other. There is plenty of humor and fun banter between the various characters.

It reads easily (hard to put down.) It's not filled with sex scenes, but there are a few (not a smut read,) so I would probably recommend this for the 18+ readers.

*I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.
4550444
It's always a crapshoot when trying out new authors, but I really enjoyed this book. It's not a typical romance, though there is a romance in there, it's not exclusively one. There is just some good storytelling with likeable characters and a smooth flow, an all-around enjoyable read. I will say that I didn't feel the stalker angle was absolutely necessary, but it didn't detract from the rest of the story.
2162980
4.5 Stars

I wouldnt call this a novella, but an in between novel. I can understand why its not considered book 2, since Lo is not really in the book, except for memories and a few phone calls here and there. Usually this would irritate me, but I went into this book with no expectations and Im delighted to say, I really enjoyed it.

It wasn't just about Lily and Los relationship. I really enjoyed getting a glimpse of Daisy, Ryke, Rose and Conner. Im pretty close to my sister, so its no wonder why I am enjoying this series so much. My favorite part is the interaction between Daisy and Ryke, its a little taboo, since shes 15 and hes 22, but its really innocent. Most of the scenes with Ryke just crack me up and I love his relationship with Lily. They act like brother and sister.

Getting to know a little about Rose and her problems was a nice touch too. I know the sisters stories are in future books, so its good to get a nice set-up. I thought I would be annoyed with reading about Lily trying to be good for the three months Lo is away in rehab. I thought she would spend the whole time trying not to cheat, but it wasn't the cheating I thought. I am so glad that cheating with another guy never really crossed in the plot.

Really it was about Lily working hard on overcoming her issues. This time, she has help from her friends, family and of course Lo. I usually don't like flashbacks, but I really did enjoy the memories because it gave me a better impression on what kind of relationship Lily and Lo had growing up. It was kind of cute and kind of heartbreaking at the same time.

I think what I love so much about Lily and Los relationship is the fact they care about each other so much, but its not like an all-consuming love. Its hard to explain, its just two people who truly care about each other and are willing to do anything to make each other happy and be healthy. To me it just sounds awfully romantic.

I usually don't read in between books, novellas or companion novels, but I couldn't help myself with this one. The reviews were raving and I just love the odd couple too much.

This review is written by Jacqueline's Reads - > jacquelinesreads.blogspot.com
4870637
I really enjoyed this bodyguard romance, with Seth (posing as Dean the bouncer at the bar Ivy works for) having the responsibility to keep an eye on Ivy at the request of her Colonel father. That this man saved Seth's life in Afghanistan means he owes him a debt he feels he can never repay - though it also makes his daughter off limits. This doesn't stop the attraction he feels for her though. But when he has to keep her safe from a killer and go into seclusion with her, how long can he keep his hands off her, when she makes it clear she's willing to go all in?

Ivy was a friendly and fun girl with a bit of a shy side due to her lack of sexual experience but her advances towards Seth continually get turned away, much to her embarrassment. Seth is torn being doing the right thing and doing what he wants to do, and eventually he throws caution to the winds and this results in some steamy scenes between them. I appreciated that Seth didn't take his responsibility lightly and that he gave resisting her the old college try. But once things go farther, he's also willing to stand up for her and their relationship with her father. It was a fairly light and flirty romance with minimal angst, a bit of a suspense plot for the purposes of creating the circumstances for them to end up together, and an eventual happy ever after.
4 stars.
3797513
opy courtesy of Netgalley for Book Enthusiasts 30 day reading challenge.
3.5 stars
The story of Rainie and Jared turned into a pretty good read. In the beginning, I wasn't sure I would like Jared. His character started off a little off, but he came into his own. He is one of the sweetest male leads I have read in a while. He is an architect. Rainie thinks he is the minister from the local church. He does let the misconception go on too long but it worked out. Every time he tries to tell the truth, they are interrupted. Rainie is quirky and sweet in her own way.
she is a tarot card reader. She does not believe in HEA and fights her attraction to Jared. There are some funny moments and dialogue throughout the romance. I loved the relationship that developed between Rainie and her niece, Silbe. She had doubts about her ability to mother her, but just like any mother, she had good days and bad days. I also loved how Jared and Silbe interacted. The story was well written and flowed really well. the characters were developed and easy to love.
even the supporting characters were fun. I can't believe this is my first book by this author.
2 likes