Book Review: Down Shift by K. Bromberg

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Down Shift
A Driven Novel 
Author: K. Bromberg
Reading Level: Adult Fiction
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: October 11th 2016
Review Source: NetGalley | Signet

The New York Times bestselling Driven series continues with a standalone story about finding love where you least expect it…

Behind the wheel, racing champion Zander Donavan is at the top of his game. But after too much excess in his personal life, he’s forced to step away. He needs to accomplish something all on his own—outside of his famous father's shadow.

Getty Caster is running away from the abuse that clouds her past. She thinks she’s found the perfect escape—until she discovers a stranger in the beachside cottage she’d been promised. He’s undeniably sexy, but she’s there to heal. Alone.

Before long though, fighting with each other turns into fighting their attraction. And giving into desire sets off a chain reaction that has their pasts colliding. With an unexpected love on the line, can they overcome the fallout to build a future?

Down Shift can be read as a stand-alone book, even though its listed as #8 in the series. I haven't read any of the previous books and never felt lost while reading.

If you love your cookie cutter rom coms, then you would enjoy reading Down Shift by K. Bromberg. I think this would be what you call the perfect "summer read", I could have pictured myself reading it poolside with a nice cool glass of lemonade (or wine) and Down Shift in my hands. With the being said, Down Shift releases in October where in some states its already pretty nippy the weather. So maybe instead of a beach read, then it can be a cozy fireplace read, with your hot chocolate and soft blanket. Down Shift will help get you all warm and fuzzy inside.

I gave the book 3 trees because as I mentioned, its a cookie cutter read. It's your typical angst in the beginning, then hot and steamy in the middle and then all lovey-dovey in the end book. It was a nice read, but nothing that wowed me. I would recommend to those that enjoy a good romantic story. And Zander is a hottie!

Book Review: Dare to Stay by Jen McLaughlin

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Dare to Stay
The Sons of Steel Row # 2
Author:Jen McLaughlin
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: August 2, 2016
Review Source: Signet

Fans of Katie Ashley, Joanna Wylde, Kristen Ashley, Sophie Jackson and Katee Robert will be thrilled by this dark, steamy series, from the New York Times bestselling author of the Out of Line novels, where one gang of criminals knows just how being bad can be so good...

Bruised and bloodied on Boston's mean streets, Chris O'Brien is reeling from the loss of his childhood best friend. But after barely escaping a hit placed on his head, Chris is desperate to live. A safe haven comes to mind - the home of the perfect girl from his childhood, Molly Lachlan. Before he has fully considered what it would mean to involve her in his mess, he finds himself on her doorstep.

When Molly agrees to let Chris inside her home, she realizes she's also letting him into her life. Danger and desperation are coming off him like steam, and yet she can't bring herself to turn him away. His bad boy charm always had a hold on her, but now there's a soulfulness and sorrow in him that she's never seen before. And despite the heart-stopping risk of helping him, she hopes against all reason that he'll stay...

The stakes are dangerously high...and the passion is seriously intense. Follow the exploits of the Sons of Steel Row in Dare To Run and Dare To Stay.

The story:  Dare to Stay, book 2 in "The Sons of Steel Row" series, is Chris O'Brien's book.  It starts out with him bleeding out in an alley way of South Boston believing he is on death's doorstep.  He did the absolute UNTHINKABLE in book one: betrayed his life long best friend and gang brother, Lucas, in the worst way possible.  However, instead of flat out killing Chris, Lucas allows him to live.  Molly Lachlan the gorgeous, well-off, classy "girl next door" teacher, finds Chris and saves him from death.  Molly has dealt with devastating loss from gang violence before and she doesn't want to let anyone in that could have the potential to put her through that type of loss again.  Sometimes, the heart wants what the heart wants.        

The likes:  I started the series with book 2 and had no problem getting into the story.  I wasn't lost at all because Jen does an amazing job of giving just enough details from book one to "catch the reader up".  I like that the book was written in dual point of views because I loved getting inside both Chris and Molly's heads.  I thought the setting descriptions were excellent!  I could clearly picture the run down, scary, gang filled streets of Boston.  I thought the chemistry between Chris and Molly was undeniable!  There was a little bit of insta-love with Molly and Chris, which isn't my favorite, but I cheered them on the entire book.

The dislikes:  I loved Chris' character development but would like to have had a little more from Molly.  I kept waiting for a big climax to happen but I don't feel like there was one.  I was left wanting just a tad bit more plot wise.

The rating:  My rating for this book is a solid 4 stars because I thought it was edgy and entertaining.  I read this book very quickly and would definitely recommend this series. I cannot wait to read book 3!!

Book Review: Addicted by Elle Kennedy

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Addicted
Outlaws #2
Author: Elle Kennedy
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Romance
Released: June 28, 2016
Review Source: Signet

From the New York Times bestselling author of Claimed comes the second enticingly erotic novel set in a world on the brink of chaos.

Lennox used to live in a paradise on earth with his best friend Jamie, in a place where visitors came and went, allowing their desires to run free. But everything changes when a deadly attack forces them to take up with Connor Mackenzie’s band of Outlaws. Lennox knows Jamie is hung up on someone else, but he’s always believed he’s the man for her—and won’t let her go without a fight.

Even though Jamie is well aware that Lennox is one hot specimen of a man, she refuses to let sex ruin the most important relationship in her life. But when the object of her interest spurns her, she indulges in a little pleasure-filled revenge with her very magnetic, very willing best friend. One thrilling night with Lennox is enough to awaken Jamie’s unexpected desires for him. And now that she’s had a taste, she’s not sure she can ever give him up...

**This is an Adult romance novel recommended for ages 18+ due to sexual content and mature subject matter.**

This is the first book I have read by Elle Kennedy and she did NOT disappoint!! Even though I didn't read book one in the series, I was able to read this book with no issues. I will be purchasing and reading book one because of how much I loved book two. Also, I feel it would have flowed easier into this book for me had I read book one.

This story was HOTTT, intense, and insane all wrapped together. I loved every minute of it! A "deadly attack" forced Lennox and Jamie's hand making them take up residence with Connor's band of outlaws. Lennox and Jamie have a very loyal, protective friendship with a constant underlying chemistry. Neither have crossed that friendship line for fear of putting their relationship in jeopardy. Sometimes, however, the chemistry and pull is too strong to resist! Elle wrote the tension between the two so well it scorched the pages!! Lennox is alllllll male. A man's man. Jamie is tough and can hold her own with Lennox. Jamie's main negative quality for me is her temper and lack of control at times. One instance she even hits Lennox. I loved both characters, flaws and all!

This story kept me turning the pages nonstop and kept my attention. Elle is excellent at writing chemistry between characters and I love the creativity of this book and the world she created. Definitely a roller coaster of emotions were felt while I read. This book had all the feels!! This is completely unlike any book I have read and for that, I truly applaud Elle Kennedy. This story has made her a go to author for me. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. I do recommend reading book one first to get the back story and be fully prepared for the series.

Book Review: Last Mile by Katie Ashley

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Last Mile
Vicious Cycle #3
Author: Katie Ashley
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Romance
Released: May 3rd 2016
Review Source: Signet

 

Katie Ashley, the New York Times bestselling author of Redemption Road and Vicious Cycle, returns to the dangerous and seductive world of the Hells Raiders motorcycle club…

After her father was murdered in the line of duty, ATF agent Samantha Vargas is determined to take down the scumbags of the drug trade. When her partner takes on a case to infiltrate the Hells Raiders MC, Samantha agrees to go undercover as his old lady but is surprised to find herself drawn to the very man she is investigating.

Benjamin “Bishop” Malloy has worked hard to carve a place for himself both in and out of the MC world. Working days as a mechanic, he spends his nights rebuilding motorcycles with the hope of one day owning his own shop. After taking one of the club’s new hang-arounds under his wing, Bishop is conflicted over his growing attraction for the man’s girlfriend.

Even though she’s determined to bring down the Raiders, Samantha discovers their world isn’t as black-and-white as she thought. And as the stakes grow higher, she’s in danger of losing more than her heart.

This is an Adult novel recommended for ages 18+ due to mature subject matter.

As this is a book within a series, I have to say, you can read this as a standalone. I was not aware of this before but I was glad I was able to jump in and follow the story without any issues. 

This is Sam and Bishop's story of finding each other, falling in love for each other and eventually realizing that what they have is that special. The bond they have is so special that is hard to find and that many of us do not find in real life. Sam is an agent with ATF who with her partner Gavin, I do have to point out he is gay and lovely – so no love triangle, goes undercover in the Raiders MC to get information on a gun running activities gang. Sam gets close to Bishop who is a member alongside his brothers, who are also officers of the MC. As Sam gets to know Bishop, she begins to realize he is not like many other men, he is special. From there things go crazy, as they are undercover and there is a big betrayal, but as you follow the story, you will fall in love with them individually as well as together. And don’t forget about Gavin!

Last Mile is full of actions, twists, romance and a simply a great story and it will have you on the edge of your seat. It also includes hot alpha males, laughs and romance. The main characters are amazing. Sam is such a badass and although she didn’t have a great childhood, she is able to see past this and is able to open her heart to Bishop. This is a great story to be read during this summer, so make sure to grab a copy! 

Book Review: The Wedding Agreement by Elizabeth Hayley

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The Wedding Agreement
Strictly Business #3
Author: Elizabeth Hayley
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: May 3rd 2016
Review Source: Signet

The author of Just Say Yes is back with another sweet and sultry Strictly Business novel about working hard and falling harder into an unexpected romance...

Love doesn’t always follow the same schedule...

Alex Walker doesn’t need a woman in his life. In fact, he doesn’t have time for one. Between his career in the FBI and the demands of being good father, romance is an unwanted distraction.

Likewise, Cassidy Mullen is fine on her own. The independent career woman has never had a husband in her plans—forget about kids. But when her friend Alex gets into a bind with his ex over their daughter, Cass finds herself suddenly playing the part of Alex’s stable, child-loving fiancée—and liking it a lot more than she’d care to admit.

Soon Alex and Cass can’t deny the real passion growing between them. But as fake affection turns into real love, Cass and Alex will have to make a choice: say “I Do” to their feelings or give up on happily-ever-after for good...

This is an Adult novel recommended for ages 18+ due to mature subject matter.

Cassidy a.k.a. Cass is a hard worker and has put her career ahead of everything. She has never been the the type of woman who wants to get married or even have children. She has watched her mother and sisters take care of their families but feels they'd to have given up everything. Even those important things to them. Alex is divorced and has a young daughter and like Cass, Alex is all about his job. Which is the reason for this divorce. So, in order to get Alex his daughter for the summer, Cass makes up this lie about the two of them getting married. Little do they know the end results.

What I enjoyed most about The Wedding Agreement is reading two people go from not wanting any sort of relationship outside of the bedroom, to being in this fake engagement and having things change between them... to finally ending up in love. They create a beautiful bond and although they run into some bumps on the way, they make the perfect family. I loved how both had to face their fears and open up more with themselves, to figure out if this relationship was worth being miserable alone. At the end they learn that life is more than just work. And the ending was my favorite part.

I loved reading every minute of The Wedding Agreement! There are a lot of LOL moments yet with a charming little girl, this story will make you swoon. This story is about a couple of hard working people who just see themselves as alone and not get into any commitment with anyone. As one was hurt and the other feels like it would require giving up everything up to become a wife and mother. Not realizing that at every turn and decision in life can do eventually end at that path. Take a leap of faith with The Wedding Agreement.

Book Review: The One for Me by Sydney Landon

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The One for Me
Danvers #8
Author: Sydney Landon
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: February 2nd 2016
Review Source: Signet

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.

This is an Adult romance novel recommended for ages 18+ due to sexual content and mature subject matter.

When it comes to the Danvers series, I am usually all over. I love this series! Really, everyone should be reading this series. The characters are easily lovable and the stories are fun and sweet. So it breaks my heart to say this, The One for Me was less that what I am used to with this series.

I don't mind when the characters fall in love the instant they meet. As long as they give time to know each other and just make the pacing good. With The One for Me, the story felt forced. The characters were all wrong, for each other... Okay, maybe not for each other, but the way they were introduced to each other was so... fake. However, what bother me the most was the fact that Mark kept calling Crystal "Angel". Like honey, we get it, she is your angel. Stop calling her angel in every sentences. "I love you, Angel", "I think I need you, Angel"... Seriously, is it necessary to call a person you just met angel in every sentences? I think not.

Mark is supposed to be this successful and sexy man, but this "angel" phrased killed his image for me. To top it off, he's supposed to be into kinky things but he was way too sweet... Sometimes this is good but with this story, it didn't work. At one point of the story, you want a strong-tough man. I'm sorry but I couldn't see him as this image he is supposed to be.

I'm usually a fan of Sydney's work, but this story didn't do it for me. It got to a point that I started to skim through her story. I will read her next story, but honestly, I hope it's nothing like this one.

Book Review: Dare to Run by Jen McLaughlin

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Dare to Run
The Sons of Steel Row #1
Author: Jen McLaughlin
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Romance
Released: February 2nd 2016
Review Source: Signet

The New York Times bestselling author of the Out of Line Novels takes readers to Boston, where one gang of criminals knows how being bad can be so good...

She knows what he’s like on Boston’s mean streets. Now she’s going to find out if he’s got some heart.

Lucas Donahue is not ashamed of his criminal past, but after a brief stint in prison, he’s ready to go legit and live a normal life. The problem is, no one leaves the gang without permission—even if he is one of the boss’s top men. Plus someone’s placed a hit on him. And then there’s that feisty little bartender who’s going to cause him even more trouble.

Heidi Greene knows to keep her distance from a ladies’ man like Lucas—even if she can’t keep her eyes off him. When he rescues her from an attack in the alley outside her bar, she’s forced to stay by his side for safety. But the longer she spends time with him, the greater her chances are for getting hurt in more ways than one.

Being one of the Sons of Steel Rows has taught Lucas Donahue to be the man he is. The type that isn't afraid of crime. No, he embrace this and will deal with any issue. He isn't scared to get dirty. But after being in jail and witnessing his younger brother's life to ruin, Lucas wants something better for himself. Yet, when he sees a group of Bitter Hill Gang try to attach a beautiful woman by his apartment, he doesn't hesitate and takes action. Little did he know, this woman will rock his world.

Dare to Run was very intriguing. Heidi and Lucas are dynamic. Their chemistry is for sure undeniable. They are meant to be with one another. Heidi isn't your typical woman. She is very feisty and doesn't let anyone boss her around. So it was very interesting seeing them balance each other. Comical at times. But when it was time to get steamy, these two would give you a show! Trust me they will make you fan yourself.

Read and DARE not to fan yourself. This pair of characters will give you a great story to read.

Book Review: What You Need by Lorelei James

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What You Need
Need You #1
Author: Lorelei James
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: January 5th 2016
Review Source: Signet

New York Times bestseller Lorelei James introduces a new family for readers to fall in love with in the Need You series. The Lund name is synonymous with wealth and power in Minneapolis-St. Paul. But the four Lund siblings will each discover true love takes a course of its own…

As the CFO of Lund Industries, Brady Lund is the poster child for responsibility. But eighty hour work weeks leave him little time for a life outside his corner office. His brothers stage an intervention and drag him to a seedy night club...where he sees her, the buttoned up blonde from the secretarial pool who's starred in his fantasies for months.

Lennox Greene is a woman with a rebellious past—which she carefully conceals beneath her conservative clothes. She knows flirting with her sexy, but aloof boss during working hours is a bad idea. So when Brady shows up at her favorite dive bar, sans his usual snappy suit, and catches her cutting loose, she throws caution aside and dares him to do the same.

After sparks fly, Brady finds keeping his hands off Lennox during office hours is harder than expected. While she makes him feel alive for the first time in years, a part of him wonders if she’s just using him to get ahead. And Lennox must figure out if Brady wants her for the accomplished woman she is—or the bad girl she was.

Lennox had a hard childhood and was on her own at an early age. With all the responsibilities to take care of herself. She had never really knew what love was or felt like and hadn't had many relationships. She had life plan out and she knew she would do anything to make it happen.

Brady grew up wealthy and in a great family, he has everything anyone could dream of. Brady is an attractive man who doesn't see himself in a real relationships. He is not that type. Until he meets Lennox. They are opposite, yet they have so much alike. They start learning about each other and when there is sparks, the trust is real.

What I enjoyed most about What You Need is seeing Lennox and Brady learn to trust each other and falling in love. They are the type of couples that are willing to risk it all and have fun while doing it. Lennox had her wild days when she was younger and she pretty much has covered up that part of her life. However, when she is with Brady, she gets loose and teaches him how to do the same thing. They might be from different sides of the track but they were made for each other, even if at first they both have doubts.

This book is fantastic and an easy read. If you enjoy books, with hot CFO, who is very determined to make everyone proud and is a loving and caring man... Then you will fall in love with Brady. As well as Lennox. As she is a woman who has had a hard life but tries her best to make it all work. Read and enjoy this love story.

Book Review: New Leaf by Catherine Anderson

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New Leaf
Mystic Creek #2
Author: Catherine Anderson
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 5th 2016
Review Source: Signet

The New York Times bestselling author of Silver Thaw returns to Mystic Creek for a new novel about a love that inspires the courage to start over…and the strength to reclaim a dream.

When Taffeta Brown was viciously betrayed by her wealthy husband, she lost everything—including custody of their daughter, Sarah. Now that Taffy has moved to Mystic Creek, Oregon, to start over, she unexpectedly meets the one man who might help her get Sarah back.

Barney Sterling, a local lawman, finds himself drawn to the lovely, guarded Taffy, but he’s stunned by her proposition—that they marry immediately to improve her chances of regaining custody of her daughter. Barney takes marriage too seriously to commit himself to a woman he hardly knows. Yet soon his sympathies fall with the desperate Taffy, and pretending to be in love becomes the easiest part of the plan. But they have no idea what they’re up against, or what they’re willing to risk to make a miracle come true in Mystic Creek.

Taffeta Brown only has one thing in mind, that is to clean up her life and get her custody of her daughter back. It has not been easy life for Taffy but she is making the best of it. She opened up her own business at Mystic Creek and is staying low. That is until she is caught dancing at night by a local deputy, Barney Sterling.

Chemistry of love at first sight is struck but Taffy tells Barney to stay far away… Only that Barney is not easily controlled. He decides to do the opposite and try to earn her trust by doing morning visits and being a total gentleman. It was funny seeing him try only to be let down. Okay, not really. As Taffeta is forced and pinned to the wall when she gets bad news of her daughter, she does a 180 and offers Barney a proposition. Totally a turn off for Barney but as he learns the truth, Barney does the unexpected.

These two are fantastic together. As they join forces to help Taffy earn her custody back, soon they will discover they are meant to be. I loved their relationship, their ups and down, and how they battle to stay together no matter what.

New Leaf was heartbreaking yet heartwarming. A great read for the holidays due to its message. There is always hope, if you only have the courage to face your demons. I honestly love this series and I cannot wait to read the next book! So if you’re a romance lover, make sure to read Mystic Creek series!

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Did you miss the first book in the series:

Silver Thaw