4.5 STARS ✮ CHARLEE JAMES ✮ THE BOOKWORM AND THE BEAST

THE BOOKWORM AND

THE BEAST

by

Charlee James

✮✮✮ 4.5 STARS ✮✮✮

When quiet, bookish Izzy Simon accepts a two-week assignment as an assistant for an author of children’s books, it seems like the perfect way for her to make some much-needed extra money, but the grumpy author claims he doesn’t want or need her services. He might be as handsome as a storybook prince, but his prickly personality and resistance to all things Christmas are sure to make for a chilly holiday season.

Derek Croft never agreed to the cheery temp his staff arranges for him while they’re on vacation. Izzy is his polar opposite, but Derek soon realizes she could be the perfect solution to his interfering family…if he can get her to agree to pretend to be his live-in girlfriend. Before long Izzy’s sweet disposition and unflappable optimism has him decorating a tree and looking forward to late night hot cocoa, but he’s all too aware their time together can’t last.

I love a fairytale retelling. They’re a guilty pleasure and this was pretty much all I could have wished for as Charlee James has created a story filled with Christmas sparkle, romance and feeling.

A worm and a porcupine. We make quite a pair.”

I fell head over heels for these characters within pages. From the moment sweet, stubborn librarian Izzy knocks on reclusive author Derek’s door having being employed by his meddling staff as his temporary PA over the holidays, I was hooked. And it’s no secret that a brooding arse of a man, and one who loves his dog at that, can render me a puddle on the floor. 

People weren’t always what they seemed, including the ones you loved most.”

Characters like Derek are proof that I don’t need my literary men to be a brute in the bedroom to steal my heart because he stole mine without displaying an ab or an appendage: it was his brain, his words and his actions which totally stole my heart. And when you mix that with a heroine who brings fun, fight and light, then you won’t go far wrong with me. 

I’m not ready for this to be over.”

This would have been a solid 5 for me had the ending not felt rushed, but nevertheless, Charlee James has created an enchanting modern day fairytale perfect for this time of year. And with a lovely writing style, I can’t wait to read more from her in the future. 

Happily-ever-afters certainly existed.”

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4 STARS ✮ KATIE REUS ✮ TEMPTING DANGER

TEMPTING DANGER

Retribution #2

by

Katie Reus

✮✮✮ 4 STARS ✮✮✮

 

Alena Brennan’s relationship with Andre Makarov is… complicated. The casino magnate was a means to an end. Nothing more. At least that was what she tried to tell herself. Then she fell for him. Hard. But he kicked her out of his life when he discovered her lies.

Now she’s pregnant with his baby.

Andre understands why Alena wanted revenge. His father took everything from her, leaving her an orphan at a young age. But Andre still had to cut her out of his life. Now that his father is dead, she’s safe. He should just move on. But when he learns she’s carrying his child, all pretense is gone—he’ll protect Alena whether she likes it or not. She may kick up a fuss, but Andre knows the gorgeous model with a party-girl rep attracts attention…including the dangerous sort.

Length: novella

Author note: Alena and Andre were introduced in the book Retribution but this can be read as a stand-alone.

If you’re after a bit of a quickie then Tempting Danger hits the spot. And, whilst an accompanying novella to Retribution—the first in the series of the same name—it can be read on its own, although I have plans in place to rectify this situation and very soon. 

He’d completely fallen for this woman. This beautiful little liar. And now she was carrying his baby.” 

Whilst not the first book I’ve read by Katie Reus, it is the first novella and the lady can write one. Andre and Alena’s story was tight, and considering their history and what was involved, never once did I feel lost or confused. Far from it and I was invested in them from the get go. 

...that chemistry was never going to fade.” 

With strong endearing characters, sizzling sexy-time and plenty of tender moments, Tempting Danger makes it a hat-trick of Katie Reus reads for me and she’s firmly cemented herself onto my autoread list.

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4 STARS ✮ NINA CROFT ✮ THE BAD GIRL AND THE BABY

THE BAD GIRL AND THE BABY

Cutting Loose #3

by

Nina Croft

✮✮✮ 4 STARS ✮✮✮

Captain Matt Peterson prides himself on being able to handle anything...until he winds up as the guardian of his baby niece, Lulu. Two years and six nannies later, his well-ordered existence is in chaos. Still, he’s all Lulu has. Except, well...there is an aunt...

Darcy Butler has spent the last three years in prison for beating up her abusive brother-in-law. Her only regret is that she didn’t hurt him worse and stop him from killing her sister in a drunken car crash six months later. But now, Darcy just wants to rebuild her life. Starting with finding her sister’s child.

But Matt doesn't want an ex-con with a record for violence anywhere near Lulu. Unfortunately, he can’t seem to keep away from Darcy, himself. Despite their differences, their chemistry is combustible...and the sex is incredible! Still, it can’t possibly last. Can it?

The last in Nina Croft’s Cutting Loose series is the one I’ve been anticipating the most and, having spent time at her majesty’s pleasure thanks to her potential suitor’s brother, I was intrigued how Darcy’s path to a HEA would play out. 

You like the rules. I like breaking them.”

As I’ve come to expect when I pick up a book by Nina Croft, she’s somewhat turned stereotype on it’s head, bringing us a tattooed, kick-arse, MMA fighting heroine who should never have served time, and a straight-laced, law-abiding military captain who has found himself single parenting his toddler niece..who also happens to be Darcy’s niece. And whilst he isn’t overly happy at the fact she wants to be a part of her only surviving relatives life, there’s something about this feisty, stubborn woman that has him drawn like a moth to a flame. 

I want a bad girl. I want a bad girl who’s as desperate for me as I am for her. Who wants this as much as I do.”

Opposites attract, redemption and revelations all play their part in Darcy and Matt’s journey and whilst there’s some build up to the sexy-time, it’s worth it as in Croft-style it’s hot and heartfelt with a nice splash of humour. My only real grumble is that it didn’t feel particularly British which was a bit of a shame—I may be being picky being a Brit—but that aside Matt and Darcy ended the series on a high. 

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4.5 STARS ✮ CARRIE ELKS ✮ A WINTER'S TALE

A WINTER'S TALE

The Shakespeare Sisters #2

by

Carrie Elks

✮✮✮ 4.5 STARS ✮✮✮

Struggling film student Kitty Shakespeare is as bad at interviews as she is talented at making films. She's given herself until the end of the year to score an internship in LA, otherwise it'll be back to London with her tail between her legs. Unfortunately the only job offer on the table is as nanny to major producer Everett Klein's son, Jonas. It's not exactly the career she'd hoped for, but if she can get this right, then surely he'll take a moment to look at her work. However, what Kitty hasn't allowed for is Everett's sexy-as-hell brother, Adam - and love at first sight this is not.

Adam Klein may be sexy, but he's also gruff, rude and completely impossible. All he wants to do hole up in his cabin and hide from the brother who destroyed his life. If only he could find it easier to ignore the way Kitty makes his heart race...

As Christmas approaches, Kitty and Adam realise that although the course of true love never does run smooth, just maybe, it's more interesting that way...

I have to admit I was a little nervous going into A Winter’s Tale as its predecessor and opening book in The Shakespeare Sisters series saw me clash somewhat with the characters. But there’s no finer feeling than realising a couple of chapters in that you’re well on the way to being taken to your happy place.

Welcome to Cutler’s Gap. Home of Dead Deer and Sexy Bearded Assholes.”

This book is the reason I love Carrie Elks’ writing: a couple to fall in love with, a magical romance, humour, a smattering of angst and those moments which leave a lump in your throat. I adored Kitty, empathising with her fears and loving her gentler nature, quiet determination and soft heart, but I’d be a liar if I said it wasn’t Adam that stole this book for me, because I have a particular affinity to brooding grumpy men.

All the best fairy tales have bad guys, after all.”

Adam’s ongoing feud with his brother created just the right amount of tension and drama, but I loved how it never took the shine off the romance or the magical Christmas atmosphere, and as Kitty worked her way into his heart smoothing his harsher edges, the romantic in me sighed—they were wonderful together.

I might be an asshole, but I’m not afraid to say when I’m wrong. And this time I’m definitely wrong.”

This series may have had a shakier start for me, but all that didn’t work in Cesca’s story was righted by Kitty’s and I’m looking forward to seeing how Lucy and Juliet’s happy ever afters play out in 2018.

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4 STARS ✮ SAWYER BENNETT ✮ VAN

VAN

Cold Fury Hockey #9

by

Sawyer Bennett

✮✮✮ 4 STARS ✮✮✮

As one of the league’s toughest enforcers, Van Turner is ruthless on the ice. He plays hard because it’s the only way to channel the rage boiling inside, and a reputation as an A-hole is better than everyone knowing the truth. Van has spent his entire life running from a secret that’s kept him from getting involved in relationships—or accepting lucrative deals with East Coast teams. Then the Carolina Cold Fury makes him an offer he can’t refuse . . . and Van meets a woman he can’t resist.

Simone Fournier is the stubborn one in her family—and that’s saying something, considering her brothers are two of the Cold Fury’s biggest stars. Simone gets what she wants, and what she wants is Van. Still, there’s a part of him Simone can’t reach, no matter how hard she tries. In private, he’s all fire and passion. In public, he freezes her out. Van may want to push her away, but Simone won’t let him go that easily. Because this time, she’s playing for keeps.

Finally. Finally Sawyer Bennett has brought us a couple more in line with those who featured in the earlier books from her Cold Fury series. More than once have I been ready to part ways with the team due to average storylines and characters after book 3 (and awful covers after book #4 but let's leave that one alone) however I’ve persevered and I’m glad because Van Turner and Simone Fournier delivered the goods.

I’m a pain in your ass, but I’m a sexy pain in your ass and I’m totally hard to resist.”

I’m not going to lie, Simone started on a bit of a sticky wicket as there’s a fine line between being forward, and forcing yourself onto an unwilling party and she was teetering right on the edge of the latter for a moment. Thankfully though, Bennett reigned her in just in time and rather than becoming prospective stalker material, we’re given a young woman who owns her sexuality, isn’t shy with her desires and has a first class honours degree in pushing all Van’s buttons. He may be quiet, brooding and very private, but as the saying goes: the quiet ones are the worst.

I’m going to show you what happens when you aren’t smart enough to stop provoking me.”

I admit I went into this fearing I may struggle with Van due to his portrayal in Lucas. Detached and a man of few words, when he does speak he can be brusque to the point of rudeness, but he has a backstory that was as unexpected as he was, one that has shaped him and explains so much as to why he is the loner he is. Happily, my fears were unfounded and I quickly grew to love him, as I did Simone with her bouncy, straight-talking yet thoughtful personality and relentless flirting. And when Van can no longer fight the attraction, they steam up the pages very nicely with their sexy shenanigans whilst also creating some lovely touching moments as they really get to know one another.

I’ve given you more than I’ve ever given another woman, but I’ve given you my all.”

The Fournier family have pretty much saved this series for me and I’m so pleased Simone and Van were given the story they deserved. For any lover of the Cold Fury series, this is a worthy hot, sexy, fun and heartfelt addition, and one I have no doubt you’ll enjoy hugely.

God he’s dirty, and I love it.”

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