Review: Vince and Brandy

Vince and Brandy by Laurel Joseph

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This is a sweet story. Laurel and Vince both seem to develop feeling for each other. What I really loved was that even though Vance is very dominate he's always willing to admit when he's made a mistake and taken things too far.



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Review: The Virgin Billionaire

The Virgin Billionaire by Ryan Field

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



On one hand this seems like a fun story about a man who "runs away" to discover himself. In the process he meets another man who has changed himself to get away. They have feelings for one another but Luis doesn't seem to want to admit them. Then just when it seems that everything is coming together for them the truth of who Jace is gets revealed. Luis completely rejects him based on deceit. I just found Luis just a bit too whinny at times and considering his own past and even his current reality I felt his reactions were just a bit too much drama.



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Review: Lily's Lessons

Lily's Lessons by Melinda Barron

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Lily is trying to overcome eleven years of hurt and misunderstanding. She really is mostly unwilling to listen and let go. Chase sees that she's hurting but that she is also hurting others in return and this just seems unacceptable to him. He uses a good old fashion spanking to get her attention and make her stop and think before reacting. Now Lily has even more conflicting feelings to deal with. I like how this story acknowledge the depth of the hurt and misunderstanding between Lily and her dad. I shows that while the spanking helps to get her attention it is not portrayed as the only thing needed to heal this family.



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Review: Keeping House

Keeping House by Lee Brazil

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Mischa isn't like his brothers and when the issue a challenge guaranteed to bring baby brother into line it backfires so completely. Mischa takes the challenge and in the process meets Donovan. Feelings explode and big brothers have to learn how to deal. i really loved with Donovan and the big brothers got all Alpha on each other and seemed ready for a fight. Great story with just the right dash of humor.



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Review: A Fated Love

A Fated Love by Diana DeRicci

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Lee's car is smashed in the parking garage and Vince saves the day by producing the evidence. Vince feels something right away but he needs to make sure Lee might feel the same way. Lee is cautious because he doesn't want to mess up a new job and he's already had one bad relationship. I loved Vince's slow and steady campaign to convince Lee to take a chance.



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Review: Catching Caroline

Catching Caroline by Sylvia Day

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Very interesting tale of vampire love.



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Review: The Rosas of Spanish Harlem

The Rosas of Spanish Harlem by Johnny Miles

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Tracey is small and slight. He has just turned 18 and is seems to be at the point he wants to explore his sexuality and lose his virginity. This is where the story takes a dark and disturbing turn. I really battled with the rating because on the surface I almost couldn't stomach some of what was happening. The end seems to bring some sense to Tracey and he seems to have figured out what he wants and what is not the way to go about it. Yet even here the ending seems a bit flat or maybe rushed. I think this might be a good read as a tale of caution to any young person on how to care for themselves and to avoid dangerous situations.



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Review: The Locket

The Locket by Maren Smith

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This is really such a sweet love story with a bit of twist. I'm not really sure how to review it without spoiling the story but trust me this is a wonderful and sweet story.



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Review: Nigel & Lance

Nigel & Lance by Kharisma Rhayne

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Mostly an encounter between an established couple but you can see the stirrings of potential trouble with Lance feeling bored and left out while Nigel is afraid to come out to the his team and the world. Looking forward to reading more of their story.



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Review: Irritable

Irritable by Joanne Locker

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Cleve is about to blow a gasket at the rudeness of his neighbor. He is amazed and how rude she can be. Kelsey is sure she'll get back at Cleve but pulling a prank but somehow things start to shift for both of them. Then one moment of unset almost costs Kelsey everything. This story really makes you like both characters and their reactions to one another seem very real.



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Review: Break and Enter

Break and Enter by Rachel Haimowitz

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This is a big departure from what I normally read but I took up the challenge from M/M group. The tale is dark but it draws the reader in as you try yourself to sort out the good guys and the bad guys. Both Bear and Cyke are tough and live in tough world. It was amazing to see how they get in sync with one another. Very good story.



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Review: Christmas Auction

Christmas Auction by Sean Michael

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Another great visit with our friends from the Hammer Club. This books is really like three short stories featuring different couples at the annual Christmas auction. It has a nice mix of plot and characters.



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Review: Strangers with Candy

Strangers with Candy by G.A. Hauser

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Both Urie and Gareth deal with feeling different and out of place. Their coming together seems to immediately connect them. It's really just a hook up story but you feel the hope of a happy and bright future for both of them.



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Review: Liv's Journey: The Journey Series Book One

Liv's Journey: The Journey Series Book One by Patricia Green

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I really couldn't decide between and 4 and 5 so its really more a 4.5. Liv is dealing with all kinds of internal issues and trust is hard for her. Trey likes what he sees but he also has to know that Liv is willing to be what he needs. The blackmail was really a good catalyst to really get them talking about everything. I really liked that both of them knew that they had to take a long look at themselves and what the other person brought to the table to find out if they could make it work. Neither one comprised on their needs. I'm looking forward to meeting the rest of the family.



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Review: Hunting Season: A Love Story

Hunting Season: A Love Story by Blake Crouch

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



It's a bet gross and gruesome but it's a twisted way to live HEA.



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Review: The Heart of Texas

The Heart of Texas by R.J. Scott

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I have a habit of reading a blurb and forgetting it before I actually start reading the book so I started this story expected something along the lines of boy defies dad by marrying boy; boy ends up falling for the boy he married; boy almost loses boy when the contract is up. But I was blown out of the water with this story. About a third of the way through the book it took the first of many unexpected twists and turns. The only thing I actually guessed right from the beginning was the truth of Beth's secret. Each twist pulling you further into the story and the lives of these families. You could begin to see the potential for total devastation of everyone involved and yet love, hope, and truth prevail. The story kept me engaged until the very last page. Make sure you have a tissue ready for this one.



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Review: Silver Shorts 2012, Week 6

Silver Shorts 2012, Week 6 by R.J. Scott

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This was a great collection of stories. I enjoyed everyone of them.



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Review: Change of Heart

Change of Heart by Fran Shaff

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This is a sweet romance story of Marietta who's life is changed when she comes to collect her nephew after her sister's death. Her life back home is not upset as well and she begins to have feelings for Jase who had been caring for her nephew. She has to overcome a lifetime of teaching my her mother and find the courage to grab hold of a dream.



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Review: Running Hot

Running Hot by Stephani Hecht

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I really liked what I read. It was was well written and was really drawing me in. But I ended up giving it only 3 stars because I felt like the end was rushed and abrupt. I would have liked more.



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Review: Always MJ

Always MJ by S.J.D. Peterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Jared has been a playboy for years and his best friend Matthew knows all about it. So when Jared decides he like-likes his best friend he lets a meet up in a chat room be his way to let Matthew get to know the other side of "Jay". But when the meet up things don't go as planned as all for Jared and he has his work cut out for him to get the man of his dreams and not loose his best friend in the process. A friend to lover story that shows the path is not always easy.



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Review: A Merry Chase

A Merry Chase by Miranda George

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This book can be stand alone but I think it's more fun if you've read [b:Bejeweled|13628896|Bejeweled|Miranda George|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1335821779s/13628896.jpg|19235605] first. This story focuses on the other cousin Sherri and Jake who has been sent to track her down and but a end to the jewel theft. Sherri is attracted to Jake but doesn't want to make things too easy for him or her uncle. When some less that nice PI's show up she realizes that she has to trust Jake but now she fears she's blown it. I love the little wrap up chapter at the end.



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Review: Amanda Von Steuben

Amanda Von Steuben by Anne Randolph

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Amanda finds that her marriage is not what she bargain or hoped for. She begins to draw away from her new husband. He takes her to the clinic where she is forced to submit to harsh treatment. The thing that keeps this an okay read for me is despite the harsh treatment you feel that Klaus does care a great deal for his new wife and truly feels he has her best interest at heart. Also Amanda seems to be discovering her own pleasure this very different life.



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Review: Snowed In

Snowed In by Kiki Howell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This was a fun read with lots of humor mixed in with the romance. Aaron and Rachel were supposed to work together for the ad agency they work for but they end up being competitors instead. Could it be because they feel attracted to each other. When a snow storm traps them together they are forced to think about their relationship and their jobs. And when they power goes off people have to stay warm right?



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Review: Guns and Roses

Guns and Roses by Lori G. Armstrong

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This was a great anthology with just a bit of everything. Great way to meet some new authors and characters. Well worth the price.



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Review: Considering Carlyle

Considering Carlyle by Amber Kell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Ralph has finally caught Carlyle's attention but it almost ends before it can begin. While Ralph finds it frustrating I appreciated the time and patience Carlyle shows to make sure Ralph is ready for more and that he knows this is the beginning of a relationship and not just some scene.



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Review: Neat Freak

Neat Freak by Jean Gorski

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Diana and Josh are having problems because she too careful with money and too quick to clear clutter. (Not a problem my dh has to worry about.) This is a simple and cute story but what bumped the rating up for me from a 3 to a 4 star was the fact that the story is told from both Diana and Josh's perspectives in the first person. It was a fun difference.



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Review: Irish Rising

Irish Rising by Marie Rose Dufour

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I got this book as a member of the Book Club and I wasn't sure what to expect. I thought from the description a bit more "paranormal" activity which isn't my first choice of reading material but it wasn't really there expect in the idea of the legend of Duncan's family and their mermaid blessing. Kim has been writing romance but not living it and Duncan just pushes all her buttons from the first moment. They really connect but when a poor turned phrase sends her into panic flight it seems as if everything as ended. The only thing I would like to know more about at the end of the story is the house across the street. This was a great read and I love getting surprises in my book club offerings.



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Review: The Bodyguard

The Bodyguard by Donna McIntosh

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Matthew is stuck guarding someone he doesn't even like and when things start to happen that don't seem to add up the job because an even bigger pain. But somewhere along the line feelings start to develop between Matthew and Nick. I like that despite the intensity of the situation the relationship was still allowed a slow build. The ending was totally unexpected but fit so well with the story. I really think this story was actually a 4.5.



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Review: Chief Cook and Bottle Washer

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer by Rita Hestand

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Emma has a lot on her plate and is fearful of everything being taken away from her. She realizes her feelings for Deke are getting pretty serious but she must but Sammie Jo first. Then Deke steps in to "help" and Emma is sure everything is going to be ruined. I like the way the story built and the suspense of what might happened. And even though the ending was expected it was still very special.



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Review: Undeniable

Undeniable by Gayle Eden

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Damien and Kate both have to but their past behind them along with their expectations. A lot is asked of Kate and she proves herself to be a strong and caring woman. You feel that together they really will conquer their world.



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Review: Control: The Three of Pentacles

Control: The Three of Pentacles by Sean Michael

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Another visit with some of the Hammer guys. This story deals mainly with two of the couples. Jim is still battling with accepting himself and Marcus works to help him find his place of peace. Tanny has lost Margaret who has been such a big part of his life since he began his recover with Billy. Billy has to learn how to help Montana best deal with his grief. Both stories are very emotionally.



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Review: Girl's School Ghost

Girl's School Ghost by Mona Whitlock

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This story was very unexpected. Fern can see dead people and when she is asked to discover the nature of the ghost in an elderly woman's home she has no idea what she's uncover. This was such a bittersweet tale of love lost and trapped souls. This story well draws you. The twist at the ending has you wonder what will happen to Fern knowing what she knows now.



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Review: Kept

Kept by Carolyn Faulkner

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Trish is overcoming the hurt and lose of her mother and seems to be having time with her depression. Her cousin and best friends introduces her to Reed. There is an instant feeling between the two of them and Trish's bold statement about being "kept" gets his attention. Despite it being her idea Trish is still very shy and hesitant. There are many mis-steps and misunderstanding along the way. Reed quickly realizes he's looking for more than an arrangement but Trish uses the contract to keep him at arm's length. I think Reed's quite persistence does a lot to heal Trish and bring her to the point accepting love. This was the second time I read the story and found it just as powerful a story the second time around.



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Review: A Nanny for Nate

A Nanny for Nate by Lisa Worrall

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Parker is having troubling coping with life after the death of his husband Darrin. He is losing his babysitter and she suggests hiring a nanny to give Nate a more stable home. Nate decides who he likes best and does a little switching on the letters. I really liked the fact that Nate was a real part of the story. When Parker starts to fall for Nanny Jake his guilt gets the better of him and he almost ruins a good thing for all of them. Very sweet story.



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Review: Ties That Bind

Ties That Bind by Heather Huffman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



There are lot of things going on in this story. Kate is dealing with some hurt from her past as well as the loss of her mother. She is trying to find a way to connect to a dad she doesn't know. Finally, she's falling for a guy and Kate's not sure at all how she feels about this. I think the book gets the 3 rating because sometimes I just got upset at the characters that it takes a tragedy each time to get one of them to move on emotionally.



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Review: Don't Read in the Closet: Volume Four

Don't Read in the Closet: Volume Four by Megan Derr

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This was another great anthology and while there were a couple of the stories a skimmed there was plenty of good stuff there to enjoy. And of course for the price you can't loose. My two favorites were Broken and Romeo and Julian.



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Review: Battle Buddy

Battle Buddy by S.J.D. Peterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Shane Tucker and Owen Bradford seem to have a charged relationship from the minute they meet but poor Shane is doing his best to ignore it. After all they are in the Army and all that is implied by that. It was fun to see them battle themselves and each other. I hope we will hear more about this pair and this promises to be a great series.



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Review: Thornton's Desire: Second in the Thorton Brothers Trilogy

Thornton's Desire: Second in the Thorton Brothers Trilogy by Carolyn Faulkner

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Heather and Beau get off to a real bad start because they can't agree about the care of Beau's brother (see[b:Thornton's Hope|13253209|Thornton's Hope(Thornton Brothers 1)|Carolyn Faulkner|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1324180249s/13253209.jpg|18203868]). But they both seem to be intrigue by the other one and Hope is soon putting her oar in the mix and getting the two of them to go out. I really loved the interaction between Hope and Heather. It was fun to see Heather come to terms with her own feelings especially when life throws in another twist to her relationship with Beau. It was sweet to seem them work it out. Beau didn't seem to have as much of a problem with accepting his own feelings and my favorite quote was "She was his. Even if she didn't quite know it yet. She was his."



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Review: Joy & Pain

Joy & Pain by Celia Kyle

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This was a very short story but I really felt that I still got to know the characters and enjoy their story. Tevin's life has been changed and he doesn't really think he'll find what he needs so he's been satisfied to compromise and survive. But his boss and friend Lucas has been sharing secrets with his old buddy Zeke. When Zeke and Tevin met up there is an instant attraction and hope that both guys will end up HEA.



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Review: The Yukon Bride

The Yukon Bride by Laura Smith

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Olivia is turning having the worst birthday of her life. A sudden impulse leads her to a unique challenge in the outdoors. She has outdoor experience so that's not the biggest challenge is the fact that spanking is involved in this challenge. She is also challenged with not one but two "husbands". This is the first part of a series and I can't wait for what comes next because I'm sure there will be a show down between Olivia and her rival who should have Olivia's hunky and strong "husbands" for herself.



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Review: The Gentleman and the Rogue

The Gentleman and the Rogue by Bonnie Dee

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I really liked the interaction between the characters and that even though Jem is the pickup he still seems to be the one who is more sure of himself that Sir Alan. The story is intense as Jem struggles to lift Alan out of the darkness of his past. In the midst of this struggle they are cast in the role of rescuers of a young girl in the hands of a evil dark. I was on the edge of my seat until the very end. Very moving and emotional.



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Review: Almost Perfect

Almost Perfect by Jenna Jaxon

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Pamela is expecting a pirate adventure but Madame Eve has been busy again and this time instead of pirate Pamela ends up on a deserted beach with her ex-Roger. But Roger seems to be new and improved. Now Pamela has to deal with long ignored feelings and the possibility of rejection. There is a surprise twist that leads to true feelings being revealed. A great HEA story.



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Review: Home Again

Home Again by Cardeno C.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This story has a big emotional punch. I love the writing style as well. Often when books have flashbacks it can be confusing as to when we are in the story. The very clear set off of Noah's Present and Clark's Past makes it easy to jump from one time period to the other. The back story is really necessary to explain all the feelings and emotions that make up the present but its done is such a way that the story continues to move forward. When Noah realizes why he's lost the last three years of his life it rocks him and he is so thankful that Clark is with him. It helped me to know that Clark was coming back anyway and not just because of the accident. Just when I thought everything had been dealt with the story had one more surprise twist that was completely unexpected. Story kept me engaged until the very end.



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Review: Tuck's Treasure

Tuck's Treasure by Kimber Davis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Dylan is crude and just a bit suspicious of Charlene. Charlene seems to be dealing with some of her own upset. So after both dreaming of Charlene's Uncle Tuck they head out to find Tuck's buried treasure. After one quick spanking by Dylan Charlene starts to think about maybe Tuck and more on his mind then gold when he brought the two of them together. To add to the fun is Tuck's old rival Max who is sure they have something he wants. What I really like is the fast pace of the story with a great mix of adventure and fun. This kind of story leads itself to an abrupt ending so I really appreciated the last chapter which gives an update on our treasure hunting pair.



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Review: Veronica

Veronica by Nattie Jones

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This story seemed to start out very typical of other historical pieces where the girl has fantasy, catches the eye of the lord of the manor, and they end up wed. Most stories end here with an implied HEA. What sets Veronica apart is what comes next. We see Veronica's battle with her own thoughts and feelings about being spanking and how see will real fit into the Duke's life. She battles jealous feelings for her new sister-in-law and her relationship with the Duke. The last third of the story deals with a careless comment from the Duke. We see that Veronica has really grown and is a stronger woman and it will change but her life and the life of the Duke forever. Well written historical with an interesting twist.



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