At Last by Jill Shalvis {Review}

At Last

{ Lucky Harbor #5}

by Jill Shalvis

 Paperback, 400 pages

Published June 26th 2012 by Forever

HER LOVE HAS COME ALONG . . . 

Amy Michaels loves her new life in Lucky Harbor. A waitress in the local diner, she's looking forward to her first weekend hike through the mountains. But when a wrong turn takes her off the trail, she finds herself up close and personal with forest ranger Matt Bowers. And even though she's tempted to kiss that sexy smile right off his face, she won't make the mistake of getting involved with the town heartthrob.

A former cop whose life went south, Matt doesn't let anyone get too close. But something about the feisty beauty caught his eye the moment he first saw her in the diner. After a hot night under a starry sky, Matt can't deny their attraction-or the fact that for the first time in a long time, he feels the stirrings of something more. Now it's up to Matt to help Amy see that, no matter what is in their past, together they can build a future in Lucky Harbor.

First Line(s): I'm not lost," Amy Michaels said to the squirrel watching her from his perch on a tree branch.

My Review: By now you all know of my love for Jill Shalvis and well all of her books. It's true I have enjoyed all of them and a lot of the characters remain with me long after I have put the book(s) down. That right there shows you just how damn good she is!

Her Lucky Harbor series has been amazing, fun, hot and lovable! J. Shalvis has the ability to make you feel things for her characters and the locations her stories take place in.

Matt and Amy are not acceptation.... I loved the hot headed duo! 

At Last took us on the journey of Amy trying to find herself and her place by visiting the same places her grandmother had visited in her youth. While on this journey we see how raw Amy's emotions are. We also  see Matt come to terms with his past and accept that he needs to let go in order to find his own peace in Lucky Harbor.

At Last was an adorable contemporary romance read, although it is missing some of the steam that can be found in other Lucky Harbor books.

I look forward to seeing what is next for the chocolate lover friends!

My Rating: 

Thanks Net Galley for the chance to read At Last!

Favorite Quote(s):

Body Check by Deirdre Martin { Review}

Body Check

{ New York Blades #1}

by Deirdre Martin

Paperback, 336 pages

Published February 25th 2003 by Jove

This game's going into overtime. 

Janna MacNeil is a publicist on a mission to change the image of the bad boys of hockey: the Stanley Cup Champion New York Blades.

Ty Gallagher is a captain on a mission— to get his team to win the Cup again... at any cost. His determination is legendary, as well as his unwillingness to toe the corporate line.

When the persistent publicist and the sttubborn captain butt heads, it's hard enough to crack the ice. But they may end up melting it instead...

First Line(s): Not many women could boast bossing around a locker room full of buff,baked jocks as part of their job description,but then again,there were'nt many women with a job like Janna MacNeil's.

My Review: Fun, witty, and real!
If you like a sports theme in your romance novels pick this book up now! I am finding myself on a major contemporary romance right now and it's even better if you throw in a hunky sports player.

I love that this series has 11 books already in it so there is no waiting involved... they are all just waiting for me to get my hot little hands on them and trust me I will be continuing this series.

My Rating:

Once again I am behind in a whole lot of my reviews. The books I chose to pick up on my own free will will have short and to the point reviews. By doing this I can give my full attention to the books I am reviewing for authors/publishers.
Thanks for your understanding!

 Until next time... Happy Reading!

Nauti Dreams by Lora Leigh { Review }

Nauti Dreams

{ Nauti #3}

by Lora Leigh

Trade Paperback, 340 pages

Published August 5th 2008 by Berkley Trade (first published August 2008)

Third in a sizzling trilogy by the New York Times bestselling author of Nauti Boy and Nauti Nights.

Natches Mackay separated himself from his family years ago, except for the two cousins who gave him the only family he’d known. Now he’s being dragged back into his father’s life in ways that could destroy him and the one woman who tempts him beyond reason: Government Agent Chaya Dane, who has fought to put her own past behind her. A mission in Somerset, Kentucky, brings her back into the dreams of Natches—and into the shadows cast by his father, suspected in the theft of government missiles. And it could cost Chaya more than she ever imagined.

First Line(s): "Little American who're." 


 Favorite Line(s): "Cut her again, and were finished. As friends, as family. Do you hear me Dawg? That woman owns me, and she always will. You cut her again, and we're finished." 

and

You don't change what you love or you never loved it to begin with.”

My Review: My favorite out of the series thus far!

Totally random thing that bugged me.... would it kill Natches to offer Chayla a beer ( or any drink) any of the times he goes to fridge to get one... such bad manners! What do you expect, his name is Natches.

Nauti Dreams starts out fast and levels off a few chapters in to keep a steady pace the remaining chapters. The first half was better than the second half but the sex scenes were hot and steamy ( just like the other two books that came before).

Natches is what troubled hero's are all about and I liked him much better than his two prior cousins but I was hoping to get his real name. These nicknames are a little over the top for me!

If you have read the first two in this series, make sure to read Nauti Dreams because it is A LOT better!!!

My Rating:  

Taking a Shot by Jaci Burton { Review}

Taking a Shot

 { Play by Play Series #3 }

By Jaci Burton

Trade Paperback, 309 pages

Published March 6th 2012 by Berkley Heat

If you want to score, you have to get in the game... The last thing Jenna Riley needs is more sports in her life. While her brothers are off being athletic superstars, she's stuck running the family's sports bar, whether she likes it or not. Then in walks pro hockey stud Tyler Anderson. As much as Jenna would like to go to the boards with him, she's vowed to never fall for a jock-even one as hot as Ty.
Ty, intrigued by the beautiful bar owner, becomes a regular. He senses that Jenna wants to do something more with her life. And as he gains her trust, the passion between them grows, as does Ty's insistence that Jenna should start living for herself. With his encouragement, Jenna starts to believe it, too...
But first, Jenna has to figure out what she wants, what she needs, who she loves, and if she has the passion and pride to take a shot at having it all-including Ty...

First Line(s): Jenna Riley wanted nothing to do with sports.

Favorte Line(s): “It's in our genetics. It's why women are the master species. We give birth and we can walk in heels.” 

MyReview: I read this book in one sitting ( okay maybe 2 or 3) but the book was finised in about 6 hours (total).

If that doesn't tell you how much I enjoyed Taking a Shot than I don't know what will!!

I loved Ty!! He pushed when Jenna needed to be pushed andhe stepped back when Jenna needed to realize/figure out her... well... her crap!! Jenna was moody and snapy, which I assume would make most readers not care for her. I foun her to be real, refreshing and a bit like me.....eeeeek!

Jaci Burton's Play by Play serie is ah-mazng! The next installment in this series is Playing to Win due out Septemeber 4, 2012  ( way too long away!)

My Rating:

Until next time... Happy Reading!

Nauti Boy by Lora Leigh { Review}

Nauti Boy (Nauti #1)

by Lora Leigh

Paperback, 294 pages

Published March 2007 by Berkley Sensation

Too weak to resist young Kelly Benton's attempts at seduction, Rowdy Mackay left home eight years ago. Duty as a U.S. Marine put a safe distance between Rowdy and the nubile Kentucky vixen with persuasive desires of her own. Now, he's returned home, his fantasies fueled, ready to engage the young woman in the kind of erotic games that have earned him and his two cousins Nauti-boy reputations in three counties.

Once, it was Kelly's dream, too, to feel the heat of the boy she desired. But a brutal attack from a stalker still on the prowl has left Kelly terrified of the dark unknown and of a man's touch. Now, as fear and desire converge, Rowdy fights for the only woman he ever loved--to save her from the deadly threats of a stranger, to rid her of her demons, and to satisfy a hunger more powerful than either can imagine.

First Line(s): How had he known she would be waiting on him, here of all places.

My Review: Nauti Boy felt like this....  " Me Tarzan, you Jane!!!"


Little too heavy on the alpha male, was a turn off. I felt like "Rowdy" was one step away from dropping his pants and marking Kelly with his pee. GAG!


I was able to solve this story line fairly easily but it did have some turns in it that kept me on my toes/turning the pages.


I enjoyed this book enough that I feel like I have to continue the series, but let's see if Lora Leigh can turn it down a notch or at least give the leading lady a stronger back bone!

My Rating: 

Can't Help Falling in Love by Bella Andre { Review}

Can't Help Falling In Love 

(The Sullivans #3)

by Bella Andre

Kindle Edition

Published December 11th 2011

Get ready for another Sullivan bad boy to fall in love in the third book of Bella Andre's bestselling contemporary romance series!

Gabe Sullivan risks his life every day as a firefighter in San Francisco. But after learning a brutal lesson about professional boundaries, he knows better than to risk his heart to his fire victims ever again. Especially the brave mother and daughter he saved from a deadly apartment fire...and can't stop thinking about.

Gabe Sullivan risks his life every day as a firefighter in San Francisco. But after learning a brutal lesson about professional boundaries, he knows better than to risk his heart to his fire victims ever again. Especially the brave mother and daughter he saved from a deadly apartment fire...and can't stop thinking about.

Megan Harris knows she owes the heroic firefighter everything for running into a burning building to save her and her seven-year-old daughter. Everything except her heart. Because after losing her navy pilot husband five years ago, she has vowed to never suffer through loving - and losing - a man with a dangerous job again.

Only, when Gabe and Megan meet again and uncontrollable flames of desire ignite between them, how can he possibly ignore her courage, determination, and beauty? And how can she deny not only his strong bond with her daughter.but the way his sweetly sensual kisses are challenging her to risk everything she's been guarding for so long?

This winter, if one - or both - of them aren't careful, they just might end up falling in love.

First Line(s):  Gabe Sullivan was helping an elderly couple down the stairs of an old San Francisco apartment building and out onto the sidewalk when the air was rocked with an explosion of flames and smoke out a second-story window.

My Review: Bella Andre is a sure thing! Her stories are honest and real... very believable!

I said it once and I will say it again.... the Sullivan clan is amazing, caring and well let's face it HOT people!
I love reading books where the main character(s) are firefighters, who doesn't love a firefighter!!!????

Can't Help Falling in Love is a smooth quick read, once you pick it up you will have it finished it a few hours.

My Rating:

Until next time... Happy Reading!

Morgan by Lori Foster { Review }

Morgan

{ The Buckhorn Brother's }

by Lori Foster

Mass Market Paperback, 216 pages

Published March 13th 2007 by Harlequin Books

Morgan Hudson commanded a lot of respect as Buckhorn's biggest, baddest sheriff. How one petite city woman could turn him on his head was a mystery, not to mention being downright aggravating. But Misty Malone did just that, and Morgan couldn't wait till she went back where she belonged. But then he discovered why she'd come in the first place. Misty Malone had hoped to take refuge with her sister, who'd just married into a family of sinfully attractive brothers. They all treated her like gold-- all but one. Morgan seemed to think she was some sort of femme fatale, out to seduce his brothers. But seduction was the last thing on her mind. Foremost was the baby she was secretly carrying. And then, how to avoid the sexual sparks flying between her and Morgan.

First Line(s): It was one of those sweltering hot weekend mornings when a man had nothing better to do than sit outside in his jeans, feel himself sweat and wait for a breeze that wouldn't come.

My Review: I love when dudes come off as tough dudes but they have a heart made out of marshmallows, especially when the right gal comes along. Morgan becomes putty is spunky Misty "Malone"s hands. It is classic to see the fall of the mighty might bachelor!

These Buckhorn brother's seem to fall fast when it comes to certain gals!

Morgan is a sweet, mostly clean book that will have you "awwwwwing"

My Rating: 
 My Rating

Game for Love by Bella Andre { Review }

Game For Love

(Bad Boys of Football #3)

by Bella Andre 

Kindle Edition, 202 pages

Published December 13th 2010

In a relationship built on lies...the only truth is their feelings for each other.

To fulfill his grandmother's dying wish, linebacker Cole Taylor must find and marry a good girl. First grade teacher Anna Davis fits the bill perfectly. Their deal is simple: If she'll be his temporary wife, he'll give her more pleasure than she ever imagined was possible.

Only, love is the ultimate game-changer.

First Line(s): " All I've ever wanted for you is true love, Cole".

My Review: You get your romance story. You get your sexy smutty scenes. Game for Anything is a safe book if your looking for medium heat. One man/ One female.


The storyline was quick and fast to read but it was a tad predictable.... yes, most romances are!


This book won't go down as an all time favorite but it was enjoyable

My Rating:  

Until next time... Happy Reading!

Game for Seduction by Bella Andre { Review }

Game for Seduction
{ The Bad Boys of Football #2}
by Bella Andre

Paperback, 304 pages

Published June 30th 2009 by Pocket

The daughter of a powerful sports agent, Melissa McKnight has harbored lust-filled fantasies for Dominic DiMarco ever since she was an awkward teenager. Now Melissa's a beautiful, tenacious associate in her father's firm, and being around to-die-for hard-bodies is all in a day's work.

First Line(s): "Dominic DiMarco is seriously hot, " the makeup artist said, fanning herself.

My Review:
 Game for Seduction is a quick, sexy, easy read. In fact I had this book done in a day ( and this is with 4 kids, wow).
I noticed Game for Seduction does fall in line with Game for Anything in that it lacks football action but what you miss on the field, Bella Andre more than makes up in the steamy sex scenes.

My Rating:

 Until next time... Happy Reading!

Game for Anything by Bella Andre { Review}

Game for Anything

{ Bad Boys of Football Series #1}

by Bella Andre

Paperback, 304 pages

Published November 16th 2010 by Pocket (first published July 22nd 2008)

Some lovers play it safe . . . others are GAME FOR ANYTHING.

He’s the Superbowl hero men idolize and women lust after . . . the bad boy quarterback with a dangerous edge. But behind his devil-may-care grin, Ty Calhoun hides a desire that only one woman can ever fulfill—and a memory he can’t shake: high school graduation night . . . and mind-blowing sex with the untouchable girl of his dreams. He would trade every trophy to feel the heat of her sensual, uninhibited lust once more. And he may get that chance . . . because she’s just been hired by the San Francisco Outlaws’ new owner to clean up Ty’s act.

The country’s top image consultant, Julie Spencer is a total pro at cleaning up the messes of the rich and famous. Even working with the man who took her virginity and broke her heart ten years ago can’t shake her. Until he touches her again. Because one caress - one hot kiss - is all it takes to spark the same knee-quaking electricity, and soon they’re mixing business and extreme pleasure. But knowing the danger this bad boy poses to her heart, Julie is determined to keep her distance.

But Ty has a game plan of his own. The more he misbehaves, the more Julie will have to keep tabs on him—and the more he can give his dream girl some very real thrills, by showing her just how fun it is to be bad. This time around he’s game for anything…especially winning her heart.

First Line: First Line: Julie Spencer could think of a dozen things she would rather be doing than watching the Super Bowl.

My Review: I went into this book expecting a bit more ( not even sure what I was looking for) but with that said it was a good book! I was entertained and it was a fast read ( which is always a plus) but the plot and characters were missing so much for me. I never felt connected to the story or the characters. I kept waiting for more!

Go into this story open minded and if nothing else Game for Anything offer a lot of hot steamy love ( SEX) scenes.

My Rating:

Until next time...Happy Reading!

Changing the Game by Jaci Burton {Review}

Changing the Game

{Play by Play Series #2}

by Jaci Burton

Trade Paperback, 299 pages

Published August 2nd 2011 by Berkley Heat

Most people play by the rules. Gavin and Liz aren't most people....

Win at any cost. That's always been the mantra of sports agent Liz Darnell. When she carries things too far and risks losing her number-one client, baseball pro Gavin Riley, Liz realizes that she'll have to work extra innings to win him back. It might not be too much of a stretch. She's had a thing for this player's moves since she first laid eyes on him, and by the looks of it, he wants her just as bad.

Gavin's more than ready—especially when Liz is offering herself as part of the bargain. And as much of her as Gavin wants. For added thrills, he decides to throw a little curve ball Liz's way to see just how far she's truly willing to go to keep him as a client. But when love unexpectedly enters the playing field, neither Liz nor Gavin are ready for the biggest game-changer of them all.

First Line: Gavin Riley knew Elizabeth Darnell had been avoiding him for the past several months.

Favorite Line: “Sometimes your world falls apart. And it’s okay for you to let people in and let them see you crumble”

My Review: First and foremost let's take a moment to stare and woo and ahhh over another hot cover for Jaci Burton. Grrr baby grrr!
My feelings and thoughts on Changing the Game fall along the same lines as the 1st book in this series... The Perfect Play.

Fast, hot and steamy.... perfect book! Make sure to keep a cold towel, ice water or heck even the whole ice bucket close by when reading this book. It will help cool you down!

I'm looking forward to getting my hand on the 3rd book in this series, Taking a Shot.

My Rating:

Until next time...Happy Reading!

Wild Card by Lora Leigh

Wild Card

{ Elite Ops #1}

by Lora Leigh

Mass Market Paperback, 418 pages

Published August 26th 2008 by St. Martin's Paperbacks

It was supposed to be simple. All Navy SEAL Nathan Malone had to do was rescue three young girls from a Colombia drug cartel, then allow himself to be captured just long enough to draw out a government spy. That was before his mission went disastrously wrong…and before his wife, Bella, was told that Nathan was never coming home.

Bella’s mourned her husband’s death for three long years. But she has no idea he’s still alive. Forced to assume a new identity, the man Nathan was is now dead. If he can get back to his wife, can he keep the secret of who he really is…even as desire threatens to consume them? And as danger threatens to tear Bella from Nathan’s arms once more?

First Line: Nathan sat beside his grandfather, Rory Malone, on the crude front porch of the shack he lived in.

Favorite Line(s): My heart beats for yours.

My soul lives for yours.

My body, my hands, my lips.

They love only you.

My Review: Nathan is quite the stubborn man and I am not sure if that makes him hot or just a bone head? BOTH!

Wild Card is a very intense story filled with many raw emotions. I found myself wondering the big stupid question of "what if". Bella is a much more determine person than I think I could ever be. The love she felt feels for Nathan is pure and unrelenting. It's true and honest!

Both Nathan and Bella needed to knock of the grudges but I get that it makes for a good read, it reality you would want to knock their heads together. Okay I might have felt this way while reading the story at times!

The sex scenes were steamy and well written and well.... amazing!

HA HA HA!

I look forward to reading the rest of this series. Lora Leigh seems to have a way with writing characters that you love and hate and I can't wait to fall in love with the next hard headed character she writes about.

My Rating:

The Darkest Hour by Maya Banks { Review}

The Darkest Hour
{KGI series #1}
by Maya Banks
Paperback, 290 pages
Published September 7th 2010 by Berkley Sensation

The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super elite, top secret, family-run business.

Qualifications: High intelligence, rock hard body, military background.

Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the US government can’t…

It’s been one year since ex-Navy SEAL Ethan Kelly last saw his wife Rachel alive. Overwhelmed by grief and guilt over his failures as a husband, Ethan shuts himself off from everything and everyone.

His brothers have tried to bring Ethan into the KGI fold, tried to break through the barriers he's built around himself, but Ethan refuses to respond… until he receives anonymous information claiming Rachel is alive.

To save her, Ethan will have to dodge bullets, cross a jungle, and risk falling captive to a deadly drug cartel that threatens his own demise. And even if he succeeds, he’ll have to force Rachel to recover memories she can’t and doesn’t want to relive—the minute by minute terror of her darkest hour—for their love, and their lives, may depend on it.

First Line(s): He'd hoped if he drank enough the night before he'd sleep right through today

Favorite Line(s): "First rule of seduction. At least one of us has to get naked. Preferably you," he murmured.
My Review: The Darkest Hour is not the "norm" in what I have grown to expect from Maya Banks. It was not erotic or steamy but it was heartfelt. I liked it! The Darkest Hour is a solid read!

Maya Banks wrote the main characters with such assurance that you could close your eyes and not only see these characters but you could feel their emotions. What a heart wreching story Maya Banks takes you on with Ethan and Rachel.

Maya Banks also used so much detail in her description of all the secondary characters, perfect bait to start off this awesome series. I am just upset that I am just now getting to it.

Kudos to Maya Banks who has yet to fail me in her story telling!




My Rating:

The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton {Review}

The Perfect Play

(Play by Play #1)
by Jaci Burton

Trade Paperback, 336 pages
Published February 1st 2011 by Berkley Heat

From the national bestselling author of Riding the Night comes an erotic story about love and the games people play.

The last thing event planner Tara Lincoln needs is the jet-set lifestyle of a football pro like Mick Riley; even though their steamy and passionate one-night stand proved that Mick is an all-star-both on the field and in the bedroom.

Tara played the game of love once and lost big, and she doesn't intend to put herself out there again, especially with a certified heartbreaker. But when Mick sets his mind to win, nothing will stop him. And he has the perfect play in mind to catch this sultry vixen.

First Line(s): Sweat dripped down Mick Riley's face and arms. The field workout he'd just endured had kicked his ever-lovin' ass.

Favorite Line(s): "When you love someone, it's your job to protect them. And I didn't do my job."Page 279

My Review: This is my first book by Jaci Burton ( please don't throw stuff at me) but it won't be my last. Yummy yummy! I mean the cover alone should get you to read this book, you did see it, right? RIGHT??!!!

With Mick and Tara you get an intense, erotic and an emotional ( very raw and real) relationship. J. Burton was able to make Mick so down to earth even with his celebrity status, it was refreshing. I loved how J. Burton was able to write about everyday challenges one would find in a relationship, including Nathan, Tara's teenage son. I was thankful that there was just enough Nathan in the story without taking away from the steam factor of the novel.

I can not wait to read the next book in the series, Changing the Game.

So nice to be able to finally check this book off my TBR list and after reading it I am ashamed it sat there for so long.

My Rating:

Until next time...Happy Reading!

2012 Men in Uniform Reading Challenge

Details:
Runs January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012 (books read prior to 1/1/12 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime. Sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
The goal is to read as many novels that feature men in unform as you’d like. It can be a policeman, firefighter, paramedic, doctor, veterinarian, Army, Navy, Marine Corp., etc. – As long as the leading man wears some sort of uniform, it counts. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. Nothing is set in stone; you can change levels at any time during the challenge.
Books can be any format (bound, eBook, audio).
Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.
Grab the reading challenge button and post this reading challenge on your blog to track your progress. Please include a link back to this sign-up post so others can join the reading challenge too. You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you could track your progress on Goodreads or LibraryThing.
Levels:
Sergeant – Read 1–5 men in uniform novels

Lieutenant – Read 6–10 men in uniform novels

Captain – Read 11–15 men in uniform novels

Chief – Read 16+ men in uniform novels

This post is where I will list all the books I have read towards this challenge in 2012.

If you can click on the title it means the review has gone live. Until than this is just my list of books I will read towards this challenge, stay tune...

1. Nauti Boy by Lora Leigh

2. Nauti Nights by Lora Leigh

3. Nauti Dreams by Lora Leigh

6. Wild Card by Lora Leigh

7. The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton

8. Changing the Game by Jaci Burton

9. The Darkest Hour by Maya Banks
10. Game for Anything by Bella Andre
11. Game for Seduction by Bella Andre
12. Game for Love by Bella Andre
13. Morgan by Lori Foster
14. Squeeze Play by Kate Angell
15. Taking a Shot by Jaci Burton
16. Can't Help Falling in Love by Bella Andre
17. Dangerous Grounds by Shelli Stevens

Until next time...Happy Reading!