Breaking Up with Barrett

Breaking Up with Barrett by Katy Regnery

• Print Length: 177 pages  
  
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Katharine Gilliam Regnery; 1 edition (July 21, 2014)
• Publication Date: July 21, 2014
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00M0DQIEC

Emily Edwards, a first-year doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania, grew up in the gatehouse on the outskirts of Barrett's childhood estate. The daughter of his family's gardener and housekeeper, she was always looking through the window of privilege, but forced to remember her place at the very periphery of the kingdom.

When business partners suggest that a fiancee might soften Barrett's image over business dinners, he approaches Emily for the "job" of fiancee. And while love wasn't necessarily on Barrett's radar, he begins to realize that Emily always has been. But will his take-no-prisoners boardroom tactics work on the heart of the woman he loves?

****
Barrett is a dream guy. His wallet has no limits, and by the end of the book, neither does his heart. He comes across in his business world as a shark, but in his personal life his confidence wavers. He has saved his heart for the heroine in the story, and it is so endearing.

Emily is a down to earth heroine who has always had a crush on Barrett. Unfortunately her social class has kept her from being romantic with him. She always felt like he was out of her league. It doesn't take her long to realize that he shares her affections, and the fake ring on her finger is actually very real, and meant for her.

Plot - The plot is appealing enough, and keeps the story moving along nicely. I couldn't help but think of the movie, "Pretty Woman" while reading it though. It wasn't exactly the same, but close enough to be predictable. I liked the hero enough to keep reading. By the end of the book I shed a few tears, and felt satisfied. The hero has a way with words, and tugs at the heart strings. Every woman needs a Barrett in her life.

The only thing that I couldn't help but feel slightly awkward about is the constant reminder that the hero has known the heroine since the day she was born. He was 8 years old. It is brought up so often that he comes across as being a little too obsessed, and perhaps at times when he shouldn't have been. Like when he was in college and she was 14 (not sure exactly, but something like that), he wanted her -- creepy, and inappropriate. It was so prevalent in the story that it didn't sit well with me and I cringed.

I will probably buy the next book in this series out of curiosity to get to know one of Barrett's brothers. The author writes well enough to give another of her books a try. No huge mistakes in the text, and enjoyable enough. 

Already Home

Already Home (Sons of Chance series) by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Print Length: 51 pages  

• Publisher: Harlequin Blaze (May 1, 2012)
• Publication Date: May 1, 2012
• Sold by: Harlequin Digital Sales Corp.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007H90BJM

From New York Times bestselling author Vicki Lewis Thompson, a Sons of Chance series novella!

Daredevil videographer Langford "Hutch" Hutchinson has put his career on hold to help his widowed father run their family store in Wyoming. He doesn't mean to stay in town for long—though it's long enough to rekindle his lust for Trina Bledstone. Hutch always had a thing for Trina, but she's his best friend's sister—and that meant hands off!

But Trina still has the power to set his pulse racing—and her brother isn't around to stop them from exploring their sizzling chemistry this time….

A Sons of Chance series novella.

****
I am never disappointed with a Vicki Lewis Thompson novel, and this one isn't any different. It is a short novella which can be read in an hour. I enjoy reading books like this in between other longer novels to switch things up a little. Vicki is one of my favorite authors. She has been now for many years. She has great talent, and the characters that she creates in her books are always well rounded and easy to love.

Hutch - He is a dashing, fun hero for this book. I felt at ease with him straight away, and wouldn't mind having one of him cuddling behind me in bed at night. ;)

Katrina - She is a provocative young woman who seems to know what she wants and goes for it. She is sweet-natured too, and fits together well with the hero.

Plot - The plot is realistic, yet a little speedy because there is only so much you can put in a fifty page novella. The pace was perfect for me, and it had a satisfying ending. Great to read on a quick lunch break.  

Craving the Highlander's Touch

Craving the Highlander's Touch by Michelle Willingham 

• Print Length: 54 pages  
  
• Publisher: Harlequin Historical Undone (September 1, 2011)
• Publication Date: September 1, 2011
• Sold by: Harlequin Digital Sales Corp.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005EHFMKC

Scotland, 1306

For Alys Fitzroy, Lady of Harkirk, her brutish husband is more of an enemy than the wild Scots she is supposed to hate. Her heart longs to help her husband's prisoners—especially Finian MacLachor, the intense Highland chief who bears the scars of his own failed uprising, both inside and out. With her help, he has a second chance to make things right for his clan—and and to show Alys the nights of unbelievable pleasure she's been missing.…

****

This is the first that I have read in the Mackinloch Clan series. I read short books like these in between other longer books, just so that I can take a break and change things up a bit.

Finian - He is a very spicy hero, and he warms up Alys's bed very quickly with his skillful seductions. He likes it when Alys surrenders herself to him, and lets him show her how to enjoy herself.

Alys - She's timid, yet brave and ready for some happiness in her life. The two of them seem to fit perfectly together without question. 

Plot - Surprisingly, there is a lot going on, and the sex is hot. It satisfied my craving for a quick paced, shorter book. No regrets here. Worth the read. The cover can use a bit of work. It's not the best that I have seen in the genre.

The Iron Princess

The Iron Princess by Sandra Lake   

• Print Length: 252 pages   
  
• Publisher: InterMix (June 16, 2015)
• Publication Date: June 16, 2015
• Sold by: Penguin Group (USA) LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00JV124Q2

A Sons of the North Romance novel from Sandra Lake, author of The Warlord’s Wife, who takes readers to 12th-century Scandinavia where two hearts clash in furious passion…

The daughter of a Northern warlord, Katia is known as the Iron Princess for her mettle in battle. Headstrong and defiant, she instigates sword duels on a whim with little regard for her own safety. Katia would rather die on her feet as a warrior than live as a token wife and child bearer for a husband who keeps her castled as if she were a prisoner.

Lothair is the illegitimate son of the Duke of Saxony, who was granted the title of baron, a castle and lands. Raised in an atmosphere of mistrust and deceit, he rejects the concept of husbandry and wants a life of purpose and sacrifice in the pursuit of security for the Baltic Sea.

And when fate brings the Iron Princess and reluctant baron together, Katia and Lothair discover they are kindred spirits with fiery temperaments—and insatiable desires—to match…   

*****

Katia - She's a fierce heroine, who often times thinks a few steps ahead of herself without thinking of the danger she puts herself or others in.She was a bit too fearless and had a huge hero complex. She wouldn't be satisfied until she saved the world. She ended up being a damsel in distress more times than she should have, but she entertained me. Like stories with "Anne Boleyn," she was a woman before her time. She had ideas of equality and refused to keep her mouth shut when it was for the best. I suppose if I were born back then, I would have been like that too. A bit less dimwitted though.

Lothair - He can be my hero any day. He had all the characteristics of the man you want to read about in a romance novel. He was hot in the bedroom, tough in battle, brave, charming and a little mysterious. He was a highborn bastard, and struggled with the idea of it, which made him very human. I fell in love with him, and at times felt sorry for him that he had to keep saving his heroine from the stupid ideas that were in her pretty little head. But he did it gracefully. A real virile man, and suited perfectly for the era of the book.

I would like to read a book about his father. He sounded like a very interesting man, and handsome too. 

Plot - From the moment I started to read this book it kept me interested, and turning pages. It was very suspenseful. Each scene was well paced, and the author kept them coming. Even toward the end of the book, she pulled out a few more conflicts that may have made the book feel a little too dense, but overall, I think she pulled it off. I was satisfied with the ending, and closed the book smiling. 

I liked all of her characters well except for the ones I wasn't suppose to. One scene in particular made my stomach churn, but I thought it was well played by Katia. Without spoiling it for others, I will just use the words, "chicken bones" and you will understand after you read it. ;)

The cover is beautiful. I'm quite happy the person who designed it tried to cover the horned helmet. LOL! I have a thing about that. If you are a Viking fan you will get what I mean. 

This book was given as a copy to review by NetGalley, my review is written with honesty and without any ties to the author. I did not receive any monetary gain from doing so.

The Gentle Knight

The Gentle Knight by Ashley York  

Print Length: 246 pages

• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publication Date: March 23, 2015
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00V48GXA8

A medieval soldier returns home to find his lover died in childbirth just as his own mother had. Believing he is cursed, Peter of Normandy turns from love. When he must give escort to an Irish princess more noble than many knights, he struggles with his decision to live a solitary life. Can he take the chance that his love won't be a death sentence and possibly make them stronger? 

Padraig MacNaughton's death bed decree rips his daughter from the shelter of her protective Clan. Forced to take vows at a Priory in England, Brighit finds herself in the hands of lecherous mercenaries with their own agendas. Dare she trust the Norman knight to see her safely to her new life as a nun? Even when she finds in him the fulfillment of all she's ever wanted? 

Or will honor and duty eclipse their one chance for happiness? 

****

Peter - He is the hero, and gentle as the title suggests. He carries around a lot of grief, and sexual tension, which isn't a bad thing. He is a manly man. The kind one can sink their teeth into. He does have self control though, which makes him more alluring, and honorable.

Brighit - She is the heroine. She is very kind, and innocent. I think her character seemed a little too mousy for my likes, but I prefer heroines who have brass and take charge of what befalls them. I would have liked to have seen her more ambitious, or with a little more dimension.

The plot is fair. It was predictable, and less than fulfilling. Although based on history, there wasn't much of it to speak of. As far as romance, not enough tug between the characters. It didn't pull at my heart strings, or leave me feeling enamored with any of the characters. It was dry, with very little conflict or tension. I was hoping the end would wow me, but it didn't. Having the hero spill out a sad story, and the heroine comfort him like a mama bear, and then the story ended, I felt agitated and cheated. My manly man disappeared and became a little too human. lol

The author is a solid writer as far as the flow of the story, and the number of characters introduced. The novel was a good length, and I only spotted a few errors in spelling and such. The dialogue was easy to understand, and within the correct time period. I love the cover, and think it attracts the proper readers. I would probably read another book by this author. I read it in six hours. 

This book was given as a copy to review by NetGalley, my review is written with honesty and without any ties to the author. I did not receive any monetary gain from doing so.

  

Lady of the Loch

Lady of the Loch by John C. Ryan 

Print Length: 175 pages

• Publisher: Cobblestone Press (August 16, 2015)
• Publication Date: August 16, 2015
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B013T6L3MU

Grateful to be rescued from a watery grave, yet mortified she lay naked in a strange man’s arms, Paden can’t believe her savior is none other than the notorious Black Knight—a man accused of murdering his twin brother to secure his lairdship. 

Determined there is more to the story, she steals away with him instead of marrying the man of her father’s choosing, and helps her Black Knight try to prove his innocence. 

Battles wage, blood is shed, and secrets are a matter of life and death. 

Will he be sent to the gallows, or will their love, and her belief in him, prevail?

****
I was reading along, and all seemed well until I got 25% into it, and suddenly after knowing one another for like a day, the hero and heroine were in love and pledging to marry one another. (This would be more acceptable if it were a very short book), but it isn't. It's not credible enough. I wanted to like it. The cover is awesome. I have no desire to continue reading it.

This book was given as a copy to review by NetGalley, my review is written with honesty and without any ties to the author. I did not receive any monetary gain from doing so.

Her Foreign Affair

Her Foreign Affair
by Shea Mcmaster

• Print Length: 288 pages
• Publisher: Lyrical Shine (June 9, 2015)  
  
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00ONTR98K

Twenty-two years ago, she ran out on the love of her life—and took a secret with her.

When Randi Jean Ferguson fell for Courtland Robinson while studying abroad in London, she was ready for a life of tea and crumpets. But when she discovered Court was being forced into a shotgun wedding, there was no way she could stay—or tell him she was also pregnant with his child. Now widowed, Randi is just starting to consider finding Court—when he shows up at her door. With his son. Randi’s not ready to reveal everything to Court, but if she doesn’t will both their children end up scarred?

The best thing to come out of Court’s unhappy marriage was his son. But he’s spent the last twenty-two years thinking about Randi, his California girl, his first—and only—love. Now a widower, he takes a chance he’s only fantasized about and seeks her out. At last he’ll solve his heart’s greatest mystery—but that won’t be the only surprise in store for him.

Randi - at the beginning of the story, she was known as Jean, but later became Randi. She had a very sweet personality. Very self sacrificing. She had a great sense of humor, and I thought she was smart. She wasn't a push over, which really added to her character. I like women who don't take much crap from the men around them.I also adored the relationship she had with her father.

Court - first off, I have a thing for English men. He fits the bill perfectly. I liked his charm and the fact that he could be patient and wait for what he wanted. He wasn't pushy or rude. I quite fancied his choice of words at times, and found myself smiling from ear to ear. Totally lovable. When I picture the two of them in my mind, I do not see them as the ones on the cover though - but this is seldom the case anyway. Court had some fetish behaviors in the bedroom that made him crazy hot.

The beginning started out with some conflict that certainly threw the story into a quick paced momentum. Nothing slow about the book except the end could have been cut in half. The end for me was just okay because I was already satisfied prior to it continuing on for another couple of chapters.

For being a short time period, the author was able to creatively keep the pace, and added a few twists and turns that kept me wondering who was actually doing what. I was satisfied that she didn't hold off for several chapters before progressing forward with the answers.

The only thing missing from this book was the 'tear factor.' I didn't cry. Nothing moved me enough to make me sob, yet, I wish that it had.

Congrats to the author for writing a book that didn't let me put it down. I read it in three days, in between my duties as a mother and other life challenges that I resented at the time I was reading this book.

It really is a very romantic story, and the fact that the hero is an English gentleman made it even more nostalgic. If you like hot sex scenes, this will do it, because Court likes his playtime.

I was given an advance copy of this book for my time and review. No money was exchanged. My review is based on my own opinions, as both a book lover, and a writer. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes reading romance.

Make Mine a Ranger (Special Ops: Homefront Book 4)

Make Mine a Ranger (Special Ops: Homefront Book 4) 

by Kate Aster

• Print Length: 186 pages
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00OO7Y1EG

"It's not him. It can't be him..."

24-year-old Bess Foster has a three-year-old daughter she cherishes... friends she adores... and an Army Ranger she's been fantasizing about for nearly four years.

But she also has a past that haunts her: an abusive ex-boyfriend she fled to protect her child. She thought she was free of him... till she saw his face again.

Sharing a house with a single mom and a preschooler might not sound like the best fit for an Army Ranger. But when First Lieutenant Tyler Griffon finds out that the waterfront house where his long-time friend Bess lives with her daughter has a vacancy, he can't resist the jaw-dropping view of the Chesapeake Bay.

And when he signs the lease, this Ranger will get more action than he bargained for...

***

Bess - She is shy at first, and a bit unsure of herself. She reminds me a little bit of myself except you won't catch me dead in a dress, ever! She is a fantastic mother, and has talent in the kitchen. Her character was believable and likable. I had no qualms with her at all. 

Tyler - His character is the nice guy, with muscles and hotness. Just the way they should be in a romance novel. The best part about him is that he is articulate enough to have clever things to say. This makes him interesting. He also has a tiny bit of an edge to him, but I think I would have liked to have seen it a little bit more sprinkled through the pages. He was almost too good to be true. 

Abby - What a cute little girl. I loved her character. 

Bess's friends - High class, a little lofty. I suppose I feel this way because I have never had friends in high places before, or ones that have everything they could ever want.

This was a pretty basic romance novel. It wasn't boring at all, and kept me moving forward without problems. I do however think that a bit more conflict could have been introduced to create more drama between the characters. 

The ending was beautiful. Perfect. Tyler made me fall in love with him.

The author added an epilogue that wasn't necessary though. It didn't add to the book at all, and even took from the elation I felt reading the end of the book. 

Over all, I am impressed with the author. She writes very well for an independent author. In my eyes, she is probably one of the better writers out there, and she should be congratulated for that. I will probably read another of her books in the future. 

Texas Blaze (The Wrong Bed Book 49)

Texas Blaze (The Wrong Bed Book 49)  

by Debbi Rawlins
Print Length 224 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Blaze (Dec. 1, 2009)

ISBN-10: 0373365527

Kate Manning's "blast from the past" has blown back to her quiet west Texas town. Mitch Colter was once the sum of all Kate's fantasies. But he was a few years older and her brothers' best friend, and her fantasies stayed exactly that. Now however, Kate's got seduction in mind and a point to prove: she won't miss out on Mitch a second time.

Mitch can't believe the woman his "little Katie" has become. She's beautiful, has a body that gives him all kinds of naughty ideas and, best of all, she's lost none of her fiery spirit and take-no-prisoners sense of humor. So, when Kate comes a-calling--he can't resist--and won't! But will their luck be better the second time around?

The author does a pretty good job with the book, however I felt that it could have been better. For being a book in the 'Blaze' series, I had hoped for a lot more steamy tension. This book had promise, but it just didn't deliver for me. 

Kate's character was a described as being a fiery spirited woman, but I found her to be a little to immature and mostly unsure of herself. The author had her in scenes that just didn't go along with her personality type. I understand that Kate was trying to come out of her shell a little, but I was hoping for a bit more from her as promised in the book description. Not her trying on a few sexy dresses and bending over at a pool table as the peak of her flirtatious behavior. Also the things that she seemed to get upset about were so insignificant that they felt labored and outlandish. Her upsets were suppose to bring tension between the two characters, but failed terribly. 

I have little problem with Mitch, I liked him. He was well practiced in the art of charm. 

As far as plot goes, it sort of dragged on and on. I would have liked the author to use several different twists and turns. Basically the whole book was about catching cattle rustlers. I admit, I sure would like to be trapped in a room doing surveillance with Mitch myself, but the sexual tension between the two wasn't heavy enough. I became bored half way through the book. 

The ending was just 'okay.' Nothing spectacular. It was a happy ending, and left me feeling semi satisfied, but no wrenching in my heart like a good romance novel should.

The author does use proper grammar and she doesn't over use words like some do. If I were to give constructive criticism, I would tell her to work on her plots more and not to rush sex scenes. In romance, the most important part is to grow sexual tension between the characters, but to do this, realistic conflict is needed. Having Mitch worried about what her brothers would say is reasonable to use as conflict, but it seems to be the only conflict used. We get it, Kate's not a little girl anymore.

The switch between character views is subtle and smooth, and I liked how capital letters in the first few words helped the reader to distinguish this change.