Tag Archives: contemporary

Review of “Hope Flames” by Jaci Burton

 
When it comes to love, they already know the rules…by heart.
 
Thirty-two and finally setting up her veterinary practice in the town she once called home, Emma Burnett is on her own and loving it. Independent and driven, she’s not letting any man get in the way of her dreams. Not again.
That’s fine with Luke McCormack. Divorced and hardly lacking in female company when he needs it, he’s devoted to the only faithful companion in his life—his police dog. Still, there’s something about Emma he can’t shake.
 
When a series of local break-ins leaves Emma vulnerable, she seeks help from the first man to spark her desire in years. And now they’re giving each other something they thought they’d lost forever… hope.
 
 
Last year, I read my first book by Jaci and quickly became a fan. From what I’ve read of her works so far, I find all her stories highly engaging, characters – relatable. 
 
Case in point, Emma and Luke both bring baggage to their budding relationship and who can say they can’t relate. His is an ex-wife and Emma is an ex-boyfriend. Of course, his ex didn’t turn out to be a delusional person who definitely could benefit from hardcore therapy or a frying pan to the head. Sorry, I watched “Tangled” recently with my youngster and the “weapon” seemed appropriate here. (watch the movie if you don’t get the reference)
 
My only gripe about the book was how Jaci wrapped up the Emma/Vaughn storyline. Based off their past (not divulging spoilers), I expected more “bang for my buck.”Read the story and let me know if you agree or disagree with me. 
 
 

Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 

Score: ❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 
Also, check out the novella that started the series! 
 
In Jaci Burton’s “Hope Smolders,” struggling divorcee Jane has put her personal life on hold to raise her kids—until she runs into Will, her ex’s former best friend, who convinces her it’s time to start having fun again.
 
 

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Review of the Fifty Shades trilogy – E L James

 
When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

 
 
 
Since the buzz of the movie has showing up on every entertainment network/magazine, I decided to dive back into the trilogy and refresh my memory on things I might’ve skimmed over or forgotten about the first go around. Also, I wanted to see if my opinion of the series had changed at all. 
 
After the second read thru, my thoughts hadn’t budged at all. I still find Ana a tad bit whiny. Plus, I thought she apologized to Grey way too many times. She constantly wondered if he was mad at her. Maybe it was her lack of experience which made her seem immature or maybe it was her age. With that said, I’ve known a few people freshly out of college who had more confidence than her. Again, I fall back on her “lack of experience”.
 
I did like book II and III had more of a plot than book I. Of course, the first book was all about setting up for the rest of the trilogy so in all fairness, E L did a good job laying it all out for her readers. The contract papers — yeah, I could never be a lawyer because I found it dry rather than entertaining. 
 
Favorite scene occurred in book II, Fifty Shades Darker. Grey dropping to his knees in the submissive pose was a powerful moment (for me, at least). 
 
I also like the bonus scene where we got to see their first encounter (interview scene) through his eyes. Very nice idea E L or her editors had there. 
 
I’m still debating watching the big screen take of the series because I’m usually disappointed with the outcomes. However, my curiosity is peaked how they will portray some of the BDSM scenes. 
 
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the trilogy and upcoming movie. Please leave  a comment below! 
 
 
Heart rating system:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase links
Book I – US | UK
Book II – US | UK
Book III – US | UK

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Riding the Night by Jaci Burton (Book Review)


Book Five in The Wild Riders Series

 

AJ and Pax work together as undercover operatives for a government agency of bad-boy bikers known as the Wild Riders. And though they play as hard as they work, both men are looking for the one woman who can tame them…

On vacation, AJ and Pax run into AJ’s high school sweetheart, Teresa. While they’re catching up at Teresa’s bar, a fight erupts between two biker gangs, leaving one man dead and Teresa’s brother wrongly accused of murder. With no proof and Teresa as the only eye witness, the trio points their Harleys toward the annual bike rally in South Dakota in hot pursuit of the real killer…

Her life in jeopardy, AJ and Pax become Teresa’s fierce protectors. But a past trauma keeps Teresa guarded, unable to trust them–until AJ and Pax uncover her secret and vow to do anything to help her heal. And in their arms she discovers a sensual desire that knows no boundaries, a passion strong enough to overcome her tragic past and awaken a force that brings both men to their knees.

Danger may temporarily bind the three together, but it’s their shared passion that will lead them to the ride of their lives: love.



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I’m not surprised that Teresa fell fast and hard for AJ and Pax. They were so sweet, patient, and understanding about her past. Unlike the other men she attempted to get close to, they didn’t run away when they found out about the horrendous assault she was still battling to overcome. They stood by her and when she was ready, they let her set the pace in the relationship. What a couple of sweethearts! 


Now regarding the assault, I was surprised to discover who was one of her attackers. To be violated in any way is horrific. To find out it was by someone you trusted…emotionally and psychologically devastating. 



Heart rating system – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤

 

Order the book ~ Print Editions

Amazon.com
Barnes+Noble.com
Books-A-Million
Chapters

 
Digital Editions
Kindle from Amazon.com
Nook from Barnes+Noble.com
Kobo eReader
iBookstore

If you missed the review of “Riding to Sunset” ~ “Nautier and Wilder”, click here to be directed to the posting. 



 

 

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Riding Wild & Riding Temptation by Jaci Burton (2 Book Reviews)

 

He’s a Harley-riding ex-thief working undercover for the government. She’s a gun-toting ex-socialite hired to protect a valuable museum exhibit. But in her attempt to stop a heist, she never anticipated having her breath and her heart stolen…

Mac Canfield was the last man Lily West expected to see again, never mind aim her gun at. But here he was, the bad boy who’d broken her heart years ago-still a thief, this time high-jacking a priceless artifact—and it was all she could do to push aside the memories of how it felt to have his perfectly chiseled body next to hers.

Mac was no less shocked to see the beautiful girl-next-door all grown up, threatening to shoot him on the spot. Little did she know she was blowing his cover-and now he had to figure out how to get her out of harm’s way without succumbing to his crazy desire to take her on a hot trip down memory lane.

Unfortunately, Lily has no intention of going anywhere with Mac. Which means he has to resort to kidnapping. Unless, of course, she agrees to let him take her for the kind of ride destined to drive them both unbelievably wild.

 
 
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As a woman who loves motorcycles and is in love with a biker, I couldn’t wait to start book one of the series. I loved how Jaci showed the camaraderie between bikers. It’s true, you don’t have to know a biker personally to feel welcomed at an event. They are truly some of the nicest people who’ll ever meet. And as she portrayed in the rally scene, they will absolutely do anything to help a person out. Truly great people! 
 
My only negative feedback regarding the book is the “under the influence” scene. I know she addressed Mac’s reservation about chasing after Lily when he knew his faculties weren’t in proper order but he did so anyways. I won’t say why he did so. Yes I could see why he had to go after her. However, as someone who has rode a bike for many years, the idea of anyone riding knowing very well they should’t be hit a bad cord with me. 
 
Other than that, a brilliant and sexy read. And I do mean SEXY! 
 

 

Heart rating system – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤
 

Order the book

(Print Editions)

Kindle from Amazon.com
Nook from Barnes+Noble.com
Kobo eReader
Apple iBookstore

 

 

He’s a biker working undercover for the Feds. She joined the Wild Riders for reasons of her own. Together, they’re burning up the asphalt and tearing headlong into danger and passion…

Naked under leather.

Ever since runaway Jessie Matthews teamed up with the gang of special ops bikers, the Wild Riders have thought of her as their kid sister. Except for Diaz Delgado. Over the past few years he’s been watching the budding of a ripe young woman. Jessie’s glad somebody finally sees her for who she is—and she’s thrilled it’s Diaz. His dark good looks and killer body have tempted her since day one.

Diaz’s unbrotherly urges have been hard to fight but the last thing he’d want to do is hurt Jessie and break up the gang. But when they both go undercover to infiltrate a group of killer survivalists, he knows it’ll be hard to keep his distance—especially when the mission takes a risky turn. Now Diaz has no choice but to open himself up to the one woman who may be strong enough to take him on.

 
myreview-1
 
If you love stories featuring outdoor sex/voyeurism, then you’re going to want to purchase this book. Besides having nookie outside alone, Diaz and Jessie also engaged in a sexual relations for their initiation into the Skulls. The scene wasn’t done in a raunchy way, but one that will heat up a reader. 
 
Besides the abundant amount of love making going on, there was plenty of action with the characters having their clothes on. Shots were fired, injuries occurred but at the end of the day, the good guys did prevail. Now isn’t that what we all want in a story? A happy ending. 🙂
 
 
Heart rating system – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤

 

Order the book

(Print Editions)
 

(Digital Editions)

Kindle from Amazon.com / Nook from Barnes+Noble.com

Kobo eReader / iBookstore

(Be sure and come back next weekend when I review book 3 & 4.)

 

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The ‘Riding Tall’ Series by Cheyenne McCray (Multi-Book Review)

Megan Wilder doesn’t think there’s a man in this world who could love her just the way she is. After meeting sexy Ryan McBride, she suspects he might just be the one to change her mind.

With her family in danger of losing their restaurant and their home, a sudden illness has everything Megan thought was sure in her life crashing down around her. Finding out Ryan is the one responsible for threatening foreclosure shakes her very foundation.

Can Ryan and Megan succeed in overcoming their obstacles and fight for a love that was meant to be?

Quick thoughts: 

How could you not fall in love with Ryan’s character. He was so charming, caring, and sweet to everyone. Lets not forgot sexy and those love scenes….whoa momma! 
Megan, she had the girl next door appeal which I found irresistible, just like Ryan.
These two together… electric! 


BUY THE eBOOK: 
Pink Zebra | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble Nook | Smashwords | Kobo
Paperback: Amazon

 

 

 

The Cat Hayden returning to her childhood home after nineteen years is a different person, and a tragic accident has left her insecure about her appearance. But her heart is still filled with memories of the love she left behind… Blake McBride.

Blake recognizes Cat with his heart, a heart that never stopped loving her. But that heart was broken when she left so long ago. Can he trust her again and rekindle that flame that burned so strong?

A champion barrel racer before the accident, Cat finds herself instructing Blake’s talented yet temperamental fourteen-year-old daughter, Demi. Demi is determined to see her divorced parents find happiness together and Cat, great coach or not, doesn’t fit in the picture.

During a bitter legal battle with his ex-wife, Blake stands to lose custody of his daughter. Cat stands by her man but can he fight for his daughter and keep the woman he loves or will shattering events tear them apart…. Permanently.

 

Quick thoughts: 

 A love like Blake and Cat’s is rare. What’s even rarer is finding it again after life has pulled a couple in two different directions. 
I truly believe this story will touch many reader’s hearts. 
Some will relate to a “lost love”. 
Many have dealt with an ex, like Blake has, who is battling or battled a drug/alcohol addiction. 
Countless people have or are in the middle of a divorce with a child involved. 
But this story has what we all want in life…… A HAPPY ENDING. 🙂


BUY THE eBOOK: 
Pink Zebra | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble Nook | Smashwords | Kobo

Paperback: Amazon

 

 

 

Tess Grady doesn’t do playboy cowboys and as far as she’s concerned that’s exactly what Gage McBride is. Tess wants steady, stable, and secure in a man and Gage seems to be the farthest thing from that. When women come up to a man in a bar and slap him, that’s got to be a good sign that he’s not the one for her, or a suitable male role model for her young daughter. After losing her husband in a car accident, Tess isn’t even sure she can love again.

Gage has been waiting for the right woman, and he’s sure Tess is the one. The problem is that she believes the reputation he has somehow earned after being betrayed by the one woman he ever loved. He’s not the “cowboy with a woman in every town” that Tess believes he is and he intends to prove it to her.

Tess starts to fall for the sexy cowboy when things go desperately wrong. Harvey Norton, a man from Gage’s past is seeking revenge. Not only did Gage help to put Harvey behind bars for embezzling, but Tess, the woman Harvey is attracted to, seems to be falling for Gage.

Gage’s life is in danger and soon Tess’s is, too. Gage must save Tess while at the same time trying to stay alive.

 

Quick thoughts: 

A cowboy, love scenes including one with bondage, a crazed stalker, and several sweet/tender moments…. Yes, this story was spicy and suspenseful which kept this reader hooked from page one to the final word. 

BUY THE eBOOK:
Paperback:Amazon

 

 
 

 

 

 

 







Jo Burke hasn’t had it easy in life and that includes her history with men. She’s resigned herself to the fact that she really knows how to choose ’em. Not. So when Tate McBride comes around, she doesn’t trust her instincts for a minute because those same instincts have proven faulty time and again. He can’t be nearly as great a guy as he appears to be on the surface.

Tate McBride enjoys being around the feisty redheaded but can’t quite get her to trust him. He’s not worried, though, because one way or another he’s going to win her over.
When Jo’s life is in danger, Tate comes face to face with the possibility of losing the woman he loves. He’s not about to let that happen.



Quick thoughts: 

Just like Jo, I had a feeling David was a no good scoundrel but I had no clue how evil the man would become. Jo lucked out and managed to evade death not once, but three times courtesy of David’s scheming ways. I’m sure it’ll be no surprise to the readers to see good overcame evil. It usually does in romance stories and that’s what we all want to see happen. 🙂

 

Buy The eBook:
Amazon Kindle
Barnes & Noble Nook
Smashwords
Pink Zebra Publishing

Heart rating system 
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Overall Score for the entire series: ❤❤❤❤❤

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