Category Archives: Read by Christine

More Than Crave You

By Shayla Black

Synopsis

I’m Evan Cook—billionaire tech entrepreneur and widower. Professionally, I’ve got it all. But since my wife died, my personal life has fallen apart. Remarrying seems like the obvious answer, so I place an ad. I’m not asking for much. The ideal woman only needs to be smart, organized, pretty, and helpful—both in and out of bed—without expecting romance. I never thought to look right in front of me…but it turns out that Nia Wright, my sexy, sassy assistant, just might be the perfect candidate.

After an unexpectedly hot night together, I’m ready to stop interviewing strangers and simply marry her. On paper, she ticks every box on my list. Best of all, she’s far too sensible to fall for me. I didn’t see the flaw in my logic until it was too late. I never thought I’d lose my heart for the first time. And I definitely never imagined Nia could consume me. But she’s harboring a secret that could tear us apart. Can I prove I more than crave her before it’s too late?

Review

Just like all of the books in the More Than Words series, More Than Crave You takes you on an emotional journey. I love the way Shayla Black captures the personalities of all these characters.  They really do come to life.

I think More Than Crave You effectively shows that the people around us help shape how we relate to other people.  When you are never shown what love really can be then it might be difficult to recognize it when it stares you in the face.

Evan is an interesting character.  I had real compassion for him but I also thought he was kind of a jerk at first. But after really finding out how he grew up and then the kind of marriage he had before his wife and child were killed, my opinion quickly changed.  He had to learn about real love and was getting a crash course.

Nia is an amazing character.  I wish I was more like her.  She is very strong and knows that she can’t marry someone like it was a business transaction.  She had love in her life and wouldn’t settle unless it was reciprocated to her.

This book has so many levels to it.  It explores the relationships that are formed between friends, new found siblings and lovers. The social dynamic is set up so skillfully and you really got an understanding why these characters react the way the do.

Plus there was an extra bonus to this book.  There was a little crossover action with another series which now makes me want to read that series again.

More Than Crave You

My Rating:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Shayla Black:  Click Here

Unbreak This Heart

By Betty Shreffler

Synopsis

Ever since that horrific night, I’d shut men completely out of my life. I’d gone from the spunky, fun, Alex DeMarco to a broken woman terrified of intimacy. Easing me back into dating, my best friend sets me up with kickboxing lessons from my charming and perfectly sculpted instructor—Carter Maxwell.

Carter’s goal is to break through my emotional barrier and mold my heart just like he molds my body, but trusting men is a battle I’m not ready for. What’s worse is my ex fiancé, Todd Livingston—the man who tore my heart in two—wants me back, and as much as I’d like to deny it, the feelings are still there.

Both men want what I can’t give—my body and my love—and neither are willing to give up the fight. But only one of them can unbreak this heart of mine.

Review

Unbreak This Heart will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions.  Betty Shreffler has way of drawing emotion out of every scene.  From beginning to end this book will take on an emotional journey.

Alex has been to Hell and back and is a survivor.  After the person who was supposed to be there for her no matter what leaves her after her attack,  she somehow manages to pick up the pieces of her life.  But she is unsure of how to let someone into her heart again.

Carter is a patient caring man who wants to show Alex that he can be the person she needs.  He is a MMA fighter who also is giving Alex some self defense lessons.  He gets to know Alex and is completely taken with her.

This book has an amazing soul. Betty Shreffler takes you on a journey. After reading this book I realized that Carter may be the MMA fighter but Alex is every bit of a fighter as well.  I think that is what makes every character in this book so relatable.  Alex had to fight to live again and find love again.

Unbreak This Heart

My Rating: 

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Betty Shreffler:  Click Here

Memento Mori (Masters and Mercenaries: The Forgotten #1)

By Lexi Blake

Synopsis

Six men with no memories of the past
One leader with no hope for the future

A man without a past

Jax woke up in a lab, his memories erased, and his mind reprogrammed to serve a mad woman’s will. After being liberated from his prison, he pledged himself to the only thing he truly knows-his team. Six men who lost everything they were. They must make certain no one else gets their hands on the drugs that stole their lives, all while hiding from every intelligence organization on the planet. The trail has led him to an unforgiving mountainside and a beautiful wilderness expert who may be his only hope of finding the truth.

A woman with a bright future

River Lee knows her way around the Colorado wilderness. She’s finally found a home in a place called Bliss after years lost in darkness. The nature guide prefers to show her clients the beauty found in the land, but she also knows the secrets the mountains hold. When she meets Jax, something about the troubled man calls to her. She agrees to lead him to the site of an abandoned government facility hidden deep in the forest. She never dreamed she was stepping into the middle of a battlefield.

A love that could heal a broken soul

Spending time with River, Jax discovers a peace he’s never known. Their passion unlocks a side of himself he didn’t even know he was missing. When an old enemy makes his first move, Jax and River find themselves fighting for their lives. But when his past is revealed, will River be caught in the crosshairs of a global conspiracy?

Review

I hope that I can effectively express how Memento Mori blew me away.  I fell for this book in the acknowledgments.  Memento Mori was not a term I had not heard before but the meaning could be felt throughout this book.

Jax is the perfect character to start this lost boys spin-off series.  He is instantly likable in his dealings with other people and his brothers. He has been through so much and is learning with each interaction with everyone how to be a complete man again.  When he falls for River, his world became more complex.  He now is torn between his brothers and the person he loves.

River is a woman who has lost a lot.  Her first husband turned out to a horrible human being and then she lost her father.  She definitely has trust issues.  Jax coming into her life confuses her that much more.

The beginning of Memento Mori instantly transported me back to Bliss before I knew Sophie Oak and Lexi Blake were one in the same.  I love all the characters new and old.  Getting to know Nell again was so much fun.  She and Henry are perfect together. Also we were revisited by other residents of Bliss. I also really enjoy Ian Taggart.  He has a way of adding his special brand of advice and commentary that makes everyone think.

I can’t go into too much more without giving away major spoilers but I loved the Masters and Mercenaries series and this spin off series has captured the same magic for me.  I can’t wait to read about all the lost boys.

Memento Mori

My Rating:  5 Hearts

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Author:  Lexi Blake

Devoted to Pleasure (A Devoted Lovers Novel)

By Shayla Black

Synopsis

BOUND BY DUTY…

Bodyguard and former military man Cutter Bryant has always done his duty–no matter the cost. Now he’s taking one last high-octane assignment before settling down in a new role that means sacrificing his chance at love. But he never expects to share an irresistible chemistry with his beautiful new client.

…TEMPTED BY PLEASURE

As the star of a steamy television drama, Shealyn West knows fame well, but it has come at the expense of her heart. With a blackmailer watching her every move and the threat of career-ending exposure looming, Shealyn hires Cutter to shore up her security and keep her safe, never imagining their attraction will be too powerful to contain.

As Shealyn and Cutter navigate the scintillating line between business and pleasure, they unravel a web of secrets that threaten their relationship and their lives. When danger strikes, Cutter must decide whether to follow his heart for the first time, or risk losing Shealyn forever.

Review

In this first full length cross-over book between the Wicked Lovers series and the Devoted Lovers Series we find Cutter having to decide between his heart and his loyalty to his best friend.

This book captures everything that made the Wicked Lovers series so good.  It picks up at the end of Holding on Tighter.  Cutter and One-Mile definitely hate each other.

Cutter is a great guy who believes in loyalty.  He is even willing to sacrifice is own heart to save his friend from small town ridicule and her fathers wrath. When he starts to fall for the woman he is protecting he has to make serious decisions.

Shealyn is also just a good person but she has been caught in a complicated situation with no easy way out. People are depending on her for the show and their personal lives.

I loved Devoted to Pleasure.  It has great characters that just build on each other.  It was fast paced and over too soon.  I really liked the internal struggle that Cutter was having between what to do with his best friend and Shealyn.  And I really liked the mystery in this story. I can’t wait for the next addition to this series to come out.

Devoted to Pleasure

My Rating:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Shayla Black:  Click Here

The Kiss Quotient

By Helen Hoang

Synopsis

Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases–a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.

It doesn’t help that Stella has Asperger’s and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice–with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can’t afford to turn down Stella’s offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan–from foreplay to more-than-missionary position…

Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but crave all of the other things he’s making her feel. Their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic…

Review

The Kiss Quotient is a beautiful story of the journey through life. This story was a story about relationships and how complex they are.  Whether the relationships are between mother and child, siblings or even co-workers they all take work and understanding and this story expresses these relationships with sensitivity.

I love Stella’s character and how she approaches the world.  Her uniqueness draws you to her.  She has Asperger’s which makes relationships difficult for her.  Her passion is definitely numbers.  Her mind solves mysteries by the numbers but matters of the heart are harder for her to understand.  She believes in lists.  I loved the fact that she even had a list for her new teacher on how her lessons should go.

Michael is just a good person.  He has a lot that he has taken responsibility for.  This forces him to pursue a job that he isn’t so proud of.  He meets Stella and knows there is just something special about her which makes him break all his rules.

I think this story is so special. I love Michael’s family and how they are like a real family.  They get mad at each other but they are always family.  I love Stella’s honesty.  Her character had so many levels to her. She doesn’t realize how she affects the world around her. Stella and Michael work so well together.  They make each other better and you can’t ask for more than that.

The Kiss Quotient

My Rating: 

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Helen Hoang:  Click Here

Order of Protection (A Courting Justice Novel)

By Lexi Blake

Synopsis

To high-end defense attorney Henry Garrison, Win Hughes is a woman he met during one of the most trying times of his life. She’s soft and warm, and he finds solace in their brief relationship. But Win has a secret. She’s actually Taylor Winston-Hughes–born to one of the wealthiest families in the country, orphaned as a child by a tragic accident. Win moves in the wealthiest circles, but her lavish lifestyle hides her pain.

When her best friend is murdered in the midst of a glittering New York gala, Win’s charged with the crime, and the only person in the world she wants to see is Henry.

Henry is shocked at the true identity of his lover, but he can’t reject the case. This trial could take his new firm into the stratosphere. Still, he’s not getting burned by Win again. And yet every turn brings them closer together.

As the case takes a wild turn and Win’s entire life is upended, she must look to the people she’s closest to in order to find a killer. And Henry must decide between making his case and saving the woman he loves…

Review

Order of Protection takes us on an emotional journey.  Two people who are very successful but are both missing pieces of their lives.

Henry meets Win and falls for her but doesn’t really know who she is.  Win meets this incredible guy who she has great chemistry with but knows that there is an expiration date on their relationship. When she is charged with murder Henry is there to save her.  Even if he can’t trust her again.

I loved this story.  The characters are well developed.  I definitely have a true sense of who Win and Henry are and why they rushed to judgement.  I also love that this series has a connection to the Lawless series.  Noah another sibling of the Lawless clan shows that he is just as brilliant as the rest of the family.

This story also had a definite theme that everyone’s vision of perfect is different.  And I liked the fact that Win suffered with an eating disorder challenged her perception of what perfect is. This part of the story took more personal turn for me but didn’t dominate the rest of the story lines.

I really found this story to be fast paced and full of surprises. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

Order of Protection

My Rating:  5 Hearts

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Author:  Lexi Blake

Siren Enslaved (Texas Sirens #3)

By Lexi Blake/Sophie Oak

Synopsis

Julian Lodge has everything a man could want. He’s rich, successful and owns the most exclusive club in Dallas. But something is missing.

Finn Taylor has worked his way up in the world from humble beginnings in Willow Fork, Texas. The only thing he still loves in his hometown is Danielle Bay. He never told her he was actually bisexual, and he never confessed his love for her. Now she’s getting married, and Finn is sure he’s lost his chance with the only person he’ll ever love.

Julian’s vacation to the Barnes-Fleetwood ranch brings them all together. After Dani jumps into Julian’s car while fleeing her wedding, Julian knows he has to have her. But nothing is easy in Willow Fork. A danger from Julian’s past threatens them all. Julian will have to convince both Dani and Finn that being his will be the best decision they ever made.

Review

The original Siren Enslaved was my introduction to Sophie Oak.  I instantly fell for the characters.  The added scenes made the re-release even better.  I mean who doesn’t love a runaway bride jumping into a Dom’s car to escape what would have been a complete mistake.  While the man that has been her best friend and secretly pining for her watches her drive off with another man.

Julian is the ultimate Dom. He needs to have everything under control at all times.  When two subs step into Julian’s life, he can’t resist taking over.  He will do everything in his power to keep his life the way it has always been but it takes the right people to change everything he thought he ever wanted.

Dani is a fun character.  She is oblivious to how special she really is.  It’s not until Julian and Finn help her accept that she deserves more from life that she really thinks about what she desires.  But she also helps Julian and Finn realize what they desire.

I adore Finn.  He has pined for Dani for forever and when he might have a chance to win her she jumps into another man’s car, wedding dress and all.

Siren Enslaved is one of my favorites from this series.  I love the Masters and Mercenaries additions to the story.  Jack, Sam, Abby, Alex and Ian all gave advice to Julian, Dani and Finn when they needed it.   I can’t wait to see how each story evolves now from the original.

Siren Enslaved

My Rating:  5 Hearts

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Author:  Lexi Blake / Sophie Oak

Justify Me

By J. Kenner

Synopsis

McKay-Taggart operative Riley Blade has no intention of returning to Los Angeles after his brief stint as a consultant on mega-star Lyle Tarpin’s latest action flick. Not even for Natasha Black, Tarpin’s sexy personal assistant who’d gotten under his skin. Why would he, when Tasha made it absolutely clear that—attraction or not—she wasn’t interested in a fling, much less a relationship.

But when Riley learns that someone is stalking her, he races to her side. Determined to not only protect her, but to convince her that—no matter what has hurt her in the past—he’s not only going to fight for her, he’s going to win her heart. Forever.

Review

J. Kenner really made me fall for Riley in Justify Me.  He is a fun character to get to know.

This was a HOT read.  As soon as Riley found out that Natasha was in trouble he went right to her no matter how much she feels like she doesn’t need a bodyguard.  Natasha is perfect for Riley.  They had amazing chemistry.  Plus it had all the elements that stayed true to the Masters and Mercenaries series.  I haven’t read the Stark International series yet but I’m sure that it also stayed true to that series as well.

This story was so much fun to read.  The only thing that I would say about it would be that it was too short. I felt like I didn’t have enough time with the characters.

Justify me

My Rating:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit AuthorJ. Kenner

Rescuing Sadie

By Susan Stoker

Synopsis

Sadie Jennings was used to being protected. As the niece of Sean Taggart, and the receptionist at McKay-Taggart Group, she was constantly surrounded by Alpha men more than capable, and willing, to lay down their life for her. But when she visits her friend in San Antonio, and acts on suspicious activity at Milena’s workplace, Sadie puts both of them in the crosshairs of a madman. After several harrowing weeks, her friend is now safe, but for Sadie, the repercussions of her rash act linger on.

Chase Jackson, no stranger to dangerous situations as a captain in the US Army, has volunteered himself as Sadie’s bodyguard. He fell head over heels for the beautiful woman the first time he laid eyes on her. With a Delta Force team at his back, he reassures the Taggart’s that Sadie will be safe. But when the situation in San Antonio catches up with her, Chase has to use everything he’s learned over his career to keep his promise…and to keep Sadie alive long enough to officially make her his.

Review

I had not read Susan Stoker’s series leading up to this cross-over to the Masters and Mercenaries.  But I instantly fell in love with Chase and he is perfect for Sadie.

This story was action packed and these two series made for a perfect cross-over. Sadie is an interesting character who has to come to terms with her past.  She also needs to have faith that people won’t think less of her for doing what she had to to survive.

This novella had so much going on.  We meet so many characters and definitely made me want to start a Susan Stokers series.

Rescuing Sadie

My Rating:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit AuthorSusan Stoker

Say You Won’t Let Go: A Masters and Mercenaries Crossover #4

By Corinne Michaels

Synopsis

Emily Young had two goals in her life:
1. Make it big in country music.
2. Get the hell out of Bell Buckle.

She was doing it. She was on her way, until Cooper Townsend landed backstage at her show in Dallas.

This gorgeous, rugged, man of few words was one cowboy she couldn’t afford to let distract her. But with his slow smile and rough hands, she just couldn’t keep away.

With outside forces conspiring against them, Cooper hires the McKay-Taggart team to protect her. Emily refuses to let Cooper get hurt because of her. All she wants is to hold onto him, but she knows the right thing to do is to let go . . .

Review

Say You Won’t Go is about a small town guy who falls for a girl with big dreams.  But in chasing down her dreams she gets a serious stalker which requires the help of Wade Rycroft a bodyguard with McKay-Taggart.

This novella has so much charm and tension.  Cooper is the perfect example of an over-protective cowboy and Emily is independent and strong willed.  And they have to somehow find a way to blend their worlds without crushing each other’s dreams.

This novella has charm and we did get to see more of Wade Rycroft but I was missing the cross-over portion of this story.  Wade did not have a big part of the story.

Say You Won’t Let Go

My Rating:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Author: Corinne Michaels