Category Archives: Read by Christine

His to Protect: A Masters and Mercenaries Crossover #5

By Carly Phillips

Synopsis

Talia Shaw has spent her adult life working as a scientist for a big pharmaceutical company. She’s focused on saving lives, not living life. When her lab is broken into and it’s clear someone is after the top secret formula she’s working on, she turns to the one man she can trust. The same irresistible man she turned away years earlier because she was too young and naive to believe a sexy guy like Shane Landon could want her.

Shane Landon’s bodyguard work for McKay-Taggart is the one thing that brings him satisfaction in his life. Relationships come in second to the job. Always. Then little brainiac Talia Shaw shows up in his backyard, frightened and on the run, and his world is turned upside down. And not just because she’s found him naked in his outdoor shower, either.

With Talia’s life in danger, Shane has to get her out of town and to her eccentric, hermit mentor who has the final piece of the formula she’s been working on, while keeping her safe from the men who are after her. Guarding Talia’s body certainly isn’t any hardship, but he never expects to fall hard and fast for his best friend’s little sister and the only woman who’s ever really gotten under his skin.

Review

I loved Shane in Nobody Does It Better by Lexi Blake and he is a great main character. Bodyguards romances are probably one of my favorite types of action packed romances to read.

Talia Shaw is a scientist trying to protect her formula and is on the run from people who want to destroy it. She is advised to go to an old friend/crush Shane Landon. Shane is a bodyguard with McKay-Taggart. They find out that the people that are after her are always right behind them.

I love Talia’s ability to adapt and not freak out at every turn. And the way Shane is quickly seeing that not all women are like his ex-wife. This is a second chance romance that if I had any criticism to say is that it was too short. I needed more time with Shane Landon.

His to Protect

My Rating:

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Her Guardian Angel: A Masters and Mercenaries Crossover #2

By Larissa Ione

Synopsis

After a difficult childhood and a turbulent stint in the military, Declan Burke finally got his act together. Now he’s a battle-hardened professional bodyguard who takes his job at McKay-Taggart seriously and his playtime – and his playmates – just as seriously. One thing he never does, however, is mix business with pleasure. But when the mysterious, gorgeous Suzanne D’Angelo needs his protection from a stalker, his desire for her burns out of control, tempting him to break all the rules…even as he’s drawn into a dark, dangerous world he didn’t know existed.

Suzanne is an earthbound angel on her critical first mission: protecting Declan from an emerging supernatural threat at all costs. To keep him close, she hires him as her bodyguard. It doesn’t take long for her to realize that she’s in over her head, defenseless against this devastatingly sexy human who makes her crave his forbidden touch.

Together they’ll have to draw on every ounce of their collective training to resist each other as the enemy closes in, but soon it becomes apparent that nothing could have prepared them for the menace to their lives…or their hearts.

Review

Of all the crossover stories in this series, this one I was most curious about. It not only crosses over already established series but also genres and I wondered where Larissa Ione would take it. She brought Declan to life and stayed true to the Demonica Underworld series.

This story is action packed. Suzanne is such a great character. She dreams of a different life but knows she has responsibilities and humans that depend on her. Declan doesn’t know it but he has a destiny to fulfill. He also doesn’t know that he has a guardian angel to protect him.

Her Guardian Angel is so good. I love all the characters and it took the Masters and Mercenaries series in a completely different direction.

Her Guardian Angel

My Rating:

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Close Cover: A Masters and Mercenaries Crossover #1

By Lexi Blake

Synopsis

Remy Guidry doesn’t do relationships. He tried the marriage thing once, back in Louisiana, and learned the hard way that all he really needs in life is a cold beer, some good friends, and the occasional hookup. His job as a bodyguard with McKay-Taggart gives him purpose and lovely perks, like access to Sanctum. The last thing he needs in his life is a woman with stars in her eyes and babies in her future.

Lisa Daley’s life is going in the right direction. She has graduated from college after years of putting herself through school. She’s got a new job at an accounting firm and she’s finished her Sanctum training. Finally on her own and having fun, her life seems pretty perfect. Except she’s lonely and the one man she wants won’t give her a second look.

There is one other little glitch. Apparently, her new firm is really a front for the mob and now they want her dead. Assassins can really ruin a fun girls’ night out. Suddenly strapped to the very same six-foot-five-inch hunk of a bodyguard who makes her heart pound, Lisa can’t decide if this situation is a blessing or a curse.

As the mob closes in, Remy takes his tempting new charge back to the safest place he knows—his home in the bayou. Surrounded by his past, he can’t help wondering if Lisa is his future. To answer that question, he just has to keep her alive.

Review

Close Cover is Remy and Lisa’s story. Lisa is a great character. She could have taken the easy road and not reported her boss for his illegal accounting but she did what was honest and paid the price. No one would hire her and more than one person was after her.

Remy hurt Lisa’s feelings a long time ago and never had any intention of seeing her again. But when someone needed to protect her he stepped right up. (Maybe the money had something to do with it at first.)

Close Cover puts all the characters in this group back together and is so good. Remy and Lisa had crazy chemistry and there was no denying these two belonged together. I would say that if you don’t like spoilers or finding out the resolution to other crossover stories save this book for last or save the epilogue for last. I’m the kind of reader that skips to the end after the first chapter and then goes back to read everything in between so it didn’t bother me. And as always love Ian Taggart.

Can’t wait to see where Lexi Blake goes with Wade Rycroft!!!

Close Cover

My Rating:

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Three to Ride (Nights in Bliss, Colorado #1)

By Lexi Blake/Sophie Oak

Synopsis

Re-released in a second edition with two new chapters and additional new content.

Rachel Swift is a woman on the run.

A stalker sent Rachel’s world reeling. Now she’s running for her life, and Bliss, CO, seems like the perfect place to hide. Bliss is a strange little town, filled with artists, nudists, and the occasional conspiracy nut. It’s a good place to start over.

Max and Rye are just the men to catch her.

Horse trainer Max and Sheriff Rye gave up on their dream of finding one perfect woman to share long ago. Rachel walks in, and they’re both in love and fighting their true natures.

A town like no other….

When Rachel’s past catches up with her, all of Bliss is in danger. Rachel knows she should run, but how can she leave behind the love she’s found with Max and Rye and the home she’s built in Bliss? With her whole town behind her, Rachel is ready to make her stand. It’s time for her to get back in the saddle and ride.

Review

This is a re-release of Three to Ride. I loved this book the first time I read it and loved it even more this time. This ménage has so much heart, humour, suspense and sacrifice. These three are perfect for each other.

Rachel is a strong character that has an incredible will to survive. Though her life is thrown into complete turmoil she manages to find the good in people, even those who have a gruff exterior (a.k.a Max). She just has to get past the fact the Max’s brother is the sheriff in Bliss.

Max has got the entire town of Bliss fooled into thinking he is this short tempered and bad behaved man. It just takes the right woman to show who the real Max is.

I love Rye. He is Max’s twin and he is willing to sacrifice the type of relationship he would have with the woman of his dreams and his brother. Rye wants to make sure the Max is happy.

Lexi writes so much depth into each character. Bliss may be a fictional place but after reading these books it seems so real. And I love the additions she made to the story. I love the blending of the Masters and Mercenaries into this series.

Three to Ride

My Rating:

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Visit Author: Lexi Blake / Sophie Oak

Nobody Does It Better (Masters and Mercenaries #15)

By Lexi Blake

Synopsis

A spy who specializes in seduction

Kayla Summers was an elite CIA double agent, working inside China’s deadly MSS. Now, she works for McKay-Taggart London, but the Agency isn’t quite done with her. Spy master Ezra Fain needs her help on a mission that would send her into Hollywood’s glamorous and dangerous party scene. Intrigued by the mission and the movie star hunk she will be shadowing, she eagerly agrees. When she finds herself in his bed, she realizes she’s not only risking her life, but her heart.

A leading man who doesn’t do romance

Joshua Hunt is a legend of the silver screen. As Hollywood’s highest paid actor, he’s the man everyone wants to be, or be with, but something is missing. After being betrayed more than once, the only romance Josh believes in anymore is on the pages of his scripts. He keeps his relationships transactional, and that’s how he likes it, until he meets his new bodyguard. She was supposed to keep him safe, and satisfied when necessary, but now he’s realizing he may never be able to get enough of her.

An ending neither could have expected

Protecting Joshua started off as a mission, until it suddenly felt like her calling. When the true reason the CIA wanted her for this assignment is revealed, Kayla will have to choose between serving her country or saving the love of her life.

Review

It’s hard to believe that this is the 15th book in this series. This being the last book of the main characters in the Masters and Mercenaries series does not disappoint. I have been a fan of Lexi Blake’s for a long time and she always manages to put in a little surprise that makes each book special.

Nobody Does It Better is Kayla’s and Josh’s story. I love the fact that Kayla is the bodyguard. She has an interesting background and ties to an old friend that we met in another series. She is definitely torn between duty and heart. This is one of the things that makes her so endearing. I also love the fact that Kayla is a little like Ian. She has the smart banter mixed with heart and a little bit of a tortured soul.

Josh is a man who has many scars. I don’t think he knows if he can be brave or trust his heart enough to love. But he has dangerous people after him so the best way to defend him would be to have someone who is always close to him, like a girlfriend who can kick ass.

This story had so many levels to it. From Kayla’s reasons for joining the CIA to Josh’s secret and reason for being blackmailed, this story had my emotions all over the place. Lexi manages to inject so much humour into their story lines that has you laughing one minute to crying the next. I also love past characters coming back to help lend their wisdom.

I love this series and am sad that this will be the last book for the main Masters and Mercenaries but there will be another spin off that sounds like we are in for a treat.

Nobody Does It Better

My Rating:

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More Than Love You (More Than Words #3)

By Shayla Black

Synopsis

I’m Noah Weston. For a decade, I’ve quarterbacked America’s most iconic football team and plowed my way through women. Now I’m transitioning from star player to retired jock—with a cloud of allegation hanging over my head. So I’m escaping to the private ocean-front paradise I bought for peace and quiet. What I get instead is stubborn, snarky, wild, lights-my-blood-on-fire Harlow Reed. Since she just left a relationship in a hugely viral way, she should be the last woman I’m seen with.

On second thought, we can help each other…

I need a steady, supportive “girlfriend” for the court of public opinion, not entanglements. Harlow is merely looking for nonstop sweaty sex and screaming orgasms that wring pleasure from her oh-so-luscious body. Three months—that’s how long it should take for us both to scratch this itch and leave our respective scandals behind. But the more I know this woman, the less I can picture my life without her. And when I’m forced to choose, I’ll realize I don’t merely want her in my bed or need her for a ruse. I more than love her enough to do whatever it takes to make her mine for good.

Review

Before I really get into my review for More Than Love You, I have to say that my heart swoons for Noah Weston. Shayla Black shows us again how great writing transports the reader to the reality that they are being sucked into. She adds a sensitivity to each character that makes you believe that you are in the moment with them. For me, the More Than Words series is Shayla’s writing at her best.

In More Than Love You, we get to know Harlow (sister to Maxon and Griff) and Noah. This story is different from the first two books in this series because it is written mainly in Noah’s perspective. He is a total outsider to this family and he is seeing the family dynamic with fresh eyes. He has to find out why Harlow closed herself off to love. I dare anyone not to fall for him. He does have his own issues but once he meets Harlow she becomes the only thing that matters to him.

Harlow’s character really drives home how she and her brothers were raised. But even though Harlow has tried to close her heart, she has a need to help others. When presented with the opportunity to help Noah, she immediately came up with a plan of attack. Not because of who he was or that he was hot but because it was the right thing to do.

More Than Love You took me on an emotional journey. I almost felt like I was intruding on their lives. These siblings found a new definition of family that did not include their parents. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next.

More Than Love You

My Rating:

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Twitch

By Claire Marta

Synopsis

Still grieving from the tragic events in his homeland, Twitch is struggling to find a balance. While trying to control a new, unforseen side to his magic, the last thing he expects is to be consumed with thoughts of a pink haired girl with innocent grey eyes.

Bewitched and confused with the feelings Lexi stirs within him, Twitch is blindsided by the danger that surrounds him. What he thought he knew isn’t as solid as he believes.

With enemies drawing near, threatening both their lives, Twitch must master his new magic to survive, or be forever crippled by what has been unleashed.

Review

Twitch is one of the characters that makes The Hunter Chronicles Series so great. The fifth book in this series is devoted to him. In earlier books he was a supporting character and best friend to Jasmine. I really love Twitch. He always manages to survive and becomes stronger.

In this installment Twitch finds himself starting a relationship with Lexi. I think Lexi is perfect for him but she has some secrets of her own. She is such a great character. With her connection to Asier and what she is, their relationship has so hurdles to get over. I can’t wait to see where Claire Marta takes this couple.

There was also the introduction of two new characters to this series. Nelly and Zook were great and offered Twitch a true friendship and help when he needed it.

This book was so fast paced. It was hard to put down. I loved the action and the romance. The only thing that I missed in this story was Jasmine. Jasmine plays an important role in Twitch’s life, even if it is just as a friend. She is mentioned but I was just expecting her to have some advise for Twitch as he started this new relationship. I can’t wait for the next installment to this series!!!

Twitch

My Rating: 1/2

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Hey, Whiskey

By Kaylee Ryan

Synopsis

I’m over this year, and I’m over relationships. I’ve learned that the only person you can count on in life is yourself. Moving forward, I’m living for me. Working toward standing on my own two feet, that’s my goal. Funny how meeting him changed my path.

It’s been years since I’ve been back in this small town of West Virginia for more than a day or two. Spending time here brings back a lot of fond memories. When I stopped by an old friend’s bar, I was expecting to grab a drink and catch up. What I didn’t expect was her.

We share an undeniable attraction, but we continue to fight it.

Until one night in Vegas changes everything.

Review

I have now read a few books from Kaylee Ryan and Hey, Whiskey is classic to her style of writing. This author has a way of taking two people who have very different backgrounds and helps them to find a common ground. The two main characters in this story (Saylor and Rhett) were really special.

I love the fact that Saylor is such a strong character. She could have crumbled when her ex-boyfriend turned out to be such a jerk. And when her best friend decided to be more of a mean girl than friend. But she didn’t. Saylor seems to really want to find out what makes her happy.

Who wouldn’t want Rhett in their lives. He was brought up by a great family that taught him to respect everyone around him. I love the fact that family and friends mean a lot to him.

The secondary characters in this story were so much fun. Rhett’s Grandpa was perfect. Molly and Jack were exactly the type of friends Saylor needed in her life.

I really loved these characters. Kaylee Ryan got the balance perfect between the emotional parts and playful banter. There was great chemistry between all the characters. This was a nice heartwarming story and I can’t wait for what Kaylee has in store for us next.

Hey, Whiskey

My Rating:

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Saved (Honor Bound Book 1)

By Angel Payne

Synopsis

He saved her life…she saved his soul.

Garrett Hawkins is the most valuable asset to his Special Forces unit, because, frankly, the guy doesn’t care if he lives or dies anymore. Since the love of his life, Sage Weston, was kidnapped and killed with her medical unit a year ago, Garrett has turned the shell of his soul into the armor of a finely tuned fighting machine. Being the first tapped for the unit’s craziest missions is just fine by him. The less time for memories and the agony they carve into his soul, the better.

It’s a plan that works, until Garrett’s world is upended one night in the jungles of Thailand. Memories become reality when the unit is called to rescue a group of kidnapped aid workers, and they discover Sage and her teammate among the retrieved women. Now that Sage is back in his arms, Garrett doesn’t know what to do. He has changed in dramatic ways, especially in the darker tastes of his passion. If he touches Sage again, he’ll want to claim her, restrain her…dominate her.

Is Sage’s love strong enough to let Garrett back in, not only as her fiancé but her Dominant? Can she trust that visiting the new shadows of his life will lead her to ecstasy and not ruin? Or can Garrett’s discipline be exactly what her soul needs to find its way back to life—and love—again?

Review

I’m not sure what I was expecting with Saved the first book in the Honor Bound Series. I choose this book because I have read another book by Angel Payne and loved it and instantly knew I had to read more by her. This book started with a bang and just keep going. In the beginning it became abundantly clear that this book was going to take you on emotional highs and lows.

My heart broke for Garrett. He loved Sage so much and then lost her. Not only did her loss her but also his whole reason for living. He became a shell of a human being.

Sage was the perfect match for Garrett but after being gone for so long and basically coming back from the dead they had to find a new way to be together.

This book had so many great moments. I loved the strength of all the female characters and the realization the male characters could also use time to heal from past wounds. I loved Sage in the way that she was not going to give up on Garrett and was willing to try new things to keep them together. I am so excited to read Zeke and Rayna’s story and then Ethan’s story.

Saved

My Rating:

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Visit author: Angel Payne

Roomies

By Christina Lauren

Synopsis

Marriages of convenience are so…inconvenient.

For months Holland Bakker has invented excuses to descend into the subway station near her apartment, drawn to the captivating music performed by her street musician crush. Lacking the nerve to actually talk to the gorgeous stranger, fate steps in one night in the form of a drunken attacker. Calvin Mcloughlin rescues her, but quickly disappears when the police start asking questions.

Using the only resource she has to pay the brilliant musician back, Holland gets Calvin an audition with her uncle, Broadway’s hottest musical director. When the tryout goes better than even Holland could have imagined, Calvin is set for a great entry into Broadway—until his reason for disappearing earlier becomes clear: he’s in the country illegally, his student visa having expired years ago.

Seeing that her uncle needs Calvin as much as Calvin needs him, a wild idea takes hold of her. Impulsively, she marries the Irishman, her infatuation a secret only to him. As their relationship evolves and Calvin becomes the darling of Broadway—in the middle of the theatrics and the acting-not-acting—will Holland and Calvin to realize that they both stopped pretending a long time ago?

Review

Roomies is a standalone romance about two people with different passions. Calvin who only wants to make music and Holland who wants to find her muse again.

Calvin, who is here on an expired visa, is given the opportunity of his lifetime. He has to turn it down because of his immigration status. But Holland believes Calvin is the best for her uncle’s show and will do anything to make sure he will join it.

I found that the story started a little slow but I realized quickly that the pace of the story reflected the pace of Holland’s life at the moment. She was not moving through life very quickly. She earned her degree in writing but after graduating the words didn’t come to her very easily so she started working for her uncle selling merchandise for his show.

Holland keep herself busy stalking Calvin until she was attacked on the subway where he was busking. But it wasn’t until this crazy idea of how to get Calvin a legal status to work in this country did this story really start moving for me. And it is at that point that Holland’s life started to move. Her creative side started to come to the surface.

I really liked the way the story went. Strangers that needed something from each other to two people who were passionate about each other. It was obvious that Calvin was unique and cared very deeply for Holland. And Holland obsession turned into a relationship. Both had to get over hurdles to finally get to a good place in their lives.

This story was very touching and fun to see how these two found their way through this crazy arrangement.

Roomies

My Rating:

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