Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor (Friday Harbor #1) by Lisa Kleypas

Title: Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor
(Christmas With Holly)
Series: Friday Harbor #1
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Published: April 11th 2010
Format: Paperback | Pages:  224
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Holiday
Source: BookOutlet
★★★✩ (3.5/5) Stars!

Lisa Kleypas | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Now a Hallmark Hall of Fame television movie (December 2012), CHRISTMAS WITH HOLLY (previously published as CHRISTMAS EVE AT FRIDAY HARBOR) is the first book in New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas’s new series, which begins during the most magical time of year...

ONE LITTLE GIRL NEEDS A FAMILY 

One rain-slicked night, six-year-old Holly lost the only parent she knew, her beloved mother Victoria. And since that night, she has never again spoken a word.

ONE SINGLE MAN NEEDS A WIFE 

The last thing Mark Nolan needs is a six-year-old girl in his life. But he soon realizes that he will do everything he can to make her life whole again. His sister’s will gives him the instructions: There’s no other choice but you. Just start by loving her. The rest will follow.

SOMETIMES, IT TAKES A LITTLE MAGIC… 

Maggie Collins doesn’t dare believe in love again, after losing her husband of one year. But she does believe in the magic of imagination. As the owner of a toy shop, she lives what she loves. And when she meets Holly Nolan, she sees a little girl in desperate need of a little magic.

…TO MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE 

Three lonely people. Three lives at the crossroads. Three people who are about to discover that Christmas is the time of year when anything is possible, and when wishes have a way of finding the path home… 

For the last few years there's been a movie that I have to watch, usually more than once, once the Christmas movies start hitting the television. It's this adorable movie called Christmas with Holly, on the Hallmark Channel. Part of the appeal for me is the fact that it's set on one of the islands just a ferry ride off from the town I live in, but mostly because it's a cute, sweet and heartwarming story. My powers of observation failed me for the last few years because it wasn't until quite a few months ago, when browsing through BookOutlet and saw the title Christmas with Holly that I realized it was based off of a book by Lisa Kleypas. Of course I couldn't resist getting my hands on it and with it being the Christmas season I finally allowed myself to dive in!

While the basic storyline is pretty much the same as it is in the movie, there's also a lot...a lot that is different. Normally I'm a read the book before I see the movie type of person but since I was oblivious of the book up to this point I've come to the realization that I seem to be loyal to whichever I get to first. In this case that would be the movie. I mean, don't get me wrong this book was fine. But that's just it. It was just "fine" for me. I feel like had I read the book first I would've ended up skipping the movie all together simply because it was based off of this book. Thank goodness that didn't happen!

The thing that rubbed me the wrong way the most was Nolan brothers and just how vastly different they are between the two formats. In the movies Mark, who this first book centers around, is kind of boyishly handsome and he's sweet, like so, so sweet. I absolutely adored him. Then I read the book and he's just so cold and stern almost, very untrusting and way too buttoned up and serious. And the vibe I get from Maggie is that she views him as intimidating. For me, he was extremely unlikable. Well at least before Maggie starts rubbing off on him and he eventually lightens up again and I saw minuscule glimpses of the guy I loved from the movie.

Plus one of the things that had me really excited to read the book version was I liked the dynamic you had with the three brothers. They weren't exactly close and thick as thieves but you could see the way they looked out for one another and there was an easy banter between them. In the book they're almost all indifferent towards one another throughout most of the book. It was a pretty sad discovery.

Both Maggie and Holly were the bright spots of this reading experience. They were exactly as I was expecting them to be, so that was a plus. Maggie is the type of character you'd want to surround yourself with. She's like positivity, optimism and happiness personified. She's been through a lot and even though she has this sad side and has given up on one part of her life you still can't help but feel happy when she's on the pages and spreading hope and, well, the magic that is her. And Holly, well you can't help but fall in love with this adorable little girl who's lost so much at such a young age. I want to pull her out of the book/movie, either one, and protect her and care for her.

Though once again, the timeline in which certain aspects of the story play out were very jumbled and different. The one thing piece of the storyline that captures my heart the most, the reason I watch this movie year after year and get all emotional about is like wham, bam and done in just a couple chapters. I feel like that piled on top of just how different and unlikable Mark was left me feeling quite a bit indifferent to this book. 

I mean, I feel horrible, terrible saying this but...find the movie and watch it. I kind of wish I'd skipped read this one by myself. 

A part of me kind of wants to check out other books in this story and see what happens with Sam and Alex, the two brothers, now that I know there's a whole series. I am really, really curious. But a bigger part of me is telling me that I should just stick with her historical romances which I absolutely love!

It really makes me sad that I didn't love this one as much as I wanted to!

REVIEW: Sleeping with the Boss (Anderson Brothers #1) by Marissa Clarke

Title: Sleeping with the Boss
Series: Anderson Brothers #1
Author: Marissa Clarke
Publisher: Entangled Lovestruck
Published: August 11th 2014
Format: eBook | Pages: 250
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: Amazon
★★★★★ (5/5) Stars!!

Marissa Clarke | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

A satisfying category romance from Entangled’s brand new Lovestruck imprint…

Seducing the enemy has never been so tempting…

For the last five years, bookish Claire Williams has been living for the dying. Now that her stint as caretaker is over, she’s off to see the world. She needs quick cash first, so a temp job at Anderson Auctions seems perfect, especially with the unexpected benefits, including the hottest man she’s ever laid eyes—or hands—on. 

Former Marine William Anderson has been burned one time too many. His military training makes him the perfect man to flush out the spy undercutting his family business, but no amount of training can prepare him for the kind of undercover work he’ll have to do when the sexy new temp is implicated. Desire lands them in bed…but duty may cost him his heart.

So I'd been sitting here in a bit of a Anderson Brother's withdrawal of sorts after finishing the final book in the series, Chance of a Lifetime, the other week. I was both bummed because it was over and also beyond delighted that Marissa Clarke ended the series with such a bang. Yet I still wanted more. So as I was, quite literally, swiping through the titles on my Kindle rather quickly and with a rather ho-hum state of mind, all of a sudden Sleeping with the Boss jumped out at me! It was quite a forehead smacking moment because all I could think was "you complete dolt, you bought that months ago and never read it!" Of course then I had a moment where I did a little jig in my chair because...I HAD ONE MORE MOMENT WITH THE ANDERSON BOYS!

Sigh.

I always seem to fall hardest for books or series where you have a family or a group of friends that have really fun dynamics, and this series definitely falls into that category. I feel like not every author can quite do a good enough job separating the personalities in their characters and making them unique from each other. One of the things that makes these Anderson boys so lovable is how different they are from one another. Michael, book two, is the oldest. He's all business, suit and tie, very rigid, schedule everything and everything is precisely in it's place and neat and orderly. Then you have William, this book, in the middle. Will is more of the laid back type. He is serious and analytical in a sense, but also very playful and charming. He's really good with people and knows how to read them. He's a good problem solver which makes him perfect for his security gig. Then there's Chance, book three, the baby. He's definitely the wild one out of the bunch. He's the thrill seeker type, real adrenaline junkie, but he's also incredibly sweet and kind of perfect.

The three of them could not be more different from one another and yet they have this beautiful bond and are really good at leveling each other out. It's beyond hilarious watching them push each other's buttons and tease and get on each other's cases in a loving and good natured sort of way. But they also look out for one another and have each other's backs and have this amazing blind faith in each other's word. They're a very heartwarming bunch.

And the women they all lose their hearts too are just as great as the guys are! I freaking adored Claire to pieces! She's one of those characters where, if there's the slightest possibility that something could go wrong, when Claire is involved it most definitely will go wrong! That girl had me cracking up so much with all the bumbles and moments that probably would've had me horrified and locking myself in my room for the rest of my life with embarrassment if they were to happen to me. But Claire is just kinda shrugs it off and rolls with the punches. She was such an interesting and extremely fun character.

I will say that even though I did have the whole company spy thing figured out instantly, it didn't take away a single bit of enjoyment in the slightest. I still really enjoyed the storyline.

Oh swooniest of swoons, the romance! Will and Claire have this instant heat that was just so delicious. They easily fall into adorable bouts of banter that would leave me grinning ear to ear...and also in desperate need of some cooling off! They were the perfect blend of steamy and sweet.

The bottom line is, if you love funny, witty and sweet contemporary romances filled with the types off characters you wish you could pull out of the book and hang out with in real life, you absolutely need to give this series a try. Each one you read ends up being better than the last. They're quick and easy reads that were impossible for me to put down! I'm looking forward to see what Marissa Clarke has coming in the future because this series has added her to my list of authors I will buy and read anything from!

ARC REVIEW: Chance of a Lifetime (Anderson Brothers #3) by Marissa Clarke

Title: Chance of a Lifetime
Series: Anderson Brothers #3
Author: Marissa Clarke
Publisher: Entangled Lovestruck
Published: November 16th 2015
Format: eARC | Pages: 220
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: Publisher
★★★★★ (5/5) Stars!!

Marissa Clarke | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Sometimes the biggest risk is playing it safe…

Gen Richards is tired of living down to her family’s expectation of the helpless blind girl. Resurrecting her high-school bucket list that begins with “kiss a total stranger” seems just the thing until she finds herself in a panty-melting lip lock with her big brother’s best friend. 

Chance Anderson thrives on adrenaline, but Genny’s the one risk he’s not willing to take. His recklessness a decade ago landed her in the hospital and ejected him from her life. He’s bad for her and everyone knows it—especially her big brother. 

Chance reluctantly helps Gen complete her bucket list in order to keep her out of trouble. Running through a freezing fountain, playing Spin the Bottle while fending off a mad horde of stinging insects, and skinny dipping with homicidal attack swans don’t hold a candle to the real danger: falling for the one person he can never have.

I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. In no way did this sway either my review or my rating!

My heart is so full right now. I fell in love with this series and the Anderson brothers from the moment I first picked up Michael's book. They are the perfect blend of humor and romance, with a brilliant set of characters that leaves you constantly wanting more of them. Chance of a Lifetime was the perfect end to this series and I'm so sad to see it be over. About halfway through it really hit me that this is it and all I could think was how in a perfect world Chance and Gen, hell the entire Anderson clan and their women need to be in all the books I read in the future. That is how much I adore them.

For lack of a better phrase, I like to go into a series blind. I don't like to know the details or read the blurbs so everything is fresh and a surprise and I have zero expectations. Gen was the most pleasant surprise all. I don't think I've ever read a book with a blind main character before, at least not that I can recall. Marissa Clarke did a fabulous job at putting you in her shoes. You experience things differently through her point of view and it comes across perfectly and beautifully. Plus it's not hard to sympathize with someone who is strong and capable and only has one small obstacle with her day to day life, she can't see, yet her family treats her as if her lack of sight has impacted her mental capacity. It was easy to feel angry for her and cheer her on as she would take control of her life.

Seeing this amazing character as she blossoms and experiences new things brought on a whole new level of emotional for me. I would find myself tearing up at things we find so simple but are a wonder to Gen. And I loved her curiosity and I would always grin whenever her most used phrase would pop up, "What do you see?" I just adored her.

And I loved how Chance supports her and empowers her. He is such a good guy. He's definitely become my favorite Anderson brother. He treated her like a human and he cherished her. Like I wish I could sit here and gush about all the freaking amazing things that Chance does that concern Gen but...you know...spoilers. Trust me when I say you will lose your heart totally and completely over this guy.

"Nobody needs to lead you two to each other. You'd find each other from opposite sides of the planet."

And the connection and sparks between these two. Oh my freaking word! There was this magnetic, tangible heat between Chance and Gen. Honestly I can say that they shared the most intense first kiss that I have ever read or probably ever will read. Maybe because you experience it with all your other senses, Marissa Clarke has a way with vividly tickling your other senses in this book that's for sure. Just thinking about it makes me want to go read it all over again.

As if you couldn't already tell...I am so far beyond head over heels for this book. It was all just so perfect. Does it really have to be over? Are we sure there aren't any Anderson boys hidden away anywhere? No? Sigh....

ARC REVIEW: Tell Me You Need Me (Search and Seduce #1) by Joya Ryan

Title: Tell Me You Need Me
Series: Search and Seduce #1
Author: Joya Ryan
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
Published: November 16th 2015
Format: eARC | Pages: 132
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Erotica
Source: Publisher
★★★✩ (3.5/5) Stars

Joya Ryan | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...

Playing dirty can be the best kind of fun…

Chloe Franklin wouldn't call herself a commitment-phobe, so much as she's allergic to anything long term. She loves the sexy, sweaty and intensely hot hours of the night that come before the sun rises, though. Especially when those nights are spent with Search-and-Rescuer Gage McGraw...

Gage loves his job, but there is one thing he's starting to like more than the rush of a mission--a stacked blonde with a mouth that haunts his dreams. Every time he steps foot in the sleepy town of Beaufort, he hooks up with Chloe. But he's tired of hooks-ups. He wants more.

Just the sight of Gage gets Chloe's blood going. Hot, bothered, and finally naked, she's ready for their night to start. But before he takes her, he whispers what his intentions really are…and then the games really begin.

I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. In no way did this sway either my review or my rating.

This is so hard, because normally I'd be shouting from the rooftops right about now on a major book high from finishing a Joya Ryan book. Unfortunately I'm not doing that with this one. Don't get me wrong I really liked it. I just didn't fall in love with it like I did with all of the previous books of hers I've read. Part of it is me I will admit. I'm having the worst time getting into books period right now. I can't find anything that sinks it's claws in and doesn't let go. So that's on me. But then again, this book was also very contradictory with both Chloe and Gage, in a very frustrating way.

Let me see if I can explain.

I just didn't get their feelings. But not attraction or romance wise, their chemistry and the heat between them was very real and I could see how they cared. First let me make it clear by saying Gage and Chloe have had a mutually appreciated no strings, only when he's in town, strictly sexual relationship. It's been working for years. This time around though Gage starts pushing Chloe for more. For a relationship. But...only when he comes to town in between rescue jobs. It's practically identical to what they have now...just some actual talking in between rolls in the hay.

Now, where this all starts to really irk me, is the fact that he is seriously pushing and almost, in a way, blackmailing her into giving him a chance and opening herself up. She's got her reasons for avoiding that kind of intimacy from watching her parents implode, so she's all messed up in a weird sort of way. So all they do for huge chunks of the book is try to push the other one into getting exactly what they want with their bodies and sexually frustrating the other one. Him wanting more, her wanting just for him to do her.

I mean, there is no denying that these two have combustible levels of heat. And I completely shipped them without a doubt. I just did not get this wall between them. It didn't make complete sense to me or even feel right. Especially how he expected her to bend at everything and yet he wouldn't even consider doing the same to make it happen throughout most of the book.

The other thing that really got to me about their whole situation was this point in the book when Chloe is frustrated with a situation at her restaurant and, after all of the pushing and well meaning manipulation (I'm not saying he's a jerk or anything I actually like the guy) Gage's advice to Chloe is that "you can't force a situation. You just need to relax and let it happen." Um. Hello? Part of me wanted to yell at him to take his own advice. Yet the other half knew if he did that they'd never get anywhere. It just made it hard to get through with both of their nonsensical romance antics.

Chloe wasn't any better. She'd push him away or seduce him into giving in sexually to her "needs'. She'd tell him she needed space. He'd give it and she'd be all internally whiny and pouty about it and then freak out about what she was feeling.

Sigh.

I absolutely wanted to love this one so very much. Most especially because I freaking adore Joya Ryan. Sadly Chloe and Gage left me more frustrated than swooning. I know it sounds like I had a horrible time reading this but I truly didn't. It had it's funny moments and it kept me interested to the end. It was good, I just never completely clicked and fell head over heels in love with it. I will say that I am so, so excited to read East's story though when it comes out. The sparks I saw forming and who I saw them forming with...*whistles* I think they would make for one highly entertaining book!

Thanks to Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!

ARC REVIEW: Sweet Ride (Playing for Keeps #3) by Cathryn Fox

Title: Sweet Ride
Series: Playing for Keeps #3
Author: Cathryn Fox
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
Published: November 16th 2015
Format: eARC | Pages: 75
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: Publisher
★★✩ (2.5/5) Stars

Cathryn Fox | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

A sexy category romance novella from Entangled's Brazen imprint...

He'll unlock her wildest fantasies...

Private investigator Curtis Jagger has always had a thing for Alix Harris. She was the darling of their high school--gorgeous, popular, class president...and, he suspects, just as naughty as she is nice. Now Jag has the opportunity to show her what she's missing. To show her that sometimes being bad can be sexy as hell...

Alix has always done what she's supposed to, and it's gotten her exactly nowhere. Determined to please herself--

I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. In no way did this sway either my review or my rating.

I'm having a hard time trying to figure out how to express my feelings for this book and this series. On the one hand I loved it and couldn't wait to find out what happened to each couple, but on the other the books are each so dang short, novella length, that everything happens at warp speed and there's really not enough time for these stories to evolve and give you that wow factor we're all looking for. Sure they kept my attention enough for me to still be here for number three. But if I'm being honest...I should've called it good at the end of the first one. Oh my stupid-must-know-how-everything-ends brain.

Sadly, Sweet Ride is actually my least favorite book in the series. Because while I said all the books happen at warp speed, this one does so in triple time. Alix goes through this crappy situation and instead of digesting it all she hops on a plane via a mystery person, plays hard to get with Jag for about five minutes, then blinks and puts her good girl aside for some wild sex with a guy she barely knew in high school. Oh and they fall madly in love in about a week.

Sigh.

Look. It takes a damn good story to get me to overlook insta-love. And even then, 9.5 times out of 10, I'm still kind of irritated with the situation. Had this book been longer I probably could have come close to forgiveness, but still I don't feel like it would've been solid enough for it, in my opinion.

I'm not saying they're completely terrible. I mean, Alix and Jag had some really amazing chemistry. I just wish there had been more substance to their relationship besides just incredibly hot sex. Something to make me sit here and say "yes. I believe in the two of you!" That doesn't happen though.

I'm really not sure if there's anything more positive to say from my reading experience. Alix was an okay character, but probably my series least favorite. While on the opposite side of the fence, I thought Jag was wonderful and would definitely be my favorite. So you can see I was pretty conflicted. 

I guess if you're looking for a really quick filler book in between something bigger and you don't mind people diving head first into love faster than you can say yeehaw, you'll probably have fun reading these books. I'm, unfortunately, all insta-loved out for the year.

Thanks to Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

ARC REVIEW: Compromising Her Position (Compromise Me #1) by Samanthe Beck

Title: Compromising Her Position
Series: Compromise Me #1
Author: Samanthe Beck
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
Published: November 16th 2015
Format: eARC | Pages: 197
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Erotica
Source: Publisher
★★★★✩ (4.5/5) Stars!

Samanthe Beck | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...

He's not who she expected, but he's exactly the man she needs…

When Chelsea Wayne drags Santa into a supply closet for a little office party nookie, she assumes the man in the suit is her on-again/off-again coworker boyfriend. Instead, it's Rafe St. Sebastian, a man known for his hard-driving ways in business as well as the bedroom--and, kill her now, the brand spanking new owner of Las Ventanas--who grants her naughtiest Christmas wishes.

So much for her reputation, not to mention her career.

Rafe needs to close three acquisitions to prove to his father he's ready to take the helm of St. Sebastian Enterprises. A hot interlude in a supply closet after deal number two seems like the perfect illicit Christmas bonus. Unfortunately, when that "bonus" becomes the key to the final deal, he finds himself back in bed--so to speak--with Chelsea, and after their steamy tryst, he's not interested in keeping things professional…

I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. In no way did this sway either my review or my rating!

Oh. My. Hotness. Batman. Wow! I know this is only the second book by Samanthe Beck that I have read, but really that's all it takes to realize that when it comes to her writing you can expect lots of fun, a sweet and steamy romance, laugh out loud humor and lots and lots of heat. I absolutely loved Compromising Her Position. If you're a big Entangled Brazen fan, like I am, this one is absolutely a must read. Definitely top tier of the Brazen line.

The characters in this book are so great. Chelsea is the people pleaser type. She puts everyone else before herself and will bend over backwards to make sure people are happy. But instead of this coming off as her being this weak, annoying pushover, Chelsea is actually extremely endearing. I absolutely adored her to pieces. Especially when she would let loose and shed some of that nice girl that she is to her core and flip Rafe's world upside down.

Rafe is every bit as sexy as his name suggests he would be. I mean, Rafe St. Sebastian. Come on! Too much sexy. I loved his confidence and the fact that, sure, he has a tiny bit of an ego. But it manifests itself in this sexy, self-confident way. Wow, could I try to fit the word sexy one more time into describing this guy? Sheesh! I just mean that instead of him sitting there with a cocky grin saying things like "all the babes love me" it's more of the confident way he'll whisper the most naughty things to Chelsea about what he knows she wants him to do to her all while she's trying, trying being the key word, to deny it's true. Basically he's so much fun and extremely swoon worthy. Oh and did I mention sexy? *Grins*

The story itself was a whole lot of fun as well. I laughed out loud on more than one occasion and had a smile on my face from start to finish. So it, in my opinion, is borderline insta-love. Because while they did spend lots of time together, I'd say it was 60% heat, 25% business related and maybe 15% of the getting to know you on a deeper level. But the ridiculous amounts of chemistry between Chelsea and Rafe along with the fact that they were so freaking sweet and playful when they were together just kind of made me feel like who cares if they didn't know each other very deeply before they fell into forever. I just want more freaking Chelsea and Rafe please!

Like I said in the opening this is an absolute must read for Brazen lovers. And if you've never picked one up before but curiosity is nibbling at your heels I would have to say that this book would be a good starting off point. But be warned, they're a little bit like book crack, especially when they're so well written and have truly lovable characters like Samanthe Beck's do! Beginning to end this book was engaging and full of heart. Simply put...I freaking adored it!

Huge thanks to Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!

ARC REVIEW: Rolling in the Deep by Rebecca Rogers Maher

Title: Rolling in the Deep
Author: Rebecca Rogers Maher
Publisher: Loveswept
Published: November 10th 2015
Format: eARC | Pages: 180
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: Publish via NetGalley
★★★★ (4/5) Stars!

Rebecca Rogers Maher | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

In this raw, moving novel for readers of Jill Shalvis, Molly O’Keefe, and Karina Halle, two kindred spirits share a winning lottery ticket—and discover what it really means to get lucky.

Holly Ward is stretched to the breaking point, raising her young son alone and working long hours for minimum wage at a local superstore. Sure, she’s noticed the new guy with the easy grin and warm brown eyes, but she’s learned the hard way that relationships aren’t worth the pain. Still, when he invites her to split a lottery ticket, she figures a little innocent fun couldn’t hurt. The last thing she expects is to score big, which is exactly what happens . . . in more ways than one.

From the moment he meets Holly, Ray Lopez is drawn to her quiet dignity and openhearted beauty. And when they hit the jackpot together, he’s thrilled that the single mom can give her kid a better life. The only problem is the chaos surrounding them: lawyers and reporters swarming, friends and family angling to get their cut. In all the chaos, Ray discovers an oasis of calm and passion in Holly. But with the stakes higher than ever, winning her trust could cost him everything.

I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. In no way did this sway either my review or my rating!

This book was extremely hard to get through, strictly on an emotional basis and nothing to do with writing quality at all. You know how sometimes you come across those books that will restore your faith in humanity and lift you up, all that kind of stuff? Yeah this did none of those things for me throughout huge chunks of it. I kept having to stop and start, over and over. I desperately wanted to see how it would all come to an end, but at the same time every few pages I was either angry or hurting or a really messed up combination of the two.

My feelings towards Holly's character are very, very mixed. As a mother, she's pretty freaking great. She would and has sacrificed anything for her son. On that front I have copious amounts of respect for her. However, due to the verbal abuse of her ex-husband she is an extremely weak person to the most annoying extent. Don't get me wrong, I realize that this, in a way, is not her fault. Her ex is a real piece of work let me tell you. But the fact that she allows it to go on and even years after their divorce lets herself be a doormat for him drove me insane. Every time it was in her point of view she would internally question her own worth, her worth as a mother and so on and so forth. I had plenty of moments when her whiny, self-depreciating inner monologue was almost too much.

But what really and truly made me lose faith in mankind was less the main characters and more the brief side characters. First you have Holly's ex-husband, Brett, who is bad enough as it is. He would constantly degrade her which is bad in itself, but what made it a million times worse is the fact that he would do it while standing right next to their son who is around 10 years old I think. So he's obviously old enough to understand what's going on. I was seeing red so freaking much. Holly would bring Drew to his house to drop him off for his week with the kid and as they got out the car Brett would look her up and down with total disgust and say things like "You really just don't even try do you?" or anything else he can find to pick at her about with Drew right freaking there. Bless Holly though for the fact that she never responds, instead she'll just bend down and hug her little boy and tell him how much she loved him. Ugh. It's been days and I still feel all the rage just thinking about that jerk. 

Or the heartless, piece of crap reporter who did something so incredibly unthinkable that was the worst invasion of privacy I could ever imagine to Ray. I won't give it away, but I really have no words for how sick and gutted it made me feel. Mostly because I could actually see this happening in the real world and it hurt my heart.

People suck.

Everybody always dreams about how amazing life could be if you hit it big, won the lottery. You imagine spending the money in your mind and how different it could make your life. Heck, I did it myself while I was reading. Went through all the what ifs.

I loved that this book didn't paint it all with champagne and roses. You see a darker side. You see the pain, the fear and the worry. The doubts that settle in. You see these characters struggle with trust and how to go on and move to the next phase when everything they've known their whole lives changes in the blink of an eye. Rebecca Rogers Maher did such an amazing job of pulling you into that negative side of something that most would think of as a blessing and really tugging at your emotions and give you that feeling of "be careful what you wish for."

Even though Rolling in the Deep was hard to read due to the huge toll on the emotions it was such a good and engaging story. I adored Ray and his genuinely good and giving spirit. I loved the romance between Ray and Holly. I adored little Drew and what a great kid he was despite the kind of man his father was and displayed to him constantly. It was just a really good, dark and intriguing story and I will definitely be reading more from Rebecca Rogers Hughes in the future!

Big thanks to Loveswept for the opportunity to read and review this book!

ARC REVIEW: His Pirate Seductress (Love on the High Seas #3) by Tamara Hughes

Title: His Pirate Seductress
Series: Love on the High Seas #3
Author: Tamara Hughes
Publisher: Entangled Scandalous
Published: November 9th 2015
Format: eARC | Pages: 164
Genres: Adult, Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
★★★★ (4/5) Stars!

Tamara Hughes | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

A woman of passion. A man of principle. And only one can win...

With her son's life in the balance, Catherine Fry is forced to locate and steal the priceless Ruby Cross of the Knights Templar. She knows who has it—it's just a matter of coercing Thomas Glanville, the handsome and incredibly stubborn captain of the ship she’s captured, into telling her the exact location. Fortunately, Catherine knows that there are many ways to get a man to talk...

Captain Thomas Glanville has the cross and he'll be damned if he's going to hand it over now that he finally has the means to buy a ship of his own. He's at the mercy of a fiery woman who will stop at nothing to achieve her goal. But Catherine has no idea who she's dealing with—and Thomas has his own means of charming a woman into his mercy and his bed...

I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. In no way did this sway either my review or my rating.

Even with my love of Historical Romances, I never thought that I'd be one for the swashbuckling and danger on the high seas. I really didn't think pirates would be my thing. Okay, sure. I admit that I may have had a fantasy or two about a certain captain with an affinity to rum and a very bird-like name but come on....Johnny Depp. Anyway. When the first book in this series, Tempting the Pirate, came across my path, the little book devil that sits on my shoulder and pressures me to read ALL THE BOOKS, was like "you really need to read this book." Well I listened. I've been hooked on the Love on the High Seas series ever since. With this addition to the series, and the promise of a female pirate I was the most excited I'd been to step into this world and lose myself. While it took me a minute to really get into the story, once I did I fell just as hard for this one as I did both it's predecessors.

I think the reason it took me a few pages to truly accept the storyline and get into the flow of things and really enjoy what I was reading was the fact that Catherine was more of a reluctant pirate. It definitely wasn't a choice or something she sought doing. I kind of went in blind because I prefer it that way when I'm working my way through a series. So I guess I was expecting more of a fierce, tough as nails woman. While she had strong, stubborn streaks she wasn't what I had pictured in my mind I was going to find. Once I embraced the story though, I think this is a very good thing. I don't think I would have found the romance between the type of woman I was expecting and someone as stand-up and alpha-ish as Thomas very believable. It ended up being more fun than I had been hoping for anyway!

Though I do feel like the previous book had more of a heart pounding intensity and danger to it, this one still had quite an edge of danger on it's own. Definitely enough to keep you turning the pages and make it nearly impossible to want to put it down.

There has been such a fun variety of characters within this series. They're all very well written and complex. Plus Tamara Hughes always does a fantastic job at making you feel as if you truly are on the high seas or sucked back in time. It's fantastic.

If you love Historical Romance and haven't read any pirate books before, but are curious, I highly recommend giving this series a go. They are so much fun and filled with banter, breathtaking romance, heart stopping danger and sexy swashbuckling men (and women). I've thoroughly enjoyed the Love on the High Seas series and can't wait to see what Tamara Hughes has to bring us next!

Huge thanks goes to Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!

ARC REVIEW: Falling for Her Enemy (Still Harbor #2) by Victoria James

Title: Falling for Her Enemy
Series: Still Harbor #2
Author: Victoria James
Publisher: Entangled Bliss
Published: November 9th 2015
Format: eARC | Pages: 147
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: Publisher
★★★✩ (3.5/5) Stars!

Victoria James | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

A sweet category romance from Entangled's imprint...

She's falling for the one man who could destroy everything...

Alex McAllister always dreamed of a life filled with the laughter and love of a family, but being abandoned at a young age left her wary of letting anyone in. Now that she's settled in Still Harbor, Alex struggles between keeping her distance and the magnetic pull of the handsome stranger who claims he's the biological father of her adopted daughter.

Hayden Brooks never wanted to be a father. Long hours spent building his family's real estate empire suits him just fine. But when he discovers an ex put the baby he unknowingly fathered up for adoption, his world crumbles. He tracks the child to Still Harbor with the intention of bringing her home-and comes face to face with his daughter's stunning adoptive mother.

The paternity test is in. And Hayden's about to make the most shocking decision of his life, just in time for Christmas...

I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. In no way did this sway either my review or my rating!

Sometimes there's nothing I love more than a really emotional book or series. I swear the Still Harbor books are going to be the death of my emotions. I was in a near constant state of tears through almost every point in this book. Although if you read that blurb there's really nothing else you could expect from a storyline like that. The threat of a very happy and sweet family being ripped apart. I loved the way it was written though, for the most part.

So first I'll get to the couple of things that I didn't like before I move on to my praise. First, and I cannot stress enough how much of a oh-please-no-just-stop this is, but this series focuses on three very intelligent women yet all three of them seem to say a phrase constantly, that the way it is spelled in the books, really grates on me. That phrase would be "ohmigod" exactly like that. I just, I don't even know how to explain it. I see that and I'm like why? Why?

The other thing I didn't understand was there's a moment when Hayden is in Alex's driveway waiting for her and he's having a conversation on his phone with a friend. The conversation you read goes something like this:

"Yeah. Which one? Oh you think that's funny?"

All you get is Hayden's side of the conversation. I realize that said conversation literally has no kind of impact whatsoever on the plot so you don't need to know what's being said but the scene was in Hayden's point of view for crying out loud! Why even have that phone call at all without seeing both sides? Why have a long paragraph of one sided conversation? Why not just have him lost in thought or I don't know....anything! It just felt really weird and off and it broke up my momentum because I was chugging along and then I paused to wonder why this was happening.

I mean, I realize that both of these things are not anything major and I'm pretty much nitpicking, but both ended up breaking up my reading flow.

On with the praise. I feel like, as a mother myself, it was extremely easy to slip myself into Alex's shoes and truly sympathize and feel everything she was going through. When I tried to imagine someone possibly taking my son away from me I understood how very real Victoria James wrote Alex. She did such a good job with her character and Alex is definitely going to be my favorite of this series. She's just this really amazing force of good and I wish that more people in the world could be exactly like this woman. It'd be a much better place that's for sure.

While, by the end, I loved both characters, it took me a bit longer to warm up to Hayden. He comes off like this elitist snob most of the time. Looking down on public schools and things of that nature. But he did have moments of extreme sweetness and this natural fatherly connection to little Cassy that melted my heart and made it difficult to hold how he was raised against him.

Since I've already written a novel here myself I'll wrap this up by saying that, sure, there were a couple of things that annoyed me, but I just love this series. It's sweet and emotional. The romances will leave you swooning and breathless. I'm not sure how my heart will survive the last book, but I can't imagine it being more emotional that this one but really good all the same. Of course I thought that about the first book as well so...I still can't wait to read it!

Thanks goes to Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!