Thursday 29 September 2016

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: JACKSON STILES - ROAD TO REDEMPTION by JO RICHARDSON


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Jackson Stiles: Road to Redemption, Cookie Cutter & Cursed to be Wicked
 
 
Jackson Stiles, Road to Redemption
Road to Redemption #1
By: Jo Richardson
Releasing September 21, 2016 
Self-Published
 
In Jackson Stiles, Road to Redemption (Road to Redemption #1) by Jo Richardson, ever since reporter Emma Green wrote a piece about him, Jackson Stiles has begun questioning himself in his job as a private detective. Especially when a skip; a young man he caught for skipping his court date is murdered. Not knowing who to trust, Jackson has no choice but to team up with Emma. Can they figure out together who killed the victim before it's too late?

At the beginning of this story, I wasn't certain whether I was going to like it, because Jackson is a self-centered hero only looking out after himself. But once the murder occurs, and the hero realizes that the blame could possibly be placed on him, I really started to enjoy this story. However, it was the growing relationship between Emma and Jackson that had me hooked, because she's the one person that might be able to help him uncover the truth.

The dialogue was intense due to the main characters back stories, especially that of the hero. He doesn't have the best relationship with his family, and his father is a real piece of work, so I couldn't help but empathize with his need to stay away. How could the man continue to blame Jackson for a death that was nothing more than a tragic accident? It wasn't fair, and I could understand why he was so driven to find the person responsible for murdering his skip. The guilt of not being able to save someone he could have possibly saved rode him hard.

I really liked both Emma and Jackson. Emma misjudged Jackson when she wrote her article on him, but she realizes while she's helping him how much of a mistake she made. Really, Emma is strong, brave, persistent and I liked how determined she is to help Jackson, even though she's in an impossible situation due to her own back story. She has some tough decisions to make, and is torn between being blackmailed by someone while finally coming to trust Jackson, so I was glad she made the right choices when it came to their lives being in jeopardy.   

While Jackson, he likes to do things alone, and it isn't easy for him to work with Emma. Yet, the heroine is good for him. She gets him to open up about his past, and helps him to work through it. Moreover, the surprise Jackson's brother had for him during a family dinner had me laughing, as Jackson was so not expecting it. Then again, he and Emma were in a relationship -- fake or not. However, what I liked most about Jackson is that he was persistent to do the right thing by the victim. That he wasn't about to let the bad guys win, especially when the bad guys were supposed to be the good guys.

Overall, Ms. Richardson has penned a very good novel to start off this series, of which the growing relationship between Emma and Jackson was intense. Neither know whether they can trust the other, but they're going to have to, if they're to succeed in finding the truth. The way this story ended definitely sets things up for the next book in the series. Will Jackson return to the police force, or will he continue being a PI? Will Jackson continue to work with Emma to solve his cases since she's just as determined to see justice served as he is? I would recommend Jackson Stiles: Road to Redemption, if you enjoy romantic suspense, the fake relationship trope or a story with an intense storyline and characters willing to do the right thing to see justice served.

OVERALL RATING:



 
BLURB:
Jackson Stiles is used to having bad days, but they’ve been especially bad since a certain tabloid reporter seems to have it out for him.

 
Emma Green doesn’t mean any harm. She simply sees it as her duty to report the misdeeds of certain Private Detectives who charge too much in a society where people need more superheroes and less villains; something even Jackson has convinced himself he deserves to be called, deep in his gut.
 
When the two of them realize they’re investigating the same suspicious circumstances, Emma makes Jackson an offer he only wishes he could refuse. But can the man who trusts no one allow the one woman he can’t stand help him get to the bottom of a murder he feels responsible for?
 
Exposed and unsure, these two unexpected allies come together to unmask the mysteries cloaked in plain sight while uncovering secrets within each other. A lost soul and a seeker of truth travel down the road to redemption and discover more than they bargained for.
 
Buy Links:  Amazon 

 
  
“Morning, Stiles.” The five-and-a-half-foot brunette that likes to make my life miserable is easily five-eight, maybe even five-nine, in the heels she’s got on today. Combined with the dark blue power suit she’s wearing, she comes off as all business despite the fact that she doesn’t make eye contact with me. She’s too busy scrolling through a bunch of bullshit on her smartphone.
I growl a response so it comes out as more of a warning than a greeting. Is it a bit much for this time of day? Maybe. Considering our history, I’m not exactly worried about her impression of me, though.
 
Emma Green is the latest and greatest “crime” reporter for our friendly neighborhood tabloid. And I use the term “reporter” loosely, by the way. Very loosely.
Doesn’t care about getting the story right in certain cases, if ya know what I mean, loosely.
 
Her name’s been on nearly every article the Redemption Chronicle has put out since she arrived from somewhere down in Florida. She shows up at most crime scenes, from burglaries to homicides, and has very much become a royal pain in my...
“You’re late, by the way. They were just talking about you.” She mutters and points, blindly, down the hall as she steps into the elevator. Which is my cue to get the fuck out.
 
My one and only cigarette calls to me from the front pocket of my button down. Thank God I remembered it. But quite frankly, I don’t have the energy to pull it out. Not that I wouldn’t get arrested if I did, but . . .
“And you look like hell.” She’s full of compliments today, I see.
 
“Fuck you very much, Green.” Not that I’m complaining. It makes it easy to respond to her in like fashion. And bonus: I’m feeling pretty good about getting the last word in on this battle of the banter, as the doors close but then they open again.
“Maybe you shouldn’t stay up so late playing around with your buddies over at the police department.” I look back to see her foot blocking the sensors that would normally allow the doors to close. She still can’t be bothered to look up. She’s too busy burying her nose into the iPhone.
 
Let’s be real here. Flirting is not her forte.
“I appreciate that enlightening bit of useless advice, Green.” Despite my attempt to be nice sarcasm spills out of every word. It’s only when she pulls her foot all the way in and the doors are halfway shut that I ask myself─ how did she know I was downtown last night?
 
Emerald eyes peer up at me as the question enters my mind. And I swear, she’s fucking smirking.
Between the pleasant smile and the way her expression lights up like she’s about to pounce, I’m not sure what the hell to think. I haven’t seen her smile like that since the day I briefly met her on the scene of a break-in I was hired to investigate. First thing I noticed was her smile. She seemed...new.
 
The next thing I noticed was her eyes.
 
Deep green. The grab-a-hold-of-you-and-don’t-let-go kind that make you wanna know everything that’s going on behind them.
 
And don’t even get me started on her ass. It begs for mercy because she, no doubt, runs it every day, then follows up with a pint of fat free yogurt and a jug of water.

Not that I’ve thought about it.
But I digress.
 
She was polite enough. Or so I thought. Asked me if I had any insider’s information on what had gone down that day. It’s not like I was rude or anything. All I did was tell her I wasn’t doing her fucking job for her.
 
I paid the price for that comment in the article she ran the next day. The headline read, “Local P.I. steals more from family than burglar.” I won’t bother you with the details, but let’s just say, the article was less about the break-in and more about what an asshole I am.
I mean, what the fuck?
 
I can assure anyone who has the balls to ask, I charge less than ninety percent of the dicks working the tri-state area. Just ask the bill collectors.
 
The asshole thing is still up for debate...in most circles.
Lesson learned here? Never trust a woman with eyes that stunning or an ass that tight.
 
Basically, I fucking hate her.
 

A movie fanatic, a writer of stories, a lover of life.
I grew up in Maryland with four siblings, three parents and an endless number of cousins within the vicinity – but it was too cold up North for this thin blooded girl. So today, I live in Florida with my two girls and a husband that shares my same sense of humor and basic take on life as we know it.
Life is too short to put dreams on the back burner.
I write both contemporary and paranormal stories that include mystery, suspense, humor, action, romance, and anything else I can think up.
Author Links: 

 
 

 



 

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: HER RENEGADE RANCHER by JENNIFER RYAN


Enter to Win a Montana Moonstone Necklace and print copies
of the previous books in the Montana Men series:
AT WOLF RANCH, WHEN IT'S RIGHT,
HER LUCKY COWBOY, and STONE COLD COWBOY 
 

Her Renegade Rancher
Montana Men #5
By: Jennifer Ryan
Releasing September 20, 2016
Avon
 
In Her Renegade Rancher (Montana Men #5) by Jennifer Ryan, believing he wronged Luna Hill when he kissed her while she was in a relationship with his best friend, Colt McKendrick has done his best to avoid the gorgeous woman, even though she's best friends with his brother's fiancé. But now, the time has come for him to finally see if they have a chance. Can he convince Luna that she should take a chance on him?
 
Luna Hill shared a special friendship with Wayne, the older gentleman that visited her at her work. She cared for him like a second father, and takes his death hard. Harder than his cold-hearted family that didn't care about him as much as they cared about his money. At the reading of the man's will, Luna's whole life changes. But just as she's beginning to handle the changes and find a way to be with the one man she wants to be with, a threat surfaces. Can she keep herself and Colt safe, or will she lose everything?
 
Having been introduced to this author and this series through the previous book, Stone Cold Cowboy, I couldn't wait to read Colt's story and I've got to say that it does not disappoint. Right from the beginning, the fast-pace of this story is set by Wayne's relationships with his family and with Luna. How could Wayne be interested in someone so young? Why was he spending so much time in her company? It wasn't hard to figure out the answers to those questions with the way Wayne's sons treated him and how Luna did. She was warm and genuine while Wayne's sons were all about themselves. 
 
As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, their past history and the nightmare of events this hero and heroine face all because of a family's greed. However, there were some really good light-hearted moments between the main characters, as well between them and the secondary characters that had me smiling. Luna's best friend, Sadie, as well as Wayne gave the heroine the best advice when it came to Colt. Of which, I'm glad that she listened because they felt like a couple meant to be. That nothing and no-one should stop them from begin together.
 
Both Luna and Colt had me hooked, not only because of their growing relationship and how protective both of them are of each other, but because of everything that happened between them in the past as well as now in the present. Luna is strong, brave and I liked how determined she was to do right by Wayne's legacy. Indeed, she was the right woman for the job, even when things got too dangerous. Also, I liked how much she loved her family, especially her brother. Their bond was a special one, and doing what was right for him was important.
 
While Colt, he's kind, caring, confident and I liked how protective he was of Luna when things became dangerous. He wasn't about to let anyone come between them, no matter how much his life was at risk. What happens to him totally shocked me, as I didn't think any of Wayne's family would go that far to hurt Luna, but I'm glad he did everything in his power to convince Luna that nothing would stop him in making her his. Also, I enjoyed the close relationship he had with his family. Colt's grandfather and his brothers also give great advice that it was no wonder Colt listened.       
 
Overall, this was another great addition to Ms. Ryan's Montana Men series where the sex scenes were hot and filled with plenty of passion. Colt and Luna are so right for each other, and I'm glad that they finally patched things up. Why either of them thought they were in the wrong when it came to their original kiss in the past was beyond me. Because clearly, it wasn't anyone's fault. It was a long-time kiss coming that they both wanted.
 
The way this story ended with how Colt and Luna cement their relationship to finally put a rest to the danger had me cheering, because obviously they couldn't continue to let Wayne's family win. Furthermore, the epilogue was absolutely wonderful, as Luna continued to do what's right by Wayne's legacy. She's lucky to have been able to change the life of someone important to the man she thought of as a second father. I would recommend Her Renegade Rancher, if you enjoy romantic suspense or second chance romances.     
 
OVERALL RATING:
 
 
 

BLURB:

Colt Kendrick knows one thing about a small town, you can’t avoid anyone for long-especially a girl he crossed the line with and is best friends with his brother’s fiancé. Luna could have been the one if he hadn’t done her wrong. Colt’s intentions are nothing but honorable, but his thoughts about Luna sure aren’t. How could he ever let a sweet girl like her go? He won’t make that mistake twice.
Luna Hill thought she lost her shot with the sexy cowboy, but sometimes lightning does strike twice. While she wants to see what one scorching kiss leads to, she’s got a job offer out of state. Will she stay stuck in her less than life, or reach for her dream? An unexpected and amazing opportunity will keep her in town and give her what her heart desires most, a chance to be with Colt, but it comes with a price that may cost Colt his life.
 
Colt will do anything to keep Luna safe, including put his life on the line, because nothing is more important than the woman who showed Colt he has a heart-and it belongs to her.

 
Buy Links:      Amazon | B & N | Google | iTunes | Kobo
 

“You drive me crazy.”
She didn’t even hide her smile. “Why?”
“Because all I want to do is kiss you.”
“More things we agree on.” She placed her hand on the back of his neck, went up on tiptoe, and brushed her lips over his. Like a match swiped across the rough edge of the box, a fire lit inside of them. Colt’s arms banded around her. One big hand held her lower back. He planted the other right on her ass, his long fingers lay over the curve, inches from the tingling heat building between her legs. He pulled her closer and took the kiss deeper. His tongue glided along hers. She moaned. He growled, titled his head for a better angle, and kissed her socks off.
Luna lost herself in Colt’s arms. The first kiss they shared rocked her world off center and left her wondering if what she felt that night in the parking lot was real or just her imagination. Not only was the passion and need real, something opened inside her and everything within her settled.
God, the man could kiss.
 
 

 
Jennifer Ryan is the New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted Series and The McBrides Series. She writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances featuring strong men and equally resilient women. Her stories are filled with love, family, friendship, and the happily-ever-after we all hope to find.
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home and in how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.
Author Links:   Website | Facebook Twitter | Goodreads

 
 





 
 
 
 

Tuesday 27 September 2016

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: MEANT TO BE by JENNA HARTE


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3 winners will receive an eBook copy of DRAWN TO HER
 

Meant to Be
Southern Heat #2
By: Jenna Harte
Releasing September 27, 2016 
Penner Publishing
In Meant to Be (Southern Heat #2) by Jenna Harte, after an incident that landed her in the hospital, Sydney Preston couldn't stand being in New York any longer. So, once she was released, she decided there would nothing stopping her from reuniting with her ex-fiancé, Mitch McKenna. However, there is just one problem -- he's not happy to see her.
 
It's taken Mitch McKenna a long time to get over Sydney. The only way he coped with the fact that she chose what her parents wanted for her life over marrying him is by having casual affairs and making certain no woman ever again captured his attention like Sydney did. However, the woman he once loved is hard to ignore now that she's living in the same town he does. Can he get over his resentment of the past to convince her that they deserve a second chance at happy ever after?

What a wonderful second chance romance Ms. Harte has penned with this second book of her Southern Heat series. The way this book started sets the fast-pace of this story, as Mitch is completely blindsided by Sydney's re-appearance in his life. How is he supposed to act when he's still so resentful about their break-up? Should he acknowledge that he knew her very well in front of his friends, which were trying to set him up with Sydney? 

As for the dialogue, it was intense due this couple's past history, what happened to Sydney to land her in the hospital and what the heroine goes through in this book, as the person that once hurt her seems to still be after her. Then there's the fact that Mitch and Sydney still haven't gotten over each other, and the hero needing to find a way to forgive the heroine, if they're to ever be together. Can Sydney convince Mitch to let go of his bitterness towards her? However, I liked that there were some light-hearted moments as well when they were reminiscing about the past. It went to show that neither could forget how good it was between them.

I really enjoyed the main characters as well as the secondary ones. Mitch has a really tight bond with his cop partner and the man's wife. They want him to find the sort of happiness that they have, and I found it a little funny that his partner's wife was trying to set Mitch up with Sydney. Moreover, what his partner's wife says when she first introduced Sydney and Mitch to each other, not knowing their history made me laugh. Clearly, it was a moment of foot in mouth syndrome.

Sydney is hard-working, strong, brave and I liked how determined she was to get Mitch to -- at least -- give their relationship a second chance because it was palpable how much these two loved each other. It was an uphill battle whether Mitch could find it in his heart to forgive her. Yet, since her life changed dramatically after she was targeted by a knife-wielding maniac, there's one thing it made her realize. Which was that life is too short and that reuniting with Mitch is the best plan she's ever had. No way would she allow someone to come between them this time around. Not her parents or her friends. While Mitch, he's hard-working, confident, and I loved how protective he was of Sydney once he learned of the incident that sent her packing from New York and landed her in the town where he lives. Also, the way he handles the case in finding Sydney's attacker proved how much he cared. No way was he going to quit until he had answers.

Overall, this was a really good book encompassing a strong romance that had me cheering for this couple's happy ever after. It wasn't easy when Mitch blamed Sydney for their break-up in the past and they have some big obstacles to overcome, but conquering them was worth it as Mitch and Sydney were a couple meant to be. The way this story ended came as a little bit of shock, especially with what happens to one of the main characters. Yet, I wasn't surprised by the person that was out to hurt the heroine. I would recommend Meant to be by Jenna Harte, if you enjoy second chance romances.

OVERALL RATING:


 
 
BLURB:
Charming and sexy, detective Mitch McKenna lets women into his bed—not into his heart. When his first love left him in a lurch, crushing his soul, Mitch swore off relationships and love. After all, any woman who chooses what her parents want over what she wants is not worth fighting for.
Or is she?
Successful New York doctor, Sydney Preston left the only man she ever loved to follow the path that her parents paved for her. When a tragic incident at the hospital threatens her life, Sydney moves to Virginia to rekindle the spark with her ex-fiancé.
But Mitch isn’t interested in reigniting the flame that fizzled out long ago. Will they both allow resentments and misunderstanding spoil their chance of discovering what was meant to be?
 
Buy Links:  Amazon | B & N | Google | iTunes | Kobo

 
            “You need to get laid.”


Mitch McKenna cast a suspicious glance at his partner and best friend, Kevin Taggard. “You get laid too much.”
Kevin grinned. “I’m married. It goes with the territory. Besides, is that even possible?”
Mitch laughed. “God, I hope not.” He pulled the unmarked police car into a parking space outside Charlotte Tavern General Hospital. “But it’s a little sappy that every day we have to stop by and see the missus.”
“I know it and I don’t care. Someday you’ll be in love, and you’ll see.”
God, I hope not. Mitch shuddered.
“Besides, there are plenty of hot nurses who would love to find out if the Mitch McKenna reputation for stamina and prowess is true.”
Mitch stepped out of the car, grinning at his friend. “Oh, it’s true.”  His smile faded, as he realized Kevin might be right—maybe he did need to get laid. It had been a while. If he’d cared at all about his playboy reputation, he would have remedied the situation. Except he didn’t care. In fact, it bothered him. It suggested that he engaged in one-night stands with women he didn’t know or was cavalier with their feelings. Granted, he kept his relationships with women short, but he was always upfront with them about his position and most accepted it. A couple cried when they hadn’t been able to change his mind. One had keyed “Bastard” into the side of truck.
“Hey Mitch.”
Mitch’s gaze swung to the feminine coo of Becky Lancer. She might be willing to help him with his sexual dry-spell. He smiled and waved but kept moving. He’d once gone out with her sister, and he knew better than to date siblings. 
He and Kevin walked into the hospital and took the elevator to the maternity department on the fourth floor.
“I guess it won’t be long until Jenny is a client here instead of a nurse.” Mitch patted Kevin on the back. He enjoyed razzing his friend about his wife, but deep down he was happy for him.
“A year maybe. Right now we’re just practicing.” Kevin waggled his brows.
Mitch rolled his eyes as the doors opened, and they stepped out into the hall.
“There’s my gal now.” Kevin snuck up behind a dark-haired woman in pink scrubs with rainbows on the shirt and wrapped his arms around her, lifting her off the floor. She let out a squeal. When he set her on her feet, she laughed.
“Great day, baby cakes. You scared the life out of me.”
He gave her a kiss. All in all, it was sappy. It was the same type of stuff he had to endure when he visited his sister, Lexie. Even after nearly two years of marriage, she and her husband, Drake, were sappier than Kevin and Jenny, which was saying something. It was a wonder they didn’t already have a whole brood of kids.
“I’m nearly ready for my break.” She turned her smile toward Mitch. “If you’re tired of feeling like a third wheel, I can snag you a date. There’s a new doctor I’ve been meaning to introduce you to. You can see if the McKenna charm will work on her.”
“I like being a third wheel.”
“No, you don’t, but you’re nice to put up with Kevin and me. She’s really, really nice. She’s been giving me articles and tips and encouraging me to get my midwife certification.”
“You’d be good at that.” Mitch meant it too. She was one of the sweetest, most generous hearts he’d ever met. There’d been only one other person he’d known who he’d thought was as good. He shook his head to rid his thoughts of another sweet, generous woman, who, in the end, turned out to be neither.
“Thank you. I wonder how much longer before Lexie and Drake will need a midwife.” She raised her eyebrows, hoping for gossip.
“I imagine once they start, they’ll need one fairly often.” His sister wanted a whole passel of kids, and Drake would give her whatever she wanted. Mitch thought he’d be a good father, but since having a family was out, he’d settle for being the coolest uncle ever.
All of a sudden, the air around Mitch changed, causing the hair on his arms to stand. It wasn’t the type of sensation that triggered danger, but it was definitely a warning.
“Oh, look, there’s Doctor Preston. She’s the one I want you to meet, Mitch.”
“I don’t need you to set me up—”
“I know that. The whole county knows how easy it is for Mitch to get a lady.” Jenny laughed. “But I still want you to meet her. Doctor Preston?” Jenny looked behind him and waved.
The warning grew more intense until Mitch couldn’t help but turn around and stare right into the beautiful hazel eyes of Sydney Preston.
His heart stuttered in his chest as a wave of conflicting emotions; anger, love, bitterness, joy crashed through him. His first instinct was to leave, which only pissed him off. He’d stared down insurgents in the Middle East. He could survive seeing Sydney Preston. Another, equally strong, part of him wanted to touch her, to hold her close and see if she felt as soft, smelled just as sweet as he remembered. But he wouldn’t succumb to her charm again. Like a steel gate, everything inside Mitch closed.
 
 
 

Jenna Harte is a die-hard romantic writing about characters who are passionate about and committed to each other, and frequently getting into trouble. She is the author of the Valentine Mysteries, the first of which, “Deadly Valentine,” reached the quarter-finals in Amazon’s Breakthrough Novel Award in 2013. She is also the author of the contemporary romance series, Southern Heat, with includes Drawn to Her, and upcoming September 2016 release of Meant to Be. She has a bundle of stories filled with romance, mystery and even time travel rattling around in her head and is eager for the day when a device is invented allowing her to download what’s in her brain onto her computer. When she’s not telling stories, she works by day as a freelance writer, author, blogger and online entrepreneur. She lives in central Virginia with her husband, two college-bound children and a two fat cats.
 
Author Links:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads



5 Things You Didn’t Know About Jenna


1) Writing always terrified me, so I’m baffled to how I got here.


2) My favorite fiction involves mystery and romance, but I prefer a mystery with romance as opposed to a romance with mystery, if that makes any sense. In either case, there should be at least one hot love scene!


3) My favorite authors are J.D. Robb, Janet Evanovich, Sandra Brown and Carl Hiaasen. I also love Jane Austen, but tend to stay away from literature unless I know it will end well.

4) Like my character Tess, I love good chocolate and old R&B tunes. I’m still working on getting Carine Gilson lingerie to see if I’d love them as much as Tess does. A set can cost several hundred dollars, so I have to wait until more books sell.

5) I long for the day when Apple or Microsoft invents a doodad that I can plug into my head, preferably when I’m sleeping, that will download my stories to my computer. My stories come to me when I sleep (and when I drive), but I can’t remember the details when I sit down to write.