Showing posts with label Sarah Morgan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sarah Morgan. Show all posts

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Reviews: Cracks in the Armor (Clipped Wings #2.5) by Helena Hunting / Burned (Miller Sisters #2) by Sarah Morgan

Cracks in the Armor (Clipped Wings, #2.5)
Series: Clipped Wings #2.5
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Clipped Wings #2.5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Pocket Stars
Publication Date: 6/23/14
Format: ARC
Pages: 72
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 stars


GoodReads  |   Amazon  |  B&N  |  iTunes


Chris, a sexy tattoo artist, tries to win the heart of Sarah, a grad student with little interest in him, in this second e-short and follow-up to Helena Hunting’s gripping love story, Clipped Wings—“twisted, dark, incredibly erotic…a love story like no other” (USA TODAY bestselling author Alice Clayton).

Part owner of the Chicago tattoo shop Inked Armor, Chris Zelter is a talented artist who decorates skin with gorgeous designs. He might look the part of the typical jacked-up, inked-up bad-boy, but underneath is a fiercely loyal, complicated man. Kicked out at sixteen, Chris has had to fend for himself for the last twelve years, making his Inked Armor crew as much family as they are business partners. For him, it’s enough—until he meets Sarah Adamson.

A grad student waitressing at the local strip club, Sarah is used to propositions and crude comments. The job is a means to an end—finish her MBA, pay off the tuition loans, and get a good job. Then she won’t have to rely on anyone to take care of her. So when brawny, tatted up Chris begins hanging out at the club, she rebuffs his advances. At first. But Chris isn’t like her usual clientele: despite his hard exterior, he’s almost…sweet.

Sometimes, the people with the roughest edges have the biggest hearts.
 
 
My Review 
I think it's well-established that I am a huge fan of the Clipped Wings series. I love Hayden. I love Tenley. I love the writing and all the characters. I love it all. I have been so anxious to get more of Chris and Sarah, so obviously I was pumped to start Cracks in the Armor.
It was great! I liked the brief glimpses of life since the end of Inked Armor, where Tenley and Hayden are now and how they're coping. I was both impressed and slightly sad to see that those two still struggle daily to grab a better life. It smacks of realism, which I love.
But on to Chris and Sarah! Cracks in the Armor gives us a picture of where Chris and Sarah are now. Sarah has gone back to waitressing at The Dollhouse, and Chris isn't happy. He wants more, but can't assume Sarah does. He pines for her. In Sarah's point-of-view, we see she isn't happy at The Dollhouse either, but doesn't see another choice. And....she wants more from Chris too. The ending leaves us in limbo, almost feels like a mid-scene break.
A couple of my friends read Cracks in the Armor on release day and immediately told me "I really loved it, but I need more!" I assumed they meant that they loved it and more would always be appreciated, but they most certainly mean I NEED MORE. I honestly thought Cracks in the Armor would be a cap to the Clipped Wings series, but having read it, I feel ninety-five (ish) percent certain that there will be more for Chris and Sarah. Please, please publishing decision-making people and Helena Hunting, give us more Chris and Sarah!
 
Favorite Quote 
  "You said she wasn't going to be home for a while. It's not like she doesn't know you watch it, right?"
  "That's not the issue." Heavy bass blared through the surround sound as a music video flashed on the screen.
  "Then what's the problem?"
  "How would it look if she walked in to find the three of us hanging out watching chicks get banged" Don't you think that comes off as a little disrespectful?"
  "He's got a point. I mean, if I'm going to watch porn, it's either going to be by myself or with Lisa," Jamie added.
  "Thank you," Hayden said, as if Jamie being on his side made it okay they'd both had their balls cut off.
 
  The Clipped Wings Series
 Cupcakes and Ink (Clipped Wings, #0.5)  Clipped Wings (Clipped Wings, #1) Inked Armor (Clipped Wings, #2)    Cracks in the Armor (Clipped Wings, #2.5)

(covers lead to GoodReads page)


My Reviews



About Helena Hunting
 
Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She’s putting her degree in English Lit to good use by writing contemporary erotic romance. She is the author of Clipped Wings, her debut novel, and Inked Armor.
 




Burned (Miller Sisters, #2) Series: Miller Sisters #2
Genre: Contemp Romance
Publisher: Cosmo Red Hot Reads from Harlequin
Publication Date: 6/17/14
Format: eARC
Pages: 83
Source: Publisher
Rating: 3.5 stars


GoodReads  |  Amazon  |  B&N
 
 

Trainer and martial artist Rosie Miller's zen is seriously compromised when Hunter Black—her former coach and lover—becomes her new boss. And with all the sexual energy still crackling between them, her poor little zen doesn't stand a chance. So this time, Rosie is determined to play by her rules….


 
 
 
 
 
My Review
 
My first Sarah Morgan read was Ripped, the first novella in the Miller Sisters series. Ripped contained a winsome heroine, a swoony hero and so many laughs. Needless to say, I was anxious to start Burned.
 
Burned follows Rosie Miller, a trainer and martial artist. I love that Rosie was so kick-ass. The story opens with Rosie being dumped by her boyfriend for being too strong. Can you believe that? The idiot literally wants someone more fragile to help his poor wittle ego. So what's even better than getting dumped in a restaurant? The fact your first love is at the next table and hears every word. Yeah. But luckily for Rosie, Hunter Black is back and he wants her back. Rosie is still angry at hurt at the way Hunter left her, but he's not having the dismissal and sets out to win back her heart. What follows is a sweet, sexy story about two people who were not right for each other in the past, but are perfect for one another now.
 
I enjoyed Burned. Like Ripped, my favorite aspect was the humor. Any story that makes me smile as much as it makes me swoon earns a solid thumbs-up.
 
 
Favorite Quotes

  A roomful of people enjoying an evening. People who were in relationships.
  And then there was me.
  Rosie the rejected.
  I could hold water in my hands longer than I could hold a man. Not that I wanted a long relationship but hanging on to him until the end of dinner would have been confidence building.
 
 
  "I'm proud of my scissor kick. I work hard on my scissor kick."
  "For the record, the last girl I dated liked baking and book club."
  Baking and book club?
  I stared at him, wondering whether to kill him now or wait until after dessert.
  It was chocolate brownie, my favorite, so I decided to wait. I wasn't hungry, but no woman ate chocolate because she was hungry.
 
 
 
 
The Miller Sisters Series

Ripped (Miller Sisters, #1)  Burned (Miller Sisters, #2)

 


About Sarah Morgan

Sarah MorganUSA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes hot, happy contemporary romance and her trademark humour and sensuality have gained her fans across the globe. She has been nominated three years in succession for the prestigious RITA© Award from the Romance Writers of America and has won the award twice, in 2012 and 2013. She also won the RT Reviewers' Choice Award in 2012 and has made numerous appearances in their 'Top Pick' slot.

As well as writing for Harlequin Presents, her first full length novel, Sleigh Bells in the Snow will be published by HQN in October 2013 and Ripped, her first title for the Cosmo Red Hot Reads from Harlequin programme will be out in November 2013.

Sarah lives near London, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors, preferably on vacation so she can forget the house needs tidying


 
 
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Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Suddenly Last Summer Blog Tour, with Sarah Morgan ~ Review and Giveaway

 
 
Welcome to the Suddenly Last Summer blog tour, hosted by CBB Book Promotions. My stop includes a review and the tour giveaway. Thanks for stopping by!
 
 
 
 
Suddenly Last SummerSeries: O'Neil Brothers #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Publication Date: 6/24/14
Format: eARC
Pages: 384
Source: Author
Rating: 4 stars
 
 
 
 
 
Bestselling author Sarah Morgan delivers another irresistible hero in her O'Neil Brothers series who's more tempting than dessert and twice as sinful!

Fiery French chef Élise Philippe is having a seriously bad day. Not only have the opening day plans for her beloved café fallen apart, but Sean O'Neil is back in town, and looking more delectable than ever. Last summer, they shared an electrifying night together…and the memories have Élise really struggling to stick to her one-night-only rule! Her head knows that eventually Sean will be leaving, so all she can do is try to ignore her heart before she spontaneously combusts with lust.

Being back in Vermont—even temporarily—is surgeon Sean O'Neil's worst nightmare. For Sean, returning home to the Snow Crystal Resort means being forced to confront the reasons and the guilt he feels about rejecting his family's rural lifestyle years ago. But discovering that Élise has settled in Vermont and still sets his blood racing is a very welcome distraction! Thinking he can persuade her into a replay of last summer is tempting, but remembering how good they are together is going to make walking away more difficult than he could imagine…
 
 
 
My Review
 
Suddenly Last Summer is a story I've been heavily anticipating since Sleigh Bells in the Snow. I adored that story, with its beautiful Vermont setting, endearing love story, and the charming, struggling O'Neil family. What had me worked up for this story, though, was the promise of a fiery passionate romance between two fiery passionate characters, Elise and Sean.

Sean O'Neil has never wanted to be part of the family business. While his grandfather was drumming the words "family, responsibility, legacy" into his heirs brains, in his mind, Sean O'Neil was hearing "duty, obligation, stuck". Stuck in a life that -like his own father- he wanted no part of. Unlike his father, Sean stood up for himself, left to become a renowned surgeon end rarely comes back, causing a painful rift with his grandfather. Sean was complicated, and I liked that. I could empathize with his feelings of being torn between family and wanting a life of his own. To explore and not be held down by obligations to a life he never signed up for , but in which he was born into.

Elise Philippe is a world-class chef who is more than content to spend her career at a resort in quiet Vermont. After the painful loss of her mother and years of abuse at the hands of the mam she loved, a quiet life sounds perfect. The O'Neil family took Elise in, made her a part of the family and part of the business. This life is exactly what she desires. She doesn't share Sean's craving for a bigger, fast-paced life, though she does crave him. She knows Sean would never be happy living at Snow Crystal Resort, while there's no where she'd rather be.

Apparently one O'Neil (Sean) gave Elise an extra-special "Welcome to the Family" gesture the summer before. Sean is up to another night with Elise, but she is reluctant to go another round which would violate her one night only rule for men. Considering that Sean has in intentions making a life in Vermont, he's in agreement. But with her fire and his passion, it's only a matter of time before the clothes go flying, again.

Suddenly Last Summer is a sexy, heartfelt love story between two willful, independent characters who slowly learn that it's okay to fall in love, to need and be needed, that life is best when shared with your perfect match.  I really enjoyed this installment in the O'Neil Brothers series, almost as much as the first. Now it's on the sexy single father Tyler O'Neill and Brenna, his life-long friend whom I'm convinced is his perfect match. I'm sure that will be another great installment in the fun and romantic O'Neill Brothers series!
 

Favorite Quotes
 
  "If I have a one-night stand with someone chances are I'll bump into them in the store the next day. I'd die."
  "Why would that cause you to die?"
  "It would be majorly embarrassing."
  "If it was something you both agreed to, why would it be embarrassing? You just say bonjour and smile or if the sex was really bad I suppose you might just smile a little less. Be a little cooler so that they don't think you want to do it again."
  Brenna gave her a look of exasperation. "Are all French people like you?"
 
 
  "You're jealous." He said it slowly, like a revelation, and his sudden smile made her want to push him straight back in the lake and hold his head under. 
  "Why would I be jealous? I do not at all care who you sleep with, tu me comprends?"
  "I do understand you," he said calmly, "but the correct sentence structure should be 'I do not care at all.' You split the infinitive, baby."
  "I am not your baby. And I will split as many infinitives as I want to split, right along with your skull!"


O'Neil Brothers Series

Sleigh Bells in the Snow (O'Neil Brothers, #1)  Suddenly Last Summer (O'Neil Brothers, #2)  Maybe This Christmas (O'Neil Brothers, #3)
(covers lead to GoodReads pages)




Grand Prize includes a La Bonne Vie Cupcake necklace Sleigh Bells in the Snow (first book in the series), Suddenly Last Summer and a bookmark
Second prize is Sleigh Bells in the SnowSuddenly Last Summer and a bookmark
 

 

 
About Sarah Morgan

Sarah MorganUSA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes hot, happy contemporary romance and her trademark humour and sensuality have gained her fans across the globe. She has been nominated three years in succession for the prestigious RITA© Award from the Romance Writers of America and has won the award twice, in 2012 and 2013. She also won the RT Reviewers' Choice Award in 2012 and has made numerous appearances in their 'Top Pick' slot.

As well as writing for Harlequin Presents, her first full length novel, Sleigh Bells in the Snow will be published by HQN in October 2013 and Ripped, her first title for the Cosmo Red Hot Reads from Harlequin programme will be out in November 2013.

Sarah lives near London, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors, preferably on vacation so she can forget the house needs tidying






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Tuesday, April 15, 2014

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY: SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER by SARAH MORGAN

 

 Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's WoW selection is...
 
 
 
Suddenly Last Summer (O'Neil Brothers, #2)Series: O'Neil Brothers #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Publication Date: 6/24/14
 
Bestselling author Sarah Morgan delivers another irresistible hero in her O'Neil Brothers series who's more tempting than dessert and twice as sinful!

Fiery French chef Élise Philippe is having a seriously bad day. Not only have the opening day plans for her beloved café fallen apart, but Sean O'Neil is back in town, and looking more delectable than ever. Last summer, they shared an electrifying night together…and the memories have Élise really struggling to stick to her one-night-only rule! Her head knows that eventually Sean will be leaving, so all she can do is try to ignore her heart before she spontaneously combusts with lust.

Being back in Vermont—even temporarily—is surgeon Sean O'Neil's worst nightmare. For Sean, returning home to the Snow Crystal Resort means being forced to confront the reasons and the guilt he feels about rejecting his family's rural lifestyle years ago. But discovering that Élise has settled in Vermont and still sets his blood racing is a very welcome distraction! Thinking he can persuade her into a replay of last summer is tempting, but remembering how good they are together is going to make walking away more difficult than he could imagine…
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18722890-suddenly-last-summer
 
 
 
 
Why I'm Waiting... I adored the first book in this series, Sleigh Bells in the Snow. I love those O'Neil brothers, and  I'm betting Sean and Elise's story is terrific.
 
 
 
 
What are you waiting on this week? Leave me a comment, and I will check out your selection.
 
 
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Thursday, December 12, 2013

HOLIDAY REVIEWS: RIPPED, SLEIGH BELLS IN THE SNOW, STRANDED WITH A HERO

Ripped (Miller Sisters, #1)Series: Miller Sisters #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Cosmo Red Hot Reads from Harlequin
Publication Date: 11/26/13
Format: eARC
Pages: 95
Source: Author
Rating: 4 stars

"Wardrobe malfunction" doesn't begin to cover it.

With a rip louder than the "I dos," Hayley's hideous bile-yellow bridesmaid dress explodes. She's always had enviable curves, but nearly naked wasn't quite the look she'd been going for at her ex's wedding.

She's rushed from the altar under the best man's designer tux jacket. Hayley's expecting a blast of icy disapproval from sexy, sophisticated Niccolò Rossi—his usual reaction to anything she does. What she gets is a kiss that nearly melts what's left of her polyester nightmare gown.

It's impossible on a million levels. Exuberant engineer Hayley and buttoned-up lawyer Nico have never seen eye to eye—but skin to skin? Oh, mio… So when Nico shows up at her flat on Christmas Day to give her a fabulous gift—himself—Hayley's delighted to do the unwrapping. But it's just a holiday fling. By New Year's Day, she'll come back to her senses…unless Nico's sensual skills tear away all her resolve.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18746662-ripped?from_search=true

I was in the middle of reading Sarah Morgan's holiday story, Sleigh Bells in the Snow (review below), when I received the review request for Ripped. I'm so glad that I was becoming familiar with Morgan's work and enjoying it, or I might have otherwise let this one slip away. Ripped was a holiday novella that got me in the spirit, and in the mood.

Imagine how incredibly awkward it would feel to be a bridesmaid to your friend, and your ex. Awful, right? Now imagine the bride forced you to wear a hideous dress, a dress that splits the seams during the wedding. Everyone is laughing, staring... except for one man. The gorgeous and intense Best Man, Nico, who comes to the rescue. This crazy awkward scenario is what sets Ripped off to a fabulous start that left me giggling and flying through the pages.

But, Ripped is not only funny, but also very romantic and sexy. The story continues with the Miller sisters' annual Christmas party, and the sparks between Hayley and Nico fan to an out of control level. Nico Rossi = Best Christmas Gift Ever. The two get to know each other better, on all levels. The steam between Nico and Hayley was intense and sexy, but the story never lost its thoughtfulness, humor, and heart.

Ripped is a holiday romance that sends the year out with a bang. I will be anxiously awaiting the next Miller Sisters novella.


Favorite Quotes:

  The dress was a horribly tight tube, floor length, which basically meant my legs were locked together. I couldn't even run away. I was like a mermaid, but without an ocean to drown in. Escape would be a slow, shuffling, breast-bouncing affair.    ~eARC, 13%

  There was one part of him he couldn't control and that part was thrusting hard against a pair of black boxer briefs. I felt sympathy for those briefs. Containing an erection of that size just wasn't in the job description.   ~eARC, 67%
 




Sleigh Bells in the Snow (O'Neil Brothers, #1)Series: O'Neil Brothers #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Publication Date: 10/29/13
Format: Paperback
Pages: 384
Source: Purchase
Rating: 4 stars

USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan heats up the season with the O'Neil brothers in a brand-new holiday series!

Once upon a time, Christmas was Kayla Green's favorite time of year. Now all the workaholic wants for Christmas is for it to be over—as fast as possible! So when duty calls her to snowy Vermont to close a deal with a new client, Kayla is grateful for an excuse to avoid the holidays for another year.

Jackson O'Neil left a thriving business behind to return home and salvage his family's resort—it's in his blood, and he can't let it fail. Now that he's got marketing whiz Kayla Green working with him to put Snow Crystal on the map, success is on the horizon. The fact they strike enough sparks off each other to power all the Christmas lights in Vermont is just an added bonus.

Kayla might be an expert at her job, but she's out of her depth with Jackson—he makes her crave the happy-ever-after she once dreamed of, and it's terrifying. As the snowflakes continue to swirl, will the woman who doesn't believe in the magic of Christmas finally fall under its spell?
 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17738241-sleigh-bells-in-the-snow?from_search=true

Sleigh Bells in the Snow first came to my attention in October. So many romance bloggers were recommending it for a great holiday read, and recommending Sarah Morgan in general. I'm thrilled that I caved to the blogger peer pressure, because I truly enjoyed this story.

Sleigh Bells in the Snow as a charming and romantic story of Kayla, a workaholic who is tasked with helping Jackson find a way to save his family's resort. At Christmas. Most people would avoid working over the holiday. Kayla, though, uses work to distance herself from the painful holidays of her childhood. Jackson, stressed by business and family, sees a woman who is hiding. He wants to break her free, and knows she is worth the effort.

Sleigh Bells in the Snow was not only inspiring, and frustrating, love story (due to Kayla's resistance to Jackson), but also a family story. Jackson's crazy awesome family was trying, funny, and lovable. We also get a nice glimpse of the other two O'Neil brothers, Tyler and Shane (Jackson's identical twin, YUM) and a strong sense of where the series is headed. In fact, the subplot with Tyler and his daughter Jess was so good that it almost stole the story. I'm very excited to continue with the O'Neil Brothers series.


Favorite Quote:

  "It's time you had some new memories of Christmas, Kayla." His voice was as soft and gentle as the snow falling around them. "We're going to make them together so that you have something good to take away with you. That's my gift to you. Merry Christmas."   ~pg. 301

 


About the author
Sarah MorganUSA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes hot, happy contemporary romance and her trademark humour and sensuality have gained her fans across the globe. She has been nominated three years in succession for the prestigious RITA© Award from the Romance Writers of America and has won the award twice, in 2012 and 2013. She also won the RT Reviewers' Choice Award in 2012 and has made numerous appearances in their 'Top Pick' slot.

As well as writing for Harlequin Presents, her first full length novel, Sleigh Bells in the Snow will be published by HQN in October 2013 and Ripped, her first title for the Cosmo Red Hot Reads from Harlequin programme will be out in November 2013.

Sarah lives near London, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors, preferably on vacation so she can forget the house needs tidying

Website  |  Twitter Facebook GoodReads



Stranded with a HeroSeries: Anthology
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Entangled Bliss
Publication Date: 11/11/13
Format: eARC
Pages: 350
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 stars

Getting snowed in never felt so good as boundaries are crossed, opposites attract, and friends discovering more promise a Christmas no one will ever forget.

Loving Mindy by Karen Erickson Mindy can’t believe she's stuck with her ex–best friend—and the man whose heart she broke years ago—for the holidays, though the tension between them is more than enough to keep them warm. Josh Powers never forgot Mindy, but he can’t risk his heart a second time.

White-Hot Holiday by Coleen Kwan Naomi’s sworn off men like Aaron—rich, cocky, and dismissive of holiday traditions. Aaron decided to spend Christmas in sunny Australia to avoid snowy New York, not to fall for the woman his best friend warned him away from. But when a volcano grounds him, Aaron and Naomi's relationship becomes eruptive.

An Officer and a Rebel by Cindi Madsen The last person police officer Nate Walsh expected to discover in a snowstorm is his brother's ex and former town rebel, Kelsey Cooper. She’s his complete opposite and totally off-limits, but as they wait out the storm together, all he can think is how he wishes she'd stay forever.

Saving the Sheriff by Roxanne Snopek Frankie Sylva was determined to free the reindeer cruelly held for a holiday roadshow, even if it meant risking her own life. Deputy Sheriff Red LeClair set out to save a stranger in a snowstorm, never expecting he’d be the one to be rescued.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18627061-stranded-with-a-hero?from_search=true

Loving Mindy by Karen Erickson

Knowing that I love Erickson's work under the name Monica Murphy, I was excited to read Loving Mindy. This is a novella that is part of a on-going series, but I honestly didn't feel that I was lost or missing the details. Erickson did a solid job of giving just enough history, without dragging the current timeframe down.

Having both a second-chance-romance and a friends-to-lovers theme,  Loving Mindy is a beloved trope double-whammy. Mindy and Josh were both engaging characters, and I did become invested in their story in a very short amount of time. Bonus: this has me interested in reading the rest of Erickson's Lone Pine Lake series!

Favorite Quote:

  "This is the best Christmas present I've ever received," she whispered. I'm so glad you almost hit my cat."
  He laughed, the warm, rich sound making her smile. "That is the strangest thing you've said yet, Min, but I gotta agree. I'm glad I almost hit your cat, too."


White-Hot Holiday by Coleen Kwan

This was another really sweet, quick-paced holiday read. Set in Australia, White-Hot Holiday is the story of Aaron, who needs a break in the worst way, and Naomi, a woman who's been recently burned by love. This story had a good bit of angst, with Aaron and Naomi fighting their feelings. The angst is well-placed, though. Naomi is Aaron's best friend's niece, and he's been warned away from her. Naomi is dealing with a recent break-up with a man whom Aaron seems similar to. And there's also the pesky issue of the fact these two not only live on different continents, but almost an entire globe away. Naomi teaches Aaron to embrace the holiday spirit. Aaron convinces Naomi that she doesn't have to give up who she is for love again. The ending of this one was particularly good.

Favorite Quote:

  "I'm very good at customer service. See these dimples here?" He pointed at his cheek. "They're my secret weapon. I've closed major deals with them."
  A smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "I see. So dimples are worth more than an MBA from Columbia?"
  "Used judiciously, yes. They don't teach you the proper use of dimples at Columbia. It comes from experience." 


An Officer and a Rebel by Cindi Madsen

Cindi Madsen is a favorite of mine, and I love her Accidentally in Love series. Remember Wes from Falling for her Fiance? Nate is his cousin, so I think that is pretty much all I need to say to convince fans that An Officer and a Rebel is worth the read.

As always, Madsen has created a story that made me laugh, and warmed my heart at the same time. Her heroine, Kelsey was a little bit crazy, a whole lot funny, and adorable. She's a little bit of a disaster, the good kind, so of course I loved her and her purple hair and potty mouth.

This story has a nice little forbidden(-ish) romance, with Kelsey being the ex-girlfriend of Nate's younger brother. There is also the fact that Nate has always had a bit of a crust on Kelsey, but thought she could never go for him. Of course things work out, but in this story, the getting there was a whole lot of fun.

Favorite Quote:

  His heart pounded in his chest, and he pushed his hand into her hair, desire flooding his veins once more. Addictive--that was the right word for being with Kelsey. Never enough, always wanting more.


Saving the Sheriff by Roxanne Snopek

Of the four author in the anthology, Snopek is the only one whose work I wasn't familiar with. Saving the Sheriff was fast-paced and fairly humorous story. I enjoyed the premise, with Frankie infiltrating a man who's endangering game, and she's determined to save them from the butcher. Red is the sheriff in need of rescuing, which, I think what needed to be saved was his surly attitude. (just kidding, he was fine)

Frankie was fun and lively. Red was coping with his first Christmas since divorce, and was understandably a bit of a sad sack. I never really fell in love with the characters as much as I enjoyed the premise. What made this fun for me was the humor. I loved how these two teased one another. And the ending, it was another sweet and satisfying conclusion.


Favorite Quote:

  "You look good in the morning." Red half-sat up against the couch, his arms crossed behind his head, a lazy grin on his face.
  "You could dial back the crazy a touch, though."


 
 
 
About the authors
Karen  EricksonUSA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson lives in central California with her husband, three kids, one dog and too many cats. Being a romance writer and bringing her characters to life is her greatest dream come true.

She also writes new adult romance as NYT & USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy.
 
 
 
Coleen Kwan writes contemporary and steampunk romance for Carina Press and Entangled Publishing.

Coleen has been a bookworm all her life. At school English was her favorite subject, but for some reason she decided on a career in IT. After many years of programming, she wondered what else there was in life — and discovered writing. She loves writing contemporary romance and steampunk romance.

Coleen lives in Sydney, Australia with her partner and two children. When she isn’t writing she enjoys avoiding housework, eating chocolate, and watching The Office.
 
Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  GoodReads
 
 
 
Cindi MadsenCindi Madsen sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children. She is the author of YA books All the Broken Pieces, Cipher, and Demons of the Sun and adult romances Falling for Her Fiancé, Act Like You Love Me, and Cinderella Screwed Me Over.

Connect with Cindi at:
Website  |   Twitter   |   Facebook  | Blog  |  GoodReads
 
 
 
Roxanne SnopekBefore she was a novelist, Roxanne was an aerobics instructor (fired for insufficient coordination), a cosmetics salesperson (lacked that go-for-the-throat sales attitude), a dog-trainer (they all died*), a tax consultant with H&R Block (yeah, that was before Quicken and TurboTax), taught dog and cat breed names (she's a font of useless information) and most recently, wrote content for an interactive romance/mystery video game (still can't master Windows 8.)

Now she explores all kinds of careers from the safety of her desk, through her characters. It's better for everyone that way.

*It was 15 years ago, people! It's not like they died because of her!
 

 



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