Until Nico (Until #4) by Aurora Rose Reynolds

 

I can't get enough of these Mayson men!  I have been waiting anxiously for Nico's story and he did NOT disappoint.  This big, burly, tattooed, bounty hunter was left reeling after doing a good deed and returning a lost phone to a woman who would change his life.  He knew all about the family "curse" yet didn't ever think it would happen to him.  But he was a Mayson, and the minute he laid eyes on his "Sweet Sophie" - he knew exactly what had happened to his three brothers, was happening to him - it was time for the "curse" to take it's turn on him.

 

 

Sophie was new to the area, and was basically a loner.  She stayed to herself, wary of others, after what she experienced as a teen.  She had no family, and her only friend lived states away.  She didn't date - ever.  Well, that is at least until she lost her phone, and the person who returned it - gave her a lasting first impression.  She tried to push Nico away, discourage him, but Nico is determined and hell bent on breaking down her walls and getting her to let him in.

 

Nico is so sweet and gentle with handling her, yet knows when to push some.  He's so protective of her, you could just feel how much he cared about her.  I just loved experiencing their relationship as it developed and grew and how Sophie learned to let Nico and his family in her heart - and then watching how their family grew.

 

 

I love the Mayson family - all the brothers, wives, children, cousins, friends and especially their loving parents.  It makes you want to be a part of all the craziness and love they experience.  I can't wait to see who will be next in the series - because it can't be over yet - I love this series way too much for it to end!!!

 

Mended (Connections #3) by Kim Karr

 

I just knew I was going to be in for a rocky ride with Xander and Ivy.

 

They were each other's "first" for love and more - but unfortunately being young, family issues, rash decisions, took their lives in different directions - with pain and hurt feelings dragging along behind them.  After twelve years apart though, fate brings them back together, but Ivy has moved on and Xander can't believe who's she's with.  Xander can't stay away from Ivy, he's drawn to her and he finally realizes he needs to talk to her and set things straight about the past.

 

Ivy only knows what she saw happen twelve years ago.  When they find themselves unexpectedly working together, being around each other on a daily basis, Ivy begins struggling with her feelings.  Not missing an opportunity - finally Xander explains all the details of what really happened years ago, and Ivy has to decide what to do now.

 

 

This book had me crazy.  The sexual tension, the twists, the disappointments, the hope for the two of them to work it out had me totally in knots at times.  I devoured the book, leaving feeding my family and cleaning for another day!  Getting through this book was more important!

 

I really enjoy Kim Karr's writing style, and incorporating the other characters from other books, always gives a book more depth to me.  This is definitely one of my favorite series to read, and if you loved River and Dahlia, Jagger and Aerie - you will truly enjoy Xander and Ivy!  I'm so looking forward to Bell's story.

 

Within Temptatin (Sons of Temptation #1) by Tanya Holmes

Jackpot!! This is the first novel for Tanya Holmes, and this book has definitely hit its mark.  To start off with, it had two of my favorite things in it - suspense and sexual tension.  Not only that, it had me totally in its grips from the beginning wondering what really happened to Shannon's mom - and even more importantly what would happen with Trace and Shannon.  I devoured this book, anticipating each page - and new revelation that was revealed as the story went along.

 

Shannon and Trace are complicated characters - each much learn to forgive and trust each other in order to find out the truth and heal from the events that occurred over the past 12 years.  Since this is a Romantic Suspense - I don't want to give too much of the story away - but l will say the ending totally surprised me, and left me satisfied with how everything ended.  I definitely look forward to reading more from this author in the future!

 

 

 

The Chronicles of Moxie by Z.B. Heller

 

Wow! Let me start by introducing Moxie to you

 

 

Now to tell you a little bit about her.  Currently she teaches kindergarten - and her best friend Renee works in the same school with her.  Her other best friend, Ryan, is gay, and when they first met she hit on him shamelessly.  Her mom died when she was young, and her step mother is always trying to get her married off and hounds her endlessly to lose weight.  She's independent, a little insecure and funny as hell!

 

When she first meets Miles, she just happens to be a little drunk...well, maybe more than a "little" drunk.  Here's what she thought when she saw him come into the bar...

 

"...even though I was drunk enough not to feel my feet, looking at this man made my cocoon of love stir and I wanted his caterpillar nestled in it."

 

So, she decides to approach Miles, take a survey, and leave him with a lasting impression that would scare off most of the male population.

 

Miles is new to town, a widower with a 5 year old son - who just so happens to show up to Moxie's class as a new student.  He's also more than surprised to see Moxie again - and that's when the sexual innuendo's and sparks start flying.  These two are more than smoking together - and the best part is he likes her just the way she is - especially with all her craziness.

 

There are so many parts in this book that totally had me laughing out loud and just cracked me up and made me smile.

 

"Moxie, you're going to give me a complex, looking at me like that."  "Sorry, I can't help it. I was trying to figure out the logistics of moving my organs around so that would fit inside of me."

 

Miles also had a sense of humor too - it wasn't all just Moxie...

 

"I would love to put my hot dog in your bun."

 

I hope I've hooked you on this book - I loved watching Moxie and Miles get to know each other - and all of the friends and family that joined in for the ride.  Moxie was such a charming character and I absolutely loved everything about her and this book.

 

 

Dare to Resist (Wedding Dare #0.5) by Laura Kaye

Now this is the way to start off a series - this book was smoking hot - and I absolutely loved the storyline.  If you know me a little, novellas don't usually get over a 4 star rating from me - but this one totally had me sold, and I loved every moment of it.

 

The story takes place over a time period of about 24 hours - but truly, Kady and Colton's relationship has been in the works for many years.  Colton is Kady's brothers best friend, and in is his mind she's off limits - even if the line was crossed just a bit three years ago.  Plus, he likes his sex a little rough (oh yeah, you're gonna have to add him to your boyfriend list girls!!).

 

Kady has wanted Colton for years, and three years ago she thought she was finally getting her chance to be seen as more than his best friends sister.  It didn't quite work out like that back then - and she retreated, realizing maybe they would never have a chance.  That is, until they meet up again as they both try to win the same Security Contract - and are put in a situation where they have some "quality" time together where they both discover some surprising new things about each other.

 

I am absolutely looking forward to the next books in this series written by all of my favorite authors.  If the first book is any indication of how the series will play out - we are all in for a treat!

 

 

 

 

Lucky Numbers (TroubleMaker #3) by Kelly Gendron

Let me start by saying that Lucky can tattoo anything he wants on me - and actually he can do anything he wants to and with me any time!!  Yes, another hottie to add to your lists of "best boyfriends ever"!

 

Kaley decides she needs to change her "good girl" image and goes in to get a tattoo - meeting Lucky, the ultimate "bad boy" tattoo artist.  She not only gets the tattoo she wanted, Lucky adds a little something extra that she doesn't know about.  Luckily for both of them - that tattoo will be what brings Lucky back into Kaley's life again.

 

Kaley is shocked to see Lucky again - and realizes he may be just what she needs to finally destroy the perfect image the public seems to have of her.  Luckys is all for helping her out - acting the "bad boy" - he goes above and beyond the call of duty.  Of course, being around each other, these two can't deny the sparks that are flying around between these too - and when they get together - it is HOT!!

 

  

This was a great "never judge a book by it's cover" story. There was so much more to Kaley and Lucky's personality and life than what everyone might have seen from the outside.  I loved watching them get to know each other - and enjoyed having some of the characters from the prior books show up for a bit in this story.  In the end - these two ended up helping each other out in unexpected ways - and having more than they ever could have imagined.

  

 I'm really enjoying this series - and I love how with each book the stories are getting better and better.

 

 

Reprisal by Christa Lynn

 

Romantic Suspense stories are truly my favorite type of books even if I don't get to read them much - and this book had me in it's grips from the beginning.  It was so hard to put down - I seriously considered calling off of work so I could get the pleasure of finishing it sooner.  

 

Sydney is one of the strongest women you will ever meet.  After everything she endured as a teenager, it was truly inspiring how she rose above her pain and memories to help others that endured the same type of trauma.

 

Then there is Gabe, the sexy hot detective that catches Sydney's eye in a bar.  Little did they both know that they would be working together on a case that could potentially break Sydney.  Once Gabe sees Sydney again at the police station, he knows he has to have her - the attraction is undeniable, even Sydney has a hard time denying it.  But there's so much Gabe doesn't know about her past - and the new case is going to thrust Syndey into another nightmare.  This time though, Gabe will be there to protect her, at least he hopes to be.

 

Before you read this book, definitely take into mind the reader warning about violence and strong sexual situations.  I personally felt all descriptions of Syndey's past abuse were handled as delicately as they could be, without going into too much detail.  I don't want to give much of the story away, but if you are in need a smokin' romantic suspense then this book is definitely for you.  Gabe and Syndey were hot together and the story line will keep you guessing until the end.