6/8/15

Can't Wait For: Lisa Kleypas' COLD-HEARTED RAKE (November 2015)

Available 10/27/2015

A twist of fate . . .
Devon Ravenel, London's most wickedly charming rake, has just inherited an earldom. But his powerful new rank in society comes with unwanted responsibilities . . . and more than a few surprises. His estate is saddled with debt, and the late earl's three innocent sisters are still occupying the house . . . along with Kathleen, Lady Trenear, a beautiful young widow whose sharp wit and determination are a match for Devon's own.
A clash of wills . . .
Kathleen knows better than to trust a ruthless scoundrel like Devon. But the fiery attraction between them is impossible to deny—and from the first moment Devon holds her in his arms, he vows to do whatever it takes to possess her. As Kathleen finds herself yielding to his skillfully erotic seduction, only one question remains:
Can she keep from surrendering her heart to the most dangerous man she's ever known?

* * * * *

Lisa Kleypas is returning to her historical romance roots, and I can't wait!  
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6/7/15

Book Review: RESCUING THE BAD BOY (Second Chance #2) by Jessica Lemmon

Not All Scars Heal

 For Donovan Pate, the lake town of Evergreen Cove is a minefield of tough memories-including the day he had to let go of Sofie Martin. Years later he still can't forget the taste of her lips and the feel of her killer curves. He knows he's too damaged, that he should stay away for her own good. But what the head says and the heart wants are two very different things . . . 

Seven years ago, Donovan broke Sofie's heart. Now her career depends on playing nice in order to pull off the charity fund-raiser of the decade. She vows to keep things professional . . . yet working by his side every day doesn't make it easy to fight temptation, and it isn't long before she finds herself falling for this bad boy all over again. But loving Donovan means helping him face his past-so they can fight for a future together.
* * * * *
Oh, man...Donovan Pate broke my heart and then made it all better by the end of the book.  I'm not kidding.  I can't remember the last time a hero's story devastated me the way Donovan Pate's did!    I was all prepared to not like Mr. Pate based on the tiny teaser I read in BRINGING HOME THE BAD BOY.  Evil boy dumps virginal girl after relieving her of her virginity--how dare he!  But Jessica Lemmon's spectacular writing proved that Donovan Pate is more than worthy of a second chance.  I honestly believe he's my favorite hero of 2015, so far (and the other heroes I read this year will have a lot of catching up to do if they want to outdo Donovan Pate).

Donovan was raised in an abusive home by his abuser father and his grandmother, who looked the other way.  Donovan grew up not believing he was loved or worthy of love or kindness.  He doesn't know how to handle the beautiful Sofie Martin who loves him with her whole heart, who believes that he's a man that's worthy of her kindness and love.  So of course he handles it badly when he gets his first real taste of love and kindness.  It leads him to reject Sofie cruelly, and he runs to the Hamptons.  He stays away for seven years, the only reason he returns to Evergreen Cove is to get rid of the mansion that he inherited from his late grandmother.  

Donovan and Sofie cross paths again when he tries to get her to move the fundraiser for abused children she's hosting at the mansion.  This doesn't sit well with Sofie, who's none to happy to see Donovan again seven years after he cruelly dumped her and ran.  She's moved on and determined to prove it not only to Donovan, but herself as well.  

Jessica Lemmon tells their love story, and Donovan's story, with such a beautiful grace.  I honestly had to set the book down a few times because I was overwhelmed with emotion.  I don't think I've been happier for two people to get their happy ending than I was for Donovan and Sofie.  Ms. Lemmon has another winner on her hands!  

XOXO,

Teresa

Rating:  4 out of 4 Stars.  This book belongs on your keeper shelf!

Book Facts:
RESCUING THE BAD BOY (Second Chance #2) by Jessica Lemmon
Forever/Grand Central Publishing,  June 2015
ISBN:  978-1-4555-5806-3
Buy It:  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Books A Million
Connect with Jessica on:  Facebook  |  Twitter 

Up next in the Second Chance Series...

Available 09/25/2015
A BAD BOY FOR CHRISTMAS 
Second Chance #3

'Tis the Season to Be Naughty

Connor McClain knows what he wants. And after four harrowing years in Afghanistan, that's a quiet life in the lakeside town of Evergreen Cove. But coming home has land mines of its own-the most dangerous of them being long-legged bombshell Faith Garrett. Now getting her into his arms this holiday is going to require more than mistletoe . . . 

With a cheating ex behind her, all Faith wants is a relaxing holiday free from man drama. And even though every moment with gorgeous Connor is a sweet temptation, Faith is determined not to give in. But Jack Frost has other plans, and soon Faith and Connor are snowbound in a winter wonderland with only the sparks flying between them to keep them warm. As one hot kiss leads to another, they'll have to decide if they're ready to give each other the best gift of all-love.
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Book Review: BRINGING HOME THE BAD BOY (Second Chances #1) by Jessica Lemmon


The Bad Boy Is Back

 Evan Downey needs a new beginning. Since the death of his wife five years ago, the brilliant tattoo artist has shut himself away in a prison of grief that not even his work can break him out of-and what's worse, Evan knows his son Lyon is bearing the brunt of his seclusion. Moving back to the lake town of Evergreen Cove where he spent his childhood summers is his last chance for a fresh start.

Charlotte Harris knows she owes it to her best friend's memory to help Evan and his son find their way again, but she can't stop her traitorous heart from skipping a beat every time she looks into Evan's mesmerizing eyes. Charlotte is determined to stay strictly in the Friend Zone-until a mind-blowing night knocks that plan by the wayside. Now, if they're brave enough to let it, Charlotte and Evan might just find a love capable of healing their broken hearts . . .



* * * * *

One of my favorite romance novel tropes is the heroine who falls for her late best friend's husband (I blame Linda Howard's excellent 1985 novel, SARAH'S CHILD, for this...).  There's so much drama already built in for the author to play with.  Was the marriage happy?  Was it on the rocks?  Just how long has the heroine been pining for the husband?  Are there people who are naturally against this pairing?  There are just so many ways to take the novel if you're an author.

Jessica Lemmon has spun a wonderful tale in BRINGING HOME THE BAD BOY.  Evan Downey is a swoon-worthy hero, not only because he's hot, but because he's a wonderful father.  It's clear from the moment the story begins that Evan is a man who loves deeply.  Not just his son, Lyon, but Lyon's mother Rae.  This is a guy who has had trouble sleeping in the bed he shared with Rae since her unexpected, tragic passing.  Ms. Lemmon does a wonderful job illustrating how much Evan loved/loves Rae, but also paints a marriage that had real flaws.  Neither Rae nor Evan were perfect human beings, and that's okay.  

Evan decides it's time to move back to Evergreen Cove to give Lyon and himself a fresh start and shake the constant reminders of Rae.  His and Rae's friend Charlotte "Charlie" Harris is happy to have them move back to Evergreen Cove, even if she can't seem to get her heart under control whenever Evan's around.  Charlie is a wonderful heroine who, while "crushing" on Evan since they were teenagers, never really let that stop her from having a life.  I appreciate that Charlie wasn't sitting on a shelf somewhere pining for Evan.  Her struggle with accepting that it's okay for her and Evan to be in a relationship feels real.  It's not overdone histrionics, it paints her in a sympathetic light.  It is a struggle for her to be happy with what she sees as Rae's family.  She doesn't believe that she's worthy of such love, of such a family.  Watching her finally accept that she is worthy of it is beautiful.  Charlie and Evan jump off the page and set it on fire with their scorching chemistry.  

BRINGING HOME THE BAD BOY was my first time reading anything by Jessica Lemmon, and it certainly will not be the last thing I read by this talented author.  

XOXO,

Teresa

Rating:  4 out of 4 Stars!  Run to your local bookstore to pick up this gem, and be prepared to read it with oven mits on, 'cause the chemistry is smoooooking hot!

Book Facts:  
BRINGING HOME THE BAD BOY (Second Chance #1) by Jessica Lemmon
Forever/Grand Central Publishing,  January 2015
ISBN:  978-1-4555-3148-6
Buy it:  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Books A Million
Connect with Jessica on:  Facebook  |  Twitter
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Can't Wait For: Sarah MacLean's THE ROGUE NOT TAKEN (January 2016)

Lady Sophie's Society Splash!

When Sophie, the least interesting of the Talbot sisters, lands her philandering brother-in-law backside-first in a goldfish pond in front of all society, she becomes the target of very public aristocratic scorn. Her only choice is to flee London, vowing to start a new life far from the aristocacy. Unfortunately, the carriage in which she stows away isn't saving her from ruin . . . it's filled with it.

Rogue's Reign of Ravishment!

Kingscote, "King," the Marquess of Eversley, has never met a woman he couldn't charm, resulting in a reputation far worse than the truth, a general sense that he's more pretty face than proper gentleman, and an irate summons home to the Scottish border. When King discovers stowaway Sophie, however, the journey becomes anything but boring.

War? Or More?

He thinks she's trying to trick him into marriage. She wouldn't have him if he were the last man on earth. But carriages bring close quarters, dark secrets, and unbearable temptation, making opposites altogether too attractive . . .




* * * * *

Welcome to a new feature I'm calling "Can't Wait For."  CWF is a way for me to highlight new books from favorite authors and new authors that I can't wait to read.  

I'm kicking off this feature with Sarah MacLean's January 2016 book, THE ROGUE NOT TAKEN.  Published by Avon Books, the book will hit shelves on December 29, 2015.  The book is the first installment of Ms. MacLean's new Scandal & Scoundrel series.  And while 2015 can take it's sweet time, I am looking forward to ringing in the new year with this little gem...

XOXO,

Teresa
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6/2/15

Why Amazon Loves Me--June 2015 edition

Happy Tuesday!  I love days like today when I get home from work and packages of books I've ordered from Amazon are sitting on my doorstep!  Same thing happened last Tuesday, so I'm combining my two week haul from Amazon into one post.

On the 26th day of May and the 2nd day of June, Amazon sent me the following books:

*  Rescuing the Bad Boy (Second Chances #2)  by Jessica Lemmon  I've already read this book, review forthcoming!
*  The Beautiful One (Scandalous Sisters #1) by Emily Greenwood
*  The Diva Steals a Chocolate Kiss (Domestic Diva Mystery #9) by Krista Davis
*  Death of a Chocolate Cheater (Food Festival Mystery #2) by Penny Pike
*  All the Right Places (Riley O'Brien & Co. #1) by Jenna Sutton
*  Midnight Captive (Killer Instincts #6) by Elle Kennedy
*  One Night With a Billionaire (Billionaire Boys Club #6) by Jessica Clare
*  Suddenly One Summer by Julie James
*  Vicious Cycle (Vicious Cycle #1) by Katie Ashley
*  Ripped from the Pages (Bibliophile Mystery #9) by Kate Carlisle
*  Death by Coffee (Bookstore Cafe Mystery #1) by Alex Erickson
*  No Better Man (Heart of the Rockies #1) by Sara Richardson
*  Passionately Yours (The Hellions of High Street #3) by Cara Elliot
*  Dearest Rogue (Maiden Lane #8) by Elizabeth Hoyt
*  Wedding Bells in Christmas (Christmas, Colorado #4) by Debbie Mason
*  All of Me (Love Between the Bases #1) by Jennifer Bernard
*  Falling Hard (Bad Boys Undercover #2) by Helenkay Dimon

So, what books did you add to your to be read pile?

XOXO,

Teresa
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