Monday, May 30, 2016

Review: The Vampire's Protector by Michele Hauf

I loved The Vampire's Protector. It has all my favorite things in it - vampires, demons, musicians, Paris setting, complex characters battling personal demons (both figurative and literal) of their own and a very steamy love story. I love this world Michele Hauf has created and the characters that inhabit it.

I think the last time Summer Santiago made an appearance in a book I read, she was just a baby in her dad's arms, calling Stryke a puppy (Moonlight & Diamonds). Now though, she's all grown up and working for the Council. On this particular job she accidentally resurrects the musician, famed violinist, Nicolo Paganini. I don't want to give away what happens, but he was an actual person, known as the Devil's violinist, so that should give you a clue.

This book was the perfect way to spend the rainy Memorial Day weekend.

Highly recommend to any fans of paranormal romance.

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Review: Nobody But You by Jill Shalvis

I loved this book. This is the third in the Cedar Ridge Series, and I loved all three of the books, but this was one was my favorite.

The characters in this book are wonderful. Jacob is so sexy and Sophie is so messed up and goofy - trying to live on her boat - but such a fun character.

Along with the romance, there's the story of Jacob reconnecting with his family, after years of being away. The family situations bring a lot of realism and heart to these stories. They're more than just romances, they're also stories about family.

But the romance part is really great. I would recommend these books to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance, or anyone just thinking they may want to try contemporary romance. These are the perfect blend of sexy and sweet stories.

Highly recommend. Looking forward to reading much more by this author.

I received a copy via NetGalley.

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Review: My Kind of Wonderful by Jill Shalvis

I liked this book a lot. I've only read three of her books so far (this being the second) but I feel like Jill Shalvis is going to be added to my favorite authors list because I loved these Cedar Ridge books.

Of the three, this was my least favorite, simply because I thought the heroine, Bailey, was a little bit too perfect. She'd been ill and was now trying to check off all the things she wanted to do, or something like that. Trying to live her life to the fullest. She's a great person, but she didn't seem like someone I'd want to hang out with.

Still, I really liked this book. Hud is such a nice guy, always trying to help out everyone else, he needed a nice girl, so someone like Bailey is perfect for him.

Very sexy book. Also, I really like all the other characters. The family, small town atmosphere is well done in this series.

Since reading these books I've been recommending them to all my friends.

I received a copy of this via NetGalley.

Sunday, May 08, 2016

Review: Second Chance Summer by Jill Shalvis

I liked this book so much. I read a little bit of it yesterday, and today, once I started reading, I couldn't put it down.

When a scandal causes her to lose her job at a prestigious salon in California, Lily returns to her hometown of Cedar Ridge after being away for ten years, feeling as if she has no where else to go.  She had good reason to leave and stay away, following a family tragedy for which she felt responsible. She didn't realize that when she ran away, she left behind a hole in Aiden Kincaid's heart. Upon returning, Aiden is one of the first people she sees - after a long drive, when she's got Cheeto stains on her clothes and a pile of junk food in her arms. What she and Aiden quickly realize is that despite their ten years apart, all the feelings they once had for each other are still very much there.

Lily considers her stay in Cedar Ridge temporary. The place holds too many memories and too much pain to ever consider staying there, and the last thing she wants is to get involved with someone who only reminds her of what she lost and the guilt that consumes her.

Aiden's got issues and guilt of his own as he tries to help out with the family resort, while also working for the fire department and be part of the volunteer search and rescue team. He never completely got over Lily, and he's not eager to get left behind by her again, and she's made it clear she has no plans to stick around. But he can't stop thinking about her. Sparks fly anytime they're near each other.

Eventually, they both begin to realize that running from their fears, and burying all their pain may not be the best way to live. Their paths keep crossing, and much to Lily's displeasure, she keeps finding herself in need of rescue - from spiders, flat tires and in one case, a baby bunny. And Aiden's job is to rescue people, so of course, he's always there for her.

I really enjoyed seeing how these two people worked through their issues and finally admitted they needed each other.

This book provided the perfect escape - likable, interesting main characters with plenty of flaws and plenty of reasons to look beyond their flaws; great, realistic supporting characters, as well; gorgeous setting in a Colorado resort town (I am very much a city person, but books like this make me want to pack up and relocate to the mountains); entertaining, believable backstory; very sexy, steamy, mature romance. I cannot think of a single thing that I didn't like about this book.

This is the first book I've read by this author, but I've already got the second book of this series on my kindle ready to start.

Highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance.

I received a copy of this via NetGalley.