Review: Eye Candy by Jessica Lemon

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About the book:

Don’t trust lust at first sight. One woman chooses reality over fantasy in this friends-to-lovers romance, a steamy standalone by “an author to keep your eye on” (Katee Robert).
 
Jacqueline: As an adult woman–and the vice president of a marketing firm–I shouldn’t be waiting by my office window to ogle the mystery man who jogs by every morning at 11:45. Sure, he’s a gorgeous, perfect specimen of the human race, but I can’t bring myself to hit on a total stranger. However, my best friend-slash-colleague Vince Carson thinks I should do more than talk to the guy. In fact, he’s borderline obsessive about “getting me laid.” (His words.) But the more time we spend together, the more it’s clear: The one I’m falling for is Vince.
 
Vince: Jackie Butler’s got it bad for some pompous, over-pumped A-hole who struts his stuff past her window. That doesn’t bother me. I know she deserves nice things. What does bother me is that she friend-zoned me big-time last year, so I can’t ask her out myself. But what if I set her up with Mr. Steroids? Then, when he breaks her heart, I can swoop in and save her like the nice guy I am. Everything’s going according to plan . . . until we share a ridiculously epic kiss. And suddenly anything is possible.

My Thoughts:

First, this book has a great cover. Even if I wasn’t a fan of the author, I would pick up this book because of the appealing cover. Plus, the cover totally fits the plot of the book in a very sly way.

Eye Candy is sort of a twist on the friends-to-lovers trope. Although Vince has started developing lustful thoughts toward his best friend, Jackie, he has a plan to help her land her “dream man.” There were a couple of times that Vince irritated me. I felt that he was kind of playing a game with Jackie’s feelings. Jackie is infatuated with a man she has never spoken to but watches run by her office window every morning. She doesn’t really want to meet him because the mystery and excitement will be over, but Vince convinces her that she has to get herself out there and “running man” is the perfect guy. Jackie is just as bad at times when it comes to playing games. She knows that she has feelings for Vince, but continues to pursue her runner. It was a bit frustrating to read these two go back and forth.

Rating:

the book girl gives Eye Candy a 3/5

to find the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Review: Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare

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About the book:

All Charlotte wanted was to avoid scandal. Instead, she was caught in the arms of a mysterious, handsome lord…and he’s not letting go.

On the night of the Parkhurst ball, someone had a scandalous tryst in the library.

Was it Lord Canby, with the maid, on the divan? Or Miss Fairchild, with a rake, against the wall? Perhaps the butler did it.

All Charlotte Highwood knows is this: it wasn’t her. But rumors to the contrary are buzzing. Unless she can discover the lovers’ true identity, she’ll be forced to marry Piers Brandon, Lord Granville–the coldest, most arrogantly handsome gentleman she’s ever had the misfortune to embrace. When it comes to emotion, the man hasn’t got a clue.

But as they set about finding the mystery lovers, Piers reveals a few secrets of his own. The oh-so-proper marquess can pick locks, land punches, tease with sly wit . . . and melt a woman’s knees with a single kiss. The only thing he guards more fiercely than Charlotte’s safety is the truth about his dark past.

Their passion is intense. The danger is real. Soon Charlotte’s feeling torn. Will she risk all to prove her innocence? Or surrender it to a man who’s sworn to never love?

My Thoughts:

DO YOU WANT TO START A SCANDAL is a delightful, sweet and sexy romance.  Charlotte and Piers are so perfect together. Charlotte is trying to avoid scandal and the trap she is sure her mother is going to set for an eligible bachelor. Instead of avoiding scandal she finds herself right in the middle of one. Piers has an ulterior motive for being at the Parkhurst ball and the scandal is only going to get in the way. However, Piers can’t help but be drawn to Charlotte.

The ending of this book is perfect. I won’t give anything away, but Piers does the perfect thing to romance Charlotte and ensure their happily ever after.

Rating:

the book girl gives DO YOU WANT TO START A SCANDAL a 5/5

To find the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Review: Dukes Prefer Blondes by Loretta Chase

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About the book:

Biweekly marriage proposals from men who can’t see beyond her (admittedly breathtaking) looks are starting to get on Lady Clara Fairfax’s nerves. Desperate to be something more than ornamental, she escapes to her favorite charity. When a child is in trouble, she turns to tall, dark, and annoying barrister Oliver Radford.

Though he’s unexpectedly found himself in line to inherit a dukedom, Radford’s never been part of fashionable society, and the blonde beauty, though not entirely bereft of brains, isn’t part of his plans. But Clara overwhelms even his infallible logic, and when wedlock looms, all he can do is try not to lose his head over her . . .

It’s an inconvenient marriage by ordinary standards, but these two are far from ordinary. Can the ton’s most adored heiress and London’s most difficult bachelor fall victim to their own unruly desires?

My Thoughts: 

I’m not sure if I could love the hero of this story more. He’s nerdy, awkward, and brilliant. The way he sees the things around him is unique. His weakness for Clara is adorable.

Clara is pretty fantastic too. I loved that she wasn’t content to just be a “pretty girl” and went out to find her own adventure. She doesn’t take no for an answer and has the unique ability to completely confound Radford.

These two shouldn’t work together, but they do. Their chemistry is unmistakable and the love they share evident way before they realize it themselves.

DUKES PREFER BLONDES is a romantic, funny and delightful historical romance that shouldn’t be missed.

Rating:

the book girl gives DUKES PREFER BLONDES a 5/5

To Find the Book:

Amazon

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Review: Montana Heat – Protected by Love by Jennifer Ryan

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About the book:

It was more than another blind date . . .

It was DEA Agent Caden Cooke’s third chance to impress beautiful chef Mia Martin. He’d already stood her up twice, and was shocked she was even giving him another chance. For Caden, taking down the bad guys is important, but Mia’s made it clear there’s no excuse for his bad behavior. So he’s vowed to make it worth her while with an apology he’s cooked up just for her.

From the moment they meet, it’s clear this isn’t just another fix up. The sparks flying between them are undeniable; the tension is electric. Then, suddenly, the best moments of their lives turn treacherous when a drug dealer set on revenge puts their lives in danger. And Mia and Caden quickly realize they will do anything to protect the other—and live for the love neither of them expected.

My thoughts:

Jennifer Ryan is one of my favorite authors. I have loved all of her books and read several of them more than once. I was excited that there was a new series coming that had characters already introduced in a previous book.

I loved Caden and Mia. Caden knows that missing his dates with Mia is bad. Mostly because he doesn’t want a lecture from his aunt, but also because it is a very ungentlemanly thing to do. For her part, Mia is understanding about Caden’s job. That doesn’t mean she is going to give him another chance if he stands her up a third time.

Their date takes many unexpected turns – some a little funny, but mostly very serious. Caden wants to protect Mia, but Mia is a kick ass heroine who does a lot of the saving herself. I loved that Mia wasn’t a wilting flower when faced with adversity. She plans to protect Caden while he’s protecting her.

With this being a novella, everything moves at a very fast pace. They go from not knowing each other to madly in love very quickly. The chemistry between the characters is evident from the beginning of their third-attempt at a first date.

Montana Heat: Protected by Love will definitely go in my re-read collection on my kindle.

Rating:

I give Montana Heat: Protected by Love a 5/5

To find the book:

Amazon

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iBooks

 

Review: Falling for the Fake Fiance by Jennifer Blackwood

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About the book:

Jill Michaels prides herself on one thing: being independent. That is until her daughter gets into an elite school, and she needs money more than ever. It seems her fairy godmother—aka her deceased Grammy—has granted that wish in the form of one-fourth of her estate. The only catch? She must be married by her thirtieth birthday. In two months.

Aaron Collins is fresh out of the army and back in town to help his father’s failing business. When he runs into Jill at a hotel where she’s attending a single’s mixer, he makes sure she doesn’t make it past his room and into another guy’s arms. When he hears about her predicament, he has a plan: they’ll get married and keep it a secret. And maybe have a little sexy fun until he leave towns for his new job.

But letting go of the woman of his dreams may be harder than Aaron could have ever imagined.

My Thoughts:

I loved this book! Jill is just trying to keep it all together and Aaron seems like the answer to her prayers. Aaron doesn’t want to be part of an “us”, but he can’t stand the tired, hopeless look he sees in Jill’s eyes when she doesn’t think anyone is looking. Aaron is the ultimate sexy, alpha male. He sees a problem and instantly wants to fix it. Jill is an independent single mom who has done just fine on her own, but the cracks in the foundation are starting to show. She doesn’t want her daughter to miss out on anything that is available to her, but between her private school and extra-curricular activities she is breaking the bank.

The chemistry between Jill and Aaron is off the charts. I loved the way he slid so easily into her life and fell in love with Jill and her daughter. FALLING FOR THE FAKE FIANCE is a sweet, sexy romance.

Rating:

the book girl gives FALLING FOR THE FAKE FIANCE a 4/5

To find the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

 

Review: Royal Player by Katie McCoy

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About the book:

Charlie Davenport is the bad boy of British sports – and third in line to the throne. He’s a beast on the courts, and a wild animal in bed (according to all the tabloids). Girls are lining up for chance at his crown jewels, and when I stumble into the wrong Wimbledon dressing room and catch a glimpse of his game, set, AND match, I can see why.

So what’s a little good luck kiss between f̶r̶i̶e̶n̶d̶s̶ strangers?

I know better than to get involved with a bad boy like Charlie. But now he’s on a winning streak, he thinks I’m his lucky charm – and you know what’s luckier than a kiss?

Everything.

Suddenly, I’ve got paparazzi on my trail, exes coming out of the woodwork — and you don’t know ‘cutthroat’ until you’ve seen a pack of hungry socialites set loose near the Royal Family.

I’m in way over my head, and even worse – I’m falling in love. Can this American girl win her Prince Charming? Or will we both crash out of the championships in flames?

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. It is funny, sweet and sexy as hell. Charlie is the black sheep member of a royal family. He doesn’t care about much of anything except having a good time. His tennis career is good enough to get him to Wimbledon, but he doesn’t actually expect to win anything. Emmy is on an adventure and being a refreshment girl at Wimbledon is just the beginning.

This story reminded me a bit of the movie, Wimbledon, starring Paul Bettany and Kirsten Dunst. Emmy becomes Charlie’s lucky charm – both on the tennis court and in his personal life. I liked the way Emmy is able to get Charlie to think differently about his future and his relationship with his family. Emmy is also able to get others to take Charlie seriously.

If I had one complaint about the book, it is that Charlie gains a lot from his relationship with Emmy, but Emmy doesn’t. Of course she is having lots of hot sex with a bad boy, but her relationship with Charlie actually causes more problems for her – paparazzi and Charlie’s discarded women. I felt that this relationship wasn’t such a quite equal and I wanted Emmy to get more and be more than just Charlie’s arm candy.

Rating:

the book girl gives ROYAL PLAYER a 3.5/5

To find the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

 

Review: The Nanny Arrangement by Rachel Harris

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About the book:

Soft-spoken and shy Hannah Fisher is determined to make the man she’s loved her entire life finally see her as a woman. With the help of a makeover, a new mission—Operation Find My Happy—and the convenient forced proximity of a tour bus, she vows to win her best friend Deacon’s heart.

Former bad boy and current fiddle player Deacon Latrell has the world at his fingertips: a new gig with a famous band, plus his best friend on tour as his son’s nanny. Life couldn’t get much sweeter. Now if only he could stop imagining kissing the daylights out of his childhood BFF…

With one friend set on pushing the boundaries and the other afraid to rock the boat, one thing’s for certain—their story would make one heck of a country song.

Each book in the Country Blues series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Series Order:
Book #1: You’re Still the One
Book #2: The Nanny Arrangement

My thoughts:

I’m a sucker for the best friends to lovers story. The love between Deacon and Hannah is obvious from the very beginning of the book, but Deacon doesn’t notice Hannah in that way. Or does he? I loved Deacon’s slow realization that he feels more than just platonic love for Hannah.

I loved the connection between Deacon and Hannah. Their friendship that had evolved through their teenage years to their mid-twenties.

The secondary characters, including Deacon’s sweet son Max, are an important part of the story.  Deacon is worried about being a good father to Max and a good member of his new band. He knows that Hannah is necessary to both working out. His son is in love with her and his band mates and their wives instantly bring her into the group. Deacon is afraid that if he crosses a line with Hannah, that is getting harder and harder not to cross, then everything in his world could go to hell.

The Nanny Arrangement is the perfect book to read while sitting out by the pool.

Rating: 

the book girl gives The Nanny Arrangement a 5/5

To find the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

 

Review: One Little Kiss by Maggie Kelley

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About the book:

Love blogger Kate Bell is finished with men—especially the hot ones. Of course her only chance to save her career requires snagging an interview with the man who literally wrote the book on love, reclusive and super-sexy relationship expert Jake Wright. Who happens to be her boss’s brother.

The last thing Jake Wright wants is to be dragged back into the spotlight as a bachelor for his sister’s dating website. But when a sweet and sexy blogger crashes onto his island in the middle of a storm worse than his love life, keeping his hands off proves to be a challenge—especially when they’re stuck sharing the same bungalow.

Each book in the Smart Cupid series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Series Order:
Book #1 Breaking the Bachelor
Book #2 Unexpectedly His
Book #3 One Little Kiss

What I thought:

I loved this book! The characters are brilliant and sexy.

Kate is really bad at picking men, so she has given them up. New Kate is going to focus on her career and not having to return to Ohio and run the family business. It is imperative that she gets the interview with Jake (who happens to be her boss’s brother).

Jake wants nothing to do with being a Smart Cupid stud or being interviewed by Kate. Weather, a sexy bikini, and a meddling sister/boss bring these two together and the sparks immediately fly.

I really liked the way that Kate is able to change Jake’s perception of romance and the way Jake restores Kate’s faith in true love. One Little Kiss is sexy, sweet and has a perfect happily ever after ending.

Rating:

the book girl gives One Little Kiss a 5/5

To find the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble