Beneath These Chains by Meghan March!

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Lord finds Elle's determination to work at his shop a little surprising and he thinks there's an ulterior motive for her desire. Both have pasts but they must move on before they can do anything close to a relationship. Find the official description on Goodreads.

I immediately fell in love with both Lord and Elle. Elle wasn't the typical rebellious rich chick and Lord was an amazing man, one that you could easily fall in love with. The plot involved a big shock, and it was a painful one, one that I still don't think I've recovered from. But the developing relationship between Lord and Elle help to make it just a bit easier to take.

Not to mention we got an update on Con and Vanessa. That was a great thing!

Meghan March has a captivating writing style and she's certainly created a series that one can enjoy immensely. She's on my one-click without looking list now!

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Game Changer by Melissa Cutler

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Brandon is now a minor celebrity, after returning from war injured. Harper is just trying to keep her bar afloat, especially when problems start cropping up. When Brandon and Harper make a deal they might just find themselves both winning. Find the official description on Goodreads.

This book definitely contains some life lessons that just resonate within a person. It's amazing to see both Harper and Brandon learn these lessons or put them into action and grow. It was a wonderful feeling and I'd like to take some of their lessons into play in my own life. 

This book was hard to read at times. There were certain things that came up that made me sad, and the laughs that I did enjoy during this book were tempered by the things that were hanging over the characters. So it was hard to read because I knew it was affecting me emotionally. 

The plot of Game Changer was beautiful and really well done. Melissa Cutler has created another wonderful addition to the Bomb Squad series and I cannot wait to see who's next! 

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The Cowboy's Forever Family by Deb Kastner

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Laney is widowed and pregnant, left with a ranch she has no idea how to handle. And her late husband's best friend isn't exactly on her side. But when Slade finds out she's pregnant and not going to turn out his best friend's parents, he decides that he'll have to help her if he wants to keep everyone where they want to be and honor his best friend's memory. But when a strained relationship turns into friendship, can it go the extra step? Find the official description on Goodreads.

For some reason when I saw this book offered on NetGalley and read the plot I couldn't resist so I was really glad to get the chance to read it. Especially when it was written in third person, my favorite of the perspectives.

First we're introduced to Slade, and that was a good decision, because immediately you see him as a good guy if a little awkward with emotional scenarios. And when we are first introduced to Laney and see the too interact you're definitely glad that you see into Slade's head a bit and met him first. Otherwise you'd think he was a jerk. A big time jerk. But having heard his thoughts and learn about him first I feel like it allowed me to admit that he was a jerk but at the same time understand that there were problems on both sides.

The plot and writing kept the reader reading and it was easy and beautiful to see the two slowly move past their differences and move to something different.  It was a good read, and one that didn't necessarily have a lot of physical action. More so emotional drama, but sometimes it's a relief to get a break from the books full of physical action.

Overall, The Cowboy's Forever Family was a good read and once I liked.

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Too Hot to Handle by Katie Rose

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Nikki Case, PR Extraordinaire is not a fan of her new job. Or more specifically the sport associated with the new job her PR firm has just given her. Ever since her ex gambled everything away on baseball, she's not enjoyed the sport. But when she's given the task of cleaning up the image of the well known bad boys on the New Jersey Sonics, she knows she's got her work cut out for her. But what she doesn't expect is to find that maybe the sport isn't too bad at all...or at least one man. But when the job gives her more difficulties than she expected and everything seems to fall down around her can she find enough inner strength to ride it out or will her reputation be in shambles? Find the official description on Goodreads.

The writing in Too Hot to Handle was well done, no obvious spelling or grammar errors and it wasn't hard to start getting into the story quickly especially with some of the laughs that you can have at character's expense(Does that make me a bad person, I wonder?). The writing was easy to follow and at no point did I ever feel I was getting confused or lost or anything like that.

The plot was a little bit predictable. When I heard about something I knew it would come around to bite him in the butt I just didn't know how it would. But the characters and their experiences made the book worthwhile to read. Especially with some of the boys and how...childlike? For lack of a polite word to describe them. And it wasn't a good childlike, it was a terrible manchild child. Let's leave it at that. But they were inventive. 

Too Hot to Handle was a good sports romance and I definitely enjoyed it. So if you like baseball romances than you can certainly check this one out. 

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Alex by Sawyer Bennett

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“I’m not sure why you were labeled the team prick. I’m just not seeing it.” -Sawyer Bennett, Alex

Alex isn't know for being the best person to his hockey fans.  But when the management forces him to work with Sutton on an outreach program for at-risk kids, he finds himself finding new things to appreciate about his sport and becoming a better person both on and off the ice. But when he starts having problems on the ice, he has to reevaluate his life. But will he make the right decision or will everything fall apart? Find the official description on Goodreads.

Both characters were definitely unique. But Alex was much more so. Many of the characters in any of the sports romance I have read enjoy their sports. But Alex isn't enjoying Hockey, mostly because of his father. I’ll leave that for you to find out more about. Plus he was a bit of a….well there are lots of words for him, so let’s just say he doesn't have a people personality. It definitely makes for an intriguing read. Sutton was a lot more happy and yet she could hold her own against Alex. It was fun to see their interactions and watch as they got under each others skin.

Sawyer Bennett also made me feel as if I was going to my first hockey game again when I experienced through Sutton’s point of view(although I wish one of the players would have done that to me. I would have fainted.) It was a marvelous feeling and one I was glad that Sawyer Bennett was able to capture so fully.

There were hockey scenes but they were fewer in number than the rest and while I wished we could have had more hockey I also enjoyed the moments that Alex did have. At many points, especially towards the end, I was sighing over everything. And I noticed that Garrett’s name also is the name of the next book so I was looking eagerly for scenes in which he participated and he definitely made me laugh.

Alex was a great read and I have a feeling that it’s just the beginning! Alex is due for release October 14th, 2014.

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No Weddings by Kat Bastion and Stone Bastion

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"Their world has never been the same." -Kat Bastion and Stone Bastion, No Weddings

Cade and his three sisters form an event-planning business. One major rule is brought into play; No mixing business with pleasure. But when Cade becomes point man in meeting with baker, Hannah, he finds that he will do anything to spend time with her. And girls no longer hold the same appeal. But Hannah's been burned before and she's leery of Cade, even as he tries to get beyond his own past. Can the two work things out? Find the official description on Goodreads.

I have to admit that I love Hannah's attitude and the fact that she can be icy but when she lets herself relax, she's very kindhearted and warm. Her attitude definitely added some spice and fun to the book and I enjoyed her character as a whole. 

Cade was the narrator of No Weddings and I found it a bit strange. Usually if the gentlemen are narrators it tends to be flipping between the main female character and the main male character so to have the narrator be Cade was unique and refreshing. It made No Weddings stand out in my mind.It was interesting to see how a male character works through things, not necessarily similarly to the females. 

Throughout the book, there kept being this mention of the Travesty and it roused my curiosity and definitely made things interesting, if they weren't already. But then when we find out the reasons behind both characters difficulties with relationships, it's easy to see they've had a difficult run of things. 

No Weddings is a unique and interesting read that will stand out in my mind. It was released September 8th, and I suggest you give it a chance.

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His Game, Her Rules by Charlene Groome

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"What was the point of coming here today if she didn't have a chance?" -Charlene Groome, His Game, Her Rules

Ty is a Vancouver Warriors player and he's used to getting what he wants. But when the new skating coach shuts down his advances quickly, he's ready to chase her. But Eileen wants to show the men on the team and management that just because she's a woman doesn't mean that she can't play hockey. And a relationship with Ty could jeopardize that. Will she break her own rules or will it be her heart that's breaking? Find the official description on Goodreads.

Okay, so as you already know, I like hockey so when I saw this book on NetGalley I just had to request it. And luckily I was approved to get a copy! So yay, let's get down to the review!

It starts out really well, however I found that the present tense usage in a third person narrative just doesn't seem as comfortable to me as the past tense tends to be. The sentences occasionally sounded choppy and it wasn't a style of narrative that I enjoyed. This made reading the book a little more difficult but it's something that you can get past. Especially when you meet Eileen and Ty.

It seems that each character holds stereotypes in their mind(like any person does have occasionally. And this made them human to their readers. Not only that but I enjoyed as the characters occasionally disproved these stereotypes. It was really fun in the way they did so and it definitely made the book amusing.

There was also plenty of drama to keep the reader entertained. Eileen had numerous threats and she was fighting her attraction to Ty. I loved that Charlene Groome pushed the boundaries with a woman coaching men at a professional level. It was a unique perspective and I like that she was messing around with boundaries that are usually clearly established. 

While the third person, present tense style of writing isn't exactly my thing and it seemed choppy to me, I did enjoy the plot and characters. If you like hockey and a strong female character, than I suggest you at least give it a try!

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Marine for Hire by Tawna Fenske

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Sheri has sworn off of military men after her ex-husband cheats and then leaves her alone with twin boys. But Mac, Sheri's brother knows that Sheri has been having trouble with her ex lately. Determined to protect her, even if it means lying to her, he gets Sam, a marine, to be nanny and protector to Sheri. Although Sheri isn't to know about the second part of the job. But Sam soon becomes determined to protect Sheri for different reasons than just helping out an old buddy and repaying a favor. But can he get her to forget her vow, and his lies? Or will Sam lose his new family? Find the official description on Goodreads.

I did enjoy this book, mostly because of the humorous inner dialogue of Sheri. Not to mention several different characters we meet throughout the book. Sheri was constantly talking and many of her thoughts were really funny if a little self-depreciating. But that just served to make Sheri more relatable. Everyone probably gets down on themselves mentally(I know I do) so this inner dialogue made Sheri even more real than she had already appeared.

Then there was Sam. He carries a weight all his own around and I am just glad that I don't have to carry it. It great to see that he wasn't as perfect as he seemed. There are things that trip him up and not even he can do everything well the first time. It definitely made him human.

I also enjoyed the fact that we got time with the twins, mostly with their mother or Sam. It was those cute little things that the twins did that definitely made the book stand out to me.

This book is great in the relationships and characters that were brought to life. Nothing and nobody was too perfect or too wacky or anything like that. It was perfect in that way and I think that the characters really brought the story to life. Marine for Hire is being released on July 21st according to Goodreads. Go give it a look!

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The Girl He Knows by Kristi Rose

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Hank has been in love with Paisley for a very long time. Paisley doesn't think of Hank as more than her best friend's brother or so she tries to tell herself. But after one night of sex, she can't ignore him any longer, even though she tries. But Hank offers her a way out; a no strings attached fling. But when Paisley has to confront her old fears and insecurities will Hank finally give up on her? Find the official description on Goodreads.

We start out the morning after Paisley sleeps with Hank....and let me just tell you that was a fun scene to witness. I think I was laughing or chuckling the whole time right through until Paisley finally gets away. It was hilarious. It was fun. And it got the reader interested. After all, in this day and age who cares who sleeps with who(barring diseases and such)? So it was really fun to hear Paisley's monologue and hear some of the reasons she feels sleeping with Hank is wrong.

I enjoyed the characters of Hank and Paisley. Hank just a bit more. He was a real gentlemen and for the most part a guy that any girl would be lucky to have. However he does have a few faults to make him seem less perfect and more real as well as more 3D. I wanted to see more of Hank but could also understand that it is Paisley narrating and so it didn't always seem plausible that we'd get as much time with Hank as much as the readers would like.

The Girl He Knows also gave me warm, fuzzy feelings. It felt good to see friends portrayed as people who will stand by you no matter what. It isn't always true but in books, it's nice to read situations where friends are there for each other and help each other out. It was amazing to read that situation and it was something I enjoyed.

If you like romance and amazing friendships, than maybe you should give The Girl He Knows a chance. It releases on August 18th, 2014!

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Accidentally Married on Purpose by Rachel Harris

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Sherry has sworn off the men she typically goes for. Instead she wants to settle with a boring guy, someone who won't hurt her. But with one weekend in Vegas to engage in a quick fling before finding this guy, she finds herself waking up with Tyler Blue's ring on her finger. No biggie, right? Just a quick divorce. But Tyler needs this marriage to last...at least for a little while or else he fears that his career might not survive. However Tyler finds it hard not to fall for the spunky Sherry and  is determined that she be his forever girl. Can he convince her or will their marriage end? Find the official description on Goodreads.

While reading this book, I found myself quickly wondering what Sherry would say or do. It was amusing, and I had a smile while reading the whole time. Then there were her interactions with Sherry just made me laugh in addiction to the crazy smile I had on my face. Sherry was just so happy and almost carefree that she made you smile and laugh. Then there was Tyler. I felt really bad for him although I was really cursing him for some of his decisions. But at the same time I could understand...even if I didn't approve of it.

Then there were some things that made me chuckle and roll my eyes. For example, I chuckled at Sherry's rules. Because really how often are rules followed in romance books? Absolutely never. Or I guess rarely. But it just made me chuckle and look forward to Sherry's reaction when the rules were bent or broken. 

And I have to admit there were several sigh worthy moments in the book. The kind that would make me swoon if I could swoon. But since I can't or won't, here's a gif of Hermione(Emma Watson) swooning: 

Okay, swoon over. But literally I dare you to read this book and not sigh over some of the more romantic gestures. 

Accidentally Married on Purpose is a great read and I'm very happy that I was able to get a copy to read. The music industry and the celebrity issues were certainly enlightening and I loved the romantic gestures that Tyler made. If you're a romantic at heart, and love celebrity-regular people romances than give Accidentally Married on Purpose a chance. It is being released on July 14th, 2014.

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We Are The Goldens by Dana Reinhardt

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Nell and Layla, the two Golden sisters, close as can be. But as Nell enters high school, they start drifting apart. Layla has a secret, one that will destroy reputations. Nell knows but doesn't want to tell because they've always stuck together. But Nell knows its wrong and she can't help but feel like she needs to do something with it. There are so many things going on now that Nell's a high school student and she's feeling the pressure. But will she be able to tell someone about Layla or will it all just blow up? Find the official description on Goodreads.

We Are The Goldens is told from Nell's point of view. I don't usually enjoy first person perspective but in this book it really worked well. You were easily able to see Nell's perspective and develop your own opinions. Not to mention you saw the conflicts she was experiencing. The way it was told, it seemed as if it was a letter, one that you just happened to stumble upon one day. Then there's the fact that the way that Nell adds in certain comments to her telling of events makes you jump to conclusions about the ending.

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The Bottom Line by Sandy James

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"She only needed one more change." -Sandy James, The Bottom Line

WARNING: This book contains Sexual Content

Mallory has had a tough year. After finding out she had breast cancer, her husband also divorced her. Now that she's finally found herself on the way back to being fully healthy she wants to take care of the DIY jobs that her ex-husband had started and left. Enter Ben Carpenter, her contractor. Also divorced but with custody of his teenage daughter, he tries to avoid a relationship with Mallory but sparks fly and they quickly fall in love. But will Mallory let him in after what her ex-husband did to her? Can she learn to trust and love a man again? Find the official description on Goodreads.

It was nice to know from almost the very beginning Ben's story. It made interpreting his actions and understanding them a little easier.

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Her Desert Treasure by Larie Brannick

 

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"The woman didn't retreat. In fact, she took a step toward him."

WARNING: This book is not for younger audiences. It contains Sexual Content.

Meg Reynolds has just inherited a lot of land in Colorado from her grandfather. Jake Matthews is the local vet who has become friends with Meg's grandfather and has taken to watching a wild herd of mustangs on the land Meg has just inherited. When Meg runs into him, she doesn't  believe him especially because someone is trying to take the land from her. But it isn't long before the two are dating. But who wants Meg's land? And how far will they go to get it? Find the official description on Goodreads.

This was a great book first of all. I enjoyed the romance and the fact that both Jake and Meg are working through things but they're able to get through the issues that they are having because of things from their past with help from the other. It's great to see.

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