Highlighted Reviews--author Jennifer Probst

Miranda Storme never expected to see Gavin Luciano again. Three years ago, they had an intense affair—and then he bolted. Now he’s back, and Miranda has the pleasure of a little payback: a scathing review of his restaurant. Revenge is a dish best served the first chance you get…

Perhaps my least favorite Probst book to date. It lacks something for me, maybe since it is a standalone. I couldn't really engage with the plot or characters. 

2 out of 5 stars

Aidan Hunter is tired of city living and shallow women who only want to date him for his money and family legacy. He hopes to meet a woman who will love him for who he is…but he never counted on a certain schoolteacher to throw his world into chaos.

Isabella Summers is shocked at the sexual attraction she feels for the rude worker on the Christmas tree farm. But when he shows up at a friend’s party and seeks her out, she finds she no longer wants to fight their attraction…but she never counted on love with a stranger carrying a secret.

This was an entertaining holiday romance. I liked the short story format with good pacing and character development.  

4 out of 5 stars

The Billionaire Builders Series

 

Ever the responsible eldest brother, Caleb Pierce started working for his father’s luxury contracting business at a young age, dreaming of one day sitting in the boss’s chair. But his father’s will throws a wrench in his plans by stipulating that Caleb share control of the family business with his two estranged brothers.

Things only get more complicated when demanding high-end home designer Morgan hires Caleb to build her a customized dream house that matches her specifications to a T—or she’ll use her powerful connections to poison the Pierce brothers’ reputation. Not one to ignore a challenge, Caleb vows to get the job done—if only he can stop getting distracted by his new client’s perfect…amenities.

These books are like the Property Brothers meets contemporary romance. I enjoyed this book. Caleb and Morgan have great chemistry. There is a good build of romantic tension plus incorporation of character development for the later books in the series.

4 out of 5 stars

When she was a teen, Raven Bella Stratton’s father was killed in a horrible car crash. The bigger shock was the discovery of a woman with him—Diana Pierce—and their two fully packed suitcases with airline tickets to Paris. Devastated by her father’s betrayal, Raven went to live with her aunt, never truly overcoming the traumatic event. When she discovers that the mysterious woman had a family with a husband and three boys, Raven vows to leave the memory of her father behind.

Until Dalton Pierce visits one night and suddenly her past challenges her future...

Leaving his life in California behind to run Pierce Construction with his two older brothers, Dalton Pierce has enjoyed returning home and studying his passion of woodworking. But when he visits the local bar with his brothers one evening, he’s immediately drawn to the smart-mouthed, badass, sexy bartender who sets his body on fire. Unfortunately, she doesn’t seem as intrigued by him, and his multiple advances are met with rejection. When he offers to restore the bar back to its original glory, he begins to work with her on a daily basis, and falls harder.

This second book has more depth and a heavier storyline since it is dealing with grief and other complicated feelings surrounding tragedy. I like Raven and Dalton has a couple, perhaps my favorite of the series.

4 out of 5 stars

Tristan Pierce left the family business to carve out a life of his own, but never forgot his passionate affair with the much younger, inexperienced Sydney Green, or the hurtful break-up that tore him apart. When he’s forced to return home and face his past, will he be able to carve out a future, or will lies ruin his second chance at love?

Sydney Green loved Tristan her entire life, but when he left, he took not only her heart, but her trust with him. Now that they’re together again, it’s time they both face the biggest secret of all….

I had high hopes for this third book especially since Probst was building toward the relationship between Tristian and Sydney. Some good twists but she lost me when Tristian started to be such an arrogant, misogynistic ass--forcing Sydney into situations she wasn't ready for solely because he felt wronged and 'wanted' her to do what he perceived was right for their 'family.' That behavior was a real turn-off to the whole relationship for me as a reader and ultimately jaded the whole book for me.

3 out of 5 stars

The Searching For Series

This series is loosely tied to the Marriage to a Billionaire series with some cameos and character interaction in later books.  The premise is the three friends start Kinnections dating service. The first three book center around pairing for these three ladies--Kennedy, Kate and Genevieve--with short stories still connected by secondary characters.  

I've previously read Searching for Someday (Kate's book) and Searching for Perfect (Kennedy's) book over the past few years and enjoyed them for there characters, pacing, general storyline and steamy romance.

"Searching for You" is a short story set between books 2 and 3 and originally published in the anthology Baby, It's Cold Outside.  When a high-powered CEO and a playboy billionaire get stranded in a snowstorm, sparks will fly…if they can make it through the night together! 

This is one of those fun, snowed in romps where old classmates rekindle their attraction after a surprising and disastrous blind date. It is a quick, sexy read full of great banter, tension and romance.

4 out of 5 stars

Genevieve MacKenzie has her life completely under control. About to wed the charming Chief doctor at the local hospital, she’s an up-and-coming surgeon with everything she could ever want. Until an escape through the church window on the day of her wedding sends her life into a tailspin...and flings her right into her best friend’s arms. When Wolfe catches his best friend falling out a window on her wedding day, he doesn’t ask questions. He whisks her away, determined to watch over her and discover the truth behind her desperate escape. But when his feelings turn more than platonic, he realizes he may risk his most important relationship in order to protect his damaged heart, and the woman he loves.

Can Genevieve and Wolfe’s friendship turn into something deeper—or is it already too late for true love?

Fans of the Marriage to a Billionaire series have been waiting for Wolfe's story a long time.  Readers certainly won't be disappointed, especially if you are a sucker for best friends turned lovers romances like I am.  Wolf is still the super sexy bad boy with a secretive past but he adores and cherishes is friendship with Genevieve. He is there for her when her life spirals out of control.  This was by far my favorite book of the series!

5 out of 5 stars

She’s an expert in helping others de-stress, but Arilyn Meadows is running on fumes. Along with her job counseling singles seeking soul mates at the Kinnections agency in Verily, New York, she’s a yoga teacher, animal shelter volunteer, anger management therapist, and helping hand to her beloved grandfather. No time to find Mr. Right—but after discovering her yogi boyfriend in a compromising situation, Arilyn would rather dog-sit for her honeymooning friend Kate than risk her heart on another downward dog. And when police officer Stone Petty—radiating masculinity and bad-boy attitude—is sent to her for mandatory lessons in cooling off when the job gets too hot, Arilyn vows to ignore his seductive glances and sexy grin. But there’s no halting their sizzling flirtation—a red-hot, high-speed chase that’s breaking all the limits. 

I enjoyed this book and the character development but it wasn't my favorite.  The couple do have good banter and chemistry but I wasn't engaged as a reader like I have been with Gen and Wolf's story.

3 out of 5 stars

When Isabella MacKenzie tries to move on from her disastrous past, Officer William Devine is determined to show her that love is the only way to heal. This sexy enovella, the final installment in Jennifer Probst’s heartwarming Searching For series, follows the high-powered women of the popular matchmaking agency Kinnections, located in the small, picturesque town of Verily, NY.

Isabell is Gen's twin sister. She's had her own troubles with drug use and is determined to move on from her mistakes and have a bright future. One of her biggest regrets is the ending to a life-changing one night stand years ago.  Fate intervenes and places her back in the path of William Devine, now a cop.  These two get a second chance for forgiveness and finding happiness.

4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Salvaged by Jay Crownover

Hudson Wheeler is a nice guy. Everyone knows it, including his fiancée who left him with a canceled wedding and a baby on the way. He’s tired of finishing last and is ready to start living in the moment with nights soaked in whiskey, fast cars, and even faster girls. He’s set to start living on the edge, but when he meets Poppy Cruz, her sad eyes in the most gorgeous face he’s ever seen hook him in right away. Wheeler can see Poppy’s pain and all he wants to do is take care of her and make her smile, whatever it takes.

Poppy can’t remember a time when she didn’t see strangers as the enemy. After a lifetime of being hurt from the men who swore to protect her, Poppy’s determined to keep herself safe by keeping everyone else at arm’s length. Wheeler’s sexy grin and rough hands from hours restoring classic cars shouldn’t captivate her, but every time she’s with him, she can’t help being pulled closer to him. Though she’s terrified to trust again, Poppy soon realizes it might hurt even more to shut Wheeler out—and the intense feelings pulsing through her are making it near impossible to resist him.

The only thing Poppy is sure of is that her heart is in need of some serious repair, and the more time she spends with Wheeler, the more she’s convinced he’s the only man with the tools to fix it.

I ADORED THIS BOOK!

SQUEE!

There is a bittersweet quality to knowing that the Saints of Denver series is finished. However, I know that Crownover always has an ace up her sleeve. So, in the meantime, I'll re-read all the books and wait to see what happens next.

I've been waiting for Poppy's story and happily ever after for a long time and certainly wasn't disappointed. Wheeler is amazing and perfect in every way. Salvaged was romantic and sexy and super satisfying.

Go forth and read!!!

Final rating: ALL THE STARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Read All The Things, Reading Recap, Vol 6

This third book in the Saints of Denver series follows Church and Dixie.

Everyone else in Dixie Carmichael's life has made falling in love look easy, and now she is ready for her own chance at some of that happily ever after. Which means she’s done pining for the moody, silent former soldier who works with her at the bar that's become her home away from home.

Denver has always been just a pit stop for Church on his way back to rural Mississippi. Church finds himself having to get out of Denver fast and back home. He asks Dixie to come with him and she accepts. When Dixie and Church find themselves caught up in a homecoming overshadowed with lies and danger, they both realize that falling in love is easy but making it stick is hard work.
I loved every word that Crownover writes and Riveted was no exception. We've been waiting for Church and Dixie's story for far too long now. Super sexy and engaging with just enough hints of danger and intrigue.  I can't recommend the audiobook enough.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars


The Operator is the sequel to first in series, The Drafter.
Betrayed by the man she thought she loved and the agency that turned her into the very thing she fought against, Peri abandoned the wealth and privilege of Opti for an anonymous life riddled with memory gaps and self-doubt. But when a highly addictive drug promises to end her dependency on those who’d use her as a tool for their own success, she must choose to either remain broken and vulnerable or return to the above-the-law power and prestige she once left: strong but without will—for whoever holds her next fix, will hold her loyalty.

The narrative of this book is compelling and keeps reader's on their toes.  It is difficult to conceive time travel in most writing; however, Harrison's perspective as well as the abilities pitfalls make for an intriguing read. I like Peri and her band of misfits. It is a challenge to keep track of who to trust and what is real.

Final rating: 4 out 5 stars



Bastien Cabarro survived the brutal slaughter of his entire family only to have his wife pin their murders on him. Made Ravin by The League, he is now a target for their assassins-in-training to hunt and kill. The average life expectancy for such beings is six weeks. But defying the odds is what this Gyron Force officer does best, and Bastien won’t rest until he lays his betrayers in their graves.

Ten years later, he has one chance to balance the scales of justice, provided he relies on his former wingman— the very sister of the woman who testified against him.

Much of this Kenyon book is predictable:

1) Romance (a bit watered down of late)

2) Tortured hero

3) Severe family issues

4) Ongoing war between The League and the rebellion

5) Cameos from other series characters which fit into the growing mythology of the world building

Born of Vengeance wasn't stellar but it is what fans have come to expect of the series and Kenyon's current writing. I feel in a rut when I read this last few publications and wonder if the author doesn't as well. Again, if you are looking to continue the stories already established and want the comfort of Kenyon's style, then pick up this latest title. Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

For nearly six hundred years, Vlad Tepesh cared for nothing, so he had nothing to lose. His brutal reputation ensured that all but the most foolhardy stayed away. Now falling in love with Leila has put him at the mercy of his passions. And one adversary has found a devastating way to use Vlad’s new bride against him.

A powerful spell links Leila to the necromancer Mircea. If he suffers or dies, so does she. Magic is forbidden to vampires, so Vlad and Leila enlist an unlikely guide as they search for a way to break the spell. But an ancient enemy lies in wait, capable of turning Vlad and Leila’s closest friends against them…and finally tearing the lovers apart forever.

I'm a little sad that the Night Prince series has concluded but it was a great ride.  This book has everything Frost fans love - humor, adventure, action, super-sexytime AND Ian! (who still needs his own book btw!!!!)

The overall plot is strong. Good pacing and character progression plus appearances by series favs. Love the audio by Tavia Gilbert.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Twist by Kylie Scott

*Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

Expected publication: April 11, 2017

When his younger brother loses interest in online dating, hot, bearded, bartender extraordinaire, Joe Collins, only intends to log into his account and shut it down. Until he reads about her.

Alex Parks is funny, friendly, and pretty much everything he's been looking for in a woman. And in no time at all they're emailing up a storm, telling each other their deepest darkest secrets... apart from the one that really matters.

And when it comes to love, serving it straight up works better than with a twist...

I adored this book from the first page. It's smart, sexy and fun to read from start to finish.  The premise works for a great, contemporary romance. There is just enough tension, fun flirtation, down to it sexy-time and narrative tension to entrance any reader and keep them coming back for more. 

Like with most of Scott's books, I gobbled Twist up in nearly one setting. Joe is the kind of book boyfriend we all dream of and I just loved Alex, issues and all. 

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Bluegrass #1-3 by Molly Harper

My Bluegrass Baby makes the first in a trio of books by Harper centered around characters wording for the Kentucky Tourism Commission in Frankfurt. Sadie Hutchins has dedicated her professional career toward being director of marketing only to learn that she has a challenger for the position--hot shot Josh Vaughn.

Sparks fly in this adorable and humorous romance that is just the right amount of Parks & Recreations meets The Office. I always love Harper's characterizations and humor plus the narration of Amanda Ronconi. Sadie and Josh have great chemistry but I loved the quirky other characters too.

What I appreciate most is the author's ability to share the love for her own state in this fun and creative way.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Book 2, Rhythm and Bluegrass focuses on another KTC employee, Bonnie Turkle, an archivist traveling to Mud Creek in order to rescue important items from historic but now defunct McBride Music Hall. On the way, Bonnie's car bursts into flames where she is luckily saved by hunky Will McBride--good Samaritan, mayor of Mud Creek and heir to a legacy he'd like nothing more than to see bulldozed to provide much needed economic growth to his floundering home town.

Bonnie finds evidence of a legendary musical event at the music hall and her plans to turn it into a museum put Mud Creek’s economic future at risk – not to mention the growing flirtation between the two of them. If these two can't find some sort of compromise, then both the town's past and future might be lost.

This one was probably my favorite of the three. I liked the relationship between Bonnie and Will and found the cast of secondary characters the most amusing.  The plot was engaging and nothing beats Bonnie's showdown with the opossum playing opossum in the music hall!

Final rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Readers finally get to see KTC employee Kelsey kick lowlife mooch Daryl out of her life.  Traveling to a secluded hotel for the office winter retreat just might be her excuse to tell co-worker Charlie how she really feels but a storm of epic proportions turns the trip from picturesque Hallmark movie closer to The Shining in a blink of an eye. Used to micromanaging everything, Kelsey isn't sure she can cope with these unforeseen circumstances.

Charlie's jealousy at hotel employee, Luke's obvious interest in Kelsey has tensions on high but just when they finally seem to be on the same page, Kelsey learns facts which make her feels used and betrayed.  Never fear! Turn about is fair play as Kelsey is given a dose of her own meddling medicine by boss, Sadie leading to a happily ever after.

This book in particular was funny. Another opossum meeting and there is nothing quite like trapping co-workers in close quarters to see what's discovered.  This was a fitting end to an endearing series that I definitely want more of!
Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @mollyharperauth


#kentucky #bluegrass #romance #humor #audiobooks #review

REVIEW: Beautiful Secret by Christina Lauren

Beautiful Secret is the fourth installment in writing duo Christina Lauren's Beautiful Bastard series.  Ruby Miller is a young American interning for her chance at a prestigious spot studying in Oxford.  When her boss announces that she'll be going to NYC on an extended business trip, she's stunned.  More so when Ruby learns she'll be accompanying the company's top urban planning exec, Niall Stella aka THE HOTTEST MAN ALIVE!

Niall Stella is as handsome as he is conservative. Still nursing the wounds of a new divorce, he doesn't have romance on his mind. Until his flirt filled plane ride with Ruby on the way to NYC. Their attraction builds, eventually mixing business and pleasure. Neither can quite label their new found relationship but when both personal and professional waves surface, some difficult choices have to be made.

One criticism is the frustrating stall to this relationship.  Its finally getting somewhere and then Niall and Ruby (both equally at fault) have to go and throw a monkey wrench in the whole thing. Admittedly, Niall needed closure but didn't handle it well. Ruby makes her own decisions but when she doesn't get the reaction she wanted things go awry. This part of the book was rather irritating.

Overall, I liked this entry to the series but my favorite is still think Beautiful Player is my favorite.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars




#beautifulsecret #christinalauren #romance #contemporary #erotic #bookreview