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: But My Brain Had Other Ideas by Deb Brandon

*Thank you to Netgalley and She Writes Press for an ARC in exchange for a review*

Expected publication: October 10, 2017

When Deb Brandon discovered that cavernous angiomas--tangles of malformed blood vessels in her brain--were behind the terrifying symptoms she'd been experiencing, she underwent one brain surgery. And then another. And then another. And that was just the beginning. 

The book also includes an introduction by Connie Lee, founder and president of the Angioma Alliance. Unlike other memoirs that focus on injury crisis and acute recovery, But My Brain Had Other Ideas follows Brandon's story all the way through to long-term recovery, revealing without sugarcoating or sentimentality Brandon's struggles--and ultimate triumph.

I found Brandon's journey poignant, especially since my father suffered a traumatic brain injury in the summer of 2017.  As a family member, I can relate to much of what she describes during the diagnosis and healing process--the terror, confusion, frustration, rage, and pockets of all too fleeting hope.  Reading Brandon's memoir gives me some insight into what my father may have experience and shows me that our own experience with some neuro-specialists was similar--how can you justify sending someone home who has literally just had major brain surgery?

One criticism for me as a reader what the ebb and flow of the memoir itself.  I remain unsure if the fractured nature of some of the pacing was intentional to mimic the author's recovery or if it was a weakness of editing. This stunted my ability to read without having to take significant breaks.

Overall, while our own family story didn't have the happy ending we'd hoped for, I gained solace through Brandon's ability to share her struggle and her triumph. 

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Intensity by Sherrilyn Kenyon

*Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

It’s a demon-eat-demon world for Nick Gautier. Just when he thinks he’s finally gotten a handle on how not to take over the world and destroy it, Death returns with an all-star cast that is determined to end the Malachai reign and lineage forever. Worse? Death and War have found the one, true enemy Nick can’t find, and even if he did, it’s one he could never bring himself to banish or kill.

Now framed for murders he hasn’t committed, and surrounded by new friends who might be turncoats, Nick is learning fast how his father went down in flames.

Intensity is the 8th in Kenyon's Chronicles of Nick YA series which connects in large part to her Dark Hunter universe. It remains terribly confusing to explain everything to a non-series reader; however, fans of Kenyon and her ability to map out a spectacularly detailed world and connected characters will enjoy Intensity for its place within the timeline as well as its humor and action.

This novel appears to map a shift in the series and what comes for the future of the Nick Gautier arc for both YA reads and adult fans. We'll just have to wait and see how all of it pans out. The new shift in publication seems to follow his son for now and hopefully undoing a lot of the negative impact Cyprian will have on the whole Dark Hunter universe.


Overall, good pacing but a little confusing at times. Readers will have to stay with it to truly get the point. Some good zingers, tears and a great cliffhanger.


Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff

*Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Dunne Books for an ARC in exchange for a fair review!*

Godsgrave marks the second in the Nevernight Chronicle by Kristoff. Check out my review for Nevernight, probably by favorite book of 2016 and a stellar re-read for 2017 prior to this release in September.

Assassin Mia Corvere has found her place among the Blades of Our Lady of Blessed Murder, but many in the Red Church ministry think she’s far from earned it. Plying her bloody trade in a backwater of the Republic, she’s no closer to ending Consul Scaeva and Cardinal Duomo, or avenging her familia. And after a deadly confrontation with an old enemy, Mia begins to suspect the motives of the Red Church itself.

When it’s announced that Scaeva and Duomo will be making a rare public appearance at the conclusion of the grand games in Godsgrave, Mia defies the Church and sells herself to a gladiatorial collegium for a chance to finally end them. Upon the sands of the arena, Mia finds new allies, bitter rivals, and more questions about her strange affinity for the shadows. But as conspiracies unfold within the collegium walls, and the body count rises, Mia will be forced to choose between loyalty and revenge, and uncover a secret that could change the very face of her world.

I adored this book.  It is well written and edgy with fantastic structure, pacing and characterization. The characters and narrative are complex and highly entertaining. I love the dark humor and sense of unease. Mr. Kindly's banter with Eclipse is truly epic. I love Mia. I was on the edge of my seat with some surprise revelations and a fantastic cliffhangers for the next book.  Readers are in for a bloody good treat full of sarcasm, betrayal, sex and violence.

Final rating:  5 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Hoofprints in Snow by A. M. Burns

Life has been difficult for Maia’s family since her brother, Ramon, had an accident that left him in a wheelchair and her parents lost their jobs. Money is scarce. With no other choice, Maia must surrender her beloved horse, Selena, to a rescue center.  

There she meets Emma, who offers to let her volunteer on the ranch so she can spend time with Selena and the other horses. The girls become close and also devise a plan to help Ramon by suggesting using the horses as a means for physical therapy. Emma and Maia’s friendship turns to attraction; however, these new feelings go against Maia’s family expectations and everything she’s been raised to believe. She struggles with not only her feelings but worries how her family will react.

Emotions and other challenges threaten to derail their relationship before it starts. The narrative becomes a bit cliche with the addition of the homophobic and spiteful suitor, Billy. The character representation of the vengeful, alpha male seeking trouble for unrequited attraction was too stereotypical and had to stomach.

My main criticisms for the book have to do with pacing and plot development.  Thematically, there is great potential but there is A LOT going on:

• Ramon's accident and disability
• Family financial crisis
• Animal abuse
• Relationships
• Family beliefs and obligations
• Friendship
• LGBTQ issues
• Establishing identity

Overall, the pacing felt rushed and the writing a bit choppy with its transitions while trying to tackle all these facets. I would have preferred to see this as a potential series focusing on different characters over time and letting their stories develop. 

Final rating: 2 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Besieged by Kevin Hearne

*Thank you to Netgalley & Del Rey Books for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

Our favorite Druid is back in a collection of short stories. Besieged gathers many of the previously published tales in the Iron Druid Chronicles with appearances by Atticus, Granuille, Owen, Oberon and many more!  Here's a quick summary of each story:

The Eye of Horus - Atticus is visited by the Morrigan and sent on a mission that will take him to the Library of Alexandria and change the course of his life. ~Super fun. I'm always a big fan of Egyptian mythology but wish the gods present had some more personality.

Goddess at the Crossroads - Atticus tells the story of how he met a drunken Shakespeare, saved his life and changed Western literature. ~Love this story and the others where readers get to see Atticus interact with other historical figures.

The Demon Barker of Wheat Street - Atticus and Granuille visit her old home town and run into a host of demons who are using a carnival to feed their unholy appetites. ~I enjoyed this update and audio narration much more than the original published version which wasn't performed by Luke Daniels.

Gold Dust Druid - Gold rush era San Francisco suffers biblical consequences. ~This was a fun story, loved seeing Atticus in this environment. Poodles!

The Bogeyman of Boora Bog - It turns out that not all druids make for good neighbors. Owen goes Dirty Harry and winds up meeting a young Atticus in old-school Ireland. ~Interesting adventure plus a little backstory into how Owen meets Atticus. 

Cuddle Dungeon - Gods get their freak on. This is very much an adult short story. ~I thought this one narrated by Perun in a BDSM dungeon rather unnecessary. 

Blood Pudding - Granuille has the spotlight to herself in this story. Vampires can't be trusted and it's up to her and some thick necked mercenaries to remind some Polish vampires that they aren't at the top of the food chain. ~Granuille always kicks ass. Love her!

Hunted to Devils - Owen and Atticus team up with Owen's new apprentices to prevent the extinction of Tasmanian devils. ~Interesting story and I like the crossover of characters plus the incorporation of the new generation of Druids.

The End of Idylls - The Morrigan pays Atticus a visit and let's him know that the end is nigh. Loki is on the move and Lucifer is his new bff. Fun time is over and he has the talk with Oberon. ~Eek! The last book needs to get here soon! I'm excited. I'm terrified. What will happen? Will Atticus make it back? That almost goodbye with Oberon was too much!

Overall, I adored Besieged and its audiobook, another perfectly narrated confection by Luke Daniels. I cannot imagine the characters any other way! 

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: White Hot by Ilona Andrews

White Hot is the much anticipated follow up to Andrews' Burn For Me. Quite possibly one of my favorite books in the world. I've actually read it three times already and that rarely happens!

Nevada Baylor has a unique and secret skill—she knows when people are lying—and she's used that magic (along with plain, hard work) to keep her colorful and close-knit family's detective agency afloat. But her new case pits her against the shadowy forces that almost destroyed the city of Houston once before, bringing Nevada back into contact with Connor "Mad" Rogan.

Rogan is a billionaire Prime—the highest rank of magic user—and as unreadable as ever, despite Nevada’s “talent.” But there’s no hiding the sparks between them. Now that the stakes are even higher, both professionally and personally, and their foes are unimaginably powerful, Rogan and Nevada will find that nothing burns like ice.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!

What can I say?  This writing duo has done it again.  There is a fantastic blend of urban fantasy elements (magic, supernatural abilities) along with a thrilling plot steeped in intrigue, greed and a bit of power hungry chaos.

Excellent character development with some twists and plenty of the trademark snarky humor which I love.

I'm not sure there is a hotter couple than Nevada and Rogan. The narrative sizzles with their tension and when these two do connect, I thought the speakers would combust! Another stellar performance by Renee Raudman.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars