Collapse (Havoc Series 4)

Blurb

Special Forces Horn Unit Member, Michael Love, is best known for his smart mouth and sexual conquests. However, when a mission forces him to revisit his painful past, he is turned inside out. If the pressure from that wasn't enough, he's asked for a favor by the only girl who he could never tell no. Between the two missions will this Special Forces member survive or will the weight of it all force him to Collapse?

Review

This was the first book I have read from Xavier Neal, and let me say I am so glad I did. It was amazing! It made me feel so many emotions that I laughed and cried sometimes at the same time. If you haven't read this book yet you should. I just wanted to hug the main characters so much. No one should miss out on this gem of a novel. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series.

Cinderella's Cowboy

Blurb

Chad Anders doesn’t know why mousy Cynthia Henley trips all over her tongue when she’s around him. Nor does he understand his undeniable attraction to this good girl. Wild and sexy is his type, like the dream-girl he caught a glimpse of years earlier he’s never forgotten.
Cynthia’s superpower is invisibility, especially with men. It’s better for everyone that way. Besides, she’s got a cat. She’s okay. But when playboy-rancher Chad hires her, she’s got a chance to shine. Professionally, at least. Until she learns of his fascination with a mysterious dream-girl, who was actually nothing more than a shy teenager on an ill-advised dare all those years ago. Cynthia knows she’s no man’s dream-girl and never will be.
But there’s magic at the ball. Princesses glow in the starlight, princes appear out of nowhere, and, sometimes, they look a lot like cowboys…

Review

As romantic comedies go this one was good. I loved the spin they did with the Cinderella angle. The only reason I feel this book didn't receive a full five stars is I believe as a reader I wanted a little more depth to the love story. All else aside though it was a wonderful afternoon read, that I think any romance enthusiast would enjoy.

A Match Made on Main Street

Blurb

This kitchen isn’t big enough for both of them…

If there’s anything Anna Madison knows, it’s how to turn life’s lemons into a lemonade cocktail served in a vintage glass. So when her beloved Briar Creek café burns down, she sees it as an opportunity to start fresh. But the only kitchen available to her is in the diner down the street—owned by her sinfully sexy ex.

If Anna thinks she can take over his greasy-spoon kitchen with her high-end cuisine, Mark Hastings is about to set her straight fast. Their breakup is his biggest regret—not that he’ll ever admit it to her. Nope, he’d rather show her exactly what she’s been missing. With desire set on a high simmer, their menu is about to get a whole lot spicier…

Review

This was a sweet hometown romance. I love that its not your average romance story it hits on some of the things that happen in real life giving you the hope that love is possible for the average person and not just found in books. If you haven't read this yet I recommend that you do. You will fall in love with these characters as much as I have. I can't wait for the next installment of the Briar Creek novels.

His Wicked Seduction

Blurb

Horatia Sheridan has been hopelessly in love with Lucien, her brother’s best friend, ever since he rescued her from the broken remains of her parents’ wrecked carriage. His reputation as London’s most notorious rakehell doesn’t frighten her, for under his veneer of cool authority she has glimpsed a man whose wicked desires inspire her own.

Lucien, Marquess of Rochester, has deliberately nurtured a reputation for debauchery that makes every matchmaking mother of the ton quake with fear. His one secret: he is torn between soul-ripping lust for Horatia, and the loyalty he owes her brother.

That loyalty is put to the test when an old enemy of the League threatens Horatia’s life. With Christmas drawing near, he sweeps her away to his country estate, where he can’t resist granting her one wish—to share his bed and his heart.

But sinister forces are lurking, awaiting the perfect moment to exact their revenge by destroying not only whatever happiness Lucien might find in Horatia’s arms, but the lives of those they love.

Warning: This book contains an intelligent lady who is determined to seduce her brother’s friend, a brooding rake whose toy of choice in bed is a little bit of bondage with a piece of red silk, a loyal band of merry rogues and a Christmas love so scorching you’ll need fresh snow to extinguish it.

Review

This is the second book in the League of Rogues series. It is capable of being a stand alone, but I recommend reading, Wicked Designs, first as there are several references to it in this book.

All the characters are back and love is...complicated. Horatia is in love with Lucian, has been for years and she is tired of the cold shoulder. She is determined to make him see her as a woman. Lucian is drawn to Horatia, however Rule 2 and the fact that she is his best friends sister make him try to stay away. when danger strikes, however he will do anything to keep her safe, and she will do anything to find a way into his heart. when sparks fly everything gets crazy. There's a duel, a kidnapping, and a fire with lots of excitement along the way.

I definitely recommend this book, in fact I recommend this entire series. It is amazing and I can't wait for the next book in this series to come out.

Protecting Alabama

Blurb

Alabama didn’t have a good start to life. Emotionally and physically abused by her mama, Alabama spent her high school years in foster care. People let her down, time after time, and she’d learned to rely on only herself.

Christopher “Abe” Powers earned his nickname because he tolerated nothing less than absolute honesty from the people around him. Finding the bar scene stale and having watched his friend and teammate, Wolf, find the woman of his dreams, Abe was determined to find someone to share his life with too. Alabama and Abe had no idea their paths would cross and their prayers would be answered, but like most things in life, nothing is ever as easy as it seems at first. Two words would change both their lives and they’d have to fight hard for their happy ever after.

Review

Alabama had a really rough childhood and as such grew to be a very quiet woman, afraid to trust anyone. That all changed when she met Christopher "Abe" Powers. Abe liked the woman from the first time he met her then when she saved his life he couldn't stay away. The more time they spent together the more open she was able to be. But when trouble came along Abe didn't believe her and wasn't there when she needed him most. Knowing he messed up bad will he be able to when her trust back or will he have ruined the best thing to ever happen to him? Firstly a shout out to Susan Stoker, I love all your books and this one is no exception. This book was amazing and I couldn't put it down. I definitely recommend this book to everyone. I have already ordered Protecting Fiona and can't wait to start reading it. Oh and I recommend reading Protecting Caroline first cause it gives reference many times in this book to the first one.

First Sun

Blurb

When the bad boy son of the United States president sets his sights on Eden Warren, she is not impressed. The first son is dubbed “First Disaster” by the public for his questionable antics and Eden has no intention of becoming his latest conquest.

What could this former playboy do to convince Eden that he has truly changed his ways, especially when she discovers he’s hiding a government-protected secret that could permanently alter the course of life on Earth?

Review

Moving to DC from her hometown after receiving a scholarship to go to a high school where the best get to go, Edan meets the presidents son, Andrew. He is handsome but she is turned off by his playboy and partying ways. He tells her that's in his past and that he has changed. He promises to prove it to her if she will give him a chance. As the two get closer they each realize that they are falling in love. Then the unthinkable happens, while he is showing her the White House she over hears a conversation that the end of the world is coming. A safe hose has been set up and her family is going but they can't tell anyone. While waiting for the end they battle them selves and even terrorists to make sure they are together in the end, but will it be enough or will they lose each other too?

This book is amazing. I cried so much but there at points that were funny and lots of romance. I recommend this book and seriously hope there is another one after this to find out what happens next.

Stepbrother Dearest

Blurb

You’re not supposed to want the one who torments you. When my stepbrother, Elec, came to live with us my senior year, I wasn’t prepared for how much of a jerk he’d be. I hated that he took it out on me because he didn’t want to be here. I hated that he brought girls from our high school back to his room. But what I hated the most was the unwanted way my body reacted to him.

At first, I thought all he had going for him were his rock-hard tattooed abs and chiseled face. But things started changing between us, and it all came to a head one night. Then, just as quickly as he’d come into my life, he was gone back to California. It had been years since I’d seen Elec. When tragedy struck our family, I’d have to face him again. And holy hell, the teenager who made me crazy was now a man that drove me insane. I had a feeling my heart was about to get broken again.

Review

This book is one of the best emotional books I have read in a long time. I laughed almost as much as i cried. I truly didn't know how this story would end until it got there. I loved this book and recommend that everyone read it.

Love in a Snow Storm

Blurb


Never fall in love with your best friend's little sister...

Contractor and army reservist Jake Foster fell in love with Dani Minelli when she was a colt-legged high school senior. He knew he was too old to even look at her, let alone touch.

Dani’s been trying to get his attention since returning to Pine Harbour a grown woman—and failing miserably at every turn. This winter, everything is going to change. And when the snow stops falling, Jake and Dani won't be able to hide from their attraction any longer.

Review

Dani has been in love with Jake for as ling as she can remember. He is her brother's best friend so she was always off limits, when she turned seventeen he noticed she wasn't little Dani anymore. It made him feel like carp cause he was so much older than her so he stayed away. Five years later the attraction is still there and neither of them can stay away anymore, but because their family's are so close they decide to keep it quiet until they figure out what it is between them. After awhile it begins to feel like he is her dirty little secret when all he wants is to start a life with her. Then even more tension arises when one of his exes show up. Will the two find their way through the minefield that is their life to find the happiness they have always wanted, but didn't think they would ever have with each other? I loved this book. Zoe's books are some of my favorite and her Pine Harbor series is no different. They are simply amazing and must reads.

No Time Like Forever

Blurb

It started with a kiss…

Mari Beadie needed a boyfriend, and Chase Miller happened to be in the right place at the right time. The kiss that followed wasn’t necessary, strictly speaking, but it sure was hot.

Hot enough that when the tables are turned, Chase knows just who to ask to be his pretend girlfriend. Only this time, it’s not a one-time deal.

Review

Mari is an aspiring musician with no time for relationships or the drama that comes with them. So the day her ex showed up pretending he didn’t believe they ere truly over, she fibbed. She told him she was seeing someone else. When he looked like he didn’t believe her, in steps her friends hunky older brother to play the part, scorching kiss included.

Chase was a NHL star whose career went down the drain after a horrible car accident. After coming home to recover he ended up living in the loft above his parents garage. He loves his parents but he needed is own space, so to prove he is moving on with his life he tells a little white lie and says hes seeing someone.

After his help the other day with her ex he hopes that Mari will return the favor and bail him out. Everything seems perfect when she agrees, except for the explosive chemistry between them. What happens when the “pretend” gets blurred, and emotions come out? Can he prove to Mari that she can have her music and him? This book was amazing! Zoe pulled it off again with this great Wardham story. I recommend any who haven’t read this series to do so. The will make you laugh d cry the whole way through.

Love and Shamrocks

Blurb:

Clio Havelin needs a lucky break. Desperate to protect her child, Clio accepts her estranged mother’s offer of a refuge in Ballybeg. What can go wrong in a place with more cows than people? Her hope for a fresh start is smashed to smithereens when she’s blackmailed into facilitating the heist of the decade. So the last thing Clio needs is a sexy cop underfoot, especially when she’s one crime away from freedom. Too bad she’s already slept with him.

Seán Mackey wants his life back. The former police detective is now stuck apprehending errant sheep in Ballybeg — population 3968, pubs 35. After months of frustration, he’s finally on the scent of a real case. When he’s sidelined into playing bodyguard for his nemesis, talk show hostess Helen Havelin, he’s pissed. And when his gorgeous one-night stand turns out to be Helen’s daughter, Clio, pissed turns to horrified.

Review

Zara Keane has done it again! This book was amazing. I couldn’t put it down. This book is a stand alone but I do recommend that you read the others first as they are mentioned in this book. I recommend that you read this and hope you love it as much as I did.

Love in a Small Town

Blurb

Six years. Two break ups. One divorce. They should be over each other.

Police officer and army reservist Rafe Minelli knows better than to tell his wife no, particularly since they aren’t married anymore. She can’t hightail it out of town, though, not when they’ve finally broken through the post-divorce cold war status quo.

Olivia Minelli needs to leave Pine Harbour. It’s just too hard to see Rafe moving on without her—even if he says he doesn’t want to. But when a new and exciting job falls into her lap, she needs to choose: protect her heart, or take the new job and risk getting emotionally entangled with her ex-husband. Again.

Review

Love doesn’t come easy, especially for Olivia and Rafe. After four years of marriage and two of divorce they still can’t get over each other. Just when Liv feels she can’t take anymore and plans to leave opportunity comes along to keep her here a little longer. Rafe sees this as an opportunity to show her once and for all that they are meant to be. That he loves her beyond a doubt and would do anything to have her as his wife once again, but will it work or are they doomed to never be? This book was amazing. I love all of Zoe’s books and this new series is just as good as all her others. I recommend that everyone read Zoe’s books.

City of Champions

Blurb

How do you find the will to try, when you’ve spent all your life playing on a field strewn with shattered lives and broken rules?

Tragedy and betrayal taught Jenna Sutherland early on that her safest bet was to fiercely avoid any risk, whether it is in work, life, or love. Now a respected orthopedic surgical resident on the cusp of finally breaking through in her career, she’s more guarded than ever.

When injured NFL quarterback Wyatt McCoy bulldozes into her life there’s no denying he’s cocky, selfish, and downright dangerous... everything Jenna’s sworn she doesn’t want.

Suddenly the levelheaded doctor finds herself facing down her greatest fear, and she’s tempted to gamble all she’s fought so hard to build. The two embark on an intense holiday love affair that quickly teeters on obsession, and tempts them both to think they could go all-in on a real future together. Yet Wyatt’s desperation to stay on the field... and out of the operating room... lures him to take dangerous risks with Jenna’s trust.

Will they win at love or lose everything... including their fragile chance at happiness?

Review

This book was amazing it had me in tears throughout different parts of it so many times that I had used an entire box of Kleenex is the prologue alone made me cry so hard that I had to put the book down because I couldn’t see. I really recommend this book and I love this author. Chloe knows exactly what she’s doing when she writes her books.