Nights in the Fast Lane by Grace Risata ~ Review

Title: Nights in the Fast Lane
Author: Grace Risata
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 443 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: May 15, 2016
Source: Review Request
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Dane and Izzy.

Complete opposites.

As the New Year begins, they find themselves facing very different circumstances.

Dane is a street racer stuck with a blown engine, no money, and no options after he gets fired for saving a damsel in distress.

Izzy can’t believe she was just rescued by the same handsome stranger she walks past, and lusts after, on a daily basis. With a massive blizzard about to bury the town, she ends up taking him in for the night.

Sparks fly when she brings out his playful side, and he shows her a passion she’s never known before. As they slowly begin to trust each other, walls come down and tragic pasts emerge. Dane is haunted by the family he never had, while Izzy will stop at nothing to deny her birthright.

When Dane receives an offer he can’t refuse, will one bad decision cost him everything? Or will fate intervene and send these two down the path they were destined for?

This is a full length, stand-alone novel with no cliffhangers. Please be advised that you will find strong language, attractive men with tattoos, a dog with a cat name, steamy bedroom scenes including one involving Doritos, plenty of character backstory, and a very healthy dose of humor.

Another great romantic comedy with a good dose of suspense and hotness from Grace Risata. I adored Izzy - I want to be her friend. She has a way with words that I have not seen in other characters that makes you want to hug her and shake your head at her at the same time. This one has no filter.

Dane is a gentleman - but he doesn't look like one. He wasn't looking for love or friends when he ran from a bad situation, but he isn't afraid to take what life hand him either. There were a few times he was just a little too much of one thing or another, but he was very hard to resist.

At times this seems to run a little long, almost too much story between high points - which you won't hear me say very often. This could have easily been 5 stars with just a little bit of trimming. The end of the story was a great action scene that was very exciting - but also a bit confusing trying to keep track of who was doing what.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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My Dirty Detour by Grace Risata ~ Review

Title: My Dirty Detour

Author: Grace Risata
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Length: 322 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: January 27, 2016
Source: Review Request
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

A dominant leader flees the mafia, looking for a fresh start in a small town. He put all his effort into starting a business and resigned himself to a life without love.

A neurotic germaphobe lives vicariously through the books she reads, preferring to play it safe in real life and hide behind her sarcastic remarks.

“I am NOT that neurotic! I just have germ issues and I tend to over-analyze things. Sure, I second guess myself all the time and have a tendency to freak out over the small stuff. I’ll admit that I do ask a lot of “what if…?” questions. Fine. I’m neurotic.”

One fateful day, the simple act of taking a wrong turn leads Violet right into Rocky’s life and completely turns it upside down. Accustomed to his orders being obeyed immediately and without question, Rocky doesn’t appreciate Violet challenging his authority at every opportunity.

“I don’t like being told what to do. Especially when some arrogant tough guy thinks he can boss me around. I might have argued with him just to keep him close. He smelled like heaven. Although with a body like his, I knew he was no angel.

Violet charmed her way into his heart with her quick wit and stubbornness, causing Rocky to fail at his many attempts to resist her.

“He’d never met anyone like me before. I trash talk, curse like a sailor, and pretty much say whatever’s on my mind. Life is too short to pretend to be something that you’re not.”

Rocky tries to keep his violent past hidden from Violet, but it suddenly catches up to him and he can no longer deny who he really is. Will Rocky turn his back on the life he built or stay and fight for what’s his? When Violet is faced with situations that rival anything she’s merely read about, will she be able to face her fears and work together with Rocky or will the truth tear them apart?

“It’s one hell of a wild ride! Take a look inside the first few pages and I’ll tell you all about it.”

Follow the journey of Rocky and Violet as they take a dirty detour…

Please note: As is often the case after “Boy Meets Girl” but before “Happily Ever After,” Steamy Bedroom Scenes will occur. Well….some of the steamy scenes actually take place outside the bedroom. You’ll have to read the book to find out more!

This is a full length, stand-alone novel with no cliffhangers.

This is a very run romance with a lot of laugh out loud moments. Violet is the type of person who lacks a filter - if she thinks it then it comes out of her mouth. When she meets up with Rocky and his crew at the brewery they just don't know what to make of her outspoken rambling self. Violet seems to have so much energy that at times I felt tired for her! But I loved her.

Rocky is a tough as nails enforcer that wants a new life, but it's hard for him to adjust his attitude when he meets Violet. She's nothing like he expects a woman to be, but that's what makes her so great to him. But no one can really run away from their past - and his is about to come back to haunt him in a big way.

This is not what you would normally see in a mafia romance. The characters are very much stereotypes, but they were done in a fun way that made them really stand out. Irina was a favorite of mine - her attitude and personality were just fantastic. At times the story was just a tad much and it went a little long in some areas, but still a very exciting story. This is a very entertaining read that lovers of a good romantic comedy will really enjoy.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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