New Releases in Romance - Week of May 18, 2014

Here are this weeks releases.  That first bundle in the contemporary ones is well worth the read.  I read them individually and they were fantastic!

Paranormal


Contemporary


Suspense


Erotic

Review: Worth the Risk (Take a Risk #1) by Robin Bielman

Title: Worth the Risk (Take a Risk #1)
Author: Robin Bielman
Source: Entangled - Indulgence
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: April 26, 2012
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 3
Sexual - 3

Their love was ancient history... until their paths crossed again.

Samantha Bennett put Dean Malloy out of her mind five years ago, when he broke her heart after a summer fling. But now he's back in her life, and ready to steal a heritage protection contract that could make or break her career—if he doesn't steal her heart first. Samantha's vowed to hate him, but it's more than anger heating the competition between them.

With sparks flying across the conference table and sizzling in every touch, Dean proposes a weekend liaison. Anything to have Sam again; anything to get her out of his system. But the unresolved feelings between them complicate both their personal and professional lives, and one wild weekend could turn into a disaster that would destroy the one job that means more to Samantha than anything. For a shot at love... is it worth the risk?

Yet another series that I've been reading backwards - it must be my new "thing" to do.

Book Two: Risky Surrender - Review

This series introduced me to the whole heritage architecture theme - the fixing up of old historic buildings, landmarks, and in the case roads, to bring the back to life again.  Samantha has a passion for the industry that seems to be unmatched.  But the reason she found that passion may just cause her to lose out on the biggest job of her career (more about that later).  Sam is a very fun woman with a lot of personality and I really liked her, but she was just a tad one dimensional - I didn't see a lot of development in her and I crave that in a story.

Now Dean on the other hand was quite a character.  While he was a bit too confident for my tastes, he was definitely that way for a reason.  I don't think the man had ever lost in his life!  Of course, Sam may just be the first thing he really wants and can't have.  This leads to a very interesting weekend stand agreement - this seems to be a new trend in writing and I'm starting to like it.  It's a great starting point that is more believable than a one-night stand love story.

I also like that these two books have at least mentioned the state of some of our historic landmarks.  I don't know if that was Robin Bielman's intent, but she mentions things just enough to make you think about it a little - but she steers far from banging you in the head with it.  I enjoyed book two a little more, but I just bonded with those characters better.  Worth the Risk is a very good place to start.

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

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Book Trailer: Breaking Away by Toni Aleo

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Release: June 10, 2014

Book 5 in the ASSASSINS SERIES. 

About BREAKING AWAY....

BREAKING AWAY is a story of loss, healing, and love… where unexpected turns and heartache lead to passion.

To Nashville Assassins’ leading scoring center Phillip Anderson, playing hockey has always been easy… as natural as breathing. His life is no different. That’s until his world is turned upside down by the death of his sister. While mourning his loss, Phillip has to find a way to make his very angry sixteen-year-old niece, Claire, happy. Now, as her guardian, he discovers the only thing that seems to heal her lonely heart is dance class. But what he didn’t count on was the attraction he’d feel towards her drop-dead sexy dance teacher.

For Reese Allen, dancing has always been part of her soul. After having her heart broken in New York, she comes home with the determination to make her dance studio one of the best in Tennessee and succeeds. When she sees Claire dance for the first time, she knows the girl is bound for greatness and takes the troubled teen under her wing. Using dance as therapy, she suddenly finds herself bound to the young woman… and her hot-as-sin uncle.

However, Phillip and Reese are happy in their single lives. It’s simple. They do what they want, who they want, and how they want, but from the moment they meet, the attraction is undeniable. Soon, they are more than willing to spend just one night tangled in the sheets. But, one night turns into two, and two turns into three, until they find themselves in a repeated dance of “One Last Time” that has the potential to be something more… if only Reese and Claire allow it.

Can Phillip find a way to thaw the hearts of both the women in his life, or will he be forever trying to break them away from their pasts?

Do you live in Nashville, TN? Join author Toni Aleo on June 14th for the celebration of BREAKING AWAY RELEASE! Tickets are still available! 

http://breakingaway.eventbrite.com

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Toni Aleo is the author of the Nasvhille Assassins series: Taking Shots, Trying to Score, Empty Net, Falling for the Backup, and Blue Lines.

When not rooting for her beloved Nashville Predators, she’s probably going to her husband’s and son’s hockey games and her daughter’s dance competitions, taking pictures, scrapbooking, or reading the latest romance novel.

She lives in the Nashville area with her husband, two children, and a bulldog. Read more about Toni here.

Website † Facebook † Twitter † GoodReads  

Review: Warrior Unleased (Mythrian Realm #1.5) by Lyndsay Avalon

Title: Warrior Unleashed (Mythrian Realm #1.5)
Author: Lyndsay Avalon
Source: Self-Purchased
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: September 16, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 4
Sexual - 3

*** Book 1.5 of the Mythrian Realm. Be sure to read Breaking the Nexus before this!
Look for Waking the Phoenix, the highly anticipated sequel to Breaking the Nexus, coming soon! ***

Nothing is more dangerous than a warrior unleashed.

When Sentinels begin dying under mysterious circumstances, the deaths are believed to be unrelated. Only one man sees the truth: an unknown enemy is targeting the elite group of warriors and no one is safe. As a panther Chimerae, Achaius Rilke recognizes the signs of an unpredictable predator. The only person he can trust is Saia Makan, the tempestuous Sorceri who has driven him crazy for years. But when the killer has set his sights on Saia, Achaius faces the hunt of his life.

Book One: Breaking the Nexus - Review

I read book one, Breaking the Nexus about a year ago and loved it.  Warrior Unleashed takes us back to the realms and show us a bit about what has been happening there while Sha (from book one) is stuck in Earth.  We get to meet her brother, Achaius, an amazing hot panther shifter - I've always had a thing for the cat shifters.  He has set his sights on a Sentinel by the name of Saia and is determined to have her.

Unfortunately, Sentinels are dieing, and he suspects something is up.  There is a lot of excitement in here and a lot of love.  Predator shifters seem to be a territorial protective bunch and that doesn't always mesh well when they fall for a kiss-ass alpha female type.  Their banter is amusing and you can tell they enjoy it as well.

Saia has several near death experiences in this novella, but Avalon was able to keep everything unique and different.  The villain was a HUGE surprise, yet made perfect sense.  And I just know something more is going one that we just haven't been told about yet!  I'm dieing to keep reading.!

This was a great look back into the series and I hope to see Book Two, Waking the Phoenix, which looks like it will be out soon.

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Review: IMPROPER PROPOSALS (Improper #3) by Juliana Ross

Title:  IMPROPER PROPOSALS (Improper #3)

Author:  Juliana Ross

Source:  NetGalley

Genre:  Historical Romance

Length:  Novella

Rating:  3

Sexual Rating:  4

Reviewed by:  Cynthia (Artemis)

Newly widowed, Caroline Boothroyd passes her days writing a guide for young wives daunted by their
housewifely duties. She takes it to publisher Thomas Cathcart-Ross, who makes the outrageous suggestion that Caroline should instead tackle the subject of marital relations—and, even more shocking, that she should tell women that sex with their husbands can be pleasurable and not a shameful necessity.

Tom's sisters were sent into marriage naive and unworldly. He's willing to risk scandal to help women like them, and Caroline's writing talent provides the means. Remembering her own newlywed nerves, she agrees, despite fears for her reputation.

As Caroline thinks back on her own sexual awakening, she cannot help imagining a sensual future with her compelling publisher. Tom makes her want to write a second chapter of her sexual life. But lust could lead to love, and Caroline never wishes to feel heartbreak again.

I picked this novella up because I was wanting to read a new author of erotic historical romance.  This one just didn't quite make it.  I would call it....hot, sexy historical romance.

The story is in the first person:  Caroline's tone is formal and dry, almost to the point of clinical.  Even though there were plenty of times when Caroline dwells on being a widow and her departed husband:  I didn't get the expected heartbreak the blurb alluded too. Caroline knows her place in the world and is contented to be alone and a widow.

Tom is the saving grace of IMPROPER PROPOSALS.  He is the one who leads Caroline on her sexual awakening by having her write a book concerning marital relations. Although the tone of the story doesn't change, the language and sexual encounters between the two of them start to heat things up.

IMPROPER PROPOSALS is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone without any problems.  I'm sure many of you will enjoy this story.  I found it didn't have enough emotion for me.

Review: Risky Surrender (Take a Risk #2) by Robin Bielman

Title: Risky Surrender (Take a Risk #2)
Author: Robin Bielman
Source: Entangled - Indulgence
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: August 26, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 3
Sexual - 3

She'll search for treasure, but steal his heart.

Archeologist Lucy Davenport made a promise to retrieve an elusive piece of history buried in the walls of an iconic Indian village. But when she draws unwanted attention that interferes with her secret plans, she's forced to risk it all with a man who threatens not only her goal, but the walls she's carefully constructed around her heart.

Keats McCall is an environmental preservationist navigating the globe on behalf of heritage protection. When he catches Lucy at his latest project, he suspects she's up to something. She's secretive, sexy as hell—and has trouble written all over her. He devises a plan to keep her close so he can keep an eye on her. But what he isn't prepared for is just how close he wants to get.

I didn't even realize this was a series until I went to write my review - so it's safe to say this can be read as a complete stand-alone.

I grew up loving archaeology and historical sites, so this book seemed like it would be right up my alley. Lucy is a bit of a tomb raider type - only not nearly as destructive. She prides herself on getting in and getting out with the artifact without being caught or causing any damage. Keats prides himself on restoring sites and keeping everything where it belongs - which is not in Lucy's hands. They first meet as she gets away with an artifact on his boat and when she shows up again at another preservation site, he knows he's in trouble.

Sparks flew for Keats the moment he first met Lucy, he just didn't know who she was or how to find her (and the ring she stole). He's determined to show her that her skills can be put to a more legal use and her life should be spent with him. Lucy isn't so sure. She's used to being on her own and has quite a bit of personal baggage she carries around with her.

I loved their chemistry and how their interests were so similar, but still kept them in different worlds. Their relationship was a hard one to get started, and you're never quite sure if it really will succeed until the very end. With a couple outside characters that help breathe some life and humor into the story, as well as a great atmosphere this was a very enjoyable read.

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

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Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway: Second Chances (Ripple Effect Romance #5) by Donna K. Weaver

Tour Schedule

Title: Second Chances 101 (Ripple Effect Romance #5)
Author: Donna K. Weaver
Source: I Am a Reader
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novells
Release Date: May 5, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 4
Sexual - 1

A Ripple Effect Romance Novella

Thirty-seven year old Francie Davis, a recent widow and empty nester, gets to attend college at last. She’s sure her luck has changed when she also lands a job on campus that will pay her tuition, as administrative assistant to a history professor. When her handsome new boss yells at her on the first day of work, Francie worries she will never be good enough.

For Professor Alex Diederik, life is going downhill fast. Not only is his bitter ex-wife trying to poison their only daughter against him, but now his one place of solace—his work environment—is being complicated by his attractive new administrative assistant. She drives home his feelings of failure as a husband and father, and Alex wonders if hiring her was the right thing to do.

Francie will have to put aside her hurt and insecurities or risk her dreams, while Alex must look outside himself if he’s to mend the breach with his daughter. And, perhaps, find someone who can help heal his pain.

Book One: Home Matters - Review 
Book Two: Silver Linings - Review
Book Three: Righting a Wrong - Review
Book Four: Lost and Found - Review

Book five in the Ripple Effect Romance series takes us in a new direction.  We get to know Francie - an older widow whose son has just begun his student career at Harvard.  Francie has decided to finally fulfill her dream and return to school herself, and takes a job at the campus to help pay for it.  While at school she meets two very interesting people, Professor Alex Diederik and student named Rose.

Francie has quite an impact on the lives of both of these people, it was really beautiful to see how much just a little kindness can mean to another person.  She was a bit too good though - I had a hard time finding some sort of relatable flaw in her character, but it was just what Alex and Rose needed at the time.

This romance had a lot less drama than some of the others in the series and it was nice to see just a really sweet story where things seemed to work out for everyone involved.

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

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Author Donna K. Weaver
Donna K. Weaver has always loved reading and creating stories, thus she’s been ever entertained. An avid cruiser, she’s sailed the Pacific five times. Wife-mother-grandmother-Army veteran-karate black belt-Harry Potter nerd.

Website - Goodreads - Twitter - Facebook - Pinterest

The Ripple Effect Romance Novella Series Enjoy this exciting new series of clean novellas by six critically-acclaimed authors. "Like a pebble tossed into calm water, a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet, perhaps setting a life on a different course—one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love."

Book 1: Home Matters by Julie N. Ford 

Book 2: Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin 

Book 3: Righting A Wrong by Rachael Anderson 

Book 4: Lost and Found by Karey White 

Book 5: Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver 

Book 6: Immersed by Jennifer Griffith

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/26/14 

HERE

Review: One Night With a Cowboy (Paint River Ranch #2) by Elizabeth Otto

Title: One Night With a Cowboy (Paint River Ranch #2)
Author: Elizabeth Otto
Source: Entangled - Indulgence
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Western
Length: Novella
Release Date: May 12, 2013

Rating - 4
Sexual - 3

One night is never enough...

Jobless, broke, and struggling to support herself and her invalid mother, paramedic Sophie Miller doesn’t have time or energy for a relationship. Especially with her mother’s clock ticking down. So when the sexy cowboy she meets at a carnival proposes a no-strings, one-night stand, she’s all over it. Until her one-night stand shows up again and turns out to be everything she’s ever wanted.

Tucker Haywood has his hands full running Paint River Ranch and trying to deal with all the changes pulling the rug out from under him. His past has taught him it’s better to keep women at arm’s length, for their sake. Stubborn and temperamental, Tucker doesn’t have a clue how to deal with a city girl who’s scared of squirrels and dirt.

So when Sophie gets under his skin, he has to do whatever it takes to push her away. Even if it means losing the part of himself he never thought he’d find.

Book One: Tempting the Cowboy - Review 

Paint River Ranch is an amazingly beautiful place.  But it's also a working ranch - run by Tucker Haywood - who is everything a cowboy should be.  But Tucker has a strict policy of not seeing the same girl more than twice, so why can't he get Sophie off his mind.

Sophie is in town for the worst of reasons.  Her mother is dieing and she has come to spend as much time with her as possible before she goes.  Tucker turns into a great way to release some tension and have a little fun.  Sophie is the typical city girl - there's a scene involving a squirrel that is beyond hilarious.  Sophie was a really fun character, but some of her reasons for not wanting to get involved fell a little short for me.

The story is fast paced and very exciting - with a few near death experiences for some side characters.  I had a lot of fun following Sophie and Tucker and almost cried when Sophie's mother passed away.  It was an amazing emotional ride.  I wish the couple from book one had been in this one, I loved the daughter (Birdie) and would have enjoyed seeing her again.

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

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Cover Reveal: More Than I Asked by T.J. Tims

Book Title: More Than I Asked 

Author: T.J. Tims 

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Release Date: May 16, 2014 

Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

Book One in the More Than DC series by T.J. Tims Genevieve Westley lives inside of her head. Her only connection to life; her two best friends, her grandparents, and her heart wrenching emotionally driven artwork.

 Finally stepping out of her comfort zone, a night out with her friends has her stepping into the arms of Lucas Alexander. Lucas has been labeled many things; rock star, CEO, devastatingly handsome panty dropper. 

When these two collide their electric chemistry has them racing towards their happily ever after, but is that enough?

 Secret after secret bombards them, turning Gen’s peaceful existence to chaos and confusion. With more questions than answers will she give it all up or fight, even if it’s more than she asked for?

  Raised in New Jersey on the shore, TJ began reading romance novels at the age of fourteen when she picked up Elda Minger’s The Dare. From that day forward she hasn’t stopped reading romance novels of all subgenres. While focusing on her career working in a corporate office and reading at night TJ somehow found herself married and pregnant when she paused to breathe between novels. After being laid off and giving birth to her son, she threw herself into being a stay at home mom. One month her husband was very upset at her for spending forty dollars on books when she became “one click” happy, later that evening when doing the math she realized she spent FOUR HUNDRED dollars on books, silly husband somehow dropped a zero. Destroying the evidence since she was already placed on book probation, TJ decided to think of ways to curb her purchasing. The only way that would satisfy her active mind seemed to be exercising it by writing her own stories. A story turned into a novel, and a novel into a series. During the day TJ focuses on her household that is overrun with testosterone; one beefcake husband, one son that takes after beefcake husband, and two male dogs. In evening she taps away at her keyboard letting her mind play. Be sure to follow TJ on Facebook for any updates. www.facebook.com/authortjtims

 

Scavenger Hunt: Be the first to find the heart that is hiding in TJ Tim's cover and leave your guess by commenting at TJ Tims Cover Reveal Facebook Party. The first person that finds the heart hidden in the cover will win a $5 Amazon Gift Card and the runner up will receive a choice ebook (worth .99 cents). Good Luck! ONLY TJ Tims is responsible for this giveaway. The winner(s) will be picked 9pm EST.