Book Reviews by duelalias

This is a romantic, entertaining and dramatic story. Ryan is chivalrous, caring and loyal to those he cares about, but cold and hard to everyone else. Annalise has been a prisoner of her father her entire life and she has accepted her fate. When she meets Ryan she senses a sadness in him, the same type she has, and wishes that things could be different. And when her father his intentions for her, everyone scrambles to save her. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

This is intense, heartbreaking and sweet. Danny and Jacob were best friends as children, until the day Jacob disappeared and left Danny heartbroken and alone. Now it's 13 years later, and Jacob has come to buy a ranch to redevelop. What he didn't know was that Danny owned it, or that seeing him would bring back feelings he'd thought he'd left behind. Danny is shocked to see Jacob after so long, but he still makes Danny's heart race. Jacob has been so coldhearted since he left this life behind so he's not sure why he feels the way he does. Danny's dad is a real piece of work, what an evil man. I loved this story. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

This is sweet, steamy, entertaining and romantic. Alec is charming, chivalrous, protective, stubborn and caring. Madison is feisty, determined, passionate and loyal. He's a hockey player, she's an ice girl, there's a no fraternizing rule that they have been ignoring. They've hidden their relationship for 2 years because Madison loves her job, and Alec wants to protect her. But out of nowhere Alec is accused of rape, and even though she's his alibi, he won't let her out them, to anybody. While they're dealing with that, Madison is also dealing with her plans for after she graduates, and her father's insistence that she come home. Things get very hairy for a while, but both are counting on love overcoming everything. I received a copy of this book from Booksprout. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

This story is brilliant, the storyline is entertaining and romantic and the characters are likable, passionate and intelligent. It had me from the first page, waiting to see what would happen next. It's one of my favorites among the books that I've read by Joanne. I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is intense, suspenseful, full of action, romantic and tragic. And it ends in a cliffhanger. There is so much going on in this, the tension between Naomi and Russel, the budding relationship between Cici and Kal, the possible beginnings of a family between Bailey, Mace and Minnie, and all the trouble at Heritage. Someone is killing cows, stealing horses and they set fire to the barn. Evidence points to Kal, and that divides the family because Cici and Naomi believe that he is innocent, and everybody else thiNks he's guilty. I laughed, I melted and I cried. The end is so heartbreaking, and could lead the end of a few relationships. I hope this gets wrapped up in the next book, I really hate being absorbed in a story and it suddenly ends. Being left hanging was just cruel. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

This is romantic, entertaining and steamy. Alek is cold, oblivious, determined, inconsiderate and demanding. Nora is caring, generous, vulnerable and friendly. Alek decides that he must find the chef whose food was served at a banquet, and blew him away, and hire her. But he found that it wasn't so easy. When he does finally find Nora, she names a salary that will give her the restaurant she wants, and he immediately agrees to it. The attraction between them grows stronger as they spend time together, even though both know it's a no no because not only is Nora employed by Alek, Alek has an agreement to marry someone in Boston. The tension between them is just a little of the drama they face, there's also an old high school bully and Alek's daughter. It's an emotional, heartwarming and enjoyable story. I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.

This is intriguing, exciting and romantic. Rewan is bold, daring, chivalrous and honorable. Harrieta is tough, brave, impulsive and caring. Harrietta went down to Wales to chill and go through her grandmother's things, and found herself in the past. While wandering around lost and confused, a friendly soldier brings her to an inn to feed her and get her a job, and it's there that she meets Rewan. Rewan did not like nor trust her, but he ends up rescuing her from a dangerous smuggler, and then taking her with him when he needs to get out of town. The two become close while in hiding, but she won't admit to where she's from, and he's not sure he can really trust her. It's filled with drama and suspense, and has you hooked from the start. I received a copy of this book from Booksprout. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

This is amusing, entertaining and romantic. Lord Catesby is kind, considerate, uncomfortable and confused. Rebecca is sweet, strong, protective and stubborn. Rebecca has been in hiding working as a housekeeper for Lord Catesby, but he was not told of the plan. He finds himself in turmoil over her because he thinks about her constantly, and knows it's wrong. He knows he can't marry a servant, no matter attracted to her he is. Rebecca doesn't understand why being around Lord Catesby makes her nervous, until he kisses her. Things between them are already strained when her brother shows up, and then the person she's trying to avoid. He seems more confused, yet more confident about his feelings than she is hers, until the truth comes out. This is a heartwarming addition to the series. I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.

This is romantic, suspenseful and heartwarming. Jed is emotionally damaged, stubborn and caring. Tess is caring, sweet and unsure. Jed took custody of his friends child after both of her parents were killed, but he has no clue what he's doing, thus the need for a nanny/tutor. Tess is recovering from the loss of not only her fiancé, but also her confidence. Tess immediately forms a bond with Nala, and as much as Jed doesn't want to hire her he does, for Nala. Neither of them wants to acknowledge the spark between them, but it builds until it can't be ignored anymore. Danger is in the air, but Jed can't figure out where it's coming from or who it's meant for. The storyline is intriguing and interesting, capturing your attention from the start. I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.

This is a gripping, dramatic, shocking and powerful story depicting one man's journey across the country when California was still being discovered by Americans. If you have a weak stomach, or are sensitive to gory details you might want to pass on this book. Jake is a brave, determined and untrusting man who is tasked with making his way to California, and mapping the way, for the president. Emma is the daughter of a career military man, who has bullied her and kept her prisoner. She's on her way to her father from one fort to another when her party is attacked and everyone except her is killed. Jake manages to save her, then refuses to take her back to either fort, because he is on a time sensitive journey. She doesn't stand up to Jake because she's afraid that he's like her father.  But they both learn just how strong and brave she is. Along the way they face setback after setback, sometimes being in grave danger, and they each fall in love, both refusing to ackn...

This is romantic, intriguing and heartwarming. Munro is impulsive, determined and caring. Sarah is untrusting, skeptical and caring. They meet on a stage and Munro is immediately captivated by her, so much so that he changes his plans so that he can follow Sarah home. But Sarah isn't interested in having anything to do with another man now that she has her freedom from her brutish husband. The secret of her birth is also a deterrent, she doesn't believe that anyone would want to be connected to her. Munro won't be discouraged though, he's in love with her and wants to marry her. The storyline is dramatic and full of surprises and twists. Once I started reading it I had a hard time putting it down. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

This is sweet, romantic, amusing and heartwarming. Justus is bold, determined, caring and sweet. Tuesday is brave, stubborn, independent and frazzled. When Tuesday shows up at his aunt and uncle's not 5 minutes after he gets there, and hands him a baby and walks away, Justus has no clue what to do. He manages just fine considering it's the first baby he's ever held, but he plans on giving the mother an earful when she gets back. Even after the showdown there are sparks zinging between, which intrigues Justus, and scares Tuesday. Justus is so damn irresistible with his charm, sweetness and caring, along with a sexy body, that he draws Tuesday to him like a moth to a flame. All the books in this series are heartwarming, amusing and romantic and their characters are special people. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

This is sweet, amusing and romantic. Seth is a likable, charming, determined and cheeky rake. Pru is quiet, introverted, intellectual and stubborn. They meet in a library where Pru is doing medieval research and Seth is looking for a way out of his grandfather's inheritance condition. Pru offers to help him and they spend every day together pouring over books. The more time they spend in each other's company, the more they realize that there is far more to the other than they first thought. They are complete opposites, and yet they complement each other so sweetly. I am loving this series and can't wait to read about the rest of this family's tasks. I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.

This is dramatic, suspenseful and entertaining. The storyline is interesting and full of surprises. The characters are amusing and intriguing. It was a little hard to get into, but as the story progressed it got better. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

These are sweet, romantic, entertaining and amusing stories. They'll pull your heartstrings, make you laugh and draw you into their lives. The characters are each special and sweet and charming. The storylines are interesting, thrilling and romantic. I love how the stories relate to each other so you keep tabs on the characters from previous stories. I can't wait to read about all the men of Joe's. I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.

This is dramatic, heartbreaking, suspenseful and unpredictable. Silas is caring, stubborn, brave and broken. Maggie is selfish, stubborn, unforgiving and naive. They had been married for 10 years when tragedy struck, and Maggie put all of the fault on Silas and divorced him. Later, after he leaves the SEALs, she gets him a job at the DHS. He had tried to get her back, she shot him down, he tried to forget her, but he couldn't. Things comes to a head when they have to go on a trip together, them and a few others, and he becomes determined to win, not only her forgiveness, but her trust and love. Silas is a nice guy who is dedicated to the SEALs, and Maggie unfairly used that against him. It's a great story and I can't wait to read more of the series. I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.

These are interesting and dramatic stories with unique characters, but they're not very exciting. Each couple has their own issues to overcome and they are mostly polar opposites who work to find a way to get what each wants. They all have a HEA, even if they don't deserve it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

First off, this ends in a cliffhanger. The story is fast paced, intense and dramatic, the intrigue and suspense keep you turning the pages. I can't say that Cord and Morgan impressed me much, they're supposed to be very smart people, yet they do some headbang worthy stupid things. I will read the next book, with the hope that they get smarter, because the storyline is interesting. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

This is an intriguing and entertaining story, but there's not much romance to it. Johnny, a pirate who appeared from the 18th century, is just like Capt. Jack Sparrow, charming, amusing, bold, but when he meets Izzy, he also becomes caring and protective. Izzy is vulnerable, insecure and stubborn. Johnny pops into her life while she's waiting at home to surprise her boyfriend. Unfortunately the surprise is on her when he shows up with another woman. She throws him out and spends the next 2 months teaching Johnny about the 21st century. The night of her graduation they find themselves back in his time, because he needs to lead his fellow pirates in the war against the British Navy, but first he had to learn to not be selfish. It's a very entertaining story.

This is a gripping, suspenseful and dramatic love story. Cull is honest, intense, protective and responsible. Sally is strong, shy, vulnerable, and sweet. Cull is hired to track down and bring in a woman named Monica, and after he gets an address he stakes it out. Meanwhile, Sally literally runs into someone and finds a purse on the ground after the woman stalks off and decides to bring it to the woman. Cull sees her go into the building and starts to follow when he realizes that the building is on fire. He searches the apartment, finds her unconscious in the bedroom. When she wakes up, she has no idea who she is, Cull only tells her that her name is Monica, but is not comfortable turning her in, so he brings her home. The attraction between them confuses Cull, he has to fight it, but doesn't really want to. Because he doesn't believe that she's a killer. The twists and the sexual tension are just two things that make this story brilliant. It's a thrilling addition to t...

This is dramatic, romantic, amusing and unpredictable. Caleb is charming, kind, gentle and impulsive. Harriet is strong, determined and caring. Caleb decides that he wants to get to know Harriet "the ice queen" with thoughts of marriage. He needs to know if she's another gold digger, or if there is more to her. Harriet wants to marry for love, not money or connections, but after her father dies her mother will not give her the choice. She's all set to dislike the Duke her mother picked for her, and when his head groom shows up to buy a horse, she finds that she is drawn to him. Wondering how she can possibly marry a man when she'd be so close to a man that intrigued her, she's shocked and angry to find that the man she's been dreaming about is actually the Duke himself. I really like both Harriet and Caleb, they are both kind, caring and genuine. The storyline has a few shocking twists that bring drama and tears to the story. I received a copy of this boo...

These stories are interesting and entertaining, but not well written. They have holes in them and facts change from what is originally written. The characters are fascinating but they don't interact well with each other, or anybody else. I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.

This is entertaining, romantic and dramatic. Maxwell is determined, stubborn, insecure and sweet. Lena is strong, determined, bold and caring. Maxwell is shocked when the woman he had a one night stand with five months earlier, and can't stop thinking about, suddenly standing in front of him, and pregnant. He hires her to help him sell a horse, moves her into his apartment and plans their victory. Only he caves to the buyers demand that she not have anything to do with the sale. All because of an article that was written about him being unable to be successful on his own. What he does doesn't make him a great guy, but he isn't really a jerk, he's just oversensitive and insecure. It's a sweet story anyway.

This is entertaining and romantic. Percival is impulsive, unsure and stubborn. Marina is bold, daring, charming and strong. Marina, a seamstress, finds an invitation to an assembly hall and decides to go and give herself a taste of high society, and prove that she could belong. When Percival sees her, he's is totally captivated by her. Then frustrated because there's no way for him to talk to her or dance with her. Marina so enjoys herself, is warmly welcomed by the same people who would normally look down on her, and is just as captivated when she sees Percival that she accepts invitations to other society events. Percival becomes obsessed with her, always thinking about her and constantly trying to be near her. It only takes a few conversations for them to fall in love, finding a way to be together is much harder. She has fun and makes friends, his friends rebuke him for wanting her. It gets a little unexpected at the end, but it a good story. I received a copy of this book ...

This is a fascinating, suspenseful and entertaining story of love, loyalty, daring and intrigue. Tavish is charming, bold, amusing, chivalrous, fiercely protective and determined. Ceit is bold, independent, brave, stubborn and vulnerable. The King decides that Tavish and Ceit should marry, so Tavish goes to court to meet Ceit, and decide if he's agreeable to the union. He sees her a few times before finding out who she is and is drawn to her, then gets floored when he finds out that she is his betrothed. Ceit is not thrilled with the way he treats her, she feels like an obligation. Soon they're fighting strong feelings, her uncle and the King. It's a thrilling story, but the violence is a bit graphic. I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.

This is short, sweet and suspenseful. Lucas is charming, friendly and sweet. Lia is brave, vulnerable and strong. Lia is in an accident while fleeing from her father, Lucas rescues her and is captivated by her. She really likes Lucas too, so she does what her concience tells her to. Then you get a cliihanger. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is a fast paced, entertaining and romantic story. Tom is kind, chivalrous and unsure. Samantha is brave, determined and caring. When Samantha finally has enough of waiting on Charles to propose, and enough of her controlling father, she becomes a mail order bride and goes west. Tom happens to be there at the train when she gets to town. Tom is instantly intrigued by her, and she's drawn to him. Soon they have a mystery on their hands, and they team up to solve it. Suddenly Charles shows up claiming to be her fiancé, and then the woman who has been chasing Tom shows up. The suspenseful picks up and it gets entertaining. It's short, but sweet and romantic. I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is amusing, interesting and romantic. Reuben is impulsive, stubborn, caring and protective. Angel is bold, flirty, carefree and cheeky. She was tasked by her grandfather to get a job and keep it for 2 months, so she becomes a companion to Mrs. Stone, Rueben's aunt. He is suspicious of her from the start because he knows of her reputation, and her family's money trouble, but decides to give her a chance, with him in the house to keep an eye on her. A strong attraction, a few close run ins and one sly aunt lead to love and romance. I can't wait to read the rest of this series and find out what everyone's task was, and if they were able to accomplish it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

This is hilariously funny, heartbreaking, sweet and romantic. Theodore is gruff, sarcastic, charming and sweet. Virginia is bold, determined, caring, generous and vulnerable. Theodore was seriously injured during a battle and sent home, but he didn't want to go to London until he was healed, so his friend, the Duke of Azureford, let him stay at his house in Christmas. Virginia lives in Christmas because her parents left her in a madhouse and she escaped, when she got to Christmas she decided to stay because everyone accepted her. One day while walking her cat, Duke, the cat jumped into an open window at the Duke's home. So Virginia went to get him and found Theodore, half bandaged, sitting in his wheeled chair. She immediately took charge of him, which he didn't appreciate, and went to see him every day to help him build up his strength so that he could walk again. As they get to know each other, Theodore is incensed by the way her parents have treated her, so he takes it u...

This is sweet and romantic. Gabe is a saucy, engaging and determined retired gay football player. Logan is a mellow and friendly retired hockey player. The one thing they have in common is that they've enjoyed retirement a little too much by slacking on exercise and eating right. So they both end up in a weight loss group. Gabe immediately notices Logan and initiates a friendship, Logan responds to the offer enthusiastically because he knows no one in the area. They agree to be exercise buddies. Logan is intrigued by Gabe and he finds himself wondering what it would be like to see and touch his body, and finds that he's not bothered by that. When Gabe notices Logan is watching him, he begins a slow, subtle seduction, which Logan gradually responds to. New Year's Eve is their first date, and when things become physical, but Logan is confused when realizes what happened, and completely shuts Gabe out. Fortunately for Logan Gabe doesn't give up on him. It's a heartwarm...

This is entertaining and interesting. Dex is a charming, amusing and gentle man who puts his grandmother's wants first in his life. Mavis is a strong, independent and determined woman. They fell in love when they were teenagers, but when it came to their future Dex wanted her to be what his grandmother said she should be, so he gave Mavis an ultimatum, she gave her dream or she gave up him. She chose to follow her dream. Six years have passed and they run into each other. Dex wants to know why she left town and didn't back, Mavis wants to know why he didn't love her enough to choose her over his grandmother. The love they had as teens has never died and they have a hard time fighting it, but they still face the same issues. Dex is a stubborn, stupid man has hasn't learned anything, but he doesn't want to give her up again. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

This is intense, heartbreaking, dramatic, suspenseful and romantic. Vargas is a caring, determined, protective and generous man who has put his life on hold to take care of Seth. Seth is gentle, flirty man who's become vulnerable and afraid. After 2 years Seth is still suffering from the aftereffects of his ordeal, but he's becoming more determined to overcome them, because he wants Vargas, even though he knows Vargas will nevertheless feel the same way about him. Vargas wants Seth, but he's afraid to do anything, he doesn't want to jeopardize all the progress Seth has made. While they are both coming to terms with what they want, they're trying to figure out who is trying to get Prescott out of jail. It all comes to a thrilling climax, after a few twists. I really hope that there will be more books in this series. I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is a gripping, suspenseful, romantic and funny story. Walter is a gruff, sexy and stubborn man who has closed himself off from life since losing his partner. Kevin is a bold, impulsive and klutzy man who has been deep in the closet ever since his first experience with a man. They meet at The Haven when they each begin looking into the disappearance of a man from the club, and they end up investigating it together. Kevin is so attracted to Walter, and gets so excited by him, that he forgets that he's in the closet every time Walter is near. He wants Walter, and he's determined to get him. Walter not only is not interested in any kind of relationship, he thinks Kevin is too young and too inexperienced to get involved with. Their investigation doesn't seem to go anywhere, but the tension between them gets more intense every day, until Walter finally snaps and tries to teach Kevin a lesson about being with men, and has the most hot and erotic experience he's ever had. ...

This is interesting, entertaining and romantic. Sawyer is bold, daring, optimistic and determined. Bella is stubborn, insecure and impulsive. Sawyer and Bella have been dancing around each other for a year, but when Bella wakes up with amnesia and finds that she's married to Sawyer, she can't figure out why. While she recovers from her accident, she tries to figure out their relationship, and if she can trust him. He ties to be patient waiting for her to remember falling in love with him, but there's a truth that complicates that memory. He's romantic and sweet, she's skittish and untrusting. It's a great love story.

These are dramatic and steamy stories. Sawyer is stubborn and oblivious. Finn is strong and determined. When Finn is faced with the reality of the dangers of the profession they share, he knows they can't continue working and sleeping with each other. The problem is getting Sawyer to face the truth, unfortunately he has to be harsh to do it. Sawyer feels abandoned, until he finally gets it. Brady and Rex have been roommates for two years, and Brady has been in love with Rex for most of that time. One day Rex suddenly comes out to Brady and kisses him,  then he runs away. Brady is mad and confused, even more so when Rex keeps avoiding him. Insecurity and trust are hard for Rex to overcome. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is sweet, romantic, unpredictable and thrilling. Izzy is a determined, strong, brave man who feels unworthy and vulnerable because of his affliction. Farah is a bastard princess who is kind, caring and generous but feels like she's repulsive because of the scar on her face. There's a magnetic pull between them, but each has their own reasons for believing that the other wouldn't want them. After she leaves, he realizes that he loves her and shouldn't have let her go, so he races to get to her before she gets to her brother, King Alfonso. King Alfonso is a sly and determined man. Izzy and Farah have a grueling trek with many twists before they make it back to Izzy's home. I loved this story and couldn't put it down. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

This is dramatic, romantic and entertaining. Whitt is a determined, generous and  socially awkward workaholic with low personal self esteem. Reece is a strong, proud, caring and responsible man who is determined to prove himself. After he thought he was having a heart attack, Whitt's doctor told him he needed to find a way to relax, scoring he decided to fill his horse barn and learn to ride. Reece came to work for Whitt after being fired by a jealous client, and the attraction between he and Whitt set off sparks. While working for Whitt, Reece also had his own horse to train with, which gave the neighbor ammunition to cause trust issues between the men. It's a beautiful story about love, trust and betrayal. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is thrilling, dramatic and romantic. T-Mac is tough, brave, stubborn, caring and amusing. Kinsley is strong, determined, brave and impulsive. The SEALs get 2 new members temporarily, a bomb sniffing canine, Agar, and his handler, Kinsley. Sparks ignite between T-Mac and Kinsley, and though they know they could both lose their careers, they can't keep their hands off each other. T-Mac falls hard and wants a relationship, but Kinsley already lost one man to war, she wasn't willing to risk heartache, and her career, for anybody. There are intense, dangerous situations they come up against, which only brings them closer. The end is a wonderful wrap-up to the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.