Tag: Adult (Page 16 of 63)

BOOK REVIEWS: Holding Fire & Hard Justice (Alpha Security #2 & #3) by April Hunt

December 27, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Holding Fire (Alpha Security #2)
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE

Alpha Security operative Trey Hanson is ready to settle down. When he meets a gorgeous blonde in a bar, and the connection between them is off the charts, he thinks he's finally found the one. But after their night together ends in a hail of gunfire and she disappears in the chaos, Trey's reasons for tracking her down are personal . . . until he learns she's his next assignment.

Elle Monroe never expected to see Trey again. The night they shared was incredible, but the last thing she's looking for is a relationship. Now that it's clear she's being targeted, though, she has no choice but to trust this man she barely knows with her life. And Trey's not just determined to keep her safe . . . he's determined to win her heart.

Review:

Holding Fire was another action-packed ride that was filled with romance, a beautiful found family, and a wonderful happily ever after. From their first meeting, Trey and Ellen had an instant connection that led to a steamy night together. When it ended in gunfire, Trey found out she was his next assignment. These characters were both so easy to love! Trey had a heart of gold who protected Ellen time and again. I loved that he was looking for his forever! And Ellen grew so much from that first page to the last. She found her voice and refused to be a chip in her ex or father’s game. Surrounding them were characters that now feel like family, and a storyline that made this book impossible to put down. Plus the steam between them was fabulously done. I listened to the audio, and this was another huge hit from April Hunt!

Hard Justice (Alpha Security #3)
by April Hunt
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A DATE WITH DANGER

As the first female operative at Alpha Security, Charlotte "Charlie" Sparks has her work cut out for her. Sure, she can wrestle a man to the ground and hit a target at 200 yards with the best of them. But sometimes, being surrounded by all that testosterone can drive a woman to distraction-especially when that distraction is six-and-a-half feet of cocky, confident, Alpha-trained muscle.

Ex-SEAL commander Vince Franklin has been on some of the most dangerous missions in the world. But pretending to be Charlie's fiance on their latest assignment in Miami is his toughest challenge yet. Vince and Charlie are like oil and water; they just don't mix. And when their fake romance generates some all-too-real heat, Vince learns that Charlie is more than just arm candy. She's the real deal-and she's ready for some serious action.

Review:

Hard Justice was a fabulous continuation of the Alpha Security Series! If you adored the previous books, this is a definite must read. In the last book, Holding Fire, you could feel the tension between Vince aka Navy and Charlie aka London. And in this book, diving into Charlie’s past, my mind was blown. Mix that with a fake engagement between Charlie and Vince and well I was screaming! Their banter was fabulous, the steam was perfect, and the story kept me guessing! I have come to love all of these characters and absolutely loved listening to another book in this series. This book even made me cry. If you love romantic suspense, forced proximity, men in uniform or characters that feel like home, definitely add this series to your tbr!

BOOK REVIEW: Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood & Funny Feelings by Tarah DeWitt

December 23, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Rue Siebert might not have it all, but she has enough: a few friends she can always count on, the financial stability she yearned for as a kid, and a successful career as a biotech engineer at Kline, one of the most promising start-ups in the field of food science. Her world is stable, pleasant, and hard-fought. Until a hostile takeover and its offensively attractive front man threatens to bring it all crumbling down.

Eli Killgore and his business partners want Kline, period. Eli has his own reasons for pushing this deal through—and he’s a man who gets what he wants. With one burning exception: Rue. The woman he can’t stop thinking about. The woman who's off-limits to him.

Torn between loyalty and an undeniable attraction, Rue and Eli throw caution out the lab and the boardroom windows. Their affair is secret, no-strings-attached, and has a built-in deadline: the day one of their companies will prevail. But the heart is risky business—one that plays for keeps.

Review:

Ali Hazelwood has written some of my favorite romances, and this was not one of them. Rue was challenging for me to like or even click with, it took till 82% into the book. And while that last 18% was amazing, it was a little too late for me. I kept trying to figure out what Eli saw in her. He could be so kind, and I loved how he made sure she was safe. Whereas Rue was completely closed off and rigid. I am all for the reverse grumpy sunshine trope, but I desperately need to connect to the characters to enjoy any aspect of a book. So, when you add in that I was bored to tears with the buyout, and I didn’t like how they shared terrible stories with one another, this book was just not for me.

I like you when you laugh. I like you when you’re serious. I like you all the damn time.

Funny Feelings by Tarah DeWitt
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
When falling in love is the punchline…

Farley Jones is a loud, chaotic, and hilariously clever standup comedian on the way to stardom. The only thing she loves more than the rush of telling jokes in front of a revved-up audience is her hot older manager Meyer, though he doesn’t have a clue. Keeping her feelings hidden from him is agony (a tragedy, even―in lieu of flowers, please send cash...) but Meyer has been Farley’s closest and most treasured friend, not to mention vital to the trajectory of her career. She can’t risk ruining their relationship by telling him how she truly feels. After all, who else would have the patience to put up with a hot mess like her?

A former standup star himself, single father Meyer Harrigan left the stage years ago in order to focus on raising his deaf daughter Hazel. Farley has been everything to them since she came into their lives three years ago, and despite his grumpiness, his protectiveness over Hazel, and his disdain for public attention, Meyer will do anything to make her standup dreams come true.

When the biggest opportunity of Farley’s career comes along and forces the pair to fake-date in order to stir up publicity, it doesn't take long for their act to bring all those other funny feelings out into the open. Like most matters of the heart, it quickly begins to feel like anything but a joke.

Touching on the creative spirit and all that comes with sharing that gift, Tarah DeWitt's Funny Feelings is a swoony story about friendship, love, and looking for the laugh in life.

Review:

Funny Feelings was an adorable, friends to lovers, fake dating, single dad, age gap romance. The characters were easy to like, the story-line was so enjoyable to listen to, and I loved the steam in the pages. One of my favorite things was the relationship between Farley and Meyer’s hearing impaired daughter, Hazel. It tugged at my heart, and I loved how easily they clicked. I also loved that we got little flashbacks here and there to see how Farley and Meyer met and how they progressed to where they were now today. It added so much to their story. This feel good romance played out with some wonderful tension and their happily ever after was fabulous!

BOOK REVIEW: Heated Pursuit (Alpha Security #1) by April Hunt

December 18, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Heated Pursuit (Alpha Security #1)
by April Hunt
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
TROPICAL HEAT

Penny Kline didn't come to Honduras on a pleasure trip. She's here to rescue her kidnapped niece, the only family she's got left. What she didn't plan on was walking into a covert ops mission-or being wrapped up in the hard-muscled arms of Rafe Ortega. The cool-as-ice operative's touch may get her all hot and bothered, but no man can have a hold on her heart until her niece is home where she belongs.

Even in the tropics, Alpha Security operative Rafe can take down the bad guys without breaking a sweat. Hostage extractions. Clandestine missions. Those are the things he's been trained to handle. Relationships? Not so much. But one look at this strong, sexy redhead and he's seized by a fierce urge to protect her at all costs. Now Penny and Rafe will have to up their game because they're about to go into a master criminal's lair without backup, and the danger---and passion---is about to explode . . .

Review:

From that first chapter, I was hooked! Heated Pursuit kept me on the edge of the seat and I desperately needed to know what happened next. The characters came alive and the storyline was so much fun! I’m not a huge romantic suspense person, but April Hunt has me sold!

Penny went to Honduras to rescue her kidnapped niece from a drug lord. And I love how she landed with Rafi and tried her best to insert herself into his covert ops mission. From that first moment, there was the most fabulous sexual tension between the two of them.

Penny was determined, strong willed, and I loved how she wouldn’t back down. And then there was Rafe, who was everything. He was the silent yet deadly type who worked beautifully under pressure. Rafe was someone who would go to the end of the world to protect those he loved and cared for. So watching them wiggle their way into each other’s hearts was smile inducing. And the situations they landed themselves in led to non-stop action!

With life and death situations, to steamy moments that were scorching hot, to a found family that was heartwarming, this book had it all! I’m excited to see where the rest of this series takes us. I listened to the audiobook of this story, and I was completely transported away! If you’re looking for a steamy romantic suspense book, definitely put this one on your tbr!

BOOK REVIEW: Wild at Heart & Forever Wild (The Simple Wild #2 & #2.5) by K.A. Tucker

December 5, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Wild at Heart (The Simple Wild #2)
by K. A. Tucker
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
From the internationally best-selling author of The Simple Wild comes the continuation of a woman’s journey to Alaska and a life she never imagined for herself.

Calla Fletcher returns to Toronto a different person, struggling to find direction and still very much in love with the rugged bush pilot she left behind. When Jonah arrives on her doorstep with a proposition she can’t dismiss, she takes the leap and rushes back to Alaska to begin their exciting future together.

But Calla soon learns that even the best intentions can lead to broken promises, and that compromise comes with a hefty price—a log cabin in rural Alaska that feels as isolating as the western tundra. With Jonah gone more than he’s home, one neighbor who insists on transforming her into a true Alaskan, and another who seems more likely to shoot her than come to her aid, Calla grapples with forging her own path.

In a world with roaming wildlife that has her constantly watching over her shoulder and harsh conditions that stretch far beyond the cold, dark, winter months, just stepping outside her front door can be daunting. This is not the future Calla had in mind, leaving her to fear that perhaps she is doomed to follow in her mother’s fleeing footsteps after all.

Review:

Wild at Heart was a beautiful continuation of Jonah and Calla’s story. Set in Alaska, this book enraptured me. I loved the small town feel and watching those we love struggle and grow. This series is easily one of my top favorites. If you love adult romance and stories that make you feel everything, add this one to your tbr!

“I can’t remember what it feels like not being in love with you, Calla.”

This story is for all of those who fell madly in love with Calla and Jonah in The Simple Wild. As they started their path to where they would live, I loved watching them be playful together. Yet they had a lot of hurdles along their way. Jonah was afraid of failure. Calla was struggling with finding her way in their new home and town. Each step it felt like they were trying to find their footing, while also growing as a couple. I loved being able to witness their day ins and outs.

I ramble about nothing and everything, closing my eyes to recall the sound of Wren Fletcher’s quiet chuckle. Terrified of the day it fades from memory.

Within this story, there was compromise, hope, love, and growth. We even saw how grief can hit you like a ton of bricks. So, while Calla still had a lot of growing to do, I loved that by that final page she had grown in leaps and bounds. But I will say as someone who lives around bears and mountain lions, I understood her healthy dose of fear for wildlife. All the while, I loved how affectionate Jonah was with her. With his hands, mouth, body and words too.

He’ll always be wild at heart, and there is no way to tame or change him.
Not that I would ever want to.
I smile.
And I hold on tight.

This book had so many beautiful and memorable moments. From the Christmas gift that tied in with her father. To the moose. The trap. To the beer that was bought for her. To her taking sneaky pictures of Jonah. The gift on her porch and another moment on the porch. To even Zeke fainting. This book was everything. For anyone who ever wanted more of their favorite characters, this is that book. And I’m so grateful we got it!

He’s like a sentry, on guard for threats unseen.
I can’t help but smile.

While we got to see many of our favorites like Bandit and others whose names won’t be mentioned for fear of spoilers. We also had some new additions. From Zeke to Roy who was their grumpy neighbor and reminded me of Red from That 70s Show ha! To Muriel, Toby and Teddy. And there was also Oscar, who was one of my favorites! I loved watching Calla’s interactions with each of them. It warmed my heart!

“One thing is for sure, Barbie. This was never gonna end. Not if I had anything to do with it,” he whispers, his hands coming to rest on either side of my jaw, cupping my face.

Wild at Heart was one of those stories that had this calmness to it, while also packing an emotional punch. I cried, jumped while screaming, and felt oh so happy. If you loved The Simple Wild, this one is a must read!

Forever Wild (The Simple Wild #2.5)
by K. A. Tucker
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
From the international bestselling author of The Simple Wild comes Forever Wild, a novella that continues the story of Calla’s journey to the Alaskan wild and a life she never imagined for herself.

The holiday season is upon Calla and Jonah, and with the mistletoe and gingerbread comes plenty of family drama. Jonah is bracing himself for two weeks with a stepfather he loathes, and while Calla is looking forward to her mother and Simon’s arrival, she dreads the continued pressure to set a date for their wedding … in Toronto. Add in one bullheaded neighbor’s unintentional meddling and another cantankerous neighbor’s own family strife, and Christmas in Trapper’s Crossing will be anything but simple.

Review:

Forever Wild was a holiday novella that had all the small town charm and Christmas cheer! Getting to watch Jonah and Calla spend the holidays together and surrounded by those they loved was everything. While there were some butting heads, the Christmas magic was strong, and I loved watching them all come together. It was impossible not to cry sad and happy tears, their journey now feels complete! I loved that Jonah and Callie got the happily ever after they most definitely deserved!

Some of my favorite quotes…

“That’s workplace harassment!” I holler after him.
He pauses to offer a sly smile over his shoulder. “And what do you call what you did to me in the office yesterday?”
“Your Christmas bonus.”
His deep, grating chuckle warms my heart.

“Then, we’re doin’ this? For real?”
I smile, even as nervous flutters stir in my stomach. “For real. If you’re sure.”
“We wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t.” He lets out a slow, shaky breath.

“I’m getting a repeat performance tonight, right?”
I plaster mock sympathy across my face. “Oh, I’m so sorry, but Mrs. Claus only comes out on Christmas Eve.”
His responding smile is wicked. “We’ll see about that.”

“Muriel’s calling in a lot of favors on your behalf,” Simon notes quietly.
“She’s like the godfather of Trapper’s Crossing.” All her pushiness and meddling is paying off.

BOOK REVIEW: Claus and Effect by Piper Rayne

December 4, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Claus and Effect by Piper Rayne
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Two strangers who couldn’t be more opposite find themselves on an unexpected cross-country road trip days before Christmas where whatever can go wrong, does.

He’s an Army Ranger.
She’s a baker.

He’s organized and ridged.
She’s messy and carefree.

He doesn’t do relationships.
She’s following her heart.

His family chat blows up his phone.
She just buried her last living relative.

The holiday season doesn’t seem so jolly as they venture from one mode of transportation to the next. But, they have to become friends and rely on each other if they’re going to survive all the obstacles thrown their way.

As the miles grow shorter, vulnerabilities are shared, and by the time they reach their destination, neither one of them is sure what they really want for Christmas anymore.

Review:

Claus and Effect was a grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, Christmas story that easily became one of my top favorites! With a road trip, characters that had a strong dislike going on, and found family, I absolutely loved this story! I listened to the audio, which was duet narration and my favorite!, so it’s one I’ll definitely be re-reading down the road!

Within those first few chapters you’ll find yourself smiling and laughing. Tessa was so easy to love and from that first moment we met Tre I couldn’t help but be intrigued! Their meet cute and the foreseeable running into each other had me so giddy! Yes there was instant chemistry, but there was also some rudeness and messing with one another too. I was screaming with laughter over multiple moments on the plane, and from there a road trip unraveled that made this book impossible to put down!

I wasn’t so sure what to think of Tess first off. I mean, she was listening to a psychic after her world had fallen apart. But listening to that psychic landed her in Tre’s crosshairs and I was all for it! Her thoughts were so fun to listen to, her detours were epic, and time and again she had me rolling with laughter. She could be such a bowl full of joy and I loved her playful nature!

Oh Tre. He easily became a favorite book boyfriend! He was in the military and headed home for the holidays. He was so serious and put together, but at the same time he could play dirty and was absolutely hilarious! I loved that he was kind, caring, and thoughtful. And I especially loved how he was able to read Tessa!

Their road trip was over the top and so much fun! With gingerbread, eggnog, snow, dressing up, and so much more, I love the path this story took. But then there was a plot twist I never saw coming and I was literally screaming NOOOOOO!!! I’m sure all my neighbors could hear me, eeps. When you throw that in with Tre’s past, oh my heart, this story took an emotional turn that hurt. And I couldn’t help but get tears in my eyes multiple times.

Claus and Effect wrapped up with the most wonderful look into the future. And the happily ever after made me cry all the tears of joy! I can’t recommend this book enough! I’ve read three holiday books by Piper Rayne, and I’ve loved each of them so much. If you want to read them in order of how you meet the characters, then start with Single and Ready to Jingle, then this one, then finish up with Merry Kissmas. If you’re looking for a Christmas romance that will have you laughing and smiling, this is it!