Review: Pushing Her Boundaries by Julia Rachel Barrett

Description:
Maggie is done with men. Flying to Minneapolis, she’s seated beside the type of man she always falls for. A sexy, arrogant alpha jerk.

Mace Williams irritates the woman next to him. She's so damn sexy, he doesn't care. When their seatmate suffers a cardiac arrest, Maggie and Mace team up to save his life, but it's too late.

In Minneapolis, Maggie heads to a restaurant with her sister, only to find Mace waiting. Worse, she learns he'll soon be her brother-in-law.

Stuck in her sister’s apartment with Mace, Maggie offers him one night of sex, anything goes. No obligations, no recriminations. Mace agrees...he wants more than Maggie's body, he wants her heart.

Thrown into a disastrous canoe trip, they must work together to survive. Maggie must face her demons and trust Mace with her life. Mace is determined to save her, regardless of what the future brings.

Review:
When Julia told me she wrote a book inspired by her canoe trip from hell I said hell yes I want to read that one. I always admire how much real life Julia can convey through her writing and a real life story with a romantic story build around it? What's not to like about that.

Maggie is a strong woman. She's not easily scared and has a specific inner calmness I admire. She was burned in the past and to say it with her own words: It's more like who didn't burn her. Her life wasn't easy but she made the best out of it and tries not to wallow in self-pity. She knows what she wants and mostly she got it right. She has a temper and a bit of a potty mouth but I always love this in a character. I admired her openess (even though she isn't as open as she thinks, at least emotionally) and way of thinking everything through.

Mace seems to be an asshole at first- though I liked him from the start. I knew that one was made for Maggie. I loved his directness and his dirty talking made him seem like on of those good bad guys. *winks* He's intelligent, smart, protective but not overbearing and not some hot shot über-macho who wouldn't survive the wraith of the female population in real life. I loved that he can admit that Maggie knows something better. It really shows his strength that he can see when someone else is right and has no problem in admitting that out loud.

These two really set the pages on fire- their chemistry is scorching and the way the normally so strong Maggie was able to "submit" to Mace was wonderfully pictured.The story itself was as awesome as I thought it would be- funny, witty and with a good touch of freakish craziness like you see so often in real life *wink* I love how touching and down to earth Julia writes- you can actually see yourself talking to her characters, the only thing I missed was a proper ending- I felt a bit cheated on the HEA.

Pushing Her Boundaries was an entertaining and fun read with a real touch to it. I loved the characters enjoyed the setting and I will always be grateful that I won't ever go canoeing again (different story but same conclusion). A great read you don't want to miss.

To learn more about Julia and her books please visit her website here. She has a great blog there too. You don't want to miss that (e.g. crazy canoe trip reports).

Other reviews @goodreads, but the book @BookStrand

Attention: I got this book for free from the author and I like to call Julia my friend so make out of that what you want! 

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Review: Moonlight Temptation by Stephanie Julian

Description:
Evie Simmons has magical powers she can’t control, she’s living in a house that isn’t hers, and her best friend is a seventeen-year-old werewolf. It’d be hilarious if it weren’t just so damn depressing. Add in the sexy shifter she can’t keep out of her mind and his hot-as-hell friend and it’s a recipe for disaster.

Dr. Dane Dimitriou knows Evie has had a hard time adjusting to her new life as part of the Etruscan magical community—almost as difficult as his denial of his feelings for her have been. And he’s got the perfect cure—his best friend, Ryan Maguire. Easygoing Ryan is the complete opposite of stick-up-his-ass Dane. He can act as a buffer. Dane can get close, but not too close. Yeah, good luck with that.

Together, these sexy men may be just what the doctor ordered for Evie. And the doctor himself may discover the cure for what ails him has been waiting all along.

Review:
I'm totally hooked on the Lucani Lovers series and I was very intrigued how Evie's book would be like. When we met her in the previous books she was always the vulnerable girl- the one with the bad past that everyone tried to handle with care- it was interesting to see how she experienced all this.

Evie is stronger than everyone believes and she hates that they all underestimate her. She wants to get the acceptance she deserves and she works hard to earn it even though sometimes it seems to be impossible. In the previous books I imagined Evie younger than she felt in Moonlight Temptation. She grew up and I really liked how she matured and started to take responsibility for her actions.

Ryan is a new character and oh my goodness is he hawt. I loved how easy going he is- he's one of those positive thinkers. He's not reckless but he tries to enjoy life at its fullest. At some points his "shrink" skills amazed me- he sees bullshits and calls you out on it. I love this kind of honesty. He was a great contrast to Dane who always seems to worry about what the world or better said his family thinks about him. He's so scared to disappoint them that he keeps himself from what he really wants. I loved the duality we got from those two men.

These three together put the pages on fire- their mutual attraction is breathtaking and as always I'm surprised how some authors can make me believe in this whole threesome thing- even when it's only for the duration of a book. *wink*

I enjoyed how much Julian includes her sidecast. All her characters are shown in such great detail that you just can't ignore them. Cat really intrigued me and I can't wait to see how her HEA will work out. The story itself was captivating and I couldn't put this one down. The plot itself takes a new turn in this book and I'm already breathlessly awaiting the next book.

Moonlight Temptation is a wonderful extra hot addition to the Lucani Lovers Series. It seems I love everything  Julian keeps dashing at us. I'm sure I won't miss the next one.

To learn more about Stephanie and her books please visit her website here. 

The Lucani Lovers Series: 
1. Kiss of Moonlight: reviews @goodreads, buy @Ellora's Cave
2. Moonlight Ménage: reviews @goodreads, buy @Ellora's Cave
3. Edge of Moonlight: reviews @goodreads, buy @Ellora's Cave
4. Moonlight Temptation: reviews @goodreads, buy @Ellora's Cave

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Review: Trust Me by Sydney Somers

Description:
After three months on the run, Detective Maxine Walker figures no one will find her behind a counter in a small Canadian town. It might even be safe to grab a beer with the sexy stranger who’s just come through the shop door. Then the bullets start flying.

When he saves her—then takes her prisoner—she assumes an arms dealer who set her up for murder has put a price on her head.

Lucas McAllister has doubts as to whether Max killed his partner, but it’s his job to bring her in. Plus, she could be his only lead to a missing biological weapon. That means he’s not letting her out of his sight, not for a second. Which shouldn’t be tough given the possessiveness that rushes through him with every touch. When the resourceful detective uses their attraction to attempt distraction, his hands-off policy is blown all to hell.

As the real hit men close in, trust is in short supply. But if they can’t trust each other, their lives—and their hearts—may get caught in the crossfire.

Review:
After hearing so many good things about Ms Somers writing I couldn't resist the temptation to read this one. I'm not much of suspense reader in general but I really enjoyed this one.  It is a wonderful contemporary novel with an intoxicating fast paced plot that didn't let me go.

We meet Detective Maxine Walker who's currently on the run not only from the NYC police force but also from the dealer Blackwater who got her into this situation to begin with.  She's a strong woman, full of determination and a strong sense of honor. No matter what she won't back down from what's right even though her life is ruined by this decission. She knows how to be her own woman, she's tricky and strong and even a strong man like Lucas won't be able to tell her what to do. I really liked her, she was fun even though she regrets which turns her life took. She feels responsible for teh death that brought her into this situation and she desperately needs something to cheer her up and a bit of help with bringing Blackwater down won't hurt either.

Lucas works for the Lassiter Group and the afore mentioned murder which killed his partner. He can't give up searching for the culprit. At first his company thought Max had done it but he's sure she isn't. When he finally finds her he needs her help because she is the only one who can lead him to the murderer. Lucas is strong and a protector at heart. I liked him even though it was strange to see him so "helpless" against a woman like Max. A professional, like he is, should be able to stand his own more against an ordinary cop. But yeah I could ignore that fact in lieu of him being sexy as hell.

I loved the romance between those two. The attraction was strong from the start and I loved their little and sometimes even big fights. The balance between plot and romance was great and I was enthralled and never lost interest. As I said I'm not much of a suspense lover but this story really did it for me. I already know I can't wait to get more of this author- her writing is right up my alley. An absolute recommended read.

To learn more about Sydney and her books please vist her website.

Read other reviews @goodreads, Buy the book @BooksOnBoard

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Review: Head over Heels by Annemarie Hartnett

Description:
That whole “no nookie” rule seemed like a good idea until Chrissie got under the covers with Sam.

When Chrissie declared a moratorium on hooking up for this group road trip, she didn’t think a miscommunication with a hotel desk clerk would put her in the same bed with Sam.

A total dork wrapped in a nice package, Sam has been the object of her vacation lust since day one. Once she’s huddled together under the covers with him the rules go out the window.

Can Sam and Chrissie turn their carefree holiday fling into something more?

Reader Advisory: This book contains some toy play.

Review:
I think I'm totally in love with this cover. So yes I just couldn't wait to start reading this book when I finally got my greedy hands on it. I adored Company of Fools and yes my expectations where high before I started reading. I expected a scorching hot and funny read to keep me warm in this brutal winter and that's exactly what I got.

In Head over Heels we meet a group of friends on an adventure trip through nature. Most of their group already escaped back to civilization and only 4 friends are left. Chrissie, our heroine is really attracted to the rather geeky Sam. But she has her own no nookie rule holding her back. Chrissie is a nice person most of the time but sometimes she starts to talk before she thinks- a think I can really relate too. She's also stubborn as hell and won't part with her own prejudices and "rules" no matter how stupid they are.

Sam is a sexy geeky guy and you know I love those.  He's full of surprises and not at all what you would think of when you imagine a geek (but those mostly never are what the name suggests). He's funny and so sweet at times- heart-meltingly cute. These two together can keep you warm- I loved those sex scenes. Very inventive but never too much. Just two young people having fun. The romance is light but I enjoyed the slow build up.

I always love how easy Ms Hartnett's stories flow. It's like talking to friends- easy and just natural. Her humor is exactly the kind I love and she made me giggle more than once. The storyline itself was a bit predictable at the end but I didn't really mind because she kept me smiling the whole time.

Head over Heels is a really hot and cute story- perfect to keep you entertained on a cold winter night. I know I will keep my eyes open for more of Ms. Hartnetts stories.

To learn more about Annemarie and her books please visit her website here.
Read other reviews @goodreads. Buy the book at @Total-E-Bound

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My November Reads

All in all November was a good month. Yes, I had 2 books I couldn't finish but the rest was rather good. I just wish I would stop giving those DNF books so much time. I should stop reading them sooner but I'm, as always, just too nice. Here is what I read:

1. Salome at Sunrise by Inez Kelley (my review)
A wonderful heartfelt fantasy romance. I was a bit dissapointed to realize it was book 2 in a series but I loved it nonetheless. Salome at Sunrise is a real pageturner. The world building is perfectly done and Ms Kelley's writing is instantly compelling. You will devour page after page without noticing how much you already read. Highly recommended fantasy romance! Now I just need to find the time to read book 1. 

2. Inside Out (Brown Siblings, #3) by Lauren Dane (my review)
I waited so long for this latest addition to this series and Cope and Ella didn't dissapoint. Inside Out made my heart melt- it gives you this wonderful warm feeling deep inside. It's full of family and friends, love and compassion. An emotional read through and through. For me Lauren Dane's Brown Siblings novels are forever seated on my keeper shelf and I know I will re-read their stories again and again. Highly recommended read- I adore this book with all my heart!

3. The Company of Fools by Annemarie Hartnett (my review)
I'm so happy Annemarie asked me to read her book. Her writing is hilarious and sexy as hell. The Company of Fools is such a wonderful read. I loved the characters, the pace was perfect and the sex was intoxicating. I don't think I can say one bad thing about it- this novel is an absolute keeper. Ms Hartnett is definitely an author I will keep my eyes open for- I'm already craving more.
 

4. Hands On by Christina Crooks DNF
This book was definitely not made for me. We have puppets on strings, a puppeter, a "crazy" brooding and filthy rich hero and reanacting of scenes with the afore mentioned puppets. I couldn't take it. And this book made me feel stupid because it made me look up words, in a dictionary. Didn't do that in quite some time.

5. Dark Road to Darjeeling (Lady Julia #4) by Deanna Raybourn DNF
I really  hoped I would like this book. I read some rather good reviews about it but I think I'm just not made for mysterie. For my taste the pace was  too slow, too much talking and not enough action and I didn't really get the romance between the hero/heroine. Probably also because I haven't read the prior books. Don't judge this book cuz I couldn't read it- it was an experiement and now I know I don't like mystery. =(

6. Demon from the Dark (Immortals After Dark #10) by Kresley Cole
I was unsure if I would love this book as much as love the ones with the Lykae or Valkyrie but no worries, I did. Again this book is full of fun, wit, love and heartbreak. I can't believe how much I love this series and I can't wait to read regin's book. *fangirl squeeeee*

7. This is What I Want by Megan Hart 
An absolute pleasure read a lazy Sunday. started the book and put the ereader down after a few hours with a satisfied smile. Great pace, naughty story and sweet end. Nothing more to ask for in a novella.

8. Night's Cold Kiss (Dark Brethren #1) by Tracey O'Hara (my review)
Wow this book was a blast. I wasn't prepared for it at all. Night's Cold Kiss is an urban fantasy novel with an awesome world-building, captivating characters and a fast paced story. Night's Cold Kiss is urban fantasy at its best and it even has a bit of romance to sweeten the deal. I can't wait to read more.

9. Black Wings (Madeline Black #1) by Christina Henry (my review)
This book has one of the best sidekicks ever: Beezle- the  chocolate and popcorn addicted Gargoyle with a temper. Loved it!

Black Wings is a wonderful debut novel. It showed me why I love urban fantasy-  wonderful world-building, witty and funny convos and a sexy guy who leads through the story. I can't wait to get my hands on Black Night, book 2 in this series.

10. Deadlock (Southern Arcana #3) by Moira Rogers
First thing I have to say: Alec!!!! *fangirl squeeee* Oh this was was soooooo good and I know I'm an evil tease but I won't say more now, or perhaps just OMG *fans herself* Review to come later in December. ;)

11. Precious and Fragile Things by Megan Hart 
You perhaps noticed how much I adore Megan's books but I was a bit unsure about this one. Can I adore a book with romance she wrote as much as the smutty ones? Yes I can..This story really broke my heart and made me cry in public but I still love it. Will force BF to read it too. Review will be up a bit closer to the release date. =)

How was your November? Any good books I should check out ASAP?

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