Review: Misguided by Tina Gallagher

Misguided by Tina Gallagher

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 2
 

Blurb
 
After a vacation fling, a high school sex ed guidance counselor and a single father are forced to face each other in real life.

Having been the honor roll student, good girl in high school who got pregnant at sixteen, Cassie Finnerty knows what can happen if teens aren’t educated about safe sex. Her job is to counsel the students, answer their questions, and hand out condoms when requested.

Jake Lucas is a divorced, single father raising his almost sixteen-year-old daughter. When the contents of his daughter’s purse spill and condoms tumble out, he freaks out. After interrogating his daughter, he finds out she got the condoms at school, so he goes to confront the person who gave them to her and gets the surprise of his life.


Yadkny's Review
 
“It was a vacation fling. It ended with the vacation.” Or so they thought…

Luke is struggling to understand his daughter. Being a single parent is tough enough, but add in teenage attitude and hormones and things can only go from bad to worse. His best friend, Jay can’t sympathize, so instead tries to take him away from his problems with a vacation. Only what was supposed to be relaxing and restful turned out to be an exciting and arousing vacation fling with a woman Luke won’t soon forget. And he won’t have to either once he meets his daughter’s new guidance counselor.

Cassie may be able to clinically discuss as well as educate and guide young confused minds on the subject of sex, but she hasn’t had much luck with it in her own life. Having had a life altering experience at the impressionable age of sixteen, her professional goal now is to counsel young people away from making the same choices or mistakes she did. Unfortunately, despite her best efforts one can still manage to slip through the cracks and little did Cassie know how profoundly this one would affect her personally.

Ms. Gallagher is now one of my new favorite authors. This story is thought provoking with true to life situations and a passionate romance. The characters themselves were both vocally and visually easy to realize while reading with wonderful description and dialogue. There were just a few hiccups, during the first few scenes of the story in which there were abrupt endings or scene changes without warning, so I found myself re-reading lines to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. However, the majority of the story flowed really well and I became more emotionally invested in the characters with each chapter. The sex scenes too became increasingly spicier and expressive with each encounter. Overall, I really enjoyed the story for its believability in both the characters and their situation. The ending was perfect, but left possibilities open for the author to continue exploring Luke and Cassie’s story or move on to their commitment-phobic best friends.

All contemporary romance readers who would enjoy witnessing a deep relationship develop between two single parents should definitely read this story.

4 1/2 Tea Cups!

 

      

Review: Legally Bound by Rynne Raines

Legally Bound by Rynne Raines


Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 3
 

 Blurb

Evelyn Morgan has a secret. Donavan Carver wants to expose it. Bondage, debauchery, and a weekend at Eden lands one of them on their knees.

For years, Eve has craved sexual domination, but a kinky romp in the hay isn't worth destroying her prestigious legal reputation over. Even if that romp’s with her handsome rival and legendary Dominant, Donavan Carver. Desperate to protect her secret and keep the notorious playboy at bay, Eve clings to the lie she’s told for two years—she’s a Domme. Donavan doesn’t buy it. Given an opportunity to put Donavan’s doubts to rest, Eve lures him into a bet he can’t win--one that will tether him to her leash. So what if she cheats to win? He’ll never find out. Or will he?


Wendy's Review
 
Rynne brought a book that has the reader reading each passage with gusto. The lives of Evelyn and Donovan has you wanting the best for them both.

Evelyn was a hard nose lawyer she had no choice, growing up with an unstable home life has her being in charge of everything. Eve knew that she wanted to release some of the responsibility but in line of work she had to have the upper hand always. Will she be able to trust anyone enough to let go.

Donovan knew Eve was a submissive even though she wouldn't admit it. He had to show her that she could trust him to allow him the opportunity to take over some of the responsibility. He was a Dom and not afraid to show his dominance and with Evelyn he knew he had to be strong but conniving also.

In the court room they are adversaries but in the bedroom they are in sync with what each needs. Eve allows Donovan to show her what a true submissive is and to allow her the choice she has to make. Submitting and letting go had Evelyn to accept Donovan expertise in being a Dom. The sexual experience is more than Eve ever imagined, letting her guard down was the best decision Eve could make.

I give this book an outstanding 5 Tea Cups for Rynne writing skills and allowing the reader an adventure of a life time.

5 Tea Cups!

      

Review: Love's Sweet Wager by Jannine Corti-Petska

Love's Sweet Wager by Jannine Corti-Petska


Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

She escapes a life of uncertainty…

After her gambler father is murdered over a card game, Rachel Garrett joins a wagon train West to be with her aunt and the fiancé she's never met. All she wants is to forget her life of performing on stage to earn the money her father gambled away and to settle down in one place. But along the trail she is helplessly drawn to a priest—forbidden fruit—and her faith is shattered.

He's running from a murder he did not commit…

With his life at stake, successful gambler Reno Hunter joins a wagon train West disguised as a priest. He is shocked to find aboard the woman he won when her father wagered her in that fateful card game, the same man Reno is accused of killing. Can he protect his identity as long as she doesn't know who he is, or will he give in to his desire for the woman and risk being apprehended by the law?


Wendy's Review

Jannine brought a book that had a little of everything and a lot of feelings and over all a great book.

Rachel Garrett began her trip on the wagon train to get to Sacramento to meet up with a fiancé her aunt chose for her after her father's murder. Rachel is a entertainer and she uses her talents a singer and dancer to help support her fathers habits of gambling.

Reno Hunter was accused of a murder he didn't commit and his brothers help him break out of jail so he could prove it. Going on the wagon train was his way of getting out of town, being on the same train as Rachel was just luck. Reno had a paper saying Rachel was his but with him being the accused murderer of her father he decided that he would lie low as a priest and allow nature to take his course.

The wagon train was hard way to journey across the prairie but with all suffering good things come out of it. Rachel and Reno start a relationship that not only has you laughing but it has you praising Rachel for being so strong but Reno is the right man for her to tame that independent streak. Through the hardships of their travel Rachel leans more on Reno then she thinks she should and worries what will happen when she reaches Sacramento to her future husband.

I love how this author wrote Love's Sweet Wager to have you right there living the lives of the wilderness.

5 Tea Cups!

      

Review: The Chauffeur Wore An Evening Gown by Roni Adams

The Chauffeur Wore An Evening Gown by Roni Adams

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

Millionaire’s Club

When Erin O'Malley agrees to pinch hit for her brother’s limo service and drive millionaire JR Stone to the Governor's Ball, she has no clue how crazy her night will get.

Dumped by his fiancée on the night he’s to accept the biggest award of his career, Josh Stone convinces his chauffeur to slip into an evening gown and onto his arm. They fool everyone into thinking they are an item, but once they kiss, there's nothing fake about the chemistry between them.

Can a blue-collar girl really appeal to this multimillionaire, or is Josh only playing for the crowd?


Yadkny's Review

Desperation drove him to ask her, but he wasn’t going to stop until he got what he wanted.

Erin is used to getting dirty and working with her hands, but evening gown's and heels are bit foreign to her. When a night of covering for her brother as a chauffeur turns into a night of playacting, Erin steps up to the plate to show this slightly rough around the edges Irishwoman is more than what her appearance or profession suggests. After all it is just for one night, what could it hurt? Unfortunately, the night went so amazingly well that Josh propositions Erin in a way she can't refuse – nor does she want to, but business and pleasure can never mix without complications.

Josh's jilted moment not only changed the course of the evening, but also the rest of his life. Before he knew it, his every thought fixated on Erin and the anticipation of when next they'd be together. However, her initial reluctance only increased as doubts set-in when the relationship turns out to be more than just physical. Erin effortlessly stepped into the role of his “fiancee” just as easily as she stepped into the gown, but Josh never anticipated how easily she'd slip into his heart.

This story turned out to be more than what I expected and it starts out quick enough with the evening that changed everything as the opening setting. The storyline goes beyond that though and into deeper territory with true-to-life issues and doubts that I could easily imagine being my own. Both characters are proud of what they do and their accomplishments, so naturally both are a bit stubborn, but I really enjoyed the feelings the characters elicited along with their frustrating and hungry desire for one another. To want someone that much makes them both feel more vulnerable than they've every felt, which is a weakness neither can afford if things don't end well.

Honestly, my least favorite parts in the story involved Erin's brothers. Instead of the redeeming quality of them being overprotective of Erin, they came off a bit more like jerks and only served to complicate and frustrate. At the same time there could have been more added to the story surrounding the ex-fiance, public scrutiny, and more of the differences as well as similarities of Josh and Erin's worlds.

All that aside, the story is down-to-earth and very, very enjoyable. Absolutely recommended for readers looking for their next contemporary romance fix.

4 Tea Cups!

   

Review: Going Greek by Lelani Black

Going Greek by Lelani Black

Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

Andy get together and nothing is taboo.

Lingerie model Marigold Laurent arrives in Greece for a much-needed vacation from work and the sweet-talking man who broke her heart. Fate and the machinations of her well-meaning sister ensure that she collides with tall, dark and luscious Dmitri Damianos, forcing her no-men policy right out the window. But can he give her more than one-and-done?

Wealthy entrepreneur, Dmitri, guards his emotions well. And while he wants everything Marigold has to offer--beauty, wit, charm, and the best sex of his life--he can't give her what she really needs. But when the red-hot beauty climbs out of his bed and possibly out of his life, can he let her go?


Yadkny's Review

With her personal life in shambles, Marigold picks up and heads to Greece with her sister in the hopes of getting some much needed downtime away from the spotlight. The peaceful atmosphere of Corfu Town should offer the respite she’s looking for, but her sister has turned on her and believes that the only way for her to get over a man is to have a “holiday fling” with a new one. But not just any man, the Greek god that is her brother-in-law’s fraternal twin should do the trick. Losing herself to the culture of Greece and her sister’s company was the plan, but she couldn’t have anticipated losing her heart.

Dmitri’s bachelor lifestyle is in danger. The threat, although gorgeously irresistible, propositions him in the most pleasurable ways, but commitment, no matter how temporary, is too much for him. Dmitri counters Marigold’s offer, thus begins a dance of sorts to see who will cave first. Neither is able to resist their mutual desire for long, but when Marigold challenges Dmitri to “man up”, will he or will a surprise visitor spoil everything?

For most of the story, Marigold and Dmitri are not in sync. They want or don’t want different things and this is clearly illustrated in their relationship dynamics from the beginning. Yet both seem confident in getting the other to change their mind and aren’t afraid of using their oozing amounts of sex appeal to get there. However, yielding to the ultimate temptation can lead to complications if the rules aren’t clear. This physically stunning pair has a few relationship/commitment issues unresolved, which hinders a potential future with anyone.

Ms. Black is skilled at presenting scenery. It felt like I was experiencing a part of Greece through a friend's retelling. The clarity of the town and bits of culture was a nice vacation in my reading travels. Beautiful scenery, charismatic characters, enjoyably frustrating banter, sexy semi-embarrassing moments, and an erotically adventurous couple – what a fabulous read! I may never look at a dimple in a man's chin the same way again!

I would love to see a follow-up to this story, but Ms. Black has definitely captured another fan of her writing. For those new to Ms. Black’s work and for those looking to escape to an exotic locale in an erotic romance, you must read this story!

4 Tea Cups!

   

Review: Home Sweet Texas Home by Caroline Clemmons

Home Sweet Texas Home by Caroline Clemmons


Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

Two million dollars? What a fortune to inherit! Courtney Madison has battled poverty her entire twenty-five years but is determined to make a safe and happy home for her teenaged brother after the death of their mom. Her inheritance in West Texas looks like the answer to her prayers. Once she arrives in Sweet Springs, Texas and moves in across the road from a handsome rancher, she soon learns her problems are just beginning.

Derek Corrigan, who co-owns some of Ms. Madison’s properties, suspects the worst of his new neighbor and vows to fight his growing attraction. He knows what women do to him--they always leave and take away chunks of his heart. He's been there, done that, had the vaccination long ago and is cured. Or is he?


Wendy's Review

Caroline did it again she brought a story that has you enthralled in her characters lives and wishing them the best.

Sarah is a lonely woman who works hard and doesn't expect much. She is turned from being plain to being a beauty in the eyes of the man she has come to love.

Nate has a past he didn't seem he could out run and when Sarah came into it he didn't really want to anymore. But fear was no place for two people who could find fulfillment and pleasure in each other.

The past needs to stay there but as life goes there is always someone or something that brings the haunting back to the surface. Sarah and Nate can face anything as long as they are together and they become people who knew that together everything will be better.

Caroline has brought this story so that you couldn't put it down it is a must read for anyone who needs to forget the past and forge forth with love and commitment in the here and now.

5 Tea Cups!

      

Review: In The Presence of Evil by Autumn Jordon

In The Presence of Evil by Autumn Jordon

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

When someone frames Gina Rizzo for murder, there's only one person who can help her—the man who broke her heart years ago.

For Marine Cole Hanson, staring down death is easier than facing the woman who stole his soul and then betrayed him. But when Cole sees Gina in handcuffs, old feelings flare. Even though he doesn’t trust her with his heart, he willingly steps up as her alibi.

Now Gina’s life is threatened. As Cole assumes the role of her protector old feelings resurface. Can their love survive in the presence of evil?



Monica's Review

Wrong place at the wrong time with blood in her hands...
Gina was a sweet innocent woman that had a great job at a bank but seemed to bumped heads with her boss, David. She had a great handsome boyfriend, Leo, but there was something missing in their relationship, love. She still had not forgotten her true love which she met when she was a teenager. Gina knew that she probably would never see him again since he had not returned to her in twelve years. She was wrong because her friend Rusty also friend of her true love, Cole, had a surprise for her and that is where renewed relationship starts.

Cole is a Marine in Special Ops and has come back to Mountain Pines to visit his dear old friend, Rusty. He had not come back to Mountain Pines since he was a teenager and left because of Gina. He loved her and he believed she had betrayed him. From the moment that Cole and Gina eyes met at the bank, I knew that they still loved each other and no matter what they would find a way to be together. There was only one problem, a murder. The only way that he would make sure that Gina would be safe was that he needed to lie and protect her no matter what.

Ms. Jordan does a great job with the characters in this story along with the plot. The amount of suspicion that is casted on Gina is incredible but as people continue to die, Gina’s life is in more danger than ever. It took me a little bit to actually sink into the story but once the suspense and action started it kept me hanging on to every chapter, every word. There are truly some twists in the story that took me by surprise because I guess the title that one character had but with Leo I just felt sick for what he was doing. Taking what did not belong to him, he deserved what he got.

If you love action, suspense and romance all rolled in one then you will truly love, In the Presence of Evil. Enjoy reading all the twists in this story and see if Gina and Cole were able to forget the past and seek the future in each others embrace.

4 1/2 Tea Cups!

      

Review: Last Resort by Rolynn Anderson

Last Resort by Rolynn Anderson

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

Corporate fixer Rena Gordon needs to wrench a Canadian resort out of the red in time for the Canadian-American Winter Games—but employees bent on sabotage are blocking her every move. When her loose-cannon sister arrives after being kicked out of yet another school, Rena must face the past she's worked so hard to hide, while fighting her attraction to a local fishing guide.

CIA agent Neal Jackson is undercover as a fishing guide to find terrorists at Big Bay. He needs Rena's confidence to access her employee files without exposing his identity, but despite his vow to keep a professional distance, his feelings for her are anything but businesslike.

Caught between vengeful employees, a sister who likes to party, and a hot CIA agent—Rena’s corporate training didn't prepare her for this. Can she trust her instincts to save the people and resort she's grown to love?


Monica's Review

Terrorism is something that has been imbedded in people’s thoughts since September 11 and the thought of so many innocent people passing away. Then of course we had that bomb that was set off in Salt Lake City, UT during the Olympics in 2002. I guess that is why this book sparked my interest.

This story is based in Canada in a beautiful resort, with so many outdoor activities to do. The thought of being out in the wilderness being able to take in the surroundings was beautiful. The way the surroundings was described around Big Bay Resort sounded like heaven. In a place that you could just fall in love with and wish never to leave and face reality.

Both Rena and Neal have a sixth sense that there was something strange going on at the resort but they both can’t pint point the problem. Of course Neal was the only one previewed with the terrorist information but soon he finds out that there is someone else in the case but realizes that that information will not be shared with them.
Now throughout the book there is the dialogue of four terrorist’s that plan to wreak havoc on the winter games. You have a person on the inside of the resort because they have the mode of transportation. Then there is someone that has been forced to go along with the plan. Then of course you have the reinforcement’s. The person that works at the resort really does blend in and does not make him self visible that he could do any harm. Read how their master plan is played out but a plan does not always plan out.

Rena believes that the worst is over when the CIA comes in to investigate the crime scene but she has another thing coming. Rena needs to focus on the problems of the resort but things are not over for her. Before she knows it she is in danger and no help in sight.

I enjoyed the story but it was to slow paced and it was a little hard to get into. Last Resort has several twists and turns that will keep you guessing who the bad people are at the resort. No matter what the good guys end up winning but you need to read this story to see how exactly they are caught. But also see if Rena and Neal even have a chance to be together after the aftermath.

3 ½ Tea Cups!