Pat's Review: Defending Chloe

Defending Chloe by Susan Stoker
Publisher: Montlake Romance (December 4, 2018)
Series: Mountain Mercenaries, 2
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Love is the best defense in New York Times bestselling author Susan Stoker’s explosive Mountain Mercenaries novel.

Gorgeous women don’t just stumble onto Ronan Cross’s remote property. But this one—vulnerable, victimized, and needing the kind of help only Ronan can offer—tells a story that makes his blood boil almost as hot as his need to protect her.

Since her father’s death, Chloe Harris has become a prisoner. Her own brother, a flesh peddler and low-level player in the Denver Mafia, is forcing her to sell her body for an endgame Chloe never saw coming: control over a vast fortune. Her only way out is to run—straight into the arms of the one hard-bodied man she can trust.

Defending Chloe could rain punishment down on the Mountain Mercenaries. Her brother has Mob connections and the local police in his pocket. But Ronan still has an edge—the unshakable loyalty of his deadly teammates. As well as an unquenchable thirst for retribution…and Chloe.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle -- KU Title

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

Reviews for Stoker's books:

• Defending Allye

Pat's Review:

Pat's Review: Defending Allye

Defending Allye by Susan Stoker
Publisher: Montlake Romance (August 7, 2018)
Series: Mountain Mercenaries, 1
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Love is a life-and-death risk for the Mountain Mercenaries in New York Times bestselling author Susan Stoker’s explosive series of alpha heroes, hot action, and hard passion…

Ever since his rescue op off the Pacific Coast, Mountain Mercenary Gray Rogers hasn’t been able to forget his latest “job”—Allye Martin. Any other woman would have panicked during a rescue, but the wily dancer kept her cool—even after being kidnapped by an elusive human trafficker. And Gray couldn’t be happier when a grateful Allye follows him home to Colorado Springs…

For Allye, finding sanctuary in the arms—and bed—of the former Navy SEAL is only temporary. People are disappearing off the streets of San Francisco, victims of the same underground trade that targeted her, and Allye could be the key to dismantling the entire operation. She’s willing to do anything to bring them down. Gray isn’t—for good reason. But you don’t say no to a tough girl like Allye who refuses to play it safe.

Now Gray is risking more than ever before. The Mountain Mercenaries have his back. But is it enough to keep the woman he loves out of harm’s way?

Where to Buy*:

Kindle -- KU title

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

Pat's Review:

Pat's Review: Tossed Into Love

Tossed Into Love by Aurora Rose Reynolds
Publisher: Montlake Romance (August 21, 2018)
Series: Fluke My Life, 3
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Can the best of enemies become the hottest of lovers? New York Times bestselling author Aurora Rose Reynolds proves that opposites can be compatible—and twice as combustible…

Libby Reed is over it. Or that’s what she tells herself. She’s lusted after one of New York’s bravest for years, but firefighter Antonio Moretti has doused her interest for the last time. As much as she wants the arrogant jerk (in a bad, bad way), they can’t even be in the same room without setting each other off…which might be a problem now that she’s volunteered to help out in his family’s restaurant.

Antonio’s been burned before. Now he knows better than to trust a pretty face and follow another pair of long, beautiful legs into heartbreak. But while Libby might rub him the wrong way, he can’t deny the heat between them. And it only burns hotter when she steps up in his time of need. The closer they get, the more he realizes he may have misjudged her. Then again, he doesn’t know the secret Libby’s keeping that could send their relationship up in flames before it’s even begun.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle -- KU Title

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

Pat's Review:

Pat's Review: Dare Me Once

Dare Me Once by Shelly Alexander
Publisher: Montlake Romance (July 17, 2018)
Series: Angel Fire Falls, 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Love is a risk worth taking in this sizzling romance about secrets and second chances…

Scarlett Devereaux’s life on the Gulf Coast went from riches to rags so scandalously fast that she barely had time to kiss her Jimmy Choos goodbye. Now, with a new alias (Lily Barns), a new budget (tighter than a pair of Spanx), and a new job on the vacation island of Angel Fire Falls, she’s daring to reinvent herself.

Single dad Trace Remington is devoted first and foremost to raising his young son, who has Asperger’s. With flying his floatplane and salvaging his family’s island resort too, he has time for little else. His brothers think he needs a break from his all-work-no-play lifestyle, so they goad him into action. In response to their dare, Trace asks a sexy tourist for her number, only to discover afterward that she’s the resort’s brilliant new hospitality manager.

The sparks of flirtation soon ignite into a flame too hot to ignore. But Lily and Trace both have pasts that threaten to tear them apart. Now, they’ll need to admit their secrets to each other…or risk ending their relationship before it really begins.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle -- KU Title

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

Pat's Review:

Pat's Review: Come Home to Me

Remember, since this is a Royal Pick, come back on April 26th for a chance to win an ecopy of your own!

Come Home to Me by Liz Talley
Publisher: Montlake Romance (April 17, 2018)
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Healing the wounds of the past doesn’t come easy in this novel of friendship and forgiveness from award-winning author Liz Talley.

Summer Valentine has returned to Moonlight, South Carolina, a very different woman from the naive wallflower who left years before. These days she’s straightforward and savvy, determined to do right by her son, David—even if that means cashing in her struggling music career in Nashville and returning to the town that drove her away. Sure, she took a fall. But at least she now knows where she stands…

Despite her anger over the past, Summer believes David deserves a relationship with his father, Hunter “Hunt” McCroy. Though Hunt’s illustrious career has faded, privilege still protects him from his worst mistakes.

Someone else is back in Moonlight too: Rhett Bryan, the golden boy of Hollywood, who’s taking stock of his own life after a tragic accident. As his rekindled friendship with Summer quickly deepens, she must reconcile the painful history that ties her to both men—one she’s finally forgiven, one she’s afraid to love—to claim healing and happiness.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads!

Pat's Review:

Pat's Review: Ace of Spades

Remember, since this is a Royal Pick, come back on February 22nd for a chance to win an ecopy of your own!

Ace of Spades by Sandra Owens
Publisher: Montlake Romance (February 6, 2018)
Series: Aces and Eights, 3
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Two FBI agents struggle with desire in the shadow of a killer, in the third installment of Aces and Eights.

Nate Gentry has been a rock for his two younger brothers since the day their mom walked out and left them with their abusive father. Now that they’ve grown up, he’s watched Alex and Court fall in love and settle down. But Nate isn’t made for romance. He keeps his relationships casual. And getting casual with his partner is a fantasy he can’t shake…

Taylor Collins has feelings for Nate, too—and though they run hot, her best friend on the team is strictly off limits. Until a spark in his eyes says, Go for it. But reaching out could prove to be a bad move now that they’re working closer together than ever, and on the most dangerous case of their careers.

An investigation into a brutal series of murders is stirring up bad memories for Taylor, and neither she nor Nate can imagine how close to home it’s going to hit. When it does, Nate will risk everything—including his heart—to keep Taylor safe.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

Previous Reviews:

• Jack of Hearts
• King of Clubs

Pat's Review:

Pat's Review: Only for You

Only for You by Melissa Foster
Publisher: Montlake Romance (December 5, 2017)
Series: Sugar Lake, 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Love only works when your heart is in the right place. Hers could be right next door…

Single mom Bridgette Dalton doesn’t have time to stop and smell the roses—not even in her own flower shop. But that doesn’t mean she hasn’t noticed Bodhi Booker. Her ruggedly handsome next-door neighbor would be the perfect candidate for a no-strings fling. Having loved and lost, Bridgette’s not ready to hand over her heart…but she could use a distraction.

Bodhi has one rule: never leave anyone behind. As a special operative, he knows that each new mission is more dangerous than the last. He’s never made a promise of forever to a woman, not even to the beautiful widow who has him tied in knots. And if there were anyone who could tempt him into putting down roots, it would be Bridgette and her adorable son.

But as his next deployment nears, they make a startling discovery. Their passion, meant only for the here and now, might already be blossoming into something more…

Where to Buy*:

Kindle

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

Reviews for Foster's books:

• Tru Blue

Pat's Review:

[Pat's Review]: "Crossing the Line"

Crossing the Line by Kimberly Kincaid
Publisher: Montlake Romance (August 8, 2017)
Series: Cross Creek, 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cocky farmer Eli Cross plays twice as hard as he works. When his latest stunt drums up a heap of negative PR for the family farm, he grudgingly agrees to play host to an ambitious New York City photographer. Her feature on Cross Creek could be just the ticket to show the country what the Cross brothers do best…which is more problem than solution for Eli.

Scarlett Edwards-Stewart has photographed everything from end zones to war zones. She’s confident she can ace this one little story to help her best friend’s failing magazine. At least, she would be if her super-sexy host wasn’t so tight lipped. But the more Scarlett works with Eli, the more she discovers that he’s not who he seems. Can his secret bring them closer together? Or will it be the very thing that tears them apart?

Where to Buy*:

Kindle

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

Other Reviews for Kincaid:

All Wrapped Up
Crossing Hearts
Deep Burn
Fire Me Up
Gimme Some Sugar
Outside the Lines
Pushing the Line
Reckless
Skin Deep
Stirring Up Trouble



Pat's Review:

[Pat's Review]: "The Strawberry Hearts Diner"

The Strawberry Hearts Diner by Carolyn Brown
Publisher: Montlake Romance (July 18, 2017)
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Being broke, unemployed, and stranded back in the tiny town of Pick, Texas, was not part of Jancy Wilson’s plan. Yet here she is, watching her car literally go up in smoke—along with her last-ditch hope of staying with her cousin in Louisiana. When Jancy spies a Help Wanted sign hanging in the window of the quaint Strawberry Hearts Diner, the memories of the two years she spent there as a teenager—and the lure of the diner’s beloved strawberry tarts—are enough to draw her in and plant her feet…but only temporarily.

Raised by parents who refused to settle anywhere for long, Jancy has never known what it is to have roots. Now that Jancy’s swept up by the warmth and character of this quirky little community—and by the pull of an old crush—it’s beginning to feel like home. She’s making friends and even discovering the sweetness of falling in love. But when the town is threatened, Jancy knows it will take more than its legendary tarts to save it. Can she fight for this little Texas town—knowing she might not stay forever?

Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads!

More from Brown:

Billion Dollar Cowboy
Cowboy Boots for Christmas 
Cowboy Seeks a Bride 
How to Marry a Cowboy
The Cowboy's Christmas Baby
The Cowboy's Mail Order Bride
The Toughest Cowboy in Texas 
The Trouble with Texas Cowboys 



Pat's Review:

[Pat's Review]: "King of Clubs"

Kind of Clubs by Sandra Owens
Publisher: Montlake Romance (June 27, 2017)
Series: Aces and Eights, 2
Genre: Romantic Suspense

In the second novel in acclaimed author Sandra Owens’s Aces & Eights series, passions—and tempers—flare as one star-crossed couple gets a second chance at love.

Covert FBI agent Court Gentry loves his brothers, his job, and his Harley-Davidson. Once he loved a girl, too, but when she broke his heart, he put his emotions on lockdown…until she crosses his path again.

On vacation six years ago, free-spirited Lauren Montgomery fell hard for Court Gentry. She returned home happier than ever, only to descend into a spiral of abuse by her ex-husband, Stephan. When Stephan threatened to kill any man who touched her, Lauren cut Court from her life—but not from her heart.

When Lauren and Court reunite after her friend marries his brother, Court guards himself against the person who made him feel such intense passion and pain. Except the undeniable spark between them is impossible to contain and heating up fast. Six years ago, it was love. Now, it’s just lust. Keeping it merely physical is a foolproof plan…right?

When Stephan is released from prison, Lauren can’t outrun her past anymore, and Court vows to protect her. But with Lauren in imminent danger, Court must question his heart and risk his life to save the woman he never stopped loving. 

Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

Reviews of Owens' Previous Novels:

Jack of Hearts (#1)




Pat's Review:

[Pat's Review]: "Jack of Hearts"

Jack of Hearts by Sandra Owens
Publisher: Montlake Romance (February 14, 2017)
Series: Aces and Eights, 1
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Alex Gentry doesn’t scare easily. Working as an undercover FBI agent in the biker bar he and his brothers co-own, he hangs with deadly criminals in order to gather information. Danger is just part of the family business. But one thing has him terrified: his attraction to Madison Parker.

Madison is the cousin of Ramon Alonzo, son and second in command to a notorious drug lord Alex is trying to bust. Alex has befriended Ramon as part of his cover, and Madison has unknowingly become his informant. Falling for her could risk this case—and both their lives.

All Madison wants is to get her new bookstore business off the ground, and for her creepy cousin Ramon—to whom she’s unfortunately indebted—to leave her alone. If she could only stop fantasizing about his mysterious new friend, Alex…

As the Alonzo cartel investigation heats up, so does their relationship. But will the secrets they’re keeping tear them apart—or get them both killed?

Where to Buy*:

Kindle

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

Pat's Review:

[Pat's ARC Review]: "Crossing Hearts"

Crossing Hearts by Kimberly Kincaid
Publisher: Montlake Romance (February 7, 2017)
Series: Cross Creek, 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Hunter Cross has no regrets. Having left his football prospects behind the day he graduated high school, he’s happy to carry out his legacy on his family’s farm in the foothills of the Shenandoah. But when a shoulder injury puts him face-to-face with the high school sweetheart who abandoned town—and him—twelve years ago, Hunter’s simple life gets a lot more complicated.

Emerson Montgomery has secrets. Refusing to divulge why she left her job as a hotshot physical therapist for a pro football team, she struggles to readjust to life in the hometown she left behind. The more time she spends with Hunter, the more Emerson finds herself wanting to trust him with the diagnosis of MS that has turned her world upside down.

But revealing secrets comes with a price. Can Hunter and Emerson rekindle their past love? Or will the realities of the present—and the trust that goes with them—burn that bridge for good? 

Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | BN

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

Reviews of Kincaid's Previous Novels:

Gimme Some Sugar (#2) -- Kame + Pat
Stirring Up Trouble (#3) -- Kame
Fire Me Up (#4) -- Pat
All Wrapped Up (#5) -- Pat

Outside the Lines (#3) -- Pat
Pushing the Lines -- Pat

Reckless (#1) -- Pat

Skin Deep (#1) -- Pat


Pat's Review:

[Pat's Review]: "Wild Kisses"

Wild Kisses by Skye Jordan
Publisher: Montlake Romance (January 10, 2017)
Series: Wildwood, 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Newly divorced, Avery Hart returns home to Wildwood eager to take on her dream opportunity and transform her family’s dive bar into her own bakery. The contractor for hire isn’t just a master with his hands—he’s big, built, and wears a tool belt like nobody’s business. Despite being an ex-con, Trace Hutton is irresistible. Too bad he’d never go for someone as inexperienced as Avery.

Trace needs to focus on the job at hand, not daydream about smearing icing all over the sexy baker…and licking it off. This job is the key to getting his construction company back on its feet after his time in prison. Besides, no one deserves a fresh start more than Avery, and she certainly won’t get that with him.

After a delectable night of passion (and pie), Trace craves something more. But he’ll be damned if he’ll let his checkered past crush her dreams. And as Avery starts to realize how Trace fulfills more than just her physical needs, she struggles with whether to let her history decide her future, or explore the wild new possibilities of forever… 

Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | BN

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

Reviews of Jordan's Previous Books:

Reckless (#1) -- Kame
Rebel (#2) -- Kame
Ricochet (#3) -- Kame


Pat's Review:

[Pat's Review]: "Charmingly Yours"

Charmingly Yours by Liz Talley
Publisher: Montlake Romance (May 24, 2016)
Series: Morning Glory, 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance

For Rosemary Reynolds, life in tiny Morning Glory, Mississippi, is just like the fabric store she runs: it seems she’s always waiting around for someone else to make the first stitch. Then a dear childhood friend passes away, leaving behind a gift that sends Rosemary on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.



Despite her mother’s protests, Rosemary heads to New York City for a stay in her cousin’s trendy Soho loft. On her first day in town, a wrong turn leads her to Little Italy…and into the arms of handsome, outgoing Sal Genovese. Sal’s mother wants him to marry a longtime family friend, but to him, Rosemary is a breath of fresh country air, and he’s happy to show her a good time. Soon, Rosemary is swept up in a world she thought only existed in movies. To turn a two-week fling into a forever thing, she and Sal will have to make every moment count. 

Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | BN

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

Pat's Review: