REVIEW: Falling for Her Navy SEAL....Again by Clarissa Yip

Falling for her Navy SEAL...Again
Calendar Men: Mr. October
Clarissa Yip
Genre: Contemporary, erotic, military romance
Heat level: 4 Word count – 29800
Cover art by Mina Carter

Injured during his last mission, Navy SEAL Matt Hunt is ready to face an even bigger mission: picking up where he’d left off with his best friend’s sister….

Except Jenesi isn’t that forgiving. Prim and conservative, Jenesi knows what she wants and that is to make sure she doesn’t make a fool of herself with Matt again.

But when this Navy SEAL is determined to claim her as his, she questions his true motives. Is he looking for a fling or a walk down to forever? Can she trust him not to leave her again?

~Excerpt~


“I’m home.”


Her green eyes narrowed. “Go to hell.”


The door slammed in his face. He stared at the orange, leafy wreath hanging on the white panel. Shock coursed through him. What just happened?


He rapped on the door, anger rising through his throat. Could she seriously be this mad at him? “Jenesi, open up.”


“Go home.”


“I am home.”


“Go back to your dad’s.”


“Open the door.”


“What do you want?”


“I want to talk.”


“Jared isn’t here.”


“I’m not looking for your brother.”


“We have nothing to talk about.”


“The hell we don’t. You can’t be mad at me about last time. We both had too much to drink. We weren’t acting like ourselves.” He stuck his hands into his pockets, his heart pounding hard. “Besides, I miss you.”

About the Author:
Contemporary romance author, Clarissa Yip, leads a life of adventure and mischief. Constantly on the run, she’s always hanging out with her muse, plotting the next best story, and looking for anything that will fuel her imagination. Besides being an avid reader and writer, Clarissa enjoys scrapbooking, video games, immersing herself in addictive TV shows, and engaging in anything that will challenge her mind. A lover of food and languages, she also loves to try new things. Her dreams involve finding the ultimate way to share her world with yours. From the Hawaiian island of Oahu to the beautiful season-changing New York, you never know where she’ll be.

Sarah's Review
Thanks again to Decadent Publishing and Clarissa Yip for feeding a reading addiction.   Authors and publishers like you are what keeps this blog running.  Thanks for keeping us going!

The title alone caught my attention and was an instant yes that I would review it, never-mind that I have read and reviewed all the others in this series.  Then the cover....whoa!  This character is one that caught my attention! 


I have been trying to figure out how to review this for a few days now and I am still at a loss for words.  It's been a while since I have been at a loss for what to say.  With this being a short story, it makes it difficult to not give anything away that isn't already in the blurb. 

What happens when you realize that you are in love with your best friend's sister?  What happens when you already left this woman wanting more?  A reunion like no other.                   

REVIEW: A Model Hero by Sara Daniel

A Model Hero
September Calendar Men
Sara Daniel

Genre: Contemporary, erotic romance, rubenesque, military romance
Heat level: 4 Word count – 21k
Cover art by Mina Carter

Gretchen Meyers is a full-figured woman living in a model thin world. Desperate to end her mother's constant, nagging stream of dieting and fashion “advice,” Gretchen tackles the challenge of reviving her mother’s faltering modeling agency. All she needs is to woo back Kyle Ramsey, once the hottest model in the country.

Making the preemptive choice to turn his back on his career seemed Kyle’s only option until Gretchen comes calling. He doesn’t care what she wants to offer him, the answer is no. Still, he’s intrigued by her refreshing personality and all her lovely, lush curves.

When tragedy strikes, Kyle finds comfort and healing in Gretchen’s arms. But he can’t trust her with his career-ending secret and she doesn’t believe their relationship will survive the long term. He’s perfect and she’s not even close. Can the fragile ties holding them together survive Kyle’s opportunity to become a true model hero?

~Excerpt~


The restaurant scene, then, had done its job. She’d have to send Jamie flowers. No, she’d send a box of fattening chocolates instead. “Did you enjoy your evening after I left?”


His gaze narrowed, he pushed himself out of the chair. “Did you arrange with Jamie to drop by our table?”


“How could I, when I had no idea where we were going for dinner until we were there?” Not to mention, she’d have preferred to sever essential body parts than ask Jamie Feldman for anything. But her irrational possessiveness was her own problem. “The important thing is you had a good time, and you’re ready to make up for everything you’ve been missing over the past year.”


“Those things aren’t important at all.” He advanced on her slowly.


She took a step back and came up against the door she’d closed a moment before.


Kyle flashed a predatory smile. He took her purse and briefcase from her shoulder, setting them aside. Then he rested his forearms on either side of her head and stared into her eyes, his lips a scant inch from hers as he spoke. “I’m here for you. Our date deserves another shot.”


Her heart thundered. The thick eyelashes framing his gray-green eyes mesmerized her. He stood too near for her to formulate a coherent response. This much physical perfection and sex appeal should be outlawed. Her mind was not equipped to handle it.


“What do you say?” he asked.


Yes, take me. “I say, why me?” Her voice rose with an embarrassing squeak as she struggled to compose a rational argument and remind herself she was in her office, just feet away from her employees who’d never seen her anything less than one hundred percent professional. “I get why you went out with me on Saturday. You’d shut yourself away from the world, and I was the first woman to find you. But you’ve been reminded you can have Jamie or anyone else you crook your finger for. Why do you still want me?”


His gaze softened with a tenderness that pierced her heart. He brushed his thumb along her cheek. “How could I not want you? You’re smart and funny and beautiful and not afraid to let a guy who has no idea what you like order for you on a first date.”

Author Bio:
Sara Daniel writes irresistible romance, from sweet to erotic and everything in between. On the personal side, she’s a frazzled maid, chef, chauffeur, tutor, and personal assistant. She battles a serious NASCAR addiction and was once a landlord of two uninvited squirrels. Last but definitely not least, she has her own happily-ever-after romance with her hero husband.

Sarah's Review:
Thanks to Decadent Publishing and Sara Daniel for continuing to provide amazing books to keep our blog running!   This should have been reviewed in September but real life got in the way with a new job and my reading time diminished.  Things are heading back on the right track so I can read again! 

I love that Kyle saw Gretchen for who she was and was able to show Gretchen that she was beautiful the way she was.  It was also nice to read something that had the guy feel self-conscious about how he looks as well.  This story was touching in many ways for me since I related to Gretchen on so many levels.  

I enjoy reading stories where both characters have self-esteem issues and then they find a way to overcome their own images and find a way to be happy together.                  

REVIEW: Burning Love by Cassandra Carr

Burning Love
Calendar Men – Mr. August
Cassandra Carr

Firefighter Jude Mason is hurt on the job and placed on disability. While he rehabs his injuries, doubts start creeping in. What if he never heals? Worse than that, is the question he barely dares to contemplate—what will he do for work if he can never go back to the station? Firefighting is all he knows.
Michaela owns a café and lives her life with the constant threat of her business failing. She works long hours making her restaurant a success, leaving little time for romance. And who would want her anyway? She’s far from model-thin, for one thing. Sure, she’d like to have someone to share the good times and bad with, but her prospects are few, so she concentrates on her job rather than bemoaning her complete lack of a love life.
A collision at a photo shoot brings Jude and Michaela together. They both feel the pull, but with Jude’s uncertain future and Michaela’s nonstop job, can they find common ground? If they’re lucky, Jude and Michaela might discover a future that burns brighter with true love.

Genre: Contemporary, erotic romance, rubenesque, foodie romance
Heat level: 3 Word count – 20k
Cover art by Mina Carter
 

 ~Excerpt~
They walked to his truck and shared an easy silence on the way home. Michaela couldn’t remember a time she’d been more at ease with someone she didn’t know well.

At her door, he pulled her to him. “Thanks for coming out with me. This was the most fun I’ve had in weeks. I’ll call you, and we’ll do it again soon.”

“I had a great time, too.”

“I’m glad.”

Jude lowered his head and kissed her, capturing her chin in his large palm and turning her mouth to more fully meet his. His other arm remained around her waist, tightening and bringing their bodies fully flush from chest to hip. He ran his tongue along her lips, and she opened to him with a moan. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she knew they were taking things really fast, but try as she might, she couldn’t think of a good reason to slow down. Their tongues tangled in an intimate dance before he retreated to his own mouth and she chased him, moaning again when he briefly sucked on her tongue.

His hand moved lower on her back, cupping her ample ass and pushing his groin into hers, making his erection obvious. They battled for control of the kiss, but Jude eventually won out, pushing the hand that had cupped her chin around to the back of her head to tilt her to his liking. Finally they broke apart, both breathing hard.

Jude gasped for air. “Holy hell.”

“Uh-huh.”

“We need to stop, or I’m gonna start begging to take you right here.”

“Okay.” At Jude’s expression of surprise, she realized what she’d said and had to resist the urge to roll her eyes at herself. “I meant, yes, we should stop.” Very witty commentary. “So you’re going to call me?”

Jude held up the phone containing her number. “Count on it.” He waited for her to open her door before backing away.

“See you soon, I hope.”

Famous last words.

Author Bio:
Cassandra Carr is a multi-award winning erotic romance writer with Ellora's Cave, Siren Publishing, Sybarite Seductions/Twenty or Less Press, Decadent Publishing, and Loose Id. She lives in Western New York with her husband, Inspiration, and her daughter, Too Cute for Words. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out online. Cassandra is the co-founder of two successful group blogs, Romancing the Jock and Dirty Birdies, and participates in several others as a contributor. Recently she was re-elected president of Western New York Romance Writers.
Sarah's Review:
Thank you to Cassandra Carr and Decadent Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this hot story!  There is something about a man in uniform that is attractive.  Firefighters, cops, military, any uniform really.  
Right from the beginning I was hooked!  I love how Cassandra Carr portrayed a strong Alpha male firefighter going through rehab after a serious knee injury.  She didn't glorify the rehab and made it realistic.  I love how she found a way to keep Jude involved with the fire department, even though Jude wasn't happy about it.  *giggles* Sneaky friends make things better!  

I love the way Jude and Michaela meet and I laughed because that is probably how I will meet someone!  I am not spilling the beans on this one!  I have enough embarrassing moments!  

Michaela is a woman who is passionate about her job as a chef and she is not afraid to show it.  I love that she is portrayed as a normal woman with insecurities about how she looks but is still able to be herself.   I love that she was able to be a source of strength and encouragement for Jude.

REVIEW: The Letter by Mina Carter

The Letter
Calendar Men – Mr. July
Mina Carter

Ex-SAS Sergeant Rick Week’s career ended in a hail of bullets and the death of his friend Billy. After months of recuperation, Rick can finally fulfill a promise he made to Billy; deliver a letter to his girl. Simple. Maybe....
Hattie Jameson lost the man she loved. KIA. Eighteen months later, she’s trying to move on. Then a sexy-as-hell Scottish soldier turns up on her doorstep—the man who’d been with Billy when he’d died. She shouldn’t find him attractive. Not at all....
Fortunately, fate, and Billy, have plans to bring the reluctant lovers together. Can Rick and Hattie get past their grief and let love in?
Genre: Contemporary, military romance, paranormal, erotic romance
Heat level: 4 Word count – 17k
Cover art by Mina Carter
~Excerpt~
“I’m Rick Weeks. Pleasure to meet you.”

Hattie’s hand was already out, ready to shake, but when he spoke, she faltered. Rick Weeks. She knew that name. She shouldn’t, but thanks to one of the men in Billy’s squad she did. Rick Weeks…Sergeant R. Weeks. The soldier who’d carried her Billy back into base while both of them were badly wounded. Billy had taken his last breath seconds after the gates closed behind them.

“I…I….”

Faced with the man who’d been with Billy when he died, she lost her ability to speak, or even think.

From what she’d been told, Billy’s squad had been ambushed in one of the nearby towns. Scattering, they’d been forced to take cover in the ruins. Insurgent activity in the area meant the base couldn’t send out a rescue party. She’d never been able to get an answer on why the British were in the area. But, according to the short letter she’d been given, a British soldier had found Billy injured and taking shelter in a building on the edge of town.

Together, Rick and Billy waited through the night then made a break for the base at dawn. They’d almost made it, the base in sight, but a sniper opened fire. Billy had taken the brunt of the fire, bullets riddling his slender frame to slam into the soldier who carried him—who continued to carry him, running for the safety of the base. The British soldier was hailed as a hero and Billy came home in a metal box.

Now, that soldier—Rick Weeks—stood in front of her, the name given a face, and she couldn’t think of a thing to say. Except….

“Go to hell.”
From the Author:
Mina Carter was born and raised in Middle Earth (otherwise known as the Midlands, England). After a slew of careers ranging from logistics to land-surveying she can now be found in the wilds of Leicestershire with her husband, daughter and a cat who moved in and never left.
Suffering the curse of eternal curiosity Mina never tires of learning new skills which has led to Aromatherapy, Corsetry, Chain-maille making, Welding, Canoeing, Shooting, and pole-dancing to name but a few.
A full time author and cover artist, Mina can usually be found hunched over a keyboard or graphics tablet, frantically trying to get the images and words in her head out and onto the screen before they drive her mad. She's addicted to coffee and Nutella on toast.

Sarah's Review: 
Thanks to Decadent Publishing and Mina Carter for the opportunity to read and review this great story.  I owe Mina and Decadent Publishing an apology since I am late getting this review up.  Unfortunately, real life decided to play a cruel hand.

I have to say that this story was one that left a lasting impression on me.  I have a soft spot for stories that involve the military.  There are so many things that I love about this story but if I go into detail, I will spoil the story.  

I love the Rick followed through on Billy's dying wish and brought a letter to his widow, Hattie.   Rick and Hattie don't expect to fall in love with each other.

PROMO: The Ringer by Amber Malloy

The Ringer

Amber Malloy

Genre: Romantic Suspense              

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Date of Publication:  May 23, 2014

ISBN: 978-1-61333-694-6

ASIN:

Number of pages: 184

Word Count: 55,395

Cover Artist: Lacey Savage

Book Description:

Lane Garret is a dead ringer...

Newly single, cheaters decoy Lane Garret is excited about her fresh start and believes everything is at last on track. Unfortunately, her fantasy of the good life is blown away…along with one of her marks. While on a date, Lane not just witnesses a murder but almost becomes a victim. Saved in the nick of time by one hot detective, she wonders if someone wants her dead.

On forced leave due to a pending Internal Affairs investigation, Jackson (Jax) Thornbird agrees to do a friend a favor. Tricked into decoy security, Jax decides one night will be easy enough, but things go awry. When shots are fired, he grabs the girl and leaves the scene of the crime—a rash decision that could ruin his career. However, Jax has a hunch the intended target wasn’t the dead, cheating husband.

Excerpt

It was too dark to see the woman’s face, but Jax recognized something about her. Streetlights ran over the car, creating a quick shadow before slipping back into the night.

He couldn’t get a good read on her face.

Even with her strange blonde hair and oddly matched clothes, Jax remembered the decoy.

This woman reeked girl-next-door wholesomeness, but without direct light he couldn’t place her, underneath the heavy makeup and the two-times-too-small Hello Kitty tank she wore.

“I know you,” she said. It came out in a hushed whisper while they sped down Wacker Drive. The underground tunnel had dangerous twists and turns.

“I-I-I remember—” she stuttered with a bit more panic lacing her voice.

A sedan whizzed past them, missing the sports car by mere inches. To overcompensate for the close call, she jerked the wheel too hard, careening them into a massive spinout.

Adrenaline thrummed through his veins, and Jax reached over to grab the steering wheel.

“Put your foot on the brake,” he instructed as they continued to spin in the opposite direction. She didn’t utter a single word, not even a peep, while Jax maneuvered the car into the slide.

Almost too late to save them, Jax noted very few cars passed them before they spun out over the median divider.

“I know you,” she wheezed. The woman dropped her head on the wheel.

The car idled in the middle of the road as Jax tried to calm her down. “You’re going into shock,” he told her. “I need you to take three deep breaths, hold for five seconds, then exhale. Come on, I’ll do it with you. One.” Getting close to her, he inhaled and waited before he released.

After a moment she began to follow his lead. Once they got through their first repetition, she had calmed down a bit. “Hot,” she said before she snatched the blonde wig off and shook her dark hair loose. The light from the street caught her eyes. Jax gazed into her dazzling green globes.

“Yeah,” he admitted as he stared at her. “I know you, too.”

About the Author:

Amber Malloy dreamed of being a double agent but couldn't pass the psyche evaluation. Crushed by despair that she couldn't legally shoot things, Amber pursued her second career choice as pastry chef. When she's not writing or whipping up a mean Snickers Cheesecake, she occasionally spies on her sommelier. Amber is convinced he's faking his French accent.

www.ambermalloy.com

@authambermalloy

REVIEW: The Other Brother (Calendar Men: Mr. June) by Lucy Felthouse

The Other Brother
Calendar Men – Mr. June 
Lucy Felthouse
Photographer Melodie Carr moved to New York City to escape the death of her fiancé in Iraq. Struggling to come to terms with it ever since, she sees a call for photographs for a calendar to benefit family members of fallen heroes, and is eager to help out.

Unfortunately, she doesn’t know any men that fit the profile. Not until Patrick Brogan—her late fiancé’s brother—turns up in New York. Seeing him brings up all kinds of memories, but she’s determined to push them aside and persuade him to take part in the calendar. But is that all he’ll take part in?

Genre: Contemporary, erotic romance, military romance
Heat level: 3
Word count – 18k
Cover art by Mina Carter

~Excerpt~

“Hello?”

“Hi,” a male voice said. “Are you Melodie? Melodie Carr?”

“I am.” A caller looking for her? Had she ordered something and forgotten about it? “Who’s calling?”

“It’s Patrick,” the voice replied. “Patrick Brogan.”

“Patrick….” Speechless, she laid a hand on the wall to steady herself as the bottom dropped out of her world. Evidently, running to New York—albeit under the pretense of a good career move—hadn’t been enough. Her past still followed her, still tried to flood her with reminders of what she’d lost.

“Melodie?”

Damn, the man’s persistent. She never should have admitted her identity before asking his. She could have told him he’d gotten the wrong place and sent him away.

Not that it would have worked. There was only one place he could have gotten her address—her parents. And no way she’d get away with giving them a fake one. Plus, she did happen to be one of the few residents who had a name next to her button on the panel outside.

“Are you there?”

Damn her parents! Damn her late fiancé’s brother. Why couldn’t they just leave her alone?

A moment ago she’d been craving a familiar face, and now one waited to get in. She should let him come up—it wasn’t his fault his brother had died, after all. He’d been as devastated as her.

She pressed the button. “Come on up.”

From the Author:
Lucy Felthouse is a very busy woman! She writes erotica and erotic romance in a variety of subgenres and pairings, and has over 100 publications to her name, with many more in the pipeline. Another string to her bow is editing, and she has edited and co-edited a number of anthologies, and also edits for a small publishing house. She owns Erotica For All, is book editor for Cliterati, and is one eighth of The Brit Babes. Find out more at http://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. Join her on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gMQb9

Sarah's Review:
Thank you to Decadent Publishing, Joanne Kenrick and Lucy Felthouse for creating this amazing series and the opportunity to have a new book boyfriend each month!   I was hooked right from the beginning and wanted to feature these great stories each month and thankfully Decadent Publishing was on board!  As soon as I saw the cover for this story, I knew there were be a sad story as part of the overall story.  Then I read the blurb and knew that I needed to read this. 

Right from the beginning I like Melodie's character.  Her loyalty to her deceased fiance is something that is admirable.  When Melodie has a surprise visitor in the form of Patrick Brogan, her late fiance's brother, all that Melodie has become used to gets flipped upside down.   

Since this is a short book, I am not going to say much else, but it is a great story about love conquering in death.  At least, that is my take on it.

REVIEW: Shockwave by D.L. Jackson

Shockwave
Calendar Men – Mr. May
D.L. Jackson

“Let’s dance, devil.” Veteran Tanner North disarms bombs in New York City and business seems to be picking up, putting him on alert. While in the military, he faced his share of challenges but when a rescue in Kosovo went bad and a young mother lost her life, he blamed himself for the failure. Could he have saved her if he’d taken different actions? What if he were to have a second chance to test his decision making in a life-or-death situation—one where the outcome is very personal.

“I want him.” Lannie Sawyer needs the job Leo Russo offers worse than she’d care to admit. But how to approach a man who has made his dislike of her clear. In fact, Tanner North has threatened her with a restraining order if she comes around again. Lannie has never backed down from a challenge, and she won’t, not with her grandmother’s happiness on the line.

Aut viam inveniam aut faciam—I’ll either find a way or make one.
 

Genre: Contemporary, military romance, erotic romance   

Heat level: 3 Word count – 22k
Cover art by Mina Carter
 

~Excerpt~
Lannie Sawyer fidgeted while Leo Russo thumbed through her portfolio. She bit her lip as he glanced up and back down. Damn hard reading the man. Did he, or did he not, like her work?

“A Pulitzer.”

“Yes.”

“Huh.” He flipped another page.

“What?”

“You’re great with stories on war and death, but what about something a little more—feel good? Ever do fashion stories or stuff on pet owners looking like their poodles?”

“I’ve done arts and entertainment pieces.” And other things I’d rather not mention.

He furrowed his brow and scanned the contents, sifting through the clips. “I don’t see any—”

“I only included my best.”

“So, what you’re saying is, your best doesn’t include feel-good stories?”

“I didn’t mean—”

“Did you not say, Ms. Sawyer, your samples are of your best?”

She opened her mouth and he lifted his hand, cutting her off.

“I don’t need an article on war orphans.” He turned another page and froze. Leo stared at the photo for what seemed like forever. Lannie squirmed. Seconds later he turned the book around and jabbed his finger onto the image. “I need him.”

“Excuse me?”

~From the Author~
D. L. Jackson is an award-winning author of urban fantasy, science fiction, military romance and erotic romance. She loves to incorporate crazy plot twists, comedy and the unexpected into her worlds. As a U.S. Army veteran, she naturally adores men in uniform and feels the world could always use more. She does her part by incorporating as many sexy soldiers in her novels as she can. When she isn't writing or running the roads, you can often find her online chatting with her peers and readers. Grab a cup of iced coffee, pull up your virtual chair and say hi. She loves emails and blog visits from her readers.

Sarah's Review: 
Thank you to Decadent Publishing and D.L. Jackson for providing a great story for the May!  Normally, I have the Calendar Men stories featured on the 15th of each month, but May has been filled with chaos and my reading time was extremely limited.  I finally was able to read this story once graduation weekend was over.  

If you have been following this blog for a while, you know I am a sucker for books that have a military or former military character.  Hell, any aspect of a man in uniform is something that I will jump at the opportunity to read!  

The tension between Tanner and Lannie is one that is justified based on their past encounters.  What happens when Tanner's stalker begins to increase her claims on Tanner and Lannie is caught in the crossfire?  Tanner comes face to face with demons from his past who he never expected to be a demon.  

Watching Tanner and Lannie come together to fight the threat and overcome their past was something that I really enjoyed and needed to read after an amazing weekend celebrating commencement.  I truly enjoyed reading this story and I hope that Tanner and Lannie will make a cameo in future books. 

REVIEW: WEDDING AT THE BLUE MOON CAFE BY CATE MASTERS

Blurb

Never look back. Clarissa Hartman left her miserable life behind the day she graduated high school, the same day she turned 18. Driving for days, the road led her to Marfa, Texas. Right away, she knew she'd found home. Seven years later, she's found her place in life plus the one thing she never expected to find: love. Dylan Wall's everything she ran away from. So why can't she stay away from him?

Never give up. Dylan Wall is at the top of his game. His PR firm's sought out by brand name companies, but he's so busy spinning everyone else's reps, he doesn't realize his personal life's taken a downhill turn. Deep down, he knows that somewhere, the perfect someone is waiting for him. The woman who'll accept him for who he is - if he's ever able to reveal it. When he lands in Marfa for his best friend's wedding, Clarissa's sharp tongue puts everything in a different perspective. She draws out a side of himself hidden away for too long. She's everything he wants, in the wrong package. So why does she feel like home?

In Marfa, appearances are deceptive. Discovering the truth beneath the surface is the first step toward finding yourself, and joy.

Excerpt

“J. D. didn't run into any trouble in the air, did he? Someone at the café said the plane pitched forward at one point.”


And sideways and up and backward. Dylan had had no idea a glider could imitate a roller coaster. Had Clarissa known beforehand what the cowboy had in mind? She'd argued against him going, and her concern seemed genuine. None of it made sense. “The control slipped in J. D.'s hand. I'm not really sure; it's all kind of a blur.”


“He's normally very precise with his flying.”


He withheld a wince. “I gathered that.”


“I'm so sorry.” Her shyness returned. “He…looks out for me.”


“I know.” Definitely something he wouldn't forget.


“We never….” She bit her lip.


“I know.” He said it softly, no judgment. He'd gathered as much from Jeff. So why did hearing her say it fill him with such a heady sense of triumph? When she released her lip and it uncurled, he almost forgot to say, “If you need to go change, I can stay here and hold down the fort till you get back.”


She studied him a beat longer than seemed necessary, then glanced at the clock. “Guess I should. I can't wear my work clothes.”


“No one would notice.” When she furrowed her brow, he hastened to add, “You look great in anything.”


She backed away. “I'll be back soon.” She hesitated at the kitchen doors, then disappeared, growing smaller with each swing of the doors.


Curious, he went to watch through the small window in the swinging door, then through the kitchen to the back door. She disappeared again down a path and past a flowery trellis. She lives close by? He resisted the temptation to follow and instead took a seat at the coffee bar with his cell. No need to check messages, really. He'd caught up on the backlog yesterday and taken care of a few more this morning. Weird that he still couldn't shake the feeling about the new guy, Randy. Something about him set off alarms in Dylan's head, but he couldn't pinpoint it. And couldn't do anything from here, so he'd have to let it go until he returned.


Within a few minutes, the back door slammed. “I'm back,” Clarissa called. “Want to help me bring out the food?”


“Sure.” He entered the kitchen. Noise at the rear drew him to the large refrigerator, its door wide open.


“Harvey made too much, I think.” She straightened and held three lidded glass containers toward him.


Dylan reached for them but his grasp slipped as he took her all in. “Wow.”


A white flower tucked behind her ear, pale yellow sundress, Marilyn Monroe-style, tied behind her neck. Backless. Smooth skin over muscle and bone, her body elegant but with a bearing of strength.


She steadied the containers in his hands. “Whoa, careful. Those are breakable.”


“Sorry. I wasn't….” Part of a tattoo swirled out from beneath the dress, and he wanted to find the rest of it. Trace the lines and colors with his tongue, his mouth.


“Are you all right?”


He gulped. “You look amazing.”


A rose tinge along her cheeks made her even lovelier. “Oh. Thanks.”


If he wasn't holding these damn containers, he'd grab her instead.


Buy Links

Amazon
Decadent Publishing
B & N

Erin's Review
 When I heard Cate Master's had another book, I jumped at the chance to review. Only thing is, I shouldn't have had it on my tbr list for so long! This book is fantastic! Clarissa is independent, sassy, fierce and Dylan is cocky, independent, and happy to fly solo...until he goes to Marfa.
 These two are like oil and water. I mean, Dylan doesn't make it easy for himself, after all, he did mistake Clarissa for a stripper. I'm surprised she didn't deck him on the spot. The girl doesn't take sh*t from no one. What I like about Clarissa is that, while it appears she is running from something, she is actually running towards something....home, her own mark in the world. She doesn't fit the mold in her parent's world anymore, so she left. That takes courage.
 Dylan on the other hand, thinks he has life figured out. He's successful at his job, hasn't found Miss Right yet but that's ok, and his family life is just as messed up as Clarissa's. What he can't fathom is why in the hell his best friend would ever quite the corporate grind and move to Marfa Texas to open up a restaurant. Until he gets there.
 Marfa has an effect on Dylan, so does a certain blonde. With her he doesn't seem to be able to do anything right and he isn't used to that. It's actually kind of cute to watch him try and try to get Clarissa's attention to no avail.
 Their relationship grows over the short time Dylan is there and they both bring out things in each other that they aren't sure they are ready to face. Each of them have to come face to face with pasts that they spent years trying to overcome and in some ways, over compensate for.  Can they weather the storm or will they fade in to the distant like the mysterious lights in Marfa.
 Love this story and all the characters in it. Just goes to show you that sometimes you have to follow your heart, and you have to trust it even more.

REVIEW: Calendar Men series; Mr. April: Frontier Inferno by Kate Richards

Calendar Men – Mr. April
For Heather, Castle, Alaska offers many surprises. A new job—as a nanny of all things—a handsome firefighter whose charisma proves a distraction from her plans, and the danger of discovery. Heather may have to hightail it out of Castle and into the wilderness, or risk being dragged back into the very situation she’d fled.

Romance takes a backseat for single dad Chris Elder, while he focuses on his young son and his job as a firefighter/smokejumper in the small community of Castle. But the arrival of the feisty woman from the lower forty-eight may prove more than his resolutions, or his libido, can handle.
Can the magic of Alaska save these two from a lonely future, or will circumstances force them to step back from their Frontier Inferno?
Genre: Contemporary, erotic romance, firefighter romance Heat level: 3 Word count – 19k Cover art by Mina Carter

Decadent Publishing Buy Link
~Excerpt~
“So you’re the lady who got off the train.” Pure Aussie flooded the syllables. “Do you have people here?”

His accent melted her. Heather closed the door behind her and approached him, drawn as if by a magnet to his side. “No, no people.”

“Then you must be staying at the Castle Lodge.” He frowned. “Sam, can you give the resort a call? I don’t know why the shuttle didn’t meet the train. It’s not like them to miss picking up a guest.”

Even off-season, any place labeled resort was sure to be expensive. “Oh, no…I am not here on vacation. But I do need somewhere to stay. I thought I could find work and maybe a rooming house or something.” They had those in this kind of town, didn’t they? The hardware man froze, his hand on the phone, and gaped at her.

“Well…we don’t expect tourists until late May, so nothing’s open yet, and that includes the Black Bear Motel and the hostel. The only available rooms in April are at the Lodge. Even up there, they’re on a skeleton staff at this season, but the rest of the employees will already be lined up for summer.”

She patted her pocket where her alarmingly thin wallet sat. “Nothing at all?” If she couldn’t find work, she’d have to use the last bit of money to take the train back down to Anchorage and…and everything would fall apart from there, her careful plans come to naught.

“I think there is one job open.” Sam lifted a stack of thick woolen blankets from one shelf and moved it to another, then grabbed a feather duster and whisked it over the empty space. “But it probably isn’t anything you want.”

Her heart lurched. “What? I’ll do anything.”

Billy’s dad chuckled. “If it’s the job I think it is, I believe, Miss…Ms…. I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name. I’m Chris Elder and this is Sam Harvey who runs the hardware store we couldn’t get by without. And you’ve met my son, Billy.”

“Please call me Heather. And Billy welcomed me to town, yes.”

She couldn’t imagine what position they might think she wouldn’t want. Of course, they didn’t know the measure of her desperation. And how bad could a hotel job be? Housekeeping? Bussing tables? Heck, she’d scrub pots and pans in the kitchen if necessary. “About the Lodge; should I see anyone special up there? Oh,” a thought occurred to her, “how do I get there?” There wouldn’t be a bus, and she hadn’t seen anything like a cab parked at the tiny station. The hotel might not send their guest shuttle for someone begging for work.

“That’s not a problem. I have to head right past it on the way to my place. If you like, we’ll be done here in a few minutes, and we can give you a lift. Right, Billy?”

“Right, Dad.” The adorable blond bobbed his head. “And we can show you everything on the way.”

Asking the potential employer to send a shuttle to pick her up wouldn’t make the best impression. With no other option—and a real interest in ogling Chris a little longer—what did she have to lose? A sexy, clean-cut guy with his small child, a man well-known in town, wasn’t the type she imagined would kidnap her.

A small hand stole into hers. “Did I tell you my dad is a fireman?”

Ohhh…talk about dreamboat guys with dreamboat jobs.

“And he jumps out of airplanes, and his picture is on a calendar.”

Heather refocused on his father, taking in his impressive physique one more time. “I can imagine that.”

Chris’s cheeks reddened under her scrutiny. “It’s for charity.”
 

From the Author:
Thank you so much for reading this book. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have the most wonderful job I can imagine and I am forever grateful. I hope you will let me know what you think about the story at: katerichards09@gmail.com or friend me on Facebook.
Thanks once again and happy reading! Kate

 Sarah's Review: 

Thanks to Decadent Publishing and Kate Richards for giving us the chance to read and review this great story.   April is going to be a hot and steamy month!  

When single dad, Chris meets Heather because of his son, Billy, the fire began to simmer between Chris and Heather.  Chris is afraid to make a connection because of Billy until he finds out that he is being called up for training.  Then their passion for each other exploded with full force.  

When Heather escapes her family and a fiance that she doesn't want, she doesn't realize that she is about to meet some of her own family.  I love the family reunion and the support of Heather's father. 

REVIEW: Goddess of the Hunt by Becky Flade

Goddess of the Hunt
Becky Flade

Covert Passions

Codename Diana

CIA field agent Paige Aster hides a cunning intelligence and lethal skill behind a mask of golden beauty. It serves her well as she moves from one undercover assignment to the next.

Current Mission

Retrieve a stolen United States military defense program from a terrorist cell in Dublin, Ireland, before they trade it to Islamic extremists in exchange for munitions. Her only back up on this time-sensitive mission is a deeply embedded MI-6 operative.

Her Asset

Eoin Fitzpatrick has sacrificed everyone he holds dear to bring these terrorists to justice. He’ll sacrifice Diana, too, if she threatens to compromise his mission or his cover. He has orders to do just that – his agency is only doing hers a favor.

Compromised?

Paige expects danger, but welcomes passion—taking her pleasure where and when it’s offered. She’s not prepared for the effect Eoin has on her. Or what happens when she surrenders to him—Paige burns for Eoin but will he leave her burned…
 

 Genre: Adventure, contemporary romance, erotic, suspense/thriller, spy drama Heat level: 5 Word count – 16k Cover art by Mina Carter

~Excerpt~
“Is it done? Do you and the others in the house bring in sex partners from time to time?” She straightened and stared at him.

“Yes.” He hissed the answer.

“I’m travelling; you and I meet at a pub and go to your place to hook up. It’s simple and happens all the time. Believable, even.” She thought of Michel and her lips tilted at the corners. Then, casting her eyes over Eoin, she deliberately arched a brow and tucked her tongue in her cheek. “Well, for most people, anyway.”

His lips thinned and the muscles in his cheek ticked as he worked to control the flare of temper. It delighted her. “Fine, we’ll do it your way.” Eoin pushed himself from the chair he’d been perched on and nearly charged for the door. “I’ll be here at seven-thirty tomorrow morning, be ready.”

Paige grabbed his arm as he passed her. “What are you so worked up about? If it goes wrong, you can just leave me hanging and you know it. This costs you nothing, Paddy-boy; it’s my ass on the line.”

He grabbed her shirt and pushed her against the closet door. She didn’t fight it and he had his mouth on her in seconds. His tongue delved and demanded she respond; she arched up into the kiss. Delight, desire, and anger thrummed through her as she both succumbed and made demands of her own. His hands molded to her hips and pinned her between the hard planes of his body and the wall behind her. Then he abruptly pulled away. They stood inches apart; the air crackled around them. Their gazes locked. He opened his mouth, then shook his head and left without a word.

Tie score.

Author Bio:
A city girl, born and bred, I tend to place my stories in and around southeast Pennsylvania, or at least have a character or two from the area. Home is where the heart is and I make mine with my very own knight in slightly tarnished armor, three beautiful daughters ranging in ages from college through pre-school, and a grandson who arrived on my birthday last year. When I’m not busy living my own happily ever after, I’m writing about someone else’s.

Sarah's Review:
Thanks to Becky Flade for reaching out asking for us to review. As soon as I read the blurb, I knew I wanted to read it.  

I was instantly sucked into the story.  I love covert ops, black ops, anything that is similar.  There is something about the danger of the story line that makes the story more excitable.   I loved the characters chemistry and how they handled the situation. 

I emailed the author and told her that the story left me with a "WTF?? feeling" but it wasn't a bad thing.  She assured me that I wouldn't be disappointed.