Review: Half Empty by Catherine Bybee

Half Empty by Catherine Bybee

Publication Date: July 31st 2018 by Montlake Romance

Pages: 348

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

About the book:

Trina Petrov’s marriage-by-contract was only meant to be temporary. But when tragedy strikes, Trina is left one of the wealthiest women in the world. To recover from the shock, she takes some time off in Italy, swearing not to fall for any men while there. But that doesn’t mean she can’t fall for anyone on the trip home

Country-music superstar Wade Thomas is lying low in a hotel bar when he gets the cold shoulder from the woman next to him. He’s used to fans fawning at his boots, and Trina is a refreshing change—so is the fact that she has no idea who he is.

As things begin to heat up, Trina discovers that the circumstances of her late husband’s death are not what they seemed. Now she’s in trouble, and Wade isn’t about to let her out of his sight. Getting close to love and danger could get them killed…or it could sweep them both off their feet.

My Thoughts:

Trina is in Italy mourning the death of her first husband, not because she was romantically involved (there's a back story), but because she feels a little responsible for his suicide.  Enter Wade Thomas, a famous country singer trying to get dinner after closing time but out of luck since the kitchen is closed.  Trina doesn’t recognize Wade at all, but she’s loaded up with the last call of food, takes pity on him and shares her food.  Wade’s immediately taken with Trina, but she’s not interested considering her circumstances and isn’t impressed with his fame or fortune.  But they end up riding back to the States together and Trina’s resolve starts to crumble in the face of Wade’s charm and sweetness.  Trina is smitten despite her friend’s protestations.  I loved Wade from the start and even more when an unexpected threat takes them all for a surprise and Wade sticks to Trina to help keep her safe.

This is my first Catherine Bybee romance, and at first, I didn’t think it was going to work for me, not because of the main characters, but because of Trina’s friend Avery.  She was so irritating and overbearing when it was clear Trina just wanted to be left alone.  Avery was supposed to (I think) come off as a concerned friend, but instead she came off as an intrusive, nosy bitch!    Thankfully, she backed off at 30% and the story got a lot more interesting.  

I actually started to like Avery, even felt bad for her which is a good thing because I think one of the upcoming books will be her story/romance.  Wade’s mother was another character I didn’t like one bit, and sadly my feelings didn’t change for that cow.  Trina was waaayyy too nice to her IMO, but I guess you need to keep the peace when it comes to your man’s mama.

When all is said and done, I really quite liked this story.  A romance with a bit of danger and suspense thrown in made it an entertaining read!  I’ll be on the lookout for more books in the series!

3.5 Suns

Review & Giveaway: Racked and Stacked by Lorelei James

Racked and Stacked (Blacktop Cowboys #9) by Lorelei James

Publication Date: August 7th 2018 by Berkley

Pages: 352

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

Opposites don't just attract in the West--they sizzle--and Wyoming has never been hotter than in the latest sexy Blacktop Cowboys(R) novel.

Growing up with three older brothers, Larissa "Riss" Thorpe defines the term tomboy--a moniker that never mattered to her until she crossed paths with sexy cowboy player Ike Palmer. Seeing him in action on the road, Riss can tell that Ike prefers his women soft-spoken and feminine. And since Riss is obviously not his type, it's unlikely that they'll mix business and pleasure when they're in close quarters together.

Former cattle broker Ike Palmer was ready for a new chapter in his life as a stock contractor when he started working with Riss, a sassy truck driver who gets under his skin at every turn. But Riss is unlike any woman he's ever met and her candor inflames him in the most unexpected ways.

After circumstances force a truce between them, Riss and Ike will have to choose to maintain the stubbornness that keeps them apart or take a chance on the fiery attraction that could lead to something more...

My Thoughts:

Ike and Larissa at one time wanted to tear each other’s throats out, but after being in a truce they’ve come to sort of like each other. On the eve of their friend’s (Tobin & Jade from the last book) wedding the Mud Lilies pull them aside to give the third degree.  Thinking their previous hate has turned into lust making assumptions that aren’t true, but get Ike and Larissa thinking about each other in a new, interesting light. 

As these new thoughts are circling, an unexpected accident throws Larissa and Ike together in close quarters and they struggle with mutual attraction.  Heated looks, accidental brushes, and a few steamy kisses make staying apart an impossible feat. All that pent-up desire turned into fiery hot pleasure once they gave in! Larissa and Ike’s romance was fun, sassy, and at times sizzling hot! Ike was a dirty talker and followed through with action!

But this was more than just a romance. Both Ike and Larissa are at a turning point with their jobs. Larissa because her injury may end the career she loves and Ike because his company is on the rocks. Problems that real people face every day in life. I’m glad they didn’t wallow, they each helped each other look at things realistically and come up with workable solutions.  They came up with cheap dates to have fun while not breaking the bank, all the while growing closer and closer, and I just knew these two were in it for the long haul.  

With Racked and Stacked Lorelei James once again captured my heart, made me laugh, and got me all hot and bothered!  I loved every minute!

4 Suns

Connect with Lorelei James:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Berkley has generously provided a Paperback Copy of Racked and Stacked to giveaway to one lucky reader.  The giveaway is open to US Residents only.  Fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win. Good luck!

Review: Deep Cover by Scarlett Cole

Deep Cover (Love Over Duty #3) by Scarlett Cole

Publication Date: July 31st 2018 by St. Martin's Paperbacks

Pages: 336

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

ARE THEY IN TOO DEEP?

Ex-Navy SEAL Cabe Moss always comes when called to duty―at all costs. Even though the death of his fiancée nearly destroyed him, Cabe won’t let his past interfere with any work that has to get done. When his latest task pushes him to team up with FBI Agent Amy Murray, a fierce beauty with the undercover skills to match, Cabe must admit that, for the first time in years, he wants to do more than just complete their mission together…

Amy was born ready for this assignment, but working side-by-side with the the strong, silent, and frustratingly professional Cabe seems to be the biggest challenge of all. But when the sparks begin to fly―and the stakes rise to dangerous heights―the only thing Amy is left worrying about is how she can resist him. Their lives may be in danger, but their hearts hold the biggest risk of all…

My Thoughts:

FBI Agent Amy Murray is determined to find the women gone missing after working at the Lucky Seven Casino.  The casino is also suspected of being connected to Sokolov, the Russian mobster that Eagle Securities have in their sights.  Money laundering, and a whole host of other crimes are why Eagle Securities and FBI are now teaming up to investigate and take down this illegal enterprise.

Cabe and Amy working together is a little troublesome since they have a powerful attraction brewing between them.  Amy had a bad experience with sexual harassment in the Atlanta FBI offices that caused her to relocate to the San Diego branch.  She’s worried getting involved with someone on the job will impact her reputation after that debacle.  Cabe also had some reservations about getting involved with Amy. He lost his fiancée two years ago to war violence and as an active undercover FBI Agent, Amy’s job isn’t any less dangerous. Her undercover role in this assignment puts her in the path of these criminals, dangling her as bait to suspected human traffickers. Cabe’s afraid his heart won’t recover if he loses Amy.  But the heart wants what the heart wants, and it was only a matter of time before they gave into their desires.

I was so happy Cabe and Amy had a mature relationship; there were conflict and doubts, but they talked things out before it got ugly or overly angsty.   I’m also happy that Amy didn’t agonize over Cabe’s past engagement or worry about coming in second. Both recognized that his past relationship was just that, in the past.  Not that Cabe didn’t have to deal with some guilt, but I was happy he was ready to make peace, let go and move on.

Deep Cover wasn’t only a romance though, danger and suspense over the situations both Amy and Cabe had to face kept me on edge. I worried for their safety while glued to the pages!  Scarlett Cole is fast becoming one of my favorite authors, whether she writes romantic suspense or rocker romances, she makes you feel!

4 Suns