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

Spotlight & Giveaway: Half Empty by Catherine Bybee

Hello readers! I'm thrilled to spotlight Catherine Bybee's newest release, because it sounds  like an exciting read! I want to pick it up soon! I have an excerpt as well as a Giveaway of $25 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of  Half Empty to share!  See below for a chance to win!

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.

Excerpt:

They closed the bar and took their last round to the hotel lobby.
Wade had to admit he was a bit more than tipsy, and Trina wasn’t exactly sober. She’d tucked her feet under her on the lobby sofa as she described Venice in a way that made him want to visit.
“There isn’t one car?” he asked.
“No place for them. You only get around on foot or boat. Which is probably best to help counter the pasta you consume while you’re there.”
“So why did you pick Venice?”
Her eyes drifted away, something Wade had noticed happened a lot when she was lost in thought. A hint of sorrow quickly came and went, almost as if she caught herself. The smile she flashed felt forced. “I wanted isolation so I could study.”
“Study?” She rattled off something that went completely over his head.
Her dark brown eyes glistened with her smile. “I’m learning Italian.”
Wade blew out a breath. “Oh, thank God. I thought maybe that last beer was one too many.”
“I like languages.”
“As in many?”
“A few.”
He was happy to speak English. “I’m impressed.”

“Don’t be. Most Europeans are fluent in a minimum of two languages.”
“Are you from Europe?”
“No. Born and raised in Southern California. My grandparents on my mother’s side are from Mexico. Spanish was always spoken in our home.”
“So you speak Spanish as well?” He squirmed in his chair.
“Yup.”
“Now I’m feelin’ a bit inferior.”
“Language is my hidden talent,” she said.
“So how did you end up in Texas?”
Her gaze met his before she wrinkled her nose and gave a quick shake of the head. “It’s a long story.”
“Which is your way of saying don’t pry.”
She stretched out her arms. “It’s my way of saying that we’ve had a pleasant conversation, and bringing up my recent move will change all that. I’d just as soon keep this light.”
Wade wasn’t expecting her reply. “Now you’ve piqued my interest.”
“Another time,” she said.
He offered a smile that usually had women crawling all over him. “Am I going to have that chance?”
“Chance for what?”
“Another conversation.”
Her eyes bored into him as if he wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. “I told you, I’m not interested.”
He lifted one eyebrow, flashed a dimple. “What if I told you I was rich?”
She burst out in laughter.
His smile fell.
“Sorry…” She appeared to pull in her mirth. “You’re gonna have to do better than money.”
“Good lord, woman.”
“Sorry.”
He scratched his head. “I’m famous.”
She bit her lip. “That explains the arrogance.”
Wade placed a hand on his wounded chest. “I am not.”
Trina tossed her head back, and her deep laugh filled the empty lobby. “My name is Wade Thomas, you don’t know who I am?” Her mimicry of him was off by several octaves.
Her laughter tickled his gut.
“I can teach you the two-step.”
She pinched her lips together, trying to contain herself.
His pride was starting to dim.
“I’m not bad looking.”
She looked him up and down … twice. “I’ll give you that.”
He lifted both hands in the air. “Finally.”
For the span of a full minute, she stared. Her smile slowly started to fall, and he knew she was talking herself out of dating him.
“Tell you what. I’m flying home tomorrow. Private charter, because I’m rich, famous, and arrogant.” He moaned on that last word.
“And good-looking.”
Now they were getting somewhere.
“I can give you a lift home.”
Trina blew out a breath. “I’m avoiding going home,” she reminded him.
“And I was thinking I needed a quick stop in Nassau … where the plane might not be able to leave right away. That tropical depressed storm and all.”
She pointed a finger in his direction. “I like the way you think.”

About the Author
New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee has written twenty-eight books that have collectively sold more than 4.5 million copies and have been translated into more than a dozen languages. Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in the hope of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Not Quite series, the Weekday Brides series, the Most Likely To series, and the First Wives series.

Connect with Catherine Bybee:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Review & Giveaway: Untamed Cowboy by Maisey Yates

Untamed Cowboy (Golden Valley #2) by Maisey Yates

Publication Date: June 19th 2018 by HQN

Pages: 480 Pages (including the bonus short story)

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

In Gold Valley, Oregon, love might be hiding in plain sight…

Some things are too perfect to mess with. Bennett Dodge’s relationship with Kaylee Capshaw is one of them. They work together at their veterinary clinic and have been best friends for years. When Bennett’s world is rocked by the appearance of a son he didn’t know he had, he needs Kaylee more than ever. And he doesn’t want anything else to change. But then Kaylee kisses him, and nothing will ever be the same…

Kaylee’s done her best to keep her feelings for the man she’s loved since high school hidden away, but one unguarded moment changes everything, and now there’s no more denying the chemistry that burns between them. But the explosion of desire changes all the rules, and what’s left could destroy their bond—or bring them to a love that’s deeper than she ever imagined…

My Thoughts:

Kaylee has been in love with her best friend Bennett Dodge since they were teenagers but hasn’t ever revealed her feelings and has had to endure the pain of watching him date other women.  I felt Kaylee’s yearning and pain acutely. 

Yes, I wanted to smack Bennett for being so clueless, he did have some reasons why he just never let his brain go there, think of his best friend in that way, but still! His circumstances change abruptly, he has a son that he didn’t know about dumped on his door, and the emotional upheaval it produces causes him to need and rely on Kaylee like he’s never had to before.  Finally, Bennett starts to see Kaylee as more than his best friend! 

I was happy once things were out in the open there were no games played.  Just honest feelings and the delight of falling romantically for someone you already know and love so well. And these two had some delicious, hot chemistry so it made it worth the wait!

I was invested in everything working out with Bennett’s son, Dallas, I felt bad for that kid! Selfishness and neglect leave an emotional mark, and it was hard for Dallas to believe he’d be cared for and loved. Kaylee, given her upbringing, was the perfect person to listen and understand Dallas, and it was fortunate Bennett had her for support and mediation.  

As usual Maisey Yates brings all the feels out with Untamed Cowboy! Bennett losing his mother at a young age, Dallas having a crap one, and Kaylee’s neglectful, unloving parents added a real emotional aspect that made me teary here and there!   Then there was the romance.  Unrequited love has a special sort of pain, and Kaylee’s was palpable, but that just made their (Highlight for spoiler) HEA, come on you know they’re gonna get together, this is a romance! (End of spoiler) all the more sweet!

As if that wasn’t enough to make you want to run out and read this, there’s a bonus short story, Mail Order Cowboy.  Surprise baby, bewildered cowboy, and sweet nanny make for a short, hot read!

4.5 Suns

Connect with Maisey Yates:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

The lovely people of Harlequin generously provided a Paperback Copy of Untamed Cowboy to giveaway to one lucky follower.  Fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win.  Giveaway is open to US residents only.  Good luck!

Rough Ride by A.S. Green

Rough Ride by A.S. Green

Publication Date: July 30th 2018 by Carina Press

Pages: 76

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

Summer in the barn at Camp Winnepauk is about to get interesting

For years, part-time cowboy Luke has obsessed over a beautiful green-eyed girl he once saw in a magazine. Not a model, just a girl who captured his imagination…and then fueled every sexual fantasy he’s had ever since. When that picture comes to life in the form of Tess, a twenty-year-old counselor-in-training with a sexual appetite that rivals his own, Luke has finally met his match.

Tess wasn’t thrilled about spending the summer mucking out horse stalls, but things take a dramatic turn when she meets Luke. The tall, lean cowboy delivers more than she could have hoped for, showing her exactly what her body is capable of. There won’t be weeks of flirtation for these two: Tess is impatient and her cowboy…does…not…play.

My Thoughts:

Camp counselors Tess and Luke have an instant attraction but must be careful since they could lose their jobs if their romance is discovered.  They fight the a

ttraction, a very little bit, lol, but the irresistible pull makes staying apart impossible.

This was a quick, hot read. I do expect a bit of insta-love with a book this short, but I have read other novellas that manage to put some depth in the romance even with a short number of pages. I love stories with sexy cowboys, but I think this is more of a summer camp setting with horse back riding as part of the summer camp fun.

Rough Ride is the perfect kind of read if you just want some quick smutty fun.  I have Wild Child a full-length story on deck, also by A.S. Green, which might be more my kind of read.

2 Suns

Review: Making Up by Lucy Parker

Making Up by Lucy Parker

Publication Date: May 28th 2018 by Carina Press

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

Author of Act Like It and Pretty Face Lucy Parker returns readers to the West End, where it’s fireworks onstage and off in a sexy enemies-to-lovers showdown.

Once upon a time, circus artist Trix Lane was the best around. Her spark vanished with her confidence, though, and reclaiming either has proved…difficult. So when the star of The Festival of Masks is nixed and Trix is unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight, it’s exactly the push she needs. But the joy over her sudden elevation in status is cut short by a new hire on the makeup team.

Leo Magasiva: disgraced wizard of special effects. He of the beautiful voice and impressive beard. Complete dickhead and—in an unexpected twist—an enragingly good kisser.

To Leo, something about Trix is…different. Lovely. Beautiful, even though the pint-size, pink-haired former bane of his existence still spends most of her waking hours working to annoy him. They’ve barely been able to spend two minutes together for years, and now he can’t get enough of her. On stage. At home. In his bed.

When it comes to commitment, Trix has been there, done that, never wants to do it again. Leo’s this close to the job of a lifetime, which would take him away from London—and from Trix. Their past is a constant barrier between them.

It seems hopeless.

Utterly impossible.

And yet…

My Thoughts:

Trix Lane unexpectedly lands the lead role in The Festival of Masks, a kind of circus/play, and normally she’d be over the moon, but self-doubt creeps in thanks to a bad breakup with a toxic man.  Add to that Leo Magasiva will now be working on the production, and they have a long history of hating each other.  Well, they didn’t always hate each other. There was a time in school they were quite close, but that went horribly wrong. Yet, now when Trix is having problems with performing the one who seems to help the most is Leo. 

I really enjoyed the past two books in this series, Ms. Parker is such a clever writer.  Making Up did not disappoint, and once again I was treated to witty and funny exchanges.  The sparring back and forth between Trix and Leo was a laugh, but there was also serious depth as we’re shown the history between them. Trix and Leo discover things in the past may not have been as they thought.  Of course, you can’t have such strong emotions such as hate without passion and hurt at the bottom of it, and it’s as they say there’s a fine line between love and hate.  Trix and Leo have a sweet and HOT journey back to love, and it was a pleasure to experience with them.

4 Stars

Connect with Lucy Parker:

Website | Twitter | Goodreads