Cheeky King is the continuation of Cheeky Royal (The 1st book in the Royals Undercover series). I found this 2nd installment to be just as entertaininCheeky King is the continuation of Cheeky Royal (The 1st book in the Royals Undercover series). I found this 2nd installment to be just as entertaining as the 1st book. Although, this book definitely has a lot more feels. The emotions are everywhere.
Sebastian received life changing news at the end of the last book and is now back home to deal with the details and all that entails becoming the new King. He broke my heart so many times. Not only did he have to deal with his new lot in life, but the intrigue and mystery surrounding him as well as his feelings about Penny. His emotions go from understanding why she did it and hurting over the betrayal.
Penny has so much guilt for hiding her true identity from Sebastian. She is actually finding it hard to do her job. It doesn't help that word has spread fast how she saved his life when they were in the states so she is no longer the palace guard screw up in their eyes but the palace guard hero. She understands Sebastian's hurt and anger but knows that she can't go on as she is. You can only let someone emotionally punish you for so long before you have to protect yourself.
So much more emotion in this story but no less a great read. The air still sizzles when this couple gets close to one another and they still can't keep their hands to themselves. They just now fight the feelings afterward. I am still looking forward to learning more of the other characters and what their story has to tell....more
This is the first Christian romance written from a biblical story that I've read and I loved every second of it. While I know that of course some thinThis is the first Christian romance written from a biblical story that I've read and I loved every second of it. While I know that of course some things had to be added to make the book a book I found the overall story to be accurate as I've been told it and read for myself in the bible.
Love's Sacred Song centered around King Solomon and his Shula-mite wife Arielah. Solomon's life and his dependence on having a harem was an eye opener. The more you read the more it was almost like you could tell he didn't even want that life but felt pulled to it because of politics and tradition which is sad for a man that had such a deep and abiding faith in the Lord. The amount of intrigue and betrayals that surrounded him was such an attention grabber and this wasn't even just from the men in his life - his concubine was filled with treachery and backstabbing. I am pretty sure the women were more brutal than the men. Yikes! I noticed in another review that it was mentioned that reviewer didn't like that Solomon kept messing up and hurting Arielah and then apologizing only to repeat his behaviors. Although, I get this sentiment I believe it to be historically correct so I'm pretty sure Arielah nor God liked it much either.
The faith and love that Arielah displayed was incredibly humbling and I got so much out of reading her story. Whether it was her father and mother (whom loved her just as much), or her brothers (who abused her terribly), or Solomon (who loved her but hurt her more times than one can count), or God (who was the only perfect love) she didn't care. She loved and she loved hard. There is so much to be learned from anyone that has this kind of love for her fellow man and our savior.
My only complaint (if I have to have one) is that this book ended so abruptly. It was like you were reading along and then boom it was done. But, that's such a small complaint for an otherwise amazing read....more
I have heard so much about Liz Curtis Higgs and her amazing gift of writing but this is the first I've read for myself. I was captivated from the veryI have heard so much about Liz Curtis Higgs and her amazing gift of writing but this is the first I've read for myself. I was captivated from the very beginning. First of all her gift for making it feel like you are just sitting there listening to her tell you about her views on the Women of Christmas is definitely God-given. Every time I opened this book I just felt warm and snuggly.
We've all heard the story of Mary, the virgin mother. And I'm pretty confident most of us have even heard about Elizabeth, John the Baptist's mom and Anna the faithful widow that served out the rest of her life in the temple. But, I venture to say this book will make you look at them in a different light and renew your appreciation for these Godly women and the lives they led.
Whether you are a new christian or familiar with all parts of the Christmas story I truly believe this book has something to offer you. ...more
So good. I loved Sammi and Mitch. Both characters were strong and had a ton of integrity. Nothing could beat them when they put their mind to it.
SammSo good. I loved Sammi and Mitch. Both characters were strong and had a ton of integrity. Nothing could beat them when they put their mind to it.
Sammi was lonely after her 2 best friends moved to Montana to marry the husbands that they met through a mail order bride column. With nothing holding her in North Dakota Sammi decides to answer an ad herself. After all the worst that could happen is she gets to see her friends again and it doesn't work out with the guy. Sammi is perfectly capable of caring for herself. She wears pants when women just did not during that time. She knew how to shoot a gun better than most men and was always on the lookout for anything that could hurt her.
Sheriff Mitch Taylor would love to find a wife but he needs someone independent and strong. After all it is not easy to be a sheriff's wife. Seeing how well it worked out for his friends he decides to put an ad out for a wife. When Sammi responded it seemed like the perfect fit.
I loved when Sammi made the trek to Montana to meet Mitch. You could tell he was immediately smitten and loved her spirit. The couple had to find a way to adjust to one another but it was a really fun adventure watching them work it out. ...more
There are few people that can write romcom like Avery Flynn. Her books are engaging, laugh out loud funny, sexy and filled with great characters that There are few people that can write romcom like Avery Flynn. Her books are engaging, laugh out loud funny, sexy and filled with great characters that make you want to call them your friends.
Parental Guidance had a different spin on the whole dating app thing. Caleb screwed up big time. Instead of being the talk of the sports world for his hockey skills he was being talked about because of his bad behavior that has gone viral. The Ice Knights publicist has decided to get Caleb's name out there but with a better spin - a dating experiment. You see there's this new app that requires your parent to choose your date. You then have to commit to 5 dates with your parent's pick. Of course with Caleb being a public figure it goes one step further and he has to publicly share his experience.
Zara wants no part of the limelight but her father who always has a get rich scheme up his sleeve at any given time has decided he wants to be on tv. What better way to do it than to get his baby girl hooked up with Caleb since he has to make regular appearances with his date and detail his progress. Of course the parent that did the choosing would also get some tv time. And Zara loves her father just enough to go through with it. It also helps that her best friend has agreed if Zara would give the 5 dates a chance she would get Zara a one-on-one meet with a woman that could really boost her career in the miniature art field.
I really enjoyed Zara and Caleb. They were adorable together. Right off you could tell they were perfect for each other. They got along great and had an instant connection. They were too busy being annoyed by their meddling parents and bonding over it that they didn't realize they were falling in love. Definitely a fun read. I'll be reading on for sure. ...more
Westward Fortune has renewed my faith in this series. Not that I hated the book before this one but I was a little concerned that they were all going Westward Fortune has renewed my faith in this series. Not that I hated the book before this one but I was a little concerned that they were all going to focus on the heroine being over the top.
Lacey was raised my an alcoholic father that basically did nothing for her in life other than teach her to take care of herself. As his behavior became more violent Lacey knew she was going to have to get out or he would eventually kill her. Luckily her best friend had blazed the trail to Montana as a mail order bride and Lacey was ready to give it a try too.
Joe was fantastic. He was wild and crazy but in all the right ways. He may have been born with all of the advantages due to his family's wealth at that time but he never let it affect how he treated people. He was honest and appreciative of anyone that did anything for him and repaid them in kind. Even when his father informed him that he had to marry to gain his inheritance Joe planned on being honest with the woman that he chose.
When Lacey and Joe married I think I fell in love right away with them. Both went in with their eyes open and no secrets or promises between them. But, they had this immediate bond that was no way they could deny. I really enjoyed their romance and following their story to see where love took them....more
Westward Destiny the 4th book of the Montana Mail Order Brides series was not my favorite thus far, but still very entertaining. I really enjoy the inWestward Destiny the 4th book of the Montana Mail Order Brides series was not my favorite thus far, but still very entertaining. I really enjoy the inhabitants of this small Montana town.
Jamie was not liked by many in her hometown of Walhalla, North Dakota. This was mostly in part because she didn't follow tradition. Most of the women during that time were respectable and careful to not stand out. Jamie was the opposite. She stood out like a flashing light in the dark. While I admire women that march to the beat of their own drum and are true to themselves I felt that Jamie was just an attention seeker. It seemed that she just wanted to be shocking and looked at. That's where her character fell short for me. There are people in this world that just naturally stand out and demand attention and I wouldn't even care that Jamie liked to go to bars, play cards and tell dirty jokes which was way out of line for most women, but she did that stuff meanwhile adding in over the top behavior so she was sure the world saw what she was doing. Or at least that's how I felt reading it.
Luke was a character that I loved. He was a hardworking man that was honorable and loyal. So when he fell for Jamie it was a bit disappointing for me. Don't get me wrong she had a lot of good characteristics and made Luke happy but it just seemed that he had to sacrifice everything for her happiness rather than it being an even agreement....more
Westward Bound made me laugh a whole lot more than the first 2 books. Marcus and Claire were hilarious in how they interacted with one another. Both wWestward Bound made me laugh a whole lot more than the first 2 books. Marcus and Claire were hilarious in how they interacted with one another. Both were wickedly smart and could use their wit as a weapon against the other. Actually, at first it really annoyed me but once the couple came to the understanding that they truly cared for each other and that their debating wasn't out of anger but almost a form of foreplay they became adorable in their arguing.
Marcus was different than his brothers in so many ways actually more ways than even his brothers knew. But, when his daughter is dropped off at his door step he knows he has to open up to the family about everything. I loved how Claire stepped right in and assumed the role as Marcus's other half (she would surely say superior half).
I will definitely read on in this series. Kudos Ms. Bridey!...more
This series just keeps getting better and better. In Westward Winds the oldest sister Tessa finds a husband in Montana and is settling into her new liThis series just keeps getting better and better. In Westward Winds the oldest sister Tessa finds a husband in Montana and is settling into her new life nicely. However, the middle sister Madelyn is perfectly comfortable in her privileged Pittsburgh life. Until everything changes. Madelyn gets assaulted by a man that she thought of as her dearest friend. It's pretty brutal and she's left a shadow of her former vivacious self.
Seth, Tess's new brother in law, had a pretty bad accident leaving him laid up and doing all he can to ensure his leg heals so that he can keep it. Tessa being the schemer that she is talks Seth into writing to her sister thinking it could help them both through a tough time.
I loved this story. After writing back and forth for quite some time Madelyn decides that she should make the trip to Montana. You could feel the immediate connection and bond between Seth and Madelyn but they had so much to overcome. Even though Madelyn fell in love with Seth she can't imagine ever leaving Pittsburgh and Seth could never trade his ranching for a big city lifestyle. Watching this couple work out their relationship was endearing and heartbreaking all at the same time....more
I can honestly say I'm typically hit or miss on historical romance so I always go in with low expectations. This first book of the Montana Mail Order I can honestly say I'm typically hit or miss on historical romance so I always go in with low expectations. This first book of the Montana Mail Order Brides series was in a free boxed set and it was available on the audible escape package so I decided what the heck. All of that being said I fell in love with this family and this series. I literally listened to the first 3 books one right after the other.
Dean is a single dad raising 2 children and running a ranch after losing his beloved wife during childbirth. He's not looking for a new wife when his brother suggests that he needs to find one. Dean knows he could never love again, but his brother insists he needs the help and companionship. After some discussion his brother puts an ad in the paper for a wife.
Tessa was born of significant means and in society but she feels so stifled. Her father is actually quite progressive when it comes to women but not enough that she feels in control of her own life. What better way to have adventure and take control of her life than to answer a wife wanted ad and see if there is any connection with a man out west.
I loved Tessa and Dean. Their chemistry was real and they both were likable characters. They just seemed to ease into things and it was a really nice transition. Often times with this lack of overt drama the story can lose something and become monotonous, but I didn't get that feeling at all while reading this story. The sub characters helped a lot and their was just so much going on all the time. ...more
What a great conclusion to the Only series (novel in parts). Grayson and Emma find themselves getting to know one another. He's making amends to the fWhat a great conclusion to the Only series (novel in parts). Grayson and Emma find themselves getting to know one another. He's making amends to the family that helped raise him and he's establishing a relationship with his precious little girl. That alone is daunting but he's also getting settled in with his new teammates. He's found a job with other bad*ss guys that fills the void that has been lost since he lost his military brothers. Throw in human trafficking and powerful bad guys and you've got an exciting story that you can't finish fast enough....more
I am loving this novel in parts. So much fun to read it broken up like this.
In Only for Us Grayson has found his way back to Emma and is twisting himsI am loving this novel in parts. So much fun to read it broken up like this.
In Only for Us Grayson has found his way back to Emma and is twisting himself into a pretzel to make up for past hurts and lost time. He knows he has made mistakes and is not afraid to put himself out there to gain the forgiveness that he desires. Emma isn't his only relationship that needs mended. Her whole family is hurting over his disappearing from their lives without a look back. Not to mention they've seen how much Emma has struggled and they can't help but hold Grayson responsible. Grayson knows how hard it's been to Emma but he's just now really seeing how far she's had to go to give their daughter a good life....more
This story just keeps getting better and better. Only for Her is the 2nd of 4 in the Only series. It's basically a novel in parts so don't try startinThis story just keeps getting better and better. Only for Her is the 2nd of 4 in the Only series. It's basically a novel in parts so don't try starting with this book and think you won't be lost.
In this installment Grayson finds himself alone in a hospital recovering from a war injury. He's lost his team and life seems hopeless when it comes to him that this is his second chance. He can find Emma and make things up to her. He knows she may have moved on but he's willing to take that chance. After all there is nothing in his life that he has ever been more sure about than knowing that Emma Kingsley is his.
Emma has moved on with her life but not in the ways that Grayson thinks. She's been forced to keep moving on but she's never stopped loving the boy that she knew even if he did just walk out of her life without looking back taking her heart with him. ...more
Christmas in Silver Bell Falls is like reading a Hallmark movie - predictable, yet warm, fuzzy and comfortable.
Melanie hates Christmas. Everything thChristmas in Silver Bell Falls is like reading a Hallmark movie - predictable, yet warm, fuzzy and comfortable.
Melanie hates Christmas. Everything that has gone wrong in her life happened during the holidays. Through tacit agreement her and her Dad just completely gave up on the holiday completely. No one seems to understand the Christmas ban when she tries to explain it least of all her editor who is insisting she write a Christmas romance. When she finds out that her grandmother has passed away it doesn't cause her great pain since she didn't really know the woman and what she did know of her was not good. But, she left her a cabin in Silver Bell Falls and Melanie's dad is pressing her to go check it out. He tells her to think of it as a writing retreat and she definitely needs that right now.
Josiah has lived in Silver Bell Falls most of his life. He loves the holidays and all that comes with his over Chistmassy town. When he notices a strange woman taking up residence in one of the townspeople's home as the sheriff it's his job to check it out. Little does he know that he's about to have a life changing experience.
I really enjoyed Josiah and Melanie. They slipped right into their Christmas romance and it just leaves you feeling good. Don't expect any life altering dialogue or a action packed story line and you'll enjoy this book. The characters are likable and the story flows nicely....more
Oh my goodness this book was a whirlwind of hurt, lies, deceit and just everything underhanded that you can imagine. It's not often that I can find noOh my goodness this book was a whirlwind of hurt, lies, deceit and just everything underhanded that you can imagine. It's not often that I can find nothing to like about a character but that's exactly how I felt about the twin's dad. He was evil and manipulative. He took so much joy in controlling others and seeing them struggle as they tried to act out his evil machinations.
Julian and Bridge were as close as twins could be all the way up until middle school when their parents divorced. They were forced apart each going to live with a parent and not getting to see each other. After a while all communication pretty much stopped between them. Bridge grew up to be a strong man that cared for his dying mother while Julian had a life of luxury and by all appearances turned into a carbon copy of dear old Dad.
Not having seen each other in years one day Bridge's dad shows up at his door step telling him that Julian is in a coma after a serious car accident and they need Bridge to step in and pretend to be Julian as most of the world has no idea there exists a brother. Bridge only does it because his bastard of a father dangles money in front of him insuring his mom will finally get the medical care she needs.
After making a deal with the devil what follows is crazy. Julian has a fiance that is to be kept in the dark and Bridge has to carry on a life with her as if he's Julian making a miraculous recovery from his accident. Of course Izzy is kind and loving nothing like the rest of the monsters in that family. She deserves so much more than Julian has given her over the years and Bridge wants to be the man to show her that, but it's all so screwed up. He loves his brother and would love the chance to reconcile if he would just wake up from the coma, but he's so ashamed of the man that his brother appears to have become.
Izzy is completely thrown by all that is happening around her. She was just about to leave Julian and then he's in a terrible accident. His recovery seems to be more than the physical. He's like a completely different man. More like the Julian she fell in love with and not like the Julian she's engaged to.
When I say get ready for a roller coaster of what the heck is going on and how in the world can one man be so horrible. Definitely a must read....more
Puck Buddies really got me thinking and poor Bree is all I have to say. Wow! This book was funny and honest.
Let me start by saying I love Shane. He dPuck Buddies really got me thinking and poor Bree is all I have to say. Wow! This book was funny and honest.
Let me start by saying I love Shane. He deserves the man of the year award for the next 10 years at least. First he has this huge crush on Bree. She doesn't feel the same but that doesn't stop him from becoming her best friend and spending pretty much all his free time with her. He fesses up and tells her that this is his last year playing for the Portland Badgers hockey team. He asked for a trade so he could go to a team to really make a name for himself. Immediately Bree panics because she's losing her best friend. And as a result of some drinking decides it's a great idea to ask him to take her V card before he goes. Oh yeah and before you make your decision on that I should probably tell you I have a life threatening allergy to semen and can't come in contact with it at all. Yikes! This is terrible for Bree and heartbreaking really. Also a real allergy (I googled it). But, poor Shane. He's secretly in love with her, leaving her and now has the opportunity to be her first, but it could kill her if they slip up even the tiniest bit.
Of course like the awesome Hockey stud that he is Shane is all in. He researches the best condoms and does a ton of research and is ready to give his girl a first time that she'll never forget. But, then he is expected to just walk away??? Nope! Can't be done!
The friendship and interactions between Shane and Bree are fantastic. They have really good banter and you can almost feel how much they enjoy one another. I loved that they worked the whole romance thing out and got their happy ever after, but honestly I can't imagine having to deal with that the rest of my life. My heart goes out to anyone with an allergy like that....more
This is my first Nana Malone read but definitely not my last. I found Cheeky Royal to have well developed characters with great dialogue, a story withThis is my first Nana Malone read but definitely not my last. I found Cheeky Royal to have well developed characters with great dialogue, a story with some depth and some laughs along with the brewing romance.
Sebastian was a different kind of "royal" than I'm used to reading. He was known to be the wild playboy and maybe in his younger years he was but it hasn't been like that in a while. The world still sees all kinds of mischief in the papers however and that's exactly what he wants. After a fight with his dad Sebastian turned the future-king look-alikes loose. He's told them to go crazy and get photographed doing it that way people won't suspect the real prince is in America to actually work for a living and look into some things that he's just learned about.
I love that this book has plenty of females to choose from in non-traditional roles. Penny is a member of the royal guard. Although, she doesn't feel all that confident in her abilities the King does apparently since he's commissioned her to go to America and protect his son. At this point I don't think anyone can question what's about to go down. Girl meets boy. Girl pretends that she doesn't know who he is when she is actually there to help him. Boy falls for her but feels guilt for not revealing who he really is. Girl swears to herself that she'll keep it professional, etc. But, believe me there are a few twists to keep you interested and even knowing the basic premise the story is still so enjoyable.
I love the supporting characters and look forward to reading more about them. Disclaimer this story does end in a bit of a cliff hanger but the second book is out so it shouldn't be too devastating....more
It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of this series. My only complaint is the waiting in between the current book and the next release. The writing is fIt's no secret that I'm a huge fan of this series. My only complaint is the waiting in between the current book and the next release. The writing is fast paced, entertaining, funny, sexy and heartwarming all rolled into one great story. The characters seem so real and the story is always a story that could really happen to you or someone you know.
Cassie has been deemed the mean girl in her group of fabulously successful women who love each other to bits. Each girl has earned their respective nickname. Cassie isn't mean in all areas of her life. I mean she volunteers at an animal shelter and is courteous to those around her but when it comes to a romantic life that's when it all changes. She has very specific rules in place and the first rule is she is in control and it is only one night. She enjoys sex and enjoys the men she picks up but she keeps herself at a very safe distance while getting what she wants. Being raised by a grifter mom whose only goal in life was to blackmail the next rich guy also taught Cassie to stay away from men who had kids. She only cared about her own pleasure but she sure as heck wouldn't be responsible for messing up a family.
Lukas, a single dad, just moved in next to Cassie and certainly likes what he sees of his new neighbor. But, he has a few rules himself. He's busy trying to get it right with his business and his kid while worrying about his mother whose battling cancer. His priorities are very specific right now.
I loved the relationship between Cassie and Lukas. Not only was she finally getting to know the woman that she really is but she was coming to terms with her past. It was not easy for her at all. Bennie was such a sweet little boy and really helped give the story the lighthearted feel that it needed. I love how the author tackles some pretty huge, sensitive topics but you never feel overwhelmed with emotion or too weighed down. The relationship that developed was fun and electric. Seriously this couple sizzled.
Ms. Baum please don't make me wait too long for your next release. I love, love, love your writing....more
Oh my goodness I could read this one fast enough. I thought I liked Parental Guidance (the 1st book of the Ice Knights series), but this second book bOh my goodness I could read this one fast enough. I thought I liked Parental Guidance (the 1st book of the Ice Knights series), but this second book blew me away.
Tess was just one of the best characters I've read in a long time. She was quick witted, funny and an all around stand up girl. Her honesty got to me the most. I hate a baby mama that tries to hide the baby from the baby daddy but that was not Tess's way at all. More on that in a bit but just suffice to say it won me over.
Cole was a good character too if not a bit rigid. Thank goodness Tess came into his life and chilled him out in all of the right ways. Who would've thought a great night at wedding would land him with a pregnant woman living with him?
Poor Tess had nothing but chaos in her life. Raised by pretty much whoever her mom could dump her on growing up and being made to feel like a nuisance left her with some pretty strong insecurities. So when she found out she was pregnant there was 2 things she knew for sure. The first being she was not going to be like her mom. And the second being she was not going to make Cole feel like he had to take care of her in any way. She would tell him of the baby and of course if he wanted to be in the baby's life fantastic but he owed her nothing personally. And then everything goes south. A water line busts and floods her entire apartment leaving her in the predicament of needing a place to stay for a few weeks at least. Cole being the good man that he is wants to help her but being the anal retentive man that he is fears for his rigid schedule. Not to mention he has an on again off again girlfriend that should be on again soon and being the routine minded guy that he is counts on that.
I found Tess and Cole's living arrangements super amusing. Not only did she come with her own brand of crazy but she brought a crazy cat. Tess has to learn to give up on temporary and learn to trust that some things can be permanent and Cole has to learn that his rigid routine is okay to be bent here and there. ...more
The Billionaire's Tenacious Boss was a fun read that became a little tedious after a while. I loved the storyline of tough professional femal3.5 Stars
The Billionaire's Tenacious Boss was a fun read that became a little tedious after a while. I loved the storyline of tough professional female vice president of a company that doesn't let the men push her around. However, she also doesn't turn into a complete ball buster just because she's a woman in a male dominated position. This I love. She not only has to deal with the president pushing her, but also the 3 sons who just happen to be majority share holders in the company.
These men all have a terrible relationship with one another and the one common denominator is their father. Duncan has always put his company at the forefront of his life and although successful in business he let it ruin his family. Now, Duncan seems to be running the company into the ground and the 3 boys are coming together to fight for their birthright and fight their Dad in the process.
Stephen seems to have the biggest chip on his shoulder when it comes to his dad but he hits it off with Angie right away. The other brothers seem to have their guard up thinking she's their dad's spy but Stephen just knows that she can be trusted. I really enjoyed their relationship. It was hot but rational. Angie didn't let Duncan push her buttons and drive a wedge between what she wanted and what was right and she didn't let anyone make her feel like she wasn't worthy of the position she was given. ...more
Tina "IRead2Escape"
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