The Million-Dollar Qestionn by Kimberly Lang

Reviewed by Desere

Evan Lawford has come a long way from being the no good frat boy he use to be. He pours all his energy into building his company, and dealing with the occasional break-up's.

The one thing that has remained the same is his feelings for pretty ballerina Olivia Madison.

Years ago, the took her to heaven and then sent her to hell, when he broke her heart by letting her think she was just another hot one night stand. Now Olivia is back and she 's even more tempting then she use to be, and just like the first time he's not able to resist her, the difference this time?

He's not so sure he can let her go again, if only her family was not in the way, again. Olivia knows she should not fall for Evan's charm again, after the first time it hurt bad enough, but one look and he sends her heart into a spin more fancy than any she 's attempted on stage. But what will he do when he discovers the real reason she has for making contact with him after so many years ?

This was a super fun and funky read, a great storyline with a nice even flow of events. I adored the character of Olivia. I really enjoyed her push till you reach the top attitude, it gave the read that really cool upbeat feeling.

Evan was such a heartbreaking character it tore at my heartstrings and I could not wait for the author to step in and rescue this sweetheart of a man, and when she did the man himself was even more sweet than before!

Fabulous setting descriptions, gorgeous romance with a stunning message of love can overcome it all, if you are brave enough to step out onto the stage of love and risk your heart.

I recommend this read for all Kimberly Lang fans, it was fun, sweet, sassy and funky with just the prefect dose of emotion to make it a great afternoon escape into romance.

4.5 star review
" She's always had his heart, but will her ambition tear it apart?" 

Claiming His Own by Olivia Gates

 

Reviewed by Desere

A hot sexy Russian hero, a super fabulous plot with lots of twists and turns and an explosive ending that will leave you in complete awe, yes this book had it all and so much more.

Definitely one of the most intense reads of the year! The book tells the story of Caliope and Maksim, brought together by a fierce attraction their raging passionate nights leads to Cali becoming pregnant but instead of the normal he will do anything to be with her and the baby the author took this read in a whole other direction.

Maksim will claim the child as his heir but does not want to be part of it's life, but he will be around for Cali as long as she will have him.

So when he suddenly disappears Cali is convinced something terrible happened to him, after all he said he would be with her till their passion fades with the baby only in the background
( yes I know this sounds incredible and believe me it was the plot of the year).

A year goes by and suddenly Maksim is back, but standing on Cali's doorstep is not the man she fell in love with, he is only half the man she knew, when he reveals the reason for leaving Cali is not only in shock but also a state of utter confusion., Maksim wants her and the baby and a marriage. Why now and not before? And how is she meant to make this decision without it being a direct reflection to her mother's past?

The character of Maskim was truly mind blowing-ly fascinating! I truly could not get enough of this hero. Strong, sexy and confident the one minute and helpless and a heap of sorrow the next. His reasoning for taking off then just popping back up made him a very intriguing hero and his kind and caring nature touched my heart.

But what I found most fascinating was the inner battle he fights with himself in wanting to be with Cali but not wanting to hurt her. This reminded me that in real life it is what each and everyone of us do, we want, need and crave but in an attempt to not face failure we try to control the future and of course this is impossible and in the process our attempts cause more damage.

The character of Cali was brilliant. Strong and always ready to push for what she wants and needs, but also always alert to know when it is time to stop pushing and rather start re-directing those in her life ready to meddle in her happiness. I absolutely adored how the author let Cali have this hangup with her mother and the actions she takes in life, it showed her as I think most woman are, afraid to turn into their mothers yet when faced with similar circumstances the true understanding into their mothers actions becomes a clear and very vivid reality, opening the road to understanding.

The backdrop settings were simply amazing! Each and every setting was mouthwatering, laced with so much vivid description it left me in a state of wonder and wanting to be right there to see what was being described, but with the exquisite descriptions it was as if I truly was!

The dialogue was filled with such heartbreaking emotion and intensity it left me in tears more than once both of sorrow and joy. The most amazing of all was the twists and turns of this read, just when I thought I had it figured out the author would take it to a whole new level which reminded me that this is exactly what real life is like, it is never the perfect road , and therefore this read was as real as it gets and I found it simply brilliant.

But it did also leave me with quite a number of stares in my direction when a twist happened and I would shout out a big ear piercing "NO!" yes I truly believe the others in the room thought me completely mad. For me this just meant that the author truly wrote a masterpiece and I was completely entranced.

I am taking away a message of  tragedy can strike at any time and our perfect happy lives can become bleak and meaningless but we have no control of the when or where or what and for this reason it is of the highest importance to always live each day to the fullest and be with the ones we love for tomorrow they may be gone.

I highly recommend this read for all fans of romance so intense and filled with the wonder of life, you will be in trapped in world of pure brilliant romance! Sensual, sexy, passionate, spicy and simply beautiful!

5 star review

" Claiming his family brings him back to life" 

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Reviewed by Nancy Crocker

In Olivia Gates latest book Claiming His Own: We find Maksim and Caliope who first meet across a crowded room. And agree to a friend’s with benefits type relationship. Neither one is interested in anything serious, for personal reasons.

When Cali accidently becomes pregnant a year into their relationship she has already managed to fall in love with Maksim. When she confesses she is pregnant she is shocked by his reaction, but agrees to his terms. She just was not prepared for him to walk away without a word.

Maksim had what he believed to be very good reasons for walking away from Cali. One year later he is back. But this is where the story really takes off. And we learn why Maksim made the choices he did. Maksim is back and he wants to be a father to their son.

Just when you believe all will end well between these two, this story takes a very emotional rollercoaster ride. And this reader was holding her breathe and praying for a great outcome. Then Maksim once again breaks Cali’s heart.

Olivia does any amazing job of writing characters with deep emotions. She was able to showcase their strengths and weaknesses and the passionate obsession with each other. She also was able to take this reader along on the trip to Russia. Without giving too much away Olivia described a special occasion that took place while in Russia with great detail.

Favorite line:

“ Ya ocheen skoocha po tebyeh, moya dorogoya.”

I missed you so terribly, my darling.

5/5 stars

I received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.

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Reviewed by Nas

CLAIMING HIS OWN by Olivia Gates is a Harlequin Desire release for November 2013.

Caliope Sarantos and Maksim Volkov discover their scorching hot passion for each other. And get into a no-commitment fling.

But with Cali getting pregnant, it would of course have to change. Yet Maksim walks away from her and her baby. So would Cali take him back when he comes?

Would Cali let him meet his son?

CLAIMING HIS OWN is a lively contemporary romance with a strong heroine you will love and want to cherish and a gorgeous bad boy hero you are sure to swoon over. Author Olivia Gates brings to live this sparkling tale of second chance romance with all the sensuality and tension which is her trademark!

Highly recommended and well worth reading!

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 Review by TashNz

Claiming His Own by Olivia Gates is one of the most intense-est, highly emotional and gripping reads I've had the pleasure in reading in quite a while.  The opening chapter alone took me on a ride from complete and utter happiness to sheer devastation in a heartbeat.  And that's just the start.  Olivia has done a fantastic job of taking me on a total roller-coaster of a ride.  One minute I'm happy Caliope is feeling on top of the world, next minute I'm almost throwing myself on the floor sobbing at the unfairness of life, thru to wide eyed wonder and what Maksim has been thru (both past and present).

I heap the praise on Olivia Gate's writing.  I think Olivia has done an outstanding job at making the Russian language sound so beautiful and romantic.  The words just roll off Maksim's lips and they just sound devine. Olvia's skill at describing feelings is so realistic.  I could feel the pain each person suffered.  A couple of words made me clearly remember what it was like to have a newborn baby and no Daddy in the picture and the utter loss and uselusness one feels when this occurs due to no fault of your own.  The descriptions of Maksim as he told his stories, oh wow!  The heart dropping moments and the happy moments, brilliantly written.

Absolutely LOVED the way the first chapter opened.  Wow!  It was a fantastic set up because it really did portray Maksim as a king on top of the world, what he wants he gets, he's fearless and strong with a massive presence about him.  Caliope was a great female character, she knows the score with Maksim and the moment leading up to her telling Maksim she's pregnant had my heart pounding in wonder of how he'd react.

Dont let the cover fool you, this is not a sweet and lovey-dovey baby mama romance book, it's a powerful and passionate ride where your heart is torn in two with every flick of the page.  If you're a fan of Sweet Romance this is not the book for you.  If you love depth, angst, emotion, mixed in with sheer pleasure, happiness and wonder, then this IS the book for you :)

Sharpshooter (Shadow Agents) by Cynthia Eden

Reviewed by Nancy Crocker


This is my first read by Cynthia Eden and I have got to say, she has another fan. What a fantastic read! It is filled with intrigue, mystery, murder, betrayal, and passion. What more could you want in a fast pace read? I found myself hooked to this book and unwilling to put it down until I finished.

Gunner and Slade Ortez “half brothers” had been raised by their Grandfather for most of their lives. Gunner is the strong silent type who holds his feelings in, not one to show his emotions easily. Slade is the good looking one, but always feeling not quite good enough. And both were in love with the same woman.

Sydney Sloan is part of the same Shadow Agents team as Gunner. They both are part of the E.O.D. Elite Ops Division. Two years ago it was Gunner who saved Sydney’s life when a mission went terribly wrong. And for two years these two have kept their attraction for each other at bay. But just as they give into temptation they are called back to the South American jungles of Peru for another rescue mission of an American citizen being held by rebels. What they uncover will be life changing for everyone, Including the E.O.D. team.

I am hoping to be able to read the next book in the series titled Glitter and Gunfire. It is about another member of the E.O.D. team Cale Lane and the woman he is sent to protect Cassidy Sherridan.

Favorite lines:

"When I Close my eyes, I see Your face." His words, so gravel-rough, had her heart racing. "I don't see a ghost, I just see you." His eyes were on her mouth. "You're driving me crazy, taking over every moment of my life." She couldn't breathe. Because what he was saying - that was the way she felt.

5/5 stars

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Blush (Burlesque Bombshells) by Nicola Marsh

Reviewed by Nancy Crocker

On the Beach of Prince Island to celebrate the marriage of a friend, two unlikely people are about to share what is suppose to be a one night stand. But Adele Radcliff and Reid Harper cannot forget those few hours of passion they shared.

Adele Radcliff works and an accountant for Burlesque Bombshell. She has worked hard to better her life and is proud of her accomplishments. While she is good friends with Jess “Reid’s sister” and Chantal her boss. She has a dark past that no one’s knows about and she is planning on keeping it that way. Because becoming involved with a politician will exposed everything and that is something she will not risk for either of them.

Reid Harper is a politician on the fast track to becoming a State Senator. He just can’t get the red head he had amazing sex with on the beach out of his head. When he visits Adele in Vegas it is like they never separated. But he is shocked to learn she does not want a relationship with him. Even when she discovers she is pregnant.

The passion was intense and perfect in this novel. These two just could not keep their hands off each other no matter how much they tried. I loved how Jess and Jack were there to help out Reid who was relationship clueless. And the banter between Reid and Jack was really  funny to read. But the best part of this story was overcoming ones past. And accepting someone for who they had become and not what they lived through. I felt the story was totally believable and that these two were meant to be together.  I also loved how Adele was really thinking of Reid and not wanting to cost him his career.

Favorite line:

“I’d like to tell you I dragged him back to Burlesque Bombshell and had wild monkey sex with him on my desk, on the stage and in every other freaking room in the place.”

5/5 stars

I received a copy from the Author in exchange for an honest review.


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Reviewed by Desere

We all work hard to erase things in our past that we never want uncovered.  It may even be something so low and out of character, you fear if people discover the truth, they will be shocked and may even say they never really knew you, and you never see or hear from them again.

In the latest from Nicola Marsh, this is the exact fear Adele has.  Once a Burlesque Bombshell dancer, she has worked hard to make a name for herself as an honest, hard working accountant.  She keeps on track as best she can and always remains focused. 

Then she falls at the hands of temptation when do-me-now- Reid winks in her direction. But Reid is a politician who could never get involved with the likes of her, especially if he learns the awful truth of who she once was.  So what to do about their one night stand surprise?  Tell him and risk the truth of her past being revealed leaving their child hanging in the balance, or simply walk away and start over?

The character of Adele was really awesome, the kind of heroine that all woman with a terrible past can learn from. She rises from the ashes and fights her way to the top in an honest and hard-working way.  Her past was less than pretty but it was also hard-working, even if it wasn't honest and classy. Adele comes across as a loving person who would do anything for those she cares about, even stain her life in a manner that can never be fully erased, no matter how good she tries to be.

Reid was a true kiss-me-now and kiss-me-senseless kind of hero. I loved that he has to call his friends in as backup for relationship advice.  Though it showed him as a little clueless, it also made him more real since many times in real life, men are indeed clueless and need some advice. Unlike the perfect heroes we find in some reads( I know we all still love those) who somehow act both incorrectly and at the same time correctly, Reid was just plain old, real life, I-want-the-girl-and-I-want-her-any-way-I-can-get-her material. I simply adored it.  Well done Nicola!

The backdrop settings and dialogue were sexy and so passionate it left me breathless. I am taking away the message that the past is in the past, don't let it hold you back from seeking your future. If it is within your grasp then take the risk and let it all out.  You might or might not be forgiven and still seen as the person you wanted to be, but at least you shall be free from always looking over your shoulder and hoping the truth stays hidden.

I recommend this read for fans of Nicola Marsh's more risqué writing.  Unlike her Harlequin's, this read contains swear words and much hotter sex scenes than what you are use to. But if you simply adore anything this author writes, I can guarantee you will not be disappointed and I urge you to get a copy of this read right away!

5/5 stars review

"He can be the one to take away her past and show her the best future" 

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Review by TashNz

Blush is Book 2 of Nicola Marsh's Burlesque Bombshell sizzling series.  

Starting off where book 1, Brash, finished Jess sticks to her word and introduces her brother Reid to Adele, Burlesque Bombshell's accountant.  Reid is an up and coming politician with his sights set on Senate.  Adele has seen him speak before and was completely smitten... so a one-night stand? Why not!  They're on a secluded island of paradise; at a wedding and will probably never see each other again so both Adele and Reid let go for a night and they get right on down to business in a secluded  island cave.  

This is usually the point where you walk away, and remember it fondly as one of the best one-night-stands EVER and move on with your life.  Not for Adele and Reid, they cant forget each other, it's an impossible feat so Reid pursues Adele relentlessly and roadblocks are blocking every corner.  A politician heading for senate needs to keep his track record clean... seeing someone who works at Burlesque Bombshell's isn't going to achieve that.  And Adele has her own little secrets she's not ready to share.  

Reid is quite a mesmerising hero.  He knows what he wants.  He wants Adele and he knows he can kick all the roadblocks out of the way... but what will he think of the complete smashed up road block he's about to encounter???  Adele is such a hard lil worker and has achieved so much you genuinely want her to have her happy ever after and right till the end you're hoping she'll help Reid smash all walls down.

With a set up of mainly Vegas you know anything goes and it does in Blush.  It's a hot, fast paced, edge-of-your-seat rocking good read!   Blush is also a fun read, a sizzling HOT read... in terms of chilli hot level, this is high combustion level!

I loved the recurring characters from Brash and I cant wait to read Chantel and Zane's story in 2014.

Dont walk past this series if you want a bit of fun and escapism, Brash and Blush perfectly hit the spot.

4 stars

Conveniently His Princess

Reviewed by Nas

CONVENIENTLY HIS PRINCESS is by author Olivia Gates for the Harlequin Desire series releasing in September  2013.

Aram Nazaryan was living away from his beloved land. Then he was given a Royal decree, to marry a Princess and get back to his country.

Would Aram follow this decree? And would he agree to marry ‘Kanza the monster’ as he remembered her?

Kanza Aal Ajmaan was intrigued by Aram, but she was content to hide her attraction and love for him and be his best buddy. Then he followed her to their home country and proposed. And she accepted. But what will happen when Kanza find out that Aram was advised to marry her?

CONVENIENTLY HIS PRINCESS is a sensual romance packed with sizzle and sexual tension. The witty dialogues makes for fun reading and the emotion would bring tears. Author Olivia Gates is a master-storyteller and she keeps bringing us hot heros and strong heroines. I eagerly await her next offering!

Highly recommended for lovers of romance.


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Reviewed by Nancy Crocker

I have been a big fan of Olivia Gates for a while now. And I loved her First book in the series titled To Tame A Sheikh. And figured this one would be just as good if not better. But I have to admit I was somewhat disappointed. There were parts of this book that were really good, other parts not so much.

Aram Nazaryan has always considered Zohayd home. But after being slandered by Maysoon his ex fiancé he left the country he had grown to love. Ten years later Aram is being offered the chance to return to Zohayd as the Minister of Economy but in order for Aram to take the job he needs to either be Zohaydan or marry a Zohaydan Princess. His best friend Shasheen, whom also happens to be his brother in law has the perfect solution marry Kanza, “Kanza the Monster”

Kanza Aal Ajmaan is no monster. She was given the nickname by her spoiled self-centered half sister Maysoon. She is stunningly beautiful, nothing like the eighteen year old Aram remembers. Kanza had fallen in love with Aram but after the way he humiliated Maysoon ten years ago Kanza wants nothing to do with him.

Shasheen and Johara think that Aram and Kanza would make a perfect match.  So Johara sets a plan in motion to have these two meet. And after coming face to face with Kanza, Aram definitely wants her as his wife. But what will happen to her marriage when Kanza learns the truth behind it?

At first I struggled to get into the story. There would be a few brief glimpses of the Olivia Gates writing style that I fell in love with. But the book did not have an even flow to it. The Wedding was just corny for lack of a better word. The first parts of the book wasted so much time on what Aram was thinking. At times there seemed to be a lack of chemistry between the Hero and Heroine. But once these two hooked up it really took off. The passionate scenes were very well written. The banter between these two was interesting. I will continue to be a big fan of Olivia’s and this book is worth reading, it just was not her best.

Favorite line:

“Have I told you lately just how out of my mind in love with you I am?’

3.5/5 stars

I received an ARC of this book from the NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Desere

This was a absolutely amazing read from the brilliant author Olivia Gates. A story betrayal, secrets and ambition. I adored the main characters and found myself completely fascinated with the author's manner of building both characters as individuals in such a manner that both seemed to be in a world of their own yet at the same time already together.

The sexual heat and intense tension left me in awe of the author's writing and the very real emotion she packs into her characters. The flow of this read for wonderful, everything fell into place at the perfect moment.

I recommend this read for any romance fan that loves a excellent married for convenience. A definite winner!

" Will he loose her when she learns his secret?"

5 star review
**Copy provided by Netgalley