Review ~ The Thing About Love by Julie James

Goodreads Summary: 

Two undercover FBI agents can hide who they are from everyone but each other in the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Suddenly One Summer. 

FBI agents Jessica Harlow and John Shepherd have a past. The former lawyer and cocky Army ranger clashed during their training at Quantico, gladly going their separate ways after graduating from the Academy. Six years later, the last thing either of them expects is to run into each other again–assigned to work as partners in a high-profile undercover sting.

For both of them, being paired with a former rival couldn’t come at a worse time. Recently divorced from a Hollywood producer and looking for a fresh start, Jessica is eager to prove herself at her new field office. And John is just one case away from his dream assignment to the FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team. In order to nail a corrupt Florida politician, they’ll have to find a way to work as a team–a task that becomes even trickier when they’re forced to hole up at a romantic, beachfront resort as part of the investigation. Suddenly, the heat behind their nonstop sparring threatens to make the job a whole lot more complicated.

My Rating - 5 stars!

My Review:

Oh, my. Do I love this author or what?! That was my reaction after completing this book last night.

I love her FBI/US Attorney series and I knew I would end up loving this too. I fricking love this book.

Firstly I want to talk about Jessica Harlow. I was in awe of the character. She is a strong willed person. She becomes a Special Agent on her sheer will and graduates at the top. The way she handles the cases and rules in a world filled with men, it's just admirable. Six years ago, she doesn't get on the right foot with a certain someone in the Academy. But she thinks everything is in the past. She couldn't have been more wrong. She is back home in Chicago now divorced and has her first her first assignment as an undercover agent lined up but guess who she gets partnered up with? That's right. That Certain someone from the Academy! John Shephard.

John Shephard is a very hard working person and he puts his whole heart and soul in everything he does. He is set to try out for HRT(Hostage Rescue Team) but he needs to complete his potentially last undercover assignment and he was just settling with the idea of having a partner for the first time and it turns out to be his nemesis from the past. 

The characters were just so perfect together. Smart, witty, sarcastic to the core, adorable ad endearing. John just can't help but feel very protective towards Jessica. Jessica has had enough of men and heartbreak for a year after the divorce and she certainly doesn't need a smart-ass, cocky, Thor look-alike, in her life. But what can one do when you are put together on an assignment with a romantic setting and the chemistry so sizzling. And then the said Thor look-alike turns out to be such a nice person.

This book like every other book by her was swoon-worthy, filled with humor and full of banter. It also shows in the book the effort the author has taken to write it. You get a lot of in-depth story from both the characters' side. All the side characters were amazing! I loved getting to meet them. And! you get a lot of cameos from FBI/US Attorney series too! If you haven't read that series yet, you gotta go read it NOW! It's amazing. 

 Some of my favourite quotes

*

“Can we just give the guy a good ass-kicking and be done with it ?"

"Unfortunately, I think they expect us to be gentlemen here."

"So we'll put on suits and ties before we kick his ass.” 

*

“He traced his thumb over her skin. “Do you know how long I’ve waited for you to look at me this way?” 

*

“The thing I want most is to spend the rest of my life with the one person who drives me crazy in all the best possible ways.” 

*

"In response to his dry tone, she threw him a glare so cold it could’ve frozen all nine circles of Dante’s Hell. Fittingly, just nine of the many places he would rather be than stuck working with her on this investigation."

*

Review ~ The Trouble with Mistletoe (Heartbreaker Bay, #2) by Jill Shalvis

Goodreads Summary: 

If she has her way ...

Willa Davis is wrangling puppies when Keane Winters stalks into her pet shop with frustration in his chocolate-brown eyes and a pink bedazzled cat carrier in his hand. He needs a kitty sitter, stat. But the last thing Willa needs is to rescue a guy who doesn’t even remember her ...

He’ll get nothing but coal in his stocking.

Saddled with his great-aunt’s Feline from Hell, Keane is desperate to leave her in someone else’s capable hands. But in spite of the fact that he’s sure he’s never seen the drop-dead-gorgeous pet shop owner before, she seems to be mad at him ...

Unless he tempers “naughty” with a special kind of nice ...

Willa can’t deny that Keane’s changed since high school: he’s less arrogant, for one thing—but can she trust him not to break her heart again? It’s time to throw a coin in the fountain, make a Christmas wish—and let the mistletoe do its work.

My Rating - 4 stars!

My Review:

By now (if you've read my Jill Shalvis review, seen my Instagram or blog) everyone knows that JS is my favourite author and I sink into her book worlds as if I'm a part of it. It's basically my happy place.
All her books are my top favourite. And I recommend them all to every Adult Romance readers.

After meeting Willa in the first book, I was certainly curious to find out more about her and read her story. Willa is a pet shop owner and a member of a little group of friends in San Francisco.  Growing up in foster care, Willa has been through rough times and that's why is set on helping other foster children but keeping a distance from everybody. Everything is A-okay until certain someone from her past enters her shop with his aunt's cat. 

Keane is a very diligent person working nonstop with his flipping houses projects. And has been through some rough times himself too. He was living life alone very nicely until his aunt just drops her cat to keep in his care and he doesn't know what to do with it. He goes to one pet care shop he knows and sees that the owner is very pretty but has some grudge against him.

Both Keane and Willa can't stay away despite their efforts. They both have commitment issues and they have to overcome it or stay away from each other. Keane puts himself out there first and is able to break through the issues and show Willa that they are more than just friends-with-benefits.
Although I liked the story and both Keane and Willa were very sweet and likable, I just didn't find their chemistry as sizzling as Fin and Pru's or Archer and Elle's. They still made me happy though. 

It was a great read. You meet the whole group, Fin, Pru, Archer, Elle, Spence and of course Eddie. I loved reading all about them. Reading this book was nice and happy time for me. 

 Some of my favourite quotes

*

"You’re the most unforgettable person I’ve ever met."

*

"Who’s a good boy,” Willa was saying to the dog in a light, silly voice that had the dog panting happily into her face. 

“That’s right,” she cooed, “you are, aren’t you? Aren’t you a good boy?” 

“Well I don’t like to brag,” Keane said, leaning against the doorjamb. “But I do have my moments.”

*

“Is there anyone there with you?" she asked.

He turned his phone so she could see that he was in his bedroom at Vallejo Street, alone except for Pita sleeping on his pillow.

"I thought she wasn't allowed on your pillow."

"She's not," he said. "But apparently she's the ruler and I'm just her bitch.” 

*

“I really am all sorts of messed up…"

"Well you’re not alone there.” 

*

STACKING THE SHELVES #3

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by  Tynga's Reviews and it's all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

Hello Everyone!

I went to a per kilo book sale in January and February so this week I am going to write about the paperbacks I bought since January.

1. January Haul

I just love a good book sale. I got all of this for so cheap, sure some of them are second-hand books but overall it was a great haul!

2. February Haul

Love this haul because I just got a hardback for so cheap with all the other amazing books. I've got some Sophie Kinsella hardbacks in this sale and I can't wait to start reading them. I also got some new Authors like Freya North and Vanessa Diffenbaugh will get to them soon and review too. I am also now down to two books to get in The Iron Fey series, can't wait to start with that series too.

3. March Haul

This was my birthday month(1st of March) so I got Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh as a gift from my best friend, the series I was waiting to collect in paperbacks the most! If you've seen me blabber about Psy-Changeling series or any books by Nalini Singh here or on Instagram, you know I LOVE her books so I was ecstatic to get the first book. Then I won the amazon giveaway just a day before my birthday so couldn't help but gift myself with two more Psy-Changeling books. So this was the BEST haul of 2017 till now for me. It also was free, so it's just like a cherry on the top!

This is my paperback haul of 2017, next week I'll be back with some new releases ebook haul. I would love to know yours so comment the links down below!

Waiting on Wednesday #35 ~ Pipe Dreams (Brooklyn Bruisers #3) by Sarina Bowen

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: Pipe Dreams (Brooklyn Bruisers, #3)
(Click on the title to know more about it on goodreads.)
 Author:  Sarina Bowen

Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Sports
Publication Date:  May 2nd, 2017

Goodreads Summary:

A goalie has to trust his instincts, even when taking a shot to the heart…

Mike Beacon is a champion at defending the net, but off the ice, he’s not so lucky. A widower and a single father, he’s never forgotten Lauren Williams, the ex who gave him the best year of his life. When Lauren reappears in the Bruisers office during the playoffs, Beacon sees his chance to make things right.

Lauren hates that she’s forced to travel with the team she used to work for and the man who broke her heart. There’s still undeniable sexual tension running between her and Mike, but she won’t go down that road again. She’s focused on her plans for the future—she doesn’t need a man to make her dreams of motherhood come true.

Lauren plays her best defensive game, but she’s no match for the dark-eyed goalie. When the field of play moves to Florida, things heat up on the beach.

One of Mike’s biggest fans doesn’t approve—his teenage daughter. But a true competitor knows not to waste the perfect shot at love.

I'm waiting because...

I really loved the first two books. This is the first series by this author that I'm reading and I absolutely love it. I can't wait to read this story because the hints which we get in the second book has gotten me all anticipated for this book.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Blog Tour: Any Day Now (Sullivan's Crossing #2) by Robyn Carr | Book Review

Goodreads Summary: 

The highly anticipated sequel to #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr's What We Find transports readers back to Sullivan's Crossing. The rustic campground at the crossroads of the Colorado and Continental Divide trails welcomes everyone—whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or a whole new lease on life. It's a wonderful place where good people face their challenges with humor, strength and love. 

For Sierra Jones, Sullivan's Crossing is meant to be a brief stopover. She's put her troubled past behind her but the path forward isn't yet clear. A visit with her big brother Cal and his new bride, Maggie, seems to be the best option to help her get back on her feet. 

Not wanting to burden or depend on anyone, Sierra is surprised to find the Crossing offers so much more than a place to rest her head. Cal and Maggie welcome her into their busy lives and she quickly finds herself bonding with Sully, the quirky campground owner who is the father figure she's always wanted. But when her past catches up with her, it's a special man and an adorable puppy who give her the strength to face the truth and fight for a brighter future. In Sullivan's Crossing Sierra learns to cherish the family you are given and the family you choose.

My Rating - 3.5 stars!

My Review:

Any Day Now is the second installment of Sullivan's Crossing and its a story of Cal's sister, Sierra Jones. I haven't read the first book, which is Cal's book, but after reading this book I want to read and know his story for sure.

Sierra Jones has come to Sullivan's Crossing to stay and get reconnected with her brother Cal and meet his wife Maggie, also to run away from her past problems but little did she know that it would become her home. She is very determined to be independent by not leaning on anybody for help. She is an alcoholic but is 9 months sober and wants to maintain that and move forward. She then meets Sully, Maddie's father and he immediately takes her under his wing and is a very nice father figure for her. I really loved their part. Soon she meets swoon-worthy Conrad(Connie) and she is enthralled by him. Then Molly, a golden retriever, whom she rescues from her abusive owner. 

Sierra was a very strong-willed character with vulnerabilities in sight. It was very unique how a character can be so strong but had weaknesses too and that just made it more realistic. She was hurt badly in the past, hence she wasn't able to trust people and let go but you see in this book how she grows and finally accepts people around to be her family, not just Cal but with Sully, Connie and Maggie too. She fights her past very heroically too. 

Conrad is a firefighter, a paramedic and a search and rescue volunteer. He has his fair share of troubled past but he was really very sweet and supportive of Sierra. He was a very nice and perfect addition to Sierra's and Molly's life. I loved how they started out, everything was cute. But I would have liked to read more parts of him. I was a little unsatisfied with his pov, I wanted more.

You also get a cute side story of Tom and Lola. Also, you get a lot of Cal, Sully, Maggie, Connie, everyone was very nice and I loved to read about them. Loved the storyline, it covered a lot of abusive parts and a lot of romantic parts with a perfect ending. A great short and sweet story for people looking for a good contemporary novel!

*Received an ARC of the copy from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

THIRSTY THURSDAY AND HUNGRY HEARTS ~ #3

It is hosted by Unconventional Bookviews . The idea of Thirsty Thursday and Hungry Hearts is to share a quote with food or drinks that showed up in a recent read, as well as if it’s something you think you’d like or not. 

So without further ado:

This week, my quote is from my top favourite book in this year so far, Devil in Spring from The Ravenels series by Lisa Kleypas. Its a historical romance story. Gabriel, son of Sebastian and Evie from Devil in Winter(Wallflowers series) is our hero and Pandora a wild spirited, independent and a very sweet girl is our heroine. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Now you enjoy reading about the feast.

The Challons’ cook and kitchen staff had outdone themselves with a variety of dishes featuring spring vegetables and local fish and game. Although the cook back home at Eversby Priory was excellent, the food at Heron’s Point was a cut above. There were colorful vegetables cut into tiny julienne strips, tender artichoke hearts roasted with butter, steaming crayfish in a sauce of white burgundy and truffles, and delicate filets of sole coated with crisp breadcrumbs. Pheasant covered with strips of bacon and roasted to juicy, smoky perfection was served with a side of boiled potatoes that had been whipped with cream and butter into savory melting fluff. Beef roasts with peppery crackled hides were brought out on massive platters, along with golden-crusted miniature game pies, and macaroni baked with Gruyère cheese in clever little tart dishes.

Thanks for stopping by! Leave links to your Thirsty Thursdays, I'll be sure to check it out!

Waiting on Wednesday #34 ~ All Closed Off (Rusk University #4) by Cora Carmack

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: All Closed Off (Rusk University, #4)
(Click on the title to know more about it on goodreads.)
 Author:  Cora Carmack

Genre:  Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Publication Date:  May 1st, 2017

Goodreads Summary:

Stella Santos is fine.

Maybe something terrible happened to her that she can’t even remember. And maybe it drives her crazy when her friends treat her like she’s on the verge of breaking because of it. Maybe it feels even worse when they do what she asks and pretend that it never happened at all. And maybe she’s been getting harassing emails and messages for months from people who don’t even know her, but hate her all the same.

But none of that matters because she’s just fine.

For Ryan Blake, Stella was always that girl. Vibrant and hilarious and beautiful. He wanted her as his best friend. His more than friends. His everything and anything that she would give him. Which these days is a whole lot of nothing. She gets angry when he’s there. Angry when he’s not there. Angry when he tries to talk and when he doesn’t.

When Stella devises an unconventional art project for one of her classes all about exploring intimacy—between both friends and strangers—Ryan finds himself stepping in as guinea pig after one of her subjects bails. What was supposed to be an objective and artistic look at emotion and secrets and sex suddenly becomes much more personal. When he hits it off with another girl from the project, Stella will have to decide if she’s willing to do more than make art about intimacy. To keep him, she’ll have to open up and let herself be the one thing she swore she’d never be again.

Vulnerable. 

I'm waiting because...

I really love this author's writing. I love this series, you can check out my reviews of this series too and I have waited for Stella and Ryan's book since the first book so really really excited for this most anticipated book in the series' release.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

TOP TEN TUESDAY #18 ~ TOP TEN FANDOM I AM INTO

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's topic is Top Ten fandoms I am into.

I love reading, binge watching tv shows and movies, so there are quite a few fandoms I am into.

1.Psy-Changeling series:

I LOVE LOVE this series. Like this is my TOP favourite series and so this is at the top my fandom list. I follow this series by following the author, Nalini Singh's blog, have endless discussions with my best friend who loves this series just as much and have endless discussions again with readers who love this series too.
                       

2. Supernatural:  

Love this series, love Jensen, Jared and Misha everybody in the show. I used to watch it on tv then started rewatching it with my friend and love it even more. I follow Jensen and Jared on twitter and Instagram they're just as fun as Dean and Sam.

3. Lucky Harbor:

This series made me fall in love with small town light romance stories. I love the author, Jill Shalvis, I follow her on various social media, she is really fun which shows in her books.

4. Marvel's Avengers:

I like DC too of course, cause it has Batman and Superman and Wonderwoman but I prefer Marvel. I really like this world and watch every movie, I cannot go without watching them. Captain America, Black Widow and Hawkeye are my favourite. 

5. DC TV shows:

I might prefer Marvel with the movies but I do love DC TV shows, Arrow, The Flash and Supergirl all three are my favourite shows. Though I have yet to catch up with the new seasons, I do really like to think I am into the fandom cause I kinda follow all three shows storylines everywhere and discuss a lot about them with my bookstagram friends.

6. Lisa Kleypas Historical Books:

I just started reading her historical books last year, but now I cannot stop reading them at all. So a major fan of her Historical books.

7. Disney:

I love all the movies by Disney. Love watch and rewatching them since childhood. So this had to make the list. 

8. Marvel's X-Men:

I wasn't that into X-Men before last year, I started watching it with my best friend and now I LOVE X-Men, I even want to read the comics, wish they were all available here in India. 

9. Modern Family:

I love a lot of sitcoms but this is my top favourite. I watch all the episodes as soon as they're out.

10. Beverages:

I am not kidding. I love all the beverages, I in fact have a pin board on pinterest for just coffee and tea. Follow coffee and tea pages everywhere. I love kinds of beverages, hot and cold. From simple black coffee to a pink lemonade, Hot chocolate to Iced Tea to some crazy difficult drink, everything. Sadly I am lactose intolerant so can't drink a lot of milk drinks but I manage and love them.

So there you go. These are my top ten. What are yours?

Review ~ Forever a Hero (The Carsons of Mustang Creek, #3) by Linda Lael Miller

Goodreads Summary: 

For the youngest Carson brother, finding—and fixing—trouble seems to be all in a day's work 

Mace Carson is no hero. Back in college, he came upon a woman in trouble and intervened—but he was just one irate Wyoming cowboy with his boots planted firmly on the side of right. Now a successful vintner, Mace is shocked to be reunited with the woman he saved. But it turns out she's in Wyoming on business…a corporate executive representing the company that wants to buy his winery. Only, he's not selling. 

Kelly Wright has never forgotten that horrible night ten years ago when Mace came to her rescue, has never forgotten him. The surprising success of a winery in the middle of ranch country has brought her to Mustang Creek, and she's secretly thrilled to discover Mace at the helm. Reluctant to mix business with pleasure, Kelly vows to keep things professional, until her attacker is released from prison and comes for vengeance…against both of them.

My Rating - 4 stars!

My Review :

Forever a Hero is my first read by Linda Lael Miller, and I definitely see myself reading more books by her. This book is a third and final installment in this series and I really liked this book so I am gonna go back to book 1 and read the other two books.
Mustang Creek is a small town in Wyoming and Carson brothers are a major part of the town as we follow their stories in this series. This is a story of the youngest brother, Mace Carson, the wine mogul and Kelly Wright, the not-so-damsel in distress. 

Kelly is out to meet Mace and help him grow his business by offering him some deal, but little did she know she would be the one needing his help as soon as she reaches in the town. Her car goes hydroplaning nearly killing her but Mace our hero and a knight in shining armour, saves her. Just like he did once upon a time back in college when Kelly was in need of saving from an assailant.

Kelly is in town for business with Mace but soon both of them want things on a personal level too. Kelly is confused as she meets Mace's family, the town people, they're the kind of people she will never forget, the town itself has its own charm and most importantly Mace, they all make her want to stay and not return back to the life she has built for herself. 

Kelly and Mace are just sorting their story, her nightmare, her assailant, Lance Vreeman arrives into town with vengeance on his mind. I really liked how they handled Lance Vreeman situation too. Because even though this is a spoiler I have to say it, he gets a very deserving and funny end, I loved it. It was really a sweet and kind of an insta love story. The whole family was charming. I loved seeing all the side characters and can't wait to back to read their stories.  

*ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*