Ryan by Giulia Logomarsino

The final installment in this series completely wrecked me. It took me awhile to come to grips with the ending. I'm not going to give any spoilers, but it doesn't have a happily ever after ending that most romance novels have.
Ryan has been craving what his circle of friends have--a committed relationship. Ryan has been chasing Cassandra for almost two years. He knows that she has feelings for him, but she never acts on them or even accepts his dates except group dates with his friends. He finally finds out why she refused to date him--she has a son.
Cassandra must protect her son even from his own father, Michael-the man who has has nothing to do with him since birth. Now, he not only wants to see Max but also wants joint custody! After she has struggled for the past ten years to raise him. Ryan joked that they should get married so it will show the courts a more stable environment. Why not Ryan is incredibly sexy and gorgeous. It has taken every once of will power to turn down his requests for dates. He has a solution for all her custody troubles.
The first few days start out incredibly rough, Ryan and Max begin to bond over reading Harry Potter. Ryan takes Max to school every day, does things with her boy. This arrangement was only supposed to be until the custody battle was over, but Cassie is falling for Ryan.
Tragedy befalls the family....how can they survive?

Sean by Giulia Logomarsino

Sean has been with Vira for over a year and a half, yet he cannot get her to commit to him. What guy wouldn't want Vira--she's incredible in bed and a little spitfire. Sean can barely get her to talk to him. The only think he knows about her job is that she hates it. He can't get her to open up to him. He finally walks away from her. Only she keeps coming back--he keeps letting her in.
Sean meets the quiet librarian looking high school English teacher during an investigation at the school. He continues to run into her. She completely intrigues him. Lillian drives him insane with constantly correcting his grammar, and her prim, proper exterior. He knows that there's a wildcat hidden underneath all those proper clothes. Does she even own any jeans? Lillian is the exact opposite of Vira in every way.
Lillian hates Sean from the moment she lays eyes on him. He is arrogant, cocky, and a womanizer. Why can't she say no to him? Why is she incredibly attracted to him? She has to decide if he's worth it since Vira keeps coming back. Vira gives him something that Lillian refuses to.
Vira usually plays the field--different guy each night. For the past year and half, Sean is the only one warming her up. Sean wants something that she can't give him. Yet, this new gal can. To top it all off, their circle of friends have completely embraced this new girl. If she wants to keep Sean she will have to give him what he wants--needs. Will it cost her?

Book review: Sebastian by Giulia Logomariso

Sebastian Reed is the owner of Reed Securities. His current assignment takes back to the field and away from his desk. Sebastian has been working 12-16 hours a day at his office to run his security business, but he rarely leaves his desk. He thinks that due to having limited eye sight in his left eye, he shouldn't be in the field. Sebastian has no choice. All of his employees are already on assignment. Sebastian needs to take the meeting at a Pittsburgh newspaper for protection detail of a reporter--Maggie.
Maggie is a headstrong, stubborn strawberry redhead that has a knack for finding trouble. She is an incredible reporter. Her current story is investigating the corrupt mayor. Before she could find enough evidence, she was shot at and her home was ransacked. Her editor hires Reed Securities to keep her safe...or so she thinks. The more Maggie digs into the mayor the more she finds out about those within the mayor's circle and those the mayor is blackmailing. The more danger she gets in. She is shot at multiple times. Sebastian saves her life and helps her find the money trail. But while in the safe house, sparks fly between the two.
How can Sebastian keep her safe when all he wants to do is tear her clothes off? How can she be with Sebastian when his business is in a small town an hour away from Pittsburgh?

Every Tear You Cry J.E. Parker

I cried, laughed, was angered, and disgusted--disgusted by the actions of the characters. Ok, two characters in particular. I do think that I would have had a better understanding of the characters had I read the previous four books--which are now in my Amazon list. 

Some of the content was a bit difficult to read--the details from Clara's abusive marriage and the things her husband did to her. But these horrific events shaped Clara into the strong and independent woman that she is. I did have to walk away from the book a few times when some of those scenes were particularly graphic or when children are involved. It was gratifying to see how much Clara changed and became a stronger woman. In the end, she stood up for herself and the children. Something that not every abuse victim is able to do. 

Clara is a woman trapped. For years she was trapped in an abusive marriage to Colin with her two little boys. She did everything to protect her angelic boys from their father. She made sure that she took all of Colin's anger. Finally, she was able to leave and live into a battered women's shelter. The shelter saved her life. Saved her boys.
Three years later, she has finally gotten herself together. She has a shabby apartment (an apartment that she is able to pay for herself), a job at the shelter, and friends. Too bad her creepy landlord keeps asking for his rent in forms other than money and most of her appliances are broken. Oh, and she barely has any food for their little family. Money is extremely tight lately since her hours were cut at the shelter.  It takes everything to accept help from her best friend Hope and her fiance, Evan. Evan even threatens to call his twin brother if Clara doesn't accept his help. Evan's brother is everything Clara can't have. He's a successful lawyer with an adorable little girl, Bella. Brantley is too gorgeous for her. Too nice....too everything. He makes her stupid whenever he's around. Lucky for her that Brantley lives in Memphis. She lives in Georgia.
Brantley decided that he wanted to move closer to family especially his twin brother Evan. Evan's fiancee just gave birth to his nephew a few months ago. Brantley wants his daughter Bella to know her cousin and be around his brother's new family. What better way than to buy the house across the street from Evan and Hope. Brantley isn't sure what he's more excited about--seeing his family or being closer to Clara and her boys. He met Clara through Evan and their circle of friends. Every time Clara is more gorgeous. Even better, she treats his daughter like her own. Every interaction he has with her makes his heart melt. He will do what ever it takes to make her his.
Clara doesn't know what to think about Brantley opening a law firm and hiring her to manage it. Or the fact that she's Bella's part time nanny. Now, she can afford to move out of that dump. Away from Icky Dickie. But the couple have a few issues to resolve beginning with Brantley's crazy gold digging ex-wife. A woman who calls Bella names and neglects the sweet little girl. A little girl who only wants her mother to pay attention to her--act like a mother. Something that Clara has been doing from the moment she met Bella. Clara's boys already treat Bella like a little sister. But after Brantley refuses to give his ex more money things go down hill for the couple. His ex comes to town with the sole purpose of hurting Clara and getting more money.
Will his ex tear them apart? Or will Clara's nightmares and insecurities break their relationship? Can Brantley heal the broken pieces of Clara? Can he give her boys the security they need?

book Review: Vows on the Ice by S.R. Grey

I loved Brent and Audrey in Book 1. I was looking forward to reading this latest installment from the series. Of course with the reappearance of Area 51 at the most inopportune moments--meeting Brent's super conservative aunt with young twins! Audrey's dress is lost in the mail...oh and Brent hurts himself simply skating at his childhood home. How can we forget the bachelorette party that Lainey planned which didn't end until after 6 am the next day.
I am grateful that I read the previous books. If not, I would have struggled a bit with each couple's dynamics and their back stories. This book focused mainly on Brent and Audrey with Lainey and Nolan as well as Eliza and Benny.
My only disappointment comes from the actual wedding ceremony was described in less than two paragraphs. I was hoping for more details since the build up of the entire book was to the wedding ceremony.
I still laugh my butt off at all the antics the three girls got themselves into. How the guys handle not only the girls but the various situations presented. 

Drew Giulia Lagomarsino

Drew has been mourning his wife's death for over six years. She was his entire life. They had dreams and were beginning to attain them. One of many was start a family. But during her routine check-up, the doctor found a lump. Sadly, the breast cancer was fast spreading and the love of his life was gone from his life less than six months later. Now, Drew works for his buddies at their construction company. He bought a plot of land, he is still haunted by her ghost. He relishes every night with her.The warm breeze is Iris holding him at sunset. He just wants to hold her a bit longer every night. My new neighbor interrupted by night with Iris. Everything about my neighbor pisses me off...I have no idea why or how she gets under my skin so much. 

Sarah's life was perfect. She loves her job and brownstone in Brooklyn. The one thing that she has wanted is finally coming true...she's pregnant. Her husband, Todd takes her out to celebrate, but their night of celebration turns to tragedy and changes everything about her life. 

Sarah lives in the middle of nowhere, small po-dunk town--next to the grouchiest and most attractive man she has laid eyes on. He is always mad at her. Yet, he's always there to help her with her car, paint the interior of her house, and even build an addition to her house. No matter how close she becomes to Drew, she can't tell him about her past. If she does, WitSec will relocate them and she will never see Drew or his friends again. Friends that taking her in and becoming her friends too. She is comfortable with them. But Sarah hasn't properly mourned Todd's death. She needs to deal with that and make plans on how to properly take care of her babies. She can't deny there is an overwhelming attraction to Drew. The feelings she has for Drew are almost deeper than how she has ever felt with Todd. But Sarah is confused about that too. She knows that she needs to focus on her mental and emotional well-being before entering a relationship with Drew. 
Will Drew be willing to wait for her? How long is he willing to wait?

Book Review Logan Giulia Lagomarsino

Logan made the biggest mistake of his life when he was a teen. He dumped the only woman he has truly loved and told her that he wasn't woman enough for him because she was inexperienced and shy when it comes to sex. Logan has regretted that decision for years. Although, it wasn't until recently that he realized how utterly stupid he was for tossing Cecelia to the side. He was just as inexperienced as she was, being young and stupid--he wanted the flaming chemistry and passion. Now, he gets that from a different woman --many different women. He doesn't stay with women for more than a week or so at a time. Though he has longed for the passion, he realizes now that Cecelia gave him something more than passion--herself. 

Ten years ago, Cece's first love shattered her heart. It has taken years to overcome what he did and said to her. Ok, in a way, she still isn't over it. How can a man say that she's not woman enough?? That's cruel. Because of him, Cece has changed everything about herself--from the way she dresses to her confidence. She knows she looks good and she dresses to make herself feel sexy but not slutty. She changed so much that when Cece moved back to her hometown, Logan didn't recognize her. That's where her revenge plot began. She wanted him to feel how she felt when he shattered her heart. What Cece doesn't take into consideration is how much both of them have changed in the last decade. How compassionate and considerate Logan is...he continually brings her dinner when she works late and he saved her from an attempted rape. Keeps her safe from her stalker. She still finishes her revenge plot. Revenge is more than bittersweet--it feels horrible. Cece realizes that she needs to tell Logan the entire truth about her and their past. But can Logan forgive her? Can they rebuild such a broken and dysfunctional relationship?

Love Under Contract by Dean Hodel

Michael Travers left home shortly after his mother passed away when he was a teen. He asked his girlfriend to go with him. But she needed to stay and take care of her younger siblings and her single mother. That was the day that Michael's heart was broken. He sealed it off for any other woman. 

Years later, Sadonna Alston has worked hard her entire life. It is finally beginning to pay off. She has her dream job--part owner of Quality Homes. But a rival company Family, Inc. is trying to force her and her partners to sell to them. Family, Inc. head negotiator is non other than Michael Travers. The man who shattered her heart as a teenager when he left her. Yes, he asked her to go with him, but she needed more time. Time that he didn't give her. He looks even better now than he did then. She can't fall for him again. She doesn't have time. She has even more at stake this time around than she did then. She is raising her nephew while her sister is recovering from her drug addiction. She needs to protect her company from not only Michael but from Family, Inc. But what happens when her partner, Lily asks for Michael's assistance during the negotiation talks? How can Sadonna work with the man who is still just as sweet, and caring...where will that leave her if she does fall for him again?  

book review: Vows on Ice by S.R. Grey

I loved Brent and Audrey in Book 1. I was looking forward to reading this latest installment from the series. Of course with the reappearance of Area 51 at the most inopportune moments--meeting Brent's super conservative aunt with young twins! Audrey's dress is lost in the mail...oh and Brent hurts himself simply skating at his childhood home. How can we forget the bachelorette party that Lainey planned which didn't end until after 6 am the next day.
I am grateful that I read the previous books. If not, I would have struggled a bit with each couple's dynamics and their back stories. This book focused mainly on Brent and Audrey with Lainey and Nolan as well as Eliza and Benny.
My only disappointment comes from the actual wedding ceremony was described in less than two paragraphs. I was hoping for more details since the build up of the entire book was to the wedding ceremony.
I still laugh my butt off at all the antics the three girls got themselves into. How the guys handle not only the girls but the various situations presented. 

One more Moment by Samantha Chase

One More Moment Samantha Chase

Band on The Run Book 3 of Shaughnessy Brothers Series

I want to begin this posting with how much I love, love, love this author! I have read and own all of the Montgomery Brothers Series and almost all of the Shaughnessy Brothers Series. I have the rest of the Band on the Run series in my Amazon wish list including this book. I couldn't pass it up when this novel came across my email as an ARC. Of course, Chase does not disappoint! Even though, I have not read the first two books in Band on the Run series, I was still able to follow and relish this book. If you haven't read Riley's story --Book 4 of Shaughnessy Brothers, then you may struggle a bit not too much. Chase does build up each novel from the previous. Although, not too much that if you miss a novel or beginning to read in the middle of the series, you as a reader are not lost. Chase does give a brief recap of what's been happening to each of the characters from both series. If you are just starting on either series, you will be able to completely follow the characters and storyline. 

I believe this is the last novel in both series--unless Mick gets his own novel. That might be interesting! 

Julian Grayson is the drummer of Shaughnessy--a premier rock band that was named after their lead singer, Riley Shaughnessy. The band has taken a five year hiatus and now all the member but one is ready to get back into the studio. Julian is scared and feels like a fool. He has spent the last five years with a woman who has constantly lied and cheated on him. He feels ashamed to show his face. He wants to hide from the media, studio, and everything associated with music. After leaving his toxic bride-to-be at the alter after showing a video of her cheating on him at his wedding, Julian takes a three month road trip on his motorcycle to clear his head. He thinks it helped--but did it? He is still angry and miserable. He moves out of the house he bought for Dena and into his manager's rental on the beach. 

Charlotte Clarke is a vocational rehabilitation social worker who also volunteers at a local homeless shelter. Her passion is helping people find work and get back on their feet. She is surrounded by poverty everyday, but she still travels to Malibu every morning for her beach fix and coffee. It centers her.  She always puts her heart and soul into helping as many people as possible. Even when enjoying her morning ritual. 

Charlotte helps the man in front her get his morning coffee and breakfast. He looks homeless and down on his luck. But what she doesn't realize is that Julian doesn't need help with finding a job. He needs help finding himself. She invites him to the shelter for the job hunting session. Julian feels like he accomplished something that day, helping unload the truck and clean the building. He returns everyday for a week before Hank, the shelter director realizes who he is. Julian is forced to reveal his true identity to Charlotte. He wants to spend more time with her but he isn't sure she will accept him due to his celebrity status or the size of his bank account. But there are other issues in their way as well--namely Julian himself. Julian doesn't talk about his feelings nor does he communicate. Instead, he buys Charlotte gifts--gifts she neither wants nor needs. She feels insulted every time he does it. 
Another issues for Julian--is he going to retire from the band when he has spent his entire life with music? Will he let his lifelong friends down? How can he face the music industry after what Dena did to him? Can he get over it enough to build a relationship with Charlotte?

Highly recommend!!