A Fool For You (Foolproof Love #3)
   by: Katee Robert

Publication Date: Oct. 3, 2016
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 141 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3/5 stars

It’s been thirteen years since Hope Moore left Devil’s Falls, land of sexy cowboys and bad memories. Back for the weekend, she has no intention of seeing the man she never got over…or the two of them getting down and dirty. It’s just a belated goodbye, right? No harm, no foul.

Until six weeks later, when her pregnancy test comes back positive…

Daniel Rodriguez hasn’t forgiven himself for how things went down with Hope all those years ago. He knows she’s better off without him, but when she shows up on his doorstep, panicking because she’s pregnant with his baby, he can’t help seeing it as a chance to make up for the past.

Too bad Hope has no intention of going along with his plans.  

 

 

I was really looking forward to Hope and Daniel's book after Fool Me Twice. There is so much history between these two and after the death of Hope's brother, things have never been the same. Daniel made some poor decisions and he has to live with those every day of his life along with the guilt he feels over his friend's death.

I would have enjoyed this one more, had it not been so rushed. For this kind of story, I really wanted to see more development and build up between the characters. Hope and Daniel were both frustrating to me. Neither one of them can admit they want the other to stay and start over. They loved one another once and those feelings never went away. Hope is hurt that Daniel left her all those years ago and she can't take his feeling sorry for her. She doesn't want him to be with her out of guilt. She wants his love and he is certainly not making that easy. Daniel doesn't feel worthy of Hope and he does still blame himself for her brother's death and the scars she still bears from that accident. I get that these two are facing a lot, but the execution just wasn't there for me. I was disappointed because of how excited I was for this book, but in the end, I am glad to see they got their HEA.

 

I also don't think one is very memorable. It's been a couple of weeks since I've read it and I really didn't remember much, except that it felt too fast. I'm looking forward to the next book by Robert. I do love her writing and hope the next one will be more to my liking.

Twisted Palace (The Royals #3)
   by: Erin Watt

Publication Date: Oct. 17, 2016
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Mature Young Adult
Source: e-ARC received via Nina Bocci in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 370 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3.5/5 stars

These Royals will ruin you…

From mortal enemies to unexpected allies, two teenagers try to protect everything that matters most.

Ella Harper has met every challenge that life has thrown her way. She’s tough, resilient, and willing to do whatever it takes to defend the people she loves, but the challenge of a long-lost father and a boyfriend whose life is on the line might be too much for even Ella to overcome.

Reed Royal has a quick temper and even faster fists. But his tendency to meet every obstacle with violence has finally caught up with him. If he wants to save himself and the girl he loves, he’ll need to rise above his tortured past and tarnished reputation.

No one believes Ella can survive the Royals. Everyone is sure Reed will destroy them all.
They may be right.

With everything and everyone conspiring to keep them apart, Ella and Reed must find a way to beat the law, save their families, and unravel all the secrets in their Twisted Palace.

 

 

This series has been the biggest guilty pleasure for me. I am so completely invested in these characters and all the drama that surrounds them. After the mega double cliffhanger of Broken Prince, I was so ready to get my hands on Twisted Palace.

 

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It wasn't my favorite because I didn't really like some of the developments that occurred. However, I was engaged the entire way through, even though I felt it was a bit of a slower paced read. The action and adventure really ramps up at the end and then I felt it just went too fast for me. I didn't feel resolved. I do think they will write more books with these characters (or I'm hoping so!).

I did love Ella and Reed together though. These two have come a long way and we really see that. While the Royals will always be protective of Ella, they have come to realize that she is a force on her own and they definitely respect that.

While I didn't love this one like the others, I am seriously hoping for more. We definitely need an Easton book and I personally would like a Gideon one. We barely saw him in this one and after all the shit with Dinah, I felt he should have played a larger role and gotten some resolution.



The Goal (Off-Campus #4)
  by: Elle Kennedy

Publication Date: Sept. 26, 2016
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC received via Nina Bocci in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 350 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars

She’s good at achieving her goals…

College senior Sabrina James has her whole future planned out: graduate from college, kick butt in law school, and land a high-paying job at a cutthroat firm. Her path to escaping her shameful past certainly doesn’t include a gorgeous hockey player who believes in love at first sight. One night of sizzling heat and surprising tenderness is all she’s willing to give John Tucker, but sometimes, one night is all it takes for your entire life to change.

But the game just got a whole lot more complicated

Tucker believes being a team player is as important as being the star. On the ice, he’s fine staying out of the spotlight, but when it comes to becoming a daddy at the age of twenty-two, he refuses to be a bench warmer. It doesn’t hurt that the soon-to-be mother of his child is beautiful, whip-smart, and keeps him on his toes. The problem is, Sabrina’s heart is locked up tight, and the fiery brunette is too stubborn to accept his help. If he wants a life with the woman of his dreams, he’ll have to convince her that some goals can only be made with an assist.  

 

 

I am such a huge fan of this series. It is definitely one of my all-time favorites in New Adult. After the massive bomb Tucker dropped at the end of The Score, I was psyched to get this book to see how everything had built up to that point.

 

I absolutely LOVED Tucker. He is just such a sweetheart and I loved how he went after Sabrina, even despite how much Dean ranted about her. He really got to know Sabrina and how to treat her. She has been through a lot and has quite a bit of shit to deal with already. Her homelife is a disaster and all she wants to do is be successful, so she can move upwards and onwards with her life. I knew she would be reluctant with Tucker and would be a hard nut to crack, but I actually really liked her. She's resilient and independent and that doesn't just change overnight.

 

I did feel parts of this book dragged a bit for me and I honestly wish we had had more interaction with Tucker's friends. I understand why, as they were keeping their relationship a secret, but I did find myself missing them. The scenes they were in though, completely made my day. I love that crew.

I really hope Dean's sister gets a book with Fitzy. Fingers crossed. 

An Indecent Proposal (The O'Malleys #3)
   by: Katee Robert

Publication Date: Aug. 30, 2016
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via Barclay Publicity and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 352 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes
My Rating: 4/5 stars

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katee Robert continues her smoking-hot series about the O'Malleys-wealthy, powerful, and full of scandalous family secrets.

Greed. Ambition. Violence. Those are the "values" Olivia Rashidi learned from her Russian mob family-and the values she must leave behind for the sake of her daughter. When she meets Cillian O'Malley, she recognizes the red flag of his family name . . . yet she still can't stop herself from seeing the smoldering, tortured man. To save her family, Olivia sets out to discover Cillian's own secrets, but the real revelation is how fast-and how hard-she's falling for him.

Plagued by a violent past, Cillian is more vulnerable than anyone realizes. Anyone except Olivia, whose beauty, compassion, and pride have him at "hello," even if she's more inclined to say good-bye to an O'Malley. While his proposal of sex with no strings seems simple, what he feels for her isn't, especially after he learns that she belongs to a rival crime family. Cillian knows that there is no escape from the life, but Olivia may be worth trying-and dying-for . . .

 

 

 

 

I just can't get enough of the O'Malley family. Seriously. Their stories are not only addicting and super sexy, but I am FASCINATED by their lives. The O'Malleys are one of the three most powerful families in Boston and after tragedy struck their family in book one, they are all handling their grief in different ways.

 

Perhaps one of the hardest hit is Cillian. He feels responsible for what happened and it killed me to see him carry so much of that weight on his shoulders. He is trying to be better and doesn't want to be known as the screw up of the family. Meeting Olivia ends up changing a lot for him and not just because he falls for her. He shows how selfless he really is by putting her needs first and working to protect her and I just loved him for that. He was such a swoonworthy hero and I am so happy with how his story turned out!

 

Olivia is my girl! She was fierce, didn't take crap from anyone and is an amazing mom to her adorable daughter. I loved the dynamic there and it just felt right for this particular story. Olivia has a past and while she isn't proud of it, she wouldn't trade it for the world because of the outcome: Hadley, her daughter. While she is tough, she does have a vulnerable side too. She doesn't want to be chained to her family and just wants to be free to live her life without constantly looking over her shoulder to see if her ex is going to drag her back to where she 'belongs'. Cillian may have started out as a way of releasing tension, but I really liked how she let him in and allowed herself to fall for him.

 

They have steaming chemistry together and like all of Robert's couples, are not lacking in sexy times together. This book is definitely intense and I liked that the story drove itself. There was no unnecessary drama or angst and I think that says a lot.

 

I am beyond excited for Sloan's book. That girl has quite the story to tell and after the preview we got I am SO ready. It's going to be scorching hot and I can already feel the tension oozing off the pages!

I can't recommend this series enough guys. I love the mob element and the characters are so well written and developed. I am going to be devastated when I have to say to goodbye to these characters.

“Hey, stop!”

She ran after him, thankful she’d put on her badass studded boots instead of the pair of heels she’d been jonesing after. An eight-hour shift on her feet would have her hating herself if she’d gone with the pretty shoes—and they would have made it impossible to catch up with the O’Malley.

She grabbed his arm and froze at the feel of his muscles flexing in her grip. Holy wow.

He finally turned to face her and it struck her that, without the bar between them, he was so much larger than she was. Not large like her ex, Sergei—this man was built lean instead of for brute strength—but he still dwarfed her. And he smelled good, like some kind of spicy men’s cologne that instantly had her thinking thoughts she had no business entertaining.

Like what it would be like to bury her nose in his neck and inhale deeply. The insane desire to do so almost overwhelmed her.

Everything about him was overwhelming, from his beautiful face, to his impeccably styled dark hair, to the tattoos peeking out of his clothes at neck and wrists. The ink creeping up the side of his neck was like a wild thing trying to escape from his insanely expensive suit, a strange combination of brutal strength and poised polish that she should have known better than to be attracted to.

Except, apparently, her body hadn’t gotten the memo.

She realized she was still clutching his arm and made herself let go so she could offer back the cash. Right, because that’s why you chased him down a dark street. “I don’t want your money.”

“It’s called a tip, sweetheart. It’s just good manners.”

“I don’t want it.” Even as she said it, she wondered why she was being so damn stubborn about this. He hadn’t asked anything of her. All he’d done was throw too much money at a bartender, which was something plenty of drunks did from time to time. Except he wasn’t drunk. She should be elated at having the extra cash—God knew she needed it. Instead, there was a growing recklessness in her chest, one she’d thought she’d outgrown a long time ago. “Just take it, okay?”

“No.” His gaze narrowed on her face, giving her the sudden thought that he saw too much. Before she could decide what to do with that, he moved closer, giving her another whiff of that cologne that made her whole body break out in goose bumps. Or maybe it was the man himself, the streetlights creating a skeleton’s mask of his face, turning his eyes into dark pits of shadows. “Why do you care so much?”

“Oh my God, just take it back.” She should drop the cash and head for home. Or, hell, at least take a few steps away so that she wasn’t in danger of brushing against him if she took a deep breath.

But she couldn’t force her hand to unclench or her feet to create any distance between them. She cleared her throat, trying to get her thoughts back on track. “I didn’t ask for your charity.”

“Yeah, I got it. You win. I’m an asshole.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“Not in so many words, no.” His gaze raked her body much the same way it had back at the bar, making every alarm in her head go off. Spending any more time in this man’s presence was dangerous, though she couldn’t say for sure what she was most afraid of. She lifted her chin in challenge, demanding…She wasn’t sure what she was demanding. Her gaze dropped to his mouth, and she licked her lips. What am I doing? Walk away. Walk away right now.

No. Not yet.

He murmured, “If the shoe fits…”

And then he gripped her jaw and kissed her.

 

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Katee Robert learned to tell her stories at her grandpa’s knee. She found romance novels at age twelve and it changed her life. When not writing sexy contemporary and speculative fiction romance novels, she spends her time playing imaginary games with her wee ones, driving her husband batty with what-if questions, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.  Connect with Katee at: Website | Facebook | Twitter| GoodReads | Instagram

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Fool Me Once (Foolproof Love #2)
    by: Katee Robert

Publication Date: Aug. 1, 2016
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 170 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

They say opposites attract, but this is just ridiculous.

Aubry Kaiser doesn’t like people—actually, that’s not right. She loathes people. With her crippling anxiety, there’s no way she can demo her favorite video game at a convention with five thousand other people. Maybe if she brings someone to act as a shield…

But the only person available is the sexy cowboy she can’t stand.

Quinn Baldwyn is in a mess of his own. He’s been dodging his wealthy family’s matchmaking attempts—and life advice—for years, but with his sister’s wedding on the horizon, he needs of a shield of his own.

He and Aubry can barely hold down a civil conversation, but in bed…fireworks. And the closer they get to Quinn’s sister’s wedding, the more he realizes that he might actually like Aubry.

Now it’s up to him to convince her she might actually like him, too.

  

 

 

I had so much fun with this book! Enemies to lovers, road trips, fake dating trope... it's like the trifecta of awesome! Oh and Aubry is a freaking gamer and Quinn is a big, sexy cowboy, so yeah- I was won over from the start!

 

I LOVED these two together! They had such great banter and that hate to love relationship was super hot- their chemistry was just so undeniable. I liked seeing them progress from 'dealing with' one another to actually enjoying each other's company. These two might start off their relationship with just sex, but seeing it progress to more was everything.

 

They also balance each other really well. They may be going on this trip together for their own selfish purposes, but it just works. Aubry is terrified of crowds and has social anxiety, where Quinn oozes confidence. He really does a great job helping distract and keep her wits about her. Quinn's reasons for taking Aubry to his sister's wedding may have started as a ruse to shock his parents and give them the proverbial finger, but he ends up really falling for her and it was hard to see him suffer through his parents' hoity toity behavior.

 

I really enjoyed their friends Adam, Jules, and Daniel too. I really hope Daniel's book is next because I just wanted to hug that man hard. He is stealing dealing with the ghosts of his past and I am looking forward to seeing him find peace and move forward.

 

I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a short, sexy, fun read filled with sexy banter and some very sexy scenes!

 

The Wedding Pact (The O'Malleys #2)
   by: Katee Robert

Publication Date: April 26, 2016
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 352 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes
My Rating: 4/5 stars

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katee Robert continues her smoking-hot series about the O'Malleys—wealthy, powerful, and full of scandalous family secrets.

 Carrigan O'Malley has always known her arranged marriage would be more about power and prestige than passion. But after one taste of the hard-bodied, whiskey-voiced James Halloran, she's ruined for anyone else. Too bad James and his family are enemy number 1.

Hallorans vs. O'Malleys—that's how it's always been. James should be thinking more about how to expand his family's empire instead of how silky Carrigan's skin is against his and how he can next get her into his bed. Those are dangerous thoughts. But not nearly as dangerous as he'll be if he can't get what he wants: Carrigan by his side for the rest of their lives.

 

 

This is absolutely my favorite Katee Robert series, you guys. I LOVE learning about the three main crime families in Boston- the Sheridans, O'Malleys, and Hallorans. Seeing how they work, how they forge alliances, who their enemies are... it's all so fascinating to me! Not to mention- the romance! I really liked seeing Teague and Callie fall for one another in The Marriage Contract and I was all about James and Carrigan from their encounter in that book. There is so much passion between these two- it really is a force that's greater than them.

 

Carrigan O'Malley knows she shouldn't be lusting after James Halloran, especially after what his family did. She is still angry at him, but he knows just how to push her buttons. I love how relentless James is. He can't get her out of his mind or the extremely sexy encounter they shared. He knows there are a million other things that should get his complete focus, but it's definitely hard to forget the feisty brunette. My heart ached for them as they are really in difficult situations. Carrigan is expected to marry someone from her father's preapproved list and she has always been the obedient O'Malley. She craves her family's approval and wants to do right by them. Family is everything and you do not go against your family.

 

James has a lot on his plate as I said. He is the head Halloran now and has to maintain order in a crumbling establishment. His younger brother Ricky is a wildcard that can't be controlled. He is always looking to usurp James and cause problems for him. Ricky has to be managed and that's a seriously tiring effort. Not to mention, James wants to do right by his family name, but he wants to do good. He has a big heart and I really liked seeing that. Together he and Carrigan really are unstoppable and I loved seeing them together. It's very much a forbidden kind of love, what with Carrigan's impending marriage and the fact that her father is not looking to align himself with the Halloran clan.  

 

Not only do we get to see Carrigan and James's relationship develop, but we also get to see a bit into Cillian and Sloan's worlds, which was awesome because I believe they will have books as well. I already love Sloan and I definitely hope she finds happiness amidst such a constricted life.

 

Even though James and Carrigan can't be together, there's no denying they should be. They have so much chemistry together and I just couldn't get enough of their banter. They complement each other so well and I hope we hear more about how they are doing in Cillian's book, An Indecent Proposal.

 

I can't get enough of these characters and I am already ready for more!

 

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Katee Robert learned to tell her stories at her grandpa’s knee. She found romance novels at age twelve and it changed her life. When not writing sexy contemporary and speculative fiction romance novels, she spends her time playing imaginary games with her wee ones, driving her husband batty with what-if questions, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. 

Connect with Katee at: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Instagram | Tumblr | Youtube

 

His to Take (Out of Uniform #3.5)
   by: Katee Robert

Publication Date: Dec. 7, 2015
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received via the publisher in exchange for fair and honest review.
Page Count: 76 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3.5/5 stars

A sexy category romance novella from Entangled's Brazen imprint...

Truth or dare...

Erin Robinson is having an epically bad year. Her blossoming career on Broadway tanked, forcing her to crawl back to home to Wellington. The icing on her failure cake? Her former on-again, off-again fling is in town, and the sexy Marine is taking up way too much space.

Warren Davis always knew Erin was special, which is exactly why he can't have her. A girl like her deserves something permanent--something neither of them wants. But now that they're both back in town and she's right there in front of him, a challenge in her eyes he's never been able to resist, he's questioning everything.

That challenge quickly escalates into an epic game of Truth or Dare. Erin's sure she's got him on lock, but as the night progresses, Warren's dares intensify, drowning her in lust. But with the past still breathing down their necks, there's no way either of them can win…

 

 

While I'm generally not a fan of novellas, I do enjoy the Brazen ones! They are short, sexy, and full of steam, which is the perfect combination. Robert is an author I really enjoy, so I was excited to see she had a new novella coming out.

 

His to Take follows Erin and Warren, who have had something going on since they were 19. However, it was never a serious thing, as they both had their own dreams. Erin has wanted to be an actress on Broadway forever and Warren has followed in his family's footsteps of becoming a Marine. They both find themselves back home in Wellingford for the holiday season and while their careers are in the midst of changing, one thing certainly hasn't: their scorching hot attraction to one another.

 

I like how Warren challenges Erin to a game of Truth or Dare to reconnect with her, but this time he isn't looking for a simple hook up. He wants Erin and he wants her for good. However, trying to convince her of that isn't an easy task. He pushes her buttons and while he means well, it doesn't always come off the way it should. Warren should have come clean with her sooner than he did about his future and I didn't particularly like how quickly Erin changed her mind after she decided to jump all in with him.

 

Aside from those small things, it was a sexy, fun read and I liked seeing Erin and Warren overcome their fears and go after one another. It's been a long time coming, so it was heartwarming to see them finally get it together.  

His Lover to Protect (Out of Uniform #3)
   by: Katee Robert

Publication Date: Sept. 7, 2015
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 152 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

He's never met a challenge he couldn't take...

Alexis Yeung did everything right....only to watch everything go horribly, horribly wrong. Broken and angry, Alexis high-tails it to Europe, determined to face the world on her own terms and without consequence. Which includes a mind-blowing night with a sexy, scarred stranger.

Except, embittered former pararescuer Luke Jackson isn't exactly a stranger. He's supposed to keep an eye on Alexis without her knowing. Ending up in bed together was definitely not the plan. Now he's chasing her (admittedly hot) ass across Europe, a game of cat and mouse that always ends with the two of them tangled up in the sheets.

Something in their scarred, damaged souls calls to each other. And God help them, the sex in unbelievably hot. But if Alexis discovers who Luke really is, he'll lose the one thing that makes him feel whole...

 

 

I don't give out my 5 star reviews too often anymore, but His Lover to Protect is going down as one of my favorite Brazens. I absolutely loved the emotional depth that Robert brought to this novel. Sure, it's sexy as all get out, but Luke and Alexis are dealing with some very real and crippling issues that will really make your heart ache for both of them.

 

We briefly met Alexis in the previous book of the series, Falling For His Best Friend, and I couldn't wait to get her book so we could see her get her happily ever after. That girl deserves one like no other. She has jumped ship and left home to do some soul searching in Europe and come to terms with so many things that she is dealing with in her life: her mother's death, her inability to have kids, her sister's pregnancy... I honestly can't even imagine how difficult life is for her and it really devastated my heart to see her trying to find a sense of peace in her life.

 

Luke is such a good balance for her. I loved his cranky, gruff behavior and how he and Alexis are constantly going head to head with one another. I felt Robert really handled this type of situation SO WELL. There is consistency throughout the whole book with these two and their dynamic. They don't start off arguing and hostile and then it's all butterflies and love. No. They are hostile and fight against each other the entire book! It's actually great because mixed in is this undeniable attraction and NEED, which makes their romance so great. They start to feel more for one another, and while there are moments of tenderness, Luke never loses his gruff exterior. He has a major chip on his shoulder due to his injury and I love that he lets Alexis in because the two understand the others' brokenness in a way most other people couldn't.

 

I really loved how much these two pushed one another. Luke knew how to get to Alexis and vice versa. Neither one is looking for pity in the other. Instead, they offer understanding. Luke is keeping a pretty big secret from Alexis though, as he has not disclosed that it is her brother-in-law that has sent him to watch out for her. He wants to tell her the truth, especially after he realizes that she's something special. You know this is going to be a problem for the two, but the way Luke makes things right is pretty much the sweetest thing ever and I was really happy with the way their story progressed and concluded.

 

If you're looking for a sexy as sin Brazen with more emotional depth, you definitely need to grab this one. Robert kicked me in the feels with these two characters and I absolutely loved seeing their journey to find peace and healing.

 

 

The Marriage Contract (The O'Malleys #1)
    by: Katee Robert

Publication Date: June 2, 2015
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 368 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Google Play | Kobo | BAM
My Rating: 4/5 stars

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katee Robert begins a smoking hot new series about the O'Malley family-wealthy, powerful, dangerous and seething with scandal.

Teague O'Malley hates pretty much everything associated with his family's name. And when his father orders him to marry Callista Sheridan to create a "business" alliance, Teague's ready to tell his dad exactly where he can stuff his millions. But then Teague actually meets his new fiancée, sees the bruises on her neck and the fight still left in her big blue eyes, and vows he will do everything in his power to protect her.

Everyone knows the O'Malleys have a dangerous reputation. But Callie wasn't aware just what that meant until she saw Teague, the embodiment of lethal grace and coiled power. His slightest touch sizzles through her. But the closer they get, the more trouble they're in. Because Callie's keeping a dark secret-and what Teague doesn't know could get him killed.

 

 

Having really enjoyed Katee's Brazens, I was super excited to see she was writing a new series about the O'Malleys, a powerful family in Boston. This book was sexy, fun, and intense. I loved the politics behind the three most powerful families in Boston- the O'Malleys, the Hallorans, and the Sheridans.

 

I really enjoy reading books where there's a more suspenseful element added to the plot. The book begins with Callie getting herself into a rather dangerous situation that escalates quickly and because of that turn of events, she finds herself linked to Teague O'Malley. A marriage between the two would be beneficial to both families in terms of power, and it becomes obvious that the Hallorans are really put out by this. War is imminent now between the families, what with the Hallorans' need for revenge because of the key event that begins the story.

 

I really loved Teague. His dedication and protectiveness of his family is a beautiful thing to witness and I love how that carries over to Callie, as well. He might not want any part in the family business, but he won't go against them either. He will see this through with Callie and I have to admit I love how quickly she became important to him. The two have some serious sexual attraction going on and I felt Robert handled their romance really well. It developed rather quickly, but it honestly didn't bother me. With the added element of the impending war between families and the pressure Teague and Callie are under to protect their people and keep control of their responsibilities, I felt it worked.

 

I also really enjoyed Callie's character. She is fierce as well and I like how she will also do what it is necessary for her family, being her father's heir. The girl has guts to do what she did, and I can't fault her making the choice she did.

 

We get to know quite a few secondary characters in this one, including Teague's siblings, and the Halloran sons, James, and Ricky. James took me by surprise and while he certainly makes some mistakes in this one, I am beyond excited for his book next. Carrigan was another character I liked, but was wary of. I wasn't sure of her intentions and was afraid she would try to manipulate Callie. I loved that we got to see some action with her another character and I am so excited to see how that's going to play out!

 

Overall, I think this is my Katee Robert book. I like her Brazens, but this one just added so much more that I was completely engaged in finding out how everything was going to go down. One last thing: I want my own Teague. Where can I find one? ;)

 

 

She was so wrapped up in her misery, she didn’t realize she was no longer alone until a rough male voice cut through her spiraling thoughts. “Want a smoke?”

Callie opened her eyes to a man offering her an opened pack of cigarettes. He was attractive in a brutish sort of way, his jaw square, cheekbones to kill for, and shoulders filling out his expensive suit in a way that didn’t look the least bit comfortable. “I don’t smoke.”

“Now’s as good a time to start as any.” He shook one out and handed it to her, and then lit the one dangling between his lips. “I hear we’re going to be married.”

This was Teague O’Malley? She tensed, but he seemed content to stand in this dark alley with her and share his cigarettes. Now that she knew what to look for, she recognized the same coloring that his father and older brother had—sun-darkened skin and near-black hair. His dark eyes weren’t as cold as Seamus’s, but that didn’t comfort her in the least. All it meant was that he was a better liar than his father was. “What do you think about that?”

He shrugged. “It doesn’t really matter what either of us thinks, does it?”

“No, I suppose it doesn’t.”

She wanted to know why he’d followed her out here—if there was something he’d wanted to say that couldn’t be said in front of both their combined families—but he seemed content to enjoy his cigarette in silence. Maybe he’d needed the respite as much as she had? All too soon, it’d be time to step back into the chaos and let the events neither of them could stop begin, but right now they were just two strangers, sharing a moment of silence.

Can we really be strangers if we’re already engaged?

She pushed the thought away, determined to enjoy this stolen moment in time before reality set back in. By the time she finished her cigarette, her hands had almost stopped shaking. She crushed the remaining bit under the toe of her sky-high heels and turned for the door. Only to find her way blocked by Teague.

He was taller up close, well over six feet, and broader as well. The man looked like a bruiser, which was fitting because it was exactly what he was. He stared down at her with beautiful dark eyes, and her demand that he get out of her way died in her throat. While she was debating her options, he reached up, quick as a snake, and snagged the silk scarf around her neck. She made a grab at it, but it was too late. Teague took a step closer, and then another, backing her against the wall, his eyes narrowing at her neck. “Show me.”

“Leave me alone.” Was that her voice, weak and wavering? She took a shuddering breath, all her hard won calm disappearing. “Get out of my way.”

He kept going as if he hadn’t heard her, stopping less than an arm’s reach away. God, he seemed big this close up—bigger than Brendan, bigger than her brother had been. He cupped her chin, his grip painless but completely unmovable, and tilted her head back to bare her neck. “Who hurt you?” There was a promise of violence in every line of his body.

“No one.”

“Now, I may not be the smartest man in the world, Callista, but I know what the imprint of a man’s hands on a woman’s neck looks like.” His thumb moved, tracing the line of Brendan’s fingers that she could still feel digging into her skin. Teague’s touch didn’t hurt, though. It felt…almost good.

She swallowed, the move pressing her throat more firmly against his thumb. “It won’t happen again.”

“You’re right. Because I’m going to kill the bastard.” He kept stroking her skin, his touch doing strange things to parts of her body that weren’t anywhere near her neck. “Tell me his name.”

She wouldn’t, even if the man who’d hurt her wasn’t already dead. Even in their messed-up world, murder was a last resort—something to be avoided at all costs—not something you did for a woman you barely knew. “No.”

“Your father hasn’t been keeping what’s his safe.” Another stroke, this one closer to her jawline. “That’s his mistake—one I won’t be making as well. His name, Callista.”

She’d never considered herself one to crack under pressure, but this man put his hands on her and spoke in that quiet, confident way that promised violence to anyone who touched her, and she was dangerously close to losing control. Which kind of control was up for grabs, so she went with the least likely to reveal her secret.

She kissed him, her heels giving her enough height that she barely had to go up on her toes. Her lips brushed his and for one interminable second she was sure neither of them took a breath.That was all it took. He let go of her throat to cup the back of her head, and then she was in the middle of the single most devastating kiss of her life. His tongue stroked hers, claiming her mouth—her body—as his own. His hands stayed in place even as he continued the assault on her mouth, his touch headier than the nicotine. She arched against him, tilting her head to allow him better access, and he growled in approval.Whatever she’d expected from this kiss, it certainly hadn’t been desire. Though desire was too tame a word. She’d felt desire before, and this wasn’t it. This was…need. All-consuming need that devoured everything in its path, leaving only destruction in its wake.

 

 

Katee Robert learned to tell stories at her grandpa's knee. Her favorites then were the rather epic adventures of The Three Bears, but at age twelve she discovered romance novels and never looked back. Though she dabbled in writing, life got in the way-as it often does-and she spent a few years traveling, living in both Philadelphia and Germany. In between traveling and raising her two wee ones, she had the crazy idea that she'd like to write a book and try to get published. Her first novel was an epic fantasy that, God willing, will never see the light of day. From there, she dabbled in YA and horror, before finally finding romance. Because, really, who wouldn't want to write entire books about the smoking-hot relationships between two people? She now spends her time-when not lost in Far Reach worlds-playing imaginary games with her wee ones, writing, ogling men, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

 

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Falling For His Best Friend (Out of Uniform #2)
    by: Katee Robert

Publication Date: May 19, 2015
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 220 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars

Avery Yeung’s biological clock just went off early. Thanks to her family’s medical history, she’s running out of time to get knocked up. And the only guy within donating distance? Her overprotective—and irritatingly hot—best friend. So clearly she needs an anonymous donor…

Anonymous donor? Over Sheriff Drew Flannery’s dead body. While daddyhood will never be in the cards for a man with his past, Drew won’t let Avery shop for a “popsicle pop.” He’ll do what’s right for his best friend by doing his best friend. But only if they do it properly.

But there’s nothing “proper” about it. Between the bed, the kitchen counter, and against his squad car, Avery and Drew are having the hottest sex ever. They can’t get enough of it—or each other. And without knowing it, they’ve crossed the one line that could ruin their friendship forever…  

 

I adored Katee's In Bed With Mr. Wrong last year, so I was excited to pick up Drew and Avery's story in Falling For His Best Friend. We got to see their scheming side in the first book and we already knew how well they worked together. In this book, we get to see the two realize their feelings of friendship are developing into something more... something that could complicate everything.

 

I am such a fan of best friends to lovers stories and I really enjoyed this one. Drew and Avery have been friends for so long, but in recent months have started to feel things for the other they know they shouldn't. It all comes to a head when Avery drops the bomb that she wants to have a baby. With her family's medical history being what it is, she's too afraid of letting the chance slip by. Her friends, Bri and Ryan, are supportive of her, having their own baby at home they love and adore. Drew, on the other hand, isn't so keen on this plan. This irrational jealousy bubbles up in him and suddenly he doesn't want her having this baby on her own and he certainly doesn't want some random donor involved. He tells Avery that if she's going to do this, they're going to do it together. He won't let her be on her own and while he himself doesn't feel like kids and a family are ever in his future, he won't risk letting his best friend fail.

 

I loved Drew for doing this, but at the same time he was really frustrating because he was so hung up on his own fears that he couldn't admit to Avery that he really had developed true feelings for her. I get the whole not wanting to ruin the friendship aspect. Sometimes friends to lovers stories don't work out (I can attest to that), but these two click on a level on a lot of people don't. And holy chemistry. That cop car scene? Sweet baby Jesus that was hot.

 

This was a cute, steamy story and I enjoyed where Robert took Avery and Drew's relationship. It worked for them and I enjoyed seeing Drew finally admit to himself and Avery that she was what he wants and he'll be damned if someone else raises this baby with her. I also loved seeing Bri and Ryan again and how happy those two are. I am glad we got to see both of these couples get their happy endings.

Betting on Fate (Serve #4)
   by: Katee Robert

Publication Date: Jan. 5, 2015
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen
Genre: Erotic Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 195 pages
Order Links: Amazon
My Rating: 3.5/5 stars

This time, all bets are off...

Penelope Carson loves to steal clients from Will Reaver. Yet something in her business nemesis's icy blue eyes makes Penelope...nervous. It certainly doesn't help that the man is the living embodiment of a Norse god. A controlled, powerful Norse god. Which she really should have remembered before she made a bet with him—because losing means becoming Will's personal submissive for a week. There's nothing Will would like more than to have Penelope kneeling before him in complicit submission, her fiery dark eyes inviting him in. Challenging him. But their bet takes Will and Penelope deeper than either of them have ever been. Where control is an illusion, and boundaries are pushed aside. And where hearts become the stakes in a game that neither Dominant nor submissive can win...

 

After reading the previous book, Mistaken by Fate, I was excited to read about Garrett's sexy and in control twin brother Will. We also meet Penelope, who turns out to be one of Will's biggest competitors in their line of work. She insinuated her and Will had a past, so I thought this novel was going to go in a slightly different direction than it did.

 

Will and Pen are both Dominants, so their paths have not really crossed except in the business sphere, where Will thinks Pen steals his clients right out from under him. This causes some tension between them, as both are incredibly dedicated to their companies and want to succeed. Vying for the same client, both of them think they will land the account, so they make a bet for the loser to play submissive to the winner for one week. No matter the loser, they are dominants for a reason- relinquishing control is going to be quite the challenge, as losing that control brings out vulnerabilities and insecurities they fight to keep buried.

 

Where the last book didn't venture quite so far into BDSM territory, this one did. While the scenes between Will and Penelope were quite steamy and hot, I felt I had trouble connecting with them and the story in general, as it lacked the emotional depth I was looking for. Will was a hard character to like because of his need to dominate and exert control is all things. He is dubbed The Ice King and that title is very fitting for his personality. Having been abandoned by his mother certainly plays a role in his coldness, as he feels relationships change people and end up disappointing you in the end. He feels himself falling deeper into this thing with Penelope than he knows he should, so naturally he pulls away and tries to distance himself from his feelings for her. He does so too late, thus really hurting her in the process. Penelope has worked hard to get where she is and she doesn't want to let her father or her company down. Will muddles things for her, distracts her from what she should be focusing on: work. She knows she needs to take a step back, as her heart is already getting too involved in a temporary arrangement.

 

This book is also heavily set at Serve, so we get to see a lot of different scenes play out and see just how far Will and Pen are willing to push one another. They walk a fine line, where even the slightest misstep can really break the other. This lifestyle is all about trust because it's a complete surrender to the other person. The submissive has to trust the dominant will not take them farther than they can go and meet their every need, and the dominant has to trust the submissive will communicate with them when things are not feeling as they should. It's definitely interesting to venture so deeply into Serve and witness some of the more adventurous scenes.

 

Overall, while this wasn't my favorite of the Serve books, I did still enjoy the short, sexy read. Had I felt a bit more connected to my characters and seen more of their emotional development, this would have worked a bit more for me. I am excited to get Garrett and Will's sister's story. I am even more curious about her now, as Will is concerned about the job she does and her cold attitude during the family dinner is quite intriguing. I have no doubts Robert will once again bring the steam and I'm hoping I'll connect to Sara's story a bit more than I did Will's.