Murphy's Law by Lori Foster

This is a new release of a story from several years ago. I've read most of Lori Foster's books, but not this series. This is book two, but I didn't feel lost at all. There were a couple characters I wasn't familiar with, but I caught up quick. Admittedly, I may have caught on faster than some since I've read many of the author's SBC fighter books. Ashley is blunt, spunky, outspoken, hard-working, and loyal. She works two jobs and takes college classes and has no room for a relationship in her plans. Quinton isn't necessarily looking for anything permanent, but he does want Ashley. He is determined to convince her to give him a chance and see where it goes. Unfortunately, anything that could get in the way does. Ashley doesn't trust easily and hasn't had the easiest life. Quinton makes her feel things she never has before, maybe even love, but can she survive the madman after her long enough to find out. This was amusing at times, touching at others, and sexy throughout. I definitely plan to go back and read book one to get May's story. I received an ARC from Net Galley for honest review.

Brew or Die by Caroline Fardig

Oh the ups and downs of Juliet's relationships. Stafford, Pete, Ryder.....is she ever going to connect with the right one at the right time, or is there maybe even someone else out there for her? You will just have to read to find out. Juliet is finally embarking on her career as a private investigator, and as her luck usually works out, it gets more adventurous than expected. Additionally, Pete pressures her to take on a side investigation with him which may have disastrous repercussions. This book is part of a series which you really need to read from the beginning. I wouldn't recommend it as a standalone at all, but I totally recommend the series. There is always a good mystery, a little action, and some adventures in romance. I received an ARC from Net Galley for honest review.

Sweet Tea and Spirits by Angie Fox

Even though I am not a huge paranormal reader, this series is an automatic grab for me. In this story, Verity received a ghostly phone call warning her of a murder. Apparently she is getting a reputation assuming the local ghosts who now realize she can see and interact with them. With the help of ghostly gangster Frankie's powers, she sets out to find out what's going on. As is usually the case with Verity, she gets more than she bargained for and has to call in help in the form of her boyfriend, Ellis. Meanwhile, Frankie has gotten in over his head with a ghostly killer and needs Verity to help him hide out. Something within his hideout is giving Frankie extraordinary strength, but Verity has a murder to solve and has no time to discover what's going on with Frankie. She and Ellis have suspicions but no evidence, and Ellis's mom keeps trying to interfere in their investigation and their love life. I definitely recommend reading this series in order rather than trying this as a standalone. It's a great series if you like a little quirkiness, mischievous ghosts, and meddlesome almost mother in laws. I received an ARC from Net Galley for honest review.

Provocative by Lisa Renee Jones

This is my seventh book by Lisa Renee Jones, and I plan to read so many more. She is one of the best writers of intriguing dialog, and I get completely sucked in to the conversations and characters. Nick and Faith both have secrets, some are revealed in this book, some are not. I went in to this story knowing from the description it was part of a duet and would end without resolution. I expected a cliffhanger leaving me frustrated, but I couldn't resist reading it anyway. Fortunately, while things were definitely lacking resolution, there was no big cliffhanger, just a whole lot of questions I can't wait to have answered. This was unbelievably sexy, and the plot had several twists and turns and really made me have to think and wonder about what is really going on and who is actually involved. I can't wait to see what happens in book two!

I received an ARC from Net Galley for honest review

After the Dark by Cynthia Eden

I love Samantha Dark. Actually, I love pretty much every character Cynthia Eden writes, super strong women and even stronger not quite good guys. Samantha was particularly interesting to read because she was so conflicted about her own inner darkness and so convinced that Blake was to good to understand her and accept her along with all of the killers she's profiled who remain struck inside her head. Blake has known he wanted Samantha from the moment he met her. He not only sees her darkness but is drawn to it.

In recent months, Samantha has retreated to her roots in Fairhope, Alabama following what she viewed as her own failing. She doesn't trust her instincts anymore, but Blake does, and he has come to get her help. She's no longer his partner, so he's done letting her run from him. They are going to find the killer who has come back to taunt her, then Blake is going to make sure Samantha never hides from him again.

These two had some seriously sensational chemistry, and the action and intrigue were enthralling. This was one of my favorites by this author. I also love the Fairhope setting (Roll Tide!).

I received an ARC from Net Galley for honest review.

Rearranged Under His Duty by Stacey Kennedy

Hadley has known Ryder for most of her life. He works for her father, but his eyes are for her. He wants, but he won't take because his honor says he is bound to her father. Hadley is open about how she feels. She risks her heart to make sure Ryder knows how she feels, but he continually avoids her. When the threats against her father turn toward her, he knows he doesn't trust anyone else to protect her even though being close to her may expose his true feelings. I liked both Hadley and Ryder, and their story was full of tension and suspense and spice. These two definitely had some major chemistry. Though the title would lead you to believe this was a heavily BDSM laden story, those elements were actually fairly light. I had not read any of the other books in this series, and I can admit there were a few instances in the beginning that threw me, but after those were explained, I had no trouble getting into the story. I received an ARC from Net Galley for honest review.

Hot Addiction by Lynn Raye Harris

It's HOT, need I say more?! I read every book in this series as soon as I can get my hands on it. Thankfully, like with this one, I am usually lucky enough to get advance copies for review. I'm always thrilled when that happens. I've gotta say that this was one of my favorites in the series because the couple had so much more than just the physical danger to contend with in their relationship. I really liked both Dex and Annabelle, so it was easy to root for them to work through their pasts. With Annabelle's daughter along a friend and her child kidnapped, Dex is the only person Annabelle's terrified brain can latch on to who might help her. She knows she hurt him, but she has no idea the depths and how much he now despises her. Regardless, she will do anything to get her daughter and friends back safe.

Dex is filed with rage at just the sight of Annabelle. He could care less about her problems and wants nothing to do with helping her. He had no problem telling her so either. He only agrees after new information comes to light tying the kidnapping to HOT interests. He knows it will be hard, but figures he will just buckle down, do his job, then get some answers about the past. The only problem is once he gets those answers, will he wish he hadn't?

As for the action, it was non-stop from the beginning. All your favorite characters played a part, and best of all, we finally find out why Mendez is single. Wow! The chemistry was sizzling despite the animosity between Dex and Annabelle. It was everything you know you can expect from HOT. Just as a note, I really connected to Annabelle's friend, Molly. I hope she finds a HOT man in the future.

The Billionaires by Calista Fox

This book was scorching hot! Everything I've read by Calista Fox has been, so I was not surprised. Between Vin and Rogen, Vin was my favorite because of his prickly exterior. However, both guys were fun to read had really varied personalities. Jewel was spunky and strong and confident except when she unexpectedly ran into both Rogen and Vin in the same night after many years of separation and the perception of desertion. She found herself angry and yet experiencing the same old pull. Unfortunately, things are no easier now than then. Their families are still locked in a bitter dispute over land which Jewel sees as essential for her future. She has a plan, but she will need Rogen's help...and Vin's.

The trio needs to reconcile their feelings and take care of the business of ending the feud. The problem for Jewel is that she can't choose. She loves both men, but can she have what she wants? This is a super sexy Calista Fox story, so I will leave that up to you to read and find out. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for honest review.