Dream: Jagged Edge Prequel, Remi Varlow

I wanted to love this book.  Opposites attract, biker hotness, sassy twink, bi discovery, redemption, bad boy spice, alphamallow...this book should have been my jam, but it just didn't hit me in the feels, make me yearn, fan myself, or engage me, instead I felt it fell short.

That's very, very much my minority opinion, of course.  So when I say it didn't hit me in the feels I think it was mostly due to the pacing and the lack of depth in addition to the utter nonsensical reactions by Dream.  Yes, I do understand his damage, I do understand that he's young, I really do.  But reading his over-the-top reaction to the rather contrived shock of Grave's ex just added ridiculous to the unnecessary.

While the tropes grabbed my attention, the story lacked what I needed for it to keep my attention.  This was the first book I've read by this author and while there were small gems that I did enjoy, I admit that I skimmed most of the book after realizing the grit, darkness, and stark yearning in Grave wasn't going to last beyond the opening scene and the "meet-not-exactly-cute".

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Hunter's Moon: Alpha Triplets Book 1, Minerva Howe

This story definitely made the most of the tropes.  Fated mates with instant attraction and aggression toward the interlopers and insta-love being at the forefront of those tropes.  I'd say this story was a little light on the plot and the depth, but if you can get past all the gratuitous sexy times, you do find the bits of a plot that rescues omegas in danger as well as a set of alpha triplets that are as unique as they are the same that have a lot of potential for a fantastic pack.

The world itself is interesting, but we get very few, read none, of the details of the unique aspects of it, like the different names of the moon, the significance of triplet alphas that share a soul, the different wolf breeds, the pack structure they do and don't follow...there's a lot of detail that is missing and brings down the enjoyment of the story.  I'm hoping we get more in the subsequent stories, but I doubt it if they're all meant to be short stories that focus on the sexual healing of the magic peen and the bonding of mates through that oft-repeated act.

I actually felt myself being interested in the alphas and when the story finally got to the plot outside the bedroom.  The MC's in this particular story felt unbalanced and unlikely, though Derek was interesting because we actually got more of his thoughts regarding his family, job, art, and future hopes.  Ethan was kind of a stereotype come to life and his naivety was written more like a child and both his style and level of communication came of so childlike that it made nearly every intimate scene quite uncomfortable for me until near the end when he started to read as simply a naive, abused young man.

Despite feeling this book is more of a 2.5 stars than a legit 3, there are some grains of potential that I'm mildly interested to find out how they turn out.  Chris intrigues me as do the other alphas, Jax and Ryder, so I'd be willing to give the series a further read, but I can't say I'm running out to add them to my TBR list either.

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When a rogue wolf brings a sweet omega to Derek Lowell's tattoo shop, he takes one deep breath and knows he can't let Ethan leave with the jerk. This omega is meant to be his, and Derek will do whatever he needs to do to save him.

Ethan is a Worthless One, an omega sold to a bad pack as a child, but he has a core of steel under his vulnerable exterior. When Derek offers him a safe haven, Ethan knows he has to try to overcome his past and grab his new Alpha with both hands. Cam Derek keep Ethan safe and teach him how to accept all the gifts Derek has to give him?

Disrupt: Iron Heretics MC Book 1, Michelle Frost

We jump in after an incredibly significant event takes place (found in Cold Light, apparently) and as I didn't previously read how Pax and Mace meet, there was a small feeling of being behind the curve at the outset.  What I appreciated was the snippet we get into the depth and level of commitment Mace held toward Pax and his trauma.  That tenderness and fierceness was carried very well throughout this story and I liked that it gave a basis for deeper attraction and emotion that followed.

The connection between both men was believable and the pacing of their romantic relationship was appropriate for the men as individuals and the flow of the overall story itself.  Both worked together well as the drama unfolded around them and the gifts of trust and love were supported.

This is a standalone in terms of seeing a beginning and a promise between these particular characters, but the motivations, actions, and consequences of events surrounding them and the MC they're affiliated with necessitate reading more of this and the connected "parent" story, Cold Light.  While not a light-hearted story in the least, the romance felt lighter and sweeter than I was expecting and gave a warmth that was definitely needed in contrast to the darker elements that surrounded them all.  I like where this series is going and the attitudes of the MC members so it's safe to say I'll be back for more of the Iron Heretics MC and the men they come to love.

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Being vulnerable makes you a target. Pax knows this all too well. He doesn’t want to need a hero, but the green-eyed biker that keeps rescuing him anyway has him sliding into dangerous territory—namely, Mace’s bed.

Mace is the Sergeant-at-Arms of the St. Louis Iron Heretics MC—treading through volatile situations is all in a days work. At the end of the day, he knows better than to let his heart rule out over his head, but Pax is an anomaly he can’t shake loose.

When a threat returns, taking aim at Pax and disrupting the balance they’ve reached, Mace has to recalibrate his sights, bringing what he truly wants into focus. Unfortunately for them, danger doesn’t always stay dead.

Completely Changed: DiverCity Book 1, Kamisa Cole

There are a lot of nice things about this book.  There's honesty, reality, tension, steam...none of those things are to be discounted in this story of two men, damaged in different ways, trying to find a way to love someone others think they shouldn't.  What I like less is the pacing, the push and pull, and the many instances of forced progression in the story and the individual conflicts.  But overall, we're given a good story with two men who obviously need one another and despite all the difficulties, they find a love that fits.

All the pieces of the story had their place, but the way they were put together only kind of fit.  They worked chronologically, but most of the progression between them felt forced.  Instead of allowing them to move forward organically some conflicts were thrown in to give them somewhere to go, something to push them forward too strongly, too quickly.  The way things started with the instant attraction and element of protection was a good start.  It's just when the very next thing that happens is pages and pages of vehement denial, pushing one another away, immature decision making and reactions...none of it really bodes well for a functional relationship.  And when the things that make them give in are constantly thwarted by conflicts that don't really feel natural I'm hard-pressed to say I was eager to find out where they went from there.  I wasn't compelled by the overall story unfortunately.

Kash was the more interesting of the two men with a personal history that was believable and, from start to finish, felt like it added depth and was something that could be reconciled fully in a meaningful way by the end of the story.  A couple surprise revelations worked to bring the family concept full-circle, but it also seemed a little bigger than simply keeping it with his mother and realizing that families can be chosen by virtue of love and support and not merely by blood and paperwork.  Alec embodied his age and maturity level at virtually every turn.  While I admit that he had some horrendous things happen in his young life, those experiences may have taught him about cruelty and also healing, but they don't necessarily bring maturity.  I never truly felt like he became anything more than a 19-year old boy who loved an older man and was at the cusp of life.  His own personal evolution was a bit lacking though he does have great potential with someone like Kash at his side.

Tenderness and steam eventually came together once all the drama was behind them.  Before that point there was either one or the other, but not a whole lot of the two combined.  Both elements were held back at different times for one reason or another and once everything was all on the same page, the intensity that should have been there all along finally culminated into a really sweet ending.  So while I can't really say this is my favorite story, there were some things that really did work that will likely speak to a whole lot of other readers.  I'm mildly intrigued in the rest of the series because there are some truly interesting side characters and hints at connections that I'd really like to see pan out in the end.  In that respect, drawing interest for more from their world and their real family, I'd say the story achieved its aim.

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Never fall for a broken, younger man…

Then again, I don’t think love happens accidentally anyway. You pick who you love. It’s what my adoptive mother taught me.
It’s what I believed all my life.
Until Alec McGowan walks in.

As head of security of the bar we work at his safety is my responsibility. But it’s more than that.
He buries himself under my skin, and no matter how much I fight it, I cannot stop thinking about him—or wanting him.
It’s when tragedy strikes that I realize Alec might be all I ever needed.

But… Is it already too late for us?

Until Joe: Happily Ever Alpha Book 2, CP Smith

Wow.  Possessive, sexy, determined, domineering, intense...every word that could describe Joe could very easily be shared with every stalker or abuser except for a couple things—if he weren't so loving, so full of sweetness under all the gruff and the growls and if I didn't yearn for a man of my own who would think me a woman "worth living and dying for."  Out of all the softer traits, the one that resonates the most with who we learn Joe is, "freed" seems most apt.  Through finding the woman who makes his heart beat, calls to his soul, and fires his blood, he finds a freedom he didn't think existed for him.  Add in a strong Southern woman who knows herself, trusts her heart, and fights for herself as hard as she fights for her man and we've got a pretty fantastic pair.

There were times that I was a little uncomfortable with the overbearing attitude and the in-your-face sensuality at their first face-to-face meeting.  Once things settled a bit (if you can call making a run from a ridiculously tenacious and powerful father along with pretty much non-stop sexy times settled) they got to know one another and while not a ton of it was on the page, I actually believed that they were building something solid.  There's a lot that goes on and I think a bunch of it was a bit over the top, but I don't think you can not have a good amount of drama in this series as with all the connected stories as well.

The drama was pretty contained to one factor even though it dragged out for most of the story.  If it were written any other way, like just appearing at the end to up the conflict, it would have been terrible.  So while I think it was a bit much for such a short story, it was done well and was pretty believable if you considered all the players and the themes of the families' stories involved.

What I loved best was Bernice's intelligence.  When confronted with "proof" she reacted understandably, but then she used her brain to logic out what she was seeing, what she knew of the man she'd fallen for, and kept her sense.  I loved that.  It spoke to her strength and intelligence and even though I liked her before, I was completely won over after that.  She really was a woman of worth and Joe was right to do everything in his power to keep her to love forever.  Their story was quick, steamy, and so full of an intense love, one that I wish I had.  I'm always drawn into this world and this story was a fantastic fit.

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Sometimes the greatest love comes in the middle of your life.

Joe Rouger (Uncle Joe from the Until Series by Aurora Rose Reynolds) is ready for a woman who completes him. He finds what he’s looking for in a feisty Southern belle named Bernice Armstrong (Wallflower Series by CP Smith) The question is, can he leave his world behind for a chance at happiness? 

And if he does, can he keep Bernice away from outside sources that threaten to steal what he’s waited for his whole life: a soul mate he can live and die for!

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About CP Smith...

CP Smith lives in Oklahoma with her husband and five children. She loves football, reading, and card games. Writing for her is about escape. She writes what she loves to read, and leaves the rest to those with better imaginations.

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Build: Burns Brothers Book 1, Gillian Archer

Series: Burns Brothers #1

A struggling single mom and a celebrity bike builder don't really travel in the same social circles, let alone spend days together snowed in at a luxury cabin, but that's just how Austin and Rachel begin a tumultuous road to their own forever.  Their first meeting is less-than ideal but as they share insecurities, vulnerabilities, and their bodies, they begin to build something that scares them with how much they don't want to let go.  It takes time, disappointment, re-prioritizing, and a whole lot of humility before they can hope find the road they're meant to travel and if they wait too long, they just might miss their chance to stay on it together.

Austin impulsively escapes from the craziness of family and news of his father's impending parole with a plan to get completely wasted and forget all of it for as long as possible.  I wasn't a fan of his at first.  Not at all.  His thoughts and actions were demeaning, prick-ish, selfish, whiny, and overly dramatic.  I understood why he ended up that way, but it doesn't mean I liked it.  Yet as he softened to Rachel, started making the effort necessary to keep her and move forward, I found myself softening toward him in return.  It didn't take long for him to win me over, even with him pulling another runner.  If not for that he wouldn't have seen what his ultimate problem was with not just his relationship with Rachel, but with everyone in his life that matters.

When Rachel heads up the mountain in the beginnings of a snowstorm it takes every ounce of courage she possesses to not turn around.  I admired her strength and understood her vulnerability.  As for her being a single mom, I truly feel what she felt because it was described with such heart.  The way she reacted to Austin's mistake was understandable, but it was beyond frustrating how she prolonged the agony and refused to see his selfless efforts to show what he was truly made of, that he could change for the better and was worth another chance.  I also got super annoyed by all the meddling, even if it eventually turned out alright, mostly because it was so constant and there was nothing really said that was poignant enough to let her think in silence about what was right in front of her.  Instead it was all thrust in front of her face and even I felt myself getting defensive on her behalf despite being on the meddler's side of things.

But when we get to their resolution I could forgive all that because it was so honest, sweet, and heartfelt.  I loved where they ended up and came to terms with how they got there.  Learning about Austin's brothers all along the way and especially at the end with how connected, forgiving, and supportive they all were, even with their own brand of attitude to rough up the softer feels, went a long way to keeping me invested in what's to come from this series.

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Welcome to Bad@ss Builds where the motorcycles are as sexy as the brothers building them.

Austin Burns:

I thought she wasn’t real the first time I saw her. To be fair I was a hungover mess when I woke up and looked into her gorgeous eyes. After getting the second worst news of my life—that my father would be paroled soon—I’d escaped to my buddy’s posh cabin near Lake Tahoe. Now the maid with the gorgeous eyes is snowed in with me, and I wonder if she might be a better distraction than the mountain of booze I’d planned on drinking. She’s curvy in all the right places, and the snow is falling faster.

Rachel Tannenbaum:

As a single mom, I don’t have time for men, especially irresponsible tattooed bad boys like my ex. But Austin is hot. And sexy. And stuck here in the cabin with me. I can’t say no to a fling with this bad boy, especially since Austin is so gorgeous and awkwardly sweet.

One night becomes two, and I don’t know if I can risk my heart—and my little boy’s—if Austin wants it to become more when we get through the snow and back to reality.

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About Gillian Archer...

Gillian has a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering but prefers to spend her time on happily ever after. She writes the kind of stories she loves to read—the hotter the better!

When Gillian’s not pounding away on the keyboard, she can be found surfing the couch indulging in her latest reality tv fixation, baking something ridiculously tasty (and horrible for her waist line) or snuggling with her husband.

Home is currently in the wilds of Nevada with her amazing husband, ridiculously cute kiddo, and goofy dog.

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Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 34

  

• Kiss Off: Valentine's Inc. Book 2, Michelle Frost
• The Seer: New Vampire Disorder Book 7, Marie Johnston
• Rebel Ink: Wanted, An Outlaw Anthology, Daphne Loveling

A growly Jackson doesn't know what to make of the stunning, effervescent Westley.  With a meddling grandmother and open hearts these two men make a connection that was handled really well.  They could feel something between them and didn't let angst, misunderstandings, or miscommunication get between them.  While keeping things professional during the contract's duration they learned quite a lot about one another thus forming a foundation that spelled all kinds of solid believability for their future.  Even when Jackson gets a visit from his past there were no second thoughts on his part, he believed in and fully embraced what he was building with Westley.  Even though West had his moment of insecurity, he didn't behave childishly, he waited until they were able to discuss things, even if he guessed that he'd get the short end of the stick.  This was a fluffy, sweet, sexy story between men who definitely needed one another.  4.5 stars.

A gift of sight should be pretty obvious in its benefits and uses.  But since Isabelle doesn't receive prophecies or visions that are easily interpreted, she's sequestered in the compound and has limited access to anyone socially.  And then she gets a vision of someone like her that needs help, a child that will be used for evil and selfish gain if she can't get there in time to help.  Politics and Isabelle's isolation have stunted both her personal growth as well as her relationships so watching her lead the expedition is both awkward and amusing at times.

Her ever-present bodyguard is released from his position and having done nothing but guard Isabelle for a century, he's determined to remain by her side even if he has no clue what his purpose is anymore.  As Scurn helps Isabelle he gets an eye-opening adventure that shows him how truly good he is inside and just who and what he wants for his future.  There's definitely a lot of chemistry between Isabelle and Scurn and while it feels a bit juvenile (as in youthfully naive), it's definitely steamy.  As Isabelle faces the council she makes some interesting realizations that will be really, really exciting if things play out the way I hope they will with her new role.  I really enjoyed watching these two characters mature and grow over the course of this short story in a world that I'm completely crazy about.  4 stars.

Six is hiding from a dangerous ex and while she's no stranger to picking up stakes when her gut tells her it's time, there's something about her current situation that makes her want to stay.  Maybe the sexy biker that comes in for ink on the regular has something to do with it...  I really liked their chemistry and the slower way they built something to keep them coming back to one another.  When Six finally gave in to that chemistry they really set things on fire.  As they learned to trust one another they built a pretty good foundation to support something lasting.  The drama surrounding them was sufficiently crazy to warrant big declarations, tense moments, and quite a bit of action.  Revealing what they meant to one another with more than words, namely a tattoo, was so perfect for the couple.  But the best part was the tenderness they showed one another and all the heart a sexy tatted biker laid bare for Six.  4 stars.

Until: Iron Orchids Book 5, Danielle Norman

Iron Orchids #5

In the final standalone installment of The Iron Orchids Series, the gang returns...

I'm Stella Lang, the opinionated, sassy boss. But I have a secret:  I'm scared. 

Scared of rejection. 

Scared of heartbreak. 

Scared of taking a chance on Tristan Christakos and getting hurt. 

Because there are bigger issues to face than my feelings.

We work together. 

We play together. 

Our families are interwoven. 

If we can’t make it work, we will hurt more than just us.

Unfortunately, our attraction is impossible to ignore. 

Are we flirting with destiny? 

Maybe. 

But when we wind up alone in Vegas. 

We think we have it all…

Until a life-altering secret lands in our hands. 

**Until is the final installment of The Iron Orchids Series but may be read and enjoyed as a standalone contemporary romance/rom-com!  

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Chapter One

Stopping in front of the large faux-wood door that read: Staff Administration, I took a deep breath and then knocked.

“Come in.”

One step into the room, I froze because sitting in one of the chairs was Dr. McCreamy, otherwise known as Tristan Christakos, the most gorgeous man to ever walk the planet, the bane of my existence, and the best one-night stand ever. Yeah, he was a mistake that I’d happily make or should I say do again.

Fuck.

Tristan stood when I entered, as his damn well-bred, gentlemanly self had to do, which only made me want to jump him even more. To make matters worse, he was wearing a devilishly wicked smirk on his lips that made all of my parts take notice.

“Stella, have a seat.” Louise Cameron’s back was ramrod straight as she sat in her high-back, black pleather chair. If I were to base my visit on her posture alone, I would say I was about to be canned.

The hospital had a no fraternization policy. Although, they had allowed married couples to work for the same hospital in the past, this all had to be reported to admin, and they ultimately decided whether or not to keep both employees. In situations like this when it was between a doctor and a nurse, they usually ended up keeping the doctor since nurses were a dime a dozen. Was that fair? Hell no.

I could already feel the ire in me building and was ready to fight or at least not go down without a fight.

I moved to the chair opposite Tristan and plopped down. Okay, I knew that I possessed little to no grace when I did that, but whatever, I was pissed. Turning to face him, the heat in me rose as he continued to smirk. The asshole smirked. He knew we were busted and he was safe. I’d never imagined him being so cruel.

But fuck a duck if the man still wasn’t gorgeous. His eyes were the color of fresh coffee, untainted by cream. And his skin . . . well, that was different a story, it was cream with a dash of coffee.

“Stella,” Mrs. Cameron began, “as you are aware, the hospital is building a genetics study center in the hopes of being able to more easily find donor matches. Every year, it seems that there is a bigger strain on our match and donor resources. Not only from the state of perpetual emergency that we seem to be in but also our advance technology in ultrasound imaging. As you know, we are able to detect some birth defects as early as the first heart beat. We feel that it is important as a level one trauma unit and a level-three neonatal ward that we have this resource available to us twenty-four seven. We’ve been sending doctors to different training sessions so they are up to date with all the current technologies and tests.”

Tristan cleared his throat, and I turned my attention back to him. “You may not be aware of this, Stella, but my interest has always been with trying to negate the rise in genetic birth defects that we see in our high-risk unit. But after the strain on our resource bank for tissue, marrow, and blood, my research was halted. This new genetic center will help me continue my focus.”

I listened to Tristan’s explanation, but none of this made sense. Sure, his reasoning made sense, but where I was lost was what in the hell any of this had to do with me. My face must have shown my confusion because Mrs. Cameron finally slid a file folder to me.

“There is a pediatric genetics conference in Las Vegas next week, and we’ve been on the waiting list. Yesterday, we found out that there had been a cancellation and that Dr. Christakos has been invited. He has been asked to bring a nurse or assistant, and he tells me that the two of you worked well together when you were over in the Women and Children Center.”

I nodded because we had worked well together, and she smiled.

“He’d like you to accompany him to the conference and act as his assistant moving forward as we get the genetic center established.”

Slow down there, Polyester, he what? He wanted me to work with him?

He wanted me to go to Vegas?

Me. Tristan. In Vegas? Fuck yeah, where did I sign? Shaking my head, I turned to looked at the olive skin Adonis with chocolate eyes that made me want to get on my knees and say ten hail Mary’s and praise sweet baby Jesus.

Shit. I was staring. Smacking my lips, I cleared my throat and then tried again. “Sure, tell me whatever you need,” I said and watched as the corners of Tristan’s lips pulled into an almost challenging smile. I had no clue what he was challenging me to, but he knew better than to yank my chain because, let’s face it, I yanked harder, and of the two of us, he was the only one with something to grab ahold of and tug.

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About Danielle Norman...

Before becoming a romance writer, Danielle was a body double for Heidi Klum and a backup singer for Adele. Now, she spends her days trying to play keep away from Theo James who won’t stop calling her or asking her out. 

And all of this happens before she wakes up and faces reality where in fact she is a 50 something mom with grown kids, she's been married longer than Theo’s been alive, and now get her kicks riding a Harley.

As far as her body, she can thank, Ben & Jerry’s for that as well as gravity and vodka. But she says that she could never be Adele’s backup since she never stops saying the F-word long enough to actually sing.

Danielle writes about kickass women with even better shoes and the men that try to tame them (silly silly men).

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Shifting Shadows: Metal and Magic Book 1, Michelle Frost

On a regular patrol Deckard hears a ruckus coming from the neighboring territory.  What sounds like something that is not their business quickly becomes his personal business; his mate is being taunted, chased, hurt.  There's something special about the human he's saved yet he's determined not to keep him.  But when he realizes the next morning that the young man has amnesia, Deckard knows he can't just send him on his way.  He gives him the name Colt and they form a friendship of sorts as they navigate their complicated situation all while searching for an unnamed threat and managing pack politics which are gearing up for a challenge.  The threat is closer than anyone could have predicted and it's clear that Colt is right in the thick of it all.  They'll have to choose sides and fight together or watch everyone they care for fall prey to the darkness.

Deckard is a complicated man.  We get a little of the why's near the end of the story but not nearly enough to understand his reaction to a prophecy, why he's willing to send his mate away, why he and his wolf are struggling so hard in their union...and so on.  What we're sure of is the tenderness inside him for not just his mate but for his family and friends.  He's a fierce protector with a big heart.

Colt is much more of a mystery.  Yes, he does have amnesia, but there's still a sense that we should know who he is right now.  We're basically watching him go from almost childish responses to PTSD panic attacks all the time so it's unclear how we should feel about him.  I do think there's potential, especially after his two experiences are once again whole, but would like to see more growth and solid character development.

The first scene is attention-grabbing, to say the least.  From there, though, it slows down quite a bit and drags for quite a long time only to speed up again when the confrontations and revelations are forced.  It created a rush to the end and a somewhat contrived set-up for the rest of the series.  I like the direction and am curious to know more but if we aren't given some kind of background in the next installment I'm not sure how invested I'll become.  Overall it's an interesting story with a great premise but the final product is quite rough.  I'm withholding any excitement of the series for after book 2 to see if the path will be laid and followed rather than just the vague direction we're left with now.

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Waiting for Sunrise: Baytown Boys Book 7, Maryann Jordan

Two lonely souls find a haven with one another.  Belle and Hunter have a lot in common and the town they live in is the perfect setting for affection to grow into something warm and long-lasting.  It's not a perfect place though, and danger lurks closer than either of them realize.  If Belle can't truly make peace with herself and her past and if Hunter can't resolve the problems nipping at his heels none of their affections will have a chance to dig deep and grow into their own happily-ever-after.

Belle is the kindest, sweetest, most giving nurse but all that light came from darkness.  Just like the sunrises she watches each morning, she decides to let darkness, disappointment, and negativity be washed away by the promise of a new day, a new start, a new chance to do some good.  And when a man shows up that just might be able to add a lot more good to her world she'll find out that it takes more than good thoughts and hard work to make love last.  Sometimes dreams might have to change.

Hunter, however, is determined to make sure all Belle's dreams come true.  But only if he can work out his own issues.  He's got a weight hanging over him that keeps him from going all-in with Belle but he just can't seem to help himself and stay away from her.  No stranger to an unfortunate past himself, he finds empathy in and for Belle.  Their hearts sink deeper and deeper the closer they get to one another and if Hunter doesn't get his issues sorted all the closeness in the world won't change the dangers and circumstances that could keep them apart.

Both Hunter and Belle were nice characters.  They had depth, heart, and strong wills.  Together they made an ideal partnership in every way that mattered.  I felt for Belle and her struggles with her past.  Childhood and adolescence can be tricky and sometimes hurtful periods in life and while many people could easily become bitter, jaded, or hardened I respected and admired that Belle chose to be the wonderful person she was.  She was a strong character despite her insecurities and knee-jerk reaction to Hunter's revelation; I enjoyed her because she was multi-faceted and real.

Hunter was more of a mystery because of his specific circumstances but his earnestness and care for Belle showed the heart of a good man.  As a partner for Belle he provided support, genuine care and concern, and love.  They were well-suited and a pleasure to read about.

While it was a bit slow at first, there were hints here and there that kept the story moving to a dramatic reveal that ignited the romantic conflict between Hunter and Belle.  While that was resolved wonderfully by the end, the actual drama, once it was clear that the climax had arrived, was kind of like a firework: big, loud, and attention-grabbing but quickly fades.

The secondary dramatic conflict in the story revolving around their professions was kind of a surprise.  I actually didn't see the culprit as the culprit because I was caught up in my suspicions about other characters.  Well-played.

All in all I really enjoyed this story.  It was sedate most of the time but not boring.  There was an incredible amount of tenderness, in fact, that was the most consistent thing in the entire book.  I loved how supportive and devoted both Belle and Hunter were of one another.  Adding the drama from the nursing home and the trailer park gave even more interest into them as individuals because of Belle's relationship with a young woman and Hunter's possibly shady dealings.  A great story with great MC's that earn their place in a series with the other stellar residents of Baytown.

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Impact: Iron Orchids Book 3, Danielle Norman

The synopsis gives the impression of something a little more...erotic romance?...and what we get is effing amazing.  Instead of being a hot alpha dude doing a little creeper viewing on the curvy hottie with a kid in a model home we get a hot alpha dude finding his heart's home in a beautiful single mother struggling to raise her daughter with morals, safety, and love.

Katy is the world's most awesome mom.  Her fire, her fierce nature, her humor, her devotion to Bee, all of it made me love her so hard.  She's navigating a tricky situation but instead of putting her daughter in danger because she can't think of a better option, she breaks into a model home and lives there temporarily.  But it's what she teaches her daughter as they make use of the safe home that floors me.  The way she works, cleans, and educates Bee about hard work, not taking advantage or stealing, all things she could shirk because she has good reason to, and she doesn't.  She breaks my heart and gives me something to aspire to as a mother.

When Damon sees her and becomes protective, enamored, and enchanted with this little family I couldn't have been more shocked or pleased.  He's obviously attracted to her, but the initial attraction deepens and strengthens the more he watches them from the safety of his iPad.  And when they finally meet he's even more fascinated.

Together they could be a force to be reckoned with.  But it's the patience and slowness that they evolve from co-workers to friends to more that makes me believe in them.  Katy is cautious to a fault at times but Damon's whole family gives her no choice but to be loved and appreciated.  There's no better safe place than in their circle of love, trust, and companionship.

Going through my own difficult situation at the moment makes me yearn for a circle of friends as awesome, hilarious, and genuine as the Iron Orchids.  I'm absolutely reading this whole series!!  When the bad stuff goes down between them there's a whole huge heaping of overreactions and running from all that's best for them, which is kind of predictable, but it's the way they swallow their pride, apologize, grovel, and open themselves to complete honesty and love that annihilates me.  There's no better romance than one that has its downs followed by unaffected, honest ups.  Impact has all that and incredible passion to boot.

*$2.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

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Meet the other Orchids...

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AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

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Author Bio

Danielle is a Harley riding romance writer. Most days she can be found in jeans, t-shirts, and pearls (she's a lady like that).

Danielle writes about men that will open the door for you during the day and throw you against them at night. She loves stories that will make you laugh and fall in love without all of the emotional baggage faced every day in our real lives.

And her talent is the ability to tell the difference between a rye, wheat, corn, or potato vodka in just 1 sip, but she prefers a few glasses just to be certain.

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