How to Flirt with A Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper

Goodreads Description:

Northern Exposure

Even in Grundy, Alaska, it’s unusual to find a naked guy with a bear trap clamped to his ankle on your porch. But when said guy turns into a wolf, recent southern transplant Mo Wenstein has no difficulty identifying the problem. Her surly neighbor Cooper Graham—who has been openly critical of Mo’s ability to adapt to life in Alaska—has trouble of his own. Werewolf trouble.

For Cooper, an Alpha in self-imposed exile from his dysfunctional pack, it’s love at first sniff when it comes to Mo. But Cooper has an even more pressing concern on his mind. Several people around Grundy have been the victims of wolf attacks, and since Cooper has no memory of what he gets up to while in werewolf form, he’s worried that he might be the violent canine in question.

If a wolf cries wolf, it makes sense to listen, yet Mo is convinced that Cooper is not the culprit. Except if he’s not responsible, then who is? And when a werewolf falls head over haunches in love with you, what are you supposed to do anyway? The rules of dating just got a whole lot more complicated. . . .

My Rating: 41/2 out of 5

My Review:

I would have given this a 4 1/2 out of 5 if I could.  I really loved how this book brought out a ton of different emotions.  I thought it was a quick read that was well written and flowed perfectly.  I never saw the ending coming and I love when that happens.  Mo's description of her parents and her past is so hilarious and I can't imagine anyone ever living like that but I know people who almost that intense.  Cooper is the typical broody hot hero and I love a conflicted hero.  I don't think his reasons for leaving his pack are good enough in my opinion.  I'm sure the author could of come up with something a little more serious.  But that may just be my blood thirst coming out!  I sat and read this in once sitting and the pages just flew!  Highly recommend!

An O'Brien Family Christmas by Sherryl Woods

Goodreads Description:

Dating Matthew O’Brien-a playboy and a younger man-cost Laila Riley her career and her parents’ respect. A high price, even for love-and when Laila decides it was just a fling, she breaks it off, despite Matthew’s objections.

It’s a great time to get away from it all, but Laila has reservations about joining the O’Briens for a Dublin holiday. Matthew’s bound to be there, and she’s far from immune. What if she can’t resist temptation?

Meanwhile, the O’Briens are in an uproar over matriarch Nell’s unexpected romance with an old flame. Will she follow her heart despite the risks? And will Laila discover that some risks are actually once-in-a-lifetime opportunities?

My Rating: 4 out of 5

My Review:

I haven't read the others in the series, however this book could completely stand on its own. I wasn't lost or confused by the other characters and they way their back stories were mentioned flowed well and wasn't confusing or too intense. I loved Laila and Matthews story and their interactions together. Laila has family issues, particularly with her father who wanted his son to take over the family business but is left with the daughter with the brains for numbers. He doesn't hide his disappointment of her and Laila's story is much about taking control of her life as it is her romance with Matthew. I enjoyed seeing her grow. Her issues and irrational reactions seemed very realistic and I felt for her. The epilogue had me crying happy tears and I love when a book brings out strong emotions. I think I related personally with this book on a few levels and it made it an even better read for me. Highly recommend and I will definitely be picking up books 1 through 7 in the series to see the detailed stories of the other family members!

1225 Christmas Tree Lane by Debbie Macomber

Goodreads Description:

The people of Cedar Cove know how to celebrate Christmas. Like Grace and Olivia and everyone else, Beth Morehouse expects this Christmas to be one of her best. Her small Christmas tree farm is prospering, her daughters and her dogs are happy and well, and her new relationship with local vet Ted Reynolds is showing plenty of romantic promise.

But…someone recently left a basket filled with puppies on her doorstep, puppies she’s determined to place in good homes. That’s complication #1. And #2 is that her daughters Bailey and Sophie have invited their dad, Beth’s long-divorced husband, Kent, to Cedar Cove for Christmas. The girls have visions of a mom-and-dad reunion dancing in their heads.

As always in life-and in Cedar Cove-there are surprises, too. More than one family’s going to have a puppy under the tree. More than one scheme will go awry. And more than one romance will have a happy ending!

My Rating: 3 out of 5

My Review:

I have not read the others in the series and for that reason I thought the constant introduction to new individuals and the brief memories of their own issues was confusing when mixed with the story of Beth and her Ex husband and daughters. It barely holds as a stand alone and if you are like me and haven't read the others in the series, you will be confused trying to categorize all the town residents with their significant others and family and how they got together. While reading, I wished they'd just stop the trips down memory lane for all the residents and just tell the story of Beth and her family. It would of made it a LOT shorter but a LOT less confusing as well! I also think however that if you'd read the other stories in this series, you wouldn't mind the recap and the story would flow very well.

Always a Princess by Alice Gaines

Goodreads Description:

Eve Stanhope masquerades as a foreign princess at ton parties, stealing jewels from the nobility she despises and returning to her London slum at the end of the night. She's carefully plotting revenge on her former employer—a society cad who's ruined her reputation. Now it's her turn to ruin him. What she doesn't expect is to encounter the criminally handsome Orchid Thief on one of her heists…

Philip Rosemont, Viscount Wesley, is also in disguise. Bored and stifled by society, he steals jewels for fun and leaves orchids as his calling cards. He knows the woman he's cornered at the ball is no aristocrat, much less the Princess of Valdastock. But something tells him she's not exactly common, either. Now he must uncover her motives while he enjoys her illicit kisses. Can these two become partners in crime even as they give in to their mutual seduction?

My Rating: 3 out of 5

My Review:

This was an ok book but not one of my favorites. I felt wanting in certain parts. I enjoyed the ending but it seemed far fetched. I would have liked a twist where Eve's background was concerned. Maybe something that would of made the ending more possible, say a aristocratic father?! I liked how Philip dealt with the Constable in the end as well. The Dr. who studies skulls was just out there and, I felt, completely unnecessary. It was a quick read more fluff then anything else. Good to take you mind off of life and entertain you.

Unclaimed by Courtney Milan

Goodreads Description:

HER ONLY HOPE FOR SURVIVAL...

Handsome, wealthy and respected, Sir Mark Turner is the most sought-after bachelor in all of London—and he’s known far and wide for his irreproachable character. But behind his virtuous reputation lies a passionate nature he keeps carefully in check… until he meets the beautiful Jessica Farleigh, the woman he’s waited for all his life.

IS TO RUIN THE MAN SHE LOVES...

But Jessica is a courtesan, not the genteel lady Sir Mark believes. Desperate to win free of a life she despises, she seizes her chance when Mark’s enemies make her an offer she can’t refuse: Seduce Mark and tarnish his good name, and a princely sum will be hers. Yet as she comes to know the man she’s sworn to destroy, Jessica will be forced to choose between the future she needs—and the love she knows is impossible.

My Rating: 5 out of 5

My Review:

I loved the suspense through out this book.  I loved trying to figure out why Jessica wouldn't drink tea, and I loved how Mark defended her after he found out about it all!  I truly enjoyed the dialogue between Jessica and Sir Mark as well as between the 3 brothers.  I didn't read the first in the series but I did read the Unlocked (1.5 in series) and have thoroughly enjoyed both books.  I can't wait to read the first book and then 3rd in the series!  Highly recommend this historical romance.  The story is refreshing in it's originality and the story will keep you enthralled till the end.  Even the Author's Notes were interesting!

Legacy by Jeanette Baker

Goodreads Description:

When Christina Murray inherits her family's ancestral Scottish home, she also inherits a violent legacy of passion, bloodshed, and genetic memory that only the breathtakingly handsome Ian Douglas can help her overcome...

"A haunting tale of love that will not be denied...a beautifully written story, a vibrant tapestry pulsating with the fiery code and honor of the Highlands."

My Rating: 2 out of 5

My Review:

If I rated based solely on concept and plot this would get a 5 however the writing wasn't great and the flow at times just wasn't right.  I loved the historical references and the way it was incorporated into the present day.  It has great bones but I think it could of used a little more editing to make it flow better and not make readers think "Wait where did that come from? Did I miss something?" Then have the reader flipping back pages to see if something was missed.  I did this a few times and it was annoying.  But again the romance was great and the the historical aspects were fantastic.  I was left wanting and was disappointed.  This book has such great potential!  

Scandal of the Year by Laura Lee Guhrke

Goodreads Description:

ONE TRYST WAS ALL SHE WANTED ...

From their very first meeting, Julia knew that Aidan Carr, the oh-so-proper Duke of Trathen, had a bit of the devil in him, a devil who secretly yearned for what he could not have, a devil who harbored a desire for her. So when she needed to be caught in a compromising situation, Aidan was the answer to her prayers.

ONE TRYST JUST WASN'T ENOUGH ...

Aidan is supposed to be looking for a bride, yet his scandalous liaison with Julia is all he can think about. Hot, erotic memories of kissing her skin, falling into her bed, pulling her naked body on top of his own continue to torment and tempt him. What is it about this brazen seductress that he finds so hard to resist? And how can he stop himself from falling into her bed a second time?

My Rating: 3 out of 5

My Review:

I enjoyed the story, however it wasn't fantastic.  It was just average in almost every way so I gave it the 3 out of 3.  The interactions between the hero and heroine were interesting but fairly predictable.  I did enjoy the mystery as to why the heroine went after the divorce and I liked that it was drawn out till the end to get the answer.  I also loved the love scene when it occurred.  I didn't like the ending, but recently I haven't been overjoyed with many endings lately.  I had questions I would have enjoyed having answered but no book is perfect and again I think this was an average romance.  Better then some but nowhere near the best I've read.