Highland Hellion by Mary Wine

Title: Highland Hellion

Author: Mary Wine

Pub Date: June 6, 2017

ISBN: 9781492602507

KATHERINE CAREW:

· Illegitimate daughter of an English earl

· Abducted to Scotland at age 14

· No family, no reputation...

· No rules

ROLFE MCTAVISH:

· Heir to an honorable Highland laird

· Can’t believe how well tomboy Kate can fight

· About to learn how much of a woman she really is

Scotland is seething with plots, the vengeful Gordons are spoiling for a fight, and the neighboring clans are at each other’s throats. All it takes is a passionate hellion with a penchant for reckless adventure to ignite the Highlands once more.

 

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“What do ye mean by that?” Helen Grant demanded.

Marcus eyed his wife, crossing his arms over his chest and facing her down, as was his fashion. Helen’s eyes narrowed. “Ye heard me clearly, Wife.”

Helen scoffed and settled her newest babe into its cradle before she turned on him while pulling the laces on her dress tight. “What I heard was that ye seem to think what a woman does with her day is easier to learn than a man’s lot.”

Marcus frowned. “Do nae go twisting me words.”

“I should have had charge of her years ago if ye wanted her trained properly in the running of a house,” Helen continued. “Ye are the one who allowed her to be a lad.”

“And for good reason,” Marcus answered back. “She’s English. Ye know how often ye have heard curses against her kin, and I assure ye, I have heard three times as much because the men do tend to mind their tongues around the women in the hall.”

Helen had finished closing her dress and settled her hands on her hips. “As I said, I do nae know what ye expect me to do with her now that ye’ve let her run wild for the past six years. She’s twenty now.”

“I know.” Marcus’s control slipped, allowing his exasperation to bleed through into his tone. “She’s a woman, and yet she was intent on riding out with us last evening.”

“It wouldn’t be the first time,” Helen replied. “Why is it a concern now?”

Marcus’s jaw tightened, and his wife read his expression like a book. There was no point in trying to keep the matter to himself. He let out a soft word of Gaelic.

“We went out and lifted some of the Gordons’ cattle.”

His wife stiffened. The Gordons hated the MacPhersons and would spill blood if they could. Old Laird Colum Gordon wanted vengeance for the death of his son, Lye Rob, and the old man didn’t seem to care that Bhaic MacPherson had killed Lye Rob with good reason. Lye Rob had stolen Bhaic’s new wife, Ailis, and no Highlander worth his name was going to let a man get away with that. Nothing seemed to matter to the old laird of the Gordons except vengeance.

Marcus knew he was playing with fire by going anywhere near Gordon land. Needling the local clans was one matter; going onto Gordon land was another altogether because it might get him killed. His wife was going to tear a strip off his back for chancing it.

“Damn ye, Marcus,” Helen berated him. “So, ye are still acting like a child?” She pointed at their son. “And what will become of the children I bear ye if ye get yer throat slit?”

Marcus only lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “Ye know it will nae come to that. The Grants took some of ours last month. It’s just a bit of fun.”

Helen made a soft sound. “With the Gordons, it is very different. Which is why ye do nae want Katherine along. Do nae think to pull the wool over me eyes.”

Marcus opened his arms in exasperation. “Aye!” He snorted. “There, I’ve agreed with ye. And ye would have a place if I were to pay for me choices in blood, so do nae insult me by asking such a question. Now tell me ye will take her in hand.” He made a motion with his hand. “And teach her…what a woman should be doing with her time.”

Helen wasn’t pleased, and as she looked at her baby, worry creases appeared at the corners of her eyes.

“I love ye, Helen, but ye know full well what manner of man I am.” He pulled her close, wrapping her in his embrace. She settled for just a moment, inhaling the scent of his skin before she pushed against his chest and he released her.

“Aye, well,” Helen said softly. “At twenty years of age, Katherine has decided what sort of woman she is as well. Something ye have allowed. Now ye expect me to be the one to destroy her world?”

Marcus’s expression tightened as he crossed his arms over his chest. “I’ll have words with her.” 

Acclaimed author Mary Wine has written over 30 works of Scottish Highland romance, romantic suspense and erotic romance. An avid history-buff and historical costumer, she and her family enjoy participating in historical reenactments. Mary lives in Yorba Linda, California with her husband and two sons.  

Two bundles of Mary Wine’s Highland Weddings series (3 books)

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Song of the Current (Song of the Current #1) by Sarah Tolcser

Hardcover, 373 pages

Expected publication: June 6th 2017 by Bloomsbury Childrens Books

ISBN: 1681192977

Goodreads

Caroline Oresteia is destined for the river. For generations, her family has been called by the river god, who has guided their wherries on countless voyages throughout the Riverlands. At seventeen, Caro has spent years listening to the water, ready to meet her fate. But the river god hasn’t spoken her name yet—and if he hasn’t by now, there’s a chance he never will.

Caro decides to take her future into her own hands when her father is arrested for refusing to transport a mysterious crate. By agreeing to deliver it in exchange for his release, Caro finds herself caught in a web of politics and lies, with dangerous pirates after the cargo—an arrogant courier with a secret—and without the river god to help her. With so much at stake, Caro must choose between the life she always wanted and the one she never could have imagined for herself.

From debut author Sarah Tolcser comes an immersive and romantic fantasy set along the waterways of a magical world with a headstrong heroine determined to make her mark. 

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Song of the Current was such a surprisingly delightful read. This book pulled me in right from the beginning, and I didn't want to put the book down! There were some slower portions of this book, but it was entertaining as a whole. 

There were so many fun elements to this story. The Song of the Current had pirates, humor, flirty banter, action, adventure, mythology, and some fantastic kissing scenes. Some parts of the book felt a little slow, but the author would then introduce something fun and exciting to grab my attention again. Some of the storylines were predictable, but I liked that the author also included some twists that I didn't see come. There was some romance in this book, and I thought it was fantastic. The author did a great job at creating a delicious romance that was believably paced and that never took over the plot of the novel. The romance made me smile and feel all the feels. Also, the author was HUGE on consent, which I was LIVING for!

The main character, Caro, was such a spunky and badass character. I loved how she didn't let anyone or anything get in the way of her and her goals. Caro was rough around the edges but in the best way possible. Her thorny exterior resulted in some hilarious banter and jabs, and I loved how sweet and considerate she could underneath that tough exterior. Her bravery and loyalty were just some of the things about her that I admired greatly.

There were some great side characters that I became extremely attached to. There was one male character in particular that I simply adored. He started off as an entitled ass-hat, but as the book progressed, he became more and more lovable. He turned out to be such a smart, caring, and loyal character. His sassy quips and flirty lines made me fall head-over-heels in love with him. He made me laugh out loud and swoon more times than I can count. 

Overall, this was an exhilarating, delightful, and charming book. If you want a YA novel filled with badass pirates, witty banter, swashbuckling action, fantastic characters, and a steamy romance, then this is the book for you! 

4 / 5 Fangs

*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. * 

Run to Ground (Rocky Mountain K9 Unit #1) by Katie Ruggle

He lost his mentor.

He lost his K9 partner.

He almost lost his will to live.

But when a ruthless killer targets a woman on the run, Theo and his new K9 companion will do whatever it takes to survive—and save the woman neither can live without.

Grieving the death of his partner, Theo Bosco has no room in his life for distractions. Though his instincts scream that he should avoid Juliet ‘Jules’ Jackson, he can’t seem to stay away. It doesn’t help that Theo’s new K9 companion has fallen head over paws with Jules’s rambunctious family.

Or that when he’s with her, Theo finally knows peace.

When Jules rescued her siblings, whisking them away to the safety of the beautifully rugged Colorado Rockies, she never expected to catch the eye—or the heart—of a cop. Yet as Jules struggles to fight her growing attraction to the brooding K9 officer, another threat lurks much closer to home…

And this time, there’s no escape.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2rzClcS

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Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit: 

Run to Ground (Book 1)

On the Chase (Book 2)

Survive the Night (Book 3)

The woman watched him, her blue eyes getting wider and wider, until he stopped in front of her. They stared at each other for several moments. She was even prettier and looked even more scared up close. There were dark shadows smudged beneath her eyes, and her face had a drawn, tight look. Her throat moved as she swallowed, and her eyes darted to the side. Theo tensed, his cop instincts urging him to chase her if she ran.

When she ran.

“Theo,” Megan barked as she passed, “go sit down. You’re being creepy.”

He shot her a frown, but most of his attention was still on the new server. “What’s your name?”

She swallowed again and tried to force a smile, but it quickly fell away. “Jules. Um…for Julie.” Even in those few words, her Southern drawl was obvious.

“Last name?”

“Uh…Jackson.” Her gaze jumped toward the door.

“Where are you from?” He couldn’t stop asking questions. It was partly his ingrained curiosity, and partly a personal interest he couldn’t seem to smother.

“Arkansas.”

Theo called bullshit on that. While she’d said her last name too slowly, this had come too fast, like he’d asked her a quiz question that she’d studied for. He could see the tension vibrating through her, her body projecting the urge to flee. What was she running from? An abusive husband? The consequences of a crime she’d committed? “What brings you to Colorado?”

“It’s…a nice state?” Her eyes squeezed closed for a second, as if she was mentally reprimanding herself.

Every glance at the door, every stifled flinch, every half-assed response just made Theo more suspicious. “You move here by yourself?”

“I…um…” Her hunted gaze fixed on Megan’s back, but the other server was occupied helping a little boy get ketchup out of a recalcitrant bottle and didn’t see her silent plea. “I should get back to work.”

“Wait.” Without thinking, he reached for her arm.

“Theo.” Hugh stood right behind him, and Theo’s jaw tightened as his hand dropped to his side. Why did they feel a need to watch him like he was an unstable bomb? “Food’ll be here soon.”

Theo didn’t want to return to the table, didn’t want to eat, didn’t want to talk about Sherry or anything else. What he did want was to find out more about the new, pretty, squirrelly waitress whose name may—but more likely may not—be Julie Jackson.

Jules.

He was tempted to send Hugh back to the table without him, but what was the point? All she would do was keep lying…badly. Later, in the squad car, he’d run her name, although “Julie Jackson” from Arkansas would produce enough hits to keep him busy for months.

He’d give it time. They were at the diner every morning. He’d have plenty of opportunities to try to get information.

Assuming she didn’t skip town first.

Ignoring his screaming instincts—his curiosity—his interest—he gave a short, reluctant nod and returned to the table. He could wait.

Still, it was hard not looking back.

After enjoying Katie's Search & Rescue series, I was more than excited to start a new romantic suspense series by her! This book had all the thrills and romance that fans can expect when it comes to a book by Katie. I will admit that I didn't like this book AS much as the books in her previous series, but still was an exhilarating read. 

The main male character, Theo, was a little hard for me to warm up to at first. He was very demanding and moody. I understood why he was acting that way, but it was still hard to really like him. However, as the book went on, I saw how caring, dedicated, romantic, and determined he was. Julie, the other main character, was a delight. I really admired how much she cared about her siblings and how she was willing to do anything to keep them safe. 

I thought the plot of this book was interesting, but I wasn't a huge fan of the flashbacks. The flashbacks felt a bit out of place and they kept taking me out of the story. I wish they all would have been condensed into a prologue or shorter. However, the plot as a whole was intriguing and fast-paced, which I really enjoyed! 

The romance was as steamy and delicious as I was hoping it would be! Once I warmed up to Theo, I started shipping him with Julie SO HARD. I thought they made an adorable pair, and I would love to have more stories about them! 

Overall, this was a heart racing and sexy read. Fans of Katie's other books and fans of romantic suspense will definitely enjoy this new story! I am excited to see what this series has in store for us next! 

3 / 5 Fangs

*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. * 

For fan's of Katie's hot SEARCH & RESCUE series, be sure to check out the newest addition to that series, AFTER THE END!

For fans of sexy, brooding ice divers

Motorcycle Club bad boys turned firefighters

Tall, dark, and silent wilderness guides

And cops with hearts of gold… 

The end is just the beginning.

What happens after happily ever after? Now that the murderer has been caught and the arsonist is behind bars, the town of Simpson, Colorado has returned to its sleepy, picturesque former glory. Yet for the heroes of Search & Rescue, work is never done…

…especially not if the extraordinary women if their lives have anything to say about it.

Told in alternating chapters focusing on four unforgettable romances, this slice-of-life novella catches up with fan favorites from Katie Ruggle’s Search & Rescue series—proving once and for all that the end is just the beginning.

After the End is the fun and heart-warming epilogue novella to the exciting Search & Rescue series by Katie Ruggle.

Kindle: http://amzn.to/2oY1y12 

iBooks: http://apple.co/2oDJZjO 

Google: http://bit.ly/2oDX2lj 

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Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley

Hardcover, 288 pages

Expected publication: June 6th 2017 by Knopf Books for Young Readers 

ISBN: 1101937645

Goodreads

Years ago, Rachel had a crush on Henry Jones. The day before she moved away, she tucked a love letter into his favorite book in his family’s bookshop. She waited. But Henry never came. 

Now Rachel has returned to the city—and to the bookshop—to work alongside the boy she’d rather not see, if at all possible, for the rest of her life. But Rachel needs the distraction. Her brother drowned months ago, and she can’t feel anything anymore. 

As Henry and Rachel work side by side—surrounded by books, watching love stories unfold, exchanging letters between the pages—they find hope in each other. Because life may be uncontrollable, even unbearable sometimes. But it’s possible that words, and love, and second chances are enough.

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Holy MOLY. This book was so much better than I could have ever anticipated. I devoured this book in one sitting, and I cannot wait for everyone else to read this beautiful book. I honestly could read this book every day and never get tired of it. 

The first thing I loved about Words in Deep Blue was the fact that it was all about books and a bookstore. I constantly felt this sense of joy and comfort while reading about characters who love to read and who work in an adorable bookstore. I desperately wanted to jump into the pages of Words in Deep Blue and live in the wonderful bookstore the author created.

Every character in this book was unique, well developed, and relatable. I fell in love with each character the author created. The main characters, Henry and Rachel, were lovable yet frustrating in their own ways. Henry was an adorable and hilarious goofball, that I couldn't help but swoon over. Come on, HE LOVES BOOKS! I couldn't help myself. However, he did get on my nerves sometimes. His decisions when it came to his love life made me want to yell at him. Henry had a bit of a love triangle going on in this book. It was all extremely realistic and well done, but I still wanted to shake some sense into him because he was irritating me. 

Rachel went through a lot in this book, and I constantly wanted to give her a hug. Rachel was so strong, caring, loyal, and hilarious. She was a little rough around the edges, but when she opened up to people, she was a soft little cupcake. I wish she would have a been a little more truthful about a few things, but I totally understood why she kept her secrets to herself. Everything that frustrated me about the characters in this book felt believable and necessary, which I appreciated. 

Also, the romance between Rachel and Henry made my heart grow three times in size. Gosh, I couldn't help but ship them so hard. Their banter made me laugh out loud so many times and their appreciation for books warmed my heart. I was desperately wishing for them to admit their feelings to each other and just be together. 

Even though it killed me emotionally, it was a romantic journey that kept me glued to the pages. THEY ARE PERFECT TOGETHER, OKAY? I also really enjoyed the side romance that occurred in this book with Henry's little sister, George. I think the inclusion of George's story kept this book fresh and interesting. CAN WE PLEASE GET A SPIN-OFF BOOK ABOUT HER?!?!?

I was expecting this book to tug at my heart strings, but I didn't realize how emotional it would actually make me. I legitimately cried numerous times while reading this book. I cried happy tears and sad tears. Basically, I was an emotional mess the entire time. 

I honestly could write a book about how much I adored Words in Deep Blue. With the adorable romances, complex and relatable characters, book appreciation, humor, and heartbreak, I couldn't help but fall in love with this book. I would recommend Words in Deep Blue to anyone and everyone. 

5 / 5 Fangs

*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. * 

Dramatically Ever After (Ever After #2) by Isabel Bandeira

Paperback, 378 pages

Expected publication: June 6th 2017 by Spencer Hill Contemporary

Goodreads

Senior year is not shaping up to be the picture perfect movie Em Katsaros had imagined. Her super hot leading man is five thousand miles away. Her dad just got laid off. And Em can kiss her first-pick university goodbye if she doesn't snag a scholarship.

To turn this Shakespearean tragedy into the Academy Award-winning dream Em has written for herself, she enters a speech competition and manages to cinch a spot in the US Youth Change Council national round. She gets to spend a week in Boston and her prayers might be answered if she can kick butt and win one of the national scholarships.

Everything seems to be going by the script until she finds out Kris Lambert—senior class president, stuck-up jerk, and her nemesis—is going, too. Cue the dramatic music. In Boston, Kris is different. Nice. Cute, even. But she knows his game way too well—be nice to your opponents and then throw them under the bus on your way to victory. Instead of becoming his next victim, Em decides to turn the tables by putting her acting and flirting skills to work. Unfortunately, as they get close to the final competition and judging, reality and acting start to blur.

Can Em use the drama from the stage to get the future she's been dreaming of? 

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Dramatically Ever After was a very cute book! There were plenty of swoons and adorable banter to keep my romantic heart interested in this story. Parts of this book dragged, but it was pretty entertaining as a whole. 

One thing that I didn't like as much as I was hoping I would, was the main character. The main character, Em, was just a little too dramatic for my tastes. I know that she was into theater and the title literally has the word "dramatic" in it, but her dramatic antics were a little much to handle at times. Em also tended to exaggerate everything and judge people a lot, which both bothered me. However, all that being said, I did admire a lot of things about Em. I liked how determined she was and how she would do whatever it took to achieve her dreams. It was really inspiring to see her go after her goals. 

The romance in the book was a bit cliche, but it was still very adorable. The banter between Em and Kris made my heart flutter and put a smile on my face! The romantic moments were extremely cute, but I do wish there would have been even more romantic scenes in this book. I WANT MORE CUTE SCENES BETWEEN EM AND KRIS, PLEASE.

Also, Kris was an adorable cinnamon roll that I just want to hug all the time. 

Overall, this was an enjoyable book! I would have liked a little more excitement in the plot development, but as a whole, this was a quick and endearing read!

3 / 5 Fangs

*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. * 

I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published May 30th 2017 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

ISBN: 0374304041

Goodreads

Desi Lee believes anything is possible if you have a plan. That’s how she became student body president. Varsity soccer star. And it’s how she’ll get into Stanford. But—she’s never had a boyfriend. In fact, she’s a disaster in romance, a clumsy, stammering humiliation magnet whose botched attempts at flirting have become legendary with her friends. So when the hottest human specimen to have ever lived walks into her life one day, Desi decides to tackle her flirting failures with the same zest she’s applied to everything else in her life. She finds guidance in the Korean dramas her father has been obsessively watching for years—where the hapless heroine always seems to end up in the arms of her true love by episode ten. It’s a simple formula, and Desi is a quick study. Armed with her “K Drama Steps to True Love,” Desi goes after the moody, elusive artist Luca Drakos—and boat rescues, love triangles, and staged car crashes ensue. But when the fun and games turn to true feels, Desi finds out that real love is about way more than just drama.

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I Believe in a Thing Called Love was such a delightful and endearing book. This was one of those books that filled me to the brim with joy and made me feel like I swallowed a big ball of sunshine. I constantly had a smile on a face while I read this book. I both squealed with joy and laughed out loud. Also, this book made me SO HUNGRY. I loved reading about the food Desi and her dad would eat, and it made me crave ramen and other Korean cuisines. 

I LOVED so many of the characters in this book. Desi, her friends, her dad, and her love interest were all lovable, vibrant, and quirky in their own ways. I thought the author did a great job at making each character feel real and relatable. 

The relationship Desi had with her dad warmed my heart. They had such a warm and loving relationship, it was truly precious. I was glad that the author included such a positive father-daughter relationship. I also loved the way the author wrote the bond between Desi and her two best friends. Instead of just being told that they were best friends, the author expertly showed us how deep their bond was and I could feel it in my heart. 

Desi was an adorable, strong, kind, funny, and relatable main character. I really admired her dedication to everything she got involved in. She never did anything without putting 100% effort into, and I appreciated that. I even related to her on that level, because I was the SAME EXACT WAY in high school. I was always an overachiever, so I definitely felt a special kinship with her. I thought the author did a great job at making Desi's personality shine throughout this novel. Even though I wanted to shake some sense into her at times, I really loved Desi's character. 

Even though Desi's K-drama inspired plan was extremely ridiculous, it was so much fun to read about. The plan Desi made to get a boyfriend added such a hilarious, fun, and charming element to this story. I have recently become a lover of K-dramas, so I loved the list she came up with because it was so accurate to K-drama romance! However, I will admit that some of the situations Desi came up with were a bit drastic and even dangerous. I felt myself cringing at some of Desi's decisions and I was yelling "no, don't do that!" out loud. Some of the situations Desi put herself in were actually scary, but I guess that fits the bill of drama!

The romance in this book was so stinking cute. I enjoyed the pacing of the relationship and I felt like it developed at a believable pace. I shipped Desi and Luca SO HARD. Their romance made me smile and swoon so many times. Their romance was as sweet as cotton candy and I never got sick of it. 

Overall, I thought this was a charming and hilarious novel. I would recommend this book to everyone and anyone! 

Goodbye as I go and binge watch every K-drama ever! 

4.5 / 5 Fangs