Review: Dr. Daddy's Perfect Christmas by Jules Bennett

Title:  Dr. Daddy's Perfect Christmas (The St. John's of Stonerock)
Author:  Jules Bennett
Publisher/Publication Date: Harlequin, October 21, 2014
Format/Source: Paperback, Author
Genre:  Contemporary Romance

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Book Summary

Mistletoe Baby

Pregnant...and widowed. It wasn't quite how Nora Parker had planned to be ringing in the holidays this year. Though she was excited to meet her new baby, the last thing she'd expected was the return of Dr. Eli St. John—the man who'd broken her heart years ago. Now he was back, filling in at his father's practice. He definitely wouldn't be staying in town. And she definitely shouldn't be looking forward to seeing him again!

Eli had left his small town for bigger adventures, assuming Nora would always be waiting. Now she was his best friend's widow, expecting a baby Eli wished was theirs. With the holidays approaching and his time in town dwindling, did he dare make one last effort to claim the Christmas gift he should have accepted years ago?

My Thoughts

I have read several books by Jules Bennett and have enjoyed all of them, so I was excited to have the chance to review Dr. Daddy’s Perfect Christmas, book one of The St. Johns of Stonerock series. Once again, Bennett does not disappoint with Eli and Nora’s compelling, second chance romance story. She did an excellent job of bringing well-developed, small-town characters into existence.

I enjoyed the depiction of the characters. Eli and Nora are reunited early on and had a flood of reemerging feelings—but not so quick—they proceeded with caution as they tested the waters to determine the right course of action. Eli and Nora’s history with one another and their backstories with accounts of betrayal and hurt supported their hesitation to trust and move forward. In addition, all of the characters had a purpose and were skillfully integrated into the story; even though one character in particular was most memorable for the laughable moments she brought to the table—a patient of Eli’s father, the pole dancer.  

I loved the complexity of the characters’ situations. Take Nora for example, she’s recently widowed and pregnant and had a rather full plate from the start. Yet, things weren’t perfect for her just because Eli showed up on the scene. She still experienced a succession of hardships. I liked the fact that Nora’s struggles provided an opportunity for the hero to show his true colors and brought to light Nora’s bond with other characters. 

Along with the believable storyline and characters, I loved the passion in Bennett’s writing that emanated from the page of Dr. Daddy’s Perfect Christmas and simply can’t wait for the next installment of The St. Johns of Stonerock series. 

Rating 4.5/5

***I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.***

**A Gems for Jules Street Team Member**

ARC Review: The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain

Title:  The Silent Sister Author: Diane Chamberlain Publisher/Publication Date: St. Martin's Press, October 7, 2014 Genre: Fiction Format/Source: ARC, Publisher Amazon     Barnes & Noble     Goodreads Book Summary From Goodreads In The Silent Sister, Riley MacPherson has spent her entire life believing that her older sister Lisa committed suicide as a teenager.  Now, over twenty years later, her father has passed away and she's in New Bern, North Carolina cleaning out his house when she finds evidence to the contrary.  Lisa is alive.  Alive and living under a new identity.  But why exactly was she on the run all those years ago, and what secrets are being kept now?  As Riley works to uncover the truth, her discoveries will put into question everything she thought she knew about her family.  Riley must decide what the past means for her present, and what she will do with her newfound reality, in this engrossing mystery from international bestselling author Diane Chamberlain. My Thoughts I was excited when I received The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain. The synopsis sounded intriguing as it presented questions regarding Riley’s initial belief that her sister had committed suicide. I usually enjoy a good mystery that exposes family secrets. Although the story had an attention-grabbing start, I didn’t like some of the character depictions or the conclusion. Chamberlain presents a story of secrets, abuse, and a moment in time that thrust Riley’s family into a web of lies and a life of turmoil. I liked how the story alternated between events of the past and that of present day. The events of the past are told in third person as we get a glimpse of the shocking events surrounding Lisa’s disappearance and her experience after she disappeared. Other chapters were presented in first person from Riley’s point of view as she slowly uncovered the truth about what happened to her sister. After becoming aware of Riley’s occupation, I questioned whether Riley, who was supposed to be good at what she did, had very good problem solving skills. At times, Lisa’s as well as some of the other characters’ behaviors were perplexing and didn’t seem to fit with their initial depiction.  And there were so many familial and personal issues presented throughout the story that some of the problems lacked enough depth to wow me.  Rating 2/5 ***I received a copy of The Silent Sister from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ***

Release Day Blitz & Giveaway: Fractured Lines By Jen McLaughlin

Fractured Lines by Jen McLaughlin was released today! This is an adult, standalone novel that is part of the Out of Line series. Be sure to check out the links below and the contest for some hand-made items by Jen!

BOOK BLURB

The lines we once crossed so easily have widened and torn us apart… 

Once upon a time I thought Finn and I would live happily ever after, but real life doesn't always have a happy ending. He's testing my trust, and I'm losing faith in the man I thought I'd spend the rest of my life with, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. He’s the one I trusted to keep me safe, but now he’s the source of my greatest pain…

Forgiveness is fragile, and some fractures never fully heal... 

 One mistake—a slip in a moment of weakness—might cost me everything I've worked so hard for. The thing about trust is that it's a lot easier to lose than it is to build. Just as I'm about to give up and surrender to the demons from my past, an unexpected threat reminds me what I'm best at: protecting the woman I love. Whether or not she wants me, I will fight for Carrie and our daughter, and I will keep them safe—no matter the cost.

Even if I have to put my life and my heart on the line.  

PURCHASE LINKS

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 Giveaway

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About the Author

Jen McLaughlin is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sexy New Adult books. Under her pen name Diane Alberts, she is a multi-published, bestselling author of Contemporary Romance with Entangled Publishing. Her first release as Jen McLaughlin, Out of Line, released September 6 2013, and hit the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal lists. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. She is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency. 

Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal-clear water. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal-clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and a cat. Her goal is to write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name. 

Website      Facebook Fan Page       Twitter       Goodreads  

 

Cover Reveal, Excerpt & Giveaway: Play Me by Tracy Wolff

Today, Tracy Wolff is so excited to offer a first look at her brand new erotic serial, plus reveal the super sexy, new covers, for Tracy Wolff's Play Me. Play Me's Aria has more than a few complicated feelings when it comes to her sexy boss—and rescuer—Sebastian. See all the covers and learn more about the serial!

Play Me 1: Wild

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In Play Me 1: Wild the seductive first installment of an eBook original serial from Tracy Wolff, the New York Times bestselling author of Ruined and Addicted, a woman running from her past has finally found a bit of control . . . until her powerful new boss makes her go wild.

My name is Aria Winston. I’ve fought desperately to make my own life, away from the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas. Now I’m on my own, in control of my own life and my own destiny . . . just the way I like it. Until Sebastian Caine changes everything.

Working as a cocktail waitress at one of Vegas’s hottest five-star casinos means putting up with a ton of bad behavior from the big spenders. But it pays the bills—and that’s all that matters to Aria as she needs every last dollar to escape from her father’s destructive grasp and the brutal man he expects her to marry. But when she lashes out against a billionaire who won’t take no for an answer, she nearly loses everything—until Sebastian steps in. The owner’s son and handpicked successor, Sebastian is dark, sexy and kinder than any rich, powerful man should be. And when he apologizes and offers to keep her job safe, Aria can’t help the way her body reacts to his. But if the way her body instantly responds to his touch is any indication, what Aria really wants is Sebastian. Suddenly her job, and the security it brings her, isn’t all that Aria wants ...

Play Me is an erotic serial intended for mature audiences. Aria and Sebastian’s story continues in Play Me 2: Hot, Play Me 3: Hard, Play Me 4: Real , Play Me 5: Right.

All five books will be releasing on December 2, 2014.

Learn more about, or pre-order each book in the serial before they're all released onDecember 2, 2014:

Play Me 1: Wild  

  

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Play Me 2: Hot

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Play Me 3: Hard   

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Play Me 4: Real

   

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Play Me 5: Right   

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An excerpt from Play Me 1: Wild

Whales belong in the ocean, not in a casino. But in my experience, more often than not, that’s exactly where you find them. Cozied up to a poker table or a craps table or a roulette wheel, sucking down Lagavulin and hassling every pretty girl that walks by. Then again, I live in Vegas and I work at the Atlantis, currently the hottest casino on the Strip. Where the hell else am I going to see a whale other than right here in my own backyard?

Tonight the place is crawling with them, rich men throwing around thousand dollar chips like confetti and tossing back thousands of dollars’ worth of free liquor the same way. I want to say that it’s an unusual occurrence, but the truth is, this is my life. Has been for a while now.

It’s a different view on this side of the casino from your typical Vegas experience, one filled with ten thousand dollar suits and ten million dollar bets. The air fairly crackles with the sound, the scent, the feel of money. Which translates into much higher tips than working the regular floor does, tips I desperately need. All I have to do to earn them is ignore the fact that the whales on this side of the velvet ropes have much grabbier hands. And an overdeveloped sense of entitlement.

“I need two fingers of Lagavulin, a Belvedere and cranberry, another Nolet’s Reserve and tonic and a shot of Patron Silver,” I tell Michael, tonight’s bartender, as I pick up a dirty martini and a couple of mojitos made with top shelf booze.

He nods, never breaking rhythm as he shakes a margarita in one hand and squirts Coke on top of rum in another.

And then I’m off again, teetering back toward the high roller tables in the four inchstilettos my boss insists all the cocktail waitresses wear. I don’t mind them so much—learning to walk in Louboutins and Manolos was pretty much a required course growing up in my house—but after seven hours straight on my feet, even my steel arches are beginning to whimper.

Which is probably why I’m not at my most patient when Whale Number One, a Japanese businessman who just flew in from Tokyo, rubs a suggestive hand over my ass and down my scantily clad thigh.

I turn around and shoot him a look, and he holds his hands up in a pretend gesture of surrender. “Can I get you anything else?” I ask him, keeping my voice sweet and my eyes steady. It’s my experience that guys like this have trouble keeping up the letch act when they’re looking straight into your eyes. It’s a lesson I learned from my mother years ago: rich men will only give you respect if you demand it.

The full series releases on December 2, 2014!  More details to come later this week!  And don't forget to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a $25 giftcard to Amazon or Barnes and Noble, plus autographed digital copies of Ruined and Addicted!!!

About the Author:

Tracy Wolff collects books, English degrees and lipsticks and has been known to forget where—and sometimes who—she is when immersed in a great novel. At six she wrote her first short story—something with a rainbow and a prince—and at seven she forayed into the wonderful world of girls lit with her first Judy Blume novel. By ten she’d read everything in the young adult and classics sections of her local bookstore, so in desperation her mom started her on romance novels. And from the first page of the first book, Tracy knew she’d found her life-long love. Now an English professor at her local community college, she writes romances that run the gamut from contemporary to paranormal to erotic suspense.

Find out more about Tracy at www.tracywolffbooks.com.

Follow Tracy

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Billionaires In Love by Carly Phillips Release Day Launch

Billionaires in Love

Two classic Carly Phillips stories about love, loss and second chances ...

The Playboy’s Second Chance

This story was formerly titled Kismet. Since the title was confusing to readers, I changed the name and now bring you The Playboy’s Second Chance. I hope you enjoy my sexy, stand-alone novella.

Trevor Dane, Wall Street Hot Shot and billionaire, has everything — money, power and any woman he could possibly want yet he isn’t happy. When his latest interviewer turns out to be the one woman he’s never forgotten, Trevor sees a second chance and he won’t let Lissa Gardelli’s wariness or old hurts stop him from getting back into her bed… and her heart.

Midnight Angel

Hollywood superstar, Dylan North, revisits his home town with the express intent of seeing his first love once more, to see if they can reignite the love he stupidly threw away ten years before. The last thing Dr. Holly Evans needs in her life is her high school sweetheart returning and stirring up old feelings. But Dylan is determined to convince Holly that happily ever doesn't only happen in the movies.

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About the Author 

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips has written over 40 sexy contemporary romance novels that today's readers identify with and enjoy. After a successful 15 year career with various New York publishing houses, Carly is making the leap to Indie author, with the goal of giving her readers more books at a faster pace at a better price. Her Serendipity books will still finish up in January/February 2014 via Berkley as planned. Carly lives in Purchase, NY with her family, two nearly adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. She's a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom. In addition, she's a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers.

WEBSITE     FACEBOOK     TWITTER     GOODREADS     AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

ARC Review: Comes the Night by Cathy Marlowe

Title:  Comes the Night (An Out of Darkness Novel, #2)

Author:  Cathy Marlowe

Publisher/Publication Date: Entangled Suspense, October 6, 2014
Genre: Suspense

Format/Source: E-ARC, Publisher

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About the Book from Goodreads

The truest loves can't be forgotten... 

What should have been a romantic evening quickly turns into a nightmare for Lizzie Weston when her husband, Zach, and their infant son disappear. Convinced that her husband would never desert her or her daughter, Lizzie is certain they've been abducted. But with with $1 million missing from their security firm and a note from her husband, the police aren't so sure... 

Heartbroken and terrified, Lizzie is determined to move heaven and earth to find her husband and son, and bring them home. But it's only when Lizzie follows up on an anonymous tip that she finds herself thrown into a chaotic plot filled with subterfuge and manipulation...and the madness of one man. Now she'll have to fight not just to find her family, but to keep them alive. And in order to save her family, Lizzie must rely on a love that's stronger than memory...

My Thoughts

With the gripping beginning of Comes the Night by Cathy Marlowe, I was reeled into the story from page one. Zach and Daniel, Lizzy’s husband and son, were abducted by a madman and Lizzy had no idea why or by whom. In addition to what happened to her family questions arose regarding Zach’s past. Although you could admire the fact that Lizzy would do anything to rescue her family, I often felt like she was reactive rather than proactive in situations, which just drew her and her family deeper into the nightmare. Throughout the story Lizzy seemed to act out of fear, so I was rather shocked when some of her actions were more sensible than they first appeared. As for Zach, I liked the depiction of this hero, because although he lost his memory, he was still in protective mode—even if he didn’t always grasp why he felt the way he did. Although Zach didn’t fully understand his actions, I liked how Marlowe utilized flashbacks to help the reader understand Lizzy and Zach’s unbreakable bond. The information revealed about their past made their connection appear to be a bit more realistic.

  

Overall, this was one suspenseful story that kept me super-glued to the pages. It’s just one of those captivating books. And once you pick it up, you won’t want to put it down.

Rating 4.5/5

I received an e-arc of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

It's Release Day!!! Loving You Always by Kennedy Ryan

It's Release Day for Loving You Always by Kennedy Ryan! Have you one-clicked it yet? This is the second book in the Bennett series. If you have not read When You Are Mine you'll want to read that first!

Title:  Loving You Always (The Bennett Series Book 2)

Author:  Kennedy Ryan

Publisher/Publication Date:  Forever Yours, October 7, 2014

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

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About Loving You Always from Goodreads

Kerris Moreton should be the happiest woman in the world: She has a successful business and is about to start the family she's always wanted. But the man of her dreams-the one whose green eyes see straight into her soul and whose gentle hands make her body hum with pleasure-is not hers.

Each secret moment with Walsh Bennett serves to remind Kerris of what she's missing. And every stolen hour makes it harder to see her future without him. But being with Walsh would betray a sacred promise and upend her perfect life. When tragedy strikes, the razor's edge between love and loyalty grows sharper than ever. And Kerris must decide where her heart will fall . . .

Don't miss the first installment in The Bennett's Series...When You Are Mine. Available now!

ARC Review: Sweeter Than Sin By Shiloh Walker

Title: Sweeter Than Sin (A Secrets & Shadows Novel, #2)

Author: Shiloh Walker

Publisher/Publication Date: St. Martin's Press, September 30, 2014

Format/Source: E-ARC, Publisher/NetGalley

Genre: Romantic Suspense

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Book Summary From Goodreads

CAN’T FORGET THE PAIN

It took years for Adam to stop drowning his regrets in alcohol, and running the local bar doesn’t make it any easier—especially not when everyone he knows gathers there to discuss the shocking allegations that have shattered his hometown. When another murder rocks sleepy Madison to its core, it becomes chillingly clear that even more vicious wounds are waiting to be exposed.

WON’T RESIST THE PLEASURE

Nothing is sacred anymore, and no one is safe, least of all the mystery woman who shows up in town out of the blue, looking like every fantasy Adam’s ever had. She may have her own dangerous secrets, but she can’t ignore the urgent heat between them any more than he can. As a killer’s quest for vengeance explodes into violence, Adam is tempted to lose himself in the delicious promise of her body—until he realizes he’ll risk anything if she’ll give him her heart…in Sweeter than Sin by Shiloh Walker.

My Thoughts

I have read a few of Shiloh Walker’s books. Sweeter Than Sin is the first book written by Walker that I started reading and didn’t finish. As is usually true with the books I’ve read by Walker, it is filled with dark elements and characters with demons in their closets/troubled pasts. After several attempts to complete this novel, I finally decided to call it quits. No, it wasn’t because it was poorly written. And yes Walker stayed true to what she usually writes, but I felt that the storyline started out a little too dark, and I didn’t like the frequent reminders of the vile acts committed in the small town.

Although Sweeter Than Sin might be for some, this book just wasn’t for me. However, I will continue reading books by Walker, because from the books I’ve read by this author in the past—She Owns Me and Stolen, she skillfully presents difficult topics and brings troubled characters to life.

Actual Rating DNF

I received an e-arc of Sweeter Than Sin from the publisher/NetGalley for this review.

All About FINN, Teaser & Giveaway: Fractured Lines by Jen McLaughlin

Fractured Lines by Jen McLaughlin will be releasing October 14th, but first we have some exclusive content to share. Each week, FINNClub team members are sharing special details from the book, and series, in order to share their excitement for the new novel.

Today we have a post that is all about FINN!

 

Finn Coram

 As one reviewer put it, “Oh, Finn, Finn, Finn, Finn-ey, Finn, Finn.”

There’s just something about Finn from the OUT OF LINE series that makes female hearts go aflutter. Maybe it’s the fact that he was/is a Marine. Maybe it’s the Harley he rides. Maybe it’s the surfing. Or the fact that he can kick ass without even breaking a sweat.

I’m not sure what it is, but there’s just something that makes him irresistible to readers and myself alike. When I wrote their third book (which was planned to be the last) it was so bittersweet. Being in Finn’s head was just so much FUN. He’s protective, but daring. Sweet, but dominant. Hot, but sensitive.

When I thought we were done forever, I was sad, but okay with it. After the readers had finished, I got countless emails begging me to continue the story. I didn’t think it was possible, but then…it hit me. I could write Finn as an adult! And so FRACTURED LINES came into existence.

One of the most fun parts about writing him in four books is the progression of his dirty talk.

Teaser

  BOOK BLURB

The lines we once crossed so easily have widened and torn us apart…

Once upon a time I thought Finn and I would live happily ever after, but real life doesn't always have a happy ending. He's testing my trust, and I'm losing faith in the man I thought I'd spend the rest of my life with, and there’s nothing I do can stop it. He’s the one I trusted to keep me safe, but now he’s the source of my greatest pain…

Forgiveness is fragile, and some fractures never fully heal...

One mistake—a slip in a moment of weakness—might cost me everything I've worked so hard for. The thing about trust is that it's a lot easier to lose than it is to build. Just as I'm about to give up and surrender to the demons from my past, an unexpected threat reminds me what I'm best at: protecting the woman I love. Whether or not she wants me, I will fight for Carrie and our daughter, and I will keep them safe—no matter the cost.

Even if I have to put my life and my heart on the line.

PRE-ORDER SALE

FRACTURED LINES is now up for pre-order on amazon! If you purchase the book before its release day it will be just .99 cents! This is for pre-orders only! Grab it while it's on sale.

Amazon Pre-Order Link     Kobo Pre-Order Link     

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway
  Jen McLaughlin is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sexy New Adult books. Under her pen name Diane Alberts, she is a multi-published, bestselling author of Contemporary Romance with Entangled Publishing. Her first release as Jen McLaughlin, Out of Line, released September 6 2013, and hit the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal lists. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. She is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.

Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal-clear water. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal-clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and a cat. Her goal is to write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

Website      Facebook Fan Page     Twitter     Goodreads

  

ARC Review: Brushing off the Boss by Annie Seaton

Title:  Brushing Off the Boss (Half Moon Bay, #2)
Author:  Annie Seaton
Publisher/Publication Date:  Entangled Bliss, September 15, 2014
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Format/Source:  E-ARC, Publisher

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Book Synopsis from Goodreads

The one passion they had in common was the one that would keep them apart.

Artist Sienna Sacchi is about to have everything she’s ever dreamed of, when sexy playboy Jack Montgomery comes strolling back into her life as the owner of her gallery. Her plan to buy it herself ruined, she refuses to let him interfere with the most important thing—her debut exhibition. But Jack’s not just taking over her workplace, he’s also intruding on her art studio, her home, and maybe even her heart.

Jack Montgomery has few rules for his carefree life, but never mixing business with pleasure is one he is determined to keep. He’d planned on finally satisfying the tension between him and Sienna, but discovering he’s her boss puts an immediate end to that. Unfortunately, being forced to share a tiny apartment with the gorgeous, tempting sculptor is pushing Jack to his limits. One brush with desire could ruin everything they’ve worked for.

My Thoughts

Brushing Off the Boss by Annie Seaton is another entertaining and quick read from Entangled Bliss. Soon after the story began, Sienna and Jack were reacquainted, and it was revealed that Jack owned the art gallery that she had been vying for. As such, early on, there was a considerable amount of tension that conflicted with their amazing chemistry. Jack can best be described as swoon worthy.  I liked how the story unfolded and loved how he had a calm demeanor and didn’t really let Sienna’s behavior faze him. Sienna's behavior can best be described as difficult as she worked through her trust and commitment issues. However, Sienna seemed so wrapped up in past and present events that she had a hard time appreciating Jack’s attempts to woo her. The depiction of Jack is what kept me reading Brushing Off the Boss. I wondered if this hero, who was perfect in every way, could break through Sienna’s wall of steel and convince her of his feelings for her, or if her unresolved issues would continue to stand in their way.

I haven’t read the first book in the Half Moon Bay Series, but after reading Brushing Off the Boss, I am looking forward to reading Blake and Ana’s story in Tangling with the CEO and other books by Annie Seaton.

Rating 4/5

I received an e-arc of this book from the publisher for this review.

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For More Information visit Annie Seaton's Website