Review: Broken Play by Samantha Kane

Broken Play 
by Samantha Kane
Series:  Birmingham Rebels #1
Pub. Date:  Sept. 1, 2015
Publisher:  Loveswept
Pages:  235
Format:  eARC
Source:  Netgalley


My Rating:  
Sultry Scale:

Perfect for fans of Shayla Black and Lexi Blake, the deeply sensual new Birmingham Rebels series introduces an unforgettable team of chiseled football gods—and the daring, provocative games they play behind closed doors.

Birmingham Rebels offensive linemen Beau Perez and Cass Zielinski are inseparable, on and off the field. Cass, the captain with the cowboy swagger, is a loose cannon. Beau, the veteran tight end, is cool under pressure. And ever since they were caught on tape in a steamy threesome, their exploits have fueled more than a few tabloid headlines—and naughty fantasies.

Marian Treadwell knows all about the video. And now that she’s the Rebels’ new assistant offensive coach, she can’t look at Beau and Cass without picturing their hard, naked bodies—with her pressed in between. Marian would like nothing more than to indulge those impulses, but she knows better than to get too close to her players, a bunch of adrenaline-fueled alpha males who don’t always follow the rules.

Just the thought of sharing the gorgeous yet guarded Marian drives Cass wild. At first, Beau isn’t sure she’s right for them . . . and lately, all he desires is a little alone time with Cass to explore their new intimacy. But it’s only a matter of time before Cass breaks through both of their defenses. Because when seduction is the game plan, he always plays to win.

Broken Play is intended for mature audiences.

I have to admit that I played the part of cover whore for this book... I grabbed it and didn't even read the blurb. So I was a bit surprised when I realized it was going to be romantica with a bunch of hunky football players... en masse so to speak! Holy Moley! This book was so hot I think my kindle was smoking.

Cass, the team captain of Birmingham Rebels, is a take charge country boy complete with cowboy hat. He likes to be in control no matter whether he is on the field, in the locker room, in the coach's office, or in the bedroom. He's just that guy. Beau is a big tattooed teddy bear, the calm to Cass' storm. When Beau's addictions run away from him, Cass gets him clean and shows him how to shift his focus to women... well, a woman sandwich so to speak. And that lucky bitch Marian comes along and grabs the focus of both of these mmmen.

There was not a ton of plot here... we got some football drama, and a bit of a tortured heroine in Marian. But this book was more about the sizzling sinful smmmexytime. We also got good introductions to the rest of the team which will be the focus on the series. But goodness, that is a lot of beefcake kinkery going on there. Phew! This is definitely a book for mature audiences who don't mind MFM, MMF, and even some MMFMM. You definitely don't want to read this one in public. I think I maintained a blush the whole time I was reading!

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

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Birmingham Rebels Series

Review: Kilts and Kisses by Victoria Roberts

Kilts and Kisses
by Victoria Roberts
Pub. Date:  Sept. 1, 2015
Publisher:
Pages:  74
Format:  eARC
Source:  Author


My Rating:  
Sultry Scale:

Since the deaths of her parents, Ceana Gunn has lived in the shadow of her uncle and his family. She wants nothing more than to see her clan the way it was when her father was still laird. But her uncle has other ideas. Ceana soon discovers that the only refuge to be found is in the last place she expects—the arms of her enemy. 

Luthais MacKay wants to be left alone. His only interest is training his prized hawks. He certainly doesn’t have time to listen to the petty squabbling of his clan when his father travels to Edinburgh and leaves him in charge. But when Luthais discovers a mysterious woman on his lands, he’s determined to unravel her secrets…one layer at a time. 

**This novella was previously published in the Kissing the Highlander anthology.**

So this was a super cute short Highland romance, originally published in Kissing the Highlander. This would be a perfect story to pick up while you have a half hour or so to kill. Victoria Roberts never disappoints me with her Scotland romances.

Because this is a short story, I want to keep my review short to avoid spoilers. The story centers around Ceana Gunn and son of the neighboring laird, Luthias MacKay. The couple, each seeking peace and solitude, encounters the other at the edge of their clan territory. There is a bit of instalove, but that is expected in a story this short. I felt a connection to the Gunn sisters, who have had a hard time since the death of their parents. And seriously, it would be against the girl code to not root for them over their horrid cousin Sorcha!

One fun aspect of this story was the bandying about of the old superstitions by Sorcha's mother. Combine that with a sweet love story, a couple of good antagonists, and the beautiful Highland setting, and you have an enjoyable way to spend your time.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

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Review: Hannah and the Highlander by Sabrina York

Hannah and the Highlander 
by Sabrina York
Series:  Untamed Highlanders #1
Pub. Date:  Sept. 1, 2015
Publisher:  St. Martin's Press
Pages:  352
Format:  eARC
Source:  NetGalley


My Rating:  
Sultry Scale:

First in a brand-new series about the bold, brawny men of the Scottish Highlands—and the lovely lasses who bring them to their knees…　

Highlanders are her weakness.

Hannah Dounreay has no time for suitors who only seem interested in her family’s land, which she manages as well as any man. If she marries, she wants to be loved for the educated, independent woman she is. But when a strong, silent—and spectacularly handsome—Highlander saves her from a violent attack, her heart is stirred. Who is this man? And if he asks for Hannah’s hand, will she be able to resist him?

Love is the most powerful weapon of all.

Alexander Lochlannach, Laird of Dunnet, has no time to lose. The Highlands are in an uproar as clans battle for land—without mercy—and Alexander can’t afford to fall for the wildly attractive, strong-willed Hannah. What’s more, he has a desperate secret, one that could destroy them both. But as their attraction turns into an all-consuming passion, Alexander has no choice but to prove to Hannah that he’s the only man for her—body and soul…

This book made me happy. My ratings are super subjective - always based on how a book made me feel when I read it. Hannah and the Highlander just put me in a good mood and I can't think of a single thing about the story that I disliked.

Our setting is 19th Century Scotland when many barons were clearing their land for the grazing of sheep. This created strife and heartbreaking tragedy across the Highlands for many crofters and families who were burned out of their homes.

One of the Highland barons and our hero of the story, Laird Alexander Lochlannach, is dead set against clearing his land. Alexander is a fiercely loyal and caring laird. He also is a bit of a tortured hero with a very harsh upbringing. Alexander also has somewhat of a speech problem, which causes him to be overly self-conscious. I just loved Alexander. He was tall, dark, braw and bonny. He carried scars from his youth, but they only added to his appeal. He went through a horrible situation and came out stronger with a strong sense of loyalty, bravery, and served as protector to his people.

Our heroine, Lady Hannah Dounreay, believes herself to be the plain and unappealing choice among the Dounreay sisters. When compared with Susanna (a warrior princess) and Lana (an eccentric ethereal beauty), Hannah does not think that her stubborn intelligence measures up. I also liked Hannah, she was a no nonsense heroine. Hannah was the perfect match for Alexander - even if he doesn't realize all the reasons she was perfect right off the bat. Alexander was extremely sweet and caring when it came to Hannah, and she was tenacious in her desire to help him with his duties as laird.

To me, this was a "modern historical" in terms of some of the slang, speech and sexytimes. But I loved it - as I said before, it just put me in a happy mood. The growing relationship between Hannah and Alexander was sweet and steamy, and the Highland setting came to life as I was reading. I think there will be a story for each of the Dounreay sisters, and I look forward to that as all of their characters were very appealing.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

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Untamed Highlanders Series

Review: The Highlander's Bride by Amanda Forester

The Highlander's Bride 
by Amanda Forester
Series:  Highland Trouble #1
Pub. Date:  Sept. 1, 2015
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Casablanca
Pages:  384
Format:  eARC
Source:  NetGalley


My Rating:  
Sultry Scale:

Critically acclaimed author Amanda Forester entertains readers with a new, romantic Scottish Highlander series…

After years of fighting in France, Sir Gavin Patrick longs for his Scottish home and for an easier life off the battlefield. However, laden with a shipment of orphans, a massive treasure to transport, and Lady Marie Colette—a sharp-tongued French heiress—Gavin realizes that the real battle is only beginning. Colette expects a painless trip as Gavin transports her to her Highland fiancé, but their relationship takes an unexpected turn…

Forced to pose as a married couple in order to sneak out of France, Gavin and Colette fight against their developing, forbidden attraction…all the while yearning to fulfill their pent-up desire.

I totally got sucked in by this cover. I can't point to one thing that sticks out, but it just caught my eye and put me in the mood for a story about a man in a kilt. Yum.

In the midst of fighting among the French and English, Sir Gavin Patrick (a Highland mercenary) saves the life of the duc de Bergerac. In thanks for this great feat, the duc decides that his daughter, Marie Colette, shall be given over to Gavin... to be escorted to her betrothed in Scotland. Tricky duke, tricky. I'm so glad we don't have to deal with these issues today as I don't think I could go through with marrying some unknown stranger who is likely an old man shopping for a young wife.

Marie Colete is a renowned beauty, and she has been strictly raised to be seen and not heard, and to serve her father in the only way a daughter can - with her beauty, poise and decorum. Colette has been raised by her four ladies maids who are all approximately twice her age. They constantly chastise Colette and she is never allowed any freedom or spark of life. I cannot imagine a life such as this and my heart went out to Colette because she must have been screaming on the inside. I mean good grief, she wasn't allowed to laugh or show any facial expression! I definitely don't have the temperament to deal with that! Colette's greatest desire in all the world is freedom, but she remains steadfast in her duty to her father and people to travel to a new land and marry the unknown Baron Kintail.

Sir Gavin is instantly struck dumb by Colette's beauty. Though her decorous behavior quickly leads him to believe that she is cold and unfeeling. However once Gavin and Colette set out on their adventure, their growing attraction is hard to fight. Sir Gavin sees the strength and character beneath Colette's beauty and his honest admiration of something other than her looks is something new for Colette. I quite liked Gavin - he was protective, honorable, and not afraid to voice his feelings. The struggle between duty and emotion was felt by Gavin and Colette in different ways - but both deeply troubled by their situation. While Gavin was trying to push past all Colette's defenses, she was worming her way into his heart.

Fate and religion played a great role in this story - the perils of the journey that brought the couple closer and closer together were well-written and integrated into the plot quite well. And the religion aspect was subtle and well-placed with a few prayers, and the Book of Hours (the story of which is included in an author's note at the end). While I don't usually read romance books with undertones in religion, this one was not overpowering so I didn't mind.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

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Review: The Rogue You Know by Shana Galen

The Rogue You Know 
by Shana Galen
Series: Covent Garden Cubs #2
Pub. Date:  Sept. 1, 2015
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Casablanca
Pages:  384
Format:  eARC
Source:  NetGalley


My Rating:  
Sultry Scale:

She's beyond his reach...

Gideon Harrow has spent his life in London's dark underworld-and he wants out. A thief and a con, he plans one last heist to finally win his freedom. But when everything goes wrong, he finds himself at the tender mercies of one of Society's most untouchable women-Lady Susanna Derring.

...and out of her depth.

Susanna has spent her life in London's glittering ton, under the thumb of a domineering mother-and she wants out. When a wickedly charming rogue lands at her feet, she jumps at the chance to experience life before it's too late. But as she descends into London's underworld, she finds that nothing- not even Gideon-is as it seems. As excitement turns to danger, Susanna must decide what price she's willing to pay...for the love of a reformed thief.

This book made me feel like a snob. And I'm not a snob. At least I don't think I am. Why do I feel like a snob you ask? Well, the main character in this book is not a dashing duke or an enticing earl... he is a thief from Seven Dials. And I found that I was just not as attracted to his character! How horrible is that? Gideon was gentlemanly enough for a thief. He was quite witty and patient, and I liked his personality. But despite all of that, I just couldn't connect with him the way I wanted to. Pity, that.

I also did not realize this was the second book in a series until after I started reading... and I didn't have time to go back and read the first book. While I would not say that its absolutely necessary for you to read the first book, there was A LOT of character overlap. So I would strongly suggest you start with the first book. The series is focusing on a gang from Covent Garden - those who make ends meet by less than honest means. And it seems that each book may follow one of the less fortunate who finds their HEA with a member of the gentry.

In this installment, our titled lady is Susanna, daughter of an earl. Susanna is a society miss who is being absolutely smothered by her over-protective mother. She can't even go to the bathroom by herself! Just when Susanna is at wit's end, she happens upon Gideon breaking into her home and demands that he take her to Vauxhall Gardens. This begins a series of misadventures for the pair which force Susanna and Gideon together into a sort of love-hate relationship. I liked Susanna well-enough, but again I was still feeling snobby because I kept hoping that Gideon was going to turn out to be an undercover earl or missing marquess. I must have been feeling the plight of a distressed damsel when I read this because I was feeling a lack of hero worship. C'est la vie.

I did like the abundance of street slang in this story. Although I had to look up words sometimes to see what they meant, it added something different to the story and I was able to get a picture of these downtrodden people speaking roughly throughout the book. Overall I liked the story and I will continue reading the series - I will just make sure the next time I pick one up, I am not in the mood for a dashing duke to take me away from it all.

As a side note, I liked that the cover accurately represented the couple in the book.  I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

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Covent Garden Cubs Series