Hers to Tame by Rhenna Morgan book review and blog tour

Book Review
I LOVE Rhenna Morgan’s books! I’ve read Wild & Sweet at least 20 times. Zeke might be my longest-running book boyfriend. Given that, I am not sure how I missed the release of the first NOLA Knights series, His to Defend. Then Hers to Tame popped up in my NetGalley...Book 2?!?!?!?!? Where have I been?

Given my need to read series books in order, I had to buy the first one. Sergei and Evette’s story was hot and introduces you to this new cast of characters. Then I was ready to read Hers to Tame. Based on the first book Kir did not seem like he was ready for his own happily ever after. But Cassie was the perfect woman to capture Kir’s heart. I’ll reluctantly admit that it could be read as a stand alone...but I really love the connection to past characters that Morgan puts in her books. It’s one of my favorite things about her series writing.

I really felt for Cassie and her need to be independent through hard work. She is a good reporter. I’m not sure if it was intentional or not, but given how journalists are treated today, it’s good to see a character following journalistic integrity and doing the right thing. I think that sets her apart and defines her personality. She’s got a way with words, which makes for funny and witty banter between her and Kir. I think that is part of what makes their romance so hot.

At first, I wasn’t sure about the Russian mafiya back story, but throughout the course of the two books, you can see the philosophy is similar to the Men of Haven series. Sergei and Kir follow the old ways -- they are totally alpha, strong, sexy and trying to do the right thing. Sometimes the law is warped and those gray areas between right and wrong make for a compelling story. It’s always good to have some intrigue and an obstacle to overcome in a sizzling love story. Kir is trying to do what is best for New Orleans and her people, but bad, greedy people get in the way and they have to be dealt with. Kir’s is quiet, but full of surprises. He has had to overcome a lot of hardships to get where he is today and that has built his inner strength. He is loyal to his chosen family and will do anything to protect them.

Your heart will start pounding when he starts stepping in to try to help Cassie. Then the pages will sizzle as he becomes deliciously naughty in the bedroom. You won’t be able to put the book down. I think that Cassie’s reaction to becoming involved with Kir totally reflected my reaction. Did she want to get involved with a mafia-type? There were lots of rumors as to what they were involved with and the probability of violence is something that needs to be considered. Cassie is smart and determined to do what is best for her. I highly recommend this book. You will fall in love with NOLA, with Kir and Cassie and there is just enough intrigue and action to keep the romance hot and exciting. Whew! This just might be the perfect escape from today’s news and social distancing. Cozy up with Kir and you won’t be sorry 😉

HERS TO TAME by Rhenna Morgan Excerpt

“Please take this in the spirit it’s intended, but you work for a man who’s suspected of leading a growing crime family. I don’t think me telling you where I live is a good idea.”

“1023 South Franklin Avenue.”

Cassie stopped so hard she wobbled slightly in her heels. “How did you… I mean, I only just moved in there.”

His smile softened and his words were offered with gentle deliberateness. “I’m a very thorough man, Cassie. You can’t possibly think I wouldn’t learn everything I could about a person before I shared important information with them.”

Very thorough.

Frighteningly so.

She shook the foreboding off and resumed her trek to the station, albeit on slightly less stable legs. “All the more reason for us to meet someplace public.”

“All right. Then I’ll pick you up and take you somewhere.”

“Not necessary.” She checked both ways on the street and hurried across. “Just tell me where you want to talk, and I’ll meet you there.”

“I’m afraid my retrieving you and escorting you is nonnegotiable.”

She frowned at him, but kept going. “You’ve got a lot of points you won’t negotiate. Tell me why this one’s one of them.”

“Because while I’m very much interested in hearing what you have to share, I’m not interested in anyone else hearing. The best way to ensure our privacy is to make sure no one else knows where we’re going—including you.”

She stopped just six feet from the station’s front door. “You don’t trust me?”

“Should I?”

Hmm. He did kind of have a point. And given how she’d stiffed him after their second date, he still might be wondering if she’d simply used him. “Fine. Pick me up at my place tomorrow at eight. But don’t pick any place fancy. A coffee shop, or someplace simple. And not Starbucks either. It’s criminal what they charge for coffee.”

His mouth twitched as if it were all he could do to keep a wisecrack trapped behind his lips. “You seem determined to expose me to establishments with limited standards.” He nodded, the picture of gentility and confidence. “I’ll endeavor to pick a location that suits your expectations.” He held out his hand, palm up. “Until tomorrow, then.”

He had great hands. Not too smooth like someone trapped in an office, but a man’s hands. Slightly calloused, with long fingers and blunt fingertips. Of all the things she’d replayed from their time together, his touch had been the most frequent. Which was exactly why she’d be smart to avoid any and all physical contact with him going forward.

Glutton for punishment and well-mannered Texas girl that she was, she slipped her palm against his.

Oh, yeah.

Still amazing.

Electric and warm. Supercharged and bristling with promise.

And that was just her hand.

“Thank you again for the dinner. It wasn’t necessary, but I appreciate it all the same.” Hating the breathiness in her voice, she tried to release her hand.

Kir held it tight, the pad of his thumb subtly moving over the tender spot between her thumb and her forefinger. As if he were remembering other, more intimate places he’d touched her. “I assure you. The pleasure was all mine.”

He gently released her, turned without the least amount of hesitation, and strolled toward the parking lot like he didn’t have a care in the world.

Watching him was something to relish. An indulgence she didn’t even realize she’d taken until he 

stepped off the sidewalk and turned to open the door to his car.

Great. And now he’s busted you ogling him.

She swung one of the double glass doors open and strode into the arctic reception area.

“Girl, that dude was hot,” Bonnie said before Cassie’s eyes could adjust from the blinding sunshine outside. “He your boyfriend?”

“Oh, no.” She set the paper bag on the counter and shook her head. “Just a contact that helped me out on a few stories a while back.”

And ruined me for other men, but why quibble over details?

Bonnie took the bag and opened it, but the look on her face and her answering chuckle said she didn’t buy a word Cassie’d said. “Uh-huh. Looked to me like he was plotting how to peel you out of your professional getup.”

Yeah, it’d felt like that, too. But she wasn’t going to think about that now. Or ever, if she could help it. “Nope. Just talking business.” She waved toward the bag and headed back toward the newsroom.

“Good business, or bad business?”

Cassie swung the door to the hallway open and cast Bonnie one last look. “I haven’t decided yet. Could have been the lottery, or the biggest wrong turn of my life.”

Copyright © 2020 by Rhenna Morgan

Title: Hers to Tame
Author: Rhenna Morgan
Series: NOLA Knights, #2
Length: approx. 85,000 words
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Imprint: Carina Press
eBook On-Sale: March 16, 2020
eBook ISBN & Price: 9781488054167, $3.99 USD
MMP On-Sale: March 31, 2020
MMP ISBN & Price: 9781335962645, $8.99 USD



Book Description: Book two of NOLA Knights, the heart-stoppingly sexy spin-off series by Men of Haven author Rhenna Morgan As an avtoritet for the most powerful crime syndicate in New Orleans, Kir Vasilek doesn’t act without purpose, doesn’t speak without thought and never, ever loses his cool. The lives of his brothers, his family, depend on it. But then Cassie McClintock strolls back into his life, and staying cool is next to impossible. Cassie was the one who got away—and Kir is willing to break all his own rules to keep it from happening ever again.

It’s one thing to report on the Russian mafia; it’s quite another to sleep with one of them, especially one as dangerous, and as sinfully sexy, as Kir Vasilek. Even though the information he once provided helped make her career—and the memory of his touch still keeps her up at night—Cassie knows too much about his world to go down that path.

But when Kir reaches out for help after a rival family comes for one of his own, Cassie doesn’t want to say no, either to investigating a gruesome murder or to the heat that pulls her right back into his arms…and his heart. Taming Kir—and helping to save the family she’s come to call her own—is not the story she thought she’d write, but it’s the one she’s determined will get a happy ending.

Hers to Tame is the highly anticipated follow-up to His to Defend. And don’t miss Roman’s story in Mine to Keep, coming soon from Rhenna Morgan and Carina Press.

Buy Links 
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1335962646 
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hers-to-tame-rhenna-morgan/1133500058 
iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/hers-to-tame/id1479851710 
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/hers-to-tame 
Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Rhenna_Morgan_Hers_to_Tame?id=-yGvDwAAQBAJ 

Author Bio 
A native Oklahoman, Rhenna Morgan is a certified romance junkie. Whether it’s contemporary, paranormal, or fantasy you’re after, Rhenna’s stories pack romantic escape full of new, exciting worlds, and strong, intuitive men who fight to keep the women they want. For advance release news and exclusive content, sign up for her newsletter at http://RhennaMorgan.com. You'll also find all of her social links there, along with her smoking hot inspiration boards.

Social Media Links
Website: http://rhennamorgan.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RhennaMorgan  
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RhennaMorgan 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhennamorgan/ 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8596977.Rhenna_Morgan

To Catch an Earl by Kate Bateman book review

Given how I feel about reading books in order, I didn’t realize, at first, that this was the second installment of The Bow Street Bachelors. Also, I received this book in the mail on...wait for it...paper!!! It’s been a while since I have read a romance on something other than my ereader. So, it was kind of fun. I’d have to go back through my blog, but I think this is the first Kate Bateman book that I have read and I am hooked. The writing flowed, the dialogue was witty, the characters are charismatic and yum, yum, yummy to our male protagonist, Alex Harland. If you have a thing for seemingly rigid, alpha, law enforcement types → you will be a happy reader. I also really like how the title To Catch an Earl plays on the idea of catching a thief.

The prologue hooks you in with a masquerade ball and a steamy kiss *swoon* and then we find out that Emmy Danvers is the perfect thief. She is smart, nimble, calm under pressure and can find her way through anything to get what she needs. Emmy did not want a life of crime and was trying to get out, when she started to get blackmailed. She has her close friends and does get a thrill from the chase, but she does not want Harland on her trail because he is an equally skilled investigator. Emmy knows she would have to pay with her life if she got caught.

I think this book is equal parts mystery and romance. While the reader knows more than the characters, it is rather intriguing to read about the war, espionage and missing French jewels. It gets pretty exciting when Alex begins to suspect Emmy’s role in the heists, but he also has to fight his attraction to her. She is his perfect match with her wit, intelligence and in her enjoyment of the thrill of the chase. Emmy Danvers is not your typical woman waiting around for a husband. In fact, she believes that she will not be able to give her heart to anyone because she can never tell the truth about herself to a suitor. When Emmy agrees to sleep with Harland, she has no illusions of marriage and a happily ever after. But we all want our happily after for them so you will not be disappointed by their flirty interactions, sizzling kisses, and sexy bedroom escapades. I loved reading this non-traditional, action-packed historical romance. I have to pick up the first book now because this one was so good. I also love the cover. The models on the cover look like I would imagine the characters to look. I think the shades of red and purple are very decadent and sexy. This book comes out June 2020. Be on the lookout. You will love it!!!

The Virgin and the Rogue by Sophie Jordan book review

The Virgin and the Rogue is part of the Rogue Files series. If the “rogue” and the sexy cover doesn’t hook you, the story will. Charlotte Langley is the sensible, prudent and quieter sister. She is engaged to a lifelong friend, but starts to question whether or not they are suited to each other. I applaud the author for working in the idea that women had periods. Charlotte took some medicine for her “lady troubles” that her sister created (she dabbles in chemistry). Unfortunately, this potion was more of a love/sex elixir that brought a bit of magical realism to the story. It set the stage for Charlotte “meeting” Kingston. In reality, she didn’t so much meet him as she threw herself at him. The elixir made her horny and it was hilarious to read. Kingston has a reputation as a rake, but his restraint with Charlotte gets to the heart of who he really is. I really enjoyed this fun twist to the story.

Kingston realizes he is a bit jealous when he realizes that the passionate and clever Charlotte is planning a loveless marriage. In the beginning of the book, Kingston doesn’t really believe that Charlotte took any sort of love potion. He just thinks it’s an excuse for letting the real, unrestrained her out for a bit. I do love a dominant male and Kingston’s character delivers. The sex scenes are steamy, passionate and touching.

Charlotte is the prim, proper and virginal lady. She has not been touched by scandal and goes by societal expectation. She is unlikely to fall for a rake, but she does and the fun starts. Kingston was the result of an aristocratic dalliance and that could be a roadblock between him and Charlotte. They both just have to embrace the sizzling passion between them. I love how the characters need each other and this book was just a really fun and entertaining read. It’s a great choice for historical romance fans. Great characters, fun setting, well-written dialogue with a unique twist. What more could you ask for?

The Bachelor by Sabrina Jeffries book review

Sabrina Jeffries is one of those authors whose books I really enjoy. I follow her on social media and pretty much buy all her books or request an ARC. I like the new Duke Dynasty series and enjoyed the first book Project Duchess and was excited to read the Bachelor. I read some criticism that this particular book was not directly about a duke and not true to the Duke Dynasty idea, but Lady Gwyn is the daughter of a duke and as we all know women did not have equal opportunity back then. I feel that this story balances the story of women through fiction and allows for the opportunity to imagine what things could have been like if women had more equality and opportunity in the past. So, I like that!

I would agree that the family tree in this series is quite complicated and those relationships come up in the story, but it does not distract the reader from the story. I don’t feel like I have to understand the complexity of all the ties to enjoy the story. For those readers really into genealogy, the family tree is all worked out at the beginning of the book.

Major Joshua Wolfe is our male protagonist and I loved his character. He was definitely not perfect and not particularly sociable, but I think that would be expected of a soldier who was injured in a battle. Wolfe is a second son and he wasn’t set in inherit much of anything, he chose a life in the military. When we meet him in the story, he is working as a gamekeeper on the Duke of Thornstock’s property and recovering from war. He comes to Gwyn’s rescue at the beginning of the story. As Wolfe marches Gwyn back to her brother’s, she tries to poke through his defenses and it’s charming. He doesn’t give in, but he does show a little bit of vulnerability. I think it sets the tone of their relationship through the rest of the book.

Lady Gwyn is being blackmailed in this story. She does not want her twin brother to find out and she certainly does not want Major Wolfe to find out. She tries to sneak around, but her brother has a bit of an alpha personality and knows that something is up with his sister and he wants to protect her. He asks Wolfe to escort her to the city and stay with her during her outings and balls. He is reluctant because his attraction to her is not appropriate, but he also has his reasons for wanting to go to London. So he goes and fear not, dear reader, things get exciting and interesting. The author writes a sexy archery scene that leads to more hot and steamy interludes. I love the seduction, the mystery, the unlikely chemistry between the two main characters and the happily ever after. If you are looking for a historical escape, this book is for you.

House Rules by Ruby Lang book review and excerpt

This book is a good choice if you are looking for a quick HEA fix! It is a novella that is #3 in Ruby Lang’s Uptown series. Our protagonists are Simon Mizrahi and Lana Kai, who are both in their 40s and really need a second chance in their romantic lives. Simon and Lana were previously married to each other, got divorced when they both wanted different things in life and now find themselves back together living as roommates in New York City.

 Lang provides just enough detail about their lives and what drove them apart, to the reasoning that Lana went through when she reached out to Simon when she arrived back in New York. I thought the details about the food and the noodles were really unique. You can just imagine the master chef that Lana has become and how mesmerizing she could be if you watched her in the kitchen. I felt that you could also tell how passionate Simon was about his music, but also how little he changed following the divorce. I also think that it’s very telling that neither one of them remarried or had a significant relationship, so they were both single. It’s good foreshadowing into the fact that they are just meant to be. I think Lana and Simon needed to work on themselves and their communication skills. I gleefully anticipated that the rules they set for themselves as roommates would be difficult to adhere to, given their sexual attraction. This book IS a novella, so things have to move fast. I think all the necessary details are there. The sex scenes are hot, but they are well balanced with the falling back in love part. I have to say that I really appreciate epilogues. It’s nice to see how their story is still going a little into the future. This book is a good escape into a realistic, contemporary romance. I highly recommend it. If you choose this book for a book club read, you could have so much fun with it! You could serve noodle dishes and go with a purple theme to match the cover. Purple napkins, plasticware, plates, balloons...I would totally go all out...hmmmmm…

Title: House Rules

Author: Ruby Lang

Series: Uptown, #3 *easily read as a standalone

Length: approx. 47,000 words

Genre: Contemporary Romance; Romantic Comedy

Imprint: Carina Press

On-Sale: February 10, 2020

Format & Price: eBook $3.99

ISBN: 9781488055164

Book Description: ROOMMATE WANTED to share a gorgeous sun-filled apartment in Central Harlem. Must love cats. No ex-husbands or wives need apply.

Seventeen years ago, different dreams pulled Simon Mizrahi and Lana Kai apart. But when Lana takes a position as a chef back in Manhattan, her apartment search puts her right in her ex-husband’s path. Music teacher Simon is also hunting for a new place to live, and when Lana proposes they be platonic roomies, well…it’s not the worst idea he’s ever heard.

A sunny uptown two-bedroom sounds far more appealing than the cramped, noisy space where he’s currently struggling to work. Still, Simon has seen firsthand that Lana’s a flight risk, so he agrees on a trial basis.

Three months. With strict boundaries.

Living together again feels wonderfully nostalgic, but when the ex-couple’s lingering feelings rise to the surface, the rules go out the window.

Of course, chemistry was never their problem. But while Simon’s career feels back on solid footing, Lana is still sorting out what she wants. With their trial period soon coming to an end, they’ll have to decide if their living arrangement was merely a sexy trip down memory lane or a reunion meant to last.

Buy Links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WN6KWC3

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/house-rules-ruby-lang/1133009437

iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/house-rules/id1476929013

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/house-rules-45
Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Ruby_Lang_House_Rules?id=3tOpDwAAQBAJ

Author Bio

Ruby Lang is the author of the acclaimed Practice Perfect series. She is pint-sized, prim, and bespectacled. Her alter ego, Mindy Hung, wrote about romance novels (among other things) for The Toast. Her work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Walrus, Bitch, and other fine venues. She enjoys running (slowly), reading (quickly), and ice cream (at any speed). She lives in New York with a small child and a medium-sized husband.

Social Media Links

Website: http://rubylangwrites.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RubeLang

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RubyLangWrites/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruby.lang/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13495728.Ruby_Lang

HOUSE RULES by Ruby Lang Excerpt

She kissed him as they traveled uptown, under the too-bright lights of the rattling, rumbling 2 train, her hands stealing up past the thick collar of this coat, to his warm neck, to his hair.

“We’re disgracing ourselves,” Simon murmured, even as he nipped her earlobe and his fingers found the zip of her jacket and pulled it down. “Making out on the train, like teenagers.”

He watched the progress of the zipper avidly, as if it would reveal more than her scarf, her sweater, more layers and layers of clothing, as if he could see down to her skin. Then he tipped his tongue up to catch her again in a lush kiss.

She pushed her breast, or the area of her clothing that covered it, shamelessly into his hand, and he gave a muffled gasp that only made her wilder. The train seat felt too smooth and unsatisfying against her restless thighs.

Every stop on the walk home was marked by where they paused to kiss, where Simon pushed her up against a wall, and she ground her hips against his. A car slowed once and honked while they were pressed on the brick beside a beauty salon. Its headlights illuminated their desperate bodies, causing Lana to bury her head in the front of Simon’s coat. Simon laughed softly, an edge of incredulity in the sound.

“We should get back.”

“Yes.”

They hurried now, swinging around the corner and down the block, through the gate and up, up the stairs, the thumping of their footsteps loud and urgent. Lana couldn’t help blushing at how impatient their running sounded. She and Simon burst in the door and into their dark hallway. Before the door fully closed, they’d fallen on each other, tripping in their haste to kick off shoes and unzip and unbutton each other, to unwind. It was as if they expected someone would stop them, someone wise and mature who’d tell them to think this through. But of course, they were the adults here, they were the ones in charge.

The fact that this was a bad idea only made Lana want it more.

Copyright © 2020 by Mindy Hung

The Deal by Clare Connelly book review

I just finished The Deal by Clare Connelly, which was the fourth book in The Billionaires Club series. While I prefer to read series books in order, it is possible that this one can be a stand alone. The story is sexy, hot and has a lot of sizzling chemistry. This story features Imogen, the founder of The Billionaires Club. Imogen is amazing, giving, wealthy, smart; but she has not dated in years. And she stays far away from dating any club members. Our other main character is the gorgeous and titled Nicholas Rothsmore. He was left at the altar and has been sour on love and marriage since then. He is a member of the club, but moved to New York City and becomes known as the Playboy of Manhattan. He does need to return home to start a family because he needs a heir. Before coming home, he sets up a meeting with Miss Anonymous - who you can guess, is Imogen. They totally hit it off, but have a lot of rules to their relationship. This story navigates their ups and downs. You won’t be able to put the book down until you finish reading the story. The characters are fun, charming and quite likable. The author did a nice job with the setting, dialogue and of course, the chemistry between the characters. This is a quick and engaging read. If you are a fan of Harlequin Dare books, you will definitely like this one. Enjoy!

One Christmas Eve by Shannon Stacey book review

I got this book before Thanksgiving and I read it pretty quickly. It was perfect just before the holidays to start getting into that Winter/Christmas sort of feeling. But because of break, vacation and celebrating Christmas, New Years and my birthday -- the review took longer than planned. I feel bad about that because this is just the perfect book to read in December. From the perfect cover, to the festive holiday fun on the inside and the HEA...this is totally a good choice. This book is a novella.

Zoe Randall is trying to rebuild her life after a devastating divorce. She moved back home and started running a bookstore with her cousin and her grandfather. Zoe is fun, bubbly, smart and vibrant. She is working on the bookstore display window when Preston Wheeler walks by. He comes across as uptight, stiff and formal. Zoe doesn’t like the look of disapproval that Preston gave her, so she works to push him over the edge with even more outrageous displays that are right next door to his business. In Zoe and Preston’s case, opposites do attract. I love their flirting, their insecurities, their conversations and the setting that the author describes. The party scene was fun. I laughed out loud when Zoe took a drunk Preston home and didn’t take advantage of him. I enjoyed the epilogue that was a year later. I do appreciate the fast forward into the future for HEA’s. I always want to know how things turn out ;)