Itching for Books: Harlequin

Showing posts with label Harlequin. Show all posts

Monday, November 20, 2017

Review: Stranded with the Navy Seal by Susan Cliff

Series: Team Twelve #1
Release date: November 1st 2017
Publisher: Harlequin
Purchase: Amazon

Synopsis via Goodreads:

For one navy SEAL, danger and passion are brewing in paradise

Working on a cruise ship was supposed to be the perfect distraction for chef Cady Crenshaw. Instead, it made her the perfect target. Abducted and thrown overboard into foreign waters, she has only one shot at survival…and it comes at the hands of an irresistible ally.

Navy SEAL Logan Starke's protective instincts were locked and loaded the moment he met Cady at the ship's bar. When a violent struggle to take down her captors leaves Logan and Cady stranded on a deserted island, he leaps into rescue mode. But the hot sand and the even hotter attraction between them can't be denied…and temptation could be the deadliest threat yet.

*Publisher approved request via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this one, from start to finish. It felt like I was reading a modern-day version of the Blue Lagoon, but with a lot more flavor and heat. And the main characters are way more interesting than the movie stars. I loved Cady's knowledge as a chef and all she offered to the story, not only with food but her cautious personality is something I can relate to and I liked how fierce and unafraid she was of speaking her mind.

Logan's military background made him intriguing. He had experienced so much in war and his strength and protectiveness were admirable, even though sometimes it made me cringe along with Cady when he would dive into danger.

I wouldn't say the story was suspenseful or action-packed through and through, but there were some thrilling moments, not only involving dangerous people, but the main characters' time on the island had its share of crazy. And their moments of vulnerability were both entertaining and frustrating.

Overall, great premise, wonderful writing that's fluid and fast. Both characters got on my nerves in little ways, but they still made me laugh and sympathize with them too. And I'm happy that by the end of the story they just let it all go and trust in each other. Another thing I have to mention is the setting. It was described subtly but nicely. It was as if I could smell the salty air, taste the seafood, and bathe in the waterfall along with them. It's just a good story that will certainly warm up your cold nights. I'm looking forward to learning about Logan's comrades as the series progresses.

About the Author
Susan Cliff is a longtime romance reader, part-time writer and full-time California girl. She loves to daydream about exciting adventures in faraway places. Her Team Twelve series features strong Navy SEAL heroes falling for unique women.

www.susancliff.com | twitter.com/SusanCliffSC

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Review: Witchstruck by Victoria Lamb

Witchstruck (The Tudor Witch Trilogy, #1)

Series: The Tudor Witch #1
Release date: September 24th 2013
Publisher: Harlequin
Purchase: Amazon

Synopsis via Goodreads:
If she sink, she be no witch and shall be drowned.

If she float, she be a witch and must be hanged.

Meg Lytton has always known she is different—that she bears a dark and powerful gift. But in 1554 England, in service at Woodstock Palace to the banished Tudor princess Elizabeth, it has never been more dangerous to practise witchcraft. Meg knows she must guard her secret carefully from the many suspicious eyes watching over the princess and her companions. One wrong move could mean her life, and the life of Elizabeth, rightful heir to the English throne.

With witchfinder Marcus Dent determined to have Meg's hand in marriage, and Meg's own family conspiring against the English queen, there isn't a single person Meg can trust. Certainly not the enigmatic young Spanish priest Alejandro de Castillo, despite her undeniable feelings. But when all the world turns against her, Meg must open her heart to a dangerous choice.

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

I love historical fiction and any twist embedded in the mix, whether it be paranormal or some good nail biting mystery. While this story had both historical and fantasy-like features, unfortunately I was mostly disappointed. In fact, to be honest I'm only giving it 3 stars because the writing was really good. I also liked the overall setting and time period, and how the author tied it all together. The characters and pace of the story, I couldn't warm up to.

The story seemed somewhat draggy and the protagonist got on my nerves a lot. She has a gift, pretty much abominable in that particular period, yet she couldn't resist using it when uncalled for. Meg was kind of naive and impulsive as well. She often placed herself in danger. There were moments where I was like, "why are you doing that?" because she would do something just plain silly.

Alejandro was a likable character. I just didn't believe the feelings between him and Meg. Their relationship didn't pull me in and I felt it a bit awkward rather than realistic. Aside from him, I wasn't quite feeling the other characters. Not even Queen Elizabeth. But like I said, the historical rudiments were great aspects and I like the Tudor concept. It just wasn't as spectacular as I'd hoped.

Witchstruck isn't a terrible book, it just didn't make me feel things, and sadly I don't feel compelled to continue the series.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

BLOG TOUR~A Deal with Benefits by Susanna Carr

The Susanna Carr A Deal with Benefits Blog Tour has ended. See details below:

Release date: December 17th 2013
Publisher: Harlequin
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Thirty days and thirty nights!

Ashley Jones has been sitting in Sebastian Cruz's office. For hours. Behind the imposing wooden doors sits the man who stole her family's island home. And she wants it back.

But the fight is knocked from her when Ashley recognizes him as the man she knows intimately;the man who betrayed her after their blissful night together.

Sebastian has no intention of giving the island back, but he does want Ashley. He agrees to her deal, but has a few sub-clauses of his own. Specifically, a month at his beck and call; and in his bed!

About the Author

Susanna Carr has been an avid romance reader since she read her first Harlequin at the age of 10. She has written sexy contemporary romances for several publishers and her work has been honored with awards for contemporary and sensual romance.

Susanna Carr lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family. When she isn’t writing, Susanna enjoys reading romance and connecting with readers online.

www.susannacarr.com | twitter.com/SusannaCarr