The Billion Dollar Bachelor by Jackie Ashenden. This is the story of Jax and Pandora. Although Pandora's story seemed a bit of a stretch - being 25 and never being allowed out, I did get the reason why, sort of. It was a bit odd, too, that even though she's been sheltered all her life, she doesn't "take" anything from Jax and the way she stood up to her dad all seemed a bit out of character as to how I imagined her to be from the beginning of the story. I did like Jax - he seemed torn as to wanting her and protecting her. I did think the chemistry between them was really good. Overall I enjoyed the story - I loved their nicknames for each other - Snow and Hunt! I look forward to reading more from Ms. Ashenden. ✔✔✔✔  (Received a copy from NetGalley)

"Once in a Lifetime" Blog Tour Giveaway!!!

LOOK BELOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!!  YOU CAN WIN THE GRAND PRIZEPACK OF JILL SHALVIS' LUCKY HARBOR SERIES!  (THE COMPLETE SERIES) or A CHANCE AT A COPY OF "ONCE IN A LIFETIME"!

SOMETIMES WRONG IS OH-SO-RIGHT

After a wrenching loss, Ben McDaniel tried to escape his grief by working in dangerous, war-torn places like Africa and the Middle East. Now he's back in his hometown and face-to-face with Aubrey Wellington, the hot-as-hell woman who is trouble with a capital T. Family and friends insist she's not the one to ease his pain, but Aubrey sparks an intense desire that gives Ben hope for the future.

Determined to right the wrongs of her past, Aubrey is working hard to make amends. But by far, the toughest challenge to her plan is sexy, brooding Ben - even though he has absolutely no idea what she's done . . .

Can this unlikely couple defy the odds and win over the little town of Lucky Harbor?

"Once in a Lifetime" by Jill Shalvis. I loved, loved, loved this book! Ms. Shalvis has been one of my favorite authors for a while and I think I like each book more and more! This is Ben and Aubrey's story. To be honest, I was a bit uncertain if I would like this at first because of Aubrey - who wasn't always a "nice" person. But, I was cheering for her all the way - she had such strength yet was so vulnerable. And who wouldn't love Ben? - Even when he was a bit of a jerk because he was afraid of his feelings. He cared and looked out for everyone. This book had me chuckling though out, crying both happy and sad tears and rooting for Ben and Aubrey to find their Happy Ever After! Who could ask for more?!? ✔✔✔✔✔   (Received an ARC from NetGalley)  - Cat's Reviews

And here's a little tease from "Once in a Lifetime" for you…

Aubrey got a look at the man she’d inadvertently drenched and stopped breathing. Oh, God. Had she really thought her day couldn’t get any worse? Why would she tempt fate by even thinking that? Because of course things had gotten worse. They always did.

Ben McDaniel slowly stood up from his barstool, dripping vodka from his hair, eyelashes, nose… He was six feet plus of hard muscles and brute strength on a body that didn’t carry a single extra ounce of fat on him. For the past five years, he’d been in and out of a variety of Third World countries designing and building water systems with the Army Corp of Engineers. His last venture had been for the Department of Defense in Iraq, which Aubrey only knew because Lucky Harbor’s Facebook page was good as gospel.

He swiped his face with his arm, deceptively chill and laid-back.

In truth, he was about as badass as they came.

Aubrey should know, she’d seen him in action. But she managed to meet his gaze. Cool, casual even. One had to be with Ben, the man could spot a weakness a mile away. “I’m sorry,” she said.

“Are you?”

She felt herself flush. He’d always seemed to see right through her. And she was pretty sure he’d never cared for her. He had good reason for that, she reminded herself. He just didn’t know the half of it. “Yes, I am sorry,” she said. Her heart was pounding so loudly she was surprised she could hear herself speak. “Are you okay?”

He ran his fingers through a sexy disorder of sun-streaked brown hair. His eyes were the same color, light milk chocolate marbled with gold caramel. It was hard to make such a warm-colored gaze seem hard, but Ben managed it with no effort at all. “Need to work on your aim,” he said.

About the author:

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

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"Thrown for a Curve" (Sugar Jamison)

"Thrown for a Curve" by Sugar Jamison. Well, she's done it again! Ms. Jamison is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This is the story of Colin and Cherri. They start off as "friends" but the attraction grows but she cannot believe he feels the same and he thinks he should stay away from her because of their age difference. At times the story was heartbreaking - Cherri goes through some tough times but Colin is wonderful, despite his hangups about love too. Colin and Cherri were so stubborn at times I wanted to just smack them both!! That only helped move the story though - wondering when they would both figure it out! Looking forward to the next one by Ms. Jamison!

✔✔✔✔  Received ARC from NetGalley)

"Cursed by Cupid" (Wendy Sparrow)

"Cursed by Cupid" by Wendy Sparrow. Although a super-short story, it was very enjoyable. I laughed quite a bit. Tilly and Bryant - how cute were they! She was so afraid to hurt him (physically) and he was so patient and considerate and kind. Wished it was a bit longer - would've enjoyed hearing more of Tilly's dates' mishaps!! ✔✔✔✔   (Received from NetGalley)

"Kiss That Frog: A Modern Fairy Tale" (Cate Rowan)

"Kiss That Frog: A Modern Fairy Tale" by Cate Rowan. This book started off great - background on both characters - Alex and Sofia. I loved how Alex found himself in his predicament. And, I loved how Sofia started off not wanting anything to do with the frog but started talking to it and even kissing him, of course, not knowing he was truly a prince. The reason for only 3 stars was I felt the ending was very rushed and with not much detail. Even being a novella, it would have been nice to see a bit more of their relationship, when they realized they "were meant to be". ✔✔✔  (received a copy from NetGalley)