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Four Seconds to Lose by KA Tucker

February 20, 2015 / Kaetrin

Why I read it: I reviewed this one for ARRA. (NB: This review first appeared in the ARRA members November 2014 newsletter.) The book was provided to ARRA by the publisher for review.

What worked for me (and what didn’t): Cain Ford owns a strip club, “Penny’s” in Miami. His parents and sister were killed in a drug related murder and Cain feels some responsibility, in particular, for his sister’s death. He feels he should have looked after her better and if he had, she would not have been with their parents when they were attacked. Cain made a lot of money from underground fighting and then opened a strip club with the express purpose of giving girls who choose that line of work (for whatever reason) a safe place. He actually goes further than that – he will help girls get out of that line of work and into something better if he can – this includes paying for therapy and helping them get an education and/or get clean of drugs. He has a strict “no sleeping with the staff” policy and he runs a clean place – strictly no drugs and no prostitution. The girls can do whatever they wish as long as it’s legal and he will see they’re protected and offered opportunity to move on if that’s what they want. Cain’s halo is very sparkly and the only thing that saves him from being a complete white knight is that he has a darker edge to him. He is not above using violence or setting someone up for a drug offence if it means protecting his girls. He can be pushy and he does a thorough background check of any potential staff but he’s mostly just a really good guy – except that he will cross the line in pursuit of a good cause. Continue reading

Review at AudioGals

February 18, 2015 / Kaetrin

I’m over at AudioGals today with a review of Burned by Karen Marie Moning, narrated by Natalie Ross and Phil Gigante. The naration made the experience very enjoyable but I was really wanting more romance, especially for Mac and Barrons.

Review at AudioGals

February 14, 2015 / Kaetrin

I’m over at AudioGals today with a review of Gone Too Far by Suzanne Brockmann, narrated by Patrick Lawlor and Melanie Ewbank. Sam and Alyssa were always my favourite Troubleshooters couple so it was a lot of fun to revisit their story.

Review at Dear Author

February 12, 2015 / Kaetrin

I’m over at Dear Author with a review of The Truth As He Knows It by AM Arthur. A bit of a mixed bag. The ending was a bit abrupt and jarring. However, the middle section of the book was entertaining and I loved the close familial relationship between Shane (one of the heroes) and his brother, Jason.

Trade Me by Courtney Milan

February 11, 2015 / Kaetrin

Why I read it: I received a review copy from the author via NetGalley.

What it’s about: (from Goodreads) Tina Chen just wants a degree and a job, so her parents never have to worry about making rent again. She has no time for Blake Reynolds, the sexy billionaire who stands to inherit Cyclone Technology. But when he makes an off-hand comment about what it means to be poor, she loses her cool and tells him he couldn’t last a month living her life.

To her shock, Blake offers her a trade: She’ll get his income, his house, his car. In exchange, he’ll work her hours and send money home to her family. No expectations; no future obligations.

But before long, they’re trading not just lives, but secrets, kisses, and heated nights together. No expectations might break Tina’s heart…but Blake’s secrets could ruin her life.

What worked for me (and what didn’t): Lots of people in my little corner of the internet have been loving this book and it’s certainly generated a lot of buzz. It took me a little while to get into and I thought the back half was stronger. It also challenged my thinking in some areas and that’s always worthwhile. Continue reading

All He Ever Dreamed by Shannon Stacey, narrated by Lauren Fortgang

February 8, 2015 / Kaetrin

Why I read it: I bought this one because I need to catch up on the Kowalskis and my audiobook TBL is smaller. And, I was in the mood for a Shannon Stacey small town contemporary.

What it’s about: (from Goodreads) Josh Kowalski is tired of holding down the fort – better known as the Northern Star Lodge – while his siblings are off living their dreams. Now that his oldest brother has returned to Whitford, Maine, for good, Josh is free to chase some dreams of his own.

As the daughter of the lodge’s longtime housekeeper, Katie Davis grew up alongside the Kowalski kids. Though she’s always been “one of the guys”, her feelings for Josh are anything but sisterly. And after a hot late-night encounter in the kitchen, it’s clear Josh finally sees her as the woman she is.

Katie’s been waiting years for Josh to notice her, but now that he has, she’s afraid it’s too late. Giving her heart to a man who can’t wait to leave town is one sure way to have it broken. But Josh keeps coming up with excuses not to leave – could it be that everything he’s ever wanted is closer than he could have imagined?

What worked for me (and what didn’t): Josh Kowalski has been stuck running the Northern Star Lodge since his father died. It wasn’t what he wanted or what he chose – it was more that he was the one left standing when the music stopped. When this branch of the Kowalskis series began, Josh broke his leg and the various other family members came home to help him out. It then became clear just how unhappy and trapped Josh felt. Continue reading