Sensual Surrender by Katie Reus

I’m ready to move on. Please don’t search for me. Please just let me go.
~Ellie

The note on the kitchen table shatters Jay Wentworth’s world into bits. Ellie is his lover, his soulmate, his best friend…she’s the woman who stood by him through the aftermath of a horrible explosion, the woman he’s planning to propose to. He’d do anything for her…except let her go. With his fierce protectiveness kicked into overdrive, he teams up with Ellie’s Hotel Serafina boss, billionaire Wyatt Christiansen, to find her. Ellie is family at the casino and they take care of their own.

Ellie is devastated when her secret past finally catches up with her. Stupid to think she could bury the mistakes of her youth and find happiness with a good man. Leaving Jay rips her heart to shreds, but it’s the only way she can protect him from the dangerous people she once ran with. And deep down, she fears he’ll never be able to forgive her for hiding her past from him.

The closer Jay gets to the truth about Ellie, the deeper he plunges into danger. He’ll move heaven and earth to save her, but if she can’t trust in Jay’s love it might be too late for both of them.

The Serafina: Sin City Series, #2

A former navy seal, Jay is a hot, steamy, sexy man who knows what he wants....Ellie Johansen.  Ellie has been running from a past that she thought was long gone.  However, one fateful morning she gets a dreaded call.  A call that changes her life forever in many ways.  As Ellie steadily pushes Jay away, he now has to convince Ellie to trust him and love him forever.  This story is exciting, as well as, HOT!!  Ellie landed a pretty sweet job for one of the richest men in the country.  The bonus being that Jay was her boss’s personal guard.  And when things turn from bad to worse, the undeniable loyalty from her friends and the true love of her life come into play.  I was so engrossed in this story from start to finish.  The characters filled my passion meter to the top!  Love, passion and excitement surrounded me, along with the mystery of what would happen next.  Great job, Katie Reus.  I look forward to reading the next book about Hayden and Sierra!  ght

Overall rating: 4.5 Rockin' Stars
Hero:  Jay  4.5 stars
Heroine: Ellie Johansen 4.5 stars
Steam Level: 4.5 stars 
Plot: 4.5 stars 
Cliffhanger: No
Would I recommend this book: Yes!

Would I read other books by this author: Yes!

Come A Little Bit Closer (The Sullivans #7) by Bella Andre

Movie star Smith Sullivan can't afford any distractions. He's staking his entire reputation on his new film…but he can't stop thinking about Valentina Landon and the fire he sees smoldering just beneath the surface of her cool exterior. 

Valentina isn't averse to sensual pleasure, or even to the idea of finding true love, but as a Hollywood business manager she's watched too many smart women fall for actors…only to be torn apart when the fairy tale comes to its inevitable end. 

But when intense weeks together on set turn their heated attraction into red-hot flames of passion, Smith knows he has to find a way to convince Valentina to let him get a little bit closer. Close enough to completely steal her heart…the way she's stolen his from the beginning.

“Some things are just perfect, even when they don't make any sense”

“I’ve always wondered why love has to be so full of conflict and strife. Why can’t love be simple? Why can’t it just be as pure as two people who realize that they can’t live as well, or as happily, apart as they can together?”

“What if she let falling in love with him be as natural as gravity?”

“You were right when you said that love shouldn’t have to be a battlefield. When it’s with the right person, I’ve seen love be easy. Sweet. And perfect.” 

This is the book seven in this series and I have fell in love with the Sullivan’s all over again.  I was hooked from the first page and couldn’t wait for the last page.  Smith is a handsome, hot Hollywood actor.  Valentina is the manager of her younger sister Tatiana, fellow co-star of Smith.  There chemistry is undeniably, sexy and hot.  I highly recommend this book. 

Overall rating: 4 Rockin’ Stars

Hero: 4 stars

Heroine: 4 stars

Steam Level: 4.5 stars 

Plot: 4.5 stars 

Cliffhanger: No

Would I recommend this book: Oh, Yes!

Would I read other books by this author: Yes!

**ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley for honest review **

Better Than Perfect by Kristina Mathews

The woman he left behind and the son he never knew are tougher opponents than any he’s met on the field. Pitcher Johnny “The Monk” Scottsdale has won awards, been named an All-star and has a perfect game to his credit. Known for his legendary control both on and off the field, his pristine public image makes him the ideal person to work with youth players in a preseason minicamp. Except the camp is run by the one woman he can’t forget…the woman who made him a “monk.” Alice Harrison’s three strikes include an unexpected pregnancy, a marriage of convenience and young widowhood. She once traded her dreams so Johnny could have a chance at making it to the Majors. Johnny comes back into her life just as she’s ready to resign as foundation director and pursue her own dreams of finally earning her teaching credential. Her plans may go on hold, though, depending on the reaction when she confesses she may have kept a major league secret from Johnny and her son. With the minutes ticking by until Johnny will leave for spring training, they’ll need to let go of the past and work together in order to win the game of love. CONTENT WARNING: Some strong language, consummated love scenes

A Lyrical Press Contemporary Romance

***I received an ARC of this book from the Publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*** 

Johnny and Alice were college sweethearts.  Johnny came from a lonely childhood where his love of baseball molded him into a discipline and all around great player.  Alice grew up knowing her parents accepted her but blamed her for her conception and her dad’s loss at chance to play professional football.  Both characters had self-doubt.  When Johnny makes it to the minor leagues, Alice decides to break up with him, so he can follow his dreams.  

I enjoyed the reading Zach’s (Alice’s son) perspective.  It brought a fresh element to the story.  Johnny and Alice shared a deep love and struggled to fight for that love.  It was a sweet romance.  Overall, this was a great story, and the author delivered a happily ever after ending.  Great book.

Overall rating: 3 Rockin’ Stars

Hero - Johnny: 3 stars

Heroine - Alice: 3 stars

Steam Level: 3 stars 

Plot: 3 stars 

Cliffhanger: No

Would I recommend this book: Yes!

Would I read other books by this author: Yes!