Audiobook #Review: An Honorable Seduction (Westmoreland Legacies Book 3) by Brenda Jackson

Book Title: An Honorable Seduction (Westmoreland Legacies # 3)
Author:  Brenda Jackson |Website| Twitter| Facebook|
Publisher: Harlequin Desire

Genre: Romance, Interracial Romance, Military Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 3
Format: Audiobook, Mass Market Paperback
Narrator: Brian Hutchison 

Audio Service: Scribd
Hours in Book: 4 hours 50 mins

Cost: $20.00

Pages: 224

How I got it: Purchased

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: May 08, 2018
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Synopsis:

This Navy SEAL is on a top-secret mission of seduction ...David Holloway is used to hard assignments. Now he faces his most difficult yet: cozying up to the soft curves of Swan Jamison. He wants to know the island beauty ... in every way. But romancing Swan as part of his SEAL team's mission tests his honor, even as his feelings become increasingly real. Soon he must make a choice: duty ... or desire? (

Overall:
A military romance with mystery, intrigue, international espionage and sexy times. Where do I sign up?? Plus it's linked to the Westmoreland family sagas?? Yes, please.

Narrator:
Brian Hutchison. This is the first time I've listened to anything read by him and I enjoyed his narration. The story flowed and he was able to make each character unique enough for a distinction between them and I was hooked because of how he read the story as well. Well done!!

Story:
I grabbed this recently after being at home due to recovering after emergency surgery.  I didn't feel the urge to read but wanted something to keep me occupied while I was stuck in the bed. I decided I didn't want anything with crazy plot lines I wanted some good loving and great family dynamics and I was so glad I snagged this one.

Told using dual perspectives, we have the story of Swan & David. David known as Flipper to his friends is a Navy SEAL who is due for a vacation and is instead given the option for a top-secret mission., this mission is being asked of him by the top brass who he really respects and he decides to take the mission.  Swan owns a boutique in her mother's hometown, where she not only sells unique designs she makes herself but also rents out part of her shop to a successful tattoo parlor. Unbeknownst to Swan, she's being investigated for her part in the selling of US intelligence secrets to the Chinese.

David gets to the island to investigate and is surprised that when he meets Swan in the flesh he's beyond attracted to her. He has to keep this professional not just because her Uncles are his Superior officers, but because he can't afford to be distracted on the mission.

As with all Brenda's books, the chemistry was off the charts and the couple were hilarious together. Both were being cautious, Swan because she had learned the harsh lessons of the past from her parents' marriage and how they were treated by their families. While her parents had a happy marriage after what happens to them Swan has made the choice to never date military and to be extremely cautious about interracial dating.  David is trying to stay focused, finish the mission prove that Swan is innocent and get out of this mission without compromising his honor.

I really loved the story and it kept me intrigued, because not only did we have the mystery of who was selling the secrets if it wasn't Swan. I loved how they talked about what dating would look like and how they went slowly because David recognized that Swan needed the time and space to re-evaluate what was once on her never list. They are so many characters who could have been the ones responsible and some I didn't expect. Once we began to unravel the mystery and more information began to come out I was deeply hooked.

I enjoyed the mystery the romance and the final chapters. I loved how Swan reacted because honestly #Same, and I loved how Flipper got around her fears.

I skipped reading in order like I have been for the rest of the Westmoreland series, so I could read this. I didn't know all the characters David was connected to so I missed that "ahh" aspect when you read a series to the current books. However I still enjoyed the book, it wasn't necessary to know all the background of the characters as there was a brief description when needed. I loved this one especially because Flipper has such good friends. Now I'm going backward to go read those books.

 ★★★★☆

RECOMMENDATIONS

• The Westmoreland series by Brenda Jackson
• The Protector Series by Brenda Jackson

Happy Reading my loves, 

2020 Brenda Jackson Challenge (Master Post)

Hi my loves,

Welcome back to another week and another post about my challenges. This time we're talking one of my favorites and a great author Brenda Jackson. This woman is a fantastic prolific author, so much so that I'm behind on almost all her series because she writes faster than I can read. however, my challenge to my self this year to really catch up on the Westmoreland Series and try (yes try) to catch up on some of the others as well.

I took this challenge seriously in 2019 and kicked butt on a few of her different series. As you will see down below I left the series name and the completion date for those that are done. Anything new won't count towards this challenge as I'm trying to read her back catalog and clear up the books I have on my shelves.

The Main Focus, however, is the Westmorelands and here are all the books I need to read listed down below:

Westmoreland Series 

Books In Series: 20

Read in 2019: 14
Read in 2020: 

Remaining: 

Titles:

1. Westmoreland's Way
2. Taming Clint Westmoreland
3. Spencer's Forbidden Passion
4. Cole's Red Hot Pursuit
5. The Proposal
6. A Wife For A Westmoreland
7. What a Westmoreland Wants
8. Hot Westmoreland Nights
9. Canyon
10. Stern
11. Bane
12. Feeling the Heat
13. Zane
14. Texas Wild 
15. Tall Dark Westmoreland
16. Seduced by A Stranger
17. The Rancher Returns
18. The Secret Affair
19. Breaking Bailey's Rules
20. His Secret Son
21. The Proposal
22. Duty Or Desire 

Madaris Series: 

Books In Series: 

Titles:

1. Tonight & Forever
2. Cupid's Bow
3. Whispered Promises
4. Eternally Yours
5. One Special Moment
6. Fire & Desire
7. Truly Everlasting
8. Secret Love
9. True Love
10. Surrender
11. Strictly Business
12. The Midnight Hour
13. The Madaris Saga
14. Unfinished Business
15. Slow Burn
16. Taste of Passion 
17. Sensual Confessions
18. Inseparable
19. Courting Justice ( Madaris Friends)
20. A Madaris Bride for Christmas
21. A Very Merry Romance

Steele Series: 

Books In Series: 

Titles:

1.  Solid Soul
2. Night Heat
3. Beyond Temptation
4. Risky Pleasures
5. Irresistible Forces
6. Intimate Seduction
7. Hidden Pleasures
8. A Steele For Christmas
9. Private Arrangements 
10. Possessed By Passion
11. Guilty Pleasure (Steele Spin-off)
12. Seduced By A Steele (2020) 
13. Claimed By A Steele (2020)

Jefferies Series: 

Books In Series: 

Titles

1. Temperature Rising
2. Spontaneous

Bennet Family Series:

Books In Series: 6

Read:2

Remaining: 4

Titles:

1. Forever Mine 2.5
2. What A Woman Wants
3. Her Little Black Book
4. Tis The Season..For Romance 4.5
5. The Bennetts Wedding (02/2020)

Bachelor In Demand Series:

Books In Series: 5

Read: 1

Remaining: 4

Titles:

1. Bachelor Untamed
2. Bachelor Unleashed
3. Bachelor Undone
4. Bachelor Unforgiving

Single Titles:

• Entangled Pursuits

Perfect Series: COMPLETED

Books In Series: 2

Granger Series: COMPLETED

Books In Series: 5

Protectors Series: COMPLETED
Books In Series: 3

Catalina Cove Series: 
Books In Series: 4

A Catalina Cove Christmas

The Grand Total is 65 Books to be read this year. if I break that down to 6 books per month that is totally doable. 

What are you challenging yourself to do this year?? Share in the comments down below and if you're looking to buddy read let me know.  

Happy Reading and Good Luck with your reading goals this year.

Book #Review: Seized by Seduction (The Protectors 2) by Brenda Jackson

Book Title: Seized By Seduction ( The Protectors 2)
Author:  Brenda Jackson| Website| Twitter| Facebook
Publisher: HQN Books

Genre: Romantic Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Series/Standalone: Book 2
Format: ebook, mass market

Cost: $5.99

Pages: 400

How I got it: Purchased 

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Publication Date: April 25th, 2017
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

One glance is all it takes

From the moment his eyes meet hers across the crime-scene tape, ex-con turned bodyguard Quasar Patterson knows he has to see the mysterious Dr. Randi Fuller again. She's a renowned psychic investigator who can foresee danger for others, but not for herself. That makes Quasar doubly determined to watch over her—the closer, the better—as she's drawn into a dangerous gang rivalry.

Both her psychic gift and their blinding chemistry tell Randi that she and Quasar are fated to be entwined. Even as they surrender to the heat between them, there's no guarantee of a happily-ever-after now that an enemy has her in his sights. And claiming a future will take more than Quasar's strength and skill. If he can't risk the heart he's always held in check, they'll both lose for good…

I actually listened to the audio of this book and anything Ron reads I'm going to be listening to, my gawd that man's voice is everything. Just amazing.

I absolutely loved this one. Quasar was one of my favorite guys from the trio once we were introduced to them. He's funny and hell bent on making a life for himself that doesn't diminish his past but also isn't built around it either.  Having made changes while in prison and having created the beginnings of a new family for himself he isn't afraid of love so much as not willing to give his heart again after his last betrayal.  Randi herself has dealt with people doubting her abilities for as long as she has had them, she herself hadn't wanted the gift she was being given but when she's made to take the time to learn more about her gift and herself she comes out of the crisis a better woman, a woman who knows who she is and what she wants from her life.

These two met because of Randi's involvement with the case in Forged in Desire.  Her skills helped to save the life of a few people and helped bring the case to somewhat of a close. Having had a vision that she and the two other women she met on the case would one day be close she's not surprised when she realizes that will happen because of Quaser. Unlike him she's aware that they are fated to be together but she must allow Quasar the time he needs to come to the same conclusion and she must let the path they are on play out on it's own, she can't influence him or they won't end up together. (Talk about pressure) They have instant chemistry and Randi knows she has to deal with this the right way for her to end up with the love of a lifetime, but Quasar has to want it too, and for now he's only seeking to find out how deep this attraction goes.  Unlike most people she meets Randi can't read Quasar and this means he's a mystery to her.

I loved the way this unfolded. I loved that she was psychic because we don't often see black psychics in romantic thrillers/ suspense. I was so excited to read this story and loved it all the way to the end. I yelled at the book, talk back to the book, and had to fan myself a few times. This was one hell of a roller coaster of a ride. Every time I thought "nah, it really can't be that bad, maybe he misconstrued...oh.. wait .. nah he right they trash"  I was so addicted to seeing he common threads which tied back to the Granger series as well.  The criminals in this were savvy and went even deeper than anyone believed. Cases from years before became even more interconnected and we learned just how far some will go to line their pockets.

Randi is also a behavioral psychologist so she's not just relying on her gift to help her solve the crimes and this makes her even more dangerous to some. Called out to help with a potential gang war, Randi walks into the middle of a conspiracy with deeper ties than anyone is aware of.  Quasar follows Randi out there under the guise of seeing his family because his dad is insisting that they all need to come together around his brother who is announcing his candidacy for office.  Quasar would rather eat rusty nails but he goes because he's not willing to leave Randi unprotected, something in him tells him she's going to need him.  While there and getting to know her he's realizing this woman is even more different than he previously realized and this doesn't just intrigue him it makes him want to unravel the puzzle that is her.  There is so much that happens to make this one hell of a story, from the past unraveling for Quasar, to Randi understanding the depth of her talents. I just couldn't believe how much happened.

While working the case and getting to know each other they take on their pasts, challenge each other and of course rock each other's worlds. I loved every second of it.  I found myself hooked to the very last page, just dying to know and then very satisfied with the ending.  I highly recommend my loves, especially if you love a little paranormal in your mystery thriller.

 ★★★★☆

Series In Order

• Forged By Desire
• Seized By Seduction
• Locked in Temptation 

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Maggie Shayne Brown & Deluca Series 

Happy Reading my loves, 

ARC Book #Review: Forged in Desire (The Protectors Series by Brenda Jackson #netgalley

Book Title: Forged In Desire (The Protectors # 1)
Author:  Brenda Jackson| Website| Twitter| Facebook
Publisher:  HQN Books

Genre: Romantic Thriller/ Mystery Suspense/ African American Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 1
Format: ebook, Mass Market

Cost: $5.99

Pages: 416

How I got it: ARC from NetGalley

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Publication Date: February 01, 2017
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

Strong enough to protect her. Bold enough to love her.

When good girl Margo Connelly becomes Lamar "Striker" Jennings's latest assignment, she knows she's in trouble. And not just because he's been hired to protect her from an underworld criminal. The reformed bad boy's appeal is breaching all her defenses, and as the threats against her increase, Margo isn't sure which is more dangerous: the gangster targeting her, or the far too alluring protector tempting her to let loose.

Though Striker's now living on the right side of the law, he's convinced his troubled past keeps Margo out of his league. But physical chemistry explodes into full-blown passion when they go on the run together. Surrendering to desire could be a deadly distraction—or finally prove that he's the only man qualified to keep her safe, and win her love.

This is a spin off of the Granger series which featured the family of a man accused of murdering his wife and he was incarcirated wrongly. These men are some of the men he "adopted" while incarcerated and made a difference in their lives; with his help they fought for a change to their convictions or accepted their charges and improved their circumstances while in jail.  I absolutely loved that Brenda gave these men who aided the Grangers in their hour of need their own stories. In Captivated by Love we were left on a bit of a cliffhanger and I couldn't wait to see what happened.

This is the story of Striker who as a teen had his dream life in the palm of his hand and then a decision to put his little brother in a place he should have been safe comes back to haunt him. With the need to avenge his brother riding him he makes a decision that will impact his life and ends his dreams. Left with the guilt of failing his family Striker is in jail hellbent on making everyone feel his pain until Shep steps in to help him deal with his issues, he's not here for it though and it takes a while for Shep's influence to really make a difference but once it does, life changes for Striker. Fast forward a few years and he's here as a protector working with the men he met in jail and formed a bond with. and have built a business with. He's given a case to protect the niece of his best friend, except she's unaware they are related and he has to keep that under wraps as well.  He thought this would be a pretty easy gig, until the door opens and he's faced with a woman who hits all the right buttons for him and he's wondering if he'll be able to actually do his job and keep his attraction in check.

Margo comes from tragedy but has managed to live a great life, even if her Uncle is a little too over protective. She had done her civic duty and helped put away a man who was a career criminal with seriously bad ties to all kinds of bad people. When found guilty he puts a hit out on everyone in the court room, no one takes him seriously until bodies start hitting the floor and now everyone is scrambling to get into protective custody or hire bodyguards. Margo doesn't think she's going to be that high up the list of people killed so she's not as worried as her Uncle is and isn't very happy when he goes over her head and hires someone to protect her, but the alternative of living with him and his new girlfriend gives her nightmare so she'll suck it up and deal.  When the man meant to protect her walks in she's floored by her attraction to him and how good he looks.

As the circumstances heat up and more people are being killed Striker makes her aware that they are going to have to make changes to how she does things.  As a dress designer with a new bride who needs her dress by the end of the year, Margo can't give up her life because of a mad man, she'll make on the changes she needs to keep herself alive but she's not giving up her whole life.  As people who should have been well hidden begin to turn up dead they realize this is even bigger than a mad man who is flexing his power. This means there is some deep corruption within the ranks of the FBI and the local police and to help combat that they bring in a known behavioral scientist who also happens to be psychic to aide in the capture of this killer and those aiding him.

I loved how the mystery began to unfold and how we learned just what was happening why everyone seemed to be in danger. It appeared for a while that the criminal was going to win as so many were dying and the cops couldn't seem to get a bead on who was doing the work. I loved the relationship that developed between Striker and Margo. They had so much chemistry and tried their best to keep it professional but once they fell?? Girl get you a fan because my man Striker loves nothing more than working his woman from top to bottom ok?? Margo has never had this good. She is coming from a recent break up with a man who thought he was god's gift to women and treated her as less than, now back home she's surprised by the strength of her attraction to Striker and how well he treats her and makes her want.  With everything in her life in upheaval with this murderer on the loose she's finding that Striker is one of the few steady things she can rely on.

I loved how this all played together. I loved the romance between them was so hot and wild. They were brought together because of the circumstances but found they actually like each other. There are so many different little plot points that are coming together and I loved it all.  Margo led a more exciting life than she truly knew and I loved how it all was resolved.  Striker was an amazing character and the reason he was in jail sucked so bad. It impacted his life and how he viewed relationships and yet when given a chance to make a change he embraces it. I love their friendships and how close they were to their families (found family or otherwise) Striker and the men were hilarious and their witty comebacks aided in making this a great story. And that ending??? Girl!! Loved it.

I loved the mystery here and how it pulled on strings from the previous stories and how it laid the ground work for the rest of the series. I'm looking forward to more from the Protectors and can't wait for each of the stories. I highly recommend my loves, get you some.

 ★★★★1/2☆

Series In Order

• Forged In Desire ( The Protectors 1) 
• Seized By Seduction ( The Protectors 2)
• Locked In Temptation ( The Protectors 3) 

RECOMMENDATIONS

• The Granger Series by Brenda Jackson 
• Heather Graham Krewe of Hunters Series

Happy Reading my loves, 

ARC Book #Review $ #GIVEAWAY: Finding Home Again (Catalina Cove # 3) by Brenda Jackson .@AuthorBJackson .@HarlequinBooks .@Netgalley #FindingHomeAgain #NetGalley

Book Title: Finding Home Again ( Catalina Cove 3)
Author:  Brenda Jackson |Website| Twitter| Facebook| 

Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 3
Format: ebook, Mass Market
Cost: $5.99

Pages: 384

How I got it: NetGalley

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: October 29, 2019
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

First love. Second chances. In Catalina Cove, anything can happen…
Bryce Witherspoon’s heart races every time she sees Kaegan Chambray. Everyone in town knows they can’t stand each other, but the truth is, even though the man broke her heart ten years ago, she still feels that irresistible, oh-so-familiar jolt of desire.

When Kaegan returned to Catalina Cove to run the family business, he knew there’d be no avoiding Bryce. The woman he thought he’d one day marry was instead the biggest heartbreak of his life. But when Bryce lets slip a devastating secret, he discovers just how wrong he was to let her go all those years ago.

He knows they both still feel the spark between them, but it’ll take more than attraction to convince her. Kaegan will pull out all the stops to show Bryce he’s the man who can give her the future they once dreamed of—if only they give love a second chance.

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ahhhhh I'm so excited this is the third book ( and hopefully not the final) in the Catalina Cove series and we are going to finally learn just why these two have been angry with each other for ten years.  And what a story it was. A second chance romance with a bit of a mystery that makes the couple face their issues and finally admit what they truly feel for each other.

Kaegan, Bryce & Vashit have been best friends since childhood. Kaegan's father didn't believe in education and had kept his son from school, once Bryce's mom found out she pushed the community to get him to go to school and realizing he couldn't hold out against them the old man grudgingly sent his son to school but in doing so Kaegan was two years behind. From the first KGee, nicknamed that because Bryce couldn't say his name, was friends with the girls as the older kids ignored him and the others didn't engage. He's been their protector and friend for as long as they all can remember.

While Vashti was sent away during her pregnancy, Kaegan and Bryce leaned on each other and their friendship bloomed into love. And as with all young lovers untested by life believed that their high school romance would go smoothly into an adult romance. But life and some of the towns' people couldn't leave well enough alone and the young lovers split based on a misunderstanding that bloomed into a bitter fight.

And that fight and bitterness have defined their relationship for the past ten years. After drifting apart Kaegan moved away & Bryce moved on and became a successful business owner. Still angry with each other they have taken every opportunity to swipe at each other since KGee moved back home to Catalina Cove. Their bitter battle has placed Vashti in an awkward position because she knows more about the story from each of them than they know and she keeps trying to get them in the same area so they can air it all out.  This tragedy finally comes to a head and they both hurt each other again before separating, finally, Bryce breaks and tells her truth to Kaegan and he's left realizing his actions were based on lies.  He's devasted but determined to make it up to her and win her back. Also, I could understand his POV especially with all the misinformation he had been receiving, and the events of that night; Bryce acting as if she can't understand why he was angry doesn't fly. Girl reverse it, you would have lost it and wouldn't have believed him either.

This is a sweet second chance romance, where the couple now have to not only learn about each other as adults but learn to forgive each other for the mistakes they made as their younger selves.  It's hard to fight through the past while trying to hang onto the good memories; they both help and hinder them. Kaegan starts a campaign to gain her forgiveness and Bryce is afraid to trust again. Add to this he decided to win her back when she's decided to move on completely, she's trying to find someone who can replace the way Kaegan made her feel and she starts dating. As they try to move on, they just keep hurting each other and I wanted them to just get therapy cause y'all need to work through everything.

I really loved the strength of the friendships in this one, as they were the best sounding boards for both of them as they tried to find their ways back home to each other. Bryce has to learn to trust again and since this man has shown that he can break her heart this is a little harder to do than one would think. I loved that it wasn't an easy journey back to each other, as this means they will appreciate the love more.

However, while they are trying to make their way back to each other, someone has decided to wage a campaign against Kaegan, there are several incidents with each escalating in severity and then the ending happened.  Listen ok, I was yelling at the book no no no no don't go, call someone, send a text something anything. it was like watching a horror flick and commenting the whole time. I loved it.

This story flew and I loved that there was tension not only within the relationship but without as well, this kept me engaged and the story flowing well. Giving the characters time to develop and share with us their true motivations. I loved that we had several small stories within as well. We get to see Vashti and Sawyer's family and their progression. We learn what happened to the budding romance between the girl's grandparents while catching up on Ray & Ashley and their growing relationship.

I loved visiting this town again and hope it grows. I would love to see what happens to Jade in a few years.

 ★★★☆☆

Series In Order

• Love In Catalina Cove
• Forget Me Not

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Robyn Carr (pick any of her series LOL) 

Happy Reading my loves, 

Audiobook #Review: Forget Me Not (Catalina Cove # 2) by Brenda Jackson .@HarlequinBooks .@AuthorBJackson .@Scribd

Book Title: Forget Me Not (Catalina Cove 2)
Author:  Brenda Jackson| Website| Twitter| Facebook
Publisher: Harlequin

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, African American Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 2
Format: Audiobook, ebook, Mass Market
Narrator: Ron Butler

Audio Service:  Scribd
Hours in Book: 10 hours 30 mins

Cost: $5.99

Pages: 376

How I got it: Scribd

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: March 26th, 2019
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

Brenda Jackson welcomes you back to Catalina Cove, where love is waiting to be reclaimed...

Ashley Ryan never doubted that her husband, Devon, was the love of her life. Even now, three years after Devon died in a car wreck while on a business trip, Ashley can't bring herself to move on. But when her girlfriends surprise her with a getaway to beautiful Catalina Cove, Louisiana, she gets the shock of her life when she encounters a man-bearded, more rugged than before, but unmistakably her Devon.

Ray Sullivan moved to this quiet coastal town after waking up in a hospital with amnesia. Haunted by a life he can't remember, he's built walls around his heart and a quiet life running boat tours-a life that includes no recollection of Ashley, a woman he suddenly finds himself irresistibly drawn to.

Doctors warn Ashley of the danger in forcing her husband to remember the past. Though she longs to tell him the truth, she finds herself falling all over again for a man she knows may never truly come back to her. In this place where healing and second chances are just a heartbeat away, can love take root once more? (

Overall:
This is the second book by this narrator and I love it. Ron manages to make each character wonderful and unique. I absolutely loved his accents for each and how he helped to convey the emotions each character was feeling. I highly recommend him as a narrator and of course Brenda's work is phenomenal as well.   It's ten hours and I listened to it at 1.5X speed and finished this one pretty quickly as well.

Narrator:

Ron Butler is fantastic, Great melodic voice that conveys all the emotions of each scene without being overly dramatic. I loved the way he was able to use inflection and tone to convey seriousness of  different situations and at the same time convey the humor of a moment. I really found myself loving the story more because Ron was sharing it with me.

Story:

This is a second chance romance for a couple  where one doesn't realize he was a part of the couple. On the way home after a successful business trip, Devon Ryan has a moment of being a good Samaritan and because no good deed goes unpunished he ends up brutally beaten and left for dead. He's found and rescued but he was in a coma for a few weeks, during that time his family is informed that he has been killed. This sets off a series of events that lead us here, Devon wakes up but has amnesia ( I know soap opera levels here, but it's done extremely well, so just rock with me for a moment) and because unbeknownst to him his family already believe him to be deceased they have no reason to be searching for him, once they are unable to establish his identity the government give him one and he become Ray Sullivan.

Ashley is Devon's wife and when the police come to tell her that her husband passed away it devastated her. It's been three years and she still hasn't recovered, her mother however believes it's time she has moved on and has commenced shoving 'suitable' men on her. Being her best friends and sympathetic to her feelings, they gift her with a two week break from her mother and her manipulations; it's a two week stay in beautiful Catalina Cove, she's going to be staying in Vashti's renovated Bed and Breakfast. 

Once she's there enjoying the scenes Ashley has an incident and she believes she hears her husbands voice. Ray Sullivan steps in to save her and when he goes with her to the hospital he can't understand why he feels protective about this particular woman. In the three years he's lived in this town he's refused to date a woman because he believes he's married but because he can't remember he refuses to put himself in that position. This is the first woman to make him challenge this decision.

The story unfolds and Ashley requires the help of the two best friends and Vashti to help her win her husband back. How many of us have the chance to not just fall in love with our soulmate but do it twice?? There are so many moments that make Ashley wonder if she's doing the right thing, as she wonders what will happen if his memories of her never return?? Can she love this new man who inhabits her husband's body?? Can she love Ray who is totally different from Devon?? Can she let go of the memory of Devon long enough to give Ray a true chance?? Or will the memories of her past love stop her from learning if this man could be her next love.

I really loved how the story came together. Even if her mama got on my last nerves. I enjoyed that Ashley created a safe haven for herself with her friends and had people she could rely on, who loved her unconditionally. I loved the small town feel f the story and I can't wait to what's going on with the final bachelor in their friend group. This story flowed so well and I was hooked to finding out how it all would end. I really felt my anxiety go through the roof in those final chapters as the truth came out and we get the big reveal.

I highly recommend the story and of course the narrator.  I normally say that I love romance because you go into it knowing there's going to be a HEA, but I have to say with this one I wasn't certain because she kept repeating to herself the statistics and boy I knew it was a good story but I feared for them a few times. You know it's a good romance when you know the ending but are addicted to seeing how the journey gets them there.

Real World moments intruding here: I would hate to be in their shoes when they have to deal with the insurance about him being declared deceased and here he is alive. That's going to be a tangled web to unravel. Then there are all his debts and accounts, getting back his license. Just the headache from thinking about it. My gawds ok moving on now. Enjoy the story my loves!!!

 ★★★★☆

Series In Order

• Love In Catalina Cove ( Catalina Cove 1) 

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Deadly Sexy by Beverly Jenkins

Happy Reading my loves, 

Audiobook #Review: Love in Catalina Cove (Catalina Cove #1) by Brenda Jackson .@AuthorBJackson .@HarlequinBooks .@Scribd

Book Title: Love In Catalina Cove (Catalina Cove 1)
Author:  Brenda Jackson| Website| Twitter| Facebook
Publisher: Harlequin Audio

Genre: Romance, African America Romance, Contemporary
Series/Standalone: Book 1
Format: Audiobook, ebook, Mass Market
Narrator: Ron Butler

Audio Service: Scribd
Hours in Book: 13 hours 7mins
Cost: $5.99

Pages: 459

How I got it: Scribd Subscription 

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: Jan 22, 2019
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

In her brand-new series, Brenda Jackson welcomes you to Catalina Cove, where even the biggest heartbreaks can be healed...

In the wake of a devastating teen pregnancy that left her childless and heartbroken, Vashti Alcindor left Catalina Cove, Louisiana, with no plans to return. Now, over a decade later, Vashti reluctantly finds herself back in her hometown after inheriting her aunt's B and B. Her homecoming gets off to a rocky start when the new sheriff, Sawyer Grisham, pulls her over for speeding, and things go downhill from there.

The B and B, a place she'd always found refuge in when it seemed like the whole world was against her, has fallen into disrepair. When a surprising benefactor encourages Vashti to reopen the B and B, Vashti embraces a fresh start, and soon old hurts begin to fade as she makes new memories with the town and its handsome sheriff. But some pasts are too big to escape, and when a bombshell of a secret changes everything she thought was true, Vashti is left reeling. With Sawyer and his teenage daughter determined to see her through the storm, though, she's learning family isn't always a matter of blood sometimes it's a matter of heart.

Overall
I hadn't tried to read a romance novel as an audiobook before. I decided to give it one chapter and if I couldn't do it then I could go back to reading the book in physical form. I'm so glad I gave it a chance.

My reason for hesitating has nothing to do with being a snob about reading in different formats. I have no problem using the format for non-fiction titles.  I've mentioned before that I have a disease which means eventually I will go blind and then audiobooks will be my only choice; for me I have been holding off on adopting the format because starting to use it felt like giving in. Yeah Yeah Yeah I know it's stupid don't give me those looks, I'm well aware that I'm coping poorly, just give me the time I'm working on it.

Narrator
Anywhoo, back to the review, I got so sucked into this one that the 13 hours flew by. I also listened to this at 1.5X speed and that cut the reading time down from the full 13 hours. I started this on a Saturday while cleaning and I can tell where previously I couldn't get into the story (any fiction story on audiobook) this one, I was drawn right in and got lost in the story, I believe a good chunk of that had to do with the narrator's voice. While it's a man reading the story after a while I couldn't even tell that, Ron was able to bring tone, bass, and accent to each character in a way that separated them and made them unique.  I got lost in his voice and I certainly don't want to come out. Ron's voice was melodic and great for the characters, he was able to convey some really good emotions.  And he certainly caught me by surprise several times when the story called for it.

Story:

I legit wrote in my notes "wild as F*ck" and honestly that still stands. I wanted to not believe people could do this; then I remember where I volunteer and remember that truth is always stranger than fiction even though it's the first decade into the 2000s people still do the wildest shyt in the name of 'respectability'.  Especially if you add in religion to it.

This story starts off as a chance for this young woman to get a leg up after it appears her marriage has come apart. If she can sell the resort her Aunt left her then she would be able to live her dream life of traveling the world and seeing the places her Aunt had never been able to see. There's just one hitch, she has to return to the town that treated her like a pariah when she needed their support the most and convince them to allow the new changes the prospective buyers are offering the Cove.

Vashti hasn't been home since moving away for college and now she needs to return, sell this property and get out before the memories can get to her. On her way there she gets pulled over for speeding by the new sheriff Sawyer. It appears that even if to her the town hasn't changed at all, it has changed somewhat to have hired a good looking sheriff. And as the story developed we go from Vashti having a plan and a way to execute it, to the hands of fate stepping in and finding a way for her to confront the past, while giving her a chance at future happiness. After the sale falls through Vashti decides to still sell the property, runs back to NYC only for her life there to fully fall apart, then comes a visit from someone she would have never expected from and she's given a new lease on life if only she's willing to return to the Cove.

I absolutely loved the development of the story, and even though I didn't expect some of the turns it was going to when we got to certain parts and we began seeing the reactions of people I started to get hella suspicious.  Whew chile, some people are truly trash and I don't care what anyone says you don't have to forgive anyone, The story was shared partially from the POV of Vashti who has several reasons to despise the town and it's treatment of her; she also has some serious heartbreak to deal with before she can give Sawyer the fair chance he deserves.

Sawyer for his part has convinced himself that since his wife has passed away, he's going to invest in his daughter and raise her, then he'll think about having a life.  I absolutely loved that his daughter wasn't here for that. She was hilarious and a fun character to listen to as she challenged him and pushed him towards happiness. I loved their relationship and that she knew she was loved unconditionally and this allowed her to view the world differently than most.

Once the characters were established the story moved extremely quickly and I loved it. The characters were well developed and I fell in love with them. I needed this story and the love was so good.  I loved that the landscape played such a large part in this story, the town was as much a part of the story as the human characters. And with all Brenda's work, she peppers in some history the enriches the story.  As the story was shared, a few other POVs in the book add depth to the story. I can't wait to see what happened to the two best friends and what their deal is. I also can't wait to read Ray's story.

I loved that the story had amazing friendships and familial relationships, including the found families that the characters created. Vashti's friends are truly some of the best. They gave great support and love even when those who should have didn't. I'm glad I didn't read the synopsis and just went into it. I loved everything about this one.

I highly recommend it, especially in the audiobook format.

 ★★★★★

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Deadly Sexy (Detroit NIA) by Beverly Jenkins

Happy Reading my loves, 

Book #Review: The Durango Affair (The Westmorelands 8 by Brenda Jackson .@AuthorBJackson .@HarlequinBooks

Book Title: The Durango Affair (The Westmorelands 8 )
Author:  Brenda Jackson| Website| Twitter| Facebook
Publisher: Harlequin Desire

Genre: Romance, African American Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 8
Format: Mass Market, ebook

Cost: $5.99

Pages: 186

How I got it: Purchased

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Publication Date: May 09, 2006
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

"I'M HAVING YOUR BABY."

Savannah Claiborne's simple statement set off an avalanche in Montana ranger Durango Westmoreland's carefully ordered life. Suddenly, an unforgettable night of passion with the hazel-eyed beauty had turned into a lifetime of obligation for the confirmed bachelor.

But Westmoreland men always honored their responsibilities, and leaving Savannah to raise his baby on her own was not an option. So he proposed and she accepted...with one condition: Theirs would be an in-name-only marriage.

Durango agreed. For now.

This is another of my favorite tropes in romance, the pretend relationship that has the potential to become more.  Durango Westmoreland was seriously attracted to his cousin's new sister in law Savannah, but everything about the sophisticated woman put her in the 'city woman' category and he's never going there again, but a steamy one-night affair with Savannah at Chase's wedding has him reconsidering that position. When Savannah shows up unexpectedly at his door a few months later he can't believe the woman who has been haunting his dreams is carrying his child. What will this confirmed bachelor do???

Savannah grew up with parents that were together due to obligation and she doesn't want that kind of relationship for herself. She refuses to become her mother, so she's here to let Durango know they created a child because she wants to be a great mother without the guilt that would come if she denied her child his/her father.  She's unprepared for Durango's reaction to the news and slightly overwhelmed by his proposition on how they should raise their child.

I absolutely love that they were both confident and well-accomplished individuals who had great lives before they met, they just have this one place in their lives that isn't complete due to their pasts. When their attraction and their new circumstances throw them back together they try to learn more about each other and try to decide what would be best not just for them temporarily but for their child in the long run. I love Savannah and Jessica's relationship and how close they were. I loved that they were able to be truthful with each other and that Jessica wasn't afraid to point out the flaws in Savannah's plan.  I loved how their families were so strong and loving, that they called BS when they thought they needed to and that certain family members were their confidants.

As always the plans don't work the way they think it will and they have moments of clarity and moments of doubt. They both grew and worked on their fears as the story progressed.  Their chemistry is off the charts and they can't help but indulge in it ( and I for one can say I've very glad they did because hawt damn!!).  As time advances and circumstances change can they have room in their hearts for a new love?? Or will their pasts prevent them from seeing what their future could hold??

 ★★★★☆

Books In Series

• Delaney's Desert Sheikh (1)
• A Little Dare (2)
• Thorn's Challenge (3)
• Stone Cole Surrender (4)
• Riding The Storm (5)
• Jared's Counterfeit Fiancee (6)
• The Chase Is On (7) 
• Quade's Babies (14)

And now we're getting deep into the series my loves and I can't wait to see so many of the men we've read about become lovers and husbands.

Happy Reading my loves, 

Book #Review: The Chase Is On ( Westmoreland 7) by Brenda Jackson

Book Title: The Chase Is On (Westmorelands 7)
Author:  Brenda Jackson| Website| Twitter| Facebook
Publisher: Silhouette Desire

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, African American Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 7
Format:  ebook, Mass Markey

Cost: $5.99

Pages: 192

How I got it: Purchased

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: November 15, 2005
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

WHAT CHASE WESTMORELAND WANTED...

Something sure looked tempting, and Chase knew it wasn't on his restaurant's menu. His new neighbor Jessica Claiborne was as deliciously enticing as the confections she created--so enticing, Chase was finding it difficult to concentrate on anything but the curve of her lips.

CHASE WESTMORELAND GOT!

Jessica couldn't deny the heat that sparked every time Chase was near. But she had a secret, one that could destroy the desire she saw burning in his eyes. Yet if she wanted a chance with Chase, she was going to have to reveal the truth and withstand the heat that was bound to go beyond the kitchen.

Told from dual perspectives we have a sweet romance tempered by a secret. Several years ago, a family friend betrayed the Westmorelands and this has caused bad blood between them. Jessica is a transplant to Atlanta from California and she's opening up a sweet confectioners shop right in the same plaza as Chase's successful soul food restaurant.

The day they meet Chase puts his foot in his mouth because he accuses her of being inconsiderate when she had actually shown up to apologize for the inconvenience her moving in might have caused. And the sparks fly from there. Chase is attracted to the fiery woman who called him out and now he has to make it up to her. From the start, Chase lived up to his name and even though Jessica didn't exactly give him a hard time in seducing her into a relationship.

Much like the other men in his family Chase has decided based on a college heartbreak to never get married and have children. He plans to pass the restaurant on to his nieces and nephews and maybe later in life marry for convenience. Jessica has had a deadbeat father who causes her and her mother nothing but strife and ultimately cost them even more. She's determined never to marry because she believes way too many men are like her father and she doesn't need that drama in her life.  When the two meet their affair seems inevitable they are so attracted to each other. Brenda loves to write the hell out of a lovemaking scene, their scenes are scorchers and just make you love the consideration that goes into a good relationship.

I loved that they both went in with their eyes open to how it's going to end and along the way re-evaluated. Chase is unaware of Jessica's big secret and as they get to know each other Jessica's secret goes from a mission to a burden. She's conflicted on sharing with Chase and one day the secret comes out. Chase makes his assumptions and they split.

I loved that separately Chase made the right decisions and when he realized his haste might have cost him more than his pride went all out to make amends.  I loved Jessica and her family because she turned to them when she needed to be bolstered.  The Westmoreland clan as always is welcoming to the new women in their family members lives and also give Jessica a sense that ATL could be for her, and I just love how awesome they are.

This being a romance we know there is going to be a happy ending. It's the journey to the ending that makes these worth reading and I loved their journey. I loved how they courted and how they journeyed from friends into lovers. Chase uses his skills as a cook to woo her and she used her chocolates as a way to soften him up. Their mutual love of food was a great base for their relationship and friendship to grow on. Plus the fact that they both own successful shops.

Of course, I enjoyed this one and the little bit of a mystery it had with it. Another to add to the TBR if you haven't read it and want a hot man who can cook who is hell-bent on getting his delicious delight.

 ★★★★☆

Books In Series

• Delaney's Desert Sheikh
• A Little Dare
• Thorn's Challenge
• Stone Cole Surrender
• Riding The Storm
• Jared's Counterfeit Fiancee 

Happy Reading my loves, 

Book #Review: Jared's Counterfeit Fiancee (Westmoreland 6) by Brenda Jackson

Book Title: Jared's Counterfeit Fiancee ( Westmoreland 6)
Author:  Brenda Jackson| Website| Twitter| Facebook
Publisher: Silhouette Desire

Genre: Romance, African American Romance, Contemporary
Series/Standalone: Book 6
Format: ebook, Mass Market

Cost: $5.99

Pages: 192

How I got it: Purchased

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: May 10, 2005
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

Pretending to be Jared Westmoreland's fiancée wasn't high on Dana Rollins's list of priorities. But she owed him a favor, and Jared's persuasive charm and sinful masculinity--not to mention his sizzling kisses--were impossible to refuse. Helping Jared meant spending time together publicly, but the private moments they shared made Dana wonder how she'd ever survive this engagement with her heart intact.

A confirmed bachelor, Jared didn't want any of the sticky entanglements that went along with commitment. But the more he got to know his beautiful fake fiancée, the more Jared wondered if their romantic charade might be the real thing after all.

Back into the Westmoreland clan we go, this time spinning off from the main family we are here to see the love story of a cousin of the main clan. So far the baby girl of the family has been married off and her three older brothers have also found love, one with her best friend.  Jared is a cousin who is a successful divorce attorney and has seen the ravages of 'love' is determined to never go down that path. This just proves that despite the parents doing everything right the children can still by their own experiences learn the wrong lessons.  Even though there are successful marriages that last around him Jared is still gun shy.

When a mistaken moment is overheard by his mother, Jared's afraid to embarrass her in front of her guests lets her continue to believe her error. He plans to tell her what she had overheard wasn't the right information, and then it snowballs. He's made aware by his father that there are health concerns which put him and his brothers in the uncomfortable position of trying to be concerned without being overwhelming. Knowing that the belief that he's engaged is going to help her he pitches a deal to Dana to help him until they know more and seeing how close the family is she says yes.  Dana met Jared when he represented a client and the attraction was off the charts, but she's a bit gun shy.

Dana is a successful woman who was getting ready to get married when her fiancee drops a bombshell and she's devastated. She's alone in the world after her parents' death and now another person she thought she could rely on is leaving her. She has a great career and a few good friends she can rely on but it's not the same and when she sees how close the Westmoreland family is and how wonderful they are she's not able to turn Jared down.  This should have been an easy favor, but it's complicated by their attraction and the more they give in the deeper this mire gets.

I love this trope and Brenda does an amazing job spinning this tale. From the dates, tot he quite moments of recognition of the change in their paths; this couple made you want to root for them. Jared's fall into love was wonderful to read, as he re-evaluated and even sought the wisdom of his fellow men about what made them realize they were in love. I loved the glimpses we get of the families and the new brides integrating into the family.  I love how the women have formed their own little club within the family.

Reading positive stories about black love and black families is so affirming.  I also loved the mini story that took place within this one as well, because that helped Jared realize there were other choices out there. I loved the way in which they fell in love and of course, their lovemaking scenes were amazing!! They just clicked so well and I loved their journey into love.

You guys know I'm a sap when it comes to romance, so make sure to grab this one if you're looking for a sweet quick romance.

 ★★★★☆

Books In Series

• Delaney's Desert Sheikh
• A Little Dare
• Thorn's Challenge
• Stone Cole Surrender
• Riding The Storm

Happy Reading my loves,