Romance Review: The Real Thing by Brenda Jackson

The Real Thing by Brenda Jackson
Series: Westmoreland
Publisher: Harlequin
Format: ARC
ISBN: 0373733003
Genre: Romance
Release date: March 4th 2014
Number of pages: 192
Source: NetGalley

Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads

I received this book from NetGalley and Harlequin in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Summary:

What happens when a pretend boyfriend wants more than make-believe? Find out in this Westmoreland novel from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson!

No red-blooded man turns down the chance to escort gorgeous Trinity Matthews—and Adrian Westmoreland is definitely red-blooded. For her, he’ll pretend to be her man. But keeping his hands to himself? That is impossible. A Westmoreland always keeps his word, but how long before Adrian turns this fake affair into something real?

Review:

These Westmoreland cowboys are extra hot material and make all girls swoon, but in reality Adrian is an executive and have nothing to do with the guy on the cover. That made no difference for me because I love those Westmoreland’s. I was a little lost with his connection in the family and I think a guy with the names and marriages would be extra helpfull since this series is a long one.

But the couple was nice together and I loved watching Adrian comes to the rescue. He is a nice guy, but Trinity needed something more than just a pretend relationship and we can see that Adrian is falling for her really fast. She wants to be independnte and didn’t helped.

I liked the book, but the story was more of the same, nothing too extraordinary. I like the way Brenda introduces the new guys on this family and I love a family series.

Contact the Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Series in Order

#1 – Delaney’s Desert Sheikh
#2 – A little Dare
#3 – Thorn’s Challenge
#3.5 – Tis the season… for romance
#4 – Stone Cold Surrender
#5 – Riding the Storm
#6 – Jared’s Counterfeit Fiancée
#7 – The Chase is On
#8 – The Durango Affair
#9 – Ian’s Ultimate Gamble
#10 – Seduction, Westmoreland Style
#11 – Spencer’s Forbidden Passion
#12 – Taming Clint Westmoreland
#13 – Cole’s Red-Hot Pursuit
#14 – Quade’s Babies
#15 – Tall, Dark… Westmoreland!
#16 – Westmoreland’s Way
#17 – Wrapped in Pleasure
#18 – Hot Westmoreland Nights
#19 – What a Westmoreland Wants
#20 – A Wife for a Westmoreland
#21 – The Proposal
#22 – Feeling the Heat
#23 – Texas Wild
#24 – One Winter’s Night
#25 – Zane
#26 – Canyon
#27 – Stern
#28 – The Real Thing

Romance Review: A Madaris Bride for Christmas by Brenda Jackson

A Madaris Bride for Christmas by Brenda Jackson
Series: Madaris Family and Friends
Publisher: Harlequin
Format: ARC
ISBN: 146032109X
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release date: November 1st 2013
Number of pages: 304
Source: NetGalley from Publisher

Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads

I received this book from NetGalley and Harlequin in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Summary:

In her 100th book, New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Brenda Jackson blends heated sensuality and drama into a dazzling new novel featuring one her most unforgettable Madaris heroes yet…

One by one, Madaris men have surrendered to their grandmother’s matchmaking. But Lee Madaris isn’t letting anyone else control his destiny. He’ll bring a bride of his own choosing to the family’s holiday gathering–if his hotel’s gorgeous new chef will agree to a marriage of convenience.

It’s not just the chance to work at the Strip’s hottest hotel that brought Carly Briggs to Vegas. Witnessing a crime in Miami may have made her a mob target. Though she’s reluctant to complicate their working relationship, Lee’s tempting offer is so hard to resist. And soon, desire is clouding their no-strings arrangement.

The danger that made Carly flee Miami is about to land at their door. So, Carly and Lee must decide who to trust, when to let go–and whether a love they never anticipated is strong enough to pass the ultimate test.

Review:

This is my first book from this series and I adored the Madaris family, especially the great-gradma and her nosy past time of matchmaker. Lee was a perfect guy with faults and trying his best to control his own love life. He tried to pull a fast one, but didn’t make it. So this book was a romance with a little bit of suspense and enjoyed the action scenes.

Carly was a nice girl, she suffered a lot in life with awful mother, but she made a great life for herself and witnessed a murderer that months later came back to haunt her. I really liked her discoveries in life with Lee, because almost everyone treated her pretty bad and Lee was different. He showed her great sex and a normal relationship with more than just orgasms. They became friends and even his strange offer for marriage was kinda cute.

I liked the side characters, made me want to read the rest of this series.

Contact the Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Series in Order

#1 – Tonight and Forever
#2 – Whispered Promises
#3 – Forever Mine
#4 – Eternally Yours
#5 – One Special Moment
#6 – Fire and Desire
#7 – Essence of Desire
#8 – Secret Love
#9 – True Love
#10 – Surrender
#11 – The Best Man
#12 – The Midnight Hour
#13 – Unfinished Business
#14 – Slow Burn
#15 – Taste of Passion
#16 – Sensual Confessions
#17 – Inseparable
#18 – Courting Justice
#19 – A Madaris Bride for Christmas

Romance Review: Stern by Brenda Jackson

  Stern by Brenda Jackson

 Series: Westmoreland

 Publisher:  Harlequin

 Format: ARC

 ISBN: 146031834X

 Genre: Contemporary Romance
 Release date: September 1, 2013

 Number of pages: 192

 Source: NetGalley
 Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads

 I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Summary:

Stern Westmoreland never makes mistakes—until he helps his best friend Jovonnie “JoJo” Jones with a makeover…for another man. Now Stern wants JoJo for himself. Their attraction is undeniable and there’s only one way to test it: one long, steamy night together as much more than friends!

Review:

I loved JoJo, she’s determined and fight for what she wants, but more importantly, is the fact she fell in love with her best friend and that could change everything but I liked the way she took control and decided to make him jealous.

Stern definitely deserved to suffer a little bit, especially after all those women he dated and how much he pushed JoJo to the friends only. She is a beautiful woman, but was raised by her father only and he was a mechanic, so she’s more a town boy and that made it really hard for men to actually notice her.

Those other Westmoreland decided to help her and she clean up nice, but I liked the fact Stern decided to look out for her and followed with this crazy plan. These two were so right for each other. This story is common, but I loved JoJo, so I was cheering for her.

Contact the Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Series in Order

#1 – Delaney’s Desert Sheikh
#2 – A little Dare
#3 – Thorn’s Challenge
#3.5 – Tis the season… for romance
#4 – Stone Cold Surrender
#5 – Riding the Storm
#6 – Jared’s Counterfeit Fiancée
#7 – The Chase is On
#8 – The Durango Affair
#9 – Ian’s Ultimate Gamble
#10 – Seduction, Westmoreland Style
#11 – Spencer’s Forbidden Passion
#12 – Taming Clint Westmoreland
#13 – Cole’s Red-Hot Pursuit
#14 – Quade’s Babies
#15 – Tall, Dark… Westmoreland!
#16 – Westmoreland’s Way
#17 – Wrapped in Pleasure
#18 – Hot Westmoreland Nights
#19 – What a Westmoreland Wants
#20 – A Wife for a Westmoreland
#21 – The Proposal
#22 – Feeling the Heat
#23 – Texas Wild
#24 – One Winter’s Night
#25 – Zane
#26 – Canyon
#27 – Stern

Romance Review: Canyon by Brenda Jackson

From New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson comes a new trilogy starring three Westmorelands…
Years ago, Canyon Westmoreland let misunderstandings come between him and Keisha Ashford. But when Keisha returns to town with a two-year-old son, it’s time to settle things once and for all. A blazing attraction still burns between them, and this time around, nothing will stop Canyon from claiming what is his-his woman and his child!

Title: Canyon

Author:  Brenda Jackson

Series: Westmorelands

Publisher:  Harlequin Desire

Format: ebook from NetGalley

ISBN: 1460316711

Genre: Romance
Release date: August 1st 2013

Number of pages: 192

 

Another Westmoreland fighting for the girl, this is exactly the reason Canyon can’t let go the fact Keisha returned to town and it’s always running from him, but he discovered something intriguing and I really liked the way he handled a baby.

 

After a few years away Keisha returned and now Canyon found out about the baby. I do have to say I didn’t liked her and neither her reasons, because Canyon has always been a nice and very right guy, but after one night that she caught him with another women is like her world changed and she can’t see reason.

 

Canyon was so sweet with the little boy and everyone in the family accepted her with a open mind, but I can’t shake the feeling she hid the children because she wanted too, especially after being raised by a single mom, and knowing everything about the Westmorelands, she chose everything that happened.

 

I loved Canyon and the rating is all because of him, Keisha was just not my thing.

Series in Order

#1 – Delaney’s Desert Sheikh
#2 – A little Dare
#3 – Thorn’s Challenge
#3.5 – Tis the season… for romance
#4 – Stone Cold Surrender
#5 – Riding the Storm
#6 – Jared’s Counterfeit Fiancée
#7 – The Chase is On
#8 – The Durango Affair
#9 – Ian’s Ultimate Gamble
#10 – Seduction, Westmoreland Style
#11 – Spencer’s Forbidden Passion
#12 – Taming Clint Westmoreland
#13 – Cole’s Red-Hot Pursuit
#14 – Quade’s Babies
#15 – Tall, Dark… Westmoreland!
#16 – Westmoreland’s Way
#17 – Wrapped in Pleasure
#18 – Hot Westmoreland Nights
#19 – What a Westmoreland Wants
#20 – A Wife for a Westmoreland
#21 – The Proposal
#22 – Feeling the Heat
#23 – Texas Wild
#24 – One Winter’s Night
#25 – Zane
#26 – Canyon
#27 – Stern

 

Romance Review: A Brother’s Honor by Brenda Jackson

The Granger brothers left behind their family’s Virginia estate–and the bad memories it holds–years ago. But their dying grandfather’s request brings them home: to a failing business, a legacy of secrets and a deathbed promise to make things right.
As the eldest brother, attorney Jace Granger is determined to take responsibility for Granger Aeronautics, his family’s failing business. But the years of mismanagement seem impossible to untangle. As CEO, he hires a consultant to turn the company around. Smart, sexy Shana Bradford is the right person for the job–and the right woman to turn Jace’s world upside down.
But the passion between them is jeopardized when old secrets begin to emerge. A woman from Jace’s past suddenly reappears. And an explosive discovery changes everything Jace thinks he knows about his mother–and his father, who was convicted of her murder.
Jace Granger tried to leave his family history behind once before. But this time he needs to face the past…or risk losing his future.
Three brothers. One legacy. A lifetime of secrets.

Title: A Brother’s Honor

Author: Brenda Jackson

Series: Grangers

Publisher:  Mira Books

Format: ebook from NetGalley

ISBN: 0778314332

Genre: Romance
Release date: May 28th 2013

Number of pages: 392

So another new series and I really liked this family, each brother has their personal secrets and for the first book we had Jace falling in love. But this romance is much more than just a love story, because the brothers are finally back home after their grandfather died and now they have a company to save.

 

Many secrets in this book, first we have to discover why the company is heading downhill and Jace hired a firm to investigate and try to save it. Shana is the president of this hired firm and we can see from the first day that these two have sparks flying everywhere.

 

What I liked the most was how much family is important, because we can see during the story what Jace brother’s are doing and even Shana family at times too. I get the feeling these two families will met again in another romance story really soon.

 

Plus there’s another very important story behind this series, because their father is currently arrested for a murder, and he is innocent, the boys are meant to prove the real killer and save their dad, but things are more difficult than they knew.

 

 

 

 

Series in Order

#1 – A Brother’s Honor
#2 – Untitled
#3 – Untitled

Romance Review: Zane by Brenda Jackson

From New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson—the first of a new trilogy starring three Westmorelands who are impossible to resist: Zane, Canyon and Stern.No woman walks away from Zane Westmoreland. But when Channing Hastings does just that, it leaves the rancher reeling—and then she returns to town, engaged! Zane will do whatever it takes to show her that there is no man for her but him.

Title: Zane

Author: Brenda Jackson

Series: Westmorelands

Publisher:  Harlequin

Format: ebook from NetGalley

ISBN: 037373252X

Genre: Romance
Release date: July 1st 2013

Number of pages: 192

I started this series a few years ago, but never managed to read them all. I had no idea the Westmorelands had released 24 already, but that’s beside the point because you can read them as stand alone. The other couples are mentioned, but nothing to serious about and the main focus is always the couple leading the book.

 

This book is about Zane Westmoreland and he’s super hot with cowboy boots and a hat, but there’s more to him than just that. He loves his family and until a few moments before only his family, but now Channing is back and he discovered that she’s perfect for him.

 

The thing is Channing is so over waiting for Zane that she decided to move on. So now Zane is crawling after her and trying to make her understand that he’s in love with her. Channing wasted a long time suffering because she loves him and wants more than just a fling, but Zane has a string of woman and now is really difficult for her to just accept he changed.

 

I really liked Zane crawling because he showed a fun and sweet side of a cowboy, plus they went in a few dates so things went back to normal couple dating. These two are super cute together.

 

Series in Order

#1 – Delaney’s Desert Sheikh
#2 – A little Dare
#3 – Thorn’s Challenge
#3.5 – Tis the season… for romance
#4 – Stone Cold Surrender
#5 – Riding the Storm
#6 – Jared’s Counterfeit Fiancée
#7 – The Chase is On
#8 – The Durango Affair
#9 – Ian’s Ultimate Gamble
#10 – Seduction, Westmoreland Style
#11 – Spencer’s Forbidden Passion
#12 – Taming Clint Westmoreland
#13 – Cole’s Red-Hot Pursuit
#14 – Quade’s Babies
#15 – Tall, Dark… Westmoreland!
#16 – Westmoreland’s Way
#17 – Wrapped in Pleasure
#18 – Hot Westmoreland Nights
#19 – What a Westmoreland Wants
#20 – A Wife for a Westmoreland
#21 – The Proposal
#22 – Feeling the Heat
#23 – Texas Wild
#24 – One Winter’s Night
#25 – Zane
#26 – Canyon
#27 – Stern

Review: Bachelor Unclaimed by Brenda Jackson

Are his playboy days over for good?
In the wake of political defeat, former mayoral candidate Ainsley St. James does something totally out of character-she has a one-night stand with a seductive stranger. Never expecting to see him again, she accepts a job covering a breaking story in Hilton Head, South Carolina…only to discover that the island’s most desirable recluse is the lover she has yet to forget.
Winston Coltrane can’t get that incredible night-or the sexy, sophisticated beauty-out of his mind. The marine biologist is developing a secret formula that could be a major medical breakthrough. But there’s something Winston is keeping from Ainsley: his feelings for her have grown beyond the bedroom. Kiss by breathtaking kiss, Ainsley is transforming his oceanside sanctuary into a sensual retreat. Will they be able to turn a passionate fling into forever in each other’s arms?

Title: Bachelor Unclaimed

Author: Brenda Jackson

Series: Bachelors in Demand

Publisher:  Harlequin Kimani

Format: ebook from NetGalley

ISBN: 037386292X

Genre: Romance
Release date: January 22nd 2013

Number of pages: 224

This is an ongoing series and I only got to read this book, it’s really clear that they are all stand-alone except for a tinny story about their connection.The book tells Winston story and we got to understand why he’s so against a relationship and how in the end it was really easy for him to fall in love with Ainsly.

I loved Winston story and how in the end he fell in love with a reporter trying to discover the secret about a very famous and reclusive doctor doing some experiments that could be the next viagra. The best part of everything was the fact Winston just wanted seclusion and decided to use his grandfather photo to work alone without interruption. So the man she was looking was actually Winston and they shared a very hot one-night stand a couple of weeks before she started digging about this doctor.

I liked how their Love grew after a couple of weeks and ddn’t Just sprung to live. Winston is a very cientific guy, but at the same time his family showed to him several successful couples so it was fun to watch him put together his feelings but Ainsley was not perfect, she did a good job with his interview, only her fellings she didn’t follow and she could have lost everything if it wasn’t for faith.

SERIES IN ORDER

#1 – Bachelor Untamed
#2 – Bachelor Unleashed
#3 – Bachelor Undone
#4 – Bachelor Unclaimed

Review: Private Arrangements by Brenda Jackson

Private Arrangements by Brenda Jackson

Steele Series #10

e-ARC provided by NetGalley courtesy of the publisher

Publisher: Harlequin

Genre: Romance

Release date: January 24th 2012
Number of pages: 224
Rating:

 

Book Blurb:

No man has ever tempted her like this… Nikki Cartwright can’t believe Jonas Steele—the Jonas Steele—has chosen her for a high-profile marketing venture. It could make her career. But when she remembers the kiss they once shared, a kiss so intimate it sent their desire skyrocketing from simmering to blazing, Nikki knows she must guard her heart against the seductive Phoenix playboy as if her life depends on it. Jonas has no problem making their professional relationship personal. With the beautiful and talented photographer within his reach, he can erase her from his system once and for all. From a whirlwind Las Vegas affair to jet-setting across four continents, this Steele discovers getting Nikki out of his system is easier said than done, and now he wants her to belong to him heart and soul—as the woman of his most passionate fantasies.…

My Thoughts:

I’ve read two books from Brenda Jackson this month and I must say that her writing is perfect and engaging and I simply couldn’t put it down, although those two are part of a series and we get to take a glimpse of the other couples. This is the kind of family that pushes for the next generation, kind of like The Macgregor’s from Nora Roberts.

 

This story is about Nikki and Jonas. They only shared a kiss months ago but both cloud not forget and live without trying to see why all the steamy coming from them when close.

 

Jonas is a bachelor just like all his brothers, so the only thing he can see is a great night of sex with Nikki and maybe breakfast, but she wants something more from him, maybe a faery tale, but she’s wants Mr. Perfect and Jonas knows that, maybe that’s why things are so difficult at first. They work together, desire is a big part of the relation and the future is a big ?, so what to do.

 

I liked how the author made the changes in Jonas, not that he’s bad but to really love someone he must change his way of thought and try to see things from others perspective. Nikki also needed some change, maybe because she thought her life be like in a romance where everything is perfect and she needed a reality check.

 

I liked the book and is in my comfort zone, plus has a HEA. Great.

Books in this Series:

#1 –   Solid Soul
#2 -  Night Heat
#3 –  Beyond Temptation
#4 -  Risky pleasures
#5 – Irresistible forces
#6 – Quade’s Babies
#7 – Intimate Seduction
#8 – Hidden Pleasures
#9 – A Steele for Christmas
#10 – Private Arrangements
 

Quote:

She didn’t have the good mind to back up and his body pressed against hers. She felt crowded and it was at that moment her temper exploded. “And who the hell are you supposed to be? You’re someone I slept with one time. And that’s your famous motto—‘one and done’—isn’t it? Or have you forgotten? In case you have, then let me remind you. One and done, Jonas.

And that one time doesn’t give you any rights and  you of all men wouldn’t want them if it did. So what in God’s name is your problem?”

He rubbed his hand down his face, inwardly ac-knowledging that he honestly didn’t know what his problem was. The only thing he knew was that he wanted her again. Here. Right now. “You, Nikki Cartwright, seem to be my problem,” he said in a low steely tone, seconds before grabbing her around the waist, lowering his head and sinking his mouth down on hers.

Review: Irresistible Forces by Brenda Jackson

Kimani Romance Review

Title: Irresistible Forces

Author: Brenda Jackson
Format Read:  freebie from Amazon
Series: Steele Series #5

Publisher: Harlequin

Genre: Romance
Release date: May 1st 2008
Formats Available:  paperback, ebook, kindle
Number of pages: 256
Rating:

 

Book Blurb:

One week of mind-blowing sex on a beautiful Caribbean island. Of all the business proposals financial tycoon Dominic Saxon has heard, Taylor Steele’s is definitely the most tempting. All Taylor wants in return is for Dominic to father her baby. No strings, no commitments…just a mutually satisfying arrangement. Make that very satisfying. For a man with no intention of marrying again, it sounds ideal.

Taylor wants a baby, not a relationship. And sexy, intelligent Dominic seems like a man with perfect genes. Turns out, Dominic has perfect everything. Their “procreation vacation” is a whirlwind of sensual ecstasy. But when it’s over, will either of them be able to say goodbye?

My Thoughts:

I’ve read some of the Westmoreland books last year and enjoyed Brenda Jackson way of writing. So once I saw this book as a freebie from Amazon decided that it was worth a shot even thought I haven’t read anything from this family.

 

I loved the story and Taylor is very strong and knows exactly what she wants, and that’s how she asked Dominic for a child. She wanted one week of sex with no relationship between them besides the baby they wanted.

 

Dominic was a very good character and after being married I was ok with his way of thinking and actually liked how he made his business and acted the reality. His now a widow but wanted to have a kid, an heir for his family business. Nothing bad about that and Taylor proposition was actually really good.

 

But the chemistry was way hotter than both could ever imagine and one week was not enough so when the week was over and they continued to share phone calls and even sex sometimes Dominic started to realize that some feelings he wasn’t expecting were growing.

 

I liked the fact that some characters from other books in this series stopped by and the finale was extra special.

Books in this Series:

#1 – Solid Soul
#2- Night Heat
#3 – Beyond Temptation
#4 – Risky Pleasures
#5 – Irresistible Forces
#6 – Quade’s Babies (Silhouette Desire) (The Westmoreland Series)
#7 – Intimate Seduction
#8 – Hidden Pleasures
#9 – A Steele for Christmas