Sweat Equity by Liz Crowe

Sara and Jack from Floor Time are back at it again in Sweat Equity. And this time, happily ever after is more of wish than a truth.

Jack Gordon thought he’d finally made it. He had a wildly successful career, money in the bank and had returned to his life as Dom, putting an end to a string of unfulfilling sexual encounters. Now that he’s made the ultimate commitment to Sara Thornton, he believes all is right in the world. But a series of misunderstandings and a dose of self-fulfilling prophesy bring his perfectly crafted house of cards tumbling down around him, forcing him to confront lingering misgivings about marriage and trust. Could those be the only two things he can never achieve?
Sara struggles with her intense need for Jack and her desire for less volatility in her busy life, which appear to be mutually exclusive goals. Although willing to put in the time and emotional effort to make their relationship work, she finds it futile and frustrating, littered with clashes thanks to near-identical personalities and temperaments. Given Sara’s history, easing back into the comfortable status quo becomes easier than fighting a war with the one person who should be her safe haven. But will the easier choice satisfy her the way only Jack can? Is her “war” one that comes from without or within?
Buffeted by circumstance, temptation and distraction, Jack and Sara’s tenuous relationship crumbles, sparking a continuous quest for the ever-elusive: trust, love and acceptance. By the time they rebuild a foundation for renewal, fate has other plans. Which leaves them both reeling, once again questioning their destiny.

Sara was all set to marry Jack but her own insecurities got in her way. She couldn’t trust the player not to hurt her heart. Sara thought of Jack in the same horrible swash of negativity that she felt for her father and the way he treated her mother. So when she finds condoms in Jack’s suitcase, she calls off the wedding.

Jack is a man who is used to getting what he wants and being in control. When his opening of a new high rise starts having issues, he pushes Sara away unintentionally with his demanding personality. Jack has a way of putting his foot in his mouth every time he tries to tell Sara how much he loves her. Maybe it is his alpha personality or just dumb luck but Jack ends up ruining the best thing that ever happened to him, Sara’s love.

Sweat Equity is a fast paced thrill ride as Jack and Sara dance around each other after their break-up and seek out others to satisfy their sexual needs. Passion abounds as Jack finds solace in the arms of a former lover, Heather and seeks out his BDSM side again. But he can’t get Sara off his mind and sets out win her back. Sara reaches out to her coworker, Craig, and starts a passionate romance of friends with benefits, but Craig wants more than she can give.

Sara and Jack burn up the pages of Sweat Equity together and apart as they try to get each other out of their hearts. The sex scenes sizzle and will make you breathless. But it is the push and pull of attraction between Sara and Jack that will drive you up the wall. I became very frustrated with Jack’s inability to put his feelings into words. I wanted him to get back with Sara but he kept saying and doing the wrong thing. I can’t wait until the Closing Costs come out to see what happens with them and their romance.

Love Beyond Loyalty by Rebecca Royce

A prophesy states that eighteen children will be born together to fight against the one that is born apart. The children grow up not knowing each other but realizing that they have special powers. But when two or more of the children (now grown up) find each other, they become stronger against the evil demon that threatens the whole world.

When Gabriel and Loraine are forced together by the destiny he denies and she is ignorant of, they will both finally have to accept their Outsider legacy and help the others in the quest to defeat the ultimate evil--a demon bent on world domination.
Gabriel Ward has no problem with the fact that he's an Outsider. Hell, he's always known he was different. What he takes issue with, is the idea that he has to follow any destiny at all. He's always taken care of himself, and there's no way he's going to start following rules now.
Loraine Peacock can speak to animals. Other than that, she thinks she's just a regular woman making her way in the world. She figures it's not that weird. Many people have unusual abilities.
But when Gabriel and Loraine are forced together by the very destiny he denies, they will both have to accept their legacy and join the Outsiders in their quest to defeat the ultimate evil. That is, if they can survive long enough to find their way to their most important destiny of all: love.

Gabriel Ward was a child born on the streets of the foster care system. He and Alexa, another little girl and outsider, literally lived on the streets of New Orleans, stealing food to survive. Gabe always felt that it was his job to take care of Alexa. He was a true warrior at heart. But Gabe feels like less of a person for never having a high school education. When he meets his soul mate, he is worried that she won’t find him to be acceptable to her.

Loraine Peacock is a school teacher who has an ability to talk to animals. Her dog, Fulton, is her constant companion. More than with other animals, Fulton can talk in ways that are understandable and often has many life saving ideas. He serves as her mentor and in many ways raises her to become the person she is today.

Love Beyond Loyalty is an exciting, roller-coaster read as Gabe and Loraine learn that they are soul mates who must work together to get the Outsider journals back from the demon, Sebastian. There are a few epic battles where cars explode, lightening turns police officers to dust, and giant waves wipe out single homes. The battles are unpredictable and rousing as the Outsiders seek to rescue Alexa from Sebastian’s control, rescue their compatriots, and try to save the world.

In Love Beyond Loyalty we learn more about the other Outsiders that have been yet to be brought into the fold and find out about new powers that everyone has, as well as a new ally in Fulton who is an angelic dog. I loved the characters, not just Gabe and Loraine but all the Outsiders as they try everything in their power to save the world and the people that they love.

If you enjoy a story with passion, suspense, action, and many surprises…than Love Beyond Loyalty is perfect for you. I do recommend that you read it after the first two books, or in conjunction with the other books so that you have a better understanding of the background of the group and how they came to be. I’m looking very forward to the next book and can’t wait to see if Sebastian finally gets what’s coming to him!

Cutter Mountain Rendezvous by Barbara Weitz

Colton Gray, and Kate Crockett meet by chance one evening on a deserted country road. Some might even say it's fate that brought them together. In Cutter Mountain Rendezvous, by Barbara Weitz, this pair of complete strangers realize that fate may be either the scariest thing, or the best thing that has ever happened to them.

After a failed marriage and with her song writing career tanking, Kate Crockett leaves Nashville for Cutter Mountain, Tennessee. With an inn to renovate and a daughter to raise, she’s ready to leave her past behind. Life should be perfect...except nothing is going according to plan. The last thing she needs is to be rescued by another man, regardless of how sexy he is.
Chicago Bullets pitcher Colton Gray is traveling incognito hoping to escape media attention as he recovers from an injury. The last thing he needs is a distraction, yet when a beautiful woman mistakes him for a carpenter, he decides a little renovating will keep his mind off his problems.
There is more than mischief between Colton and Kate. Bizarre phone calls, strangers lurking in the shadows, and an old claim on her inn threaten to destroy Kate’s future. Colton has secrets...and connections. He’ll do whatever it takes to protect her. But can Kate learn to trust again before it's too late?

Coming back to Cutter Mountain, after a ten year absence, is something Kate never figured she would do. Now that her country music career is behind her, along with her abusive ex-husband, Kate figures that starting over in her hometown may be the best choice she's ever made for herself and her daughter Lindsay. Kate has decided to renovate an old farm home into a bed and breakfast. It's definitely not something she's accustom to, but she wants to do it, and nobody is going to convince her otherwise.

On her way back home one evening, Kate chances upon a sexy cowboy along the side of the road. His truck has broken down, and Kate mistakes him for the new carpenter she believes is coming to help with renovations at her bed and breakfast. Soon enough, she learns he's actually a major league baseball star on a two month career hiatus. His name is Colton, and he soon begins to turn her world on its axis.

After struggling to recover from a dirt bike injury, and dealing with sudden uncertainty about his career, Colton finds himself aimlessly driving from Chicago to a remote town callef Cutter Mountain, in Tennesee. He is running from reality, but reality hits him head on when he meets the sexy little spit fire, Kate.

She's the type of woman he runs from, but something about her makes him want to stop running, and stay right there in Cutter Mountain. He needs a place to stay, no matter the cost, and convinces Kate to let him stay with her, and help with some of the renovations at her place. Soon enough, the pair, along with Kate's daughter, soon fall into a comfortable, almost family like, routine.

With a few weeks of teasing banter, and some intense interactions between the pair, Colton and Kate start to wonder what is to come between them, especially when Colton has to soon leave to go back to his life in Chicago. They both are on edge as they try to keep their emotions, and their hands, to themselves. Kate has also been receiving borderline, threatening phone calls regarding her land. A strange woman keeps insisting that Kate's land and home is not all her own, and that someone is willing to fight her for the property. Not to forget the fact that there is a stranger that continues to steal the construction materials outside her home at night too. Determined to take care of herself, Kate tells Colton to keep out of her business, and to leave her and the situation alone. Colton can't take no for an answer, and he feels this desire to protect and care for Kate and her daughter. Unfortunately for Kate, she can't keep it together long enough to resist his persuasive ways. What comes next will test them both, and make them decide what they both truly want out of their lives.

Kate's personality was built on passion and strength. She is self sufficient, and it takes a lot of effort for her to let someone else help her, or even care for her. She's stubborn as well, but it's the kind that a person can appreciate. She makes the best out of situations, and always tries to stay positive, even if it's just for the sake of her daughter.

Colton is a major league baseball player with a majorly large ego. It's kind of charming and funny the way he presents it though. He truly does care for others, and always feels the need to help them too. He was slightly selfish for a time being, but definitely made up for it in the end. His character was fun to read about.

Cutter Mountain Rendezvous was a sweet and sensual read. The storyline of Cutter Mountain Rendezvous was fast paced, full of humor, and it always kept a smile on my face. I enjoyed the character banter as well. Overall, Cutter Mountain Rendezvous was very entertaining, and I definitely recommend it to fans of good old fashioned, sensual love stories.

More Than Useful by Lacey Wolfe

Amy is on the look out for a boyfriend, maybe due to the fact that her friend and room mate Skylar seems so happy with her fiancee. Mr. Right just doesn't seem to be in Amy's life, undiscovered or other wise. When a hot police officer starts coming into her bakery, the innocent flirting begins. When they finally meet for a date, he makes it clear to Amy that he is only looking for fun, but is that what Amy really wants?

Can she settle for just a little fun?
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning Adam stops by Amy's bakery for one of her delicious muffins…and a little flirting. When he finally asks her out, Amy is thrilled.
Adam informs her from the beginning that he isn't looking for anything serious. Just a little fun. Amy agrees, even though she isn't entirely sure that's what she wants.
She does her best to play it cool, but Adam is sending so many mixed signals he's confusing her, which she finds incredibly frustrating.
Adam is terrified by the feelings he's developing for Amy. It would be so much easier if he just backed away from her. Then there's his sister, who is insisting that Amy is not the right girl for him.
Will Adam be able to figure out what his heart desires before it's too late and he loses his chance at true happiness?
Content Warning: explicit sex

Adam is more than taken by the cute girl behind the counter of the bakery. He gets up the courage to ask her out on a date, but Adam isn't looking for a happily ever after just yet. Even though he is open about his feelings with Amy and she seems content to go with his flow, Adam can feel that she is looking for something more. He likes Amy but he isn't sure he is ready to call his bachelor life quits just yet.

Amy is either so happy or so frustrated when it comes to Adam. Once minute he is so caring and his kisses tell her that he does have feeling for her. Yet every time something happens that would put them past being just a fling, Adam runs. Amy can't keep playing this game, she is looking for a serious relationship and Adam can't seem to give her that yet, even if he is the man of her dreams.

More Than Useful is the second book in the Hot Bods series. This police man and baker whip up some seriously steamy scenes and they don't always contain themselves to the bedroom. My favorite part is when police man Adam pulls Amy over for speeding home to get ready for their date. I've always wondered what would be the outcome of that happening. More Than Useful is a cute, flirty romance that will keep your eyes glued to the pages.

Fool Me Once by Lacey Wolfe

Skylar's history with Drew is less of a history and more of a "never again" for this fitness instructor. Now a month later, it seems that Drew is everywhere she looks and practically begging her for a second chance. No matter how many times Skylar tries to get him to leave her alone, it seems neither one of them can deny what their bodies and hearts want. But does history really repeat itself?

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…
Drew is the last person Skylar wanted to see across from her at a local bar. A month ago he’d wined and dined her all weekend, leaving her feeling fully in love, but then she awoke alone in an empty hotel room and she hadn’t heard from him since.
The weekend Drew spent with Skylar was phenomenal. There had never been anyone who made him feel as complete as she did. He shouldn’t have disappeared, he should have called, but his feelings for her scared him, so he distanced himself. But when he saw her again, he knew he couldn’t stay away any longer.
Skylar’s determined not to give Drew another chance to hurt her, but he’s just as determined to win her back. Although it won’t be easy, he’s up to the challenge, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish his goal.
Content Warning: Explicit Sex

Drew knows he made a mistake leaving Skylar after a wonderful weekend with her. Truth is he was scared of the feelings running through him, but now he is ready to take the plunge into a serious relationship. After being rejected by Skylar, Drew will try anything to convince her that he wants her. Not just her body but all of her, and he will never leave her again.

Skylar isn't too happy with giving Drew a second chance but she can't help the way she feels when she is a round him. Skylar is looking for a more serious relationship and isn't sure that is what Drew wants after he left her alone on a weekend getaway. When he asks her to accompany him for the weekend once again, Skylar hopes he can prove her doubts wrong. She doesn't know if she could take the heartache from him twice.

Fool Me Once is the first book in the Hot Bods Series. First of all, I can't get over how cute I think the cover is. This is a very modern day love story, with very steamy bedroom scenes. The upbeat rhythm of the story line is sure to get you lost in Skylar and Drew's lives. I feel for Drew, it seems nothing wants to go his way but he knows how to get a girl's attention: flowers. Fool Me Once is a very cute romance that will keep you company on these chilly February days.

Valentine Submission by Sue Lyndon

Anne is prepared for a couple of weeks relaxing and forgetting about her divorce. When she decides to take the trip to a friend's bed and breakfast originally planed for her tenth anniversary alone, Anne discovers that she is capable of loving again and that scares her. Jack's feelings for Anne have been strictly friendship for many years, but seeing her so upset by the man who was once his best friend brings out feelings that Jack has kept buried deep. Is it possible to feel love so quickly?

He's the man of her dreams . . . and he's a Dom.
Desperate for some peace and quiet after an ugly divorce, Anne escapes to the beach for an impromptu vacation. But instead of r&r, she finds unexpected passion in the arms of a longtime friend, Jack, who happens to be a widowed Dom. Anne is open to his lifestyle and asks him to teach her submission. But when she realizes she's lost her heart to him, things get complicated. Not only is she due back at her job in two weeks, but she fears competing with the memory of Jack's wife. Maybe it's not meant to be.
Anne's sweet submissive nature brings the Dom in Jack to life, and he finds the first happiness he's known in a long time. He plans a special surprise for her in his playroom on Valentine's Day - only to discover she's left without saying goodbye. The chase is on. If Anne thought she could leave him that easily, she'd better think twice...

Jack's dominating personality keeps him company where ever he goes, especially in the bedroom. He and his late wife shared a Dom/sub relationship with love. After losing her to cancer, Jack has kept the bed and breakfast he owned with his wife running with the help of his family. When Anne shows up for the two weeks that were supposed to be a get-a-way with her now ex-husband for their tenth wedding anniversary, Jack plans on making it the best vacation she could ask for. When her curiosity brings them into a Dom/sub agreement for the remainder of her stay, Jack realizes that he never wants her to go.

Valentine Submission is a very cute and light read compared to some BDSM story lines. Jack gentleness with the situation that Anne is in and Anne's willingness to try anything in the bedroom make for a steamy romance. Add some BDSM and you have a erotic twist to a lighthearted love story were two friends find love again with each other. Valentine Submission is one for the BDSM readers and romance readers alike.

Sail by James Patterson and Howard Roughan

Sail by James Patterson and Howard Roughan is a fast paced thriller. Sail is so good that I just couldn’t put it down. The twists and turns throughout the plot kept me turning the pages. Sail was my first book by James Patterson or Howard Roughan and I am totally hooked. I want to go buy all their books.

Since the death of her husband, Anne Dunne and her three children have struggled in every way. In a last ditch effort to save the family, Anne plans an elaborate sailing vacation to bring everyone together once again. But only an hour out of port, everything is going wrong. The teenage daughter, Carrie, is planning to drown herself. The teenage son, Mark, is high on drugs and ten-year-old Ernie is nearly catatonic. This is the worst vacation ever.
Anne manages to pull things together bit by bit, but just as they begin feeling like a family again, something catastrophic happens. Survival may be the least of their concerns.
Written with the blistering pace and shocking twists that only James Patterson can master, Sail takes "Lost" and "Survivor" to a new level of terror.

Katherine Dunne is a successful heart surgeon at her local hospital. She thought she had it all, a husband, kids, a great career, and a wonderful life. Her life was shattered when her husband died in a freak accident while scuba diving. Then on top of that he was not alone when he died. She poured herself into her work and her kids didn’t get much of her. She didn’t plan on finding someone new. Then she met Peter and he charmed his way into her life and they were married shortly thereafter. When she realizes that her family is falling apart she takes some time off of work for a family vacation. She wants to take them sailing like they used to and her ex brother in law agreed to be their captian. It was the perfect plan to bring them all back together. Would it work? Or would they be torn apart even further?

Jake Dunne has always loved Katherine. He would do just about anything for her. So when she asked if he would be the captain of their boat for their family vacation he agreed without hesitation. Even though she had remarried, he still hoped that they would be together one day. He would never forget their stolen moments together. He also relished the thought of spending time with his niece and nephews. When things start going wrong he does his best to fix it. He saved his niece when she tries to commit suicide. He even jimmy rigged the piping when one burst and water was filling the boat. What is going on? Are the problems just a coincidence or is there something else going on? To top things off he keeps seeing his dead brother. If these freak accidents keep happening will he be able to save his family and his love? Or will he pay the ultimate price trying?

Peter Carlyle is a very successful lawyer who is a self made man. When he met Katherine he knew he had to win her heart. He knew he wanted to marry her. He set out to win her. He charmed his way into her life and finally won her heart. Now they are happily married. While they are away on their vacation he is stuck at home due to a big case. Or at least that is what she believes. He certainly has some other extra curricular activities planned. He is anything but the innocent man he plays when she is around. When they come up missing he goes the extra mile to make sure they are found especially when he is in the public eye. Is he the man Katherine believed he was? Or is there something sinister lurking beneath the surface? Only time will tell.

I really enjoyed reading Sail. It is one of the best books I have read in a while. I would highly recommend it to all my friends and to anyone reading this review. Katherine and Ernie are my favorite characters. Katherine was so strong. She was able to hold her family together even when she was injured and suffering a massive infection. She was a real trooper and she was very smart about everything. I liked her son Ernie because he was so grown up and quite an interesting character. He was wise beyond his years. He was a really smart kid. I also liked that it showed him “become a kid again” as well. It really showed his vulnerable side. Sail is a great book to introduce a person to James Patterson and Howard Roughan.