No Mistress Of Mine (An American Heiress in London, #4) by Laura Lee Guhrke

Title: No Mistress of Mine: An American Heiress in London
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: American Heiress in London (Book 4)
Format: Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (August 30, 2016)
ISBN-10: 0062334670
ISBN-13: 978-0062334671
Author's website: http://lauraleeguhrke.com/
Notes:  I received an eARC loan from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am also an Avon Addict which means I love the books that Avon publishes enough to volunteer to read as many ARCs and books as they can send my way. So you'll be seeing a lot of books reviewed by me from this publisher. Please note, however, that if I don't like a book, it will be truthfully reflected by a low rating.

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Once upon a time a Viscount's heir fell in love with a show girl. As one would expect, it did not end well. He fell into debt after financing a show which was supposed to make her dream of becoming a serious stage actor a reality. The show flopped, she ran off with a man who "made a better offer", and his heart was broken.

Now, 6 years later she has returned. The woman who broke his heart is back looking just as beautiful and tempting as ever. Will she wreak havoc on his life again or will he be able to resist her feminine charms?

This was the 4th book of Laura Lee Guhrke's An American in London series, and I wish I'd read all of the previous books. The camaraderie and support between these friends makes me wish I'd followed their stories from beginning to end. While I didn't feel lost, I could tell I missed out on something special. I'll have to see if I can fit the novels I've haven't read in the series in with the books I intend to read in the coming month. Here's hoping.

Lord Denys Somerton turns to his friends for advice when the woman who jilted him returns to town. He's being forced to work with her because she is his new partner at the Imperial Theater. He's worked hard to make the theater a success, and he doesn't want to lose it, but Lola, his former lover, is nothing if not persistent. She has not intention of selling. She has plans to star in a Shakespearean production and she intends to do it at the theater she partially owns. Denys fears this will have disastrous consequences like the last production he backed for her. He searches desperately to find a way to cut her out of the picture, to find a loophole in their partnership agreement, but to no avail. He appears to be stuck with her.

While I instantly liked  Denys, I had a hard time liking Lola in the beginning. We soon learn, however, things aren't quite so clear cut when it comes to Lola. She did not have an easy life, and there are things in her past that Denys knows nothing about--things that are unbefitting of a Viscountess. As the truth starts to emerge, and we get to know Lola, I couldn't help but change my opinion of her. She ultimately won me over, and I enjoyed watching these two kiss and make up.

Overall, I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. It was a fun read with characters who were both complex and real. There was a touch of heaviness and depth to the story. It dealt with the fear of not being accepted for who you are and, being rejected by the one you've given your heart to--something I think we all can relate to. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.     

Frost Line by Linda Howard and Linda Jones

Title: Frost Line
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: HarperLuxe; Lgr edition (August 30, 2016)
ISBN-10: 0062467212
ISBN-13: 978-0062467218
Author's Website: N/A
Notes: I received an eARC loan from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am also an Avon Addict which means I love the books that Avon publishes enough to volunteer to read as many ARCs and books as they can send my way. So you'll be seeing a lot of books reviewed by me from this publisher. Please note, however, that if I don't like a book, it will be truthfully reflected by a low rating.

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A murder, a magical tarot deck, and a young child's plea for help conjures up something not of this world...

When seven year old Elijah finds himself in mortal danger a magical deck of tarot cards thought to have been destroyed centuries ago will come to his rescue. Lenna, the entity known on the tarot as Strength, is pulled from her world into ours. Upon finding the child and hearing his story, she vows to help him. The only snag--she only has five days to do so. After that, if she doesn't return to her world, Aeonia will come undone.

Anyone who knows me, knows I love paranormal romance novels. This one, however, didn't exactly leave me wanting more. Well, unless you count answers. The premise, the Major Arcana of the tarot cards being real and coming to earth, reminded me way too much of Kresley Cole's The Arcana Chronicles series. While this is not a young adult series, it doesn't hold a candle to Kresley's (at least not yet) and from the get-go, I couldn't help but compare the two.

While the story is very different from The Arcana Chronicles, I found the world building lacking. We are told very little about Aeonia except that it is where the Major Arcana have been confined for thousands of years, and it is a self contained paradise. They can view all the realms that exist and influence them, but they can't visit them--or at least they couldn't before the deck transported Lenna.

The deck of cards is old, magical, and has finally been found, but we know absolutely nothing about the people who possessed the cards in this world. We don't know how they happened to be in possession of them. If they are perhaps descendants of the Magician who created them. Nor do we know why the Magician created the deck in the first place. There is no clue as to why someone would fake the deck's destruction. Plus, I'm slightly confused as to what we're dealing with. They were supposedly created before the other worlds and are seemingly ageless with no children or elderly, but what exactly are the Major Arcana? Are they minor deities, guardians, or something else? What exactly is their purpose that if they are ever destroyed they'd disrupt the universe, and why were they exiled to Aeonia in the first place? Did they somehow abuse their power? Additionally, how and why do the Major Arcana influence people from their realm? Do all tarot decks have some connection to the Arcana or just the magical one? Why do all the realms have tarot cards? How did the tarot come into existence? Basically what I'm truly saying is we need answers, lots of answers and perhaps a backstory or two.

Overall, I gave this one 2 1/2 out of 5 roses. I'm assuming this is the first book of a series because it reads like one. It possesses huge potential, but at this point it's a diamond in the ruff. Depending on the next book, it could make or break the series. I'd love to see a short story or two fill in the gaps. I'd love for Ms. Howard and Ms. Jones to wow me with their next novel. In fact, I double dog dare them to. For now, this was an okay read for me, but I'm curious as to where the authors will take the series. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a FAN rating--the temperature in the room seems to have suddenly gone up a couple of degrees and a fan would be nice.

Once and For All (American Valor #1) by Cheryl Etchison

Title: Once and For All (Avon Impulse: American Valor)
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Avon Impulse: American Valor
Format: Paperback; 368 pages
Publisher: Avon Impulse (June 28, 2016)
ISBN-10: 006247104X
ISBN-13: 978-0062471048
Author's Website:http://www.cheryletchison.com/
Notes: I received an eARC loan from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am also an Avon Addict which means I love the books that Avon publishes enough to volunteer to read as many ARCs and books as they can send my way. So you'll be seeing a lot of books reviewed by me from this publisher. Please note, however, that if I don't like a book, it will be truthfully reflected by a low rating.

Once upon a time Bree and Daniel were high school sweethearts. Everyone thought the two would eventually marry, but their Freshman year of college he disappeared with no explanation or a heads up. She went to his apartment at the end of a seemingly normal day day to find out from his room mate he'd moved out, and she hadn't seen him since--until now.

A two time cancer survivor, Bree feels trapped and stifled by her circumstances. Living with her parents the past several years, she's run up medical bills and her employment prospects are pretty much nonexistent. Ditching her wig and venturing out with only a hat, she runs into the one person she hoped would never see her this way--her old flame who looks sexier than ever.

Instead of being appalled, though he offers her a way out. He proposes they marry...

"Just hear me out a second. (...) If we get married, your insurance will be covered by the army. (...) It gets you out of your parents' house," he said ticking off each reason on his fingertips. "You can find a new job or go back to school, whatever you want to do. (...) And when you're back on your feet and ready to move on we'll get a divorce."

Will he prove to be her knight in shining armor or her worst mistake? As old feeling start to rise, she'll soon find out Once and For All.

This was a bitter sweet romance and, surprisingly, I loved it. I was a bit apprehensive about reading this one. I usually have a big problem with books that deal with cancer. My sister died from breast cancer right around 15 years ago and I still tend to cry like a baby at such stories. It's the reason I didn't read The Fault in Ours Stars by John Green. This one, however, has a happy ending, and Bree is on the road to recovery so, thankfully, my fears were unfounded.

Bree is smart, beautiful, fun, and spoiling for something good to happen in her life. Daniel, at first glace, seems the most unlikely guy she should get together with, but he immediately starts winning d Bree and me over. What's that saying? Actions speak louder than words, and Daniel starts right off showing Bree and us how much he still cares for her. Even though the marriage is supposed to be platonic, he swears off other women because to do otherwise would be disrespectful. *sigh* Bree, of course, takes a little more convincing because she doesn't know what he's thinking or feeling. He needs to prove to her he won't break her heart for a second time.

Watching this couple rekindle their love was sweet and uplifting. I loved Daniel's brother who, at times, acted more like Bree's older brother than Daniel's. His disapproval of what Daniel was doing paired with his protective nature toward Bree makes me hope he'll be the main character of Ms. Etchison's next book. I'm crossing my fingers.

This was such a fun, sweet, and charming story I couldn't help but give it 5 out of 5 roses. I absolutely loved it. The characters were well developed, and the story well thought out. It was full of humor, steamy romance, and touching moments.  On the Lisarenee Romance Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

Show Me How (Thatch #3) by Molly McAdams

Title: Show Me How: A Thatch Novel
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Thatch
Format: Paperback; 320 pages
Publisher: William Morrow Impulse (October 4, 2016)
ISBN-10: 0062391437
ISBN-13: 978-0062391438
Author's Website: http://www.mollysmcadams.com/
Notes: I received an eARC loan from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.


Both Charlie Easton and Deacon Carver are at a crossroads in their lives, and they've decided instead of staying on their current paths, they want more...

Charlie has not had an easy life. At eighteen she been taken advantage of by a guy who exploited her teenage crush and shyness. He'd used her, dumped her, and left her pregnant as he hadn't even bothered to use protection. It hadn't helped he was one of her brother's friends or that he'd been the first boy she'd ever kissed. Her mother convinced her that keeping the pregnancy a secret and letting everyone believe the child was actually her mother's would make everything better. Now, years later, she's trying to get custody back from a mother who never truly acted motherly. The last thing she needs right now is a romance--especially not one with a man known in town for his sexual conquests.

Over the years Deacon has lived up to his reputation for chasing anything in a skirt. Lately, however, he wants to get past the rep and have something more, something meaningful, something real. While he knows his friend's younger sister should be off limits, when their paths cross, he keeps finding himself gravitating toward her. Will she be the one to show him how to love?

"Things can change in just a couple minutes when you think you're losing everything..."

They say reformed rakes make the best husbands and this story buys into that romance trope whole heartedly. While I liked the story, I had major issues with the main male character of this one at the beginning. I found myself siding with Charlie's friends and family who didn't want him anywhere near the heroine. My main issue with Deacon boiled down to the difference between a sexually promiscuous person and a sex addict. I feared the traits Deacon displayed leaned largely toward the latter which, in a nutshell, isn't good. I'm all about giving a person the benefit of a doubt, but for me, as a reader, this was a hard pill to swallow. Granted, the author found a unique way (via text messages) of letting us see inside Deacon's head--so we knew where he was coming from, but it took quite a while for me to get into this story.

What I loved about this novel, aside from having someone turn their life around, was the interaction between Deacon and Charlie's son, Keith. The scenes were touching and utterly adorable. Charlie and her son were a complete package and Deacon accepted them both which was pretty amazing for a guy who claimed to not like kids. What ultimately won me over was the combination of Deacon not falling back into his old habits when things got a little rocky paired with his desire to set Keith straight about grassy places (aka graves), ladybugs. and super powers. Granted, I'd have liked to have seen the Deacon go through a bit of counseling (a bit of a pet peeve of mine in romance), but he ultimately seemed committed. And let's be honest, therapy probably would not have been the most romantic addition to a love story--so that's my bad.

This one was packed with a lot of emotion teamed with a sweet ending. Overall, I gave it 3 1/2 out of 5 roses. The characters were flawed, vulnerable, and easy to relate to--in other words, true to life. The text messages being sent between these two were fun to read, but I have to admit I was surprised that neither of them were tempted to just call and find out who it was they were communicating with. I know I would have been. I really enjoyed it. On the Lisarenee Romance Scale, this one earned a STEAM--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

Notes to keep you in the KNOW:

Check out the lyrics from the song, With My Eyes Closed, which the incredibly talented Chelsea Stepp allowed Molly to use in this story. Can you say inspiration? LOL I love this.

With My Eyes Closed by Chelsea Stepp

Found at: https://soundcloud.com/chelsea-stepp/with-my-eyes-closed

Order of the Thatch series:

We Are Water by Wally Lamb

Title: We Are Water: A Novel
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Format: Hardcover; 576 pages
Publisher: Harper (October 22, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0061941026
ISBN-13: 978-0061941023

Author's Website: http://www.wallylamb.net

Notes: I got a copy from the publisher




Orion Oh was once a happily married man content with his life. Then his world was turned upside down as his wife, Annie, of 27 years left him for a woman. Trying to readjust to a life without the woman he once vowed to live out his life with, he needs to reevaluate his life and figure out how to move on. This is his story.

This was a book I so wanted to like, but I just didn't. The concept 'we are water' was wonderful and I liked how the movements of individuals, both past and present, in the novel affected others and, in some instances, altered their paths. Unfortunately, I found the book extremely depressing with no happy ending in sight for the main character whom I bonded with. The woman his ex-wife fell in love with, Viveca, was, well, let's just say I can't say anything nice about her. I found her manipulative, inconsiderate, and a touch cruel to the main character. Almost everyone in the novel had huge character flaws and problems. Every time I thought things were starting to look up, they got worse.

You know that expression about having one's fingers in too many pies? Well, that could be applied to this book, but perhaps altered to say too many topics in one book. I'm not sure if the author was trying to make some sort of statement, but he seemed to try to touch on as many controversial topics as he could in the book. He touches on rape/sexual violence, paedophilia, racism, sexuality, murder, and the list goes on. I felt I was being assaulted by emotional landmines, and couldn't help but wonder if somebody dared him to see just how many touchy topics he could fit into one book. He actually did a nice job making them all fit, but dear goodness, it was all a bit too much. I kept finding myself thinking, "Not again!", "What the heck?", "Seriously, Wally?", and wondering just what state of mind the author was in when he wrote this book. I'd venture a guess it wasn't a good one. Perhaps he wanted us to feel his pain? If so, task accomplished.

Overall, I gave this one 2 out of 5 roses. When I read a book I wish to be entertained and come away with a positive feeling. This one did the exact opposite. I don't know what the author was thinking. This was the first book I read by Mr. Lamb and while I'd heard good things about this author,  I'm not likely to be enthusiastic about picking up another. Perhaps if I'd read this one with one of my book clubs I would have liked it more, but reading it by myself, I just didn't. I will confess, if the main character had gotten a happy ending, the book would have gotten a much higher rating. There was brilliance in the 'We Are Water' concept which is the only reason this one is getting a a 2 instead of 1 out of 5 rating, This one just wasn't for me.

Family Tree by Susan Wiggs

Title: Family Tree: A Novel
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Chick Lit
Format: Hardcover; 368 pages
Publisher: William Morrow (August 9, 2016)
ISBN-10: 0062425439
ISBN-13: 978-0062425430
Author's Website: http://www.susanwiggs.com/
Notes: I received an ARC of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.


Annie Rush was living the dream until one fateful day, it turned into a nightmare. On what should have been one of the happiest days of her life, she'd just learned she was pregnant, she walked in on her husband with another woman. Moments later she was struck on the head by some faulty equipment and fell into a coma. She awoke a year later to find herself divorced sporting a new short hairstyle, childless, and with little to no memory of her marriage.

"Memories are strange things, aren't they? You can't touch them and hold them in your hands, but they have incredible power. Because I've lost so many memories, I feel as though I've lost that power."

This is Annie's story.

This was a doozy of a story. Annie had everything crashing down on her, literally and figuratively. You could not ask for a much worse day. Then to sleep right through everything to emerge and find out the world as you knew it is gone? I couldn't help but feel for the woman.

In some ways, by making Annie forget so much, it makes it easier for her to accept what happened and move on. I kind of love that she got a chance to view her marriage from the outside looking in and reevaluate all that happened.To see her ex-husband through eyes that weren't clouded by her emotions, in this instance, would be a gift. Plus, not having as much of an emotional attachment to such a man who has done you so wrong would be welcomed. While it would still hurt, it lightened the blow. What I liked most about the situation was seeing Annie come into her own for the second time in her life, and emerging stronger than ever.

I gave this one 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. A wonderful story about finding oneself in the face of tragic circumstances. Annie's new/old love interest, Fletcher, didn't win me over at first, especially in light of how things had ultimately ended between the two in the past. In my eyes, he truly had to prove himself worthy which he ultimately did. I loved that Annie got her happy ending because she so deserved it, but then don't we all? On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a BLUSH rating--at the beginning stages of romance where something is just starting to be stirred.

Early Review of The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Title: The Hating Game: A Novel
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (August 9, 2016)
ISBN-10: 0062439596
ISBN-13: 978-0062439598
Notes: I received an eARC loan from the publisher, and I am a current Avon Addict. What does being an Avon Addict mean? Well, it means I love their books enough to agree to read a bunch over the next year in exchange for honest reviews. I'll also be receiving a bunch of swag and the occasional hard copy of books.


Lucy Hutton is the office darling. She is loved by all except her archrival, Joshua Templeman, who incidentally, is hated and feared by all. The man makes her blood boil, and not in a good way until one day he does the unthinkable...He. Kisses. Her.

For the past year, since their two companies merged, Lucy and Josh have been playing the hating game--staring each other down, trading insults, and trying to one-up one another on work related projects. They've recently been told they're both up for the newly created position of chief operating officer. Is the kiss another ploy by the insufferable man to knock her off her game or could he be for real?

Only time will tell and the waiting is the hardest part...

This was such a fantastically fun read, and is no doubt making it into my top 5 favorite romances of the year. It was witty, sweet, and enchantingly captured that awkward getting to know you/can I trust you stage in a relationship. Lucy's and Joshua's actions and reactions to one another were priceless.

Lucy was adorable and her antics made me laugh so hard. A day later and I'm still chuckling. I could so relate to her and oh, when she falls she falls all in. She grows as an individual in this book, and at one point I was cheering her on when she acted slightly out of character and chewed someone out. Have you ever had one of those moments where you just want to give someone a piece of your mind? Well, Lucy has one and gives in to it and just lets her rip.

At first I intensely disliked Joshua. Slowly, through his action, he won me over. He and Lucy are at the opposite ends of the personality spectrum, but somehow the two of them together make sense. Surprisingly the two manage to compliment each other--he helps her gain a backbone while she helps him mellow out and be less uptight. Watching these two fall for one another was fun, and the attraction between them was scorching hot.

I can't say enough good things about this one. I absolutely loved it, and couldn't help but give it 5 out of 5 roses. A wonderful debut by author Sally Thorne. I look forward to reading many more of her stories. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a  FAN rating--the temperature in the room seems to have suddenly gone up a couple of degrees and a fan would be nice. A must add to your read list. I'm going to have to purchase a copy for my keeper shelf.