Friday, February 20, 2015

Reviews - Sharon Cummin

Okay so I have read quite a few of Sharon Cummin's books this year, as I'm on her review team. Most of them are novellas, and the reviews are quite short. But there is a few full length novels. Anyway, as there is a handful of reviews I haven't cross posted from Goodreads to here, I'm going to put them all in one post. Easier and not masses of additional posts. 

(So that, the reviews and the series order makes sense, I have included 2 reviews from these series, that I had done in 2014.)


A Love Rekindled (The Game of Love, #1) 
(Novella Series)




Synopsis:

 Jessica was a sexy twenty five year old. Her friends at work talked her into going to a party at a co-worker's house. She had not been out in a very long time. Jessica would rather be at home watching a movie with her son. She agreed to go, thinking she could leave after an hour and get back home.

Luke was a gorgeous football player who had just returned home after being injured playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His football career was over. It was the first time he had been home for more than a day in seven years. His friend from college, Linda, tried to get him out of the house. She finally got him to agree to go to a party she was having and even talked him into taking one of her friends as his date. He was not looking forward to it.

Jessica arrived at the party to hang out with her friends from work. It ended up being a much better time than she thought it would be. Her friend John pulled her along to dance with him. They laughed and joked as he dipped her. That was when she spotted Luke, her high school sweetheart, with her friend Heather. The only man she had ever truly loved.

Luke could not believe it, when his eyes connected with Jessica's. She was the woman who tore his heart in two. It took all he had not to turn around and take off out the door. His friend Linda pulled him into her home to show him around and meet her friends.

Jessica's heart raced as Linda brought Luke and Heather over to introduce him to the group from work. Jessica hurried to excuse herself before anyone could say a word. When she returned, Luke was standing with her friends. Her hands shook as Linda introduced her to Luke. She said a simple hello as he looked into her eyes in shock. Jessica excused herself to go over to the couch. She had her head down, but could feel Luke in front of her. He sat down next to her to talk. Heather came up, plopped into his lap, put her arms around his neck, and kissed his cheek.

Jessica could not take it, she had to get out of there. Without saying a word, she took off out the door to her car. How could he have been at the party? Why was he with her friend Heather? Why did he have to look even sexier than she remembered?

When Luke couldn't get her off his mind, he knew that he had to see her. He pulled up in front of her house and could not believe what he saw. Luke wanted answers.

What would she say when confronted by him?
How would she explain why she made the decisions she did?
How would he react to her answers?

A Love Rekindled is a complete, stand-alone novella.


My review:


This was quite a sweet, enjoyable and satisfyingly good read.
It was a short novella and was read super fast. I enjoyed the relationships between the characters, and found all the 2nd chance love aspect really sweet.
The only negative I could find, would be that it all happened very fast, and with not a lot of resistance. I loved that Jessica and Luke were each others big loves, it was very sighworthy, but the acceptance came a little too quickly. It would of been better with a bit more fight. So I could guess what was happening quite easily.
Other than that, it was a lovely read and I really enjoyed it.



4 Stars.

~ ~ ~



A New Love (The Game of Love, #2)
(Novella Series)





Synopsis:

Renee was a confident twenty three year old woman. She spent the past six years helping her sister raise her nephew Lucas. Renee took her nephew shopping for the day so her sister could have some alone time. They were on their way home, when out of nowhere, Renee heard a loud crash and felt her body slam against the car door. She turned in her seat to see her nephew unconscious. Renee jumped out her car in a foggy daze as she ran around to pull his door open. When the door wouldn't open, she began yelling for help.

Dillon was a thirty five year old police officer. He was driving through the mall parking lot when he saw a young woman screaming and noticed the smashed in car. Dillon ran to the car and looked through the window. His heart dropped, and he felt the air leave his lungs as memories rushed through his mind. There was a little boy in the car, and he wasn't moving. It was the one thing Dillon didn't like about his job. Accidents involving children were hard for him. The sound of the woman yelling snapped him out of his head, and he hurried to help the boy.

The accident changed Renee's thoughts on life. She blamed herself for what happened to her nephew. Renee was sure she could have done something to avoid being hit.

When Dillon went to the hospital to check on the little boy, he could see that Renee was blaming herself. He assured her there was nothing she could have done to prevent what had happened. It tore at his insides that she was taking the blame. It was not her fault. The situation hit to close to home for him. He handed her his card and hurried on his way.

When Dillon offered to help Renee, she accepted it. Her family began changing, and she was lost. Her sister had found love and didn't need her help anymore. It was time for her to find a life of her own. She had no idea what she wanted to do. It was the first time she was living for herself and not for everyone else.

There was something about Renee that drew Dillon in. He wasn't sure what it was, but he knew he had to keep her at arms length. Dillon found himself wanting to help her and get to know her as a friend. He knew falling in love was not an option for him. After the mistake Dillon had made in the past, he didn't deserve love. He had come to terms with growing old alone. That was what he deserved.

When Renee realized that love and a family was what she wanted, how would Dillon React?

Could he look beyond the past and allow himself a future with happiness, or would he let her walk out of his life and stay alone forever?

A New Love is a complete, stand-alone novella. 


My Review:


Well that was a quick enjoyable story.
I actually enjoyed book 2 more so than book 1. Renee is Jessica's younger sister and is now trying to start a life for herself, now that Jessica has Luke back.
Through a turn of events, that leads to an accident. Renee meets police man Dillon. Gorgeous, but older Dillon. He is sweet and ends up being a really good friend to Renee, but there is something more between them. A huge dose of simmering chemistry. But Dillon is tormented by his past, and refuses to have a relationship.
Although I could see where the story was going from early on, I did really enjoy it. It was another quick and easy, enjoyable read.
The characters were good to follow. I still struggle with reading 3rd person, constantly, but I try not to think about it, as I enjoy the story and the characters.
A great, sweet story. Recommended.

4 Stars.


 ~ ~ ~



 Sea Of Love (Bachelor Billionaire, #1)
(Full length Novel, Series)
Read in 2014


Synopsis:

Gavin was a handsome billionaire bachelor. He needed some time away to relax, when he decided to take a vacation with four of his closest friends.

Becky had just ended a seventeen year relationship with a man who refused to commit. She packed up and moved for a fresh start in a new town and scheduled a wonderful seven day cruise to kick off her new life.

When Gavin saw Becky on the ship, he was immediately intrigued. They found that they were both there to relax and renew, before jumping back into everyday life.

They agreed to a full week of fun in the sun, with no strings attached. The deal was no detailed conversation, just steamy romance, fun, and relaxation for the length of the cruise. When the trip was over, they would both walk away knowing nothing personal about the other.

Would it be as easy as they thought to let each other go?

When something happened to force their paths to cross again, would they be able to handle it?

Would they be able to walk away from their feelings a second time, or would the pull that they felt for each other be too strong to fight?


My Review:

Well, that was a nice and enjoyable, easy read.
After reading a few books by this author now, I'm of the opinion that her books are perfect if you want to pick up a book and have no trouble reading it. A book that you will find yourself laughing and gasping, but just enjoying it without the brain numbing part. What I call perfect holiday reading.

Gavin Lucas, is gorgeous, stinking rich and a sought after bachelor. He has come with friends on a cruise. To relax after working non stop on his extremely successful company. He hasn't gone to find love, although fun would be a great distraction. What he doesn't expect is, to find Becky.

Becky, has come away on the cruise as start to her new life. A break before she starts a new job. Becky had been with her high school sweet heart for 17 years, and had never got past being boyfriend and girlfriend. Despite the length of their relationship, there was no commitment and Becky had, had enough. So she finishes with her ex, applies for a new job hours away, and makes the move. So when she comes on this well earned break, she does not want any men issues. She wants to relax and read.

Gavin has other ideas and once he has spotted her, he wants to get to know her. Although Becky pushes him away, more than enough times, Gavin won't admit defeat. So begins some funny and easy scenes following Gavin chase a feisty Becky. Then on to them getting to know each other.
It's all really sweet and funny. Really enjoyable, also with some awesome, hot scenes to give the story some sizzle.

Becky and Gavin get on amazingly and agree to spend the week together, with no strings and no attachments. Once off the ship, normal life is resumed, without each other. Yet, it doesn't seem to be all that easy, when they find themselves becoming quite attached in the short time.

Once the ship docks, they both walk away. No details swapped. Yet, both of them feeling awful about it and wishing things had of been different.

That's where I'll stop with the summarizing, as the rest needs to be enjoyed without knowledge of the outcome.

I really did enjoy this book, and found it an addictive easy read. I must admit I struggle with 3rd person POV, so sometimes that made it hard for me, but given that I don't usually enjoy reading books in 3rd pov, it still didn't stop me from enjoying this story.

4 Stars!

~ ~ ~


Hot For Love (Bachelor Billionaire, #2)
(Full length Novel, Series)


Synopsis:



Josh was a sexy firefighter and restaurant owner. He was happy and content with his wealthy bachelor life. Gorgeous women surrounded him, and he loved every minute of it. His life was perfect.

Lisa was a shy stewardess, who enjoyed seeing the world. A relationship was the furthest thing from her mind.

Josh was on a date, when he was called to the station for a large apartment fire. He had no idea that his life was about to change.

When Lisa was suddenly thrown into Josh's life, could she hide her past feelings for him, or would she turn his world upside down?

Hot for Love is a complete, stand-alone novel. 


My review:


 Well I now have a fondness for smoking hot firefighters, thanks to billionaire restaurant chain owner/hot and moody firefighter Josh!
After horrible circumstances, Lisa is left homeless and injured, and relying on the help from her very loyal friends.
One of those friends is Josh, a guy she has had a crush on since she was younger.
After spending endless amounts of time recovering, and trying to fight the very obvious and really frustrating chemistry between them. Lisa and Josh are fighting the attraction, as neither of them dates, for their own reasons. Although it's obviously building, and they are also very well suited to each other.
A few slip ups and incredibly steamy moments, and they are still fighting the inevitable.
Another really sweet and easy to read story.
A couple who are perfect for each other, but need to sort out their own issues and demons first.
Loved how easy this was to read. Finished up with lots of incredibly hot scenes!

4 Stars. 


~ ~ ~


Battle For Love (Bachelor Billionaire, #3)
(Full length Novel, Series)




Synopsis:

Ethan was a cocky and very sexy billionaire bachelor. Out of the group of five friends, he was the biggest player of them all. With a different woman in his bed each night, he vowed never to give his heart away. There would never be a woman he would trust. He would never be anything like his father.

Julie was a pediatrician who loved her job and helping children. She loved her family and friends even more. To her money wasn't everything. Taking care of herself and enjoying life was what mattered most. There were things in her life she wished she could erase. She had learned from them and knew she would never make the same mistake twice. A husband and children were not in the cards for her. There would never be a man worthy of her trust and love.

Julie's brother Gavin was Ethan's best friend. They had known each other for fifteen years. Julie couldn't stand Ethan's cocky player ways. She always made an effort to stay away from him. He was the opposite of what she would ever want in a man. There was no way she would ever be played again, especially not by the master player.

When something devastating happened with Gavin and his wife that made a huge impact on Ethan, would Julie see a different side of him?

After they were brought together for one passionate night, could they remain friends without her brother finding out their secret?

When Julie's past came back to find her, would Ethan be the one person she could count on, or would she be left to deal with it alone?

What happened when the two people that should have never been together couldn't seem to stay apart?

Battle for Love is a complete, stand-alone novel.


My Review:


This is most definitely the best of the Bachelor Billionaire series so far.
Ethan was always the bad boy of the group. He was big headed, cocky, and thought he was gods gift to women. He actually is all of those things, but when it comes to Julie, his best friend Gavin's younger sister, he is somebody completely different.
They have always had a feisty kind of relationship, they have known each other years, and Julie was always seen as the younger sister. Although she has since become a successful pediatrician. Ethan likes to wind her up, and Julie bites back, so their relationship has always been quite a display for everyone. Yet, they both have had feelings for each other for a long time, and things are starting to change.
So begins a sequence of events that is full of chemistry and passion filled, tense moments.
Amongst all this both Ethan and Julie have secrets and things they don't wish anyone else to know, yet it's the reason for a lot of their issues.
I actually liked the tense parts in this one, it gave quite an exciting twist to this story. Not everything happened quickly, and easily. When the main couples get together too soon, it can be a little boring, it helped that it was dragged out in this couples story.
As always the steamy scenes are full on and make for some hot, intense action.
A great feisty couple, who make a great couple. Ethan's alpha side was pretty awesome too. ;)

4 Stars. 

~ ~ ~
His Assistant, Part 1
(Novella Series)
Read in 2014




Synopsis:

 The one person I loved most in the world was gone. What was I going to do? I had given up the last two years to take care of my mom and be with her until her last breath. She was my best friend.

At twenty-one, I was going back to school. That was what she had wanted for me. I was determined to own my own company one day. It was important to her that I finish school, and I wanted to make her proud. My father had passed away before she could tell him she was pregnant. She had given up so much to raise me alone. I knew she would have done anything for me.

The day after her funeral, I found a box in the attic with my name on it. She told me about the box the day before she passed, but I promised her I would wait to open it. When I opened the box, I found a letter on top. There was nothing that could have prepared me for what I was about to read. As I read the letter, tears fell from my eyes. I dropped the letter to the floor and tore through the box as I sobbed. My life would be changed forever. How could she have lied to me? How could the one person I trusted most have kept such a big secret from me?

There was only one person who could answer the questions I had, and I could only think of one way to get to him. I had to get a job, and there was only one company to work for. The only thing on my mind was getting answers.

One thing I didn't need were distractions.


Then he came along.

He was tall, built, tattooed, and oh so sexy.

In a suit he looked amazing, but in jeans and a tight t-shirt he was unbelievable.

Just when I thought he couldn't get any sexier, I saw him on his Harley.

I was in trouble.

I couldn't keep my thoughts straight.

He was cocky, full of himself, and held my fate at the company in his hands.

One minute I couldn't stand him, and the next I wanted him more than I had ever wanted anything.


Would I be able to get the answers I desperately needed before tall, dark, and sexy turned my world upside down?

This is part 1 of a 3 part serial.


My Review:

I just started to read this book tonight, and just read it straight through. I needed something light hearted and steamy, and His Assistant just nailed it.
Brooke has spent the last 2 years looking after her mother, whilst she is critically ill. She took a year out from college, studying Business, which turned in to 2 years. She moved home and spent the time with her mother, after her grandparents died, Brooke and her mother had nobody else. So after her mother passes away, Brooke is shocked to find her mother had left her a letter, telling her, her father had not passed away when she was a baby, like she was led to believe. He was in actual fact unaware that Brooke existed, as her mother left him when she was pregnant. She wanted him to follow his dreams of owning his own successful business.
Now Brooke is alone, and wants to see him. Even if he never knows who she really is. So she goes for a job at his very successful company. To see what he is like.
What she doesn't bank on, is meeting Kevin. Who she will be an executive assistant for. Of course, besides the fact that he is absolutely gorgeous. They seem to seriously wind each other up. Constant bickering ensues, and lots of hotter than hot chemistry and hilarious moments.
Now this is the first part in the series, and it's novella length. So we are just getting to know the characters and the attraction between Brooke and Kevin, which is tested to the extreme when they go on a work trip to Vegas. Although Brooke has met her father, and he does seem to be a really nice guy, and everyone has great things to say about him. This part in the book wasn't really focused on him.
The steam between Kevin and Brooke was totally hot, which was made so much better by the strange kind of relationship they had. One minute fighting, the other connecting. I loved how feisty Brooke was with Kevin, it made for some great one liners.
Now of course, there is a huge shocker of a cliffhanger, which I'm dying to know the full details of that bombshell.
Can't wait for the next one in the series.



4 Stars.


~ ~ ~



His Assistant, Part 2
(Novella Series)



Synopsis:

I accepted a job at Luke Technologies to learn more about the man behind the company, Luke Andrews. I didn't plan to love my job and build relationships with the people I worked with, including Luke. I had secrets that I needed to keep hidden until the time was right.

Another thing I didn't expect to find was Kevin Reynolds, the opposite of what I wanted in a man. He was cocky as could be, very demanding, full of himself, and felt the need to control everything around him. At the same time, he was tall, dark, tattooed, and sexy on his Harley.

Kevin should have been off limits. He was closer to Luke than I thought, and he was my boss. The man held my fate at the company in is hands, and the harder I pushed him away, the more I wanted him. It didn't help that he seemed to appear every time I needed someone.

Just when I thought things couldn't bet any better, my world came crashing down around me.

What would Kevin do if he discovered my secret before I was to tell him?

I found out the hard way, and his reaction was not at all what I expected.

My Review:


I'm really enjoying this series. It's my favorite of Sharon Cummin's so far. I really enjoy how the fact that it's a novella series means, it's full of action and it's a book you can pick up when you don't have a lot of time.

This is Part 2 and needs to be read after the first part, otherwise the story will be very confusing.
We're continuing with Kevin and Brooke and their story. After the dramatic reveal at the end of Part 1, I was very eager to get stuck straight back in and find out what was going on.

Part 2 didn't disappoint in any way, it was full of action and intrigue, and of course incredibly hot sex scenes. They actually seemed to jump up a notch in this series, probably something to do with how Kevin is quite alpha and very bossy. Which made for some sizzling tension and scenes.

I do feel a bit sorry for Brooke as things seem to really be looking up for her, yet she is in a very awkward position, with quite a few things conflicting.
When Brooke took the job, she had a purpose in mind, and she wasn't going to let anything get in the way of that. It was a perfect job, it also allowed her to go back to school to study business, after having to leave to take care of her dying mother. Plus, she got the chance to get to know her father, without him knowing who she is. Yet, even though the job is perfect, things start to get more and more confusing. First the steamy chemistry with her boss, Kevin. Then the fact that they can't get enough of each other, and now........another problem. Kevin's connection to her father. Poor Brooke, it's all a little crazy, but it certainly makes for an addictive and exciting story.
Can't wait to see what the next Part brings.


4 Stars.


~ ~ ~


His Assistant, Part 3
(Novella Series)



Synopsis:

When my Mr. Right stormed out on me, I didn't know what to do.

Then I got a call that shattered my world.

I couldn't believe it. There was no way it was true. They had to have been wrong. My talk, dark, and handsome had to be okay.

The three months that past after that night were hard on all of us.

I had secrets, and it was taking everything I had to keep them locked away.

I made a promise to the man I loved. It was a promise I knew I needed to keep.

How could I do it?

Could I really walk away from him?

What would happen when if he found out who I really was?

Would I end up living a life like my mother?

Would I lose the only man I would ever love?

His Assistant, Part 3 is the final installment of the serial.

My Review:


Final part in this short and sweet series. After the dramatic and shocking ending of Part 2, I was quite anxious to see what would happen in this final part of His Assistant.

Kevin had found Brooke's box of memories from her mum. Except he found it at such a bad time, Brooke was going to explain everything that night, now it's too late. Kevin has jumped to the worst possible conclusion, and has stormed off into the dangerous rain, in the worst possible temper.
After a few hours of bad sleep, Brooke wakes up to a call from her friend Erica, to tell her the news that Kevin is in hospital, after a really bad road accident.

That is where this part of the series starts. The crash that Kevin was involved in, left him in a serious condition. Brooke decides not to leave the firm in the lurch and leave just yet, she will help take care of Kevin, with his family and resign from her job, once he is well enough to come back to work.

After 5 days unconscious, once Kevin wakes, Brooke makes the decision to help take care of him, in his rehabilitation at home. It makes things very hard for her, when all she can think about is how much she cares for him, but also all the horrible things he said to her, that fateful night.
So from there on, we see how Kevin gets better, and how Brooke takes care of him. But there is always that attraction, underneath it all. Not just attraction, but something more growing.

Brooke is Kevin's savior after the crash. She does absolutely everything for him, whilst still managing to work, and go to school. Kevin is starting to realise he could of been wrong about Brooke, and he still cares for her a great deal.

This final part is really sweet, with some great interjections of humour, and a huge dose of steam and sexy atmosphere. Brooke and Kevin's story has been my favourite so far of author Sharon Cummin, I've loved how it's been inconventional, yet incredibly intense, and super hot!!

I felt the ending was perfect, and I did find myself welling up a little. It was finished, exactly how I would of hoped it would be. This book, (and series) has been a fantastic, super quick read. Great if you haven't got a lot of time, and just want a sweet, and sexy romantic quick read. 
 
4 Stars. 
 
 
~ ~ ~









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