I'm going to begin monthly posts of novels that release in the month. April has some really great novels up for grabs and I'm sure y...

Short and Sweet Romance Reivews | April Releases

I'm going to begin monthly posts of novels that release in the month. April has some really great novels up for grabs and I'm sure your bank accounts are going to protest, as usual! Remember everything is subjective so what I may not like, you may like.

1. Unbound - Colors of Love by Kathryn Taylor



Recommend: Highly
Why I picked up the book: The cover art caught my eye and then the overview further interested me so I requested it.
Publication Date: April 13, 2015
Purchase Link: Amazon  or Barnes and Noble 
Why I loved the bookI'm actually blown away and a bit frustrated since this is the first book in the series. The book leaves you with a massive cliffhanger that has you panting which earns it a solid 4.5 stars. This novel is a mix of The Crossfire Series by Sylvia Day, the This Man Trilogy by Jodi Ellen Maplas, and The Ethan Frost Series by Tracy Wolff. Grace and Jonathan meet in an odd fashion but quickly find they can't fight their attraction, even if Jonathan is strictly against mixing business and pleasure. 


Grace is a bit naive, especially for being twenty-two years of age, but she is mature in other ways. I found I liked her because she stuck to her guns and didn't back down from a challenge. Jonathan is collected and a bit cold unless you look closely and see he is like a barely contained wolf. His nickname is Hunter because he is ruthless when he pursues something in both his business or personal life. The supporting characters add to the story and bring forth much needed balance. I found I liked Jonathan's sister and partner quite a bit as they like to run interference for both with good intentions. 

2. Her Secret Prince by Madeline Ash



Recommend: Moderately High
Why I picked up the book: The title really interested me so I requested it.
Publication Date: April 7, 2015
Purchase Link: Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Why I loved the bookHer Secret Prince is an easy read that will warm your heart! Jed and Dee love each other from the first page of the novel, but life likes to separate those who are meant to be. The second chance encounter forces Dee to lose her sanity momentarily and for both Dee and Jed to realize that they never got over each other. The two embark on a journey to opening themselves to each other and to Europe to meet Jed's father. 


I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. The characters are so easy to like, especially Dee. The plot throws you through a loop because some reactions aren't what you expect. The writing allowed the story to be enjoyable because everything flowed, never a dull moment, and the pulse of the novel remained strong.



3. Say My Name by J. Kenner



Recommend: Highly
Why I picked up the book: I've been waiting for this book and so requested to have an advanced copy!
Publication Date: April 7, 2015
Purchase Link: Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Why I loved the bookSo beyond in love with this novel! I've read the Stark International Series with Damien Stark by J. Kenner so I knew I enjoyed her writing style. Honestly, I think I love Jackson Steele more than I love Damien Stark. Jackson has secrets and those secrets have shaped him into who he is. I'm looking for a witty, dominant, gorgeous architect in my life, also known as Jackson Steele! Sylvie, our heroine, is haunted by her distant past and not so distant past. Jackson Steele is "the one that got away," but can you say that when you are the one who forced him away? This book sucks you right in and has enough sharp left and right turns to keep you reading until the very end! There's passion, character development, mind blowing sex, and a great story line. I can't wait for the second book! This is definitely a must read for fans of Kenner's Stark International Series and Sylvia Day's Crossfire Series.


4. Reclaiming Her Heart by Allison Merrit



Recommend: Moderately 
Why I picked up the book: The overview was interesting and I always like second chance romances so I requested it.
Publication Date: April 28, 2015
Purchase Link: Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Why I loved the book
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review and give Reclaiming Her Heart a solid 3.5 stars. Allison Merritt spins a tale of first love and a second chance. The writing, the ability to flesh the main characters out well, and the plot growth, is what makes the novel a good read. Ben comes back into Paralee's life and she's less than enthused. Ben tries to get himself back into her good graces from the moment he sees her again, but she doesn't make it easy. Paralee is angry, hurt, confused, and determined to not let Ben wiggle back into her heart. Ben is determined to have Paralee as his wife and his unwavering pursuit of her affections is admirable and darling, much like his last name. Through a few shifts and twists, there's a desired happy ending for Paralee and Ben.


5. Fracture by Amanda K. Byrne




Recommend: Highly
Why I picked up the book: The name beckoned me and the overview sealed my desire to read the book.
Publication Date: April 21, 2015
Purchase Link: Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Why I loved the bookFrom the first page of the book, you're all in! The book pulls at your emotions through the vivid picture of destruction, Hell, hopelessness, and finally hope and comfort. Amanda Byrne's writing compels you to feel and really see through Nora's eyes. The connection Nora and Declan develop is beautiful, much like a rainbow is after a rainstorm. 


 Nora is in Bosnia, a hot zone ridden with war and destruction, when she seals her fate by saving Declan. Nora is barely holding it together after all that she's been through and continues to go through. She's quick witted, fractured, but still quite caring. Declan lives on the edge since it comes with the territory and is rough around the edges with good intentions and a sensitive hidden heart. The two are thrown together by divine action it would seem because everything that transpires afterwards shows how much these two were meant to find one another.

6. Reclaimed by Her Master by April Vine




Recommend: Moderately High
Why I picked up the book: I most certainly judge the book by its cover and requested it.
Publication Date: April 28, 2015
Purchase Link: Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Why I loved the bookSometimes "the one that got away" is the one you bring back into your life and ensure she never leaves. Stephen Black and Aria Swift haven't been together since Aria left him eight years prior. When Aria decides to clear up loose ends to be able to move on with her life she ends up back in Stephen Black's home and under his dominance once again. The body and heart override the mind when you try to convince yourself to believe your own lies and Aria falls right into that category as her body and heart respond to Stephen even while her mind tries to ignore her need of him. 


Stephen is downright alpha male and an angry one because it had taken her eight long, long years to come back to him, but now that she's back she won't be leaving him ever. Aria is clever,strong, and submissive to only Stephen. There are moments during the story where you really see how deeply invested both are in one another and the BDSM lifestyle. The writing is pretty potent and the story centers on the complete surrender of Aria to Stephen. While there is minimal character and plot development, the story is still really interesting and worth a read which is why I gave it four stars. 


7. Hard Ride (all parts) by Opal Carew




Recommend: Highly
Why I picked up the book: The overview made me want to read it and the cover was hot so I requested it.
Publication Date: April 7, 2015/ April 14, 2015/April 28, 2015
Purchase Link: Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Why I loved the bookLove, so in love! This is my first time reading Opal Carew's work and she so has me in her clutches. The book kicks off well with Devin (Shock) and Olivia (Liv) meeting unexpectedly after not seeing one another for six years.They have a past, both have suffered to shape them into who they are, and fall into this contract. Devin has changed name to Shock which is very fitting because he's such a shock to the senses. He's witty, down-to-earth, wickedly attractive with just enough dominance and bad boy to keep you wanting more. Olivia is strong headed, sweet, passionate, and selfless. This is the first part of their story so we are left with a massive cliffhanger! Carew has hit a home run in my book! 


The second book picks off right where the first book leaves off! Liv and Shock continue their affair and Liv begins to fall in love. There's a few twists but it is easy to see Shock adores her. It is such a shame she can't realize that. The chemistry and tenderness between them is powerful. The writing is incredible, keeps you locked in the world of Liv and Shock until the cliffhanger end.



The conclusion of Liv and Shock was a torrid affair. There's always those that wish to bring you down, the dealing with Julia's health, and the dealing with feelings. There's a happy ending which makes all the twists and turns so worth it. Opal Carew takes you on a journey from book one to here and ends it quite well . Shock is everything you could possibly ask for. He and Liv are dynamic together. I will definitely read other novels by her.

8. Full Contact by Sarah Castille

Recommend: Highly 
Why I picked up the book: The title drew me in but then reading the overview sealed my fate, I needed to read this novel!
Publication Date: April 7, 2015 
Purchase Link: Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Why I loved the book: If you like alpha wolves who fight, this is so the book for you! I love a well written story with a fighter, all alpha male and complicated, with a heroine that is less than Little Miss Sunshine. Sia and Ray (the Predator) make a striking couple in that they find salvation within one another and test each other's limits. Sia has a past that dictates who she is now, she tried to lock it up in a box rather than moving forward. Ray has a past that haunts him even now, ensuring he has his own baggage. The two together are like a lighter thrown to gasoline. 
They explode and in the most delicious of ways. There's a lot of push, pull, and fall into one another mixed with passion, wicked sex, and love. There's a happy ending that is so sweet I swear I have a cavity, but I like it that way! The story develops and grows, as do the characters, and the writing is fabulous. Sarah Castille is extremely talented! She executed her story perfectly and she kept me hanging on her every word! 

9. His Billion Dollar Dilemma by Alexia Adams

Recommend: Highly 
Why I picked up the book: They say never judge a book by its cover but I did with this novel and it served me well.
Publication Date: April 14, 2015
Purchase Link: Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Why I loved the book: First thing's first, Alexia Adams is a fantastic writer. This is my first novel by her and I'm completely under her spell. She writes a compelling story that would fall on its face if she wasn't so talented, didn't have plot and character development, and didn't flesh out her two major characters. Adams is someone I will continue to read if all her books are as incredible as this one! 
Simon is a corporate pirate, a sexy and very British corporate pirate, that crosses paths with Helen because he's just purchased the engineering company she is a part of. Their first meeting is memorable and awkward but leaves them both remembering the other for more than business. Helen is a design engineer, a damn good one at that, and realizes what Simon plans to do to the company she works for. Helen is passionate, compassionate, strong willed, gorgeous, and has a past that has kept her from embracing her womanly charms. Simon is passionate, cold, complicated, tender, and is actually a yo-yo! The two have instant attraction and make for an interesting read with the twists and turns and ultimate happy ending. 

10. Escorting the Billionaire by Leigh James

Recommend: Moderately High 
Why I picked up the book: I always like a spin on bad situations so I went for this book.
Publication Date: April 21, 2015 
Purchase Link: 
Why I loved the bookThis went in a much better direction than I anticipated, a solid 4.5 stars. James is hilarious with his no bull shit attitude, sarcasm, and utter hatred towards his family. Aubrey is so fresh and incredible. Aubrey is an escort, not for herself but for another purpose, and is constantly putting herself down. She and James together are great. The chemistry is almost instant and they work well together as though they've known each other for months. James has the family from Hell, but Aubrey is able to handle them. The writing is pretty good and the plot is interesting enough to keep you ensnared. The story twists and ultimately leaves you with a massive cliffhanger! I must read the next book and know what happens!

11. The Duke of Andelot by Delilah Marvelle

Recommend: Highly 
Why I picked up the book: I'm a sucker for a good historical romance novel so I sent in a request!
Publication Date: April 10, 2015 
Purchase Link: 
Why I loved the bookWhat a story! Gerard and Therese have such an amazing love story which weaves the French Revolution, mystery, and heartbreak into it. The two meet in the most interesting of ways and fall into one another under almost laughable reasons. They go to Paris together and from there Therese makes a name for herself acting while having Gerard financially and emotionally dote on her. They have quite the unique relationship. 
The story comes to the climax when Therese must make the most painful decision of her life in order to protect Gerard. The story continues until the two have a happy ending I wasn't sure would come! The writing is so vivid and beautiful that Delilah Marvelle has gained a new fan! The story is written fabulously, the characters and story develop, and there's a happy ending. I'm beyond glad I could read this and believe everyone who does will love it as much as I did.
12. Caught Up In You by Kim Boykin
Recommend: Moderately High
Why I picked up the book: The cover intrigued me.
Publication Date: April 21, 2015 
Purchase Link: 
Why I loved the bookShelby and Declan grew up in the same town and now Declan is back. Shelby can't help that she's attracted to him but she knows he isn't any good for her considering he stood up three fiances. Declan pursues Shelby and the two tangle up in one another. Sometimes we have to take a leap of faith in order have our own love story.
The writing is good, the characters have the zing of instant attraction when near one another, and there's a happy ending. Kim Boykin spins a sweet story that is a pretty easy read and easy to like. My rating stands at a solid 4 stars out of 5.

13. Opulence (The Excess Series #1) by Angelica Chase


Recommend: Highly
Why I picked up the book: The title piqued my interest but the overview drew me in.
Publication Date: April 13, 2015 
Purchase Link: 
Why I loved the bookHoly hell! Angelica Chase begins the very first page of the Opulence with a bang! Nina and Devin have history, but Devin lied and broke Nina's heart. Nina is addicted to sex with Devin and shows up at an event Devin's wife hosts in order to have one last time before she severs all ties with him. Nina meets Aiden and he's different than Devin, in all the right ways. 
I loved Nina because even thought she saw herself as a shark, I'm happy to say she isn't. She's a product of her life but she hasn't completely lost her humanity or need for sweetness and love. Nina has a no bull shit attitude and can be crude, but I love it. I'm actually torn between liking Devin and hating him. I feel like we'll learn more about him in the next book because I just don't see him as all evil. I loved Aiden. He was such a good guy and just bad enough to curb Nina.  The book leaves off on a massive cliffhanger because it is part one in the series. Chase writes powerfully, not letting you get up for air and keeping you hanging on her every written word. If I had to sum up this novel in one word, I'd say dynamite. It's potent, thrilling, exciting, and sexy all rolled up into printed words.
14. Found (Assassin's Revenge Book #1) by Tara Crescent
Recommend: Moderately 
Why I picked up the book: The title really interested me so I requested it.
Publication Date: April 15, 2015 
Purchase Link: 
Why I loved the bookI'm a first time reader of Tara Crescent. Found gets a solid 3.5 stars from me for a few reasons. If there was a bit more foundation laid out to better understand both Ellie (Rachel) and Alexander (Mark) the the rating would have went up to at least four stars. I was a bit confused reading this so that took away from my enjoyment. 
I did like what we were given of their personalities, more Alexander than Ellie since he's much more fleshed out in the story than her. I loved the writing because it wasn't childish or awkward and kept things flowing, even while bouncing between two points of view. Most people don't like cliffhangers, but this one was done in such an interesting way that it compels you do want more.
15. Beyond the Seduction by M. A. Stacie

Recommend: Highly
Why I picked up the book: The overview was really interesting so I requested it.
Publication Date: April 23, 2015 
Purchase Link: 
Why I loved the bookSuch an addictive read that I swallowed in two hours because I couldn't put it down. We meet Trace first and he's on the verge of spiraling out of control because not everyone is meant to be trusted. After falling into Trace's disaster, we meet Shae. Her life is beginning to slowly unravel. The two have chemistry and an instant attraction. 
The two become an escape for one another and rely on each other without meaning to. Massive shifts happen to which Shae has to save Trace and the again where Trace has to save Shae. The biggest saving grace comes to be their love for one another. M. A. Stacie spun an emotional and beautiful story which will make you ache for the characters, laugh with them, smile with them, and fall in love with them.
16. Don't Walk Away by Vivien Arend and Elle Kennedy

Recommend: Highly
Why I picked up the book: The overview was really interesting so I requested it.
Publication Date: April 21, 2015 
Purchase Link: 
Why I loved the bookSometimes we love the right person at the wrong time and we are given a second chance to love right. Emma and Dean share a past that left them both heartbroken. Emma and Dean find themselves back in each other's lives. The two crash back into one another and this time choose love. The writing is pretty good and the story line moves. There isn't much character development which is a bit disappointing but it didn't ruin the story. Overall, this story get a 4 star rating. It is always nice to have love win out in the end.

16. Acting the Part by Justine Lewis
Recommend: Highly
Why I picked up the book: The overview made me want to read it so I requested it.
Purchase Link: 
Publication Date: April 21, 2015 
Why I loved the bookJustine Lewis has charmed her way into my heart with Acting the Part. Max and Poppy are an interesting dynamic. The story grows and moves with Poppy and Max as they weave in and out of each other before finally falling into one another. Max is hot! He is a bit arrogant but witty and humorous. He makes me laugh while still showing he has layers beneath the exterior. Poppy is sharp as a whip with a heart of gold. I loved Poppy because I can relate to her. Simply put, the read is easy to get lost in. The writing is detailed and allows the reader to not become bored. 

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