The Devil’s Heart by Cathy Maxwell (The Chattan Curse #3)

Available: Now Amazon/B&N

Type: Historical Romance

Publisher: Avon

My Copy: Edelweiss

Reviewed by: Pam

They call her the Unattainable. Lady Margaret Chattan spurned every suitor for her hand, vowing never to marry. The only way to break the curse plaguing her family for two centuries is this ultimate sacrifice. But now her brothers’ lives are in danger. Determined to save them, she risks her very soul by traveling into the heart of the highlands to battle a force that has transcended time.

Heath Macnachtan is not superstitious. Laird of the most independent, nonconforming, madly infuriating clan ever to grace Scotland, he believes he has his hands full. And then, a woman lauded as one of the most beautiful in England, arrives on his doorstep with wild accusations and a mystical quest . . . one that just might help him discover who murdered his own brother. But the real danger for Heath and Margaret is not a supernatural foe, but a very real love that could destroy them both.

Lady Margaret Chattan is on a mission, traveling to Scotland and accompanied by her new abigail, Smith who keeps looking at her strangely, but it might be because Smith thinks Margaret is a little crazy. Margaret is on her way to see if she can break the Chattan curse and save her brothers before they die. The curse was put on the Chattan’s two hundred years ago by a vengeful witch and has caused panic and death for years as every Chattan male that falls in love, dies. Margaret’s brother Harry believes she is the key to breaking the curse as she is the first female born since the curse was cast.

Society thought Margaret was perfect and both the men and women of the ton either wanted her or wanted to be her. She rarely went out however instead of people thinking it was strange, they just thought it was another thing to love about her, she was mysterious. She on the other hand does not feel worthy of anyone, as she has a secret that not even her brother’s Neal and Harry are aware of.

Margaret found a kitten when she was ready to leave on her trip, a strange little creature with big eyes and flatten ears, she calls it Owl. However no one else in her traveling party can see the cat, Smith thinks she is unwell and when Margaret questions the others in the party to see if they see the cat, they all look away. So she leaves the “cat” by the side of the road and they travel on. About a mile out of their destination the weather turns and the wind pulls them off the road and down the hill where all but two perish.

Heath Macnachtan is the 16th chief of Macnachtan, a raggedy clan that is almost bankrupt. They are in danger of losing their home, Marybone. He is thinking of selling to help his sisters however does not want to leave his clan to the mercy of others that might not treat them well. Up until a year ago Heath had been first officer aboard the HMS Boyne when he heard about his brother’s death. Brodie had been ambushed and murdered; they still have not found the murderer. Heath finds Margaret near where his brother was killed and he recognizes her right away from seeing her in London. He takes her to his home and when she awakes she again acts a little crazy, she is missing a book she was carrying, Fenella’s book of Curses. They all tell her they never saw the book and not believing anyone, she shoots Heath – really?

As Heath and Margaret search for clues they unwittingly find the answers to other unsolved mysteries, all the while fate and other sources are at work trying to prevent her from finding anything about the curse.

This was a nice conclusion to the Chattan trilogy and a must read if you are curious about how it all ends, however I just did not really like the main two characters much and I did not see any chemistry with them. Heath was unhappy being the chief of his clan, wanting to go back to the sea and be in the Navy, when he decides to stay I was not convinced that Margaret is the reason. Margaret was just not very likable at all, she was rude to her abigail, Smith during the ride, then she was rude to Heath’s family and even when she apologizes, it was not sincere. I know she was trying to save her brothers but being accusatory to all those around her when they had saved her – ugh. I did like Heath’s two sisters, Laren and Anice; they were engaging and fun and accepted life with a sense of happiness.

The answers at the end seemed a little unbelievable, I suppose for a book about witches and curses it could make sense however I could not buy it. I also was unsure of what happened with Fenella and Rose, the two that started it all centuries ago; I thought there could have been more about them and the mysterious cat. Over all, the book was well written and a must read for the end of the trilogy however I wish I connected with the hero and heroine better.

I give The Devil’s Heart by Cathy Maxwell 3.0 stars!

Bare It All by Lori Foster (Love Undercover #3)

Available: Now Amazon/B&N

Type: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Harlequin 

My Copy: NetGalley

Reviewer: Nikki

A cop’s craving to know more about the woman next door could prove fatal in the steamy new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster 

As the person responsible for taking down a brutal human trafficker, Alice Appleton fears retaliation at every turn. No one knows about her past, which is exactly how she prefers it…until the sexy cop next door comes knocking. 

Detective Reese Bareden thinks he knows what makes women tick, but his ever-elusive neighbor keeps him guessing like no other. Is his goal to unmask Alice’s secrets? Or protect her from a dangerous new threat? One thing is certain: their chemistry is a time bomb waiting to explode. And with no one to trust but each other, Reese and Alice are soon drawn into a deadly maze of corruption, intrigue and desire-and into the line of fire…

.

Picking up Bare It All gave me mixed emotions. I have long since been a champion of Foster’s work but I’ve felt something was really lacking in the last book and so I wasn’t sure I would even continue with this series.

You may remember the heroine, Alice, in a Trace Of Fever from the “Men Who Walk The Edge Of Honor” series. Or you may not because she wasn’t a huge part and that book feels like forever ago. When we first met her she was much meeker but that backbone of steel was still evident even then. Since then she’s definitely grown into her own. She’s more confident and she’s managed to get her life mostly back in order.

Though she keeps mostly to herself her hunky neighbor and his dog have wormed themselves right into her heart. When he needs somewhere to stay after his apartment becomes a crime scene she jumps at the chance to offer him her place to crash. Reese has tried for weeks to get Alice to open up to him and she’s finally starting to let him in. No way is he turning down her offer. He’s going to need all his detective skills in order to crack Alice because she tightly guards her secrets. She’s also a magnet for trouble and it seems like no sooner does he have one case wrapped up does it find her.

I really liked Alice as a heroine. She was capable but realistic and I liked that distinction. She wasn’t fearless but she held herself together incredibly well in moments of high stress. With Reese in her corner she finally was able to feel safe. I mean who wouldn’t feel safe with that man in their corner? *fans self* Reese was tall, protective and loves animals…it doesn’t get any better then that. Reese was really patient with Alice’s need to keep secrets and only pushed when he felt he needed to know.  I found myself chuckling over the banter between characters. Rowdy mostly but also the two other women living in their building who were trying desperately to get in Reeses’ pants. They were just so deliciously stupid and every woman knows someone like them. Alice’s reaction to them and her need to mark Reese as her own was priceless.

On the downside I thought that for a romantic suspense it lacked…suspense. What there was felt very easy and when it came time to wrap things up everything happened very fast. I kind of wished that there would have been danger to Alice so that I could bask in Reeses’ protectiveness over her. There were hot men all over the woman wanting to keep her safe and there wasn’t a whole lot to keep her safe from. The villain wasn’t very fleshed out and we got basically nothing from his point of view.

Rowdy gets a nice set up in Bare It All that will continue into the next book where he comes front and center. I liked Rowdy in this book much better then the last because he skirts the line between right and wrong really well. He dominates every scene he’s in and I completely look forward to him falling hard for his woman.

Overall I liked this one much more then the last book and I will definitely be back for Rowdy’s book!

I give Bare It All by Lori Foster 3.75 stars!

Dangerous Refuge by Elizabeth Lowell

Available: Now Amazon/B&N

Type: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: William Morrow & Company

My Copy: Edelweiss

Reviewer: Pam

On the surface beautiful, quiet Shaye has little in common with dark, dangerous Tanner. He’s a suspicious big city cop come home to the historic Davis family ranch to settle his uncle’s estate. She’s working for an environmental conservancy that acquires and protects old ranches-and she wants to preserve the Davis homestead. When the suspicious death of Tanner’s uncle at his ranch throws the two opposites together, tempers flare and sparks fly. While they have trouble seeing eye to eye, Shaye and Tanner agree on one thing: they need to uncover the truth.

Combining their unique skills-Shaye’s low-key approach and local connections and Tanner’s experience as a homicide detective-the unlikely pair share long nights in the pursuit of justice. Before they know it, the friction they generate turns to heat, igniting a burning love neither ever expected to find. They believe passion this intense cannot last. But when Shaye becomes a killer’s target, Tanner realizes he’d give up anything to protect her-including his life.

There is something that just does not add up when Tanner Davis comes to town to find out about his uncle Lorne, who just passed away. In the country, you do not go out without a hat and you do not wear your city shoes while working around the ranch, which is how Lorne is found by Shayne Townsend when she goes up to talk to him about a misunderstanding. Shayne works for the

Conservancy; a non-profit company that helps keeps family ranches and farms from becoming extinct or turned into resorts and shopping centers.

Tanner Davis is a LA homicide detective who is just as tough on the inside as he looks on the outside. He left Refuge many years ago when his father and uncle stopped talking to each other and has never regretted the move. His uncle Lorne was one crusty character and you always knew where you stood with him as he let you know. He had many friends and enemies around the area. He was working with the Conservancy and Shayne to help preserve his land, until he got angry one night when Shayne’s boss gave him the wrong papers to sign. He yelled at Shayne and anyone who would listen that he felt lied to and cheated on, he changed his will the very next day making Tanner the beneficiary.

As Tanner and Shayne try to piece together the weeks before he died, the clues just keep pointing to a suspicious death. Their relationship also starts to heat up as they spend more time together, trusting no one but each other. They find that thinking of long term means someone must change their way of life, but as danger comes closer they do not want to lose each other. One clue after another sends them in different directions until Shayne finds herself in the most dangerous situation with some unstable suspects.

This is what I called a romantic suspense, full of mystery, danger and sexual chemistry that when put together works well. I have read several of Ms Lowell’s historical romances but this is the first suspense for me and I thoroughly enjoyed. It started out a little slow as we meet the characters, watch as the mystery is revealed and Shayne and Tanner get suspicious, and then wow, the story goes into high gear and hurtles you toward the gripping conclusion.

I really enjoyed the how well Tanner and Shayne fit together and worked as partners trying to find the clues to Lorne’s death. I liked that although Tanner was a rough, take no prisoners homicide detective and portrays his bad attitude to anyone that gets in his way, he always treats Shayne with respect and admiration. She even commented about how he had two different personalities at times.

The secondary characters are interesting and as you watch Shayne deal with the politics that surround her job you could not tell who was good and who was evil, as with most politicians. I did like August who was a deputy that seemed to want to do the right thing, however always on his own terms, as he had an agenda. I am not sure if there will be more than one book surrounding these characters however this is a great single title romantic suspense.

I give Dangerous Refuge by Elizabeth Lowell 4.25 stars!

Lucky Like Us by Jennifer Ryan (The Hunted #2)

Available: Now Amazon/B&N

Type: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Avon Impulse

My Copy: Edelweiss

Reviewed by: Pam

Bakery owner Elizabeth Hamilton’s quiet life is filled with sweet treats, good friends, and a loving family. But all of that is about to turn sour when an odd sound draws her outside. There’s a man lying unconscious in the street, a car speeding toward him. Without hesitation, she gets the man out of harm’s way before they’re run down. Unwittingly, Elizabeth has put herself in the path of a serial murderer, and as the only one who can identify the FBI’s Silver Fox Killer, she’s ended up in the hospital with a target on her back.

All that stands between her and death is Special Agent Sam Turner. Against his better judgment, Sam gets emotionally involved, determined to take down the double threat against Elizabeth—an ex desperate to get her back, despite a restraining order, and a psychopath bent on silencing her before she can identify him.They set a trap to catch the killer—putting Elizabeth in his hands, with Sam desperate to save her. If he’s lucky, he’ll get his man … and the girl.

Elizabeth Hamilton lives in a warehouse loft and bakes wonderful goodies for a living. She comes from a well known, wealthy family but loves to give back to others to make them feel better. She was in the middle of mixing up a batch of cookies while talking to her best friend on the phone when she hears some popping sounds and looks out the window to see a man lying in the street.

Sam is an FBI agent and former special ops who is working on an assignment to find the Silver Fox, a serial killer who is terrorizing the area. Sam and his partner Tyler, are meeting an informant in a bar when things so very wrong. Sam is ambushed and drugged, taken from the bar and thrown into a vehicle. He somehow gets out of the car and starts to run when the suspect shoots him in the back. As the he is about to be run over, a woman comes running, grabs Sam and rolls him under her SUV. The suspect tries to finish them both off with his car but fortunately the police come and he runs, but not before leaving Sam very injured and Elizabeth in critical condition.

As Sam and Elizabeth struggle to get better the investigation goes into high gear to find out who did this. Both families use all their influences to get the best medical help for the two and to gain information on the killer. Danger comes close several times for Elizabeth as the Silver Fox tries to kill her, and throughout it all Sam is there for her, getting to know her and realizing that their attraction can grow in small calm moments.

This is a very quiet romantic suspense, after the initial adrenaline rush in the beginning as Elizabeth is trying to save Sam and then herself, the story goes into a more investigational mode. The tone changes as they are taken to the hospital where the staff tries to save Elizabeth. I love how the family bonds as Elizabeth fights for her life, she and Sam slowly form a relationship despite several emotional battles he must get through as his job has taken a toll on him; however Elizabeth makes him want to live life again. I like how they quietly get to know each other through holding each other and keeping each other company during some long nights. In lighter moments Sam even becomes Elizabeth’s fake fiancé and they tease each other to help fend off the weird guy she dated once who seems to not want to go away.

Even though this romantic suspense is more relationship and investigative orientated that does not mean there is no action, they do have a stalker to thwart and the serial killer to find and arrest before he kills Elizabeth. Also Tyler has an interesting relationship going on with a psychic ghost who helps him with a few investigations. I enjoyed seeing all of Sam’s family again, Sam’s twin Jack with his wife Jenna who we met in the first book and his sister Summer all come to help. And Elizabeth’s family was a hoot, as we watch her brothers and father being very protective of her. All in all the characters Ms. Ryan creates are all very interesting from those we met before to new ones, both good and evil.

The plot progression is well done and I really enjoyed how the story unfolded going from a rapid pace in the beginning to slower in the middle and then it raced to the end as the danger revved up toward a conclusion. A very enjoyable second addition to the series that I will continue to read.

I give Lucky Like Us by Jennifer Ryan 4 stars!

Seal Of Destiny by Traci Douglass (Seven Seals #1)

Available: Now Amazon/ B&N

Type: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Crimson Romance

My Copy: Sent

Reviewer: Pam

Love conquers all . . . but can it stop the Apocalypse?

Mira Herald is having the worst life ever. Not only is she plagued by horrific nightmares starring the Devil himself, she’s now the target of a power-hungry, rogue minion, freshly sprung from Hell and bent on her destruction. To complicate matters further, she’s acquired a stalker. One who insists he’s a divine warrior sent for her protection because she houses an ancient relic with the power to unleash Armageddon. Last time Mira checked, she wasn’t insane. Still, all this celestial mayhem is enough to drive a girl crazy.

Kagan is a member of the Scion, an elite team of immortal warriors selected by Divinity to aid mankind and save the world. After a century alone, Kagan is summoned for a new mission. He’s eager to begin. Eager until he’s informed his mission consists of protecting a woman with no clue to the power she wields. Plus, his briefing fails to prepare him for his new target’s cosmic-sized attitude problem. As Divinity’s sworn servant, he’s required to fulfill his duty. His oath, however, does not require him to be enthusiastic about his new assignment or warm-and-fuzzy toward his new compatriot. He plans a wham-bam rescue and a quick return to solitude.

Mira Herald has had a rough life and the nightmares she has had for years are not only invading her nights, they also invade her waking hours and little does she know, but soon she will be living them. Mira and her best friend Zoe were brought up in the foster care program and each had a terrible experience. Mira has taken years of self defense training to ensure that no one will ever take advantage of her again.

Kagan is a Scion warrior who has lived for centuries, recently in the secluded countryside of Italy. He has a close brotherhood with other warriors and will soon be working with them as he has received a new assignment from Divinity, The One. There are seven Seals that are being hosted in human bodies around the world and the first one is in danger of breaking, he must protect the Seal and the host. Each time a Seal is broken a new disaster will be unleashed until the final Apocalypse. Mira is the host of the first Seal and the one Kagan needs to protect.

Tolbert is the leader of a group of half breed’s or nephilim, they are also centuries old and the Scion warriors thought they had eradicated them years ago; unfortunately they just went underground and became more powerful. Argus is a demon working for this mysterious group of people and needs to get to Mira, so he takes over the body of a man that knows both Mira and Zoe; he was their case worker and their worst nightmare as he abused those in the system including Mira and Zoe. As Mira and Zoe are being held at Tolbert’s place in Colorado, the Scion warriors are on their way to rescue and destroy. They reach their destination and all hell breaks loose as they fight their way in to find Mira and Zoe. They must battle those that are about to start the end of the world, however also must protect the humans as even Lucifer has come to the party for the Seal.

This book had a lot going on, the introduction of many characters as well as world building as we discover who is who, we also learn what purpose each character has in the story, there are even those that we do not learn about until late. I had to read very carefully as there was so much information and several of the characters had side stories.

I liked all the Scion warriors; they were all very alpha men with a sexiness about them. They all had their little quirks; I loved how Wyrk was always hungry and thinking about his next meal while still being the computer genius he is. Kagan was a great hero who wanted to protect Mira even though he also wanted her, yet Xander would continually remind him about Rule #1 “do not f*ck the target”. The story premise was interesting, as the warriors are preventing the Apocalypse and they must protect those that Divinity has selected as human hosts, and I definitely see the series coming together with other Seal hosts needing protection.

I liked Mira; she was a woman that learned the hard way to not let anyone get the upper hand. She has learned to defend and protect herself from those that wish her harm. She was a great heroine however I wanted to shake her a few times as she was this strong and defiant woman at one time and then the next time she would just go along with Kagan like she wanted to be protected. The relationship between Divinity and Lucifer was interesting and the conversation they had where she reminds him of their “agreement” seems to be important and could be an interesting turn in future books.

I did notice that there were several times in the story when someone was missing, either one of the warriors or Mira or Zoe, they acted very worried yet did not go right out to look for them – they would go to get something to eat first or sit around and discuss what they needed to do. I wanted to say “go out and look for them, there are evil people trying to kill them.” But that aside, the story was exciting and I was eager to finish.

All in all a great start to a series that I would continue to read as I liked the secondary characters and I am interested in their stories enough to want to know who the other Seal hosts are and which Scion will protect them. I also liked Zoe and would like to see the relationship with Xander develop and what secrets will be revealed as they both are hiding things.

I give Seal of Destiny by Traci Douglass 3.75 stars!

Dead Man’s Deal by Jocelynn Drake (The Asylum Tales #2)

Available: Now Amazon/B&N

Type: Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Harper Voyager

My Copy: Edelweiss

Reviewer: Pam

The dark and dangerous follow-up that continues the adventures of a magical tattoo artist begun in Angel’s Ink In a world where elves, faeries, trolls, werewolves, and vampires swim free in a sea of humanity, sometimes you need an edge. Looking for a little love? Need some luck? Desperate for revenge? Gage can give you what you need. The most talented tattoo artist in town, he knows the right symbol and the right mix of ingredients and ink to achieve your heart’s desire. One tattoo is all it takes. But remember, everything has its price. . . .

Gage learned that lesson long ago, in ways he’d rather not remember. But the cruel and powerful wizards in the dreaded Ivory Towers he escaped aren’t about to let him forget. Though Gage has managed to stay out of sight, he can’t outrun the past forever. The wizards know Gage is using forbidden magic, and they intend to punish him for his transgressions. Too bad if innocent humans and monsters-entire cities-get in the way. They will quell a nascent magical uprising and Gage will be the sacrifice they need. First, though, they have to find him . . .

I have fallen in love with The Asylum Tales, an urban fantasy with humor, action and great characters.

Gage is the owner of Asylum, a tattoo parlor in Low Town, a run-down part of the city where you keep your doors locked and rarely venture out at night. The three artists keep strange hours as the inhabitants of the area wander in for tattoos any time of night. Gage is trying to live a normal life even though he has the most powerful beings watching him. He is a strong warlock, who left before his training was complete, much to the dismay of those in the Ivory Tower. He is the only one who has ever left and is still alive, giving up his magic in return for living with humans.

Trixie and Bronx are two of the artist that work with Gage and he has always considered them close and loyal friends and lately he and Trixie have become even closer. They have worked together for several years and up until now, they have kept their pasts relatively secret from each other, however several things are coming to light that brings both Trixie’s and Gage’s past out in the open as they fight for the lives they wish to live.

Reaves is a dark elf who is the leader of the mafia in Low Town, he is blackmailing Gage, making him do the mafia’s dirty work in order to keep his secrets. Gage is getting back at him and is unwilling to sink to the depths that Reaves wants him to, which has earned him some beatings for his rebelliousness. Even Gage’s long lost brother comes searching for him per Reaves’ command and Gage wants nothing more that to break the bond that Reaves seems to have over his friends and now his family.

As Gage is torn between several crisis that seem to come up all at once, prior enemies seem to be ready to help, Gideon, the guardian warlock that has been a thorn in Gage’s side for years, the Were’s that he humiliated a while ago that want to break free of Reaves and the Pixies that Gage helped save, that have always hated warlocks. They all come together as the Ivory Towers wages war on those they feel are beneath them, in order to keep their secrets.

Ms Drake weaves a wonderful urban fantasy tale about powerful beings in control, yet there are pockets of those that live life on their own terms. The characters are engaging and the action is non-stop to the end. I read this book immediately after Angel’s Ink, the first book and was glad as the stories are so interwoven. Angel’s Ink had a clear ending yet several of the stories arcs continue in Dead Man’s Deal, making this one as enjoyable as the first and setting things up nicely for the next book.

Gage is a true hero, someone that wants to do good yet sometimes bad things happen and he must make choices. He seems to be plugging so many holes in the dam that I am not sure he could solve another problem, yet he does his best. I really enjoy the secondary characters, Bronx is funny and I would love to get more of his story, a troll who has a past and is as loyal to Gage and Trixie as they are to him. Trixie is also interesting and we learn much about her background and who she is hiding from. I also really enjoyed how Gideon is being portrayed as he is turning into one of my favorite characters.

The story is fast paced with so much going on, poor Gage is pulled in several directions before we come barreling toward the conclusion to wrap up many of the different challenges he faces. The only problem I have with this series is that there are so many different crisis’ that he must tackle. I think Gage was helping to solve five or more issues at one time, however Ms Drake worked her magic and it all flowed well. I am looking forward to reading the next in this series as I am more intrigued than ever and I know more trouble will be waiting for Gage and the gang.

I give Dead Man’s Deal by Jocelynn Drake 4.25 stars!

Stranded With A Billionaire by Jessica Clare (The Billionaire Boys Club #1)

Available: Now Amazon/B&N

Type: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Penguin

My Copy: NetGalley

Reviewer: Pam

The Billionaire Boys Club is a secret society of six men who have vowed success – at any cost. Not all of them are old money, but all of them are incredibly wealthy. They’re just not always as successful when it comes to love… Billionaire Logan Hawkings needs a vacation. He’s had a rough time after the death of his father and the betrayal of his fiancée. But with a visit to a recent business acquisition—a private island resort in the Bahamas—he has a chance to mend his broken heart. When a hurricane blows in, a misplaced passport and a stalled elevator bring Logan together with an unusual woman named Bronte. She’s unlike anyone he’s ever met—down to earth, incredibly sensual, and even quotes Plato. She also has no clue that he’s rich…

Bronte Dawson, a waitress from the Midwest, is stranded with the hotel’s domineering yet sexy manager Logan. What’s the harm in a little fling when it’s just the two of them, alone in paradise? But after several steamy island nights in Logan’s arms, Bronte’s ready to give her heart—and her body—to the man in charge. But she soon discovers there’s more to Logan than he’s told her…a billion times more. Now, Bronte’s caught in a whirlwind affair with one of the world’s most powerful men. But can their love endure their differences or will it all just blow over?

Logan Hawkings is a very arrogant man who buys failing businesses and turns them around to make a profit, he may be arrogant but he is also very wary as he has been burned by those that only want him for his money.

Logan and his college friends are all billionaires and have helped each other succeed in business since they got out of school. They formed this club consisting of the six friends and get together once a month to share ideas and bounce things around, while playing poker. Hunter, one of the club members tells Logan about an island retreat for sale that needs a lot of work, something right up his alley.

Bronte Dawson just wanted to have a fun vacation, she won a trip from a radio station and so far she has a lousy roommate and it has been raining. Some vacation! And now she finds out they are evacuating because of a hurricane. As she gets ready to board the bus, her roommate asks for a favor and so Bronte heads back to their room to look for a passport. She is on the way down when the power goes out, the elevator stops and she is stranded, with a gorgeous man of course.

Logan and Bronte are stuck for several hours while the storm batters the run-down resort; they finally realize they will have to help themselves, when they are out; they see the mess the hurricane has made and also realize everyone got off the island but them. They find food, shelter and some clothes and spend a few days getting to know each other, in many ways as they wait for the storm to end before they can be rescued.

When they are finally rescued and are back in civilization Logan suddenly turns cold and dismissive and she finds that he lied about himself the whole time they were stranded. She is pissed and calls a taxi. He is amazed that she ran, however eventually finds her and tries several different high handed ways to get her back. Both of them must learn to give and take if they want to make this relationship work.

This is a fun, sweet and entertaining beginning of a series, although fairly predictable. About six billionaires that became friends in college and now get together once a month, they help each other obtain their dreams. I like the idea of a boys club, however what fun it would be if there was a woman billionaire invited to join? They keep it very secret and I found it humorous when Logan brings Bronte to visit, to show he trusts her with everything and the others actually rough him up a bit, because Logan may trust her but the others do not know her yet.

The story flows well and I had no problems reading straight through to the end as Logan and Bronte deal with trust issues, respect issues and even a little control issues. Logan was a jerk to her when they got back to the real world but was a kind soul while they were stranded. I did want to hit him but I believe Bronte was able to handle him quite well. I liked Bronte; she was a quirky woman that loved to quote the classics and was not about to take any crap from anyone. I also liked the secondary characters, the two women who help Bronte while she is in New York, his assistant Audrey and her sister Gretchen are fun and engaging, I also liked the others in the club and look forward to their stories, especially Hunter; I am a sucker for the scarred and tortured hero.

I give Stranded with a Billionaire by Jessica Clare 3.75 stars!