Cooking Up Love by Gemma Brocato - "Throwback Thursday" Review

A "Throwback Thursday Review" is either a book I read way back when but didn't write a review for whatever reason (usually, probably forgot ... oops...) or it is a review on a book I got but then didn't get around to reading until now (again, usually, probably just forgot).

Up this week is Cooking Up Love by Gemma Brocato. Gemma graciously sent me a copy of this early this year with no expectation for it to be reviewed. I read it shortly after receiving and intended to write a review, but you know what they say about best laid plans...
 

Cooking Up Love
(Five Senses #1)
by Gemma Brocato

Mix a chef and her contractor, stir in a mystery, and cook up a romance. Jemima George leads a charmed life as a personal chef and assistant to reality television's latest darling. But that changes in a New York minute when her Aunt Caro dies under odd circumstances, bequeathing her a small restaurant. Jem plans to sell the cafe and continue her life in NYC, until a dramatic phone call from her cheating boyfriend convinces her to experiment with the ingredients for happiness and accept her Aunt's legacy. Throwing herself into remodeling the restaurant with the help of the town's delicious contractor, Jem revamps the menu and renews her faith in herself. 

Jack Kerrigan considered Caro a surrogate mother and hates the idea that the cafe could be sold. He doesn't need the remodeling project, but if it means Caro's beautiful, fascinating niece will stay to run the restaurant, he's all in. He wouldn't mind being savory to Jem's sweet. Jack's brassy ex-wife is cooking up a scheme of her own, where Jack tosses Jem like a salad and comes back to her. Fold in a creepy attorney hiding secrets of environmental mayhem, add Jem's claustrophobia, half-pint niece and nephew twins, one mysterious lockbox, and bring to a boil-a recipe for romance. 

Goodreads * Amazon

My review:

When Jem inherits a cafe after her aunt dies, she intends to sell the property in Granite Pointe because her life, her job, and the man she hopes is her soon-to-be-finance are in New York. Jem soon realizes she may be better off staying and running her aunt's cafe because not only does a late night phone reveal her boyfriend is a sleaze but she also has some hot chemistry with the sexy contractor, Jack. From the beginning, Jem feels there is something not quite right about the way her aunt passed away, but the mystery deepens as time goes on.

Cooking Up Love has a whole lot of steamy romance with a bunch of mystery mixed in. The twist was hinted at from the beginning of the book, but, call me slow or whatever, I was still surprised when everything was finally revealed. Jem is smart, sassy, and independent, while also being vulnerable. Jack is tough and determined, while also having a soft heart that's too big for his own good. The characters were great, the setting was good, and the writing style is easy to read. I got hooked early on with the chemistry in the pantry scene, and I kept reading because of the attraction between Jem and Jack and because of the suspense of finding out what really happened to the aunt. I enjoyed reading this and would recommend to anyone who likes contemporary romance or romantic suspense.

A copy was provided by the author, but I was not required to write a review.

About the author:

Gemma's favorite desk accessories for many years were a circular wooden token, better known as a 'round tuit,' and a fortune from a fortune cookie that said she was a lover of words; some day she'd write a book. She always knew that eventually she'd get around to writing the novel trapped in her mind. It took a transfer to the United Kingdom, the lovely English springtime, and a huge dose of homesickness to write her first novel. Once it was completed and sent off with a kiss even the rejections, addressed to 'Dear Author', were gratifying.

After returning to America, she spent a number of years as a copywriter, dedicating her skills to making insurance and the agents who sell them sound sexy. Eventually, her full-time job as a writer interfered with her desire to be a writer full-time and she left the world of financial products behind to pursue an avocation as a romance author.

Her gamble paid off when she was a 2012 Finalist in the prestigious Golden Pen contest for Romantic Suspense and she received contracts for her first and second book.

Find out more at GemmaBrocato.com.

 

Spotlight: Hot Rebel by Lynn Raye Harris - $50 Gift Card & Signed Books Giveaway

Title: Hot Rebel

Author: Lynn Raye Harris

Release Date: September 29, 2014

Genre: Romantic Suspense 

Goodreads * Amazon

A rebel on the run…

Victoria Royal is a traitor. Or so the U.S. government believes. Victoria was once a promising sniper in the Army, but now she’s gone rogue—worse, she’s just landed in the middle of a Hostile Operations Team mission in the desert and blasted it all to hell. 

Nick “Brandy” Brandon doesn’t expect to run into Victoria when he’s bugging out from a mission gone wrong. It’s been more than three years since she disappeared from the sniper course they were in together, and he’s finally stopped thinking about her killer curves and smart mouth.

But now she’s back—and she’s far more dangerous than Nick ever believed possible… Is she really a traitor? Or is there something more at stake? He has to decide fast—because time’s running out and too many lives hang in the balance…

Excerpt

Driven by some emotion she couldn’t name, Victoria turned and walked back over to Nick. He was frowning at her when she reached up and pulled his head down. She pressed her lips to his cheek, felt the roughness of his stubble and breathed the smell of him—sand, spice, and cool water—deep into her lungs.

“Thanks for saving me,” she said, her lips close to his ear.

She started to step away, but he caught her close and turned his head, his lips meeting hers. The contact was shocking—and delicious in a way she hadn’t anticipated. She’d been kissed before, but this… this was better than any of those kisses had been.

His mouth was soft and hard against hers, his hands firm on her hips as he held her against him. The kiss was hot and tame all at once. Simultaneously the most arousing and most chaste kiss she’d ever had. He didn’t force her mouth open, didn’t thrust his tongue between her lips—he just kissed her hard and thoroughly before setting her away from him and taking a step backward.

And, God, she wanted his tongue so badly now. Wanted to feel it sliding against her own, stroking her senses higher.

But the kiss was over and he was looking at her, his jaw firm and a hard look in his eyes.

“You’re welcome,” he said, and it took her a moment to remember that she’d thanked him for saving her.

“I… I have to go.” Her cheeks flamed as she said it because he knew she had to leave as well as she did. The car was running, and she’d left the door open. She took a step backward, and then another.

Then she turned and got inside the car, determined not to look at him again. But she failed because she looked up, her gaze clashing with his right as she closed the door. And she didn’t look away as they drove off. Nick didn’t move from the spot she’d left him standing in.

It was only when the car turned and he was out of sight that she remembered how to breathe.

About the author:
USA Today bestselling author Lynn Raye Harris burst onto the scene when she won a writing contest held by Harlequin. A former finalist for the Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart Award and the National Readers Choice Award, Lynn lives in Alabama with her handsome former military husband and two crazy cats. Lynn writes about hot military heroes, sizzling international billionaires, and the women who dare to tame them. Her books have been called "exceptional and emotional," "intense," and "sizzling." To date, Lynn's books have sold over 2 million copies worldwide.

Find out more at LynnRayeHarris.com.

Giveaway:

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Laying Low in Paradise by Kristy K. James - Review

Laying Low in Paradise
by Kristy K. James
Published: January 2014

Laura Keane and her son have been spending summers at their chalet on Bois Blanc Island since her husband was killed in the war. She never let anyone else in after the chaplain delivered the sad news four years ago, so it’s just the two of them, and she wouldn’t change that for the world.

Cameron Rafferty and his friends were keeping secrets. Dangerous secrets, and they’d hoped the little island paradise would be a safe place to hide out. The plan to keep a low profile quickly unravels when an accident changes everything. Cameron soon finds himself becoming more involved with the Keane family than he’d intended -and wishing for things he shouldn’t.

Goodreads * Amazon

My short and sweet review:

Sweet, clean romance with an unexpected twist. Cameron and his friends are hiding on the island for reasons you are never going to guess. Seriously, I never suspected that would be the plot twist. The only negative I would say about Laying Low in Paradise is that it could have been a little more developed in the middle. However, that didn't detract from my enjoyment of this book. I think it is refreshing that, although both Laura and Cameron already have children, there is no sex in this book, as both of them believe in waiting until marriage.

You will enjoy this book if you like clean romance and if you appreciate a good read that gives you a little something more than the usual plot line. 

I downloaded this while it was free on Amazon. I was not required to write a review.

About the author:

Kristy K. James' first goal in life was to work in law enforcement, until the night she called the police to check out a scary noise in her yard. Realizing that she might someday have to investigate scary noises in yards just as dark as hers if she continued on that path, she turned to her other favorite love...writing. Since then her days have been filled with being a mom and reluctant zookeeper (7 pets), creating stories, and looking for trouble in her kitchen. 

Find out more at KristyKJames.net.  

     

Shimmer (Breathe #2) by Elena Dillon - Review

Shimmer (Breathe #2)
by Elena Dillon
Published: August 28, 2014

Chandler Raines and her “dad” are on the run. Never staying in one place for very long. It’s just not safe. When they arrive in Lafayette, Louisiana, Chandler quickly realizes this is the place she wants to call home. Friends, a cute boy, and competitive cheerleading have her taking dangerous risks to have the life she always wanted. Risks she promised she wouldn’t take.

When her lies catch up to her, a decision has to be made. Stay or run? Will the evil that’s chased them for the last four years catch up to them? When Chandler’s past comes screeching into the present she’ll have to sacrifice everything to keep what she loves safe. But will it be enough?

Goodreads * Amazon

My review:
In Shimmer, we get to meet back up with Caedan, Lily, Abby, and Finn, who we first met in Breathe. But now "Chandler" is about to come in and shake things up a bit. The reader finds out early on that her name isn't really Chandler, the man she is with isn't really her dad, and that she moves around a lot with a new identity every time because they are running from someone. 

This story takes place 4 years after the events in Breathe, so our cute little pre-teens have grown up some. Lily and Abby are still best friends, and they immediately take Chandler in as their new best friend. Chandler is ecstatic because she mostly keeps to herself and has few friends because they don't stay in one place for very long. On the other hand, Chandler isn't so sure what to think about Caeden, who has grown into a smart, sexy, motorcycle-riding bad boy. Plus, Caeden is fiercely protective of his family because of their past, and he is suspicious of Chandler and wonders what she is hiding.

As I said in my review of Breathe, I wish the feel of Southern Louisiana life had come through more in this story. Regardless, I still really enjoyed Shimmer. I loved the friendship between the girls and was really glad we got to see more of Lily and Caedan. I think the suspense and the love story was even better than in the first book. I would recommend this book and this series to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense. 

This book could technically be read as a stand-alone, but you will want to have read Breathe before you read Shimmer just so you can get to know Caeden and Lily better.

A copy was provided for review.

About the author:

Elena lives and writes in a suburb North of Los Angeles.  She has never lived anywhere besides California which is probably a good thing since she hates being cold and is terrified to drive in the snow. She loves being a wife and a mother to her three kids and three dogs, although really the bulldog is the fourth child who has never matured beyond the toddler stage.

A self-proclaimed nerd, she has been writing since she was a child. She has only recently, however, come out of the closet about this to her family and friends.  They now understand better, but not completely, why she talks about characters in stories as if they are real people.

Find out more at ElenaDillon.com.
 

Breathe by Elena Dillon - Review

Breathe by Elena Dillon
Published: December 2012

Jasmine’s life wasn’t normal for a 16 year old girl. It hadn’t been normal since the murder of her older sister, Daisy, two years ago. Her life had been changed forever. The monster that murdered Daisy was never caught. That was the reason her family decided to move away from their hometown in Southern California, to start over. Hopefully in a place where the last name Rourke wouldn’t bring on staring or judgment or morbid curiosity.

In Lafayette, Louisiana things are quite a bit different but in a good way. Good manners, Cajun accents and a whole lot of Southern Hospitality all make her think things are going in the right direction. On top of that the most gorgeous boy she has ever met is interested in her. Her new friends are better than she could have hoped for even if she is worried about what they might think when they find out who she is. Life would be perfect if odd things didn’t keep happening. Creepy phone calls, texts, and flowers in her locker start adding up quickly to something terrifying. Could the Monster have followed them to Lafayette? Was he coming after her this time? Maybe she was just worrying unnecessarily…or not.

Goodreads * Amazon

My review:

Jasmine, her mom, and her younger siblings have to move away from California so that they can have a shot at a somewhat normal life. They know nothing will ever ease the pain of losing Daisy, but they need to move away from the sympathy and the prying eyes and start over where everyone doesn't know what happened. And, they think, they are moving away from the murderer, who was never caught. When they arrive in Lafayette, Jasmine quickly makes good friends and catches the eye of charming, handsome Easton. Breathe is mostly focused on the love story between Jasmine and Easton, while always present is Jasmine's daily struggle to have a normal life, put everything into "compartments" so that she can cope with the stress, and the knowledge that the murderer is out there and may even be in Lafayette.

"Most days I can almost forget someone murdered my sister. I try to go through every day like a normal sixteen-year-old. I can eat breakfast, go to school, do homework, but then something will remind me that my family will never be the same." This was the amazing beginning to Breathe, and I was immediately hooked and interested in the story and in Jasmine.

As someone raised in Arkansas, I was tickled to see Smackover as the place Jasmine's brother, Caedan, picked as his choice of where to move. I also lived in Louisiana for several years, and that was one of the reasons I so readily agreed to review this book. I wish the Louisiana vibe had come through more. Unfortunately, I felt like this story could have taken place anywhere, and I was only reminded it was set in Louisiana when Ms. Dillon pointed it out. Instead of the author just referring to their strong accent, I would have liked for there to have been at least a few times where that accent was actually portrayed with the words used and the way those words would have been pronounced. I also really would have liked to see a few times when common words that are used in Southern Louisiana had been added into the dialogue. 

Besides the Louisiana feel not coming through for me, I really enjoyed Breathe. Jasmine was a well developed character that a reader can easily empathize with even if you don't agree with or understand her way of coping with things. Overall, this is a good, solid, sweet young adult romance with a lot of suspense mixed in. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense.

A copy was provided for review.

About the author:

Elena lives and writes in a suburb North of Los Angeles.  She has never lived anywhere besides California which is probably a good thing since she hates being cold and is terrified to drive in the snow. She loves being a wife and a mother to her three kids and three dogs, although really the bulldog is the fourth child who has never matured beyond the toddler stage.

A self-proclaimed nerd, she has been writing since she was a child. She has only recently, however, come out of the closet about this to her family and friends.  They now understand better, but not completely, why she talks about characters in stories as if they are real people.

Find out more at ElenaDillon.com.

     

His Secrets by Lisa Renee Jones - Review

His Secrets (Inside Out #3.1)
by Lisa Renee Jones
Published: February 2014

An Inside Out story, Chris's POV

In a world where my only escape has been my art, Sara has been the light in my darkness. And there is darkness, the kind of inky black that can bleed from my life to hers.

She doesn't see it. She doesn't understand what I've shown her. And my biggest fear is that soon...she will.

Goodreads * Amazon

My review:

Oh, Chris. The dark bad boy artist who is all edgy, hard, and tough on the outside. We have seen glimpses of his compassion and caring through Sara's eyes, but now we get to see more inside his tortured soul. We learn about his secrets, why he has the need to be so in control, and why he has turned toward pain for release.

You can enjoy the Inside Out series without reading this, but it is a great bonus to the story that gives you more depth and understanding of one of the main characters. I recommend you add this to your reading list to go along with the rest of the series.

A copy was provided for review.

About the author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT SERIES, and is now in development by Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland, Austin Powers, Must Love Dogs) for cable TV. In addition, her Tall, Dark and Deadly series and The Secret Life of Amy Bensen series, both spent several months on a combination of the NY Times and USA Today lists.

Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 40 books translated around the world. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann.

Prior to publishing, Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

  

Find out more at LisaReneeJones.com.

       

Revealing Us by Lisa Renee Jones - Review

Revealing Us (Inside Out #3)
by Lisa Renee Jones
Published: September 2013

The third installment in the sexy Inside Out erotic romance series—in the seductive tradition of Fifty Shades of Grey.

You've discovered Rebecca's secrets. You've discovered Sara's secrets. Now Sara will discover "his" deepest, darkest secrets...but will those secrets bind them together--or tear them apart?

Goodreads * Amazon

My review:

Sara and Chris are back and as hot as ever. Now that the mystery of Rebecca has been solved, Chris takes Sara to Paris in anticipation of revealing a big secret about himself, and the mystery of what happened to Sara's friend, Ella, takes a front seat. In Revealing Us, we also see love between Sara and Chris really begin to blossom, in addition to the powerful sexual attraction they have to each other.

I wasn't sure what to expect of this book since the main question of the first two books was answered, but Lisa Renee Jones has revved the energy back up and given us new mysteries and new secrets. Revealing Us isn't just a boring "dragging out the series" book. Ms. Jones manages to capture your attention, spark your interest (and desire), and keep you turning the pages for more.

I am a fan of the Inside Out series and a new fan of Lisa Renee Jones, and I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys erotic romantic suspense.

A copy was provided for review.

About the author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT SERIES, and is now in development by Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland, Austin Powers, Must Love Dogs) for cable TV. In addition, her Tall, Dark and Deadly series and The Secret Life of Amy Bensen series, both spent several months on a combination of the NY Times and USA Today lists.

Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 40 books translated around the world. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann.

Prior to publishing, Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

  

Find out more at LisaReneeJones.com.

      

Rebecca's Lost Journals & Master Undone by Lisa Renee Jones - Review

Rebecca's Lost Journals 
by Lisa Renee Jones
Includes Rebecca’s Lost Journals #1-4 (The Seduction, The Contract, His Submissive, My Master) and The Master Undone
Published: April 2014

In this stand alone collection connected to the Best Selling Inside Out Series, you meet Rebecca Mason, the intriguing woman who penned an erotic journal that changed everyone’s life it touched. This is her story, in her words.....

Rebecca’s Lost Journals.....

Rebecca Mason has known heartache and sorrow in her life, losing everyone she loves. She’s on her own in San Francisco, lost in every way, until she dares to make the decision to chase her dream of working in the art world. It is then that he meets a rich, seductively powerful man who will become the Master she never knew she wanted and change her life forever. He will lead her on a dark, passionate journey where pain is pleasure and pleasure is pain, and where every limit she once had is no more. In this man, she will find solace to her pain, an escape from the ache inside her. And in him, she will discover a darkness she may never escape.

Bonus Story included:

Master Undone in his POV...
I told him goodbye, and I will not call him. I know if I do, it will be my undoing, and I'll once again be caught up in his spell. I will once again be . . . lost.

In her private journals, Rebecca laid bare her soul, revealing her obsession for the one man whose erotic demands captivated her imagination--and enslaved her forever. Now, with Rebecca no longer in his life "he" is lost, questioning everything he thought he knew about himself and about control he holds in such high regard. One women will reach out to heal him and then turn away, leaving him haunted. She is nothing he thought he wanted and somehow everything he needs. He tells himself to forget her but he cannot escape his desire for her. He has to have more...

Goodreads * Amazon

My review:

Rebecca's Lost Journals are an excellent addition to the Inside Out series. In both If I Were You and Being Me, you get glimpses of different passages from Rebecca's journals, but now you actually get an up close and personal look into her private thoughts. The journal entries are detailed and intriguing, and you almost forget that you are not reading someone's private diary. These journals take readers on a ride through Rebecca's passion and boldness and also her pain and insecurity.

Master Undone finally gives us an inside look at the "Master" himself. But now we find him coming unraveled just a little and unsure of himself because of recent events. The "master" also unexpectedly meets someone who may be his match, and it completely throws him off balance. I can't say much about Master Undone because it would be a huge spoiler. Do not read this until after you have read both If I Were You and Being Me.

I thoroughly enjoyed Rebecca's Lost Journals and Master Undone. While they are not required reading to follow along with the Inside Out series, they are both great bonus readings to give you more personal glimpses into both Rebecca and the "master." If you are caught up in the Inside Out series, you will want to add these to your reading list. 

Now that I've read this far into the Inside Out series, I must admit that Lisa Renee Jones has a new fan. I definitely recommend the Inside Out series if you enjoy erotic romantic suspense.

A copy was provided for review.

About the author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT SERIES, and is now in development by Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland, Austin Powers, Must Love Dogs) for cable TV. In addition, her Tall, Dark and Deadly series and The Secret Life of Amy Bensen series, both spent several months on a combination of the NY Times and USA Today lists.

Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 40 books translated around the world. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann.

Prior to publishing, Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

  

Find out more at LisaReneeJones.com.

 

Being Me by Lisa Renee Jones

Being Me (Inside Out #2)
by Lisa Renee Jones
Published: June 2013

The sexy second installment in the Inside Out erotic romance trilogy, following If I Were You—in the seductive tradition of Fifty Shades of Grey.

Fascinated by the dark fantasies in the journals she’s discovered, and the two men who have now found a place in her life, Sara McMillan finds herself torn between her new life and her past. Now, more than ever, Sara identifies with the lost journal writer, Rebecca, and is certain that something sinister has happened.

In the arms of the sexy, tormented artist Chris Merit, Sara seeks answers about Rebecca and ends up discovering things about herself she never knew existed. Chris forces Sara to reconsider who she is and what she truly wants from life, but not before his dark desires threaten to tear them apart. Her boss, Mark Compton, offers her the shelter to understand just what those needs mean to her, and what they might have meant to Rebecca, but can she trust him to lead her to a final conclusion to Rebecca’s story?

Goodreads * Amazon

My review:

Excellent second book in the Inside Out series. In Being Me, the story picks up right where it left off in If I Were You. Sara is still searching for answers about Rebecca while trying to secure a more than temporary position in her dream career in the art field. Sara continues to be unsure about her relationship with the sexy artist, Chris, and she still has conflicting vibes from her new boss, Mark. In searching for answers about Rebecca, she is leaving her old life behind and entering an unfamiliar world, and she soon learns that sometimes people are not what they appear to be on the outside.

In Being Me, a lot of the unanswered questions from If I Were You are finally discovered, but many more questions pop up. I typically don't appreciate cliffhanger books, but I think Lisa Renee Jones has done an excellent job of grabbing the reader's interest and pulling us along with Sara on her exploration of the new and unexpected. I have enjoyed both books so far, and I am excited to see what is going to happen next. If you enjoyed If I Were You (which you must read first to fully appreciate this one), you will definitely want to read Being Me.

A copy was provided for review.

About the author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT SERIES, and is now in development by Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland, Austin Powers, Must Love Dogs) for cable TV. In addition, her Tall, Dark and Deadly series and The Secret Life of Amy Bensen series, both spent several months on a combination of the NY Times and USA Today lists.

Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 40 books translated around the world. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann.

Prior to publishing, Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

  

Find out more at LisaReneeJones.com.

    

If I Were You by Lisa Renee Jones

If I Were You (Inside Out #1)
by Lisa Renee Jones
Published August 2012

How it all started…

One day I was a high school teacher on summer break, leading a relatively uneventful but happy life. Or so I told myself. Later, I’d question that, as I would question pretty much everything I knew about me, my relationships, and my desires. It all began when my neighbor thrust a key to a storage unit at me. She’d bought it to make extra money after watching some storage auction show. Now she was on her way to the airport to elope with a man she barely knew, and she needed me to clear out the unit before the lease expired.

Soon, I was standing inside a small room that held the intimate details of another woman’s life, feeling uncomfortable, as if I was invading her privacy. Why had she let these items so neatly packed, possessions that she clearly cared about deeply, be lost at an auction? Driven to find out by some unnamed force, I began to dig, to discover this woman’s life, and yes, read her journals—-dark, erotic journals that I had no business reading. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. I read on obsessively, living out fantasies through her words that I’d never dare experience on my own, compelled by the three men in her life, none of whom had names. I read onward until the last terrifying dark entry left me certain that something had happened to this woman. I had to find her and be sure she was okay.

Before long, I was taking her job for the summer at the art gallery, living her life, and she was nowhere to be found. I was becoming someone I didn’t know. I was becoming her.

The dark, passion it becomes…

Now, I am working at a prestigious gallery, where I have always dreamed of being, and I’ve been delivered to the doorstep of several men, all of which I envision as one I’ve read about in the journal. But there is one man that will call to me, that will awaken me in ways I never believed possible. That man is the ruggedly sexy artist, Chris Merit, who wants to paint me. He is rich and famous, and dark in ways I shouldn’t find intriguing, but I do. I so do. I don’t understand why his dark side appeals to me, but the attraction between us is rich with velvety promises of satisfaction. Chris is dark, and so are his desires, but I cannot turn away. He is damaged beneath his confident good looks and need for control, and in some way, I feel he needs me. I need him.

All I know for certain is that he knows me like I don’t even know me, and he says I know him. Still, I keep asking myself — do I know him? Did he know her, the journal writer, and where is she? And why doesn’t it seem to matter anymore? There is just him and me, and the burn for more.

Goodreads * Amazon

My review:

If I Were You is so hot it sizzles. When Sara begins reading journals that were found in a storage locker, she wants to find the woman who wrote them so she can return her things. However, in the process of trying to find Rebecca, Sara goes from a quiet, no-frills teacher to taking over Rebecca's job at a prestigious art gallery. She is finally living her dream of working in the art field, and making a huge income to go along with it. But Sara soon finds herself doing things she never thought she would.

If you like erotic romantic suspense, I highly recommend this book, but my recommendation comes with a warning. This has a huge cliffhanger ending. When purchasing If I Were You, you might as well pick up the next book at the same time because you will want to jump right in to continue the story.

A copy was provided for review.

About the author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT SERIES, and is now in development by Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland, Austin Powers, Must Love Dogs) for cable TV. In addition, her Tall, Dark and Deadly series and The Secret Life of Amy Bensen series, both spent several months on a combination of the NY Times and USA Today lists.

Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 40 books translated around the world. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann.

Prior to publishing, Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

  

Find out more at LisaReneeJones.com.