All That I Am (Men of Monroe #1) by Rachel Brookes

Title: All That I Am

Series: Men of Monroe #1
Author: Rachel Brookes

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: May 20, 2017

Blurb

A kickass home décor boutique – tick

A sassy mouth and absolutely no filter – tick

A wall so strong no man could ever tear it down - tick, tick, tick!

Or so I thought.

Until I meet Detective Ben Hunt, the owner of exquisite blue eyes, a god-like physique and a seductive smirk that makes me weak at the knees. He charges into my life like a force of nature. No matter how hard I try to keep the walls up around my heart, he’s made it his mission to shatter them. I have no chance of resisting him, but I would make sure I won this tug of war.

Which was what I wanted.

Right? When did the idea of losing myself to him start to sound so good?

I wish Ben was the only battle I faced. There’s a reason this small town needs a good detective. One way or another I’m going to have to brace for impact, because no wall I build can stop the new threat thundering toward Monroe.

After all, secrets only stay a secret for so long around here.

ADD TO GOODREADS

My Opinion

It seems like I've been waiting to read this book for forever. I was first intrigued when I saw the cover and added it to be TBR pile back then. However, after that the release got pushed back numerous times until I could finally get my hands on a copy this week. After all that waiting, I'm pleased to say All That I Am was definitely worth the wait. 

This book kept me hooked from the first page until the last. I fell in love with the characters, and the hint of suspense was balanced perfectly to create another level of depth. The book was well-written, and I continue to enjoy this author's work. It's not my first and it won't be my last. 

With regard to the characters, I loved Ben. He was clearly an alpha male and was fiercely protective of those he loved, yet he also remained likeable and not overbearing. Somehow, the author managed to make him tender and sweet on top of being an alpha type. His concern was genuine and he wasn't just a caveman. 

As for Sasha, I liked her. She made me chuckle a few times with her attitude--especially during the incident in the police station and a wet bra. Her mouth got he in trouble a lot, yet it was balanced with the walls she keeps around herself because of her childhood. I liked the contrast of sassy confidence and vulnerable woman. 

My only minor quibble is I did think there were a couple of plot holes in the suspense element. Maybe I missed something, but I won't go into that here to avoid spoiling things. (You can see my full review with spoilers hidden over on Goodreads).

Anyway, it's something minor that could be fixed with a couple of sentences of extra explanation. Moreover, considering this is fiction, it doesn't really bother me. 

Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was worth the wait and I'd highly recommend it. 

4

Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Review ~ Be My Temptation (The Crawford Brothers Book 2) by Rachel Brookes

ebook received from the author in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: June 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
You met Josh Crawford and Ashlyn Hart in Be My December, now its time to read their story. 

One night connected them. 
One decision separated them. 
One craving tempted them. 

Ashlyn Hart was done with men, or at least those outside of her books. After stupidly falling for the charms of her cheating ex and having her heart broken yet again, she decided to create a new life. One that involved a career change, a new wardrobe, and the possibility of moving abroad. There was just one hurdle: the confident, stubborn and insanely-tempting Josh Crawford. 

Josh Crawford hid behind the cliché bachelor lifestyle and a never-ending parade of women. He knew the game and played it well, but the night he tasted perfection four years ago never left him. Back then, he made a spur of the moment decision, one that he has battled with ever since. But beneath the playboy façade was a yearning that wouldn’t disappear. A craving for the only woman who could bring him to his knees: Ashlyn Hart. 

Two weeks changes everything. 
One night unravels the deepest of desires. 
A simple taste unleashes memories that can’t be tamed. 

When the girl who dreams of a happily ever after collides with the guy who lives the ultimate cliffhanger, what ending awaits them? Will fear overshadow love? Will the past play hindrance to the future, or will temptation conquer it all?

My Opinion

This was a good follow up to Be My December and it was great to get inside Josh's head to see the reasons behind everything he did. I'm not sure which book was my favourite since they both have different qualities I liked, but it was definitely enjoyable.

Be My Temptation was an easy read to swoon at. Josh constantly says thing that made me 'aww' and as the book progressed his love became even stronger to witness. I liked watching him try to prove himself and I felt the chemistry between him and Ashlyn. Their romance was one of romance novels--Ashlyn likes to read and she gets a love straight from her books.

As for the plot, I enjoyed the majority of it. I did think the strand which included Lachlan could have been developed slightly more, but for the most part I thought it flowed well and moved at a good speed.


Overall I can't wait to meet this author next year and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to review these books. They're interesting and engaging reads.

4

Review ~ Be My December by Rachel Brookes

ebook received from the author in exchange for an honest review

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
I knew the exact moment I’d become a ‘yes’ girl. 
December 16th, a cold winter’s night, four years ago. 
The night my innocence was stolen, the night I made the mistake of saying no—a mistake I’d never make again. 
The dream of a ‘happily ever after' was now a locked away myth. I promised myself that I’d never return to the place of my worst nightmare, that I’d never let anyone get close, but then again, I never thought I’d meet someone like him. 
The intense, confident and beautiful Ky Crawford.

I had no plans to become someone’s Prince Charming. 
I couldn’t be. I refused to be. My plan was simple—do whatever it takes to correct my biggest mistake, my one regret that now controlled my life. 
I was on track. I had plans, but then everything changed when I saw her—the girl in the red jacket, the girl who I was told couldn’t say no. 
The reserved yet stunning Eden Rivers.

A girl who can’t say no.
A guy who craves redemption.
A chance encounter?

It all comes down to this.
One question.
One month.

Be My December?

My Opinion

This is the first book I've read by this author. Since she will be at a signing I'm going to next year when I saw her offering review copies I couldn't resist.

Be My December was an interesting read. It started off strong and engaged me well. I could sympathise with Eden well and I felt for her because of her story. I thought she reacted in a believable manner. Similarly, I liked Ky and I understood his motives. He was a strong support system and I liked how he pushed Eden.


Although the story and what Ky was hiding was predictable, and some of the content dragged a bit at times, I still found Be My December an enjoyable read and I am excited to read Josh's story.

3.5