Mandi recs 'Ripped,' 'Asking for Trouble,' 'Shooter'

This week I have an adorable holiday novella, a very naughty hero and a new series featuring a group of alpha ex-military men.

Ripped by Sarah Morgan (contemporary novella). When Hayley's bridesmaid dress rips not only in front of all the wedding guests but in front of the best man's stare of disapproval, she wants to flee — but her dress is too tight. To her surprise, the best man, aka Niccolo Rossi, comes to her rescue, helping her shuffle off to a back room. Hayley and Nico have known each other for some time, but there has always been distance and coldness between them. So it comes as a shock when they spontaneously start making out. Even more of a shock to Hayley when he shows up for Christmas lunch. Naughty things start happening under the table cloth, which continue at Nico's place.

I just adored this story. Hayley, who lives with her sister, definitely finds Nico attractive, but he always keeps such distance between them. It's because he secretly lusts after her, but she doesn't realize this! Oh how romantic! When he finally makes his move, it's so sexy and delicious. This is not only a sexy romance but a fun, warm story overall. I laughed out loud more than once at Hayley and just her bad luck in general. I adored the fact that Hayley and her sister have such a great relationship. This is definitely a novella that is worth a read.

Asking for Trouble by Tessa Bailey (erotic contemporary). I always get excited when a new Tessa Bailey book comes out, and for good reason. Tessa Bailey writes heroes who speak such dirty, dirty things to the heroine. And I love it. Explosives expert Brent and heiress Hayden pretty much can't stand each other. They have mutual friends, so they often are forced to spend time together, which usually leads to very sarcastic banter between them. One night, though, while the insults are in full force, their banter turns … sexual. Hayden dares Brent to come back to her place to prove what he can do in the bedroom. All of a sudden, these two have explosive chemistry, and they both don't know if they should continue to hate the other, or give in to their romantic feelings.

This book is so hot. There are so many scenes and quotes that just made me melt off my chair. Each book in this series can be read as a stand-alone, but characters make appearances throughout the series. If you haven't tried this author, definitely give her a try.

Shooter by Dahlia West (contemporary romance). Chris "Shooter" Sullivan is back in his hometown after a tour in Iraq. The former Army Ranger works on cars with many of his military buddies and hangs out at the local bar where there is a new waitress. Hayley is on the run from something dark and evil in her past. She wants to stay under the radar, make some money and take off for the next town. But Chris and his friends notice her and want to protect her. After much prodding, Chris persuades Hayley to stay at his rental property so he can keep an eye on her. He knows something or someone is scaring her, and he is not going to let anything happen to her.

I enjoyed this book so much. Chris starts off as a very cranky and grumpy hero. He is super alpha, and when Hayley objects to his help and protection, Chris doesn't take it very well. But what makes him a fun hero is the way his friends give him a hard time. They are constantly making fun of him or throwing sarcastic comments his way, which start to lighten him up. As Hayley starts to trust Chris and his friends, she turns from a jumpy, scared heroine to one who is so bubbly and fun. The suspense builds well, and it comes to an exciting conclusion. A well-done romance and overall story.

Mandi Schreiner started romance review blog Smexy Books in 2009. She is obsessed with reading romance novels and collecting fictional boyfriends.