Alice's Review: The Sullivan Series, Books 2 & 3

Summary:  For thirty-six years, Marcus Sullivan has been the responsible older brother, stepping in to take care of his seven siblings after their father died when they were children. But when the perfectly ordered future he's planned for himself turns out to be nothing but a lie, Marcus needs one reckless night to shake free from it all.
Nicola Harding is known throughout the world by only one name - Nico - for her catchy, sensual pop songs. Only, what no one knows about the twenty-five year old singer is that her sex-kitten image is totally false. After a terrible betrayal by a man who loved fame far more than he ever loved her, she vows not to let anyone else get close enough to find out who she really is...or hurt her again. Especially not the gorgeous stranger she meets at a nightclub, even though the hunger - and the sinful promises - in his dark eyes make her want to spill all her secrets. One night is all Nicola and Marcus agree to share with each other. But nothing goes as they plan when instead of simply tangling limbs, they find a deeper connection than either of them could have anticipated. And even though they both try to fight it, growing emotions - and sizzling attraction - keep drawing them closer together. Close enough for them to wonder if stealing one more secret moment together can ever be enough? ~amazon.com

Summary: Gabe Sullivan risks his life every day as a firefighter in San Francisco. But after learning a brutal lesson about professional boundaries, he knows better than to risk his heart to his fire victims ever again. Especially the brave mother and daughter he saved from a deadly apartment fire...and can't stop thinking about. Megan Harris knows she owes the heroic firefighter everything for running into a burning building to save her and her seven-year-old daughter. Everything except her heart. Because after losing her navy pilot husband five years ago, she has vowed to never suffer through loving - and losing - a man with a dangerous job again. Only, when Gabe and Megan meet again and uncontrollable flames of desire ignite between them, how can he possibly ignore her courage, determination, and beauty? And how can she deny not only his strong bond with her daughter…but the way his sweetly sensual kisses are challenging her to risk everything she’s been guarding for so long? This winter, if one - or both - of them aren’t careful, they just might end up falling in love. ~amazon.com

Review:  I was in the mood for some romance and with an upcoming Miami Beach vacation, I took the opportunity to read From This Moment On and Can't Help Falling in Love, Books 2 & 3 of Bella Andre's Sullivan Series.  These two novel are perfect summer beach reads.  Nothing says vacation like a sexy guy meeting a beautiful woman for a night of passion that turns into so much more.

In From This Moment On, Marcus (the oldest Sullivan) decided a night of meaningless sex is just what the doctor ordered to help him forget his two-timing ex-girlfriend.  Pop singing sensation Nicola aka Nico decides to live up to her unwarranted wild girl image.  What happens next is a hot, sexy romance.  This is a great little story that is crazily believable (well everything but the end which is a bit wonky). 

In Can't Help Falling in Love, studly fireman Gabe Sullivan (my favorite Sullivan hero so far) convinces the widowed young mother Megan to take a change on him, much like the one he is taking on her.  I really enjoyed this novel, especially Megan's daughter Summer and her matchmaking schemes.  I admired Megan's courage and much as Gabe did.  I also appreciated that she put her daughter first and not her feelings for Gabe.

Both novels were a fun read.  Both were blushingly naughty.  And sadly, both were way too short.  I believe Ms. Andre has a natural talent.  She is able to produce novel after novel in a short period of time.  The kicker is the novels are well thought out and well written.  I really have only one qualm about her work.  I wish in addition to mind-blowing bedroom (and bathroom and rooftop, well you get the picture) sex scenes, she would write a bit more sustenance to go along with the romance.  She is not only selling her readers short, but her herself as well.

Final Take - From This Moment On:  3/5
Final Take - Can't Help Falling in Love:  4/5