Early Review of Dirty Dancing at Devil's Leap (Hellcat Canyon #3) by Julie Anne Long

Title: Dirty Dancing at Devil's Leap
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Hellcat Canyon (Book 3)
Format: Paperback; 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (August 29, 2017)
ISBN-10: 0062672886
ISBN-13: 978-0062672889
Author's Website: http://www.julieannelong.com/
Notes: I received an eARC loan from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All quotes need to be checked against the final version as they are subject to change prior to publication. All errors involving quotes are most likely my own.

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Avalon Harwood was on top of the world. She'd help create a new game that became one of the hottest selling gaming apps on the market. It led to the start of a new company and kept a significant amount of money in her bank account.  Just as she thought life couldn't get any better, her world came crashing down around her. She found her long term boyfriend and co-creator of GradYouAte in bed with another woman.

Trying to get her emotions in check, she runs home to Hellcat Canyon where she makes the impulsive decision to purchase a house that she's loved from little on. The house was put up on the auction block and she paid a pretty penny for it. Then she finds out the person she'd been bidding against was one of the house's previous residents--a guy she'd once had the biggest crush on, Maximilian “Mac” Coltrane. She also finds out he happens to be her new neighbor.

He's hoping to convince her to move out.
She's got other plans.
And so a battle of the wills, wit, and pranks ensues...

This was the third book in the Hellcat Canyon series and it can be read as a standalone. Other than taking place in Hellcat Canyon, the previous two books don't really come into play with this story which primarily focuses on the two main characters, Mac and Avalon.

This was a book that reminded me a little of The Hating Game by Sally Thorne. The way these two tried to out do each other with their pranks and to force the other's hand was too funny. It was a battle of will, wits, and pranks that had me giggling and laughing throughout the book. It also allowed you a little insight into each of their characters. While the pranks left me shaking my head, they weren't mean spirited only deceptively devious mostly in a hilarious way.

Avalon Harwood is a smart and strong young woman who is emotionally distraught when she comes home. Her feud with Maximilian “Mac” Coltrane comes at just the right time. It lets her focus on something other than her heart ache. The fact that he's a gorgeously handsome man and that she is extremely attracted to him helps even more.

Mac has issues of his own. The family everyone thought to be so perfect really wasn't. His father is presently residing in jail. His brother and he seldom speak, and all of that has had a profound affect on him. He's gone back home to find himself. Avalon will unwittingly help him.

I couldn't help but give this one 5 out of 5 roses. I enjoyed observing the banter, shenanigans, flirting, and chemistry going on between this couple. I liked watching what started as a mutual indifference for one another turn into one hot, steamy, and meaningful relationship. Plus, the grand gesture at the end won over my heart. While the beginning was more emotionally charged than some might like, I loved how Avalon handled herself and coped with everything. Additionally one of the last things she says to her ex had me grinning from ear to ear. I'd quote it, but I'd be getting into spoiler territory. On the Lisarenee Romance Reading Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. I loved it and highly recommend this one.

   

Order of the Hellcat Canyon series:

Early Review of Wild at Whiskey Creek (Hellcat Canyon, #2) by Julie Anne Long

Title: Wild at Whiskey Creek
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Hot in Hellcat Canyon
Format: Paperback; 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (November 29, 2016)
ISBN-10: 006239763X
ISBN-13: 978-0062397638
Author's Website: http://www.julieannelong.com/
Notes: I received an eARC loan from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am also an Avon Addict which means I love the books that Avon publishes enough to volunteer to read as many ARCs and books as they can send my way. So you'll be seeing a lot of books reviewed by me from this publisher. Please note, however, that if I don't like a book, it will be truthfully reflected by a low rating.

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Glory Greenleaf knew she was destined for greatness. Everyone who listened to one of her songs or heard her sing knew she had talent. Her plan after graduating from high school had been to leave town and get discovered. She'd been saving for years to do just that, but life had other plans. Just days before her planned exit her brother was arrested and in order to keep her mother from losing her house, she'd had to use her savings to help pay what she could on the mortgage.  Now, several months later, Glory is still living in the same small town hoping to one day make it big.

Deputy Eli Barlow had known the Greenleafs for years and Glory's brother, Jonah, had been his best friend. He'd once harbored a crush on Glory and, truth be told, still does. After arresting Jonah, he'd known she'd never forgive him and the one kiss they'd shared would likely be his last. While romance seems off the table, he's determined to gain her friendship back. He'll try to earn her forgiveness all the while knowing it won't be easy. Glory is fiercely loyal to her friends and family and she believes what Eli did was an all out betrayal. 

When I first started reading this story, I thought it would be your average run of the mill girl makes it big in the music industry type of romance story. After pressing on for a couple of chapters, however, I started to get drawn into the story by a surprisingly multifaceted, complex, and real to life set of characters. It soon became clear this was a surprisingly heartwarming and touching story that had individuals with clear cut dreams, goals, set backs, disappointments, and issues. In other words, I became totally hooked.

Glory is the type of person who is tough as nails, determined, loyal to a fault, and tenacious as they come. While her family is far from perfect, it has always been filled with love and affection. When Eli arrested Jonah he was doing his job, but to Glory it felt like a betrayal. The two have never talked about what happened and the arrest hangs between them like a barrier they can't get past. While Eli is determined to make it up to her, he needs to get her to talk to him first.The thing Glory doesn't realize is that Eli feels betrayed as well. His best friend put him in a position he never wanted to be in. 

I couldn't help but give this one 5 out or 5 roses. I fell in love with this couple, It was like watching two good friends you know are meant to be together finally get it right. Glory's journey to get noticed and gain a break in the music industry was like being on an emotional roller coaster filled with highs and lows accompanied by a lot of twists and turns. As I always say, little things (aka details) mean a lot, and this tale was jam packed with them and a gesture on Eli's part that turned the story into something special. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. A wonderful story I HIGHLY recommend.

Order of the Hellcat Canyon series: