In Jesus' Name (Revealing Jesus Project) - Darlene Zschech

In Jesus' Name (Revealing Jesus Project) - Darlene Zschech

BOOK REVIEW- THE LEGEND by Donna Grant

A LONE STAR LOVER

They live to protect. They live to fight for honor and justice. They live to love the women who have captured their souls. These are the Sons of Texas, from New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant.
In The Legend, Callie Reed doesn’t need a man to protect her. An expert sharpshooter and renegade hacker, this Texas-born spitfire’s got the skills and the courage to stand up to any danger—no matter how deadly. But when she becomes the target of a shadowy organization known as the Saints, Callie is forced to team up with the one man she can’t outshoot: the gorgeous, and infuriating, Lone Star legend named Wyatt Loughman…

A Delta Force Colonel with a rock-hard body and stone-cold heart, Wyatt has been teasing and tormenting Callie since they were playmates on his family’s ranch. Of course, he’s wildly attracted to the fiery, strong-willed Callie. But he’s always hidden his feelings behind a wall of Texas tough and military cool, even as he’s burning up with desire. Can Wyatt save Callie’s life—without putting her love in the line of fire?  AMAZON 4 STARS

Dysfunctional families, oh yes this book has it.  But Callie's family might just be the top tier of them all. With the Loughman family as a close second.  Especially Wyatt from that family. But the violent death of his mother played a huge part in that dysfunction and helped shape the man he is today. A fierce warrior who has put up so many walls that hardly anyone can get past them or at least not for long.  Callie is the only one who ever did, but to protect her and himself, he has that door firmly shut.  That doesn't mean he is totally over her but he sure makes it look that way.  He shuts her out.  He's already shut out his father and his brothers.  Mainly, he still hates his father for his mother being murdered and his father never finding the person who did it.  Yes, I know, at times I didn't think that was very rational either.  But he also lived such a dangerous life, that was another reason he was a loner.

Callie grew up in the Reed family, a bunch of low-life criminals but she wanted something better and had to fight to prove herself.  She had to fight them too because they were determined not to let her go. Wyatt's Dad, Orrin played a big part in helping her and he came to love her like a daughter.  Whether or not she got together with Wyatt or not, she became family.  Under Orrin's tutelage she became more skilled in protecting herself, and she put to use her highly skilled computer abilities.

They were both so crazy in love with each other that others around them got it but they just felt that it was a love that just couldn't be.  We got to hear each one of them in the story through their P.O.V.'s   There will be a H.E.A.  but the people they are battling aren't done with their family and friends yet.  The so far unknown to most secret organization is called The Saints and they have some nasty plans.  They have already infiltrated a lot of countries and organizations.  So this is the good guys winning the battle but there is still a war to win.  

The story has plenty of enemies (at least 3 different groups coming after them), action, frustrated romance, and really good secondary characters.  

I  received a copy of this book via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion of it.

Netgalley

BOOK REVIEW- TEXAS ROAD TRIP by Ann DeFee

Marci Hamilton is a retired kindergarten teacher. So what’s she doing running around Texas in a snazzy convertible with her flamboyant sister chasing the prize in a series of barbecue-sauce cook-offs? Sponsored by J.W. Watson, the Barbecue-A-Rama is a Texas-wide contest to discover the newest sauce. The sisters get lost on their way to the first cook-off, and J.W. Watson happens to be mending fences on his ranch when the ladies pull up asking for directions. Smitten by the blonde in the convertible, he makes the mistake of introducing himself as Johnny Walker. Not a fan of country music, Marci doesn’t know that he’s famous. 
J.W. has had one disastrous marriage and he doesn’t plan to go for a second—but that’s before he meets Marci Hamilton. Marci’s last relationship hadn’t been optimal, either. But when unusual–and sometimes dangerous–accidents start happening at the BBQ kitchens, she turns J.W. for help and the romance starts to simmer.
Can romance the second time around be hotter than a jalapeno BBQ sauce?   AMAZON 3.5 STARS

A good story with some older main characters in the lead roles.  It is a good stand alone story but I was glad that I had read the other book in the series first.  It just added a depth for me to have read,
 " A Texas State of Mind" first.  But it didn't feel like it would make it hard to follow if you didn't read it first.  There was just enough background to fill you in, without overpowering you with the past.
Marci is such a likable woman with a solid family around her.  And with a ditsy but loving sister.  Sissy is the one who dragged Marci into this whole competition thing.  And they traveled all over the place  for each parts of the competition.  Which is kind of dangerous considering how direction-ally challenged they are, especially Marci.  These different locations also gave the writer the ability to add the culture and some of the historical looks to each place.

Its amazing how long Johnny was able to pull off his well meaning scam; without getting busted right away. Of course, he did some fancy dancing around to get people to help him.  I did see that Johnny had the tendency to forget everything when some crisis comes up.  Happened more than once and it got him in hot water especially with Marci.  

There are several twists and surprises towards the end of the book; people with their own agendas.
There will be a H.E.A. but not before some groveling gets done.


I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion of it.

Steve Hannett - Sid Roth - It's SupernaturalSid Roth – It's Supernatural

Steve Hannett - Sid Roth - It's SupernaturalSid Roth – It's Supernatural



Steve Hannett says your breakthrough, your healing, your miracle is just a breath away. Steve says that ANY believer in Jesus can be healed of ANYTHING if you get connected with heaven! And he wants to connect you.

How to Hear God Speak in Your Dreams | Mark Virkler

Framed Puff Crochet Stitch - Right Handed Crochet Tutorial

Dallas Holm - Rise Again with Lyrics

On My Knees by Jaci Velasquez

BOOK REVIEW- SWEET LITTLE LIES , a Heartbreaker Bay Novel by Jill Shalvis

(A standalone Heartbreaker Bay novel)

Choose the one guy you can’t have . . .

As captain of a San Francisco Bay tour boat, Pru can handle rough seas—the hard part is life on dry land. Pru loves her new apartment and her neighbors; problem is, she’s in danger of stumbling into love with Mr. Right for Anybody But Her.

Fall for him—hard . . .

Pub owner Finn O’Riley is six-foot-plus of hard-working hottie who always makes time for his friends. When Pru becomes one of them, she discovers how amazing it feels to be on the receiving end of that deep green gaze. But when a freak accident involving darts (don’t ask) leads to shirtless first aid, things rush way past the friend zone. Fast.

And then tell him the truth.

Pru only wants Finn to be happy; it’s what she wishes for at the historic fountain that’s supposed to grant her heart’s desire. But wanting him for herself is a different story—because Pru’s been keeping a secret that could change everything. . . .AMAZON 4.5 STARS

I really liked this book.  And it's true to its description when it claims to be a stand-alone novel.
Pru had almost NO filter but it wasn't in a offensive, nasty way.  It was in a Hilarious way!  I grinned and laughed out loud more than once.  And she was PURE heart.  She cared about people so deeply and carried such a grief over the injustice done to people because of her parents.  She went above and beyond any duty to make sure they were all okay.
Finn is definitely all right/okay according to the picture painted of him.  I'm talking about his looks and his body being said to be top notch.  The rest of his life?  Work, work and more work.  He was basically working himself into the ground.  He spent many hours working in the bar with his fun-loving brother Sean.  the emphasis being on fun,  on Sean's part.  Finn was a great guy and I enjoyed his personality and his honorable way of living his life.  Finn might not have much family left other than his brother but his "crew" of friends have become part of his family.  With both male and female members, who were unique and  often funny too. They may have his back but they weren't slow when it came to needling him.

Thor is Pru's dog, who is like no other and a hoot all on his own.  He added a lot of smiles all on his own with some of his antics.
Jake also added drama all of his own to the story.  He is Pru's boss and friend.  And his often vocal conscience.  He also said some pretty funny things too and they happened out of the blue, which kind of blindsided me.  Other members that added to the fun were Mrs. Winslow.  She felt because of her age, nothing was off limits to say.  Funny but also unexpectedly wise in some of her statements.

I will say that at least one point or another, it felt like the story dragged a little bit.  I think it had to do with some of the dragging of the feet about the "lies."  Felt like it went on a little bit too long.

On last thing.  Once sex happens, there is a LOT of it.  It's well done but something to consider for some of us.

There is a peek into another book, "Accidentally on Purpose".   It delves into the Archer and Elle and their story.  There is also a couple of other previews too.

Kenneth Copeland Ministries - Feed Your Faith for Increase

Kenneth Copeland Ministries - Feed Your Faith for Increase

Watch Gloria Copeland and George Pearsons 
on the BVOV broadcast
as they share how to feed your faith
for spiritual, physical and financial benefits.

Cheri Keaggy-- There Will Be One Day

O God of comfort, comfort me

Comfort me in this suffering

I need to know you in this grief

O God of comfort, comfort me

O God of everything that breaths

They say you are the God who sees

So I am standing in belief

That in this moment you see me

There will be one day when there will be no more tears to wipe away

There will be one day when there will be no more death to navigate

But until then we are Your children

Your love cannot forsake

There will be one day when there will be no more tears to wipe away

O God of sun and star and moon

When this old earth has felt its doom

You'll find me clinging to the truth

That You are making all things new

O God of love what love we've known

Mercy keeps falling from Your throne

Still we are waiting for that trumpet blow

When You will come to call us home

There will be one day when there will be no more tears to wipe away

There will be one day when there will be no more death to navigate

But until then we are Your children

Your love cannot forsake

There will be one day when there will be no more tears

There will be peace just like a river

Joy like we've never known

We all will be delivered

When we get home, home

Home, home

When we get home, home

When we get home

There will be one day when there will be no more tears to wipe away

There will be one day when there will be no more death to navigate

There will be one day when there will be no more tears to wipe away

There will be one day when there will be no more death to navigate

There will be one day when there will be no more tears to wipe away

There will be one day when there will be no more death to navigate

Bryan Adams - (Everything I Do) I Do It For You

Bryan Adams - (Everything I Do) I Do It For You

Jesus Culture - Fierce (Live/Lyrics And Chords) ft. Chris Quilala

"Come Alive (Dry Bones)" featuring Lauren Daigle - Live from the Centric...

You Have My Surrender featuring Lauren Daigle - Official Lyric Video

How to crochet a pretty mixed stripe blanket / afghan / throw tutorial

How To Crochet Baby Waves Afghan

Dog passes out from overwhelming joy | #CaseyTheDog

Warriors Don't see Obstacles, They see something else- Graham Cooke

Given the right mindset, everything that occurs to us in life is an opportunity.19

The temptation is usually to see things in terms of being positive or negative. We tend to focus on the favor and blessings that God gives us, and wish we could ignore all the obstacles and challenges.

This is because the positive and the negative are creations of our brains, causing us to choose how we perceive and classify our situations. By default, we want to avoid obstacles, but what if they are challenging, in the best and most brilliant meaning of that word? As in…

Obstacles set out a challenge for us to rise to in Christ.

They challenge us to increase our capacity for God’s fullness and reliance on His Spirit.

The truth of the matter is that we are in Christ, learning to become more like Him. That’s our identity in the Kingdom: followers of Christ, subject to the furious love of God.

We are warriors; we are men and women who overcome: we do not simply endure, we rise up and overwhelm.22

We have been provided with a place in the Kingdom, a place on high by the side of the Father, and we rise up to claim that place.

This is the beginning of a spiritual journey with God, where we will experience His nature. We’ll meet the fulness of God, the joy of His anointing, embrace His kindness and favor, and come to know His incredible rest.

This journey will be filled with obstacles, but they are actually good for us.

Adversity is opportunity in disguise.

There’s no spiritual cache in overcoming when it’s easy, and each one of these stressful situations is specifically designed to provide a maturing experience in Christ.

We need to grow up to be the people that God knows we can be, and these confrontational circumstances are part of the ongoing conversation with Him that allows us to catch a glimpse of those people: to see how He sees, discover how He thinks, and sense His perception of us.

So today, I invite you to have a conversation with the Kingdom about your current obstacles and challenges.

If interested in dialoguing with the Holy Spirit, here are three key questions to ask:

What is the obstacle intended for?

What is its purpose?

What can be released to me in the examination of this latest challenge?

Listen to what the Father is intending to give you through your conversation. His vision for your journey isn’t just about the direction you intended to take, but also about the height at which you are intended to travel.

He wants your experience in Christ to elevate you to your seat with Him in Heavenly places. He is so excited for you to see everything in your life as being designed to specifically assist you in becoming something magnificent!   LINK

Ana Werner - Sid Roth - It's SupernaturalSid Roth – It's Supernatural

Ana Werner - Sid Roth - It's SupernaturalSid Roth – It's Supernatural

Ana Werner

Ana Werner says the veil between heaven and earth is getting thinner. It's why we hear of many people having visitations to and from Heaven. Ana's taught many people how to look into the invisible world - seeing angels! What about you?

Tim Sheets - Sid Roth - It's SupernaturalSid Roth – It's Supernatural

Tim Sheets - Sid Roth - It's SupernaturalSid Roth – It's Supernatural


Tim Sheets says God has released more angels on Planet Earth than ever before in history. They've come for a move of God's Spirit and to partner with you! Tim says it's time to mobilize yours.

Kevin Zadai - Sid Roth - It's SupernaturalSid Roth – It's Supernatural

Kevin Zadai - Sid Roth - It's SupernaturalSid Roth – It's Supernatural

Kevin Zadai During surgery Kevin Zadai found himself on the other side of the veil watching the doctor trying to revive his lifeless body. Jesus appeared to him in the operating room and revealed that every person who knows the Lord has a God package inside of them! What has God given you?

Real Life - May 1, 2017

Jerame Nelson - Sid Roth - It's SupernaturalSid Roth – It's Supernatural

Jerame Nelson - Sid Roth - It's SupernaturalSid Roth – It's Supernatural


Jerame Nelson has learned how to partner with angels for creative miracles and he says any true believer can learn how. That applies to EVERY promise you can find in your Bible, and Jerame gives you the keys!

Dr. Michael Brown - Sid Roth - It's SupernaturalSid Roth – It's Supernatural

Dr. Michael Brown - Sid Roth - It's SupernaturalSid Roth – It's Supernatural

Dr. Michael Brown God showed Dr. Michael Brown how to "marry" the natural with the supernatural to live healthy and love it! You'll look better, feel better and live better when you change your relationship with food.

BOOK REVIEW- THE WEDDING (Lairds' Fiancees Book 2) by Julie Garwood

Journeying from England to Scotland, Lady Brenna has resigned herself to an arranged match with a highlander. But when a band of fierce, painted warriors captures her en route, she fearlessly meets their demand to instead marry their leader—her betrothed’s sworn enemy—the quick-tempered Connor MacAlister. 
 
Brenna harbors no illusions that her husband is in love with her, but their shared past gives her hope. Maybe the laird who once visited her father’s castle and charmed her with a dazzling, unexpected smile remains underneath Connor’s stern exterior. 
 
But as she sets out to win the man whom she has come to adore, a legacy of revenge ensnares Brenna in a furious clan war—and only her faith in her new husband can save her...  AMAZON 5 STARS

Includes an excerpt of another beloved Julie Garwood highland romance, The Bride



Loved this book.  Maybe a more accurate way of putting it is that I fell in love with Brenna and she made the story so worth reading.  I could hardly wait to see what would come out of her mouth or what she would do next.  She was one unusual child and that trait followed her through to adulthood.  She isn't even aware of how beautiful she is.  Not only does her beauty stun people but her ways do too.  
Connor had no idea what he was getting into when it came to Brenna.  Although he had met her as a young child, that should have been warning enough.  I lost count how many times, I either laughed or had a smile on my face.   
Connor was an interesting man as well.  He grew up hard; brutally losing his father and home at a really young age.  I had to shake my head a time or two when it came to his arrogant statements and feelings that after a time Brenna "would settle in."  Translation?  
That Brenna would be the model wife...compliant, doing things his way without comment or question.  Yeah, right!  But it does provide a lot of funny situations.  
It's not all fun and games though.  There is war, enemies and hidden enemies too.  Some violent attacks too. Romance, action, friendships and treachery.

Also has a really good group of secondary people; who add a whole lot to the enjoyment of the story.
All in all, a story I wouldn't mind reading more than once.  

BOOK REVIEW- A TEXAS STATE OF MIND (Port Serenity Series Book 1) by Ann DeFee

Police Chief Lolly LaTullipe’s professional life runs amuck when dead drug dealers start floating up on the beach. Port Serenity, Texas is known for bird watchers and bikini clad co-eds–not murder and mayhem. Lolly’s situation becomes even more complicated when a sexy undercover narcotics cop shows up eliciting thoughts of rumpled sheets and hot summer nights. This single mom of two is afraid she’s in way over her head.
Christian Delacroix is jaded from years in drug enforcement and the appealing police chief has him reassessing his priorities and future. Is he ready for this small town with its cast of eccentric characters. And is he prepared for Lolly LaTulippe with her white-picket-fence life complete with a close-knit family and circle of friends? Not to mention her big shaggy dog and all the complications of life with a teenager.
Are diapers, PTA meetings and football games in this cop’s future?   AMAZON  3.5 STARS


This book starts out in a "stunning" way.  And you are right if you think this has a double meaning!  
Lolly is a good solid character with a flaky ex-husband and several children.  They just add to the general chaos of trying to find out who is sending frozen floaters to her town.  And what a twist its going to be when they find out the "who" and the "why" of it.   
Lolly not only has a "flaky" ex but she has some lovable but strange relatives .  Her friends have her back and add their own flavor of 
good- natured craziness. 
Christian is a good guy who when he is around Lolly lets his playfulness out and it starts the trouble in their first meeting. Christian is also an honest, hardworking, undercover cop.  
I enjoyed the friendship between Christian and his co-worker, C.J.  They had worked together so much and knew each other so well that they often knew what the other was going to do.  A well oiled team.  
C.J. was a charmer of course, and I liked him as well.  I was glad to see that he got his own book, as seen in the Excerpt "Texas Born" at the end of this book.  Yes, he was going to need his own book because he sure messed things up with Olivia in a major way.  That was another twist in this book. 

I Don't Want To Move

BOOK REVIEW- WINGS OF THE WIND by Connilyn Cossette

Alanah, a Canaanite, is no stranger to fighting and survival. When her family is killed in battle with the Hebrews, she disguises herself and sneaks onto the battlefield to avenge her family. The one thing she never counted on was surviving. 
Tobiah, a Hebrew warrior, is shocked to find an unconscious, wounded woman among the Canaanite casualties. Compelled to bring her to a Hebrew healer back at their camp, he is soon confronted with a truth he can't ignore: the only way to protect this enemy is to marry her.

Unused to being weak and vulnerable, Alanah submits to the marriage--for now. As she comes to know and respect Tobiah and his people, however, she begins to second-guess her plans of escape. But when her past has painfully unanticipated consequences, the tentative peace she's found with Tobiah, the Hebrews, and Yahweh is shaken to the core. Can Alanah's fierce heart and strength withstand the ensuing threats to her life and all she's come to love?  AMAZON 5 STARS


What a great book, I almost don't know where to start.  I enjoyed the dramatic start to the book. The main characters first meeting was as interesting as the book blurb promised.  In fact the whole book was even better than I had hoped. Bravo!
 Alanah was an outstanding character in this book.  Her father had raised her as a warrior alongside her brothers and she had learned to work hard and to be strong.  Good thing.  She was going to need that strength and more.  Tobiah was also someone that I enjoyed so much as he rescued Alanah and as he dealt with her from there on.  He was a huge fierce warrior but he also had such gentleness and caring towards others as well.  He was a man of honor and fiercely loyal to Yahweh and his teachings.  It also showed more than once, Tobiah's reverence for obeying Yahweh and not to be found in rebellion.  He knew what rebellion brought first hand.  And that obedience ended up saving his life more than once as we read the story. 

It was so good to watch the slow transformation in Alanah as she began to see how different the Hebrews were when it came to valuing life and how they followed such goodness and protection towards the women in their families.  This was so different that what she was used to and had seen before in other cultures. One thing that was surprising was that she had been around other gods but she had come to the understanding of how vile the worship was of them was. She basically felt that they took everything and gave back nothing.

I found it interesting that she had a thirty day period in which to decide if she would go or stay as Tobiah's wife.  And some of the things she had to do to conform to being in the camp of what she considered the camp of her enemies, were sometimes eyebrow raising.  Not harmful but surprising.  
It's not all about Alanah and her struggle to adjust to the Hebrew camp, although some of her battles were emotional, mental, and spiritual.  But there are also real physical battles that have to be fought by the  Hebrew men to take the land.  

I can't even begin to go into all of the other secondary people in the story, they added so much to the story.  Not in an overwhelming way either.  
I liked how the Epilogue (which I always look forward to) gave another look into the "why" of this title.  Nice touch.


I received a copy of this book via Bethany House and this is my honest opinion of it

BOOK REVIEW- SUMMER RIPTIDE by Barbara Lohr

Mandy comes home to forget…until Kevin, now a war veteran, helps her remember. Ten years ago high school sweethearts Mandy and Kevin had the whole world. Divorce and three tours of duty have stolen their dreams. In this heart warming novella romance, beach picnics, lake sunsets and moonlit swims help Mandy and Kevin heal the past so they can face the future.

A lot has changed when Mandy Klavis returns to Gull Harbor. Voted the girl most likely to succeed, she’s discovered marriage and a city career didn’t deliver. Kevin Corbin, her high school boyfriend, knows all about responsibility. Following three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, the star quarterback now struggles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Instead of a wife, he has a one-eyed dog named Rufus.

But Kevin’s still smoking hot -- a good-hearted man with a sweet smile. When he stops in her family bakery for a raspberry kolache, unsettling memories come flooding back. Together they explore summer in Gull Harbor, the way it used to be. The lake provides carefree refuge but a hidden danger could end their dreams.   AMAZON 4 STARS


A good feel good, summer story.  Don't get me wrong, it's not all about feeling good.  Both main characters are suffering from damages.  I liked both of them and I also appreciated the way the author  described some of the things about Michigan.  She painted a really good picture of the area and even the sometimes  unpredictable weather was pretty good. I also liked how "summer people" were explained.  
When I read in the book blurb about danger I went, "huh?)  but when it came, it wasn't exactly what I had expected but it was good.  A surprise for sure. 

On a side note, I had no idea what kolaches were when it came to the bakery, so I had to look it up.  

And here are some pictures to help.  The second picture probably gives a more accurate idea of the actual size.







I received a copy of this book and this is my opinion of it.

BOOK REVIEW- A TEXAS SECOND CHANCE by AnnDeFee

Evil is lurking in Port Serenity, Texas. This idyllic town is known as a beach playground for sun worshippers and bird watchers—not murder and mayhem in the real estate development community. 
Zack Maynard is a California homicide cop on administrative leave who arrives to investigate the vandalism occurring on a project owned by his family business. His first meeting with Liza Henderson— the project manager in charge of the Blackwater Lake development—is more like a Monty Python comedy skit than a business meeting. She’s a widow with an extended family of eccentric characters and definitely not a typical Texas Rose. In spite of the wacky situation, she’s the first woman in years to jump-start his libido.
Can love blossom in this small town with its underground of nefarious characters? And will the good guys win? Absolutely! AMAZON 4 STARS

A fun read. 
What an interesting start to the book.  Our two main characters are having a day from hell even BEFORE they meet.  And it doesn't get all that much better immediately after.  It made for some laughs as well as a smidgen of sympathy for the "trials" each had gone through that day.  They are exhausted, hungry, aggravated and just want to wash up and go to bed.  Separately.  Well, at least at this point anyway. There is an attraction to deal with but there are plenty of other things on their plate to deal with.  
 They made for two good main characters.  With a crazy cast of secondary characters too.  Small town USA with all its beauty and quirks too.  
When anything upsets  tiny Liza's apple-cart she called in the rest of her wild support team.  Her twin sister, Maizie (who looks nothing like her and her cousin,  Sunny (when she is available).  
It was cute to to hear Zack describe Liza as a gorgeous pixie.  And the imp in him liked to rile her up and watch the firebrand temper of hers loose.  
For a "quiet" small town, there sure were more "things" going on that anyone had any idea about.  There will be romance, action and mysteries that will be solved.  At least one that is a six year old one.
There will be a H.E.A, for us romance lovers.
I felt like the romance could have been a bit deeper but the friendship between Zack and Liza did show up pretty clearly. You could see that they developed having each other's backs pretty quickly too. 



“I received this book as an ARC” and this is my honest opinion of it. 

BOOK REVIEW- PLAYING FOR KEEPS by Alix Nichols

He remembers everything... except the first thirty years of his life.
~ ~
Sports star-turned-coach Lucas Delaunay has no recollection of his past, despite his parents' and friends' efforts to help him. Every month of his life is accounted for. Mementos from the birthdays he celebrated, the games he played, and the women he dated fill Lucas's mind, amounting to hundreds of memories.

Shame they aren't his.

Now the founder of a Paris water polo club, Lucas's ambition is to take his team to the European and World arenas. He wants them on the podium even more than he wants to remember his past.

Enter Isabelle Ferrand, a young publicist hired to land sponsors and fundraise for the club. A few years back, Isabelle was a poloist herself. She was also a friend. Just a friend, until she fell out with him for reasons she claims she can no longer recall. But everyone--Isabelle included--insists Lucas regarded her as a sister.

Not anymore, he doesn't.

Every night, he dreams of her naked and panting beneath him. Her taste, her smell, the way her breasts fill his palms... Every morning he wakes up rock hard, groping for her in his empty bed.

With desire spinning out of control, Lucas struggles with his own non-fraternizing policy. But he must know if he hungers for Isabelle because amnesia has changed his taste in women, or if there is something she isn't telling him.

And if she might be the key to unlocking his past.   AMAZON 4.5.STARS


Wow, what a way to start a book.  And wow, way to start to hate the "hero", well at least the main character Lucas.  Wasn't sure how that was going to change.   It was interesting how that came about. 
I really enjoyed the book and it's probably my favorite of this series so far. The story idea itself I thought was interesting and I'm glad that I didn't regret reading it.  It could have gone south but I don't think it did.
I liked how the story unfolded when it came to memories and what Lucas can recover about that past.  He's not going to like all of what he finds out. 
 Isabelle oh yes, a good character and she definitely deserved better than Lucas.  Well at least the old Lucas that is. 
You know things are going to work out but the road is going to get a little bit rough.  
Good Epilogue is included with a surprise twist; a happy surprise.  




At the end of the book is a 4 Chapter look into another of her books, "Find You in Paris."


I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.

BOOK REVIEW- HEARTBREAK AND HONOR by Collette Cameron

Abducted by a band of renegade Scots, Highland gypsy Tasara Faas blackens her rescuer’s eye when the charming duke attempts to steal a kiss. Afterward, Tasara learns she’s the long-lost heiress Alexandra Atterberry and is expected to take her place among the elite society she’s always disdained.

Lucan, the Duke of Harcourt, promised his gravely ill mother he’d procure a wife by Christmastide, but intrigued by the feisty lass he saved in Scotland, he finds the haut ton ladies lacking. Spying Alexa at a London ball, he impulsively decides to mgood and evil ake the knife-wielding gypsy his bride despite her aversion to him and her determination to return to the Highlands. 

The adversary responsible for Alexa’s disappearance as a toddler still covets her fortune and joins forces with Harcourt’s arch nemesis. Amidst a series of suspicious misfortunes, Lucan endeavors to win Alexa’s love and expose the conspirators but only succeeds in reaffirming Alexa’s belief that she is inadequate to become his duchess.  AMAZON 4 STARS


I liked this story; it kept me involved.  Both Lucan and Alexa were really good main characters and their was a good cast of both evil and good people in the story too.  Plenty of action mixed in with some interesting twists and turns.  It was amazing how many people cared deeply for Alexa.  Her aunt and uncle to name two.  Also her younger brother and sister, who we got to see a few brief times.  They did lighten things when we did get to see them.  She managed to win many people over pretty quickly because of her spunky but kind ways. But of course her elevation in status also drew out her enemies as well as the snotty ton who were just looking for reasons to snub her.  Any juicy gossip would do the job.  
 And of course there are at least 2 men who are trying to involve her in a scandal for their benefit. 
Alexa's step-mother was something else, you could tell she was insincere and looking out for herself but unsure if she is evil or not.  

Her beauty is one thing that caught Lucian's eye but she also fascinated him as well.  Even coming from such different backgrounds they really did fit together well.  And Alexa finds him not only easy to talk to and be around but also charming and easy on the eyes.  

Good ending, epilogue and H.E.A.  

BOOK REVIEW- LOVE OF A LIFETIME by Carol Voss

A childhood love…
Maggie McGuire can’t remember when she didn’t love Tony Stefano. Growing up together in the rolling hills and forests outside Noah’s Crossing, Wisconsin, the two had been inseparable, spending sunny summer days swimming in Rainbow Lake and rainy ones huddled in her treehouse sharing the best secrets. Tony was Maggie’s closest friend, and as teenagers, one day their friendship blossomed into more.

Torn apart by time…
Run out of town by a vengeful sheriff, Tony disappeared to parts unknown, leaving Maggie devastated and with a secret she couldn’t share. Ten years later, after Tony’s grandmother falls ill, he rides back into Maggie’s life on his Harley, as if nothing has changed. Something Maggie only wishes were true because although it’s too late, she knows she must tell him he’s a father, and there’s no way to do that without breaking his heart… and risking her own.   AMAZON 3.5 STARS


I liked although its not a favorite , it was still good.  It had good main characters with good secondary ones as well.  It was emotional, and the problems were real.  So many misunderstandings between Tony and his grandmother.  Tony had a lot of anger to work through and he definitely had to learn to stop running when things got too emotional for him.  And in this story he finally does.  He also gets to see the problems that his running helped make. 
Maggie looks like she had a lot of responsibility on her shoulders; which she lovingly accepted. 
For me, the story seemed to drag a few times and caused me to give it a lower rating.  

Not Today Lyric Video -- Hillsong UNITED

BOOK REVIEW- THE VAMPIRE'S SPELL (Taken by the Night) by Lucy Lyons

Caroline has been a ward of the Venatores lamiae (vampire hunters) ever since a vampire brutally murdered her parents in front of her as a toddler. On vacation with David, her best friend and secret crush, Caroline gets separated from her friends. All alone, she’s overpowered and kidnapped by a vampire to serve as a gift to his master.

Terrified at first that her fate will be the same as her parents, Caroline slowly comes to realize not all vampires are as deadly as Venatores have taught her. The master is genteel and kind. Despite his great power, he lets her speak freely and teaches her about the secret pact between their peoples.

Caroline learns to question the hate that has fueled her all her life, but, also discovers that David has been taken. Not protected by Nicholas, he’s been tortured by the same vampire that took her, the master’s own brother. For her, there is no choice. David is her brother and her best friend. She offers herself freely. No longer as a prisoner, but a willing student of the master, she faces the Venatores when they invade the master’s lair.

Her love for her people makes her a willing sacrifice to save them all. But, her growing affection for Nicholas, Master of the City, gives her the strength to face her own unique power. She must make a choice between the lives she is offered. Now, with growing faith in her own abilities and the ardor of a master vampire, the choice she makes will be her own.  AMAZON  4.5 STARS

Surprisingly, pretty good. When I picked it, I had hopes that I would like it and that it wouldn't disappoint. There were twists and turns in the story which I liked. 
There were good characters in the story and a pretty good look into who they were considering the length of the book. Good and evil in both camps; pretty realistic . David, Caroline's foster brother was quite the surprise in the end.  So was the end (a this point) book. 
 I liked that if you wanted you could end the book right there and be satisfied.  But also if you wanted to continue there are more adventures to be had in following books. 

BOOK REVIEW- Accidentally on Purpose: A Heartbreaker Bay Novel by Jill Shalvis

 

(A standalone Heartbreaker Bay novel)

There’s no such thing as a little in love . . .

Elle Wheaton’s priorities: friends, career, and kick-ass shoes. Then there’s the muscular wall of stubbornness that’s security expert Archer Hunt—who comes before everything else. No point in telling Mr. “Feels-Free Zone” that, though. Elle will just see other men until she gets over Archer . . . which should only take a lifetime . . . 

There’s no such thing as a little in lust . . .

Archer’s wanted the best for Elle ever since he sacrificed his law-enforcement career to save her. Their chemistry could start the next San Francisco earthquake and he craves her 24/7, but Archer doesn’t want to be responsible for the damage. The alternative? Watch her go out with guys who aren’t him . . .

There is such a thing as . . .

As far as Archer’s concerned, nobody is good enough for Elle. But when he sets out to prove it by sabotaging her dates, she gets mad—and things get hot as hell. Now Archer has a new mission: prove to Elle that her perfect man has been here all along . . .AMAZON  5 STARS

Loved it.  GREAT main characters and plenty of trouble that needs to be solved.    I'm not sure that I have read anything by this author before but I'm already on the outlook for another one.  

Some of the conversations between Elle ad Archer were hilarious and spunky.  That is when Elle could get more than a few words out of Archer.  Great supporting cast of fellow workers and friends.  

I really enjoyed some of the men who she was friends with who basically said that she was gorgeous but kind  of scary.  She was really good friends with Spence but even he knew when to tread carefully. 

I liked the dual P.O.V's and also liked that they didn't rehash scene by scene with each person..  I have read other books that do that and its not a favorite of mine.   This one flowed nicely.  

I really laughed about some of the conversations overheard on the comms.

The book had an active ending with a good Epilogue.  I like this series so far and want to read more about the secondary characters from this book.  I want their stories....Spence's story will be out in the Fall of 2017 (Chasing Christmas Eve) and I want to read that one too.

There is also a peek into another book that has already hooked my interest and its not even out yet until later in the month.  I just put "Lost and Found Sisters by Jill Shalvis" on my wishlist.  

  

BOOK REVIEW-SEAL GUARDIAN by Leslie North

Ex-Navy SEAL Jace Stevens has never shied away from trouble and with the madman framing the Brothers-in-Arms for murder still on the loose, Jace is ready to put an end to the killing for good. Only one person stands in his way: a tough-as-nails FBI agent who suddenly won’t let Jace out of her sight. But the dark-haired beauty is more than just a complication. Jace can sense there’s something special beneath her buttoned-up exterior, and he can’t wait to get his hands on it. 

FBI agent Felicity Belasko always gets her man, and this case should be no different. She knows the SEAL suicides are really murders, and she’s sure there’s a connection to the Brothers-in-Arms. But are they suspects…or potential victims? When her investigation leads to Jace Stevens, she can tell the blond troublemaker is masking something even more dangerous. He wants to stop the killer on his own, but Felicity can’t let that happen. Wickedly handsome Jace may be making her wild, but she always plays by the rules.

As the heat flares between them, a killer plots his next move. Can Felicity and Jace find a way to work together, or will a madman continue to get away with murder?  AMAZON 3.5 STARS

Good main characters with like the book blurb says a "madman" as their arch enemy.  He's not just a madman but he's crazy smart.  Paranoid, sneaky with some unexpected funds and control over some powerful people.    And if that's not enough, he also has some military training and the patience to plan and carry out his evil    
Jace and Felicity are tough "guys" in their own areas of expertise but there is also the family like atmosphere that Jace has with his fellow Brothers-in-Arms and their girlfriends.

Heads up there will be some rough language; we are talking former Seals here and there will be some sex too.   Just in case you wanted to know. 
There are some twists and turns along with some predictable parts as well.
But hang on because there is a "slamming" good ending to the book.  
I always look for an Epilogue in a book and this one had a satisfying one. 


I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and this was my honest opinion of it.

BOOK REVIEW- INVINCIBLE by Joan Johnston

Wealthy aristocrat Bella Benedict has one last wish: to see her five estranged children happily married. But one of her sons, Max Benedict, has no interest in long-term commitment. Instead, he travels the world, working as a sometime spy for the CIA but mostly cementing his reputation as a rich playboy. When he's asked to investigate a foreign threat against the president, he doesn't think twice about accepting—until he hears who he'll be working with in London.

FBI Special Agent Kristin Lassiter is under investigation and on the verge of losing everything—her savings, her job, her beloved father. So when Bella Benedict approaches her with an offer to pay her mounting debts, she's tempted to accept. But there's a catch, and a big one. Bella wants Kristin to win the heart of her playboy son Max—the very man who broke Kristin's heart years ago and is unaware that he fathered her nine-year-old daughter. If Kristin succeeds, she'll get the money she needs. But can she win Max's heart without falling back in love with him?   AMAZON  4 STARS

I liked this story.  It had really good characters and plenty of plots and misunderstandings.  Not everything was as it seems and that includes Bella.  She just might not be as "evil" as she has been painted. There is a lot of mysteries with just Bella all on her own.  Although she hasn't been much of an involved mother to her children, there was some insight about that but not a lot. 

Kristin and Max had their fair share of misunderstandings and a pretty serious one with unexpected consequences when they were teenagers. There were some interesting secondary people in the story and I enjoyed the book overall.

One of the unexpected consequences was a 9 year old daughter (Felicity) that Max never knew about.  She was one whip smart, super talented, blunt talking but fun kid.
Another interesting person was Emily, Bella's assistant and confidant. Bella has future plans to see Emily happily married as well.  It made me wonder who she would end up with and if it would be a surprise attraction between Emily and one of Bella's remaining sons.  It also made me wonder how that would work out.
There will be a hard fought for H.E.A. and an outing of the villains of the piece.  With some unexpected twists and turns thrown in to add to it. 

This is the cover for the version of the book I read: