BOOK REVIEW- CLOSE TO THE EDGE by Dawn Ryder

They are part of an elite unit. On task. Off grid. These are the men of the Shadow Ops task force. Be seduced and thrilled by Close to the Edge, the next Unbroken Heroes novel by Dawn Ryder.

HOW FAR WILL ONE MAN GO

Jenna Henson always plays it safe. It’s what has gotten her through all these years . So she never expected to end up in arm-to-arm combat with a gorgeous, muscle bound mercenary named Dare…

Agent Dare Servant lives for the thrill of the chase, the adrenaline high. He’s fully committed to his job, fully armed, and full-on dangerous. But when innocent, irresistible Jenna Henson walks in on his latest mission, the need to keep her safe becomes all-consuming.

TO PROTECT THE WOMAN HE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?

Jenna’s captured the attention of Dare’s deadliest enemies, and with a target on her back, she needs Dare’s protection. But being Jenna’s bodyguard might be his hardest challenge yet. How can he keep her safe when he longs to take her in his arms and never let her go?

#CloseToTheEdge #NetGalley

 AMAZON 3.5 STARS

This was very much an adult story. It was intense with spots of sarcastic humor.  Most of the sarcastic humor coming from Jenna; who owns up to having no filter.  Even in the dangerous encounters with Dare, she looks him in the eye and lets loose on him. All in all, a pretty gutsy lady.  And she's going to have to be.

Dare is all tough guy with a mission to complete  and no time to get involved with a beautiful, smart woman who accidentally got in the way.  He puts on his "stone face" and just tries to muscle his way through things.   That doesn't fool Jenna for long but she does hover between thinking he's jerk and at other times a hunk.  They do know how to push each others buttons.  And unbutton each others buttons later on.  There will be a fair amount of that and some pretty detailed sex scenes.

Jenna's life spins so far out of her own control after being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Just when you think that things can't get any worse for her, they do.  Dare and his team are doing their best to protect their "witness".  Dare is also trying not to commit the so-called "fatal error."  That was what it was called when someone like him began to care about her, "the package."  They tried to distance themselves from people under their "care" by making seem less personal.  He is having a hard time of it though because he does like and admire her spunk and her in-your-face attitude.  You can almost tell he's not going to win this battle.  

Some of the writing made me smile with the way it was phrased. But that is good because some of the rest of the story is pretty dark.  Many parts made me cringe.  

This story only has some of it completed, it looks like the adventure will continue into another book.  The adventure where several sets of powerful bad guys meet justice. 

I gave it 3.5 Stars on Amazon.  While I liked the adventure and interaction of Jenna and Dare and even some of the team members. Some of the violence and sexual abuse made it harder to read.   

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

BOOK REVIEW- THE FIRST KISS OF SPRING by Emily March

Life could be a dream...

Goal-oriented and gorgeous, Caitlin Timberlake's dreams took her to the top of the corporate ladder in New York City. Now years later, her goals have changed. She wants to come home to Eternity Springs and build a business and a family of her own—with the new man in town. So what if sexy mechanic Josh Tarkington wants nothing more than a fling? Caitlin is a patient woman who knows how to work hard and strategize to win what she desires. She desires Josh. Unfortunately, he has other plans.

If only things were different...

Josh craves Caitlin and all she has to offer. However, he is a man with secrets. He has worked hard to overcome his tragic past, but he's afraid to risk having a future because he knows trouble is never very far away. When a selfless act brings that trouble to his door, he stands to lose everything he cares about—including Caitlin. Will her love and the healing magic of Eternity Springs be enough to save him?

#TheFirstKissOfSpring #NetGalley

AMAZON 4 STARS

I have to say that at first I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book or not.  But I do have to say that the way that Josh and Caitlin met was definitely an attention-getter.  Not exactly the normal way that one might expect. 

I also have to add that it was a bit confusing about who was writing the Journey Entries and I didn't like that so much.   But it the Journal Entry before Chapter 7 makes it pretty clear who is doing the writing. 
As the book went on, I did find it quirky and often funny.  Don't get me wrong there has also been a lot of tragedy in Josh's life as well.  And it has colored most of his life, since he now feels like a trouble magnet.  He just thinks that fate/luck whatever you want to call it is all bad for him. 
Caitlin was such a loving, caring person and it was easy to like her.  I had a bit of trouble liking her parents at first because man were they ever pushy with her.  Here she is a thirty year old independent woman and it seemed like they had WAY too much to say about how she lived her life.  After awhile it was evident though that they did love her and they did back off some.   Her father though did everything he could to try to steer her away from Josh but she could see what he was doing and didn't let him get away with much.  
The secondary people in the book are good and Celeste, was one of the best.  She was believed by most of the town to be a wise woman with words that helped cause change or helped people go through changes  in their lives.  Her last conversation with Josh was funny although he did most of talking. 
If you are looking for a book that has humor, romance, struggle, family, good community and emotion this books provides it.  

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

BOOK REVIEW- COLLISION POINT by Lora Leigh

From #1 bestselling author Lora Leigh comes Collision Point, part of the thrilling Brute Force series—packed with powerful men, steely women, and explosive passion.

SHE’S NOTHING BUT TROUBLE
Riordan Malone is more than a bodyguard. As an Elite Ops agent, he’s ripped, raged, and ready to rumble—a true warrior, inside and out. But no war zone can compare to the battle in Rory’s heart when he lays eyes on the only woman he’s ever loved—and thought he had lost forever. . .

HE’S EVERYTHING SHE NEEDS 
As the daughter of a crime lord, Amara Resnova has endured the cruelty of her father’s enemies—and has tried to escape that world ever since. Now, she must reach out to the one man who saved her life, even if she’s never forgiven him for breaking her heart. But Amara is tougher today than she was then. She’s also more desirable to Rory—and dangerous to love. Can he protect her from her father’s enemies without surrendering to his own passions…or will love seal their fate for good?  AMAZON 4 STARS

#CollisionPoint #NetGalley

This is a book filled with action, intrigue, betrayal, angst, heartbreak, passion, desire and undying love and sex. In other words, a very adult story.  I liked this story but had some reservations about it. I liked the connection that Riordan and Amara had that had an almost magical element to it.  I liked the Irish explanation of what the Malone men were like when they found their own true love. 

Amara had been tortured so cruelly before she was finally rescued and now she is fighting to get back to normal.  She is also fighting with her father and is involve in more than one screaming match with him.  Most of it being about treated like a child.  Her father was trying so hard to protect her than it is often manipulative and stifling.  And if that wasn't enough she can feel danger coming back at her, triggered by some so-called accidents.  It sure would help if she got her memory back and she needed to do it fast.  Not only to save her life but to understand her feelings about Riordan.    Her body sure remembers him but her mind not so much.  I felt that there was a bit too much of the detailed sex part.  Although it was well written, I found myself skipping over a lot of it after awhile.   And when she does experience things about him, is it memories or dreams?  That question will be answered in the end. 

There were also good secondary people in the book.  One of those was Riordan's grandfather, although he is only seen a few times.   Also his brother who had his own bit of a story included.  It added without taking over the story.

There is a great twist coming towards the end of the book.  Many questions but not all are answered. 

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

BOOK REVIEW- MAYBE THIS TIME BY Nichole McLaughlin

TAGGED-

#MaybeThisTime #NetGalley

Maybe This Time is the next heartwarming contemporary romance from Nicole McLaughlin in her Whiskey and Weddings series.

Jen Mackenzie has been knocked down more than a few times, but she always gets up and makes sure she has the last word. It’s the reason she now considers herself equal parts self-sufficient and free-spirit. But since losing her job and trying to help her mother beat cancer, real life—and her occasional careless choices—have begun to catch up with her. Her one saving grace: The Stag, a boutique distillery that has become Kansas City’s go-to wedding venue. The only catch: One of the owners, TJ Laughlin, happens to be the one man who somehow manages to make Jen feel inadequate.

TJ has secretly had a thing for Jen since high school. Now, as her new boss, it’s a daily struggle between revealing his feelings and wringing her beautiful neck. Only one thing is for certain: he can’t stand idly by and watch the woman he cares for struggle. She may be convinced that accepting TJ’s help is a weakness. But all he sees in Jen is beauty and strength, inside and out. As things finally heat up between them, can TJ find a way to convince Jen that love is about give and take—and having it all, together?

AMAZON 5 stars

You might be thinking 5 Stars, really?  Some may think that the story wasn't all that unusual or at times somewhat predictable. But what can I say, I fell in love with the characters.  And when I say that, I mean that Jen is the one that really grabbed me.   She was such a great character, at least to my way of thinking.  She was one colorful girl and not just because of her tattoos.  The fact that she grew up so alone and that Charlotte is her only friend that is a girl.  The only one that she has ever had.  Now that is sad.  You can begin to understand why her sarcastic mouth is part of her defense shield.  
 Also TJ was quite the guy too,  especially when it came to how how much he loves Jen   He had to stand by and watch her life unravel so many times with some many different guys.  And still he loved her, flaws and all.  And he put up with a lot of attitude from her because she had a lot of attitude to give. 

Jen was also multi-talented even though she didn't see it that way. 
The one place where there seemed to be little talent was in her relationship with her mother.   Or should I say non-relationship with her mother.  That was one rocky thing going on.  And her mom fighting cancer didn't make it any easier.

TJ's life looked so cushy from the outside.   But his family was pretty dysfunctional on the inside.  TJ worked his butt off but seemed to get very little approval for it from his family and a fair amount of criticism.  It's a good thing he has some "have your back" friends around him.  And it's not just as business partners either.  He was very talented in his own right which was also good to see.  

As Jen and TJ got closer, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop.  Well  when it did, it wasn't how I thought it would happen.  Points to the author for that. 

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

Cats make the best alarm clocks...

BOOK REVIEW- McKETTRICK'S CHOCE by Linda Lael Miller

When news arrived that there was trouble back in Texas, Holt McKettrick left a mail-order bride and his family on the spot. And he never looked back. He just prayed he'd be in time to save the man who had raised him as a son and keep his best friend from the gallows. He knew he'd encounter rustlers, scoundrels and thieves, but he'd never expected to find a woman like Lorelei Fellows.

Setting fire to her wedding dress in the town square probably wasn't the best way to stand her ground. But Lorelei had had enough. She was sick of men and their schemes. All she wanted was to stake her claim on her own little piece of Texas. And with Holt McKettrick as a neighbor, things were beginning to look up. The man was a straight shooter with a strong will, a steady aim and a hungry heart.  
AMAZON 4.5 STARS


This was a pretty good story, with lots of action, really good main characters and some interesting secondary people and their stories too.

First off, I really liked that stubborn, brave and sometimes foolish Lorelei.  What she lacked in some everyday skills she made up with pure gumption.  Even afraid/terrified she launched herself into the fray.  More than one person wanted to wring her neck upon occasion although most of the people also admired her never-give-up attitude. 
Her father was NOT one of those people; it was sad how little he valued her.  He could be terrifying in his attempts to control her but even afraid she stood toe-to-toe with him. 
The wedding dress roast was so Lorelei (and funny too) and it was just the first time that Holt had the desire to wring her neck. And of course it was the first of many along with his unwelcome desire for her.  He really enjoyed making her mad and then watching the fireworks.   

Holt had quite the unusual upbringing but he also ended up having a whole lot of people who cared about him.  John helped raise him when he ran away from home and Tillie became his adopted sister.  That whole line of the story was interesting and John and Tillie added so much more to the story.  They were easy to like.  
Holt was fierce, stubborn and completely loyal to those he cared about. 
He also had that never give up attitude, something he had in common with Lorelei.  Although that is not something either would admit to. 

Wow, Holt had so much to deal with and that isn't even the part where he was trying to save his friend Gabe from hanging.  Ever time he got working on it, something else came up as well.  He actually did a pretty good job considering how much more was added to his plate.  It was good that he had extra help too though.  
It made me smile when as Holt and Lorelei traveled along, more people got added to the story and their adventure.  It's  a relief to be able to say though, that it was done in a way that did not confuse the story.  

Is there a H.E.A. for Holt and Lorelei? Yes, but they had to fight their way through outlaws, Comanche's, harsh conditions but most of all their own stubborn, "I don't want to be hurt natures. "

BOOK REVIEW- LONE WOLF'S WOMAN by Carol Finch

A WARRIOR SPIRIT…A GENTLE HEART

Vince Lone Wolf is the justice system's last resort. And, in spite of his dangerous reputation, Julia Preston will give her soul if she can borrow him for just one night. Because her brother's life—and the family ranch—depend on Lone Wolf's reputed skills.

Julia's fearlessness and determination make it impossible for Lone Wolf to resist her desperate cry for help. And though he's always prided himself on his independence, she reminds him of everything that is missing in his life.

But can a bounty hunter ever lay claim to the love of a lady?  AMAZON 4.5 STARS


I really liked this one!   I was easy to like both of the main characters.  Julia was a woman ahead of her time when it came to not allowing bigotry to color her measure of a person.  I couldn't help but like that. She was also an interesting person with all her spunk and sass and courage.  The strong loving link between her brother and her is a tender thing to read. 
Lone wolf was used to being alone every since he was 14 years  old.  Everything tried to conspire against his survival at that age but his earlier days of being raised in his Indian tribe helped give him skills.  And he got bigger, and tougher and not someone to mess with if you were a bad guy.  But he was also a person who could be gentle and tender as well.  He was also someone who had suffered a lot of rejection because of his heritage. It was heart-wrenching when he went to offer comfort to a woman(who was family" and then he apologized for "forgetting his place".  Ouch!  There was quite the surprises when it came to who his other family members were and how estranged they were.  But of course all the secrets do come out.
There was some really clever evil plots at work; bad guys hiding in plain sight. There is also some pretty good secondary people to the story too.

Yes, there is a happy ever after and the story ended leaving me with a satisfied feeling. 

BOOK REVIEW -TWISTED END by Tara Thomas

From romantic suspense author Tara Thomas comes the explosive first novella, Shattered Fear, in the brand-new romantic suspense Sons of Broad series.

Welcome to the sultry streets of Charleston, where simmering desire and dark danger rule...

First comes desire.
Then comes love.
But Janie and Brent need to stop the man out to ruin them,

Before they can live happily ever after…AMAZON  3.5 STARS

This book was so hard for me to rate.  I will say that what we got in the book was Intense.  

It was also a bit confusing at times because when Janie gets drugged, her delusions made things like reality bounce around a bit.  It pulled you in but it also at times made you wonder what on earth was happening.

  

I still don't like how the story was cut up into so many parts and it also was another reason why I gave it a lower rating. 

It looks like some things get resolved BUT not the main issue.  I don't want to say too much about that because I don't want to ruin it for any future readers.  

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

BOOK REVIEW- GENTLEMEN PREFER HEIRESSES by Lorraine Heath

Lord Andrew Mabry, the second son of the Duke of Greystone, has no desire to marry. As the spare, he has no obligation to provide an heir and he rather enjoys spending his days and nights in play with the demimonde. But more and more of late, he finds himself wanting to play naughty games with the American heiress, Gina Hammersley.

After her scandalous older sister marries a marquess, Gina Hammersley suddenly finds herself the darling of London with beaux a plenty calling on her, sending flowers, and filling her dance cards. Unfortunately, the one she desires most is the one who has no wish to be caught in the marriage trap: Lord Andrew Mabry.

But when they are discovered in a compromising situation, this unlikely pair must decide whether to face scandal or discover if the passion they’ve always felt is strong enough to lead them into love

.AMAZON 3 STARS

Okay, the cover for the eBook and the book blurb caught my attention but I'm sorry to say the story didn't do the same.  It was just okay but it didn't really draw me in. 

 Gina wants adventures after she overhears a conversation where she is described as "dull".  Adventures with Andrew is something she does get and there is a happy ever after for her, so that is a win.  I just wish I could have like it better.

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BOOK REVIEW- THE PHOENIX AGENCY: ALREADY GONE by Stephanie Queen

If Dr. Vicky didn’t save the cartel leader’s lousy life, he’d promised to take her sister’s life in payment.
It was Phoenix Agency operative Roman Danski’s mission to escort Vicky into Reynosa, protect her while she saved the notorious thug with her gift for healing and then get her back out.
It would have been doable if the doc hadn’t been a luscious siren, the kind of woman he never could resist. Her sensual beauty was going to make a tough job impossible.
How could Roman stop the cartel boss from keeping her if he couldn’t resist her himself?  AMAZON 4.5 STARS

I liked the author's intro about the Phoenix Agency.  And the book starts out with action almost immediately.  Now to me, that's a great way to start a book.

Vicky is smart, sassy; and someone with some unusual talents too.  Roman is also tough but in a different way.  I liked that he even pondered the thoughts that she was a continual surprise to him.  The way she reacted to difficult, dangerous situations surprised and sometimes even amused him.  
I also have to admit that there were several times when the story brought a smile to my face.  
Their attraction towards each other is swift and combustive.  It doesn't take very long for things to heat up even though they have a client/protector roles. 
I didn't see it coming!  What am I talking about?  That unexpected twist towards the end of the book.  No, I'm not going to tell  you what it is.  Just that they are once again in a dangerous situation and then *wham* the surprise.
I hope this author continues in this series because I did enjoy this quick, fully packed book.
Can I mention that the cover of the eBook drew my attention pretty quickly?  Combined with the book blurb and the name of the author, I was all in when it came to reading it.

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

BOOK REVIEW- SCORPIUS RISING by Rebecca Zanetti

For Nora Medina it started when she was yanked off a gorgeous Hawaiian beach, still in her bikini top, and onto her ex-husband’s government jet. A microbiologist doesn’t see a lot of emergency extractions, but marriage to Deacan Devlin McDougall taught her plenty about adrenaline. Nora knows it’s more than their unfinished business that has brought the sexy, maddening Scot back into her life. But she’d never have guessed this.

As a soldier of fortune, Deke has seen too much by any standards. But the terrifying bacterium sneaking through the highest halls of power isn’t his kind of battle. All he can do is keep close to his brilliant, fiery Nora and fight like hell to keep her safe. Because if he lets her get sucked down by the horror that’s coming, he’ll never get another chance at her heart . . .  AMAZON 4.5 STARS

I really liked this book and it was unexpected in several ways.  Even the start of the book has you wondering what in the heck is going on.  With the start of Nora being snatched rather rudely from vacation and escorted onto several different planes.  She was given no explanations at all and that wasn't sitting to well with her.  Armed military men or no, her fiery temper is about to take off.   And it doesn't calm down much when she finds out her ex is behind it.  It was a really good start to the book I thought.  
But that is only the beginning and it gets even better as time goes on.  Their personal story was good but the bacteria that they were fighting was also a good but often sad part of the story.  
I have to add that this story is an adult one and probably better for those 18+ and up.
I couldn't believe how Nora's genius assistant Zach did such a klutzy move.  But it was an important part of the story that propelled it forward.  
Nora and Deke were both interesting people and have their H.E.A. for now.  I surprised myself by giving this book a pretty high rating for one that doesn't solve the main problem.  But it did keep me on the edge of my seat more than once.
This is the first book that I think I've read by this author but I think I'll poke around and see what else she has written.

BOOK REVIEW- THE WRONG HIGHLAND GROOM by Amanda Forester

He can lead this girl to the altar, but she might be diverted along the way...

Second in an exciting trilogy of short stories set in medieval Scotland. Effie Campbell cannot fathom marrying a stranger just because her brother arranged it and is determined to marry only for love. She finds an unlikely ally in Connor Maclachlan, her intended husband, who also balks at being led by his parents to the altar.

They scheme to support each other in the pursuit of true love, but when the object of her affection disappoints, she finds more than a friend in Connor   AMAZON 3 STARS

This was a light, quick read.  For a novella, it did a pretty good job of packing everything into the story.
Effie was a naive young woman but that didn't make her wrong to seek love in a marriage.  She was young, beautiful and with a very large dowry.  Unfortunately she barely consider Connor who was supposed to be her husband.  Which is a shame because he had a lot to commend him.  He also had a loving family and large clan who welcomed her with open arms.  

The story does have a H.E.A. to it along with some unexpected threat of war from the English.  There are no cliffhangers and the story does wrap everything up.

BOOK REVIEW- DESERT ROGUES:THE PRINCESS BRIDE by Susan allery

A fan favorite from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery, previously published as The Sheik and the Princess Bride in 2004. 

Prince Jefri of Bahania has just been bested...by a woman! And not just any woman, but Billie Van Horn, his gorgeous, take-no-prisoners flight instructor who is more than a match for him in every way.

But when it comes to romance, Billie is determined to keep both feet on the ground. So why does the sexy prince make her feel as if she were soaring high above the clouds? She knows that when royal honor calls, her high-born lover will fly from her side forever...unless Jefri defies his destiny and chooses love...AMAZON  3 STARS


This book was okay.  Charming in some ways but also pretty much predictable as well.  I did like that Billie was a woman quite different than the usual heroine.  Her skills as a pilot was an interesting twist.
I did get almost as irritated as she did with her brother Doyle, who was over-the-top protective.   Sure, there were some reasons but she had grown past those and he needed to step back.  Something she finally calls him on.

Prince Jefri was pretty much what you would expect from a rich prince although he also had some good qualities.  
The details of the palace and how exquisite it was,  were well done, so it added more detail.
I did like the fact that the royal family wasn't exactly what you would expect.  There was warmth between them and also I liked how the King interacted with Billie.
No real surprises in this one for me, so it was just okay.  A light, entertaining story to fill a few hours.  

Heavenly Joy is ready to wage WAR against the enemy!

BOOK REVIEW- ROGUE NOT TAKEN by Sarah MacLean

Lady Sophie’s Society Splash

When Sophie, the least interesting of the Talbot sisters, lands her philandering brother-in-law backside-first in a goldfish pond in front of all society, she becomes the target of very public aristocratic scorn. Her only choice is to flee London, vowing to start a new life far from the aristocracy. Unfortunately, the carriage in which she stows away isn’t saving her from ruin . . . it’s filled with it.

Rogue’s Reign of Ravishment!

Kingscote, “King,” the Marquess of Eversley, has never met a woman he couldn’t charm, resulting in a reputation far worse than the truth, a general sense that he’s more pretty face than proper gentleman, and an irate summons home to the Scottish border. When King discovers stowaway Sophie, however, the journey becomes anything but boring.

War? Or More?

He thinks she’s trying to trick him into marriage. She wouldn’t have him if he were the last man on earth. But carriages bring close quarters, dark secrets, and unbearable temptation, making opposites altogether too attractive ....AMAZON 3 STARS

I have read one other book by this author in this series and so I had high hopes for this one.   It just didn't do it for me unfortunately.  I had a hard time getting involved in it and I wish it had been different.  

The idea of the scandalous sisters was a good one for a story plot.  They were called anything from the Dangerous Daughters, to the equally hurtful Soiled S's.   Society was SO harsh on them and they didn't do anything to really desire it.  Although most of the rest of the sisters began to revel in it and played it up.  Sophie wasn't like that and she loathed society and its bigoted, false rules.  She was way to honest to be comfortable in it.

King was a different kind of hero, if you want to call him that.  He carried a lot of pain and wanted no part of love or furthering his family line.  He had a lot of hate towards his father and cut himself off from him for 15 years. 

Yes, there was a lot of adventure and Sophie did end up proving that she wasn't the boring one of the sisters.  Although she hadn't set out to do that exactly. 

There is a twist or two towards the end of the book which brought it to a good end.

On a side note, whoever designed the cover for this eBook, I have to say they made an attractive one.

BOOK REVIEW- HIDDEN FATE by Tara Thomas

Welcome to the sultry streets of Charleston, where simmering desire and dark danger rule...

He’ll stop at nothing to keep her safe…

Someone wants Janie dead.
Brent will do anything to protect her from a ruthless killer’s hunt. 
But an enemy this powerful won’t give up easily….

And danger and passion will explode as they fight for each other.  AMAZON 3.5 STARS

This was a novella yes, but it was more like a set-up or foundation of the people and the background. Although I realize now that there was a story before this one.  It is actually part 2 of several novellas. Like I said, the  story does NOT complete in this book but continues on to another.  So yes, it definitely was a cliff-hanger.  Something that I wasn't expecting.    That was kind of disappointing to me although the actually story I was enjoying up to that point.  

 HIDDEN FATE is serial that focuses on a potential serial killer, and a number of missing and murdered young women in the Charleston area. Former police officer Janie Roberts has been targeted by a potential serial killer-a killer who always seems to be a step ahead of them. Who is the "them" I'm taking about?  That would be Janie and her new beau Brent Taylor.  It's interesting that Janie was beginning to have some suspicions on who not to trust. It was also different is what the "clue" was that was nagging at her.   I did like that.   Things were just starting to happen when this book ended.

I'm not a fan of books broken down like this into parts but the author did a good job of drawing the reader in. Because of the small amount of pages involved in this one and the next one, I personally would have liked to seen them folded together to make one book.  But then again that is my personal preference.  It's also another reason why I gave it a slightly lower rating on Amazon.  That said I do have the next book, "Twisted End" on my TBR list; once again courtesy of Netgalley. I'll let you know how I like that one.  

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

BOOK REVIEW- WRANGLER'S CHALLENGE by Lindsay McKenna

For Noah Mabry, it’s easier sometimes to relate to the dogs and horses he trains than to other people. Ever since his marriage became a casualty of the war in Afghanistan—torn apart by the PTSD he brought back with him—he prefers to be on his own. At the Bar C Ranch, where he works with a crew of fellow military vets, his gentle patience helps tame even the rowdiest mustang—but he’s about to meet a woman who needs a healing touch he’s not sure he can give.

Dair Wilson, a half-Comanche ex-Marine who lost a foot to an IED, has been hired on to assist Noah, but her deepest wounds aren’t visible. Growing up in an abusive home, she learned not to trust men, even ones who seem nothing but kind. After a wild horse sends her sprawling, the attentive care she receives from the Bar C family—and especially from Noah—is enough to convince her she’s found a place she can finally breathe easy. But one angry, damaged man poses a threat not only to Dair and Noah, but to everyone who’s built a new home at the Bar C . . .AMAZON 4.5 stars


I really liked this book.  It was very much a character driven book and I really liked all the characters.  Well, all of them except one. and that would be Shay's father.  But he served his purpose in the story because he did add action to the book even if it was a mean and disrupting element to the story.  Although that is not to say that there wasn't any other action in the story.
Dair was a person that you got drawn into and cared about pretty quickly.  She was skilled and had been very self-sufficient until her life exploded (literally).  Part of her story was not only about what she went through from then on to try to recover but to try to make a new life for herself.  Just trying to find a job was portrayed pretty well without dragging the story down.  So was the fact that many vets suffer from P.T.S.D.

Noah was kind of a surprise to me.  Yes, he was a tough veteran, a skilled horseman but he was so tender and almost shy at times.   At least he was that way with Dair but he also was there for her when she needed him.  And he was there for anyone else who needed him.

I liked the sense of community that came through on the ranch and the idea that all of the people were veterans.  What a great idea.  There were several different people in the book who added so much and I would like to continue reading about them also.  I think I will go back and read Shay and Reese's story.  That's where it all began in, "Wind River Rancher".  Of course like usual, I'm read the stories out of order.

Just on a side note, I really liked the name Dair and it's spelling.  It was a pretty apt name for her too.  
This is a story that has no cliffhanger ending to my way of thinking but one "man" problem has yet to be fully taken care of.     So I guess that is one thing left hanging but it in no way made it hard for me to enjoy this book.  

BOOK REVIEW- SPRING SPARK by Stacey Joy Netzel

**This 13.5k bonus short story will be FREE to newsletter subscribers who sign up at Stacey Joy Netzel’s website.**

Ashley’s best friend Reid has been the one constant in her life since her father left when she was in the fifth grade. She’ll never admit to wondering about kissing him a time or two over the years because mistakes like that ruin friendships.

Then one night, Reid crosses the line and changes everything between them. The spark he ignites reveals a possibility she never dared imagine, but fear of losing the friend she cherishes most keeps her from letting him pull her across the line with him.   Amazon 4 STARS

I really liked this short story.  It's amazing how much feeling there is to it.  And how quickly it drew me in.  I have to say that the fact that it did kind of surprised me.  I enjoyed the story, the main characters and their long term friendship.  They have a couple of "hidden" help when it came to coming to the idea that just more than friendship could be involved.  This "hidden" help managed some things to throw them together for an unrecognized "first date."   I do understand their fear that trying to take it to more could risk everything.  But they were also blindsided by deeper feelings and attractions. 
So yes, it does have a H.E.A.   But there are some emotions and struggles mainly on Ashley's part have to be worked out.
On a final note, I liked that they have nicknames for each other.  Ashley is "Pez" and Reid a.k.a.  "Net".  The story behind those nicknames are cute and make sense. 
I've read a couple of the books by this author in this series and so far this one is my favorite.   I liked Ashley's quirky personality and the history between the two of them.

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

BOOK REVIEW- AUTUMN GLIMMER by Stacey Joy Netzel

**This Romancing Wisconsin BONUS SHORT STORY of approx. 10K words is available to newsletter subscribers who sign up at Stacey Joy Netzel’s website.**

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Shea Riley walks out on her two year relationship with Keller Maxwell in hopes of shocking him into realizing love can’t be taken for granted. H    er glimmer of hope begins to fade as weeks pass without a word from him.

Problem is, she still loves him—and she’s pregnant with his child. She knows he deserves to know he’s going to be a father, but how will she ever know he truly loves her if they don’t fix their relationship before he knows about the baby?    AMAZON 3.5 STARS


It's short, sweet and somewhat predictable story.  Of course things would have gone a bit smoother for this couple without the input of the hero's brother.  
Keller is going to have to grown up quick and also get a clue if he really wants to keep Shea in his life.  He has some things to figure out.  

There were several people in the story who support Shea as she works through her problems.  Her brother and his girlfriend are two of them who give her some good advise.  She will have to grow up too and figure out what she really wants too. 

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

BOOK REVIEW- HIGH TREASON BY DiAnn Mills

When Saudi Prince Omar bin Talal visits Houston to seek cancer treatment for his mother, an attempt on his life puts all agencies on high alert. FBI Special Agent Kord Davidson is the lead on the prince’s protective detail because of their long-standing friendship, but he’s surprised—and none too happy—when the CIA brings one of their operatives, Monica Alden, in on the task force after the assassination attempt.

Kord and Monica must quickly put aside interagency squabbles, however, when they learn the prince has additional motives for his visit—plans to promote stronger ties with the US and encourage economic growth and westernization in his own country. Plans that could easily incite a number of suspects both in the US and in countries hostile to Saudi Arabia. Worse yet, the would-be assassin always seems to be one step ahead of them, implicating someone close to the prince—or the investigation. But who would be willing to commit high treason, and can Kord and Monica stop them in time?  AMAZON  3.5 STARS



I liked this book but with some reservations.  The story-line was good and the characters interesting but it also moved pretty slowly at times. 
A lot of that had to do with the investigative nature of parts of the story.   They had a lot of evil doers to uncover. They don't get them all but as the story goes along, they get quite a few of them.  That is when the action does kick in because it's a dangerous job trying to keep the prince safe and uncover each plot against him.  Adding to the difficulty is the culture in which Monica has to work.  Being a woman is not something that is valued at first.  She has to work to show her respect for their culture but also show that she has skills  And boy, does she have skills, that was something that I enjoyed.  A spunky, smart, skilled heroine is always a plus in my book.
Kord is not too happy to have her on board at first either.  He's used to working on his own and he's also grieving a loss that happens pretty dramatically in the beginning of the book.  
There were other emotional things going on in the story which was a good addition.  The prince's mother's illness and the two princess'es made things more interesting. 

I found it a bit hard to rate this book.  Although I usually enjoy reading books by this author, this one was not one of my favorites.  There is a mild romance going on but I would have liked a bit more.  It had more emphasis on the suspense and it was light on the romance part.  It made it a bit harder for me to believe the H.E.A. that the story ended with.  

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers via Netgalley.  This is my honest thoughts about it. 

Will God Ever Change Towards Us?

God is the same towards us whether we are doing well or badly. He doesn’t change towards us, and we can fully rest on this foundational, key truth despite our feelings or circumstances.

Because He will never change, we can put all our security and confidence in the fact that He will never alter the way He sees us, thinks about us, or feels towards us.

We can fully depend on His unchanging nature because His passion, will, and desire for us will always be the same. When we view ourselves through this lens, a level of expectation is created, empowering us to explore who God wants to be for us in that particular moment.

Dream Interpretation - Vehicle

BOOK REVIEW- McKETTRICK'S HEART by Linda Lael Miller

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Keegan McKettrick has learned the hard way that trust results in betrayal. The only light in his life these days is the young daughter he sees all too rarely, and his sole passion is for his job overseeing his family’s corporation. Until beautiful but mysterious Molly Shields comes to Indian Rock on a mission—and keeping a suspicious eye on her becomes Keegan’s full-time hobby….

Molly doesn’t know why she’s attracted to a man who’s determined to dig up dirt on her, even if he is gorgeous. But cynical Keegan might be the one person who can truly understand her shadowy past—and if the two can risk opening their hearts, they just might forge a brighter future.   AMAZON 4.5 STARS
Originally published in 2007



I really enjoyed this book.  Was it emotional you say?  Yes, for sure it was.  At times quite the tearjerker.
  It had great main characters with a good cast of secondary people too.  Keegan's daughter Devon was one of those and her part in the story was good as well.  She was only ten years old but she'd seen her share of sorrows.  She also had an understanding of some unpleasant facts of her life that caused her to have wisdom beyond her years at times.  Keegan loved her fiercely and he has to fight just as fiercely at every new greedy scheme his ex-wife throws at him.  And there are plenty of those.    His troubles just seem to pile up.  The top worst thing he has to face is the impending death of one of his closest friends.  
Molly also has problems that are pilling up on her although they are of a different nature than Keegan's.  But adding to it is the fierce hate that Keegan demonstrates towards her.  He has his reasons not to trust her but that doesn't make it hurt less.  Molly may be a highly successful woman in her chosen field but she feels way over her head when she begins to deal with some personal issues. 

Not to worry it isn't all sadness; there will be a hard fought for H.E.A.  



The version I read had this cover:

ISBN:9781459226982

BOOK REVIEW- OBSIDIAN by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Book One of the bestselling Lux series

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring...until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don't kill him first, that is.  AMAZON 3.5 stars

This story had it's up's and down's of likability for me.    First off, I did like the explanations of what it was like to be an Alien.  It was different in some ways than most stories I've read that had alien's in it.    And the way that the author built up the tension of the mystery that surrounded them at first.  I thought that was pretty good and did pull the reader in.

  

Dee was of course the most likable of all the characters,it was hard for her not to be.  She wanted to be "normal" and have a normal friend who wasn't afraid of her.  And Katy fit that bill and she liked Dee right back. 

Katy could come up with attitude all on her own and Daemon seemed the right person to bring that out of her.  She took a lot of grief before she finally dealt it right back.   She could have quite the mouth on her when she didn't freeze up around him.   

Daemon could be likable at times and then he reverted to the arrogant stay away from me and my sister "jerk".  One of the names Katy called him.   As time went on I could see why he blew hot and cold but after awhile, I felt like saying enough already.  

I liked the Sci-fi elements to it and even some of the friendships.  But it was also written for a younger crowd to my way of thinking.  It was so high school in many of the encounters; well, because they were going to high school.  It also had elements of danger and more danger threatening with some mystery thrown in. 

This book ended with some issues taken care of but with the door left wide open for more adventures.