BOOK REVIEW- NEVER RESIST A SHEIKH by Jackie Ashenden

Felicity Cartwright is ambitious, fierce, and has everything to prove. But when she arrives in Al-Harah on business for her new tech start-up, she’s mistaken for the future queen and taken against her will.

Zakir ibn Rashiq Al-Nazari, ruling sheikh of Al-Shakhra, needs of a wife. Inheriting the throne after tragedy strikes his family, his government and people demand heirs, and hope for the future…

Once Zakir chooses Felicity as his bride prize, she is told she cannot resist… and when the unexpected chemistry burns between her and the sheikh, she learns she doesn’t want to. Will Felicity, this western stranger who has an inexplicable hold over Zakir, be just what he and his country needs to heal?
AMAZON 3 STARS

The book has pretty good main characters who have a battle of wills going on from the minute Felicity gets kidnapped.  She may be tiny but that doesn't stop her from opening her mouth and letting it rip.  She turns out to be wrong woman but at the right time.
Zakir is used to speaking and people jumping to obey.  That is so the opposite of who Felicity is and who she has had to  be.  She is a genius who has beaten the odds when it comes to owning and running her own business.   That is so at odds with the almost medieval sheikh.   It's like the old culture colliding with the new modern ways of life.  
Zakir is afraid of physically hurting Felicity especially after the tragedy of his brother and his wife's death. He fears that there is madness in him and he keeps his passions under tight control.  He was a fierce soldier before stepping up as the new Sheikh. 
There are emotional moments as well as sex exploding between Zakir and Felicity.  
I would have liked to have seen an Epilogue and also I felt like a few issues might have been addressed a bit more.  It felt like there was more to the story of his brother and his wife's deaths.  Also what happened to the faction who disrespected Felicity so publicly?   

BOOK REVIEW- ROGUE RAPIDS ((Redemption Mountain Historical Western Romance Book 11) BY Shirleen Davies

A painful betrayal and a past he chooses to forget.
The dream of love and a future she desperately desires.

Rogue Rapids, Book Eleven, Redemption Mountain Historical Western Romance Series
Adam “Mack” Mackey vowed to never return to the family who betrayed him. Needing to forget and start over, the ex-Union officer accepted a deputy job in the Montana Territory. The new start offered satisfaction, purpose, and much needed peace. His nights with the women in Splendor saloons provided companionship. He required nothing else—including love, a notion he firmly rejected. At least that was what he thought until his gaze landed on a newly arrived mail order bride.

Sylvia Lucero escaped an arranged marriage certain to add to her family’s riches while committing her to a lifetime devoid of love. Stepping from the stage onto the muddy street of Splendor, Montana, her gaze swept the area, halting on a handsome, and she’d soon learn, arrogant lawman—the last person she’d consider marrying.

Supper. That’s all Mack wants, but the obstinate woman refuses all his invitations—until one evening when he wouldn’t take no for an answer. Their first supper together changes everything.

Unfortunately, their tentative steps at a relationship face challenges neither anticipate. Threats to local ranchers, the town, and Sylvia strain their fragile connection. 

Will the danger prove too much for two people with different goals? Or will the perils bring them together, forcing a shared strength greater than either imagine?

Rogue Rapids, book eleven in the Redemption Mountain historical western romance series, is a full-length novel with an HEA and no cliffhanger. AMAZON  4 STARS

Wow, the relationship between  Mack and Sylvia sure had a lot of challenges, almost from the very start.   The attraction is there but Sylvia is looking for love and Mack seems to be way too smooth and charming to be taken seriously at first.  And Mack has a strong attraction to Sylvia and likes more about her as he get to know her.  But love?  As far as he thinks, it''s out of the question.  He's been burnt by so-called loved before and he's not about to run into that fire again, 
any time soon or ever.  Because of this very problem, the story is often an emotional one. 
Sylvia is a really good main character who has put everything on the line to marry for love.  She has a family that she loves dearly but she left them behind in order to escape her father's excessive control.  He married for love but he sees no problem with forcing his children to marry for position, power and marriages that will  benefit his "empire".  She makes good friends in her new town and these people add to the story. 
There are love matches going on right and left in this place and Sylvia longs for the same. 
Sylvia's brother Dominic also has dreams that don't fit in with his father's plans and I enjoyed reading how close the two of them were.   He is definitely there when she needs him.   
There is a mystery going on that is getting more dangerous as time goes on.  The sheriff and his deputies are spread thin trying to put a stop to the threats.   But  when  the truth comes out it happens because the danger just went ballistic. So if you are looking for action, danger, romance, and an interesting twist, this book has it.  
There is a H.E.A. as promised along with a Epilogue.  There is also a shocker too.  Not for Mack and Sylvia though.  One of Mack's friends, Caleb finally works up the nerve to approach a woman he was interested in and then watch out..shocker coming up.   

"I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book. and this is my honest opinion of it.” 

BOOK REVIEW- DEEP COVER by Scarlett Cole

ARE THEY IN TOO DEEP?

Ex-Navy SEAL Cabe Moss always comes when called to duty—at all costs. Even though the death of his fiancée nearly destroyed him, Cabe won’t let his past interfere with any work that has to get done. When his latest task pushes him to team up with FBI operative Amy Murray, a fierce beauty with the undercover skills to match, Cabe must admit that, for the first time in years, he wants to do more than just complete their mission together…

Amy was born ready forthis assignment, but working side-by-side with the the strong, silent, and frustratingly professional Cabe seems to be the biggest challenge of all. But when the sparks begin to fly—and the stakes rise to dangerous heights—the only thing Amy is left worrying about is how she can resist him. Their lives may be in danger, but their hearts hold the biggest risk of all…AMAZON 4 STARS

Both Cabe and Amy made for good main characters.  They both were honorable, caring people who were excellent at their jobs.  Not only were they highly skilled but they loved what they did. 

Cabe has a great team working with him and they are so close personally as they are on the job.  So close that they are helping Six with his wedding plans.  In fact they are doing a lot of the work alongside Six because his fiance Louise is so shy.  All she is doing for the wedding planning is buying her dress. 
Amy has some very personal reasons for becoming an agent for the FBI.  She also has a heart for freeing the women who are missing.  It all goes back to the trauma of her childhood.  But I don't want to say too much more because I don't  want to give anything away.  But something that Cabe and Amy had to do is work through some old baggage.  

There is plenty of tension and action because of the undercover operation.  There are so many different people working to bring down this dangerous crime group.  There is also plenty of sexual tension between Cabe and Amy.   They have to fight their desire for each other because they don't want to endanger those working with them or even blow the undercover assignments.  They all have a lot to lose if that happens.  It does get pretty hot though.  

Just to  make things interesting there was a word included in the story that I didn't know. And I know quite a few.   "Jingoistic", now there is a word I had to look up!  I am glad though the author did give something of a definition right after that word in a conversation.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion of it.  

BOOK REVIEW- SET THE NIGHT ON FIRE by Laura Trentham

 #SetTheNightOnFire #NetGalley

Cottonbloom is the perfect place for starting over, finding your way back home—and falling head over heels. . .

Ella Boudreaux has a lot to prove to her family, friends, and foes—and to herself. So when her marriage ends she decides to invest her energy and money into a place that brings back some of Ella’s happiest memories: the Abbott brothers’ garage. Maybe, if she puts her mind to it, she can teach skeptical, stubborn Mack Abbott how to make the business a true success. Which would be a lot easier if the hunky mechanic didn’t make her motor run quite so fast…and hot.

Mack was furious when his brother, Ford, sold his share of the business. He’s in no rush to team up with a wealthy divorcée who shows up to the garage in stilettos—and the longest, sexiest legs he’s seen in forever. But Ella’s grit and determination won’t quit…and soon Mack can see that she’s been down a few rough roads herself. Neither Mack nor Ella can deny the fierce attraction that’s revving up between them. Could it be that true love has been in the backseat all along…and they’ve finally found the key?

AMAZON 4 STARS

I liked this book with it's really good main characters and the equally interesting secondary characters.  Mack's brothers are front and center along with their love interests.  There is also the two Aunt's  who manage to keep things interesting in a more minor way.  You can get the  feel the community in a good way without being overloaded with too many people in the story.  
This book is packed with a lot of emotion and for the Abbott's some things that are in need of healing.  Of course people have to talk to get to more of the truth and that is going to hurt for a bit too.  It involves some secrets and not letting bitterness and fear of change from stopping them.   This was a major thing for Mac to deal with because he had learned bitterness about his mother from his father's knee.  The other thing that he saw his father do was put the garage #1 in is life even above his sons and their needs.  Like they said, He was a good man, but he had flaws.  Mac begins to recognize he had some of those very flaws and he needed to do something about it.  He was just so used to having the weight of the world on his shoulders and it often wore him down with all the responsibility.  
Ford has a lot to answer for by selling his share to an outsider like Ella and she feels the heat of it right away.  Mac is not going to pull his punches when it comes to wanting his garage back.  It makes for some really interesting encounters between Mac and Ella.  After her divorce she no longer was going to let another man ever make her feel less than ever again.   She had spunk, sass and she stood toe to toe with Mac.  That is something that he began to admire.  Yes, he admired her beauty, and her body but he also began to see her smarts and big heart too!
Ella's ex does show up in the story to try to continue to rattle her cage and cause some trouble.  There is also a surprise guest who shows up.  It's someone Ella never expected to ever see again.  
The story ends with a H.E.A. for Mac and Ella with a very satisfying Epilogue. 


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

BOOK REVIEW- THE WARRIOR OF CLAN KINCAID by Lily Blackwood

Derryth MacClaren is on the run—having been sent from her castle home to avoid capture by the vicious nobleman known as the Wolf, who has vowed revenge against the Clan Kincaid. When a surprise attack leaves her vulnerable, Derryth ends up in the hands of an enemy warrior who claims her, with the Wolf’s blessing, as his prize. But her captor’s gentle words and touch seduce her heart—and body—completely. . . and when she discovers the tattoo on his arm that proves him to be the legendary, long-believed dead son of the murdered Laird of Kincaid, Derryth knows she must find a way to alter his fate—and her own. . .

Cull has no memory of his family or past—all he knows is the life of a warrior, trained to fight on behalf of the Scottish king. But now that Derryth has informed him of who he really is—Cullen Braewick, the youngest son of the slain laird—he is torn. If Cull exacts revenge against the Wolf, who executed his father, he stands to lose the precious lass who he has come to love. What is he willing to sacrifice for Derryth to keep her safe. . .and in his arms?  AMAZON  5 Stars

Derryth and Cull had come from such vastly different worlds.  There childhood couldn't have been more different.  Derryth was treasured, protected, spoiled even.  Cull remembers little from the time before he became a young slave on a ship.   He had so little to his name..literally.  He didn't even have a last name so he was known as Cull the Nameless warrior knight.   The fact that he even survived was a miracle in itself because so many others like him did not.  Derryth earlier in the opening pages of the book realized how useless her life had been, how little help she was to others.  It saddens her and she vows to change and do better.  And that is even before she runs into the surprise attack on the group she is traveling with.

I have to admit when I began to see all the problems that are lining up against the two main characters I thought how in the world is this going to be worked out?  They had such divided loyalties even though Cull didn't know the half of it yet.  Even though Cull was such a scary warrior, Derryth every so often found ways to needle him.  She had to appear meek, and subservient at first but she does manage to show some spirit.  Later she did do a few things to aggregate him; maybe to make him so mad he would release her.  It didn't work but it did make for some interesting reading.  
There are some deadly conspiracies at work in this story and some have gone on for years.  But the truth is about to come out and there are a lot of people who will fight to keep it covered.  They don't care how they have to do it or who they have to use to get it done.  

Overall, I have to say that I really enjoyed this book.  It had intensity, action, romance, challenges to overcome and quite the ending.  Very satisfying, indeed. 


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

BOOK REVIEW- MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE by Karen Witemeyer

Many consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed. Orphaned at a young age and possessing a pair of mismatched eyes--one bright blue, the other dark brown--Eva has fought to find her way in a world that constantly rejects her. Yet the support of even one person can help overcome the world's judgments, and Eva has two--Seth and Zach, two former orphans she now counts as brothers. 

Seeking justice against the man who stole his birthright and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in 1880s Pecan Gap, Texas, to confront Zach Hamilton, the hardened criminal responsible for his father's death. Only instead of finding a solitary ruthless gambler, he discovers a man not much older than himself with an unusual family. When Zach's sister, Evangeline, insists on dousing Logan with sunshine every time their paths cross, Logan finds his quest completely derailed. Who is truly responsible for his lost legacy, and will restoring the past satisfy if it means forfeiting a future with Evangeline?    AMAZON  paperback

What a painful group of people they are.   Evangeline, Zach, Seth and yes, even Logan.  All of them carrying their own brand of pain.  Evangeline, Zach and Seth had formed their own form of family and they were tight.  They had to have each other's backs to even survive and not get separated.  It's made clear that although Zach worked hard to keep the together although there were many times that they went to bed hungry. 
Evangeline was a delight.  She had incredible strengths and also such incredible joy. Her faith in God was really strong as well.   Hurts?  Yes, she had suffered so many rejections, most of them just because of her so called "mismatched" eyes.  No one took the time to know her except her brothers and they loved the daylights out of her.  Her brother Seth knows her ways so much more because he was the one who spent the most time helping to raise her.  So that means that he knew most of her tricks when it came to getting around her brothers.  
Seth was someone who struggled with asthma all of his life but that didn't keep him from doing his part.  It was something to watch when the rest of his family watched out for him and helped him when he had an episode.  
Logan has so much lust for revenge although he calls it justice.  He aches for what he and his mother lost.  But you could also see his heart was being worked on when it came to following through.  He had no beef with Seth or Evangeline but his heart is really hardened against Zach.   As I was reading it I began to wonder if Zach really had cheated Logan's father.  And it did make me wonder how in the world would any of this would work out.  I got involved with the people in the story and wanted to see things work out for the best for ALL of them.  I guess a shorter way to say it is that the author made me care about the characters  in this book.  

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book via Bethany House and this is my honest opinion of it.

BOOK REVIEW- WORDEATER by H. Duke

If you could step into the pages of any book…

Where would you go?

Who would you meet?

What price would you pay?...

April is finally getting a handle on this whole stepping into books thing.

Rico is safe, the ink rot is under control, and they haven’t heard from the collectors in weeks.

She can finally relax a little, right?

Wrong.

When Gram is almost kidnapped, April realizes how vulnerable she is. And one thing’s for sure:

It won’t be the last time the collectors come calling.

Now April must find a way to protect the people she loves before they come back.

Even if it means joining forces with a sworn enemy…AMAZON  5 STARS

Things are about to get even MORE intense!  The Collectors have kicked things up to even a higher level and the gloves are really off!
The story around Thaddeus gets even more interesting as well.  Can he be trusted or not?  Has he got all the information he needs?  Will he believe the truth when he hears it?

Another "world" is shown in this book. It's different than the other world's we've seen but it's still intricate and detailed.  Totally unexpected but still impressive.  

It was good to see that other people in the previous books are still helping in this one.  Dorian, of course is central to the gate but Randall and Rex, his dog  are still helping.  So is there friend Barty even though he is terrified.  And he has every reason to be.  

The story explodes with a dramatic ending.  All though to be truthful, there is a door left open for more adventures.  And it looks like the Collectors aren't quite done with them.

I love the artwork on this series of books.  They are unique, colorful and right in line with the theme of the books.  

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and this is my honest opinion of it.

BOOK REVIEW- A NIGHT OF AMITY Prequel to the Keepers of Xereill) by Alix Nichols

Superintendent Olinnie Tann-Lo and Colonel Keiron Yaggar have kept it strictly professional ever since she became his boss. But when the pair drink some heady Amity Tea with a local tribe on Zeefede, they don’t know that the word “amity” has a second meaning in Zeechaa.

That meaning survives in just two expressions today. One is “amity tea”.

The other one is “a night of amity”.

A NIGHT OF AMITY is a science fiction romance novelette in the Keepers of Xereill series. It is exclusive to Alix Nichols's mailing list and not available for purchase or download anywhere else. To subscribe, visit: http://www.alixnichols.com/freebies.

Going into this, please remember that this is a short story. Now with that said, I did like it.  It probably helped that I had read previous books in this series and liked both of the main characters. 
This was like a time in between for them.  A short interlude for them, if you will.  Because so much of their lives had to do with duty and being in charge in different areas. They both had sought and achieved positions of power.  And with it came responsibility.  Something they both were painfully aware of.  And to top it off Olinnie Tann-Lo (Linni) was also Colonel Keiron Yaggar 's boss. We do get each one of their P.O.V.'s as listed in in individual chapters.  But it all ended so quicklky.  Once again, "short story". 
Even though this book is short, the world building when it came to the alien creatures called the Zeechaa was pretty good in detail. 
At the end of the book is the first chapter of The Cyborg's Lady (a prequel to the Keepers of Xereill series)
On a final note, I really thought the eBook cover was so attractive.  Such a lovely soft look to it.


 I was given a copy of this book through the author's newsletter and this is my honest opinion of it.

We Are Messengers - "Magnify" (Official Music Video)

BOOK REVIEW- LOVE ME AGAIN (A Hope Novel) by Jaci Burton

When Loretta Simmons returns to Hope, Oklahoma, after a disastrous marriage, she’s determined to remain independent for the sake of her daughter. The only thing standing in her way is Deacon Fox—the man she loved and walked away from years ago. 
 
Since Loretta owns the bookstore right next to his current renovation project, Deacon can’t escape the woman who broke his heart. Throw in her adorable little girl and one ridiculously oversized dog, and they’re almost a family. Only he can’t be that guy—what they had was once in a lifetime.
 
But love has a funny way of reopening a door you thought was firmly closed...AMAZON 3.5 STARS


This book had a really good community feel to it with good main characters .  People secondary to the story also were pretty good.

It was good to see Loretta grow a backbone because as she relates her past, way too many people had way too much influence in decisions for her life. The first one that had to do with Deacon was from all the pressure she was in from her parents and because of her youth. It was a good decision on her part to get out of her marriage when she did.  Both Loretta and Hazel were so much happier now. Even though Loretta was still getting some flack about divorcing her husband.  She knew he wasn't going to change so she made the change. 

Deacon had to work his way back from all the hurt of Loretta's  rejection and abandonment years ago.  But he seemed to work his way back a bit faster than Loretta.  He knew he wasn't perfect but he really was a good guy.  And at some point Loretta and Deacon do re-connect and that includes working out their sexual attraction.  


Hazel is Loretta's nine year old daughter and she adds a smile or two.  But also some sadness when it comes to her not being very important to her father.  Oh, he has time for her if it has to do with a photo op.  See, he's all about himself and his political ambitions, everything and everyone is just background to him. 
I liked how the relationship between Hazel and Deacon grew.  It was so natural and sweet.  They also enjoyed working together to train, Otis her new dog among other things.

Loretta's fear of making another wrong decision almost makes her sabotage her own happiness.  

BOOK REVIEW- THE COWBOY'S RUNAWAY BRIDE by Krisit Rose

She’s not meant to be a bride…

At least not to the man her parents picked out. Ellie Greene wants a quiet life with Grams on the Wyoming farm, and quiet could happen if someone would stop sabotaging them. Each week something more dangerous happens and Ellie doesn't know how much more she can stand. Forced to seek help, Ellie would prefer anyone else other than the tall, dark, sexy-as-sin cowboy with the knight-in-shining-armor complex she gets stuck with. While the chemistry between them flares brighter than fireworks, Ellie knows they want different things from life. She wants an easy-going farm boy, and nothing about Shane is easy. Besides, soon he’ll be moving on. 

He’s not meant to be a civilian…

Shane Hannigan doesn’t know how to be anything but a Marine sniper.  Honestly, he’s not sure he’s good at anything else. Since the IED explosion took his leg—and most likely his career—he’s not sure where he belongs. As a man whose job is to protect others, coming across the blonde-curly haired beauty with a flat tire is a nice distraction, that is until he finds out the flat was no accident. Someone is out to get Ellie, and even though she’s the most stubbornly competent woman he’s ever met—and damn if that’s not a sexy trait—he knows she's in danger and he’s going to help her, despite her obstinate objections. 

Can they work together to find who is determined to destroy Ellie before it’s too late?  Or will Ellie lose her heart and her farm?  AMAZON 4 STARS

Shane and Ellie were really good main characters.  Each of then were people of integrity. They both fighting against things that were rocking their worlds.  Although Ellie's problems seemed to be stacking up one after another.  The problems started out so slow that at first Ellie felt like it was just a run of bad luck.  But Shane began to see a pattern and brought to her attention it wasn't all coincidences.  

It was amusing how Shane enjoyed Ellie's  crazy corkscrew curls.  As he got to know her he came up with the nickname for her.  Cute-face is what he came up with.  Sometimes he did the guy grunt with her but there were also times that he felt such affection for her.  There were also times that he was amazed and respected her unexpected skills.  
He was also surprised by the amount of passion that she could unleash in him and with him.  

Both Shane and Ellie had independence as something in common.  They were used to being on their own.  Ellie had quite the unusual childhood and it also caused her a lot of loneliness.  Things were much better when she finally escaped from her parents on the mission field and returned to the farm with Grams.  She was now in her element, her dream.  
I liked how Shane said that Compromise and Communication were essential  That most friendships  and those with family fail for one of those two reasons.  Wow, seems like those who areas were where Ellie was a bit weak. 

There were some really good supporting cast of people in the story, some relatives, some townspeople.  There were just enough to get the family feel of the people.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Shane and his sister Crickett.  There were just snippets of it but you could tell that they knew each other pretty well and liked playfully ragging on each other. 
If you are looking for a book with plenty of action,  mainly from all the harassment coming against Ellie and her farm.  There are at least 2 surprises coming at the reader when it comes to why it's been going on.
And the danger does escalate.  
On a final note, I'd like to say that I liked the author's writing style, the way she expressed herself through the characters.  Like Ellie's thought of, "A dead woman would rise from her grave for his attention" Ellie was thinking about Shane and it made me smile. There were a few more sprinkled in the story.  It wasn't overdone but would just suddenly pop up when you least expected it.  I liked that.   There were other times that made me smile because of some of the conversations.  So I would say that it has humor in the story too.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book and this is my honest opinion of it. 

BOOK REVIEW- SPINEBREAKER Book #2 In the Library Gate Series By H. Duke

If you could step into the pages of any book…

Where would you go?

Who would you meet?

What price would you pay?...

After the events of Pagewalker, April thought she knew the true power of the library gate.

She thought wrong.

When a gate-related death in the library sends April reeling, she’s left wondering if protecting the gate is the right thing.

When a child gets lost in the pages of a book, April, Randall, and Dorian must fight mythical creatures in a far-flung world before he is lost forever.  AMAZON 4 STARS

April is struggling, hard!  She's kind of an emotional wreck after how things ended in the first book,  " Pagewalker."  The last thing that happened has her questioning all over again.  The pressure is increasing on her to quit.  Is she going to turn to the Dark side and just let the last Library Gate close forever?   The enemies of the gate (the Collectors) are also getting more clever and I think it sounds like in the next book, #3 "Wordeater" we are going to see more of the sinister pressure.  They have found what they consider is her weakness and they are merciless.   But in this book MOST of the pressure is coming from inside the books through the Gate.
Randall and his dog Rex show up in this book again.  And he proves to be so helpful.  April now has friends to help her and boy does she need them.  Still way over her head.  Dorian of course is there because he has an important part to play. He's a link from the portal.  And now also a  friend.  A new person Barty is also introduced.Along with a couple more people who go on the adventure with them. 
I never knew what was going to happen next in this book just like in the first one.  That managed to keep tension and interest pretty high.  Once again the world building in the story is really good.  I'm looking forward to the next adventure.  
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion of it.  

How He Loves Us - Kim Walker-Smith / Jesus Culture - Jesus Culture Music

Darlene Zschech - In Jesus' Name - (with lyrics)

In Jesus' Name from Darlene Zschech's #RevealingJesus Project

A Stirring Song!!!!!!

BOOK REVIEW- STRONG AND SEXY ( Sky High Air #2) by Jill Shalvis

Blowing It All Sky High

Shayne Mahoney is the laid-back, easygoing rebel in his family. But running Sky High Air--a charter airline catering to the rich and famous--is a dream come true, especially with in-flight specials like kissing his client's beautiful, brainy daughter in a cozy coat closet. But before Shayne can say "Fasten Your Seat Belts," Dani claims to witness a murder, gets stalked in her own apartment, and, as an added bonus, gets them both shot at by a mystery sniper. Normally Shayne would be strapping on his parachute and jumping out of the plane by now, but with Dani's delicious body clinging to his, letting go is the last thing he's willing to do. . .AMAZON 5 STARS

Dani was so endearingly awkward that I couldn't help but like her.  And root for a H.E.A. for her to win in every way possible. Someone I wouldn't mind having as a friend.  Although that might be slightly dangerous because of her stumbling around and accidentally causing personal accidents to herself and others.    And her inner dialogue which often came out her mouth was so funny!  It really did make me smile quite a bit.  She was hilarious!  
But of course, it's not all smiles and giggles.  There is some danger afoot.   But bodies keep appearing and then mysteriously disappearing around her.  That all adds to others the impression that her elevator doesn't go all the way to the top floor.   The author does a really good job of making you feel both angry and sad for Dani at the same time. 

Shane is the good example of there is more to this guy than the playboy love 'em and leave image.  In his past "relationships" if you want to use that word about him, women only lasted about a "date" or two.  But there is just something different about Dani, and he just can't seem to walk away.   He is often amused by her and her way of dealing with life.  Although a time or two, his feelings did get hurt when she tries to push him out of her life.  She just feels like a guy as gorgeous as he is and as messed up as she is (even physically) there is no way that is going to work for long. 
Something that they find that they do have in common is that they have been made to feel undervalued for being themselves.  That they aren't perfect fits with their families and what the families think is important.  Even the jobs that they love just don't fit with the family image.  Making them both kind of black sheep of their families.  It's so funny in a good way,  how patient he is with Dani.   Of course that's even when they aren't having crazy monkey sex.  Because look out, there will be plenty of that.
There are really good secondary people in this story too.  I would like to hear more of the backstory for both of Shane's partners that he grew up with.  Both Noah and Brody were people that Shane grew up with and then they struggled to build the business that was now thriving.  Maddie was also someone of interest to me, she was quite the big as life person  in this book.  I've already looked for the other books in this series and will be reading about Noah, Brody and Maddie.  

Just letting you know there is a really good, surprise twist coming at you towards the end of the book.  Yum. I really like this author's writing style.

BOOK REVIEW- SHADOWED (Dark Protectors Book 6) by REBECCA Zanzetti

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Danger signs rise off Jase Kayrs like steam--the scars, the secrets, the strength. He's got a mission, and he's not interested in much outside of it. Except Brenna Dunne.

Brenna was an ass-kicking, name-taking witch--before the poison that's killing her sapped her powers too. She knows there's more to Jase than a handsome face and an ugly history. But there's no time to find out what. Taking him as her mate might save her life. But once she unleashes the force of his desire, there will be no turning back...

Ready or not, here they come...AMAZON.  5 STARS


This was a very emotional book just because both of them were so damaged, just in different ways.  And they had encountered stunning losses.  Jase started out as the younger charming brother of the powerful Kayrs family.  Not only charming but also extremely talented when it came to controlling the forces of nature.   But that all changes after the torture he endured for 5 years at the hands of the demon race.  
Brenna has been fighting an illness caused by being forced to drink something poisonous to her race of witches.   She also had been kidnapped but both of the M.C.'s are trying to recover from their sufferings.  It looks like Brenna just might not live if something isn't done and quickly.  She had also been  a very powerful person (a witch) before this poison began to sap her energies.  She is not only powerful and smart but also had a kind heart.  Like Jase said, she was a nurturer. 
There were really good secondary people in the book.  I had read other books so it was just like a re-union. It was cool to see Janie and her brother Garrett all grown up.   It also is probably fairly easy to read as a stand-alone book too.  I think enough background information was included in this book.  

This book like all the others had plenty of action, some violence,  mysteries, enemies, magic and sex. Everything is intense.  In the paranormal world that was built, mates when they became a couple it was equal to a forever marriage.  Although some even had the human ceremony as well.   

There is a dramatic end for now to this book, which was quite the surprise. 

BOOK REVIEW- CLAIMED (Dark Protectors #2) by Rebecca Zanetti

A Daring Rescue

Emma Paulsen is a geneticist driven by science. But she's also a psychic, so when a dark, good-hearted vampire frees her from the clutches of the evil Kurjans, she realizes he must be the man who's been haunting her dreams. But with a virus threatening vampires' mates, Emma may discover a whole new meaning of "lovesick". . .

A Deadly Decision

As King of the Realm, Dage Kayrs has learned to practice diplomacy. Still, it's taken three hundred years to find his mate, so he'll stop at nothing to protect her—even if it means turning his back on his own kind. . .AMAZON  4.5 STARS

Like all of the books in this series, it is intense.  Intense in action, fighting, keeping enemies at bay and sexual intensity was well.

Emma and Dage are both intense main character.  They are very skilled, smart and gifted.   They make quite the power team.  

Emma has never wanted to be Queen but fate has decided that she is Dage is her mate.  So of course that makes her Queen of the Realm.  She doesn't feel like she has any time for any of that nonsense because she is a scientist through and through.  She is also on a mission to try and save her beloved sister from the virus that is trying to destroy her.  Finding that cure is what drives her.  She pushes to investigate, missing meals and sleep.  She can almost hear the clock ticking on her sister's life.  There are other mates who are also at risk too because of this virus. 
Dage is not about to let her half kill herself taking chances with her life and her health.  She sees him in a way no one else has.  As the man more that the status as King.  Their connection is strong and both are stubborn so he has his work cut out for him. 

Together they both cause some wins but the virus is still out there so it's more like a H.E.A. for now.  There is more adventures to come. 

BOOK REVIEW- A Hunger for the Forbidden BY Maisey Yates

A Hunger for the Forbidden 

Scandalized & Seduced: to desire a Corretti…  

Alessia Battaglia is a vision in white…as she flees the church. She's abandoned her fiancé, praying that his cousin, Matteo Corretti will come after her. 

Because there are two things Matteo doesn't know… Alessia is pregnant, and the child is his! 

The Highest Price to Pay 

All about the money? 

Blaise Chevalier intends to discard Ella Stanton's failing business—that is, until he meets her! Cast in the same fiery mold, she's an intriguing adversary.  

Proud and beautiful, Ella's determined to prove Blaise wrong…if she can just ignore the flicker of attraction burning between them!   AMAZON   4 STARS


Both stories were emotional with good main characters.  Their stories were different from each other but also something a bit different from the usual stories that you see.  I do see one thing that they do have in common that I just realized.  The men in both stories had been SO burned by life and love that they shut down their emotions and refused to feel.  Love was something that they didn't believe in anymore.

When it comes to being burned, Ella literally was.  It felt like that part of the story was well written.  The emotional as well as the physical things she had gone through was detailed without being gory.  She is still trying to overcome the emotional fears of being rejected because of her scars.  

I do have to say that when it came to the first story, I was shocked when after running out on her wedding there was a huge twist.  Alessia was running towards Matteo and then a huge surprise.  


Although I liked both books, I think the second one with Ella and Blaise is probably my favorite.

Lauren Daigle - You Say (Official Music Video)

BOOK REVIEW- TAMISAN (book 1) by Susan McKenzie

An illegal experiment.

Mortally wounded Zhenna Rhodarma has had her consciousness transferred into the body of a Waikari, a native of planet Althar 3. Her new form has two hearts, psychic abilities and can breathe underwater.

A dangerous escape.

When her new mind-reading talents reveal that her saviour, Dr Starrick, isn’t what he seems, Zhenna has to escape from his clutches and into the wilds of Althar 3.

A quest for survival.

Even with her new abilities, and the assistance of a mysterious stranger who answers her telepathic calls for help, Zhenna will be hard-pressed to stay ahead of the man who will stop at nothing to get his experiment back. And there’s more than just deadly flora and fauna waiting for her in the jungles of Althar 3.   AMAZON 5+ Stars

Wow, was this book packed with Action! It was Intense. The world building was off the charts good.  The description of the various people and Talents were in depth and done really well.  
Now lets get into the main character of the book.  Zhenna  renames herself Tamisan in order to keep her sanity and to recognize her new identity.  Clever girl! And so to keep it from being confusing in this review, I'm going to keep calling her Tamisan.  I loved how the author really got us into Tamisan's head. *Pun intended*  The emotions that she went through were very easy to connect with.  And boy, did she have a lot of emotions to go through as her adventures continued. 

Darion is someone who adds so much to the story.  BUT, I'm not going to ruin it by saying who he is and how he adds to the story.  Just read it like I did and enjoy the ride.  
About the time I would slowly begin to relax in the story and Tamisan's safety..bam, more danger.  And off we would go again.
The good news is that there will be a H.E.A. for Tamisan but as you can tell it won't be an easy road.  
I think I will go lay down now for a nap and recover from that really good roller coaster ride.  I have to keep my energy up because it looks like there will be at least another book with the further adventures of Tamisan.  Bring it on!!

"I received this book in exchange for a review."

Don't Put These Things Down Your Garbage Disposal

French Bulldog puppy naps in baby's swing

So cute

BOOK REVIEW- THE DUKE'S HELLION by Julia SInclair

Lady Georgiana and Tristan once shared a secret passion that almost destroyed them both. A blackmailer threatens to reveal it all, and they're in each other's arms again!

Love and family are on the line as Georgiana and Tristan discover the truth!

Georgiana Martin has a secret... 

.

To say that the eldest daughter of the formidable Martin clan is trouble would be an understatement!
Georgiana Martin has always done as she pleased, and the only person who could ever keep up with her was Tristan Carrow - the son of her family's oldest rivals.

.
The days when they meant anything to one another are long past.
Now ... he's a duke.
Now ... she's the star of London society, brilliant, gorgeous... and perfectly alone.

Then a note arrives.

Blackmail and longing bring Tristan and Georgiana back together!

. 

Really? 

.

Georgiana comes from a family known for its recklessness.
Tristan comes from a family known for its dignity and morality.
The duke and the hellion must learn to work together before the blackmailer catches up with them and tells the world one of the biggest secrets around:

Georgiana's heart was captured by her family's greatest enemy!

. 

No one is as wild as Georgiana.
No one is as proud as Tristan.
The question is:
Can these two put aside their dark past and their family feud and create a future together?

 AMAZON 4 STARS

The book felt like it had a little bit of a slow start but keep reading because the action and answers at the end have quite the twist.
Then one of the first things that I thought as I was reading it was, "Pride goeth before a fall."   And it seemed like both Tristan and Georgiana had plenty of that; pride.  And they did take a big fall and their stubbornness was causing even more problems.

Both Tristan and Georgiana were good main characters who sure liked to argue and try to get one on over the other.

It made me smile that so often Tristan lamented that when he was with Georgiana what was proper often went out the window.  And it got to a certain point that I noticed that Georgiana was having moments of being surprising proper.  Then Tristan began to have times of being wild.  Like it was said, the Martians were reckless and the Carrows were stick-in-the mud type people.  It was like they were rubbing off on each other and there were times they weren't too happy about. that  It was the very thing that they despised about the others family.  It took a while but then they began to notice that very thing themselves.  Some of that recklessness will help both of them though as they go on this adventure. 

I would have liked to seen a bit more depth when it came to the history that Tristan and Georgiana did actually share.  And a bit more about the terror that Georgiana had about that long ago time with the soldier.  

I did enjoy seeing Honey again, a person from the first book in the series.   It would be nice to see where her life could go from here.  Although Georgiana did have some ideas on how to help her in the future.