BOOK REVIEW- FATED (Dark Protectors Book 1) by Rebecca Zanetti

Marry Me

Cara Paulsen does not give up easily. A scientist and a single mother, she's used to fighting for what she wants, keeping a cool head, and doing whatever it takes to protect her daughter Janie. But "whatever it takes" has never before included a shotgun wedding to a dangerous-looking stranger with an attitude problem. . .

Or Else

Sure, the mysterious Talen says that he's there to protect Cara and Janie. He also says that he's a three-hundred-year-old vampire. Of course, the way he touches her, Cara might actually believe he's had that long to practice. . .AMAZON 4 STARS

There was a pretty good story behind all the steamy sex.  It did have good M.C.'s, good secondary people that included Cara's 4 year old daughter Janie.  Janie is someone who will play a pretty large part in stories to come.  She has a dangerous skill of being able to see much of the future and several different races see her as the one they need to make all their dreams of domination come true.  I enjoyed how Janie was shown as an innocent but also as someone whose powers were pretty strong for one so young.  She had even built a dream world that she could go into as she slept.  But you will have to read the book to hear more about that.  But it was pretty good stuff and is even more fleshed out in the books to come. 
This book is a good foundation for the series, we get to see many of the players and Talen's family is a part of that, as leaders of their vampire race. 
The different "races" are well portrayed and the culture, skills and make up of each one is pretty well drawn.  It doesn't take too long to see who the good guys are and who the evil ones are. 
There is plenty of action, danger and mysteries as the story goes on.  There is also a H.E.A. for now for the main characters.  It takes awhile for the M.C's to get on the same page. And Cara has some pretty bad memories to overcome; things that came from childhood horrors. She trusts her brain more than any man. Cara will have to use her scientist skills because of all the evil plots going on.  They are not totally destroyed yet and really it's more like the beginning and that threat will continue on as the series unfolds.  

BOOK REVIEW- Lord of Vice -Rogues to Riches (#6) by Erica Ridley

Vice merchant Maxwell Gideon is wickedly handsome, sinfully arrogant, and devilishly ruthless. Rumor has it, his gaming hell has the power to steal souls and grant miracles. Truth is, Max only owns half of The Cloven Hoof. He’d buy out his silent partner if he knew the man’s identity. But it’s hard to focus on business matters when a fallen angel tumbles right into one’s lap…

Miss Bryony Grenville has a well-earned reputation as an unrepentant hoyden. But even the gossipiest of the pinch-faced matrons ruling High Society could never imagine the daughter of a baron secretly financing the ton’s most infamous gambling parlor. Its maddening, sexy proprietor doesn’t suspect a thing… and two can play at temptation!   AMAZON   4.5 STARS

Man, I really liked this story.  A lot of that rests squarely on the shoulders of Bryony Grenville.  What a great, smart but impish character.  In a time when women held no power over their own lives when they couldn't even own property, she got around some of those rules pretty darn cleverly. Of course she had the help of a family member, who loved her and wanted to see her put her skills together.  Her mind would have been a senseless thing to waste.  She didn't see things the way others did and that also applied to business opportunities.  She was smart mathematically and could trace patterns and trends by intelligent study.   
Maxwell Gideon or "Max" as he was often called in the story, he also saw opportunities but only had himself to rely on in the beginning.  He pulled himself from poverty and built something strong and lasting.  His whole life people looked down on him because he wasn't titled, or part of the elite "ton".  He came from parents who were good people who worked hard but struggled to make a living.  His non "ton" title of Lord of Vice was such a lightweight title because there was so much more to him. And he's  made uncomfortable when he realized Bryony seems to see beyond the surface.  
Bryony has a lovely, unorthodox, loving family and it was fun to see how her siblings interacted.  They were a real family with all pretension set aside.  Well, except for the social climbing mother and the sometimes absent father.   Her mother did want what was best for her children including Bryony.  She just felt like she knew best and didn't think what her daughter wanted mattered.  Oh you know that is going to hit the fan sooner or later.  Even though Bryony loves her family, her mother included.  She does recognize that she can't ever seem to please her though.  That I didn't like. 
Max has one sister, Frances that he loves and so wants to help, if only she would let him.  But pride and making one's own way is strong in that family and not just in the men.  But then again, there were also some funny moments with his sister too. 
There is emotion in this story as well as humor.  Some of the humor comes in when Max doesn't know how to handle the unusual Bryony.  She is irrepressible.  That was the word that came to mind when thinking about her in this story.  In Max's words though, she brought color into his life.   That was for sure and along with that came some adventures that is not something that Society would favor but made for a good story.
The ending?  It was a good one with a Epilogue to round things out.  

I received a Advanced Readers Copy of this book via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion of it.

How to Experience Signs, Wonders and Miracles - Kenneth Copeland Ministries Blog

How to Experience Signs, Wonders and Miracles - Kenneth Copeland Ministries Blog: Do you want to see the supernatural in your life? Here is how you can experience signs, wonders and miracles where you need them most.

BOOK REVIEW- WHIRLWIND GROOM (Whirlwind Texas #3) by Debra Cowan

JOSIE WEBSTER WAS NOT A BORN KILLER…

But her thirst for justice could make her one. The outlaw who'd murdered her parents and fiancé had gotten off scot-free. And now the only thing standing between her and vengeance fulfilled was Sheriff Davis Lee Holt, who held her quarry prisoner…and completely captured her heart!

A woman with secrets needed watching, and lawman Davis Lee Holt intended to watch Josie Webster like a hawk. Why would a seamstress need shooting lessons? Or be curious about the jail? But after nursing her for a near-deadly snakebite, he faced a much more compelling problem: he loved a woman he couldn't trust!   AMAZON 3.STARS

This book started out fairly strong but then it just felt like it kind of bogged down a bit half way through.  It did have interesting main characters and what I thought was a good, unusual plot idea.  The plot was what got my attention at first.  I do think that the romance connection could have come across a bit deeper. It felt more like they thought about it more than I really saw it shown that much between them. It did have some good secondary people.

Josie really did come to town to kill the murderer of her loved ones. The murderer, Ian McDougal was part of a gang, who were all dead now.  And he had tuberculous, but he was still dangerous and slippery as all get out.  After getting to walk free of justice in Josie's case, he went on to murder others.  And STILL, he almost gets away more than once!

Davis Lee is an honorable man and a lawman to his very bones.  He has a loving family and good friends in his town.  He also carries a deep hurt caused by a woman who deeply betrayed him with lies. Things are not going well between Josie and Davis Lee because he just knows she's hiding things.  Oh, in between that knowing they have plenty of good moments too.  Because they feel like the attraction between them is really strong.

The action does pick up later especially when Ian makes a desperate bid to escape.  That will cause a few surprises mixed with danger.

There will be a H.E.A. for Davis Lee and Josie but he will have to work through some of his anger at the lies told by Josie.  All it really takes is him realizing that she really does love him and that it wasn't all an act.  She really wasn't trying to use him after all. 

BOOK REVIEW- THE BODYGUARD'S PRINCE (The Royal Wedding #1 by Caroline Lee

It's her job to protect him...but someone wants him out of the picture!
   
Crown Prince Alek of Aegiria is known for two things: his sense of duty and tradition, and being as drop-dead gorgeous as his brothers. His five younger brothers, whom he leads with a firm hand. They have a tendency to get into trouble, and without him, the whole palace would probably descend into chaos. So when their Queen mother surprises the princes with an announcement which will shake the entire nation, he knows he's got his work cut out for him.

And then he's kidnapped.

Lt. Toni Dryden, the Crown Prince's bodyguard and not-quite-willing closest confidante, knows it's up to her to save the stuck-up prince's cute butt. After all, surely allowing her employer to be kidnapped is a black mark on her resume! But that's the only reason she's willing to move heaven and earth to save him...not because he's gorgeous,or makes her laugh with his dry sense of humor, or because of the way he kisses...

But it's going to take teamwork to get out of this mess, and Toni and Alek make a better team than expected. Too bad ex-cowgirl bodyguards are not princess material!   AMAZON 4 STARS

I enjoyed this book.  It was a story that flowed quickly and with really good main characters. 
Toni was a multi-talented woman who was on her toes when it came to protecting Alek.  She also was training him on how to keep in shape and teaching him self-defense moves.  As the reader gets to know Toni that's when we begin to see past her great skills as a bodyguard.  We see more of the well rounded woman that she is.  We also get a peek into what motivated her to be so aggressive as a bodyguard.  
Alek at first was the stiff-necked, autocratic, always proper member of royalty.  But the more time spent with Toni, we begin to see him begin to unbend and easier to relate to.  Some of their conversations were fun to listen to.  For the most part Toni did not pull her punches when it came to speaking the truth.  Oh, she did remember that he was her boss, so sometimes she had to zip it in order to be respectful.  But more than once, when he got in her space she didn't back up but got right back in his.
The kidnapping puts things more in perspective for not only Alek but also Toni.  
I liked the Queen and her interaction with her sons.  She was a strong but compassionate woman who loved her family.  She had to give up a lot in order to rule her country.  Most of that was time spent with her children when they were growing up.  What time they had together when they were younger was precious. 
There is a sinister plot going on that is not totally solved at the end of the book. There are some suspicions and some clues to who had something to gain from the kidnapping and attempted intimidation.   It looks like it will continue on to another book.  But Prince Alek and Toni are headed to their H.E.A.  so that was a plus.
























   

BOOK REVIEW- HOT PURSUIT (The Pursuits of Sarah Burrowes) by Rebecca Freeborn

A missing rockstar, a suspected murderer on the run, and a chase through some of the world’s most romantic destinations

Sarah Burrowes is left with a shattered heart and a huge mortgage after the love of her life abruptly runs out on her.

An aspiring journalist, Sarah spends her days slaving away at a gossip magazine—far from her dream job. 

Heartbroken and fed up, Sarah decides to take her career by the reins and lands herself the assignment of a lifetime in Europe. But there’s a catch—her boss pairs her with gorgeous but egocentric photographer, Nick, who just happens to be her ex’s best friend.

But when Sarah’s assignment takes a darker turn, she discovers there’s more to this story than meets the eye. Is she ready to risk everything to get the scoop?   AMAZON 3.5 STARS



Sarah was a different kind of character.  Sometimes I liked her and at others, she made me shake my head.  If you looked up the word, "Stupid" in the dictionary I think her name and picture would be under it.   But to give her a fair shake, she was also tenacious, brave, loyal and unrelenting.  
At, first I wasn't sure about what to make about Nick.  So many times he was so critical and rude to Sarah.  But as time went on I began to think that just might have been a defense mechanism against Sarah.  He WAS there for her when she needed help.  Things are not totally settled between the two of them.  The attraction is still there.   
Now James is another story. Her on and off boyfriend was something else.  He just needed to grow up and stop running away every time some hiccup happened in his life.  He was pretty steady until a problem cropped up and then not only couldn't she find him, he wouldn't even talk to her.  He wouldn't even talk to Nick, someone who had been his friend for years.  I didn't like how he treated Sarah and hoped against hope that she would ditch him for a change.  Permanently. 
There is plenty of action, mysteries and flat out dangers in this story.
With more action and unexpected turns towards the end.  That was really well done.  When things start to unravel for the bad guys, it ends up revealing even more that was on the end of that thread.  
Just on a side note, I liked the eBook cover that came with my copy better than the one I see they used for the paperback on Amazon.  This one really popped!

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion of it.  

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BOOK REVIEW- TOO WILDE TO WED (Wildes of Lindow Castle) By Eloisa James

No one is more surprised than Lord North when he returns from war to find his ex-fiancee in his ancestral home...working as a governess in a sexy, fiery new Wildes of Lindow Castle romance by New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James...

The handsome, rakish heir to a dukedom, Lord Roland Northbridge Wilde—known to his friends as North—left England two years ago, after being jilted by Miss Diana Belgrave. He returns from war to find that he’s notorious: polite society has ruled him “too wild to wed.”

Diana never meant to tarnish North’s reputation, or his heart, but in her rush to save a helpless child, there was no time to consider the consequences of working as a governess in Lindow Castle. Now everyone has drawn the worst conclusions about the child’s father, and Diana is left with bittersweet regret.

When North makes it clear that he still wants her for his own, scandal or no, Diana has to fight to keep from losing her heart to the man whom she still has no intention of marrying.

Yet North is returning a hardened warrior—and this is one battle he’s determined to win.

He wants Diana, and he’ll risk everything to call her his own.   AMAZON 4 STARS

The book plot was even better and deeper than the book blurb  suggested.  It had two great main characters, North and Diana.  

It was amusing when they first met that it comes out later that they both were kind of playing a part.  Well, Diana was coerced into it by her mother.  Her evil mother. Yes, you heard me right not her evil step-mother" but her very own mother. Her mother was always putting Diana down about everything.  No wonder she felt like she could never do anything right.  North was also playing the part of a stiff dandy because he thought that was the only way to get her attention. Be as fashionable as she was.  He fell for her from the very first meeting, her laugh captivated him.  And it wasn't until later that the true people that they were showed up.  That would be when North returns from the war and everything hits the fan.  Well, kind of.  They find each other much changed but it seems that in some ways it made them better. 

There were good secondary people in the story and North's family were such good people.  They actually were very close to each other and watched each other's back.  They even were so fond of Diana and even though she reminded me that she worked for them, they saw her as family.  

The children were a delight in their differences.  Artie was the nickname for North's youngest sister because her real name was a mouthful (Artemisia).  She was every inch of the unique, won't fit into the world's mold, born duchess in waiting very young little girl.  Godfrey is the little boy that Diana sacrificed so much for and everyone accepted her little boy into the family.  Not only accepted but welcomed.  

This book did have plenty of emotions, some coming from North's inability to sleep well or even eat well.  He was trying to overcome the horrors of war.  There are plenty of secrets and other emotions to the story as well.  A friendship does develop between North and Diana and it was very charming.  

The only down side I can think of is that for a while there was a bit of a drag in the story as Diana dug her feet in about ever becoming a Duchess.  Not even North's Duchess, she just knew she wouldn't be good at it.  

There is a H.E.A. for the North and Diana as well as a very satisfying Epilogue.  

BOOK REVIEW- SMART AND SEXY (Sky High Air Book 1) by Jill Shalvis

FLYING SOLO IS WAY OVERRATED

Noah Fisher has worked for months to make Sky High the most prestigious charter airline in California. He's long overdue for a break—something involving ski slopes, cold beers, and hot ski bunny babes. The itinerary doesn't include being hijacked by Bailey Sinclair, gorgeous widow of one of Sky High's wealthiest (ex-) clients. But here they are, and being crammed in a cockpit with the scared, stubborn, unbelievably sexy former model could get Noah in serious trouble. . .AMAZON  3.5 STARS


While I liked this book, it didn't grab me as much as the other two books.  Which of course I once again read as a series out of order.  
I did like both of the M.C.'s because wow, did they have a lot of things that they overcome and still had to overcome.  When Noah figures out some of what is going on, he wants to help Bailey.  After all, he's had a secret crush on her, not to mention some pretty wild fantasies as well. 
Yes, she was married, so he kept his distance before this encounter. Yes, Noah was mad that she hijacked him with a gun, but he began to see she really did have reasons to be running scared. 
One of the things that bugged me was so much of the time Bailey was trying to skip out on Noah, while he was trying to help.  Dumb, really dumb.  But I got her reasoning.  She didn't want to endanger him and she was used to men NOT looking out for her. Of course, another reason she was trying to protect him was because she had some fantasies of her own about him.  And they will eventually get hot and heavy together.
There is plenty of danger, being chased by ruthless men and nearly getting caught several times.  They were also shot at more than once too.
In this book we get to meet Noah's crew of close friends and co-workers/co-owners.  Brody, Shayne and of course their unflappable, multi-tasking organizer of all their lives...Maddie.  
There is of course a very active, blood chilling race to out run the bad guys at the end.  Also a good Epilogue is included.

BOOK REVIEW- A SECOND CHANCE AT HAPPINESS by Kassandra Lynn

To save the empire, she must steal its crown prince.

When an enemy empire holds Lady Elsa hostage, she is forced to take matters into her own hands. Desperation leads her to jump down a city wall in the hope that she’ll survive, but when her harrowing attempt ends in her death, an unexpected opportunity presents itself.

She is transported three months back in time to reverse all that have gone wrong and to escort the crown prince to the safest stronghold in the lands. If she can avoid a brutal army and form a bond with three unlikely cohorts, she will preserve the empire. If she fails, everything will be lost.  

Note for readers: Each book in this series can be read as a stand-alone.    AMAZON  4 STARS


In the beginning this book was hard for me to get into.  Maybe part of the problem for me was one of the main characters.  Elsa, while she was really physically strong and seemed to have a good heart, she was incredibly naive'.  She usually jumped into things without getting all the facts, which often made things difficult for people, herself included.  She made me groan more than once.  It all made it really hard for me to get on board with her being a heroine.  But I held on and was rewarded with a good story.  Sure it had what I thought was a slow start but when the action kicked in, it really kicked in. 
Liam and Ash are two people in the story that bring interest to the story.  Liam is part of the elite society and Ash, is a outcast.  But everything is NOT as it seems when it comes to their character. I liked how Elsa was charmed by Liam's pretty face at first but she began to see how poorly Ash was treated and she didn't like that one bit.  Ash and Elsa did have something in common from the first..society treated them both poorly.  Ash proves his honor and bravery time after time.  But he doesn't have to prove it to Elsa because she remembers the time spent with him as they ran for their lives before she was sent back in time.  
Even though I felt like the story started out a bit slow, it sure didn't end that way.  It went out with a bang and enough surprises and twists to make a person happy.  
By the way, what a great cover for the eBook, right? Beautiful!

I received a copy of this book and was not required to leave a review. 

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BOOK REVIEW- THE REGENT'S RAPTURE Lords of Zanthar Book 1) BY Liza Probz

It was supposed to be an exploratory mission, and it was... Just not the kind she expected.

Dr. Sylvia Cohen, MIT's premiere astrobiologist has been chosen for a follow-up mission to Zanthar, a planet showing the promise of Life. Leaving little behind on earth, she sustains a crash landing on the large seaweed planet and encounters far more than the micro-organisms discovered years earlier. 

The Supreme Regent of Zanthar has a natural affinity for human females and finds himself quite taken with the lovely doctor, but war stands at their door. His determination of her innocence or guilt will change the future for both of them. He will test her in many ways, finding himself wanting her to succeed more and more each time. 

Sylvia determines that science can explain most anything, but matters of the heart are forever a mystery.   AMAZON  4 STARS
18+ Explicit sexual content and harsh language


I liked this book with some reservations though.  
On the plus side...great main characters, great world building, the culture and the unusual make up of the aliens.  The fact that the aliens could show their emotions by the color of their skin and also had the ability to give electrical shocks was just a few of the  unusual abilities of the aliens.   The enemies that are trying to take over the world of Zanthar are also well built, in their abilities and how cunning they are.  
There are plenty of twists, turns and surprises.
There will be a H.E.A. for now for the M.C.'s with the door wide open for future adventures.  This is Book #1, remember?

On the other side- It surprised me that as I got suspicious of one particular person, it took someone so long to catch on.  It almost cost people their lives.  I thought they were surprisingly slow on the uptake. Of course I guess we can chalk it up to the sexual haze on a few people's part, right? The book blurb did warn about sexual content and harsh language, there will be both.
All in all, not a bad story. 

BOOK REVIEW- THE DUKE WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO (Victorian Rebels) by Kerrigan Byrne

he bravest of heroes. The brashest of rebels. The boldest of lovers. These are the men who risk their hearts and their souls—for the passionate women who dare to love them…

He is known only as The Rook. A man with no name, no past, no memories. He awakens in a mass grave, a magnificent dragon tattoo on his muscled forearm the sole clue to his mysterious origins. His only hope for survival—and salvation—lies in the deep, fiery eyes of the beautiful stranger who finds him. Who nurses him back to health. And who calms the restless demons in his soul…

A LEGENDARY LOVE

Lorelai will never forget the night she rescued the broken dark angel in the woods, a devilishly handsome man who haunts her dreams to this day. Crippled as a child, she devoted herself to healing the poor tortured man. And when he left, he took a piece of her heart with him. Now, after all these years, The Rook has returned. Like a phantom, he sweeps back into her life and avenges those who wronged her. But can she trust a man who’s been branded a rebel, a thief, and a killer? And can she trust herself to resist him when he takes her in his arms?   AMAZON 4 STARS

This was such an emotional story, that dumps straight into some pretty rough times that The Rook as a boy is going through.  Rough isn't even a tough enough name for it..brutal, would probably be a better word for it.  Even his name will be changed time and again in this story.  So I am going to use the name Ash for most of it.  That is the name that Lorelai gave him as she helps nurse him back to life.  He has no memories of who he is, not his name or anything else. So she re-names him.  He survives when all the odds are against him.  For a time he finds peace with Lorelai but it's going to be short with a whole lot more suffering coming his way.  The time that they spent together was at times sweet even though he went through a lot of pain as he physically healed.  

Lorelai is familiar with pain, she lives with it every day.  She is crippled after all but she wasn't born that way. She has such a tender heart towards people and animals.  She became quite skilled when it came to nursing injured animals. But she also has a cruel brother named Mortimer who calls her duck because of her injury.  Her father is no help and has never really protected her, he is a weak man concerned only by the opinions of others. Ash is also going to feel the cruelty of Mortimer at least for a time.  Mortimer will be dealt with, sooner or later.

There is a lot of action, danger, mysteries and even love in this book.  Things will be revealed that have been secrets for a very long time.  And it will cause quite a few surprises when it comes to the position of people in Ash's life.  People that he has forgotten and people who grieved for him thinking that he was dead!

If you are looking for a book with tensions of a lot of different kinds, this book definitely has it along with some really good secondary characters.

The Epilogue puts a really good ending to the whole story. 

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

Mike Bickle - Sid Roth – It’s Supernatural! | sidroth.org

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BOOK REVIEW- OCEANS APART by Karen Kingsbury

A riveting story of secret sin and the healing power of forgiveness. Airline pilot Connor Evans and his wife, Michele, seem to be the perfect couple living what looks like a perfect life. Then a plane goes down in the Pacific Ocean. One of the casualties is Kiahna Siefert, a flight attendant Connor knew well. Too well. Kiahna’s will is very clear: before her seven-year-old son, Max, can be turned over to the state, he must spend the summer with the father he’s never met, the father who doesn’t know he exists: Connor Evans. Now will the presence of one lonely child and the truth he represents destroy Connor’s family ? Or is it possible that healing and hope might come in the shape of a seven-year-old boy? This title is also available as an unabridged Audio Pages® CD.    AMAZON  5+ STARS


WOW!  This book hits almost all of the emotions.  It was so good. A little bit like an emotional roller coaster. But believable and fairly easy to relate to.  Love, anger, sadness, grief, fear, inability to forgive, just to name a few.  It shows the good times and the bad times that all of them are going through.  The characters had depth and their flaws were showing. Connor, Michele, Kiahana, Max, none of them are left untouched. That one mistake has a ripple effect that goes beyond them.  It touches Connor and Michele's children Elizabeth and Susan too.  Even goes as far as Connor's estranged father.  Now there is a relationship that really  needs healing too.
The times that come up in the story with Max and his mother Kiahana were both sweet and bittersweet.  She loved him so deeply and gave him such a foundation of not only her love but the love of God.
The struggles that the main characters go through are clear and understandable.  So is their struggle with their faith in God and the things that they have been hiding. 
Another one of the interesting people in the book is Max's part-time baby sitter/almost family Ramey Aialea.  If her health was better, she would have adopted Max in a minute but that wasn't about to happen.   She didn't think she was very important but keep an eye on her, she will have her part to play. 
I have to say that this is one of the best Christian fiction books that I have read.  There are a handful of them that I have enjoyed enough to give it a 5+ rating on Amazon.  And this one now stands out in that group.  
I also wanted to mention what a really good choice for the cover of this eBook.  It really conveyed the emotion of this lost little boy, his best friend, Buddy (the dog).  And the shadow of his father in the background with his back turned, really made for a very accurate picture.   I really like it when the cover of the book is a good representation of the story.  

BOOK REVIEW- HOT MESS (Into The Fire Series Book 4) by J.H. Croix

Ward 
Susannah is the only woman who’s ever tested my control.
Fighting fires is my life, but I can’t put out the fire between us.
I tell myself I can keep my distance, tell myself it’s nothing more than a little fun.
She fills every corner of my thoughts and kicks my control to the curb.
Still, I have this. I can handle her.
Then I find out she’s pregnant—with our baby.
All bets are off. 
I’ll do anything to make her mine.

Susannah 
One night. Four years ago.
We nearly set each other on fire, but I never thought I’d see Ward again.
Then he comes walking back into my world—the epitome of tall, dark & dangerous.
I can’t withstand the heat.
We take another chance, thinking we can burn this fire to ashes.
But that’s only the beginning.
It’s a mess—he’s my boss and now…
He’s about to be a father.   AMAZON  3 STARS

Although I liked the main characters, this book was kind of disappointing.  It had so much potential which I didn't feel like it really met.  Why do I say that?  Because there was more depth in their sexual relationship then there was in the rest of the story.  Yes, their times together sexually were well written but I ended up hoping for MORE, story that is.  Even some of the secondary people could have added more depth but just ended up feeling like floaters to the story.  
That doesn't mean I've given up on this author.  Just that this book didn't do it for me.    

BOOK REVIEW- HUNTED (Dark Protectors Book 3) by Rebecca Zanetti

Ready Or Not Moira Dunne is a witch--the quantum physics kind. Time and space are her playthings. Which might explain why her one-night stand from a hundred years ago has turned up to "claim" her--and request her family's assistance with the war he's brewing. But the more she learns about Connlan Kayrs, the more she comes to think this is normal behavior for him. . . 

There's Nowhere To Hide 
When Conn and Moira tumbled on the moonlit grass, Conn hadn't meant to mark her as his mate for all time. She was only twenty! But it wasn't easy to wait for her. It was even harder to forget her. So when he finally returns for his wicked-hot witch, he's ready to let the sparks flying. Even if he burns up in flames. . .
AMAZON 4.5 STARS

This book had lots of action, romance and danger.  I believe it could be read alone but since I have been reading it as a series it was pretty enjoyable. 
Conn and Moira were both pretty strong people all on their own but together?  They were a powerhouse although it seemed that the century that they were apart caused some separations when it came to working as a team.  They each had strong loyalties to their clans" that tried to pull them apart.  Conn had the right idea about that though.  They needed to put themselves TOGETHER as first priority and then work the rest out together.  And it's going to take some time and some work to get there. 
Moira for all of her posturing is into Conn, but she just WON'T be his duty.  She would deny it to anyone what she wants to be important to him in a deeper way.  Conn being a warrior guy, doesn't see that at first but when he does things start to begin to go his way.  Well, until bad guys and gals try to get in his way. That's when more action and more danger kicks in.  During that time a traitor or two are revealed and fought.

There is a H.E.A. for now for the M.C.'s because they are finally on the same page.  They will have their heated moments together both in anger and in sex.  I really did like that Conn was so open about wanting to protect Moira but he also knew that she had unusual destiny and he didn't want to change her.  He wanted her to be happy and to be herself.  But there is still a unresolved virus out there and other dangers, so the adventures do continue.  If you consider this a cliffhanger, I suppose you could but since it's clearly a series I don't.  You have the choice to stop right here and enjoy what has gone on or you can continue on.  Since I've enjoyed this series so much, you know my choice was to continue on.

Book Review- Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson

A stunning new adventure set in the kingdoms of the Remnant.

A formidable outlaw family that claims to be the first among nations.

A son destined to lead, thrust suddenly into power.

Three fierce young women of the Rahtan, the queen's premier guard.

A legendary street thief leading a mission, determined to prove herself.

A dark secret that is a threat to the entire continent.

When outlaw leader meets reformed thief, a cat-and-mouse game of false moves ensues, bringing them intimately together in a battle that may cost them their lives—and their hearts.  AMAZON 5+ STARS

First Comment:  Wow, that was one intense, intense, story!!!

I will admit that at first I was a bit confused at the opening pages of the book.  That was caused by my trying to keep track of the all the people in the story.  The world building was also great but that even took me a while to sort through.  It was a bit overwhelming for me at first, I wasn't even sure if I was going to be able to finish the book.BUT I'm glad that I kept going because it was so work it.  It helped even more when the story began to narrow down a bit more into two people.  The legendary street thief known as "Ten" who became the fierce Rahtan premier fighter,  Kazi will be one of those people focused on.  Jase Ballenger is that son thrust into leadership as the new Patrei.  And boy, is his plate ever full and he has no idea how more danger that there is lingering around him.  There is a lot of enemies out there and they are bold!
Two other women of the special guard go with Kazi.  Two VERY skilled warriors named, Synove and Wren.  They not only supported Kazi but also added so much more to the story.  As did a few other people as well.  The Ballenger also had their family members to add to the story and there were quite a few of them.
This book is FULL of action, deceptions, dangers and even some good moments too.  It's not all death and destruction but there will be plenty of that too.
I will also add that it is one long book, and well worth the money that you pay for it.
It "ends" with some happiness but I guess it a H.E.A. for now kind of ending.  Why?  Because the door is left wide-open for further adventures.  And looks like it's going to be a dangerous one at that.

I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book via Netgalley and it knocked my socks off!

BOOK REVIEW- WHIRLWIND WEDDING by Debra Cowan

HE'D NEARLY BLED TO DEATH ON HER DOORSTEP

Catherine Donnelly had come to Whirlwind to care for her rebellious brother. Not to rescue the very man who doubted her sibling's innocence! But as the Texas Ranger recovered in her bed, she was forced to admit that Jericho Blue might be the one man who could save her. And make her the woman she yearned to be!

HAD THIS ANGEL OF MERCY DANCED WITH THE DEVIL?  

Jericho prayed that Catherine had nothing to do with the murderous ambush. For once he'd apprehended the culprits, Jericho knew the only way to satisfy the fierce passion Catherine aroused in him—would be to make the innocent temptress his wife!  AMAZON  3.5 stars

I liked this book and it did start out strong with good main characters.  It also had good backgrounds for both of them too.  My only problem with the story is that it kind of stalls about half-way through.  But at least it's only for a while.  It kind of stalls because of going over the same issues over and over a bit too long to my way of thinking.  Action did force things to move along at a pretty good rate once we got past that other point.

There were good secondary people in the story which added a good dimension to the story.  You could feel the community in it.  

Catherine's  12 year old brother,  Andrew has been slowly beginning to realize how much trouble he is in.   He's terrified and just not sure how to get out of it.  

I kind of think that the title of this book was a bit misleading and wasn't exactly the best fit.  But there is a H.E.A. to the story.

Who You Say I Am - Jenn Johnson | Bethel Music Worship

BOOK REVIEW- RUN AND HIDE by Alan McDermott

There’s only so long you can run for your life.

Eva Driscoll is used to chasing down bad guys, but now the bad guys are chasing her. She knows they won’t stop until she’s dead.

After her brother is killed in a faked suicide, Driscoll teams up with ex-soldier Rees Colback, the one person who can help her find answers. Together they’re determined to uncover why members of his Special Forces squad are dying in mysterious circumstances.

But with every agency in the country in hot pursuit, their only choice is to flee.

The clock is ticking. They can’t run forever. It’s time to make a choice: kill or be killed…AMAZON 4.5 stars

And what the thriller it was.  Eva was a great main character and those that came alongside were pretty good too.  Eva was a really lethal weapon trained by the CIA but all the gloves are off when she finds out how she has been used.  The tension of the story was one that just kept up the pace.  It also had some good world building when it came to the people behind everything. Their network was truly scary. 
There is action, action, action in this story.  There is also a scene that is not for the squeamish, definitely an adult story because of that one thing alone.  Although I'm happy to say that it's not as detailed when it comes to the violence as it could have been. I do want to say that I usually like the thrillers that I am reading to have a romance in it.  This one didn't but it was still a darn good story. 
It had a really good twist or two to the story with openings left for future adventures it seems.  


I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book via Netgalley and this is what I think about it. 

BOOK REVIEW- PRIVATE LIES by T.E. Woods

 
All her life, Midwest restaurateur Sydney Richardson has been searching for answers about her past. Now, in this riveting thriller, the truth hits home—with a vengeance.

Billy Tremble thought he had finally made it out of the skids. He was happy to share his good fortune with his less fortunate friends . . . and that’s why he ended up dead.

Sydney Richardson’s enjoying a rare night out in her hometown of Madison, Wisconsin, when she learns that one of her friends has been shot. Rick Sheffield thought he was staking out a drug deal; turns out he had a front-row seat to a million-dollar cash drop gone wrong. Meanwhile, at a construction site across town, a young vagrant is killed execution-style after spreading some serious wealth among his street friends.

Sydney sees no reason to link the shootings—until the money disappears from the evidence locker, resulting in the release of the suspect in the first shooting and the suspension of the detective investigating the second. Determined to connect the dots herself, Sydney uncovers evidence of a massive conspiracy tying a respectable local family to the Chicago underworld. But what frightens her most is the fact that the trail of blood leads to the decades-old cold case that has haunted Sydney’s every move: her father’s murder.  AMAZON 5 STARS

Wow, what a powerful story!  Powerful on so many different levels.  Loved the main characters, they were strong ones, and they were likable too.  And oh, did I mention smart and good at what they do?
Sydney was someone who succeeded in so many ways especially  when it came to her businesses.  Now, her love life was kind of a different story though.  Her lover and friend Clay wants so much more with her but there's just something that isn't showing her as all in.  This is going to be a problem.  So is her feelings for Rick Sheffield, there's more there than they want to really address.  I wouldn't say that this thriller had as much romance as i would have liked but that's just me probably.  It still was incredibly good.
Her late father's cop partner,  Horst Welke (what a name) is a great addition to the story. He adds so much to the story as being the man who stepped up and was always there for Sydney whenever she needed him. They had such a great, affectionate relationship.  
This story has surprise after surprise with several twists of surprises towards the end of the book.  I kid you not, at least one of them I didn't see coming and I liked that the author could surprise me like that.  I don't want to give anything away so I am going to stop right there.  I would be open to read more by this author after reading this book.


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

If Camila Cabello's "Havana" were a Christian song by Beckah Shae

BOOK REVIEW- IN MY CUSTODY by Stella Marie Alden

Andrew Quinn, Esquire

The ask comes from my brother at four AM. A penniless widow in the emergency room needs a pro bono lawyer. Yup, it pushes all the right buttons. But what's this? The woman who captured all America’s pity was… well, to be frank, mousy. This stunning beauty has silky blond hair, sparkling blue eyes, and cherry-red lips. With a heart-shaped chin and pretty pert nose, she’s absolutely gorgeous. Too bad she's about to be arrested or worse.

Sienna

My dead husband was a cheap, conniving SOB with ties to the mob. So, when I mistakenly capture his very-alive voice on a recording, I know I'm in deep sh*t. Mr. Sexy-Suit offers his services for free but if something sounds too good to be true... I sure as hell won't go down that road again.

Note: Steaming hot scenes, no cheating, and HEA guaranteed.  AMAZON 3.5 STARS

This book had good main characters, although I have to say in the beginning I began to wonder about Sienna.  She was kind of a ditz at times and I wasn't sure I was going to like her all that much.  More than once I thought I just wanted to shake her. How many chances is she going to take with her life?  Common sense?  I wasn't sure how much of that she had.  But she also had some charming moments too.

Andrew, was kind of a surprise.  He wasn't perfect, he had a few flaws but he was good at his job.  That is he is good at it when he get his client, Sienna to listen.   Their first meeting was really different and had so humor to it even though she was in serious trouble.  And is Andrew the stuffed suit that on the outside he seems to appear to be?  No, I don't think so. 

It had some good secondary people in this book who are involved in the danger that was in the story.  There was a few unexpected twists towards the end of the book.  
While I can't say this was a favorite book, it did enjoy it. 

 I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.

Prophecy: Are You Willing to Follow Me Into the New Season I Have for You? By Jennifer LeClaire

The Lord shows me He is requiring to step out in faith to a new thing in this season—and stepping out in faith to a new thing demands putting something on the altar that was important to you. It means putting something on the altar that your identity may be wrapped up in; something you prayed for a long time and finally attained. God is wanting to see if that thing is more important to you than Him.

You’ve been wrestling with God just like Jacob wrestled with the angel. And he said, “I will not let you go until you bless me.” You’ve been wrestling with God. He’s challenged your heart to step out in faith. He’s challenged your heart to let some things go. He’s allowed you to become so miserable in your current situation—maybe it’s a job, maybe it’s a relationship, maybe it’s some kind of church you’re sitting in.

God has allowed you to become so miserable in it because He’s asked you to move out from it, and you have not wanted to move. You have not wanted to step out. You have not wanted to shake it loose, You have not wanted to leave it behind. But the Lord would say to you today,

“If you’ll put it on the altar, if you’ll step out in faith, if you’ll follow My Spirit,” says God. “If you’ll do what I’ve asked you to do, I will give you something so much better, so greater, so much stronger, so much more peaceful in your life, and it won’t look like what you think it’s going to look.

“It might give you the very thing that I’m asking you to sacrifice. Or it will take a new shape, a new form. I might just give it right back to you, I might not even make you sacrifice it. I just want to see if you’ll put it on the altar,” says God. “Oh, I just want to see if you’ll obey Me,” says God. “I just want to see if your faith is sufficient for the new season I’ve called you into,” says God. “I just want to know, but more than that, I want you to know, because I already know what you’re going to do in the end.

“I already know what you’re going do tomorrow and next week, but I want to show you what’s in you. I want to rip out of you—fear, I want to bring out of you—and doubt. I want to bring out of you those things that are causing you stress and causing you harm and causing you conflict in your soul,” says God. “I want to bring those things out of you. I want to bring you into a new place of peace, a new place of blessings, a new place that you can’t see.”  AMAZON

For more content like this, visit www.morningswiththeholyspirit.com or join Jennifer’s daily broadcast on Periscope and Facebook.

Looking for 'Caleb Company' Intercessors | Senior Citizens & Retirees

Are you about to retire or retired or a senior citizen? God gave me a prophetic word and an assignment for you!

On one of my Mornings with the Holy Spirit prayer calls, the Lord gave me a profound prophetic word:

I am raising you up in this hour to stand in companies and even to stand on the walls, for I have things I want you to see in the spirit. And, I even want you to watch. I want you to look and I want you to see.

 

I want you to sound the alarm. I want you to gather intercessors round and about you who are serious about My business in this hour. For you have earned My trust by way of your walk. And, you have earned My trust by the way of your prayer. You have earned My trust by the way of your selflessness and your willingness to pour out.

 

Rise up and gather. I’m pouring out a gathering anointing upon you, to even see your city changed through prayer, to even see your families, and churches and those round about you, who have struggled, changed.

 

I’m giving some of you unique ministries. Some of you will go into the prisons and the jails. Some of you will go into the hospitals and the nursing homes. Some of you will go into orphanages and other places where they teach children who have disabilities.

 

I am putting feet to your prayers, so I’m asking you to pray but I’m asking you to move. I’m asking you to shift and I’m asking you to think outside the box. For I will band you together and you will be a powerhouse force in My spirit. 

 

It’s not about gathering all those who are your same age. No. Gather different age groups, gather young and old because you have something to deposit. I want you to make a deposit. I want you to make a deposit that will bear much interest in the next generation. I want you to teach them how to watch and how to pray.

 

The Lord keeps showing me people of stature, people of greater eldership in the spirit standing on the wall and watching, watching, watching, watching. The Lord is going to give you certain ministries to watch over. There are seers among you who are going to rise up as seer guards over ministries. And, those ministries may or may not ever know that you’ve been stationed there, but you’re going to be faithful. 

   -Jennifer LeClaire   The Caleb Company