BOOK REVIEW- Blackthorne's Bride: A Bitter Creek Novel by Joan Johnston

A rogue nobleman, a rescued lady, and revenge undone by romance all play a part in New York Times bestselling author Joan Johnston’s irresistible novel of best-laid plots, delicious deception, and unexpected passion.

Two years have passed since Josie Wentworth was bought from the Sioux for a gold watch and whisked back to England by Marcus Wharton, the Duke of Blackthorne. When Marcus breaks his promise to return Josie to America, she ends up as a maid in the home of his charming but neglected nephews. Once Josie’s long-lost family finds her, however, the suddenly wealthy heiress sets out to save the two boys from their indifferent uncle—and teach the duke a lesson in honor.

Learning that Marcus is seeking a rich American bride to save his estate, Josie plots to catch his eye—certain he’ll never recognize the beauty she’s become as the ragged captive he rescued. But Josie doesn’t wager on her marital charade taking a tender turn, as the nobleman she’s despised for years proves to be a very different man than she’s imagined. And there’s no denying his passionate caresses, as she falls deeper under the spell of a husband determined to claim her heart.  AMAZON 4 STARS

I really enjoyed this story.  It had great main characters along with some very interesting major misunderstandings.  Most of those were on Josie's part; leaving a very confused Marcus.  When they first met, their was a really brutal situation that he rescued her from.  Too bad she doesn't remember too much about what happened after.  And she's really mad about where she got dumped.  Until she meets both of his nephews, Spencer and Clay.  She ends up standing up for them every chance she can as they are mistreated. She becomes their protector and it just adds another bone for her to pick with Marcus. Those who boys have had to be kind of tougher to survive this household but somehow find a way to remain sweet too.  Spencer is the older brother who has protected Clay as much as he can but he's still a little boy too.  How could Marcus leave them at the mercy of this household and never check up on them?
There are plenty of mysteries that have to be unraveled to get to the truth of that.  
Marcus has been a man deep in grief over the death of his wife Fanny in child birth.  Not even his son lived either.  It was easy to see after a while why Josie was confused about who he really is.  Is he a caring, loving man or is he the thoughtless, neglectful man that facts seem to say he is?  A man with two totally different sides maybe?  It does get straightened out when ALL of the facts come out. 
Marcus has twin sisters and one of them Lark, has a bit of a side story in this book. she has had a crush on Seaton, who is the best friend of Marcus.  Yes, trouble follows those two but you'll have to read it to find out that happens.
It was kind of fun to realize as I was reading this book, I recognized some of the characters from other books that I read and they were about Josie's family.
Thing do come to a happy conclusion with a surprise or two at the end. Nice Epilogue.
Just wanted to add that I thought the eBook cover was really attractive too.  

Chris Tomlin - Adore (Live)

BOOK REVIEW- The Bachelor Prince by Debbie Macomber

A man who happens to be a prince…
Prince Stefano Giorgio Paolo is the kind of man most women only dream of marrying. And now the very handsome—and very eligible—bachelor has arrived in America to search for a bride. Hope Jordan’s prince has finally come, but there’s no happy ending in sight. Her royal suitor needs a wealthy wife to save his country from ruin. And Hope has nothing to offer Stefano…except her heart. Hope is the first woman to make Stefano feel so deeply. But can he give up his kingdom for love? 

Originally published in 1994   AMAZON  3.5 stars


I liked it but it was just okay to me.  This was a fun but also emotional story with interesting people in the story.  Not only Stefano and Hope but also Stefano's right hand man, Pietro and the possible next princess, Priscilla.    The emotional turmoil was well done.  As was Priscilla's over bearing mother.  Hope's mother was kind of driven too but she was looking after Hope's happiness and Priscilla's mom was more about being important through her daughter.

I do have to say that I hesitated about getting this book when I saw that it was by Debbie Macomber.  I know people are going to hate this. But even though she is considered a #1 New York Times best selling author, her books don't always do it for me.  I found a couple of books by her that I liked but more that it was just, "meh" to me.  Will I still keep trying?  Probably.  But not my first choice.  I am glad that she does have loyal followers though. I hate to cut down any author's work. 


This is the cover on the book that I read.  I actually think I like it better than the one it has now.  I also think that  I read the 1994 copy.  

BOOK REVIEW- STRATAGEM by Robin Caroll

Deep in the gritty underbelly of New Orleans, psychologist Grayson Thibodeaux loses everything when his wife leaves him to climb her company’s corporate ladder. He buries himself in his job of creating mind-bending adventure games for businesses as team-building explorations. When his ex-wife’s company hires Grayson’s to create an elaborate game, he doesn’t see how things can get worse. Until she dies during the course of the game he created…making him the prime suspect for murder.
AMAZON  5 STARS


Amazing, simply amazing!  It didn't take long for me to get drawn into the story and find that I liked Grayson a whole lot.  He was brilliant, that almost goes without saying.  But he was also a caring man who had got shafted by his ex.   But his ex-wife Anna Belle didn't just save the pain for Grayson, she spread it around liberally.  Even her own mother felt it. 
Some of the players in the book:
Pam Huron- Grayson's loyal assistant and friend
Colton York- co- Business Partner with Grayson
Anna Belle- Grayson's ex wife
Brandon Gibbons- police investigator and friend of Grayson's.  He is involved as a co-investigator on the murder.  And has at times before this consulted with Grayson on other cases.  
Danielle Witz-  a policewoman who was co-investigating the murder.  She has an ax to grind with Grayson.  
It was interesting that all of the people who were in the house when Anna Belle died all had the same story.  Well..until the private interviews, then previous things that hadn't been mentioned were suddenly brought up.  It caused  a whole lot of  missing parts of a puzzle begin to show up.  What a mess for the investigators.  But what great reading for "us". 
I won't even go into who were all in the house during the "game" besides Anna Belle.  That just needs to unfold on its own and so does some of their motives.  Other than the fact that they were four people  competing for a very lucrative promotion.  But they weren't the only ones in the house.  So let the games begin.  And it includes some pretty rough game moves.  

I have to say, in my mind I kept saying "what about ___(this person)?  My radar was up about that person and I was suspicious part way through.   I also kept thinking, "Motive, Motive, what would be the motive?"  I guess all kinds of things but I was wrong, wrong, wrong about the motive.  
This book had so many twists and turns that it just kept me guessing.  I really enjoyed that and it all came together working towards  a dramatic conclusion.  One thing I will say is that at least once, I got temporarily lost in some of the details.  The time-lines of when/how things happened was so clever and had me temporarily off balance.  But it didn't last and it was worth it over all.  So was the depth of the personalities of the people in the book.  I can't wait to read more by this author.  
I almost forgot to mention that faith in God and prayer are mentioned but do not over power the book.  It just adds another dimension.  If you don't like stories with God in it?  Please don't pass this book by because of that..it was outstanding!

I voluntarily read an Advanced Readers Copy of this book via Netgalley and these are my honest opinions of it.  

BOOK REVIEW- Hawk (The Road Rebels MC Book 1) by Savannah Rylan

She was supposed to be mine forever.

But the night our father's were killed, Sydney decided this life wasn't for her.
So she ran.
She left me, and our club behind.
I never expected to see her on my doorstep six years later.
With our child.
She looks different, but she's still as beautiful as ever.
Those hips, her sultry smile, I can't get over her.
But she didn't leave the life, and she's got a DEA agent on her tail.
I have to keep her safe, and my daughter too.
I'll do anything to protect them.
Even if I have to lie to my club about her.   AMAZON 3 stars

Although I liked both Sydney and Hawk, it began to feel like it was sex with a story built around that.  Yes, Yes, I know it's a biker story so it's kind of expected but still for me it was a tad too much.  
On the plus side I did like the loyalty that Hawk displayed for his biker family and Sydney and their daughter Emery.  You could see the struggle that it felt like he was being torn between the two.  
I did like the tenderness that Hawk showed with his newly discovered daughter.   
There was also the battle with the two other biker gangs and the DEA agent chasing Sydney.  So that did add danger and action to the story. 
So I probably would have enjoyed it a bit more with a little less sex and a little less crude language.  But yeah...Bike gang right?    Just wish I enjoyed it more.  It had potential. 

BOOK REVIEW- The Heir (Billionaire Royals Book 1) by Sophia Summers

This Novella is the first of seven in the Billionaire Royal Series.

Home for the summer, Jo Finley struggles to save her family's marina, comfort her ailing father, and find a way to break up with a controlling boyfriend. She quickly becomes distracted by a newcomer to their small town. Immediate attraction has her reeling and second-guessing her choices. 
Nick Waters, otherwise known as Nico Valdez, Crown Prince of Torren, an island country off of Greece, is hiding out in Shady Lake South Carolina for the summer. His one task: no entanglements with other women. Lay low until the press in his country move on to other scandals. But when he meets Jo, he soon realizes she is an entanglement in the making. He gives up trying to resist her and determines to enjoy an enticing summer fling with a beautiful woman who keeps him grounded in ways no one else can.

When Nico gets called home for a family emergency, and Jo must stay to take care of her father and business, they realize how desolate their lives could be alone. AMAZON 3 STARS

Look for the following titles to be released soon: The Crown, The Duke, The Duke's Brother, The Spy

This was a charming, quick read with interesting main characters; although I didn't get pulled that deep into it.  More like a summer read.  There are some challenges in it of course but they do get worked out for now. I liked that they started out as friends.   The follow up book about Jo and Nick and their adventures is in the next book, " The Crown".

 Jo is a steady, loving woman who is also hardworking.  So hardworking that she has almost lost the fun loving side of her personality.  Her boyfriend Kevin isn't much help in that area either. He is so hardworking that he is kind of driven and  he pretty much stomps out that part of Jo's personality. Whether consciously or not, that is his affect; he's a snooze.   Being responsible is one thing but Jo quickly begins to wonder whether she really love him or not.  I say, dump the bum, there's no sizzle there. 
Nick has a bit of the opposite problem of being way too much into fun that it gets him into trouble.  He doesn't chuck all of his responsibilities but he's been followed around by the paparazzi and they have snapped some uncomfortable pictures that have him now trying to lay low.  His friend and assistant Julian has his back and adds to the story.  Julian also has a romance brewing with Jo's best friend Sierra which is something we just get a peek into.   I wonder if they will get their own story?   
My final words on this book is that it was sweet, clean and probably would be well suited to a younger audience.  

BOOK REVIEW- Beachcomber Gone (Book #9) by Stephanie Queen *

 Just when Dane thought they would marry, Shana's gone...

After years of trying to resist their love affair, PI partners Dane & Shana are ready to tie the knot. But their visit to Shana's home in Australia goes terribly wrong when old enemies track her down. 

Dane & Shana travel to Australia so that Dane can meet her family, but they land in a minefield of problems. Shana's mother is in trouble, being used as bait. The police pension fraud case has been re-opened amid speculation that there was an insider involved. Someone is trying to set Shana up to take the fall. Now Dane and Shana need to find the dangerous embezzlers and bring them down to keep Shana out of jail--and to keep her alive alive.   AMAZON 4 STARS

Even though they get a heads-up about the danger ahead of time..it doesn't help a whole lot, things still don't go as planned.  And isn't that what you would expect from a good story?  Once again there is plenty of action, mystery and danger.  I have read other books in this series and I think that this one would still be a good stand alone book.  
Early on, Dane has a feeling about Kevin Ivory that made him uneasy.  He just couldn't put his finger on what it was exactly.  You get to ride along on that train trying to figure out if he is a good guy or not.  And you won't get a good beat on that until much later in the story and at times you might still wonder. It's made clear towards the end of the book.
I loved the fact that Dane acknowledged that brains in a a woman was his Achilles' heel.  He is quite the complex man but in some ways so is Shana.  I like that she is loving, and tender with Dane but also was a tough warrior when she had to be. She knew how to put on her game face on vs. Dane's stone face.  Of course he also had a charming face and a shark face.  I liked how that was shown in the story.   This was just a couple of the "faces" of Dane, but they gave an interesting feel to the story.  After reading so many of the books where they were fighting their attraction, it was great to see them all in when it came to their feelings. 
It was nice to get a look into Shana's family and how they figured in the story.
Shana and Dane are used to having more backup when it comes to dangerous capers but this time their help is few and some even further away. It was like the next thing I knew I looked up and it was over.  Don't get me wrong, the ending wasn't abrupt or missing anything.  Everything gets wrapped up satisfactorily and the story flowed quickly.   I was just that into it.  That is what I am saying. 
I would like to add that I really liked the fresh new look of the book cover. 

I voluntarily received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion of it. 

BOOK REVIEW- Tied to the Barbarian by Abella Ward

I’m tied to a demanding and bossy alien. And there’s nowhere to go…

Kara is the assistant coordinator to the Argarian Ambassador. When she covers for the Ambassador’s daughter Nariya by taking her place in a meeting, she has no idea what the consequences will be.

Before she knows it she is tied to a barbarian warrior. He’s arrogant, demanding and bossy.

And handsome, strong and hot.

Commander Arazor is the head of the Elite Galactic Force on the planet Agrion. His alliance with the Argarians will be symbolized by his marriage to their Ambassador’s daughter. It’s a political deal, nothing more.

He didn’t count on being betrayed. On being tied to a human.

But there are more important things at stake. Nariya has been kidnapped and Kara needs to bring her back.

Arazor has no choice. He has to accompany Kara. He’s bound to protect her. Even if that means traveling across the universe into dangerous territory.

Even if it means letting her change his cold heart…

Even if it means dying for her…

NOTE: This book includes bonus stories!

Tied to the Barbarian Warrior is a 60-page standalone book in a series of scifi romance novels, featuring the Space Station Andromeda 13. Other parts of the series:
Slave to the Barbarian King
Auctioned to the Barbarian Warrior
Mated to the Barbarian Heir

 Definitely intended for 18+ readers.   GOODREADS


I liked the main story it had good characters and a quick, enjoyable story. I didn't know when I got it that there were going to be a collection of other stories in it too.  They were pretty good too.  Although I have to say I can't comment on the shifter stories because I don't read them anymore.

BOOK REVIEW- Guarding her Heart (Renegade Love Bodyguard Novel Book 1) by Jade Webb

Heart-stopping, life-changing sparks. 

That is the only way I can describe the first time I met Liam.

But he was my sister’s bodyguard and I was only here for one reason: to make sure my sister doesn’t have yet another embarrassing public meltdown. If I can keep my pop star diva sister out of trouble, then I can get my promised free ride to law school and chase my dreams of being a public defender. 

So until I have a law degree in my hand, I cannot afford any distractions. 

And Liam? He is most definitely a distraction. 

I’m tired of living under my family’s careful rules and law school is my way out. I won’t let anything get in my way, and I definitely won’t let anyone close enough to break down my walls. 

But will guarding my heart lose me a chance at a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love? AMAZON 3.5 STARS

A good romance with interesting main characters. And also a few secondary people too.  Gabby's sister, Daphne being one of those in this story.
Gabby is whip smart but a runner when it comes to showing her feelings or looking for love.  She has valid reasons to be afraid after seeing her mom and dad handle things and taught her to shove emotions down.  Reputation and family name you know?  Her parents relationship is a mess and her brother Lawrence and sister Daphne aren't doing so well in the love department either.  When things get too intense for Gabby, she cuts and runs and hides.  That is how she copes.  And she hates the rich lifestyle and her sister's lifestyle is even worse for her.  All she has ever dreamed of was going to college to be a lawyer.  
Liam is a good guy, a hard worker and gets swept off his feet by Gabby a lot faster than he would have liked. He's really fighting to do his job as a bodyguard and keep his hands off Gabby. And his lips and everything else.  Well, that works...for a while.
I liked that each character had their own "voice" since we got to hear what each one's thoughts were through their own P.O.V. 
Oh, there is a couple of sex scenes in the book, later than sooner.
While I did enjoy this one, I wouldn't say it is a favorite but I would like to read the stories of both of Gabby's siblings. Especially Lawrence's, "Defending her Dignity".  

BOOK REVIEW- Ariston (Star Guardians #6) by Ruby Lionsdrake

An undercover Star Guardian agent sworn to enforce the law.
A US marine turned galactic pilot, inadvertently breaking the law. 
Trapped on a mysterious planet full of dangerous ruins, these two enemies must work together—and deal with their growing attraction—as they struggle to survive.

It’s been two years since delegates from the Confederation visited our solar system, pointing out a wormhole that leads into the rest of the galaxy. Former Marine Michelle “Mick” Saunders was one of the first people from Earth to acquire a spaceship and venture out among the stars. Still haunted by the devastating event that prompted her to leave the military, she’s led a lonely life of late, and longs to find something greater out there. 

But for now, she has a spaceship to pay off, so her longings must be set aside. When an Earth corporation wants to send a team of researchers to a uninhabited planet full of ancient human ruins, she accepts the job of transporting them. Little does she know that someone else has a claim on the planet, and that there’s a reason it isn’t inhabited anymore. 

When Mick runs into a Star Guardian, one of the fierce warriors that enforce Confederation laws, she realizes she should have asked more questions before accepting the mission. A lot more questions. Even though the hunky Ariston is someone she would rather date than fight, he doesn’t look like one to be swayed from his duty by a flirty smile. Instead, he’s determined to arrest her. 

Ariston, a Star Guardian placed under cover on a salvage ship suspected of illegal activities, hasn’t known contentment since he lost his wife years ago. But he’s not looking for anyone new. Especially now. He has evidence to gather and a rogue crew to turn in. There’s no time for distractions, definitely not in the form of an Earth woman trespassing on a protected planet. 

But Mick, a fighter and a beauty, intrigues him. Despite his certainty that he shouldn’t get involved, he finds himself wanting to protect her from the dangers of the ruins, as well as the salvage crew plotting to capture her vessel. His mission would have been daunting even without extra complications, but now, he must choose between his duty and the woman rousing feelings within him for the first time in years.

Ariston is the sixth science fiction romance novel set in the Star Guardians universe. It is a complete, stand-alone adventure that can be read without familiarity with the rest of the series. AMAZON 5 STARS

What a great story.  Both of the main characters were strong, honorable, likable, well skilled warriors. Mick had quite a few layers to her personality and I really enjoyed it.  In fact I just flat out liked her.  Ariston had quite the struggle on his hands, he didn't know how to handle Mick.  At first he's positive that she's probably a criminal. One that he would have to arrest and bring in for punishment.  As time goes on he suddenly isn't so sure.  He comes to admire and like her all the time also questioning her motives. 

The world building, the sci-fi of it was really good. The armor that the Star Guardians had was quite unique too.  Mick also has some of that armor too although legally she's not supposed to.  Another point against her in Ariston's eyes.  And there was plenty of action just to survive when they along with her crew fight to get off the planet. Well, they don't want to leave until they get their samples and etc.  What Mick really has is just a group of mainly snotty scientists.  Well, there are a couple of nice scientists and Dev was one of those.  She was science all the way though, so she often discounted danger if she was dug in with her soil samples.  
The attraction between Ariston and Mick got quite hot even when they didn't think they could trust each other.  But time and again Mick had Ariston's back and vice versa.  

I liked the ending of the book and look forward to more by this author.  
I also have to add that  Mick and Ariston get together for some love scenes towards the end of the book.  But I liked the fact that the sexual action wasn't the main story with the rest kind of added almost as an after fact.  This was a real story with a real plot, relateable people that often had me at the edge of my seat.  

BOOK REVIEW- Above All Things by Deborah Raney

They were on their way to being a real family…until she came into their lives.


Expecting their first baby, Judd and Evette McGlin are thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents. But their marriage faces the ultimate test when Judd learns he already has a child: a six-year-old bi-racial daughter, born amid secrets and lies. Now, Evette must decide if she can accept the child—and forgive Judd. She thought she was open-minded—until hidden prejudices threaten the future of an innocent little girl, Evette's marriage, and the very notion of the woman she's believed herself to be. Above all things, this child needs acceptance and love. Needs Evette to discover what being a mother truly means. Needs Judd to face his past. And needs them both to discover what it truly means to be a family.

This novel was originally published in 2009 under the same title by Steeple Hill.It has been updated from the original edition. AMAZON  5 STARS

Wow, what a powerful book.  Emotional.  That one word describes a lot about this book.  Emotional but really good too.  The struggles are real and not easily overcome. 

The faith of both Judd and Evette is severely tested and they begin to see things in themselves that make them cringe.  Especially Evette who had to do some serious growing up when she looked into the "mirror" and didn't like what she saw.  But she is going to have to work through some anger and resentment first.  She is also kind of over her head when it comes to the things that she needs to care physically for Jolie.  
Like hair and skin care, as a white woman, that opened my eyes a bit.  

 Judd "falls in love" with his daughter almost immediately, but has to realize it's not that easy for his wife.  He realizes that he is asking a lot of her but things don't ease for them as a couple for a while. It helped when their pastor wisely counsels him to back off and give her time. Judd is a good man, but he also has to man up to some things that are painful too.  You can almost feel how torn he is too.  The flash backs of who Tabrina was and the current things she is going through was also good and added depth and emotion as well. 

Judd's daughter Jolie is another player in this story.  And wow, she has been through some serious stuff and some serious changes.  Meeting her father and his wife is another major milestone for her.  Her grandmother Carla loves her but she is torn between helping her daughter,Tabrina and her granddaughter.  They both need her so desperately.  What a tough spot to be in, but don't mistake her for a pushover.  She causes some "problems" too. 

It almost feels like a tug-of-war at times over where Jolie should be and with who would be best.  The problem if you want to call it that was that she was SO well loved and no one wanted to give her up in their daily lives.  
Their families (both Judd and Evette's) and community do present some challenges as well.  They do have some in the community who rally around them but not all do of course.  
And some of those struggles that I mentioned, are not going to be overcome in a cookie cutter, perfect, H.E.A. way in the fairy-tales.   It's life but there comes a sort of H.E.A. for some.  Some compromises have to be made.  But I did like the ending with the Epilogue, that included a surprise or two. 

BOOK REVIEW- Running with a Sweet Talker by Jami Albright

She's a take-no-prisoners fireball. He's a sweet-talking charmer. It could be love...if they don't kill each other first.

Hotshot lawyer Luanne Price may not believe in happily ever after, but she'd do just about anything to earn her absentee father's love. So when he waltzes back into her life with a plan for her to marry his business associate, she foolishly agrees. But on the wedding day, things go south. Fast. Luanne's desperate to get away, even if that means hitching a cross-country ride with the infuriating Jack Avery.

Jack needs to get Luanne out of his system. He'll watch her tie the knot and forget about her. Once she's married to another man, then she'll be off-limits forever. Solid plan. Until he spots her army-crawling through the bushes to escape the Wedding of the Season.

He knows he should let someone else deal with the runaway bride. But if there's one thing Jack has never been able to do, it's resist Luanne. Will their romance rev up on the open road, or will Jack and Luanne crash and burn?

Running With a Sweet Talker is the second book in a series of comedic contemporary romance novels. If you like zany characters, razor-sharp wit, and unlikely love stories, then you'll love the second book in Jami Albright's Brides on the Run series.   AMAZON 5+ STARS


I LOVED this book!   The first book in this series, "Running from a Rock Star" was when I was first introduced to this author and this series.  After reading the other one I was quick to grab this book.  Just the time that Luanne and Jack spent in the first book was enough for me to know that I wanted to read this one.  And I enjoyed every last minute of it. 
This author is now on my mental file of favorite authors list.  

Both Jack and Luanne were complex, funny, hearts as big as all out doors, mouthy,  characters.  And yes, some of their conversations were definitely for adult people. A few of their situations were too!  More than once family blinded sided both of them.  At first I thought only Luanne was going to have to deal, but Jack had something come at him out of the blue that was Mega serious. 
I laughed a lot as I read this book.  Jack calling Luanne, "Thumbelina" made me smile and made her mad.  Several people thought of her as this tiny pixie, but Jack knew she was a fireball.  Jack had many "faces" when it came to cover up his emotions.  He had come from nothing and fought his way up.  
There were plenty of good addition secondary people in the story too.  Jack's family being a part of that.  Luanne's father was also something else, written in a way that you can see who he really is.  All of the characters had a depth.  
So, laughter, depth of characters, unusual situations, some serious life challenges, great main characters that pretty much says why I really loved this book.  Keep 'em coming author.  

BOOK REVIEW- Dead Drift (Chesapeake Valor Book #4) by Dani Pettrey

Burning debris littering the ground . . . smoke pluming in the acrid air . . . this is just the beginning if he fails.

Seven years ago, operative Luke Gallagher vanished to become part of an elite team set on capturing a deadly terrorist. When Luke returns to face those he left behind, their help becomes his only hope of stopping his target's latest threat of an attack that would shake America to its core.

Private investigator Kate Maxwell never stopped loving or looking for Luke after he disappeared. But she also never imagined he left her or his life by choice. Now he's back, and together they must unravel a twisting thread of secrets, lies, and betrayal, all while on the brink of a biological disaster.

Will they and their love survive, or will Luke and Kate become the terrorist's next mark? 
AMAZON 4 STARS


I've been waiting to get my hands on this one for a while.  I have read the previous books in this series.   I enjoyed them all and really wanted to know what happened to Luke Gallagher.  I had my fingers crossed hoping that this book lived up to not only the other ones but my expectations.  And I did end up liking it.  It brought to conclusion more than one mystery, one of which is directly related to Luke.  It shows where he has been, what he has been up to and reveals some more of his enemies than the one terrorist he is after.  That thread alone was dangerous with plenty of action.
Another action play has to do with finding out who and where the serial killer is that killed Jenna many years ago.  The tension is high on this one too.  
It was good to see the whole team of friends working together once again.  They are more matured and skilled than when Luke knew them but so is he.  Luke has more than one attack of conscience when it comes to what he had to do while working for the CIA.
Kate still loves Luke but it's going to be a while before she opens her heart up to him again.  I liked how her faith in God was also a part of her surviving that hurt for 7 years.  Faith also plays a part in the rest of the friend but it adds and doesn't detract from the story.
It did take me a while to get back in the swing of all the cast of characters when it came to all the friends and their wives/girlfriends.  But it didn't take too long and I think it could be read as a stand-alone book because you get enough of the background to know what is going on.  I am glad that I had read the others  in the series though because they were good too.  
Everything does get tied up at the end and I was kind of sorry to see the end of it.  But who knows maybe the team will work together in the future on another "job".  

BOOK REVIEW- Wish Upon a Duke by Erica Ridley

Love, Actually...

Rumor has it, Christopher Pringle is finally ready to settle down. But when the matchmaker he hires turns out to be the same woman he had a public spat with the day before, nothing goes as planned!

A heartwarming romp featuring an astronomer heroine, an adventurer hero, three French hens, two nerds in love, and a wish that finally comes true...AMAZON  3.5  stars

I liked this story although I wouldn't say it was a favorite of mine.  Both of the main characters were unusual in their differences.  Christopher the rigidly rule follower and Gloria with the huge imagination.   Christopher is a very knowledgeable man when it comes to the science of the stars.  And he's not too sure that Gloria knows anything at all about that when he first meets her on her Skywalk tour. Gloria brings fun into that tour without much regard to the true facts and Christopher is incensed!   Of, course there really is more to the story than just that as we will all find out later, Christopher included. 
Christopher is an adventurer and Gloria is afraid of just about everything.  Water being at the top of that list, which makes any kind of adventure pretty much out of the picture. Other than her books and imagination about other places. She also had some other surprising skills though.
There is a H.E.A. for Christopher and Gloria along with two follow ups of sorts.  It was unusual but I liked it.  It included, "the following year" and the Epilogue of two years later. 
I do have one question though.   Whatever happened to Madge, her maid/friend/ almost like a sister woman?  

I voluntarily read and am reviewing an ARC of this book via Netgalley and this is my honest thoughts about it.

Rick Pino - Pioneer

BOOK REVIEW- A CHOICE OF SECRETS (A Dark Glass Novel) by Barb Hendee

Ever since raiders from the north began attacking villages, Lady Nicole Montagna has known that defending her people would come at a cost. The betrothal of her sister Chloe to a neighboring lord seems the perfect solution, forging a powerful alliance. But shortly before the wedding, Nicole is shocked to discover that her sister is with child—and not by her husband-to-be. Now she must make a choice. She has just hours to decide . . .

~Should she tell her soldier brother—who will take swift, ruthless action to ensure the family’s safety?

~Should she hold her tongue, let her sister deceive her husband into believing the child is his—and then hope Chloe can get away with the lie?

~Should she tell her family, hoping they will know the right thing to do?

With the help of a magic mirror, Nicole lives out each path, fighting to protect herself and those she loves with the weapons she has: wits, herbs, and fortitude. But no matter her cleverness, neither she nor her family can escape unscathed—for there are repercussions she could never have foreseen, involving her own heart . . .AMAZON 4 STARS

Unique, different, out of the ordinary are all words that I would use to describe this book.    I was almost half afraid to start the book, hoping that it wouldn't be less than expected.  It wasn't but I wasn't exactly sure what to expect.   It was pretty darn good story though.
  
Nichole was the one that the mirror appeared to and she had some heavy responsibility at the end of the 3 paths that she could take.  Nichole herself was a good main character.  And as the book showed, she cared deeply for her family and also her sister Chloe's fiancee, Christophe.  She wanted to honorably for both of them but there are some pretty tough choices to make.  And on top of that there is the safety of her home and townspeople that add to the weight.  If this marriage between Chloe and Christophe doesn't happen, many could lose their lives.  Why?  Because with the marriage comes the guarantee of military protection from the groom's side.  They need that because of all the raiding going on by some ruthless people, who would sweep in, take what they wanted and leave.  They left destruction and stole people and Nichole's family just didn't have trained men to guard against them.  We also got to see differing reactions that Christophe 
had on each path.  Chloe also has different outcomes with each choice. 

Each "path" that the mirror showed Nichole kept my interest and had an interesting conclusion as well. 
There is also a preview of Barb Hendee's book " Through A Dark Glass".  I just might have to follow up on that one.  It's another book about the 3 possible futures shown to a woman through that special mirror.  

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

BOOK REVIEW- Running From A Rock Star (Brides on the Run Book 1) by Jami Albright

She’s a good-girl control freak. He’s a bad boy in need of a clean image. Will these opposites attract or self-destruct?

Scarlett Kelly is the poster child for responsible living. Growing up as the daughter of the town floozy, she’s made it her mission to be the exact opposite of her mother. So when she wakes up naked and hung over in bed with a bad-boy rock star, she bolts immediately. There’s just one problem: Scarlett’s bedmate is her new husband. 

Gavin needs to repair his image or his music career will go down the tubes. He’s also just learned he has a son he never knew existed. He needs to settle down, and bribing his new wife to stay married may just fit everything into place. 

Scarlett agrees to the ruse to help her family’s financial troubles even though she can hardly control herself around the rock star. As they search for Gavin’s son, will their unlikely matrimony give them exactly what they’ve been missing or send them packing?

Running From a Rock Star is the first book in a series of comedic contemporary romance novels. If you like zany characters, razor-sharp wit, and unlikely love stories, then you’ll love the first book in Jami Albright’s Brides On the Run series.  AMAZON 5+


Oh my gosh, this chick Scarlett is hilarious!  By Chapter 9, I had already laughed so hard that I almost couldn't believe it!!!  I am so KEEPING this book.  Just the beginning of the book was enough to get the laughter rolling.  Scarlett woke up to one heck of a day.  The disasters just kept coming. 
 It had super great main characters and a supporting cast as well.  Scarlett's best friend and attorney, Luanne Price was best described as a fierce elf.  At least that was Gavin's impression that we heard from his inner dialogue.  She was tiny but mighty and most of it was her mouth.  And she was a fierce backer of her friend Scarlett.  
Honey is Scarlett's aunt and she isn't the norm that you would expect.  But she had a heart of gold, was flamboyant and as funny as all get out.  I enjoyed every moment of her appearance in the story.  And it was amusing to watch Honey wrap Gavin around her little finger.  She had a special affection for him almost from the first time they met.  And even he admitted it was almost impossible to tell her no.  He was both charmed and amused by her.
Gavin had a best friend who was also an attorney.  Jack Avery was smart , could be ruthless and snarky if anyone even tried to put one over on Gavin.   A lot of added fun and humor came  when Jack and Luanne clashed..constantly. They loved the witty battles, although they wouldn't admit it.
It wasn't all fun and games, although there was plenty of that. Both Scarlett and Gavin were carrying baggage from their childhoods.  And Gavin had the extra weight of being a famous musician.  Someone was always out to get what they could out of him.  It made them more interesting and bit more complex, which is always interesting to me. 
Oh, you are going to hate Poppy.  I know I did.  She was causing several problems for Scarlett and she was enjoying every minute of it. She was all up in Scarlett's face about it too. I knew Scarlett was going to find her way out of it but I just wasn't sure how it was going to happen.  
 I really loved the way Scarlett could try a phrase and make me laugh even more.  Not cheesy but definitely funny!  Like what she called her inner hussy would try to get out of her super good girl control, that was  some of the funniest moments.  That inner dialogue, made me grin.  She was always telling that inner hussy to shut up and stop acting up.  But whenever she was around Gavin, that inner hussy came out to play.  Gavin actually began to understand there was two parts to her personality.  The fiery redhead was who she really was and he did loved it when that part of her showed up.  
I think this is the first book that I have read by this author but it won't be the last.  In fact, I liked it so much I have already got the next book in this series," Running with a Sweet Talker".   Please, Please don't disappoint me because this one was so good and I want to see that trend continue.   Now, I'm going to have to find a way to put this in the Amazon title,  "Loved, loved, loved it, let me count the ways". 

**New wine by Hillsong with Lyric, led by Brooke Ligertwood

**

LOVE THIS

BOOK REVIEW- You Say It First: A Small-Town Wedding Romance (Happily Inc Book 1) by Susan Mallery

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances invites you to visit Happily Inc, a wedding destination founded on a fairy tale!

Sculptor Nick Mitchell grew up in a family of artists and learned from his volatile father that passion only leads to pain. As he waits on a new commission, he takes a day job as a humble carpenter at a theme wedding venue. The job has its perks—mainly the venue’s captivating owner, Pallas Saunders. 

Pallas adores Weddings in a Box. But if she can’t turn the floundering business around, she’ll have no choice but to cave to her domineering mother and work at the family’s bank. Then when a desperate bride begs Pallas for something completely out of the box, her irresistible new hire inspires her. Nick knows she doesn’t belong behind a desk, and she knows in her heart that he’s right—where she really belongs is in his arms.  AMAZON 3.5 STARS

When Nick and Pallas first meet it is definitely smile-worthy!  And I have to say what a unique name that Pallas has. Both were enjoyable main characters with at least one difficult parent apiece.   It was amazing how much Pallas's mother tries to rule her.  It was so heartbreaking how much her mother put her down, like she was trying to grind her confidence into the dust. She did have a few people in her corner though and that was good to see.  Some were family, and Nick came on board too. There were also her friends that she dubbed, her girlfriend squad.  That made me smile.  Her occasional assistant,  Alan always had her back but went from always being there to just showing up to help at the weddings.  He lived further away now. 
Nick was a good guy with a horrific childhood.  The only value he had to his father was his art.  But even then his father tried to control the way he expressed it.  That only lasted until Nick just walked away to strike out on his own. He feels after watching his mother and father together, that love and marriage are a passion that burns couple until it destroys. A couple of Nick's brothers do show up in the book to add to the drama and the artistic touches. 
I loved how creative the wedding started to become once Pallas truly did start coming out of the box with the weddings.  Her heart was so into giving the brides the weddings of their dreams.  A lot of the brides weren't able to find anyone else who wanted to work with them if there vision for their dreams were out of the ordinary.  Pallas did and her business began to thrive.  Much to her mother's dismay, because she is determined that Pallas was meant to be in banking with her and she WILL line up with that. 
So, you can clearly see some of the challenges that Nick and Pallas are facing. 

I liked how things are overcome and we get to a good H.E.A. There is also a quick look into "Why Not Tonight" the next book in the series.  

BOOK REVIEW- The Librarian: A First Contact Story by M.N. Arzu

Despite the rumors, the US Government has been able to deny First Contact with an alien race for decades, but with good reason: it hasn't happened yet.

When a strange signal comes from an isolated area in the forests outside of Seattle, they find that First Contact is not going to happen with big ships and grand world-wide messages. Aliens, it turns out, like to keep their existence quiet.

Breaking a great number of rules, Seattle's resident alien has come back from a quick trip to his home planet to talk to his human wife. He just happened to land too close to a military base. Now, he will tell her the truth, even if he has to do it behind a glass wall and with the military between them. 

Amazon 5 STARS

I loved it!  Sure it may be a novella but it was a full one. It might have been short but it kept me riveted.   This author has now caught my attention and will be looking for anything else that she has written. 
This first contact story was nothing like I was expecting and I really enjoyed that.  
Nick is the alien that has everyone in an uproar and his wife,  Jane has no idea of the revelations heading her way.  And they are some doozies of course.  Did I mention that I liked both Nick and Jane?   To add to the drama there is a time limit of sorts and some VERY nervous military personnel. 
I enjoyed the unique ending to the book that came with 2 huge surprises.  Bravo author, Bravo.  
I did end up wanting more though!

BOOK REVIEW- The Royally Broke Billionaire: Royal Wedding Blues: (The Broke Billionaires Club Book 4) by Ann Omasta

Her brothers are prominent billionaires, and his kingdom is in financial trouble. She wants him. He needs her, but he loves her best friend.

Will their secrets leave them all royally blue?

Tess Donovan is a smart, classy, opinionated, and independent woman. She has always dreamed of marrying a handsome prince, and suddenly that lifelong wish is within reach.

Prince Pierce Huntington Astor III is about to take the throne of the kingdom he loves. His father's gambling addiction has depleted the once-extravagant riches of their lush island paradise, leaving his son with a royal mess.

Tess expects the prince to sweep her off her feet. Imagine her surprise when he instead falls for her loud, klutzy, and decidedly un-royal best friend, Mo.

Prince Pierce knows Tess is the woman that can save his beloved kingdom, but his heart wants ill-suited Mo. Mo adores the prince, but she's a tomboy at heart, so she's not keen on the royal rules and strict expectations that go along with being his bride.

These three are royally at odds. Can they all get what they want? Or will their secrets ruin everything?

Find out now in The Royally Broke Billionaire ~ Royal Wedding Blues.

This sweet billionaire and royal mash-up romance novel can be read as a standalone or as the fourth book in The Broke Billionaires Club Series.   AMAZON 4.5 STARS

I read Book 3 (The Billionairess)  in this series before reading this one . And while I liked Book 3, I think I liked this one even more.  I really liked both of the women who were a part of being the main characters. Another part of liking the story has to do with the super close friendship between Tess and Maureen (Mo).  They were so incredibly different but so tight when it came to their sisterhood.  They first became friends in Kindergarten and that puts a lot of experiences under their belts.  They know each other's personality pretty well by now and are always looking out for the other.
No way around it, Mo is a klutz.  But a loving, kind-hearted if somewhat loud and flamboyant woman.  She often got looked overlooked by men because men were more often chasing after Tess. But Prince Pierce is smitten almost immediately and only has eyes for Mo.  She feels the same way, they just seem to click. 
Tess is looking for her prince, a real royalty prince.  And she sees her opportunity although things aren't going as she hoped when it came to that dream.  She's elegant, classy and knows all the rules of society.  She's been exposed to it for some time.  She was generally at ease in it unlike her friend Mo.  The one person she is NOT at comfort around is the prince's steward, Sebastian.  She finds him arrogant, and blunt in the extreme and the sparks fly almost right away.  More than once she stomped angrily from a room.  
A totally unexpected twist happens that really throws everything upside down.   
I like how the story ends with a sweet Epilogue that just ties everything together.  

BOOK REVIEW- Sinful Deeds (Cynfell Brothers Book 2) by Samantha Holt

Lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride. The Cynfell Brothers are the very embodiment of a sinful existence. But could the right woman change that?

Envy

Being the mistress of one of the most notorious rakes in London was never going to be easy, but Josephine believed she was strong enough. After all, she loved Dante Cynfell to distraction. He provided her with a comfortable home and all the art supplies she could ever need. After a short marriage that left her near destitute, the widow couldn’t help but fall into his arms...and his bed.

But after four years of tolerating his drunken behaviour and late night calls, Josephine has had enough. Her paintings have caught the eye of a great patron of the arts. With promises of fame and fortune ringing in her ears, she realises being a mistress simply will not satisfy her anymore. She wants true love, marriage, and respectability.

When Josephine ends their arrangement, Dante is shocked. She had a comfortable home, his adoration...hell, even his faithfulness. What more could a beautiful woman want?
Marriage? Well, that’s one thing Dante Cynfell doesn’t plan to offer any woman—not even Josephine. He’s witnessed too many miserable marriages. Why put the person you care about through such misery?

Positive he can win her back, he sets out to remind her how good they are together. One thing is for sure, Dante will not give her up easily—especially to another man. Josephine is about to learn that an envious Cynfell man is not to be trifled with.   AMAZON 4 STARS

This is Book 2 in the Cynfell Brother Series and I was putting off reading it because of the mistress angle.  But in a way that makes no sense does it since I knew that when I picked it?  Surprisingly I liked it even better than I expected.  In part I think because of both of the main characters and the fact that Josephine wasn't a homewrecker.  It helped that they both had such affection for each other.  Well, Josephine was in love with him.  Dante didn't realize how much he cared for her and her friendship as well as their passion times in bed.  It was a great wake-up call for him when she broke things off.
It caused Dane to grow up and find purpose and to work some things through about Josephine..Jo-Jo as he called her. 
This book was a fast reading story, with fun, charm, struggles emotionally and a fine H.E.A.  

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