BOOK REVIEW- Ruthless (Detyen Warriors Book 2) by Kate Rudolph *

 Each Detyen Warriors novel can be read as a standalone. Enjoy feisty women, alpha aliens, fated mates, and relationships hot enough to steam up your screen.

Sparks fly when a ruthless alien warrior meets the one woman who can save his soul…
Toran NaLosen has no future and no hope. His path is bleak: die at thirty or sacrifice his emotions to survive a few more years. Stranded on Earth and far from home, the last person he expects to meet is the one woman meant for him, his denya.

Iris Mason protects the Earth in her own way by investigating threats and reporting on them to the Sol Defense Agency. At work she’s thriving, but personally the past year has ground her down and tested her resolve. Still recovering from the implosion of her last relationship, she doesn’t want the risk that comes with a new man. But when her job puts her on a collision course with Toran, a lightning bolt of lust hits her and has her questioning everything.

These adversaries must forge an alliance if any bond between them stands a chance, but it may not just be their hearts at stake. An ancient foe of the Detyen race lurks wherever they look and he has a new target in his sights: Earth.   AMAZON LINK
                                                3 STARS

The world-building was well done and the appearance of some of the aliens was pretty good too. 
Toran and Iris had some depth to them when it came to what they have gone through separately.  And also the challenges that they were now facing.
However, for me there is a big But right here.  I like less sex and more story in my story.   There are moments of actions and villains being chased.  Also times that the villains caught the good guys for awhile. Secondary people support the M.C.'s and form a team of sorts.  But the sex, the mate bond between Toran and Iris seemed to overtake the story.  
Some parts of the story come to a good conclusion but the door is also wide open for more adventures.  Because the ultimate villain/villains haven't been totally stopped. 

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Beautiful Storm (Lightning Strikes Book 1) by Barbara Freethy

n these connected novels, lightning leads to love, danger, and the unraveling of long-buried secrets that will change not only the past but also the future…From #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy comes the first book in a new romantic suspense trilogy: Lightning strikes.


When her father's plane mysteriously disappeared in the middle of an electrical storm, Alicia Monroe became obsessed with lightning. Now a news photographer in Miami, Alicia covers local stories by day and chases storms at night. In a flash of lightning, she sees what appears to be a murder, but when she gets to the scene, there is no body, only a military tag belonging to Liliana Valdez, a woman who has been missing for two months.
While the police use the tag to jump-start their stalled investigation, Alicia sets off on her own to find the missing woman. Her search takes her into the heart of Miami's Cuban-American community, where she meets the attractive but brooding Michael Cordero, who has his own demons to vanquish.
Soon Alicia and Michael are not just trying to save Liliana's life but also their own, as someone will do anything to protect a dark secret… AMAZON LINK
                                                            4 STARS

This was a really good story that I enjoyed a lot.
Both Alicia and Michael were interesting and complex people.  The author gave a good depth to them.  Even their families had depth to them as well. 
I can't even imagine how tough it would be to have people suspicious of you like Michael had to deal with.   To be considered as a murderer even with no real proof.  Even some of Liliana's family looked at him with a hard eye.  He wasn't even sure that his own family thought he was innocent.
I liked how storm driven Alicia was.  I was surprised she didn't get the nickname of "Lightening Lady."  But I liked how lightening did play an unusual part of this story. 
The mystery surrounding Liliana's disappearance was a good one.  There were quite a few twists and turns in the story before the truth really comes out.  And what a truth that was!!   I have to say that my jaw dropped just a bit when the culprit was exposed and it neared the dramatic ending. 
There is a good Epilogue and a quick peek into another book.  "Don't say a Word" just might have drawn me into another book to be read.   

BOOK REVIEW- This Earl of Mine (Bow Street Bachelors Book 1) by Kate Bateman*

Description

Introducing the Bow Street Bachelors—men who work undercover for London’s first official police force—and the women they serve to protect. . .and wed?
WILL A FALSE MARRIAGE


Shipping heiress Georgiana Caversteed is done with men who covet her purse more than her person. Even worse than the ton’s lecherous fortune hunters, however, is the cruel cousin determined to force Georgie into marriage. If only she could find a way to be . . . widowed? Georgie hatches a madcap scheme to wed a condemned criminal before he’s set to be executed. All she has to do is find an eligible bachelor in prison to marry her, and she’ll be free. What could possibly go wrong?
LEAD TO TRUE AND LASTING LOVE?
Benedict William Henry Wylde, scapegrace second son of the late Earl of Morcott and well-known rake, is in Newgate prison undercover, working for Bow Street. Georgie doesn’t realize who he is when she marries him—and she most certainly never expects to bump into her very-much-alive, and very handsome, husband of convenience at a society gathering weeks later. Soon Wylde finds himself courting his own wife, hoping to win her heart since he already has her hand. But how can this seductive rogue convince brazen, beautiful Georgie that he wants to be together…until actual death do they part?   AMAZON LINK
                       4 STARS



Good main characters with some surprising depths.  
Georgina is fed up with fortune hunters who have been chasing her since she was sixteen.  She had one savvy father though that helped her weed them out.  He passed on his smart, sharp mind to her.   Good thing he encouraged her ability with numbers and the shipping business.  When he died in a shipping accident, the business was left in good hands.  Hers.  She has one NASTY cousin, who is too lazy to work but isn't too lazy to come up with some sleazy ideas to try to compromise Georgina.  He wants control of her fortune and the business.  The more time that goes on he gets more and more desperate.  A true weasel.  
There is so much more to Benedict than meets the eye.  Although from all of the descriptions he is a strong, handsome, eyeful.  Although the ton may look down on him because of his father's debts they still like him enough to invite him to most of the social events.  I got a kick out of how amused he was by his first encounter with Georgina's sister and mother. 
I found the first meeting between the M.C.'s as unusual as promised. 
There is humor, secrets, action and sex in this book.  It also has undercover activities with his best friends Alex and Seb.  Together they are on the trail of some people working against The Crown.   
There is a surprise twist or two at the end of the book which made me smile.  Who says nice guys always finish last? 

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas ( A River Ranch #3) by Soraya Lane *

Romance on Netgalley

Description

Billionaires, cowboys, and romance collide during the holidays in this next book in the River Ranch series!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at the Ford family ranch. Will one cowboy’s homecoming be the greatest gift of all?
He left town and never looked back.
Cody Ford is a Wall Street honcho with humble Texas roots. This holiday season, he’d be content to just stay in New York and not face his family—and dodge their questions about when and with whom he plans to settle down. . .and if he will do so back at home. But his father isn’t getting any younger, and Cody doesn’t want to miss any last chances to see him and the rest of the folks back on the ranch. The last person Cody was expecting to see? His one-time girlfriend, Lexi Murphy, who’s been working as his dad’s new live-in nurse.
She never forgot him. Can she ever forgive him?
Lexi still holds a grudge against Cody. Back then, the college-bound heartthrob believed he was too good for a small-town girl like Lexi. But now Cody can’t help but see her in a whole new light. Could it be that this beautiful single mother with an unbeatable can-do spirit is the one he’s been waiting for all along? That depends on whether Cody can prove to Lexi that, this time, he means business—and if a sudden snowstorm can lend just the right amount of Christmas magic to help move things along. .
AMAZON LINK
3.5 STARS


Both of the main characters had depth and challenges and I liked them both.  Well, even though Cody could be such a tactless jerk at times.  All in all it was an emotional story.  When Cody and Lexi meet back after all those years it was one surprising encounter.
Cody's family was one tight group of people even though Cody had run out on them.  His father adds some spunk to the story even though he is so terminally ill. 

Wow, I think his brother Tanner had it right when it came to. Cody's approach to dealing with people.  He basically said, you don't live in the real world do you?  And several other times when he urged Cody to reveal something and he wouldn't?  Cody blew him off saying everything would be fine.  I totally agreed with Tanner's assessment that he was into wishful thinking.  Cody did have a lot of good qualities but he was also kind of selfish.  He wanted what he wanted and he was used to pushing through to get it, no matter what. 
I think that the world-building when it came to the family and people's history was pretty good. The one down-side thing I would mention is that if felt like a little bit too much time was spent re-hashing  how Cody ran away because he was afraid to stay for the pain of his mother's slow battle with death.   About how the memories still plagued him and it made him want to run again.  He wanted to stay but he wanted to go.  It felt like it slowed the story down at times and went on too long.
Things work out to a H.E.A. for Cody and Lexi although you just know it won't be a walk in the park.  
A nice Epilogue rounds everything out.

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Santa in a Kilt by Donna Kauffman *

Description

On the wild dunes of a Scottish Isle, mistletoe and mischief are the best way to heat up a holiday best shared by two . . .

The wind-whipped December sea air of the isle of Kinloch invigorates Kira MacLeod as she sets out to tame rugged Shay Callaghan. The Scottish bachelor may be as wary of a wedding ring as a snowman is of the hot sun, but it’s no secret how he looks at her—as if she were the only woman in the world. Now, with the encouragement of the canny islanders, and watching two of their best friends tie the knot in a romantic winter wedding, Kira will ignite Shay’s heart—and weave the perfect Celtic Christmas to say aye do . . .AMAZON LINK
                                                                                         3 STARS

While establishing the history of the main character and their surrounds, I still felt like it was still a slow start. 
It was good to get a feel of the community and the friendships there. I just wish that I had liked it more.  It just didn't draw me in all that much. 
There's a lot of talk that goes on about how Kira was a forever kind of girl and how jaded Shay was because of what he has witnessed off the island as an attorney.  It felt kind of repetitive conversation between the M.C.'s and even some of their friends.  
There will be some intimate times shared in this story even as Shay is fighting a losing battle against anything deeper.
There is a sweet ending with an interesting   Epilogue included.

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”


 

BOOK REVIEW- The Highlander's Christmas Bride by Vanessa Kelly *

Description

In bestselling author Vanessa Kelly’s irresistible Clan Kendrick series, Christmas in the Highlands means family, celebration—and for one brother, the beginning of a passionate adventure . . .

Being thrown over by the man she expected to marry was humiliating enough. Now that Donella Haddon, grandniece of the Earl of Riddick, has also proven a failure as a nun, she has no choice but to return to her family’s estate. The brawny Highlander sent to escort her is brash, handsome, and the only thing standing between Donella and a gang of would-be kidnappers. But the scandal in her past can’t be so easily outrun . . .

Wealthy widower Logan Kendrick was expecting to meet a plain, pious spinster—not a gorgeous, sharp-tongued lass who can hold her own in any ambush. Though she’s known as the Flower of Clan Graham, Donella is no shrinking violet. In fact, she might be the perfect woman to bring happiness back to his lonely little son’s life, just in time for Christmas.  But first he must protect her from ugly gossip and a mysterious threat—and convince her that their wild, unexpected desire is heaven sent.
 AMAZON LINK
3.5 STARS

I liked both of the main characters who each had gone through different kinds of suffering.  
They each had plenty of secrets but Donella probably had a few more than Logan.  I liked how the author slowly unwrapped those secrets.  With Donella even after one secret comes out, you are given the sense that it's like an onion being peeled and that there are more layers.  
It was also laughable how unsuited Donella was to be a nun and how she just didn't see it.  She did try hard though but it just wasn't really in her nature.  After awhile, she does begin to understand why she tried to be one.  
Poor Logan.  His son Joseph is just a six year old boy who needs his dad.   But because of their long separation, things aren't going all that well  between them.  
Both Donella and Logan have some VERY interesting relatives who do add to the story. Some of them funny and quite quirky but loyal to the bone. 
 There are several times that I smiled because of something that was going on.  One of those times was how ever time something embarrassing happened to Donella, Logan would have an unusual way to comfort her.  He reminded her that the Kendricks were known to kick things up and be in the middle of trouble.  Yes, the story does go on to show that too. 
Donella also had some unique (and usually funny) ways to deal with troublemakers.  Like gossipers and prejudiced people)  
I liked how the story ended.  There is a H.E.A. and also some good outcomes for some unlikely people too.  

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- The Lawyer’s Secret Baby by Myra Brightholme

Book Details

“Emily, is that child really mine?”
The deathly silence that hung in the air answered the question for me.

Ten years!
Her name is Aurianna.
She is the prettiest, and most intelligent little girl in the world.
And I have missed - ten years - of her life.

Emily is alive.
Oh my God, she is actually alive!
But why would she not tell me???

My father!
The founder of Truman-Sacks would have never allowed it.
He controls every aspect of our family, and the company.
He has trained me to do his bidding.
But I won’t to do it anymore.

Mother has warned me.
“One of your father’s buddies ratted yesterday.”
“Be careful Mauro — your father can be a very dangerous man.”

The sadistic bastard went too far.
“Whether your girls stay safe and sound is entirely up to you, son”
He involved my daughter in this - He crossed a red line.
I will destroy everything he worked for.

I will bring down my father’s empire.
I will give my daughter the life she could not have.
I have carried Emily’s ring for ten years, thinking she was dead.

I will not let anyone drive us apart again. 

NOTE- I give it 3 STARS.  No link right now to the Amazon page. 


This story had good main characters who were carrying some heavy baggage.   They re-connect by chance or like they like to say it had to be fate.
The story moves pretty quickly with most of the time covering the "lost" ten years and for them to try to re-cover and move ahead.  Emily and Mauro seem to make a step or two forward and then slip back a couple more.  It was good to see both of their P.O.V.'s shared. 
The cases that Mauro handled were some of the ones very things that puts himself, Emily and Aurianna in danger.   He had one nasty family.
 Aurianna is as described in the book blurb; pretty, smart but also wanting to know her father.
There was a least one time that Mauro did something that I thought was kind of high-handed when it came to his daughter.  I was disappointed that Emily didn't call him on it.  She wasn't shy about calling him out on some other things.  
It all ends with some danger that is overcome and a H.E.A.   

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
 

BOOK REVIEW- Lone Rider (Wind River Valley BOOK #5) by Lindsay McKenna

No one can outrun the past forever . . .
As a combat photographer in Afghanistan, Tara Dalton saw things she won't ever forget, as much as she would like to. And after returning Stateside, she can't fight her way past the PTSD that's haunted her ever since. Desperate to make a change, she joins her old friend Shay at the Bar C Ranch, where a group of ex-military vets is putting their lives back together one step at a time—including one strong, gentle bear of a man who makes her feel safer than she has in years.

Harper Sutton fell farther than he ever imagined after his tour of duty as a medic was up, and he's not proud of it. But at the Bar C, he's doing work that means something, and he's training to be a professional paramedic. That's enough to concentrate on, until Tara comes to share his place at the ranch. The shadows in her eyes are darker than simply memories of war, and every moment he spends with her opens up parts of himself he'd thought long dead. But as Tara's troubled past threatens the present, it will take trust in each other to fight for a future together... AMAZON LINK
                                                                                                                                    3 STARS

I do like this particular series and this book is pretty good too.  I realized as I started reading it that I had read others about the Bar C. 

 It has good main characters and plenty of emotions and action. The other members of the ranch are also vets and even as they are healing they do what they can to help each other. 
Tara is still trying to heal from the kidnapping that happened when she was sixteen.  And Cree Elson still lives and works closer than Tara is comfortable with..  All she can hope for is that his obsession with her is over.  But she doesn't really believe that.  So take that hanging over head and add it to her military service P.T.S.D. and it makes for some pretty bad times.   But Tara does feel safer and calmer when she is around Harper.  It also helps her know how to help him as he works through his own military memories and P.T.S.D.    Even through all of their stresses they really do bring the best out of each other.  P.T.S.D. is covered quite a bit but there is also a story there.  There is also some repetition that felt like it didn't really need to be done so much.  One example is how Tara and Harper both talked about how responsibly they had been raised.  It was pretty much the same thing each time.  That's my feelings about it anyway.  There were several other places where I thought the story didn't need certain facts repeated time and again.  We got it.
Reese and Shay who own the ranch are still fighting to overcome Shay's father.   He is a bull headed bully who is trying to take back the ranch he really has no right to.   A ranch under his "leadership" that slide so far downhill that it almost went belly up.  But he is recovering from his stroke and getting stronger. The first thing that he would do is get rid of all the vets working there.  Looks like things just might have to be settled in court.  But not yet, not in this book.  I would like to see how that works out. 

BOOK REVIEW- Falling into Right (A Redemption County #2) Sharon Kay *

 General Fiction (Adult), Romance

Description

How do you recover when life kick-boxes your soul?

Becca Gable is fighting to stay on her feet after a series of crushing losses. She’s always been the good girl until the events of the past year push her to make a mistake she can’t take back. Now, her corporate finance job and her fiancé are gone thanks to her newly-acquired criminal record.

Shane Marlow survived an IED blast during his service in Iraq—but half his team did not. Physically healed, he returns to his home county as a K9 officer. The scars of loss run deep and though local folks admire him, no one truly gets him—until Becca literally lands in front of him.

Their bond of shared tragedy evolves into a connection both fiery and healing. But a stalker decides that Becca’s crime should stay front and center. As the unsettling episodes reveal that no part of her life is secret, Shane is all that stands between her and the enemy.  AMAZON LINK   
                                                                                                   3 STARS

It didn't take me long to like both of the main characters. Yes, Becca and Shane had quite the dramatic first meeting. Which leads to following up on their attraction and they find that they have more than just that. I liked that they didn't jump into bed right away but they do get there. So prepare yourself for a few sex scenes.
I also was quick to wonder what trouble with the law that Becca got involved with. It does come out of course but I like how the author didn't let you know right away.
I should add that there is another main character even if Denver is in the canine category. Denver does prove himself over and over in the story. He's good at what he does.
Every girl needs a flamboyant best friend and Marcy fills the bill for Becca. Not only is Marcy colorful but she is also a faithful friend.
Too bad the word faithful can't be used with Becca's ex Kirk. He wasn't faithful to stand by her when everything hit the fan. He was more concerned about how her stupid mistake affected him and his career. A sensitive man? Only to himself. I was so hoping he was the one causing all the painful harassing and stalking. But you will have to read the book to find out who that is for real. Why spoil your fun?
Although there are no real big surprises, the stalker does become bolder. When the stalker does, the author keeps up the tension of wondering where and how they would strike next. That provided some unpredictable moments. Although the twist with her car towards the end was quite a surprise and pretty creative.
Is there an Epilogue you ask? That would be a "yes". And I liked how it finished things up to a H.E.A.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

HOW TO CUT A RECIPE IN HALF

BOOK REVIEW- King Of Hearts (The Giovanni: Book 1) by C.A. Szarek

Description

Secrets make old lovers into enemies...
Nico “Gio” Giovanni has always been the black sheep, especially since he abandoned the family business—a lucrative casino on the Las Vegas strip—to become a cop. Now his dad is sick and his sister begs him to end their estrangement before it’s too late.
Chasing fugitives is what U.S. Marshal Madison Granger does best. She juggles single motherhood with her job, which sends her back to Sin City due to an unwanted relocation. Even worse, her current case lands her smack dab in the middle of the opulent Giovanni Casino—and ups her chances of running into her old flame.
Gio has enough on his plate; he doesn’t need the woman that got away messing in his family’s affairs. His father has never been involved with organized crime, no matter the gossip.
Maddie is petrified he’ll discover her secret. Gio won’t let his dad go down for something he didn’t do. When they take the gamble, the cards are laid on the table and all bets are off. 
 AMAZON LINK
             4 STARS                                                                                                                         

This was a good, adult story.  With Gio and Madison being good main characters.   The emotions of each come through really well since we get to see both of their P.O.V.'s. Something else that I really like.

Gio had quite a few funny nicknames in his mind when it comes to his sister's fiancee.  They did make me smile.  Many of them best read by adults only though. *Smile*
It's kind of good to kind of know who the enemy/"bad guy" is while reading the book.  The enemy is pretty clever, and manages to keep quite a few steps ahead of everyone.  A good "actor" who is able to come up with quick answers when faced with confrontations.  Thinks on his feet very quickly.  It does help keep the tension in the story high.  The words, slippery like an eel come to mind.
One thing that I did notice was that in the beginning chapters, the word "puke" cropped up a few times.  The emotions of one character or another were so churned up that they thought that they would..puke.   I was glad that the author did pull back on that after that because it was beginning to feel a bit overused. I'm glad that changed because other than that I was really enjoying the way the author's flow of writing was going.

Is there any sexual heat in this book you ask?  That would be a "Yes".  There is also tenderness and some communication between Gio and  Madison. They really needed to work more on that though. Both are smart, tough and fearless on their jobs but when it comes to their personal lives?  They are kind of running scared.  They do have a lot on the line though so that is kind of understandable.  Gio especially, is playing his cards a bit too close to the vest.  Even more so when it comes to trying  prove that his father Big Tony and his sister, Elise are innocent of any crimes. 
There is an Epilogue included which is something I always appreciate.  Some more surprising information comes out about the Giovanni family that I didn't see coming.  I made for a great twist. 


  “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Dukes, Actually by Erica Ridley

Description

From a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author:
The Duke of Azureford isn’t the arrogant, aloof lord his peers perceive him to be. Yes, he’s awkward, but he has a plan to fix it. In order to woo a respectable lady, he must learn how to flirt. The completely inappropriate girl next door would make a perfect instructor, but a terrible duchess. So why can’t he walk away?
Incorrigible hoyden Miss Carole Quincy likes billiards, fast carriages, and the beautiful, buttoned-up Duke of Azureford. She’d be delighted to help him out of his shell and into her arms. Who cares if they’re just pretending to flirt? The heady, breath-taking, soul-consuming feeling inside her runaway heart surely can’t be love…
The 12 Dukes of Christmas is a series of heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!   AMAZON LINK
                                 4 STARS


I wasn't very far into the book before I realized had been smiling quite a bit.  Carole was totally unique with quite the imagination too!  An imagination that she used as an escape with her drawings; into a world that could be instead of what was.  She sure had some interesting ideas.  That is some of the places that made me smile.  

While I am NOT a fan of fortune tellers, the brief appearance of one in this story does shake things up!

Adam also adds his flavor to the story and he has way more depth than most people get to see.  He is brilliant when standing and speaking before a group of people like Parliament.  But one on one with another person he comes across as cold, rude and graceless.  Only his butler Swinton, is privy to the fact that small talk almost gives him hives.  That small talk is an agony for him.  
Carole is brilliant in her own ways and has a robust love of life.  She is the opposite of Adam.  She has a way of drawing people to her like bees to honey.  Sure, she has her flaws but she's also on the lookout for how she can help people.  
 Carole's lady companion, Judith was a hoot and added even more smiles to the story.  She had been with Carole so long that she was almost family.  But that didn't mean she was much of a deterrent to many of Carole's hoydenish ways. 

Let me say that I enjoyed every minute of this book.   It was a fun story with a good Epilogue included.


  “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Her Surprise Protector by J. P. Comeau *

Book Details

Yeah, he’s sexy as hell...

Washboard ads, bulging biceps, and an irresistible smile.

But underneath he’s just a filthy rich billionaire with an attitude.

And I’m only a single mom frightened by my ex.

Then it happens.

My ex attacks me in the yard of my beachside home.

He hears my scream and runs to protect my little girl and me.

Now, he’s offering to provide security 24/7.

Why?

I’m not sure.

Is it his way of apologizing for being rude…

Or something more?

Can I trust another man with my heart and the safety of my child?

What can a gorgeous billionaire possibly want with me
…that he doesn’t already have?    AMAZON LINK 
                                                        3 STARS

This book has a slower pace to it and more of a getting to know you friendship at first.  Although when the main characters Elena and Riker first met, he was more of an angry man kind of person. But he was also a hurting man, and that surliness showed up when two misunderstandings cropped up.  But that isn't his true personality so that didn't last very long.

Elena has her own issues but most of them is raising her young daughter Bree, making a living and trying to keep her ex Oscar far away.
I did enjoy the P.O.V's from both Elena and Riker.  It always adds something extra for me when that happens.   I like to read what the people are thinking and feeling.
Overall, I would say that this book was a sweet, charming story with some romance heat but without any huge surprises. 

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.” 

BOOK REVIEW- Dark Justice by Angela Smith*

Description

She’s in love with her sister’s killer…
Lauren has loved Luke since first grade. They planned to marry—until he murdered her sister. The moment he was sentenced to prison, Lauren fled with her secret baby and made a new life. Now she’ll do anything to keep their daughter safe. But her hard won peace shatters when Luke is exonerated, and it sets her on a path of mixed emotions to discover the truth. Letting a killer into their tightly knit family is out of the question. Or is it?
She almost destroys her life by threatening his…
Prison stole his future with Lauren and twelve years of Luke’s life, so the last thing he needs from her is a knife in the back or a gun in his face. Lauren believes he killed her sister, and he has no plans to pick up where they left off. Luke can’t afford to trust her, but he wants nothing more than to convince her he’s worth fighting for.
Their daughter is in danger…
Luke is heartbroken when he learns they had a child together. Now his daughter is in danger. Lauren trusted the wrong person for far too long, but he hopes she’ll now trust him. Luke will risk everything to keep them safe. And Lauren will risk everything if she lets him into her heart. AMAZON LINK

I knew going in that this was going to be a different kind of story.  It was one of the things that kind of caught my attention.  It was an emotional  story of course.  And it had good flash-backs between the past and current time for both Luke and Lauren.  That's not always well done but here in this book, it was.
I have to say that I was 100% Team Luke pretty quickly.  He was written in such a way that you could FEEL his confusion, despair and losses.  And the hits of unfairness just seemed to keep coming. For a while at least. But hang on, it's not all depressing when it comes to the story. 
I have to admit I had a problem with Lauren.  Hey, I got that she was emotional and somewhat confused as well.  But she was so hard-headed even when presented with some of the true facts of Luke's case.  I just "might" have muttered under my breath a few times.  Like, "T.S.T.L., what a brat" as I tossed my kindle down a few times.  I just hated how she treated Luke like crud.   She certainly did have quite the unique way of greeting Luke when she saw him after his release.  Now, that was a surprise!  One thing I couldn't fault her on was that she loved her daughter Laramie and she was a good mother. 

Lauren's boss Brian Wimberly is a good addition to the story.  He kind of keeps the general hysteria down in a good but mostly unemotional way.
A good amount of tension is kept up in the story leading up to a dangerous twist towards the end. 

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Seductive Secrets (Sweet Tea and Scandal) by Cat Schield

 A mysterious woman he can’t resist

When one of Charleston’s oldest families is infiltrated by a beautiful stranger, tycoon Paul Watts vows to reveal the truth. But when his grandfather’s health miraculously improves after mistaking Lia Marsh as a long-lost granddaughter, Paul has no choice but to follow along. While he must expose Lia, soon he’s the one with the secret—he desires the woman who could destroy everything he holds dear…AMAZON LINK
            3 STARS

Lia (what a great name) is a free-spirit and Paul is as opposite of that as can be.  
Lia has been raised as a nomad relying on very few people.  Never staying in one place for very long.  She also has picked up different skills along the way.
Paul has a solid, responsible family backing him.  Even though his grandfather hadn't agreed with his decision to not sign on to the family business.  Oh, there wasn't anything wrong with the family business.    It just wasn't his passion.  Cyber security and exposing cheats and crooks was.  He HAS this need to know everything and he's kind of rigid because of other experiences.  
Lia is pretty open with people when it comes to trying to help others.  Still, she does have a secret  or two.  I liked how she used different methods to try to help Paul's grandfather .  Like, singing when he couldn't speak clearly.  And rhythm and even the aromatherapy was good.  I wasn't so on board with the Tarot Card readings that she did with the other family members.  That part I didn't like at all.  In fact, if I had known it was in the story I might not have picked up this book. 
The rest of the story is okay with challenges overcome and a H.E.A. 

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
 

Things Book Lovers Do

BOOK REVIEW- A Family by Christmas by Viv Royce *

Description

Chocolatier Emma Miller has a new business selling bonbons to the residents of the quaint town of Wood Creek. When a tiny visitor stops by her shop with an interesting request, Emma is intrigued. The young girl needs chocolates that will help her widowed dad fall in love, preferably with her teacher. What Emma didn't count on was Casey's ever so charming and handsome dad, Grant, stepping into her life. She has to remind herself to be cautious because the one thing she learned in foster care is that people always leave.
Pilot Grant Galloway is touched by his daughter's gift and is curious about the person who made the world-class chocolates. But when he steps into Emma's shop full of delicious smells and tasty morsels, he forgets to breathe. And it has nothing to do with his favorite dessert. She's pretty and kind, and when she has to deal with a difficult client, his protective instincts kick into high gear. But he risked his heart once. When his wife died, it left him broken. He's just now beginning to pick up the pieces, and he and his daughter will be leaving town once the holidays are over.
Thanks to some Christmas wishes, though, these two might discover that their carefully laid plans are about to change.  AMAZON LINK
                             3 STARS

This was a sweet and often emotional story that would be a good Christmas read.  It would of course be good at other times as well.
Emma, Grant and his daughter Casey are good main characters.  Grant's family is a tight one but they are also in their kind ways trying to tie Grant down to their town.  I could understand it though because they loved him and wanted to have him and Casey remain closer to them.  They also didn't really understand his need to fly.  Something that his mother worried was way too dangerous.  Grant was trying to untie the strings to his family and Emma was the opposite.  She was looking for a permanent place of her own.  A place she could put down roots and make more friends.  
There is a H.E.A. but it almost felt anti-climactic after all the struggles.  Although I'm glad it came to that conclusion, I just wasn't feeling it either.  The ending just kind of felt like a rush to the end

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
 

BOOK REVIEW- The Billionaire's Big Risk: A Sweet Second Chance Romance by Christie Logan*

 Sometimes love is the biggest risk of all…

Claudia Nichols and Aaron Sinclair never should have fallen in love. He was a maverick hounded by his reputation as a bad boy, but Claudia made him want to be a better man. Claudia was always the level-headed one until she threw caution to the wind and fell for Aaron. Everyone said it couldn't last, and they were right. When their whirlwind marriage ended, Aaron seemingly went back to his old ways while Claudia retreated into her career.

When their son is injured in a life-threatening accident, they put aside their differences to see him through. The old flame between them still smolders, but Claudia’s not sure if it's warmth she feels or heat from old burns. Aaron's never been afraid of risk—it’s how he made his fortune. But is a second chance at love just too big a risk to take? AMAZON 
                                                                        3 STARS

I wanted to like this story more than I did.  I don't like to say that but that's the truth.  Oh, both Claudia and Aaron were good enough main characters. So, were their two sons, Marcus and Andy; what we saw of them.  But the story just didn't grab me.  Even though Claudia and Aaron did have some tender moments.  
Aaron had some pretty dramatic history with his nasty mother, father and grandfather.  That caused some current problems added to the stress of their son's medical emergency.
There is a H.E.A. which smooths things over at the end. 
 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Leverage (Omega Sector Book 4) by Janie Crouch

 LEVERAGE
Computer game developer Shelby Keelan has a gift: a photographic memory of anything concerning numbers. When she inadvertently discovers a code linked to terrorist attacks within a popular Internet game, she's called in by the government to help piece together what she knows.

Pilot Dylan Branson finally has his life the way he wants it: simple, quiet and alone-as far from his covert operation past as he can get. He knows when he's asked by his previous boss to deliver one tiny package to Omega Sector headquarters that his answer should be no. Especially when the tiny package ends up being a cute and quirky redhead he's instantly drawn to.

What should've been a routine trip turns into a desperate fight for their lives when someone is determined to see that Shelby and Dylan don't make it anywhere alive. AMAZON LINK
                                                                                                                        4 STARS

Another really good story by Janie Crouch.   Both Shelby and Dylan were interesting people that were easy to get involved with.  Shelby was a genius with numbers but not so much with people and endless chit-chats. 
 Dylan was still grieving his losses and he just wanted to be left alone.  So although their reasons were different, they did have the loner thing in common. Dylan had a slew of loving family that didn't want to remain pushed outside of Dylan's life.
Shelby just wanted piece and quite in her life without someone constantly yakking in her ear.  She had her mother (who just didn't get her and in Shelby's words drove her nuts.)  She also had Megan as a friend, who was really close to her and DID totally get her.  Megan didn't think she was weird and just adjusted to what Shelby needed.

Looking for action, danger and adventure?  This book has it and kept me involved every step of the way.  There were some tender moments in their romance before one of them (usually Dylan) put his foot in it.  Without meaning to he hurt Shelby time after time for a while.  I also liked how two lonely people finally find a way to fight their fears.  
Another good part of the story is that they finally discover who the mole is. 

BOOK REVIEW- Ask Mariah by Barbara Freethy

 Fans of Nora Roberts, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, and Debbie Macomber will enjoy this romantic and emotional contemporary romance by award-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author Barbara Freethy.

Joanna Wingate knows something is missing from her life, something she never dreamed she'd find in a handsome stranger's children -- mischievous six-year-old twin sisters who look up at her adoringly ... and call her "Mama."

Since his wife's accidental death, Michael Ashton has struggled with his many responsibilities as a single parent to twin daughters who, though they clearly love him, refuse to speak to him. Then he meets Rose and Lily's new teacher, and his emotions spin out of control. For Joanna Wingate is the mirror image of his late wife.

Bizarre coincidence, a strange destiny... or something altogether different has joined these four lives. The twins believe Mariah -- a magical fortune-teller in a crystal ball -- has the answers. But only Joanna and Michael's willingness to confront long-buried secrets can guide their families back to wholeness ... and unite them in a love that seems meant to be.   AMAZON
                                                                                                   4 STARS


This book had really good main characters with a group of equally interesting supporting people.  If you are looking for a story that has emotion as well?   This book also has plenty of that.  Also long held secrets that are being ripped open.  And some painful chips are going to fall.
As time goes on, it doesn't take long for Michael to get over his shock of Joana's resemblance to his dead wife.  He begins to see differences between the two; good ones.   He still tries to fight his attraction though because he can see all the potential roadblocks ahead.
Joanna falls in love with the girls first.  Both Rose and Lily capture her heart and they are quite the pair.  And then Michael follows pretty closely after that.  Like she says how can she resist this handsome man who is so tender with his daughters?  Especially since he is dealing with their refusal to talk to him.  Oh, they love him and they will hug him but no talking at all.  It's frustrating and hurtful to him but just keeps on loving them and being there for them.  There not talking to him is just another secret in the story.   It makes for some interesting situations.
Joanna's mother is something else.  She loves her daughter but her possessiveness was bad before her husband died but now it's off the charts.  So, yes there will be fireworks.  And confrontations and love.
The only thing I didn't care for was the fortune telling aspect of the story.  But I must have missed that in the information because it was mentioned.  Going to fortune tellers is a big no-no for me.  But I guess if you look at Mariah as a fantasy creature  instead of a fortune teller or psychic that MIGHT be okay. She doesn't show up too often.  Still the decision is up to you, in the end. 
Speaking of end, it had a pretty good one.

BOOK REVIEW- Hot Shot (The Men of the Sisterhood Book 5) by Fern Michaels

The Sisterhood: a group of women bound by friendship and a quest for justice. Now their male allies, the Men of the Sisterhood, have formed a top-secret organization of their own, with the same goal of helping the helpless and righting the wrongs of the world . . .

Loyalty is a way of life for the Sisterhood and their significant others. When lawyer Lizzie Fox’s husband, Cosmo Cricket, is left critically injured after being shot by an unknown assailant, the men of BOLO Consultants head straight for Las Vegas to comfort Lizzie—and to uncover a dangerous enemy in the City of Sin.

As head of Nevada’s Gaming Commission, Cosmo has powerful enemies. Yet the shooting seems to be related to one of his private projects. Built in the desert outside Las Vegas, Happy Village is a flourishing community for seniors who have lost a spouse. Cosmo’s widowed father found new purpose in running the venture. But the neighborhood that’s now home to Happy Village was once run by rival gangs, a complicated past that has come to haunt the place. Jack, Harry, and the rest of the crew need to remove the threat, risking everything to take on a vicious and mysterious gang leader known only as Hot Shot. And while the men of the Sisterhood fight for justice for their friend, Cosmo is fighting for his life—and the stakes have never been higher . . .AMAZON LINK
                                                                                                                         4 STARS

 I enjoyed this story.  The people and even the dog added to the story.  Sure, there were things that probably didn't add up but I came at it as pure fantasy.  
The "team" was spinning their wheels for quite a while trying to figure out what was going on.  It seemed for the longest time they were getting nowhere. And to be honest, there were several different things going on.  So a lot of the time at first was basically walking in cold and gathering Intel.
Sure, there were some gross things going on too.  Towards the end Maggie comes up with what she thought was a just punishment for at least three bad guys.  It was quite unique and not really humane.
A few things I felt like weren't completely filled in when it came to some of the people.  I really didn't like how the let the manager of Happy Village slide.  That felt incomplete and even though Charles had a heart to heart with him I felt like he needed to be replaced.  Ah, well.


 

BOOK REVIEW- Finn (Anderson Billioniares, Book 1) by Melody Anne *

General Fiction (Adult), Romance

Description

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Melody Anne begins a sizzling and heartfelt series about Joseph Anderson’s long-lost nephews.
Finn Anderson is a loyal military veteran who has no desire to live a life of luxury and ease, but sometimes a person doesn’t get a choice. His life is flipped upside down when he and his four brothers learn they’re long-lost relatives of the absurdly famous and wealthy Joseph Anderson. The eccentric but generous billionaire puts the brothers to work building a new veterans center, and that’s not all: Joseph won’t stop until each nephew finds love.
Finn has never expected or wanted an easy life, and he struggles with his early retirement from the elite SEAL team. But when a very confident Brooke Garrison literally sweeps him off his feet during a self-defense class he’s teaching, he thinks less about his past and more about a brand-new future.
If Finn knows anything for certain, it’s that he can’t let this woman get away. Though Brooke is tough and compassionate, the loss of her brother has left her vulnerable. She isn’t sure she can risk loving and losing another person in her life, including a very determined ex-SEAL. Can the two of them look beyond their past wounds and embrace what they’re feeling?  AMAZON LINK
                                                                                                          3   STARS

This was a good, emotional story with interesting main characters. The rest of the Anderson brothers also added to the story.  As did the other unexpected family members that suddenly popped up into their lives.  
Finn doesn't trust easily, not after his life experiences starting with his bad-to-the-bone father.  So when his "uncle" Joseph shows up, he doesn't believe everything he's heard about how good he is supposed to be.  Rich but a good man with an intense love (and some meddling) of family.  Finn is respectful but also quick to set up boundaries with his uncle.  He finds doing that with some of the rest of his "family" not quite so easy.  The rest of the family is loving and quick to pull them into the group.
Brooke also had a lousy childhood having no one in her corner expect for her beloved brother.  He was always cheering her on.  Now that he is dead, she is left trying to overcome her grief.  And her walls are up high around everyone else.  Well, except her longtime best friends who are like sisters to her.  Sarah and Chloe definitely add spice and understanding to her life.  Finn scares her.  Besides her attraction to him, she feels like he sees too much and too deeply into her. 
How does Finn feel about Brooke?  He falls fast and hard for her and enjoys the challenge that she often brings.  He's got a fight on his hands and his usual techniques with women just isn't going to work.  I liked how creative he got when he went on the chase for her. Not one of their "non-dates" was what would considered a normal date but they were interesting.
 Yes, there will be sex in the story (lots actually) but Finn is in it for the long haul not just for a night or two of sex. 
A couple of times it felt like the story dragged a time or two but it was probably because a couple of issues were re-addressed  a bit repetitively.  
I would also like to have seen more about the veterans center but I guess the story was really more about the people and their challenges. 
There is a good twist or two towards the end with a feel good H.E.A. and Epilogue as well.   

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Jesus in Me (Experiencing the Holy Spirit as a Constant Companion) by Anne Graham Lotz

Description

The internationally recognized Bible teacher and daughter of Billy Graham combines unique biblical insights and her own personal stories to show how the Holy Spirit guides us in our decisions, comforts us in pain, and stays by our side at all times, enriching our daily lives.

In Jesus in Me, Anne Graham Lotz draws on her rich biblical knowledge as well as her personal journey—including her recent cancer diagnosis—to help us understand that the Holy Spirit is not a magic genie, a flame of fire, or a vague feeling. He is a Person who prays for us, guides us in our relationships and decisions, comforts us in pain, and stays by our side at all times. In this seminal teaching, she explores seven key aspects of the Holy Spirit that will revolutionize how you understand and relate to this vital third Person in the Trinity.

As Anne writes, “One of my deepest, richest joys has been discovering by experience who the Holy Spirit is in every step of my life’s journey. Each name that He has been given—Helper, Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener, and Standby—reveals another aspect of His beautiful character and has provoked in me a deep love for the One who is my constant Companion . . . Jesus in me.”

Discover how to better love and rely on the person of the Holy Spirit—and embrace how much He loves you through His presence, power, and provision in our daily lives.
AMAZON LINK
4.5 STARS

When I saw who the author of this book was I eagerly grabbed it.  Although this is the first book of hers that I have read, I had read other articles and information about her.  And I couldn't wait to read more. 
I've read the Bible accounts and accept His basis in scripture.  I've also read quite a few books on the biblical foundation but I was also looking for something a bit more than Holy Spirit 101.  
 I liked the approach that she had when it came to all the different names that describes who Holy Spirit is and some of the ways that He functions.  I got nuggets from some of her insights especially when it came to Holy Spirit as our Defender.  That was really interesting to me.  Equally enlightening was the chapter about His being The Strengthener and her trip to India.
When your spirit is restless or upset have you ever asked The Counselor why?  Have you even realized that is what is going on? Where it is coming from?   All very good questions.
Her personal life experiences of how she relied on Holy Spirit as well as the scripture verse made for an interesting, and balanced book for me.
I found her to be pretty transparent when it came to being a real person. Someone with failures, weaknesses and vulnerabilities.   I ended up really enjoying this book.


“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

You Can Exercise and Laugh Yourself Healthy

BOOK REVIEW- Forced in Between by Alexandra Ispas *

  General Fiction (Adult), Teen & YA on Netgalley

Description

Somewhere in the universe, a group of people are making their stand against an invading alien race, but how much longer can they survive for?
Jennifer is the only girl in the Warband Academy. All she knows is that she cannot fall behind her training if she hopes to end the war. How or why she is there in the first place mattered less, until the day she was saved by the very creature she swore to fight against. Her world turns upside down as she finds out all the things she was never told, all the lies she had always believed. And yet, so much more remains untold.
The truths and lies in Jennifer's reality will change her decisions, and so, might even change the fate of humanity.
At least, that's what she must believe if she wants to survive in a world where she is one, and aliens are many.  AMAZON LINK
                  3 STARS

Not what I was expecting.  The start of the book felt odd.  Of course we are talking about a place full of guys and she is the only girl.  So odd, yeah I guess it would be.  It doesn't seem like they teach them anything but how to train for war.  Jennifer seems totally oblivious to the birds and the bees.  She is often called the girl in the story.
Mark, Peter and Nico figure in the story quite a bit in the beginning. Once, they were pretty close but begin pulling away from each other.   They have a bully trainer named Blockhead.  What I didn't get is if they are so important that they had to be constantly trained to exhaustion then why weren't serious injuries tended to?
I don't know, maybe this book was written for a much younger audience and I'm too old to enjoy this book very much.  It had some good moments especially with the little aliens.   But around Chapter 19 when it mentioned in a sentence that nothing of importance happened?  That was pretty much how I was feeling about this story.  But then, a few unexpected things do begin to happen.  
There are several other young boys that have joined Jennifer's journey and they add to the story.  There is a fair amount of feelings shown in the book.   But at the end it finished leaving me with a feeling of it not being quite complete. 
A plus for the book was that it was a clean story, without sex or swearing. 

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Get a Clue by Jill Shalvis

 When Breanne Mooreland gets left at the altar, she decides the best thing to do is to go on her honeymoon alone. Of course, she loses her luggage along the way and ends up snowed in at a Sierra mountains lodge run by a noticeably quirky staff. And before she can order room service, she finds a naked—and gorgeous—man taking a shower in her suite who refuses to leave . . .

Vice cop Cooper Scott is in serious need of a vacation. He’s not about to give up the only available room to a stranger because of a mix-up. They’ll just have to make the best of it by sharing the bed. They’re mature adults after all. But when Cooper wakes up kissing the long, leggy Breanne, he wants to show her exactly what the honeymoon suite is intended for. That will have to wait, though, because a screaming Breanne has just stumbled over one very dead body AMAZON LINK 
                                                                                                      4 STARS

Quirky and different from the start.  Some of the characters were kind of spooky almost like the Adams family.  The way they just kind of glided in here and there without much notice made it even more spooky.  In the story make sure the power goes off, the tension spikes.  And don't forget the dead body. 
The humor was also off the charts too.  I really enjoyed at the beginning of each chapter there was a "note" from Breanne's journal.  So many of them were really funny. The organized notes that she placed in her palm pilot were also smile-worthy.  There were also other funny moments and conversations along with some pretty serious heat between the two M.C.'s.  
Both Breanne and Cooper were really good maim characters.  Cooper the burnt out cop and Breanne the woman who was vitally alive but also felt like she was one step away from making another mistake.  That's why she came up with the "no more men" rule.  Yeah, that didn't last long. 
The staff of the resort were interesting and had you guessing all the time on their character.  They didn't give up much, so it had to be peeled a bit at a time.  Not one of them seemed totally "normal" whatever that is.
A twist I didn't see coming was an excellent way to bring the story to close.  Although there was more than one twist when I think about it. Very few things were as they appeared to be.
My final thoughts were that it was an enjoyable story.  

BOOK REVIEW- The Broken One (Corisi Billionaires, Book 1) by Ruth Cardello

General Fiction (Adult), Romance on NetGalley- #TheBrokenOne #NetGalley

Description

In New York Times bestselling author Ruth Cardello’s sexy and emotional romance, a billionaire dares to invest in the riskiest proposition of his life: a second chance at love.
Single mom Heather Ellis would do anything for her adopted daughter, Ava. Even post an online reward for anyone who found the girl’s lost stuffed animal. Who’d have guessed it’d be returned by a drop-dead-sexy man with such sadness in his eyes that she had to reach out to him? To Ava, he’s a hero. To Heather, he’s a fantasy that puts at risk the happy life she’s made for herself.
It’s been five years since billionaire developer Sebastian Romano lost his wife and unborn child in a tragic accident. Now he’s all business. No room for emotion. Until he stumbles across that damn stuffed wolf and the beautiful single mother looking for it. Is he ready to give love a second chance?
But there’s more to Sebastian, his family, and his past than Heather knows. More than even Sebastian knows. Will the life they build together be challenged when the truth is finally revealed?
AMAZON LINK
5 STARS

  I have to admit that when the book first opened I got a bit confused.  How does Judy Corisi fit in this story?  Yes, I know that this book is Corisi Billionaires but it took me a bit of time to figure out some of where she fit. And she wasn't mentioned in the book blurb.  I have to say that I did like Judy and wanted to know more about her and her family.  She is one determined, clever little girl.  It made me want to know even more what the big secret is. And it all started from a school project of making a family tree.  Her part of the story does show up from time to time giving bits and pieces of her search.
Heather is quite the character and she made me laugh. She was also quite unpredictable when it came to what she would do or say.  Not in a bad way but often in smile-worthy ways. Factor in that she also has some clumsy or embarrassing moments too.   She had a filter but she was also honest to the bone.  She even admits that not everyone could handle her level of honesty.  She was kind so she wasn't out to hurt anyone.  The only time she told two lies were tiny ones to help protect someone's job.  
Sebastian was on a long road of recovery from his losses.  Only thing is, he isn't doing too well.  How could he when he only allows himself to deal with it on the anniversary of that loss and then he stuffs it back down again. 
His family is worried about him.  It was emotional when his mother told him that she had loved his wife too.  That she lost her first grandchild too.  And even worse, on that day she had lost her son (him) as well.  That was a attention getter. 
The first meeting between Heather and Sebastian started out okay.  But after Sebastian says something SO stupid, he ends up with the door slammed in his face.  It won't be the last time.  He sent so many conflicting signals but hey, he's a guy.  And he's still trying to heal.  

I wanted to give this book 5 Stars for the humor alone but luckily there was more to the story.  Heather's best friend, Erica was a hoot too.  Married with 3 children, she added help, support, spice and often good advice to Heather's life.   And when it comes to talking about sex she isn't shy.  But she is funny!  She is also the mother of Ava's best friend Charlotte. 
Ava was well written as well and showed not only the charm of a 4 year old girl but the determination too (and stubbornness). 
There is a lot of emotion in this story coming from several different directions but it wasn't sappy or too heavy.  
Just in case you are wondering, there will be some steamy scenes between them but then something happens and *Poof* one of them is off and running again.  Not to worry they do get their act together and have their H.E.A.  And Heather and Ava gain a loving, welcoming larger family.  
And Judy and her family tree secrets?  Not completed in this book.  Normally, that would irritate me,  but no not this time.  I got reeled in and want to know more.  
Just have to add that the dedication for this book was interesting.  Wolfie (Ava's stuffed toy) being lost and returned was a true story in the author's real life.  And she mentions that you can find out more about that when you visit her at www.ruthcardello.com  

  “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”