BOOK REVIEW- Somebody To Love by (Ryker Falls Book 1) Wendy Vella

 Description
He was the bad boy no one trusted.
Bailey’s burned out, and not sure what leads her back to Ryker Falls, but has a feeling it’s got something to do with closure. Bad boy Joe Trainer was once her soulmate, but she isn’t sure she has a soul anymore. Finding he’s made something of his life is a shock, as he’d been on a one-way trip to hell when she left. This new Joe is sexy and enticing, but she knows all too well there’s a devil underneath the urbane exterior.
She was the good girl who never broke the rules.
When Joe’s childhood friend, Bailey Jones, returns to Ryker Falls, his life suddenly shifts from settled to off-center. Once they’d been closer than anyone ever guessed; now, they’re chilly strangers. But Joe’s not letting his stubborn, sexy-as-hell ex-best friend stay closed off. He lost her once through his own stupidity; this time he’s never letting her go. Joe knows he doesn’t deserve a second chance, but he’s never played by the rules before, so he’s not starting now. Game on.  AMAZON LINK
                                                                       5 STARS


What a great little gem this turned out to be.  And talk about drawing me in quickly.  Within the first couple of chapters I so wanted to know more of Bailey's story.  She's been away 15 years but it also looks like a lot of those years had been tough on her.  Bailey may have been basically all on her own except for her controlling grandfather.  
Of course Joe's life hasn't all been a walk in the park either. Joe had some family behind him and that included his brothers, his Aunt Jess
and cousin Piper. Not to be forgotten is Joe's best friend Fin. 
 Not everyone in the community liked him though and Mrs. Howard was one nasty voice.  But he has built a good life for himself. 

 I also really enjoyed how the brothers did the teased each other with guy good natured ribbing.  One of my favorites has to be when Jack told Joe, " I may love you like a brother, because you are but you have the emotional maturity of a Twinkie."  This is only one of the other things that made me smile in the book. Buzz is another one.  Buzz is Joe's dog who he often jokingly claims the community likes his dog more than they like him. 
What a great additional character Mr. Goldhirsh turned out to be. He was a man of Jewish descent who started out life in a Nazi concentration camp in Germany.   Joe observed that he was the most position person that he knew.  And as you read on, you see that he has quite a bit of wisdom that he's not shy to share.
Twists and surprises were woven in a really great way making it a superb book.  It kept me involved every step of the way.  There is an incredible twist toward the end that in no way did I see coming.  Ah, Good!
"I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Will o’ the Wisp by Lucy Naylor Kubash

Description

In spite of a broken heart, Allison Delaney carved out a life for herself and her young daughter on her grandparents' farm. Her child and the horses she rescues are all that matter. Then a sudden threat to their safety puts her back in touch with Shane McBride, the man she never thought to see again. Returning to the small town of Silver Creek brings back a lot of memories for Shane, ones he treasures haunted by the ones that made him leave, but this time he is determined to stay and make things right. Trusting Shane may be her only choice, but now Allison fears not only the threat against her farm but the risk of losing her heart again. AMAZON LINK
                                                               4 STARS

Alison and Shane have quite the past history.  And not all of it good.  Back in their heyday they thought they would  be together soon and forever.  But then life reared it's ugly head and Shane leaves without even a word to Alison about it. That's gotta sting and it does for a very long time.  She ends up marrying Shane's best friend Jason and life goes on.  Alison is now a widow.  A widow with secrets and more than one danger crowding her. It seemed like she just couldn't seem to catch a break.  One problem after another would crop up.  She did have some friends who helped her when they could.  That was one plus in her life and it included the local veterinarian,  Doc Brewster.  
Doc Brewster was someone important to Shane was well.  In his youth the doc was there for him when he desperately needed help.  So now it's Shane's chance to help out the ailing veterinarian. 
Lizzie was also an enjoyable addition to the story as another main character.  Lizzie is a very responsible little girl. She's also horse crazy like her mom.  Some of the horses included in the story were rescued horses.  I liked that inclusion in the story.
Things really get more and more twisted as the attacks kept coming.  Add into the mix a dangerous animal that is prowling around.  Make that a four legged animal because there were some dangerous two legged people messing around as well.  One of those people causing problems doesn't get totally revealed until towards the end.  That's something that places Lizzie in unexpected danger. 
All in all, a good story that kept tensions high.  If you like romance with suspense this book should do it.  The romance, the re-gaining lost ground, the tenderness and forgiveness leads to a H.E.A.



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

BOOK REVIEW- Hidden Obsession (Alliance Agency #2) by India Kells *

Book Details

 On the hot streets of Miami, someone is watching, waiting for the perfect moment to strike at a team member of the Alliance Agency.
Cleo Darwin is the stunning violet-haired office manager of the Alliance Agency. She is capable, controlled and respected by the people she works with. But the woman who has such complete control has a secret. Her past is anything but pretty; it is messy and cruel and why she strives to live her life with no room for surprises.
Until she meets Mason Bentley, the clean-cut suit wearing operative that makes her body hum and her heart wants more. She tries to fight the attraction they share but he is slowly breaking down her defenses and showing the life she could have with him -- a future.
Mason Bentley has spent his life protecting the rich and famous, from politicians to royalty, and never has he been tempted to change the rigid control he has on his life until her. Cleo walked into his life and made him yearn for a future filled with bright colors and love.
Now, a stalker is hunting Cleo, and as the threats escalate and the stakes become perilous, will Mason be able to protect the woman he has given his heart to, from the person who wants her dead?
The stakes have never been higher and the danger never so real, but not all is as it seems as secrets and past lives crash into the present.    AMAZON LINK
                                                4 STARS

The book cover caught my attention first. It made me stop long enough to read the book information.  And now I want to write a review on it.  
I have to say that I had mixed feelings on the book.   Was it the main characters?  No.  I liked both of them.  They were unique and had some layers to their personalities.  
I even liked the supporting characters that surrounded them.  They were not only highly skilled but loyal to the bone.  A mix of chosen people who become like family. 
Was it the mystery of Cleo's stalker?  No, that was done in a scary good way.  
 It's got to be the way the sexual encounters between Cleo and Mason almost overtook the story.  That's just my opinion.  I know that both Cleo and Mason were hot for each other the moment that they met.  They hid it really well for quite a while.  But once it was out in the open between them?  Wow, get out the fire-hose! That had we bouncing between 3 or 4 Stars on Amazon.  The thing that had me bounce back up to 4 was because they really did care for each other.  That was legit.  And also because the forces that were against them were so well done with at least 1 huge, totally unexpected twist towards the end.  

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

No such thing as hoarding books?

BOOK REVIEW- Storm Summit (Redemption Mountain Book #4) by Shirleen Davies *

Storm Summit, book fourteen in the Redemption Mountain historical western romance series, is a full-length novel with an HEA and no cliffhanger.

A hardened lawman fighting the betrayal of the woman he loved.
The female agent who couldn’t rid him from her heart.

Storm Summit, Book Fourteen, Redemption Mountain Historical Western Romance Series
Chandler Evans made the decision years ago to turn his back on a privileged life in New York to follow his older brother, Gabe, to the frontier. He didn’t regret the decision to become a Texas Ranger, only the choices which went with it. His first mistake had been to accept a government agent as a partner. The second was to fall in love with a woman incapable of returning his emotions.

Agent Elizabeth Cartman became a widow much too young. Guilt plagued her, especially when feelings for a young Texas Ranger grew too strong to ignore. Retreat had been her lone option, running from her feelings easier than facing them. She never expected to see him again, but fate had other ideas.

Handing in his badge and riding north, Chan followed a precarious path to Splendor. Settling in as a U.S. Marshal, he obeyed a summons to Big Pine, finding himself face-to-face with the one woman he hoped had disappeared from his life forever.

Refusing the new assignment would achieve nothing, especially when a routine investigation turned to a game of life and death.

The hunters become the hunted, while the identity of the threat continues to elude them. As their mutual attraction grows, rekindling what they’d lost years before, they find themselves facing direct attacks to them and those they care about.

Can two fiercely independent people find a way to accept their love while fighting those intent on driving them apart by any means necessary?   AMAZON LINK
                                              4STARS

This was a good story but with a huge cast of characters.  Both the good people and the villains kept me hopping. Even though I have read many of the books in this series, it was a while ago.  And I felt a bit like I needed to keep a cheat sheet to keep the people straight .  You know, like who went with who and how they were related.   I do have to say though that I enjoyed the closeness of the families but also the whole community that surrounded Chan. 
Just doing his job, Chan seems to have stirred up quite a bit of trouble and he has a multiple bunch of people who want him in the ground.  Oh, their reasons vary but their desire is the same.   Not only Chan's death drives them but also greed.  There is also a twisted idea of re-gaining past glory and it's the plan of one of the main groups.  I'm not going to say what that plan is because that would be a spoiler and I want the next reader to find out like I did. It was a surprise to say the least.  It's not the only surprise in the story.
I just have to  mention an interesting but often underestimated man in the story. Enoch Weaver was often underestimated by people who didn't know him.  Being known as the town drunk, he was mainly invisible to strangers.  But to people who did know him?  He was a fount of information and some skills. 
Wow, both Chan and Elizabeth have a TON of pride and they pay the price for it more than once.  It actually gets in the way of them communicating in any really helpful way when it comes to their relationship.  Both are really skilled in their jobs but it takes time for them to get it together between themselves.  In a way I could kind of understand why Elizabeth ran from Chan the last time. She was still grieving the death of her husband and being in love again felt too soon.  It also scared the daylights out of this otherwise fearless woman. 
There is a H.E.A. for Chan and Elizabeth.  One that they do their way.


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

BOOK REVIEW- Lethal Redemption (Steele Ops, #2) by April Hunt

Description

Second chance.
Fake relationship.
Forced proximity. 
About the book: Top FBI profiler Grace Steele was just a girl when she escaped the Order of the New Dawn, and she's spent the last seventeen years trying to forget her time there. But when private security firm Steele Ops needs her help extracting a young woman from the secretive cult's clutches, she's all in. Even though the mission requires posing as the fiancée of the only man who's ever broken her heart.
It's been nine years since Cade Wright turned his back on his childhood sweetheart, and he's never stopped regretting it. Now that they're forced to work together, he knows this is his opportunity to show Grace how much he's changed. But the deeper they get pulled into New Dawn, the clearer it becomes that the demons still haunting Grace are very real, and Cade will have to risk everything to keep her safe . . . including his own life.  AMAZON LINK
                                                                  5+ STARS
 
Includes the bonus novel Extreme Honor by Piper J. Drake!

I'm so glad that I grabbed this book.  It's a keeper as far as I am concerned. 
 I really liked April Hunt's writing style.  The descriptive way she wrote things is easy to feel the power of the words.  They often made me smile and it flowed without being cheesy.  I continued to enjoy the story because of it's strong emotional and action intensity.  The story really pulled me in as it got more and more intense.
I couldn't have asked for more interesting and complex main characters.  Even the relationship between Grace and Cade had layers to it.  
Grace's male cousins have Grace and Cade's back in this "adventure".  They are all smart, big, strapping guys who are mainly ex-military in some form or another. They love Grace and she loves them in a kind of huffy way.  The guys also have a healthy respect for not getting on her bad side.  Which also leads to some funny conversations at times.   
It was quite an intense roller coaster ride. But watch out for that sharp turn towards the end if you're  on board.  That twist was unexpected.  Something that I never saw coming. I don't like actual roller coasters but this story gets two thumbs up from me. 

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

BOOK REVIEW- A Cowboy Like You(Heart of Texas #4) by Donna Grant *

Description

In the Heart of Texas, a heartthrob cowboy may get his second chance at love…
Danny Oldman, the handsome Lone Star sheriff, is still single. He tells himself, and anyone who asks, that he is married to his job—and what matters most is keeping the people of his beloved Texas hometown safe. The truth? Danny still hasn’t gotten over his high school crush. She moved away after graduation and took Danny’s heart with her.
Skylar Long never thought she would have to flee Houston and return home—where it all began for her. But that’s what happened after the man of her dreams turned out to be an actual nightmare. Now, Skylar is desperate to escape her obsessive boyfriend. Nothing shocks her more than seeing Danny again and realizing that their long-ago attraction is more powerful than ever. But can she and Danny find a way to fight against Skylar’s wealthy, powerful ex who is dead set on tearing them apart?
 AMAZON LINK
4 STARS

Both Skylar and Danny were good main characters, they made you want to see them win.  And for them to win and be together. Danny was such a solid good guy who had helped so many people.  Now so many people want to be there for him.  
Skylar got sucked into her ex Matt's web because he had been good hiding the monster that he really was.  Now she has to fight to stay out of his reach.  And what a fight it will be. 
 There were really good secondary people in the story.  It seems like there was more story about the support that Skylar and Danny were getting from the people around her than the romance between the M.C.'s.   Of course, Matt and other things keeps everything jumping. 
 Matt was one violent, evil guy who was way too clever.  He was REALLY skilled when it came to trying to manipulate and control people.  Let's face it.  It's not his first rodeo. And it didn't help that he had so much money and influence.  You just didn't know what he was going to do next. The tenseness that Matt creates is felt throughout the story.  His overconfidence and desperation to get Skylar back ramps things up even more dangerously for all.   It makes things even more interesting as the story comes to it's end.  There is an Epilogue included and everything wraps up.  The only thing I might have liked to see is more consequences shown with Matt's family.

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

AARP- Fraud Watch Network with Link

Link to AARP site

This looks like a site that could be really helpful getting information out to not only the Seniors
but the general population at large.

BOOK REVIEW- Saving Him (Lovers in Louisville, Book 2) by Ariella Talix *

Adult themes and hot, sexy scenes are intended for mature readers only.

Description

Sparks fly, but so do bullets.
Sibley Xenopoulos has more attractive, successful men vying for her attention than she has the time to deal with. But she's only ever had eyes for one—Private Investigator, Leo Spanos.
If ever a man needed saving, it’s Leo.
His life is in terrible danger, and a bad, BAD man is on the loose. Leo positively craves Sibley, but he's convinced that being involved with him could ruin her life in more ways than the obvious.
Set in Kentucky, the second installment in the Lovers in Louisville series is full of local color and drama. Sibley runs a bed and breakfast in a Victorian mansion located in Old Louisville, and Leo is back in town after a three-month gig out of state. His investigation business is booming, but he needs to somehow stay out of trouble.
AMAZON LINK
4 STARS


An interesting mix of innocence and shy sweetness; well at least at first.  Leo is so crazy about Sibley right from the start.  He's so crazy about her that so many different times he acts kind of crazy. No, not dangerous crazy but more like self-sabotaging crazy.  He feels like he just can't offer Sibley the kind of life that she so deserves.  As the story unfolds it easier to understand where those fears are coming from.  And there are some legitimate reasons.

Sibley, has had her eye on Leo for quite some time.  And that was before he went to California on a job and his image was transformed.  Sibley was beginning to despair of ever really getting him really interested in her.  She just didn't realize how he already felt.  There were a lot of mixed messages going on.  Even after they moved on in their connection there were more times when their messages got mixed. 
Leo was trying to keep Sibley out of the danger that was surrounding him.  The "bad man" was dangerous but also clever and ruthless.  He keeps things stirred up as he runs circles around law enforcement. 
This story had some interesting secondary people in the book. That includes the main characters best friends, Gunnar and Ase.
 There are surprises coming up as the story works towards the end.  I have to say the language twist was something I was NOT expecting.  You'll have to read the book to figure that one out.
I will say that I liked some parts of the story more than other parts.  Some of it did slow the story down  but overall I did like it.
Epilogue was well done.  It tied up more ends of the story with it's look into the future too.

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

BOOK REVIEW- Her Desert Prince (Desert Destiny Series Book 1) by Marie Tuhart *

Catherine Taylor, no stranger to life’s school of hard knocks, at 18 leaves her dysfunctional family behind, striking out on her own to embrace her passion for art. Years of hard work has given her a degree of acclaim. When offered the opportunity to work in the middle eastern country of Bashir to create the defining mural for the new children's critical care ward, Catherine embraces the chance to meld her love of children and her love of art. What she doesn’t think she is ready for is the blatant and instant passion she feels the moment she meets the successful country’s crown prince, Malik.

Malik al-Hakim has been raised with the sole purpose of someday becoming the king of Bashir. Years of careful preparation by his loving family has him ready to take the yoke from his father one day, but nothing could prepare him for the instant lust he feels the moment he sees Catherine. Never one to let an opportunity slip by, Malik pursues Catherine, convincing her to explore their desire. But when political intrigue places Catherine in danger, Malik soon realizes lust has evolved to love and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep the woman of his dreams safely by his side, no matter how hard she tries to fight their fate.  AMAZON LINK
                           4 STARS

I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best when I picked up this book.  Other books similar to this have disappointed me.  They didn't have much depth when it came to the people in the story.   This one had depth and wasn't just about sex.  Oh, it had that but it didn't dominate the story; the people did. It also didn't happen right off the bat either.  The story took the time to develop knowing each other,  caring, interest and tenderness. 
It helps that I liked both of the main characters.  It was also revealing how much damage the paparazzi had done to not just one but both of them.  Catherine's intense hate for the paparazzi could almost be felt because they were so relentless. 
I have to say that I loved the members of the royal family.  The author used a different view of a royal family than most of the other books I've read.  Duty? Yes but the family was so close to each other too.   That was heartwarming. 
Did I spot who the troublemaker in the story was before the end?  Yes, but I am always trying to figure that out as I read.   But it didn't really ruin it for me because there is always the question am I right?  How do they get found out?  And when does it happen?  Do they do anymore damage before they get outed?  
This may sound a little picky. But one thing that I wanted was a little more closure on the little boy, Zain.   The author, Malik and Catherine drew us into his story and I would have liked to see him in a happy home.  One in particular.

How to crochet a circle - Easy Double crochet circle | Flat crochet circle

This has a really well explained pattern on YouTube video

BOOK REVIEW- Hidden Hearts (The Women of Hearts #1) by Marci Bolden *

Description

Former Army Sergeant Holly Austin and her team at the HEARTS agency don’t normally find the police at their door. But it’s been weeks since a local woman vanished into thin air...and now there’s a second victim.
Police Detective Jack Tarek wasn’t officially working the Julia Frederickson case until a second victim made the matter personal. Holly is willing to cooperate with Jack “unofficially,” but she quickly becomes a distraction he can’t resist. The leads on their cases might be running cold, but the attraction between the investigators is sizzling hot.
With every lead a dead end, those close to the investigation grow increasingly impatient for answers. Just as hidden secrets come to light, one of the investigators vanishes without a trace. The HEARTS team has just hours to solve the case—or risk losing one of their own.  AMAZON LINK
                                                                                                                 4 STARS


I liked this action filled story.  The tense search for missing women was well done.  
Holly was such a honor bound woman, was had become a fearless leader.  At least when it came to her work.  She pretty much kept her personal life off-limits; keeping people from getting too close.  

Jack wasn't intimidated by people but I also found it interesting that he treated Holly like an equal.  He didn't try to force her into the usual normal image that most people would try to do. That also got him extra points with Holly when she found out he meant it.  He wasn't intimidated by her but he was a whole lot intrigued by her.   I had to smile at some of their conversions when she made sure she was in charge of a situation. Even the fact that she always HAD to drive the car added to the smiles. Jack even observes that she had one of the toughest exteriors that he'd ever seen but he also began to see below that surface. 
Her team of women in her investigative business were not only highly skilled but quirky in their own ways.  Part of her main team are people named, Eva, Alexa, Rene, Tika and Sam.
 Oh.  I'm sure people want to know if there will be sex in the story and the answer is yes there will be.  At least several different times. 
 I just have to mention that one of the people that I suspected was "the one" didn't even come up as a suspect.  I was sure that they were missing him but to my surprise he was NOT the one.  Good red herring on the author's part.
The author did a great job of keeping the mystery of who the "baddie" was throughout the story. Had me going in circles more than once.  I could almost feel the frustration that they were feeling as they raced the clock.  
 And as the story roars towards the end more things happen that cause them to race against the clock again.  Twists and surprises will reign.


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

BOOK REVIEW- Night's Kiss (The Ancients Book 2) by Mary Hughes

 Each book in the Ancients series is STANDALONE:

Description

As a human who hunts vampires, I risk death each night I take to the streets. Bloodsuckers are stupidly fast. I have only my wits, my practice, and my weapons.
Oh yeah, and my rage.
Vampires killed my parents before my eyes when I was young. My revenge? I'll destroy every last one of the evil bastards, starting with their king.
But only one man can help me locate the king. Achingly tall, dark, and too-sexy-for-his-own-good, Ryker is gorgeous enough to be the vamp king himself. But the devilish arch to his black eyebrow, his white, unfangy grin, and rocking the daytime are good clues that he's human.
We’ll have to work together as uneasy allies if I hope to get my final revenge on the king—only now it seems evil monsters are also after our prey, and they’ll stop at nothing to see us all dead. And why are they having so much trouble finding the king?    AMAZON LINK
                                                                                  5++ STARS

WOW, wow, wow! What a great story; a new favorite.  It was so good I hardly know where to start.  But I will try. 
Before I even get into the main characters I just have to say that the world building was SO good.  
 Kat, man I loved that fierce little warrior.  She was going to slash her way through as many vampires as she could.  Yes, she knew that it could end up getting her killed but she had some scores to settle.   The emotions just pulsed through her and erupted into everything around her.  Well, when vamp hunting but emotions dealing with people that involved hugging, not so much.  In fact one of  my favorite phrases had to do with this. It was when Alexis grabbed Kat and hugged her.  "Casual hugging and kissing simply wasn't a thing growing up. So inside, I was Code 3 running hot with all sirens and lights."  Yeah.  That's not to hard to understand at all and continues in the written without being annoying. I liked how the author wrote like that.  I liked the flow and the humor. 
Now onto Ryker.  He was a whole basket full of interesting.  I'm treading carefully here though because he was one surprise after another.  I don't want to say too much and ruin it for other readers. 
Even most of the secondary people in the story had depth, helping round out the story.  Kat's sister Rey will add important pieces to the story as well.  
Battles?  Oh, yes there will be more of those too. Good vs Evil for sure, Intense battles.  More times than not Kat isn't totally convinced exactly where some people fall in those categories.  It causes quite the struggle within her.  Especially when it comes to Ryker.   She really didn't want to even be around him let alone like him.  Too bad because a romance does develop. Just probably not like your usual run of normal romance.  But definitely enjoyable.  Even though there were tensions and troubles, this story also made me smile a lot.  A lot of it coming from these two main characters.
It comes to a satisfying ending.  But I also think one particular enemy wasn't ended quite yet.  Sounds like another book just might be in the future.  If it is, sign me up. 

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

**Erase the Shame - Vengeance of the Lord

   

Also has the scripture base that a woman used to repair her credit in Business. 
Shame is a giant that has to come down.

BOOK REVIEW- Armed 'N' Ready (Federal K-9 Book 2 )by Tee O'Fallon *

Each book in the Federal K-9 series is STANDALONE:

Description

Massachusetts State Police Sgt. Nick Houston is as tough as they come, and he and his K-9, Saxon, are hot on the trail of a major illegal gun dealer. But his best lead—the beautiful owner of the Dog Park Café, Andi Hardt––is not cooperating. Doesn't matter how sexy she is, or that his dog seems to be in love with her. She's a suspect and he won't cross that line. Ever.
Andi Hardt sank everything into her dream business—the Dog Park Café, a restaurant catering to dogs as much as people. Now everything is in jeopardy because of one extremely frustrating, incredibly hot state trooper. Like it or not, she's in Nick's crosshairs, and he's calling the shots. Her only option: cooperate, or lose everything she's worked so hard for.
Nick and Andi are catapulted straight into the danger zone, forcing them to make life-altering choices, and face their desires. Risking his life for Andi is the easy part. Risking his heart is the toughest assignment Nick will face.   AMAZON LINK
                                                             4 STARS

Great start to this book.  The startling beginning put things into the intense category right away.  
Andi has had bad radar when it comes to men and it looks like another one used her again and now she's in danger.   She's been friends with Joe for many years and he sure has kept some dangerous secrets.  Andi is a stand up gal who finds herself at the wrong place at the wrong time. And she's having a hard time convincing law enforcement people that she is innocent of wrong doing. 
Nick's got a job to do and he's good at it. So is his K-9 partner Saxon.   They are good together on the job and at home.  What can I say, I loved the police officer Saxon.  I consider him another main character who added a lot to the story too.
This particular assignment also has personal issues for Nick that make his drive to find the criminals even stronger. 
I liked the idea of the business that Andi is running. The Dog Park Café, was well drawn and easy to envision.  Tess is both friend and manager for the business.  You just know that she has her own story which is just hinted at in this book. 
Oh, and that line that Nick would never cross?  He does but it's not going to be right away.  And this assignment puts more than one bump in the road when it comes to their romance. 

Nick has a lot of work buddies who are also friends that show they have each other's backs.  Any time, any place.  I'm sure there are enough interesting people to include more stories about them. 
There is a humongous, dangerous, surprise twist towards the end.  You'll never guess who the Master Mind behind everything is.  Beautifully done.  The danger went off the charts and several people almost die.  But that's all I'm going to say about that.  I hope I haven't said too much already.

I just want to mention that this book was dedicated to Yarmouth Police Department K-9 Sgt. Sean Gannon shot and killed in the line of duty.  He was executing a warrant, highlighting how dangerous the job can be.  His K-9 partner Nero was also shot  during the incident.  It sounds like he is  now retired.  The author  mentioned this book is also dedicated to the Massachusetts State Police K-9 Unit.

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

BOOK REVIEW- High Stakes (The Men of the Sisterhood #3) 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...
Investigative reporter Dennis West joined forces with the men of the Sisterhood to help fight corruption and greed on behalf of underdogs everywhere. Now he and his band of brothers are on a mission to help an old friend in danger: Toby Mason was a whip-smart college nerd—nothing like the buff dancer at the Supper Club who's reached out to Dennis. The owners of the Supper Club adult-entertainment franchise have expanded their empire through tours, contests, and calendars. But Toby suspects the Supper Clubs offer a convenient front for a major drug trafficking operation—and those suspicions have become known to his employers. At the top-secret headquarters of BOLO Consultants, Dennis, Jack, Abner, Ted, Harry, and the rest of the crew gather to formulate a plan. It'll mean going deep undercover, but the men of the Sisterhood are breaking out their most impressive moves to stop a criminal network that's stayed two steps ahead of justice for too long...
AMAZON LINK
3 STARS

I have to admit to mixed feelings on this one.  Also that I generally have enjoyed The Sisterhood adventures a bit more than the Men of the Sisterhood ones.   This one wasn't too bad though.  
I did like Dennis and his friendship with Toby.  During the time that they had lost contact, a lot of things sure changed.  Including Toby's job and appearance.  He's still making big bucks just not with his big brain.  He went through a slump for a while before he picked up this unusual gig. 
I didn't enjoy the president trashing that went on a little bit.  Probably because there is so much of that going on in our current news.  There was a good plug for supporting our veterans and that I did like.  It explained a bit of what some of the people of the Sisterhood were up to. 
The couple running the Supper Club were not exactly what I was expecting.   Mr and Mrs.  Sanders had more depth to them than expected as well.  Pilar was greedy without a doubt.  Growing up dirt poor in Alabama had her always searching for the next score.  Her husband, Gabe  loves his wife but also has more cautious bones in his body.  To be honest, I found their parts in the story was  one of the most interesting part of it.  Also their "outcomes" was a surprise that I didn't see coming.   They get points for how clever they were.  Even when it came to Pilar having to deal with the drug dealer and his man shadowing her every move.  Not sure if it's okay to high-five someone doing illegal things but she had some gutsy moves.  And darn, the author even had me feeling bad for her quite a few times.  Not at first but as time went on.  She had some real regrets.
Toby also gets high marks for being an interesting character.   He also gets some unusual, kind of funny revenge of sorts on a former fiancee.  
I'll just leave it there and say that it had some good moments with their high jinks. Mixed in with some boring moments too.

BOOK REVIEW- The Duke's Bride by Erica Ridley

Description

From a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author:
Single father and confirmed bachelor Jack Skeffington is the mastermind behind an international smuggling ring, yet unable to control his rambunctious ten-year-old twins. What he needs is a stern, experienced, no-nonsense governess. What he gets is his business partner’s untouchable sister, whose delectable body Jack yearns to pull close.
Mademoiselle Désirée le Duc cannot wait to return to France and regain her lost vineyard. But to do so, she must repay crippling debt. Determined to buy freedom, she accepts temporary employment from an Englishman with a wicked smile and a big… wine cellar. His kisses taste like heaven and his arms feel like home. How can she choose between two families separated by the sea?
AMAZON LINK 
4 STARS

What a sweet, charming, fun story. 
 Désirée was someone that I really liked. She was so talented and I enjoyed her "inventions".  She was not only smart but funny, semi-wild and she tries so hard to improve the lives of those around her.  She also loves from a big heart.  I can also see why so many people adored her.  She might not feel like she belonged anywhere but so many people around her would disagree. 
Jack never stood a chance when it came to Désirée.  Her beauty called to him but as he got to know her, he found he enjoyed so much more about her.  Jack was a character all on his own too.  He has a wicked sense of humor and a very other side of the law "job".  He also loves his children with all that is in him and that is shown time and again.  "Family first" is more than just a motto to him.  And it's something that both of the main characters live.
Jack's children, Annie and Frederick don't want a governess.  But it doesn't take long for Désirée to charm them and encourage them to grow.  She has a unique way of teaching them and it works.  The close relationship between Annie and Désirée has it's own funny moments.
I liked how the story ended and that it includes a good Epilogue.


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

BOOK REVIEW- The Royal Bodyguard by Lindsay Emory *

Description

When Princess Caroline of Drieden of the Royal House Laurent eloped with a race car driver, she forfeited her royal title and her family.
Now a widow and exiled from Drieden, Caroline is working as a journalist, writing exposes under a pen name. When, one day, she catches sight of her sister Thea's ex-fiancé, she's stunned - Christian is supposed to be dead. Here could be the scoop of the century.
But Caroline's plans to uncover Christian's deception are foiled by the arrival of Hugh Konnor - her former bodyguard and Caroline's first - unrequited - love. When Hugh stubbornly refuses to leave her side, Caroline can't deny they make a good team.
As they unravel a web of deception that could bring down the House of Laurent, Caroline must decide how far she's willing to go to protect a family she feels deserted her - and whether the man who swore to guard her body can safely hold her heart.  AMAZON LINK
                                                                                         3  STARS

Different. If I had to choose one word to describe this story that would  be the word.  I was expecting a sort of lighthearted story and in some ways it was.  BUT, it was also so much more. 
Caroline was a very interesting main character; one that I liked.  She was the black sheep of the family.  The real truth is that she was unique and marched to the beat of her own drummer.  Oh, she had tried to be the proper, make no waves Princess Caroline.  She followed the "rules" for years until she just couldn't do it anymore.  And when she was stripped of her titles and basically exiled from her family?  All bets are off!  She still loves her family, well most of them but she is left making her own life now.
The push-pull relationship between Hugh and Caroline made for some interesting reading.  Hugh was really good at hiding his feelings but you could just sense that there was more there than just someone in a palace guard mode.  He does really keep all his cards close to his vest.  You think Caroline has some secrets?  Well so does Hugh.
Be prepared to visit more palaces, countries and places.  Because there is a threat and a mystery or two that needs to be sorted out.
I did like how the story was concluded.  It also had a slight hook, a question that could lead to another story about this family.



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

BOOK REVIEW- Count Your Blessings: A Novella (Blessings, Georgia Book 0) by Sharon Sala *

Previously titled Color Me Bad, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sharon Sala dishes up Count Your Blessings, a contemporary romance piled high with love, laughter, and plenty of heart in Blessings, Georgia!
As the respectable wife of the town preacher, Patty June Clymer never thought she'd have to worry about a cheating husband. But when things come to a head, Patty decides to take charge of her life by kicking her no-good husband out her house, and getting a total makeover at the popular local salon. With a new spiky black haircut and a new outlook on life, Patty goes from mousy and meek to living large and in charge, and fairly starts a revolution in the small town of Blessings, Georgia.
AMAZON LINK
4 STARS

 This book made me smile pretty quickly into the story.  And that happened more than once. Revenge has a new name and it's called Woman.  In this case, Patty June.   Oh, she doesn't kill anyone although her rage does bust out.  But I did enjoy her creative outburst when faced with the "other woman." 
It was a really good intro into the community of Blessings, Georgia.
It also had even a better look into the book, "Saving Jake."  

BOOK REVIEW- ECHO (Linear Tactical Series #7) by Janie Crouch *

 
 Sometimes the deepest scars are the ones that can't be seen. 
Single mom Peyton Ward works hard to make ends meet. At Linear Tactical she’s surrounded by heroes on a regular basis…but none of them are hers. She thought she'd found one in Linear’s silent partner, and country music superstar, Cade Conner. 
She was wrong. 
Unintended wounds still cut as deep. 
Cade may not work day to day operations at Linear, but he takes the mission of the company he helped create—teaching survival intelligence and self-defense skills to the people who need them most—seriously. And finding out he’s wounded Peyton in the worst way possible weighs on him.
So when danger on closes in on her, he will damn well be by her side, making sure they survive so he can right his personal wrongs. 
He might not have been a Special Forces soldier, but Cade Conner knows how to fight. And Peyton is a woman worth fighting for.     AMAZON LINK       
                                                  4 STARS

This was a good solid story with good main characters and supporting cast of people.  It was interesting to see that Cade had been the behind-the-scenes money guy that helped get it up and running. 
I liked that the reader got both points of view.  Although in the beginning I was a little thrown when it opened up with a play by play first with one and they another play by play by the other.  I generally don't like that and was hoping that the whole book wasn't like that.  I had my fingers crossed and was relieved to find that it wasn't all written like that. 
Jess was a whip smart little girl and pretty perceptive little girl.  Peyton has done a really great job raising her with most of the weight falling on her.  Heck, she's working three jobs just to give her little girl every opportunity she can. 
Cade has a lot to make up for even though he didn't know about all the secrets that have been kept from him.  
There is plenty of tension that comes from the danger that is surrounding Peyton.  She just doesn't know when and where it's going to hit. 
Cade's stalker is creepy and seems to know too much on how to strike.  As it got much further into the book I had my suspicions about one particular person and a possible motive.  I was right but there was even more of a twist coming concerning that.
Don't we all want a H.E.A. in our stories?  Don't fret.  This story does have one, and a very nice one at that.

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


 

BOOK REVIEW- Home to Wind River (Wind River Valley) by Lindsay McKenna *

For some, love is the only medicine . . .
After a harrowing tour of duty in Afghanistan, Army nurse Lily Thompson escapes to Wind River Ranch to find herself once more. Working as a caregiver to foreman Jake Murdoch's elderly mother, Lily almost feels at peace—except for the unsettling presence of Jake, a tight-lipped, intimidating man everyone calls Bear. But one look in the powerful ex-Marine's eyes and Lily glimpses a vulnerability that shakes her soul: a hurt she understands all too well—and longs to heal . . .
Jake is ready to rail at the fates when Lily moves into his home. Everything about this captivating woman calls to him, demanding that he abandon his solitary stance and start to live again. But Jake is a man who knows that no one can save him from the past that stalks his heart and mind. Not even sweet, achingly beautiful Lily. Still, that doesn't stop his longing to pull her into his arms—and keep her there forever. Will time, and patience, bring them the courage to make their connection real? . . .
AMAZON LINK
3 STARS

This book was just okay for me.  I really couldn't get into it all that much.  I kept thinking, "really, where's the story?"  As emotional as it was, it just didn't draw me.  It's probably my least favorite book of the series. 

I will say that both of the main characters had their strengths as well as they were battling their P.T.S.D.  Jake was just a bit further ahead in his healing than Lily was.  
Jake's mother Jenna added to the story as did a pregnant border collie but it just wasn't enough to make the story compelling.   Part of the problem was so much repetition of the same P.T.S.D. issues over and over again.  Should it be a part of the story?  Absolutely.  But basically the SAME conversation time and again?   No, it just caused the story to drag and just made me want it to be over.  Which is a shame because it had so much potential. 

BOOK REVIEW- Don't Breathe a Word (Texas Justice #2) by Christie Craig

 Mysteries & Thrillers, Romance on NetGalley
 Includes the bonus novella "Hot Target" by April Hunt!

Description

New York Times bestselling author Christie Craig returns with her next heart-stopping romantic suspense about a woman on the run and the man trying to uncover her secrets.
Police detective Juan Acosta doesn't only carry scars on the outside. He's filled with guilt and anger ever since his undercover job led to the murder of those he loved the most. Now he's living for one thing: revenge. That is, until Juan meets his beautiful new neighbor.
Vicki Holloway prides herself on being capable and independent, but her life is turned upside down when her sister Sara is killed by an abusive ex. Fearing for the safety of her niece, Vicki and the little girl go into hiding... resurfacing in Texas with new identities.
Juan finds his once-frozen heart thawing around Vicki, but he knows she's hiding something. Juan needs answers, but Vicki isn't talking. She has to keep her secrets if she wants to keep Bell safe, which means resisting her growing feelings for the sexy, scarred man next door. But when Juan's quest for justice brings danger to her door, divulging the truth might be the only thing that keeps her alive.   AMAZON LINK
           5 STAR

 Outstanding!  
Great characters both the main ones, supporting and even the villains were well drawn.
Speaking of M.C.'s that would not only be Juan and Nicki but also her daughter Bell and Juan's dog, Sweetie.  Sweetie is more of a supporting character and that support is where her story comes in.  Support and comfort as well as cuteness is part of her story.   Bell also adds sweetness to the story.  She is also direct and at times wise beyond her years when it comes to pain and fear.  I can see why she grabs Juan's heart and he desires to protect her.
The emotions and the tension of hiding is well done. It kept the intensity level up throughout the book.  Emotions ranged from fear, loss, guilt, nightmares, trying to recover from tragedies too.  Fear is kind of a weak word for some of the people; it's more like terror.  There is also tenderness that grows between Juan, Nicki and Bell.  I liked seeing how they were drawn to each other and formed a strong bond even before they really realized it. 
Juan IS a good guy and the story shows it time and again.  He also works with two other men in the cold case division and they are a tight group.  Connor and Mark show throughout the story how well they work together with Juan.  As a team they have solved supposedly unsolvable cold cases.   They also show how they have Juan's back even as they give him a "hard time" some of the time.  It's a guy thing. Now that this author is on my radar, I want to read more of her stories.  That includes the stories of the men of this unit.

There were a couple of other "stories" or mysteries going on at the same time but be patient the author does a good job of fitting the puzzle together.  It's without getting too confusing either.  It also leads to some really good surprises too.  At least one that I didn't see coming.  I always like that. 
That tenderness between Juan and Niki?  It will lead to sex between them but it won't overtake the story. 
The story ramps up to more tension before another twist comes up.  Another one that I didn't see coming either.  More information comes out at that time to fill in some of the questions.
A good Epilogue fills in the rest.  Another plus for me is that this book was able to stand all on it's own. That is good because this is the first one that I have read in the series.


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

BOOK REVIEW- Christmas Knight (Matchmaker Cafe #5) by Pam Binder *

Description

Colin Edward Penrose, a knight from fifteenth-century Glastonbury, England, must solve the riddle of his family's curse and marry a woman out of time—or lose his ancestral home. With a matchmaker's help, he meets a woman to whom he feels an instant attraction, but he knows the curse makes falling in love dangerous for her. Madeline Murphy, defense attorney in a prestigious law firm, needs a date for her family's Christmas Eve party. In desperation, she turns to a matchmaker for her knight in shining armor. The man supplied exceeds her wildest fantasy but vanishes without a trace. A year later she needs a date for her mother's wedding, and she asks the same matchmaker. One problem: In order to find her mystery man, she must travel through time. AMAZON LINK
                                                                                                                      3 STARS

The eBook cover was the first thing that caught my eye.  It was just so pretty and slightly magical looking.
This book had good main characters.  Colin was an honorable man.  He was also surrounded by some people who had their own agenda's.  And not necessarily ones that would benefit him.  In fact, they want to destroy everything that is important to him.  The main reason being greed.  Prejudice and religious intimidation also comes into play.  
Madeline is a courageous woman with a kind heart and also a person of honor.  She cares about other people a lot and Colin sees both her courage and her caring.  She loves both her mother and her father, although I disliked the way her father treated her.  He just about worked her into the ground with very little free time for herself and what she valued.  Business and being a success is his main focus. He also has plans on how he expects his daughter to line up.  Even hand picking the man he expects her to marry.  It was good to see her develop more of a backbone even if she had to step back in time to find it.
If you are looking for villains, you will have several choices.  The author also throws quite the surprise towards the end when it comes to villains.   But there is also some good people in the story too so don't despair.
There is a H.E.A. but that also involved a bit of a twist as well.   

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

BOOK REVIEW- Wrapped up in You (Heartbreaker Bay Novel #8) by Jill Shalvis

It's love. Trust me.
After a lifetime on the move, Ivy Snow is an expert in all things temporary—schools, friends, and way too many Mr. Wrongs. Now that she owns a successful taco truck in San Francisco and an apartment to call home, Ivy's reinvented life is on solid ground. And she's guarded against anything that can rock it. Like the realities of a past she's worked hard to cover up. And especially Kel O'Donnell. Too hot not to set off alarms, he screams temporary. If only his whispers weren't so delightfully naughty and irresistible.
Kel, an Idaho sheriff and ranch owner, is on vacay, but Ivy's a spicy reason to give his short-terms plans a second thought. Best of all, she's a tonic for his untrusting heart, burned once and still in repair. But when Ivy's past intrudes on a perfect romance, Kel fears that everything she's told him has been a perfect lie. Now, if only Ivy's willing to share, Kel will fight for a true love story.
AMAZON LINK
4 STARS

This is a story that I have been wanting to read for a while.  Ivy Snow's story was worth waiting for.  Ivy has been on her own for most of her life.  She had a mother, she has a brother but neither of them ever put her first in any way.  In fact her brother, Brandon unintentionally put her in danger over and over.  She became very good at escaping through a window and running to keep herself safe.  What a childhood.   Constantly moving from place to place, never staying in one place for very long. No time to make friends and even if she could, there's no way she could tell anyone of truth about her family.   Even as an young adult, she would start getting a good start in life Brandon would show up and blow everything to pieces.  He wasn't malicious but he sure made stupid mistakes. 
  Part of this story is about the friends that Ivy had that she didn't even realize that they were there for her.   They had "adopted" her as family which is something else that she didn't get for quite a while either.  They WANTED to have her back IF she would just let them.  
Kel was a good guy but he was all bound up with his own family issues.  That was the first trust issue that burned him early in his life but it wasn't the only one.  Liars? He couldn't abide them which puts the main characters on a collision course.  Ivy had to tell lies just to survive for most of her life. 
These issues aren't the only ones going on because although it is an emotional story there is also some danger lurking too.
You ask if there is a H.E.A.?  Yes, and I thoroughly enjoyed the Epilogue that also contained a surprise or two.  

BOOK REVIEW- Blood Magic(Dangerous Magic Book 1) by Melody Raven *

I’m not a wicked witch, but I’m not a good person either.  How I came to be the newest recruit to the Dangerous Magic Division of Homeland Security is beyond me. It’s the first time I’ve ever tried to work with the law instead of against it, and, believe me, good doesn’t come naturally for me.

But between a psychic who has no idea how to use her powers and a partner who cares more about rules than actually getting the job done, I feel like I’m the glue holding this team together.

All of my new colleagues have their own secrets, but we’re going to have to get along if we’re supposed to help the humans of the world survive. When the pretty simple missions we’re assigned start pointing to a bigger plan, every single one of my well honed instincts tart screaming at me that something is wrong.

Because I start to suspect something sinister has infected our new team. Something dark and deadly and we’re only going to be able to stop it if we work together. But how can humanity trust us to save them if we can’t even trust each other?   AMAZON LINK
                                                                  4 STARS

I was surprised how quickly I found myself smiling. I wasn't very far into the story when that happened. Sonia (the main character) was the driving force behind that. Man, I like me a feisty, mouthy heroine (?). I think the jury is still semi-out on the heroine part. At least for some of the people that surround her. One of those that hates her because she's a criminal and not to be trusted is now her supposed boss/partner. His name might be Carter but in her mind he's Boy Scout.

If you're looking for a story that has twists and turns this book should do it. There are several really good ones towards the end of the book too.
I just blew through this story because it kept my interest all the way through.

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

BOOK REVIEW- Wind River Lawman (Wind River Valley #6) by Lindsay McKenna *

The new novel from the bestselling author of Lone Rider.

Sometimes the war comes to you . . .
After serving as a Navy medic, Dawson Callahan is back in the States and ready to start over. Leaving his native Texas, he heads for the wide open spaces of Wyoming, where he finds work as a wrangler. True, he'll mainly be wrangling chickens—and wrangling Sarah Carter's granny, who's still spry, but in need of a little caregiving. But ranch work is ranch work, and it's hard to turn down a job offer from the beautiful Sheriff Carter—especially when she deputizes him as one of her lawmen.

Sarah loves her grandmother, but with her law enforcement career keeping her busy, they could both use some help from a strong, steady man. And policing Lincoln County has only gotten tougher since a merciless drug lord arrived in the area. When Sarah takes a bullet on the job, it's Dawson who comes to her rescue—and though they both thought they left war behind in Afghanistan, they'll do whatever it takes to protect what's theirs, even if it means facing down traumas they've buried for years. Because love isn't for the faint of heart . . . AMAZON LINK    
                                                                                        3 STARS

A good story with even better main characters.  Dawson wasn't exactly what I was expecting but he was multi-talented with a very good way of discerning how to handle people.  That is also more than just from the medical angle as well.  He genuinely cared about people  and usually saw deeper into the way that they were hurting.  He knows that he doesn't always know exactly what to do but he still does pretty well.  He is attracted to Sarah almost from the start and they have more in common than they had realized at first. She "notices" him right off the bat too.  But they take things slow and easy as they are running for their lives.
Pain.  That is something that both Dawson and Sarah had in their pasts.   Both had experienced trauma from serving in the military but also from personal tragedies in their lives.  Add to that the dangerous family that lives in the valley and continues to wreck havoc. The Elson family is trouble and continue to cause it.  The are vengeful and will kill anyone who tries to get in their way.  That's not just a threat, they have done it before or at least tried to.
I liked how Sarah said and the reader found to be true that Dawson treated her as an equal.  Even if the danger of her job scared him at times. 
There is a great family backup for Sarah.  Her grandmothers Gertie (the spunky, take no prisoners one) and Nell (the more genteel one).  There are also friends and co-workers who come in and help support Sarah when she needs them the most. 
The tension is kept pretty high and there is action that will satisfy.   On the downside:  I know the M.C.'s needed to communicate but at times it felt like there was TOO much talk.  Especially when something was re-hashed over and over. Seems to be that in other books by this author I have commented on this same thing. But it slowed the story down quite a bit at times.  So did what I felt like was the over detailed descriptions of rooms and the antique furniture.  I know it played a part in the story but after awhile I kind of skimmed over some of that.  Sorry author, I know you probably worked hard on that.  Even after all of that would I read anymore by this author?  Yes, probably skimming over the parts that I wasn't as interested in.  It was a fairly good story just with parts I wasn't as interested in.
 

BOOK REVIEW- Marriage, Bravo Style! (Bravo Family #31) by Christine Rimmer *

You are cordially invited to the…shotgun…wedding of

Elena Cabrera Bravo

and

Rogan Murdoch

Date: As soon as labor is over.

Time: Just enough for the bride to fit into something other than a hospital gown.

Hosted by: The brothers of the bride. In fact, they insisted on it!

Reason for Union: The bride and groom love each other…even if they're both too stubborn to admit it!

RSVP to the Bravo Family.

Gifts (wedding and baby) optional…AMAZON LINK  3 STARS

The book information was kind of misleading because things didn't exactly happen as implied. 

This was an emotional story before we even got to the "romance" between Elena and Rogan.  

Elena and her family had some major issues right from when the truth about Elena's birth came out.  They are still dealing with the aftermath of that information.  Now add in Rogan and the fireworks about to get more intense. 

Rogan  had some unsettled issues of his own that cause MAJOR problems for Elena. 

Sorry folks, but he turned out to be a jerk for awhile. I really didn't like him after that.  But he comes face to face with some truths. I could understand the problems that had festered and why they were there.  I like that they do get their H.E.A.