BOOK REVIEW- Never Kiss a Duke (A Hazards of Dukes Novel) by Megan Frampton *

Description

A disinherited duke and a former lady are courting much more than business in the first novel in Megan Frampton’s newest titillating series, Hazards of Dukes.Everything he had ever known was a lie…
Sebastian, Duke of Hasford, has a title, wealth, privilege, and plenty of rakish charm. Until he discovers the only thing that truly belongs to him is his charm. An accident of birth has turned him into plain Mr. de Silva. Now, Sebastian is flummoxed as to what to do with his life—until he stumbles into a gambling den owned by Miss Ivy, a most fascinating young lady, who hires him on the spot. Working with a boss has never seemed so enticing.
Everything tells her he’s a risk she has to take…
Two years ago, Ivy gambled everything that was precious to her—and won. Now the owner of London’s most intriguing gambling house, Ivy is competent, assured, and measured. Until she meets Mr. de Silva, who stirs feelings she didn’t realize she had. Can she keep her composure around her newest employee?
They vow to keep their partnership strictly business, but just one kiss makes them realize that with each passing day—and night—there’s nothing as tempting as what is forbidden…AMAZON LINK
                                                               3 STARS

 
 This book idea was a good one.   It  started out pretty good but for me failed to really draw me in as much as I would have liked.  Which is kind of hard to say because the main characters were ones that I often liked.  They both had their lives turned upside down and were doing the best they could to adjust.  Sebastian had quite the wake-up call when he realized he was so entitled that he didn't even how to make his bed. 
Some good points were the closeness and protectiveness that Sebastian has to his sister Ana Maria, his friend Nash, casually dubbed, The Fighting Duke and his cousin Thaddeus the newly appointed duke.  They made for some interesting secondary people  who stood by Sebastian.  Although only Ana Maria gets the deeper part in the story.  
Octavia also shows up in the story as a mischievous, determined, spirited sister to  Ivy.
For me, the story kind of stalls with not much happening for quite a while.   
 There is a H.E.A. for the main characters which was good.  I just wish I had liked the story more.

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

BOOK REVIEW- The Sinful Scot (Saints & Scoundrels Book 3) by Maddison Michaels *

Description

Constance Campbell, the Duchess of Kilmaine, once believed that all she needed in life was a duke. But everything unraveled when she realized her perfect husband was a perfect monster. Now broken beyond repair, she hides her misery behind a perfect Society mask...even from her childhood friend, Alec.
Dr. Alec McGuiness reluctantly finds himself back in Scotland, and checking up on the only woman to ever get under his skin, Connie. After she spurned him many years ago, he knows his humble life as a doctor could never be enough for her. But when the Duke of Kilmaine is murdered in cold blood, with Connie sleeping right next to him in bed, Alec knows he must protect Connie at all costs from those who would frame her for the duke’s murder.
Now on the run, Connie feels a freedom she only ever dreamed about, and an unexpected attraction to the man who is keeping her safe. But even if they can win her freedom and clear her name, could she ever open her heart up to someone again?   AMAZON LINK
                               4 STARS

This book didn't contain your usual run of the mill hero and heroine.   Connie was a woman who let her need for her mother's love and approval lead her to a dangerous decision.  That being, marrying Duncan, the Duke.  Oh, he was handsome, and charming and she was young and innocent.  She hadn't seen the monster under all that facade. 
Both of the main characters had suffered betrayals.  Which makes this quite the emotional read at times.  Connie had another betrayal other than her abusive husband.   Her mother had no concern about the truth of Connie's marriage or the danger she was in.  It was all about titles, image and prestige to her.  And at one of Connie's darkest times, her mother shows her true colors.    Alec had his trust destroyed by several people beginning with his father, mother and later his brother Ian. There is more to the story though when it comes to Ian.  
I do have to say that at times this story seemed to slow down and I didn't enjoy those times as well.  It was mainly because each of the M.C.'s were hashing and repeating the same issues over and over that plagued them.
But....
When Connie and Alec go on the run things get really interesting, as more danger chases even closer behind them.  At times, enemies are even getting a bit ahead of them too. 
There is a mystery woman shielded in black who really is a mystery.  At about 77% on my kindle I began to finally suspect who she could be.  And it was finally confirmed but with a huge surprising twist that I never saw coming! I really liked that!   
 In the beginning, the romance was more about Connie and Alec regaining their friendship and moving past old hurts and learning to trust again.  They do become more tender with each other even as they try to protect themselves from further hurt.  The attraction is still there between them and they can only fight that for so long.

I finally decided that the book did deserve a 4 star rating on Amazon because of the chase, mysteries and twists towards the end. 

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

BOOK REVIEW- The Last Real Cowboy (Cold River Ranch Book 3) by Caitlin Crews *

Description

USA Today bestselling author Caitlin Crews returns to the Cold River Ranch series with The Last Real Cowboy!
In Cold River, sometimes forbidden love is the sweetest of them all…
Perennial good girl Amanda Kittredge knows that her longtime crush on Brady Everett was never really supposed to go anywhere. But when Brady comes home to during Amanda’s first attempt at independence, well, who better to teach her about rebellion than her older brother’s bad-boy best friend?
Brady’s plans did not include being forced to work the family homestead for a year—and yet, here he is. And, to make matters worse, his best friend’s innocent little sister is making a menace of herself in the most grown-up, tempting ways. When Amanda begs Brady to teach her about men, he knows he should refuse. But could Brady’s greatest temptation be his salvation? AMAZON LINK
                                                                       3.5 STARS
     

It had quite an unusual start to the story.  Not exactly what I was expecting.  It definitely was awkward and almost painful to "watch".  But it did paint quite the clear picture of how overprotective her four huge brothers were.  Her whole family and maybe most of the town still thought of her as twelve year old "little Amanda Kittredge".  She's been feeling VERY invisible and things come to a head and she's had enough.  And I did enjoy because of those times that her fiery Kittredge temper began to catch fire and came out to play.  She started to push back and go toe to toe with some people and I liked that.

One thing that Amanda and Brady had in common was that feeling of the real "them" being invisible. Not really seen clearly and rarely heard or taken seriously. 
The tension between all three brothers was well done.  The emotions as they continued to battle their "demons of the past" quite clear.  They still carried some of the emotional scars when it came to their hideous  but deceased father Amos.
Emotions are riding pretty high with Amanda as well.  She has the opposite kind of family, a very loving but most times a smothering one; at least over her.  I did feel like her mother and father were kind of odd though.  Not that the story got to deep on the why of that though. 
While I liked the story it was with some reservations as well.  There were more times than one when the story felt SO slow that it felt stalled.  As well as re-hashing several things over and over without any real resolution until the end at least.  There is a H.E.A. so that does help.


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

BOOK REVIEW- Faithful (Eternal Brethren Military Romantic Suspense Book 6) by Shirleen Davies *

 Faithful is book six in the Eternal Brethren Military Romantic Suspense Series by best seller Shirleen Davies. It is a stand-alone, full-length novel with no cliffhanger and a guaranteed HEA.

His life is built on secrets.
Her love demands complete truth.
What will happen when duty and desire collide?

FAITHFUL, Book Six, Eternal Brethren Military Romantic Suspense Series
Dylan “Moses” Wright believes in God, his undercover SEAL team, and the belief his work is critical to protect the country he loves. Wary of a relationship with any woman, he’s surprised at his swift attraction to the new veterinarian in town—the daughter of a notorious cartel leader his team is sworn to take down.
Victoria Stanifer Quintero has faced her share of setbacks. Adopted by a prosperous leader of a vast Mexican business empire, she and her sister have been provided every opportunity. But the constant niggling at the back of her mind warns her Armando Quintero isn’t what he seems. Worse, Dylan Wright, the man she’s fallen in love with, is determined to do all he can to discover her father’s secrets and use them to destroy the man he believes is a cartel kingpin.

But Moses also is a man of many secrets. Riding with what she believes to be an outlaw motorcycle gang, she’s as unsettled about him as she is about her father and brothers. The code of silence he and the Eternal Brethren live by requires he tell her nothing about his job or the role he plays in the MC.

Tori has learned to live with the deception of her family. Allowing her heart to be captured by a man who insists on the same is no longer an option for the independent, high-spirited veterinarian.

Frustrated and vulnerable, she finds herself faced with a tough decision.

A series of threats pose a bigger risk than allowing the biker to protect her. When Moses refuses to leave her side, she must fight not only for her life, but the growing attraction to a man she knows to be dangerous to her heart.  AMAZON LINK
                             4 STARS



There is plenty of action, mysteries, danger and romance in this story.  There is also quite the large cast of people as well.  
Although I liked Moses/ Dylan he sure sent out a lot of mixed signals to Tori.  It just added more confusion in her relationship with him.  She was never really sure for quite a while where she stood with him.  And the secrets he had to hold from her wasn't helping.    Although that confusion on both their parts didn't keep them out of each other's bed.  There were some strong feelings going on between them that wasn't just about their sexual need. 
There is plenty of emotions some even coming from some  surprising places.  Some hard choices will have to be made.  You just might be surprised who has to make the final one.
One thing that didn't seem right was when Tori calls in a delivery takeout order using her credit card ?? And Moses watched her do it and it was okay with him?  They were in a safe house for crying out loud. In this digital age, they weren't concerned that her location would be tracked? 
There is a good twist coming, that will surprise as the story comes to a close.  


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

BOOK REVIEW- The Wild One (Corisi Billionaires, Book 2) by Ruth Cardello *

 General Fiction (Adult), Romance on NetGalley

Description

She wants to go wild. A billionaire decides to go with her. For two Americans in Paris, love wasn’t in the plans in New York Times bestselling author Ruth Cardello’s sexy high-stakes romance.
After years of choosing safe over satisfying, a weeklong Paris fling sounds perfect to Wren Heath. And who better to have it with than Mauricio Romano, a billionaire with a reputation as a first-class heartbreaker. A few days. Fun, then done. What happens on vacation stays on vacation, right?
Paris was Mauricio’s playground, and love was never part of the game. Lust? Toujours. Then he meets a sweet woman who wants to be a sex kitten. He knows how to give her the wildest five days and nights of her life. No commitments. No strings. But the hotter it gets, the harder it is to remember his own rules.
What do you do when what happens in Paris stays in your heart and then shows up at home?
Are these two destined to clash or destined for love?   AMAZON LINK
                                         4 STARS


This book was one I found hard to rate because I had mixed feelings about it.  I finally decided because it did have more good points that it deserved 4 stars on Amazon.  It did contain more story than just the sexual fling. 

Okay, now I knew this was going to be an adult story. But did there really have to be so many "F" words in the story?  From even the first few beginning chapters, I lost count.  So if you needed to be warned you have been now.  This story was filled with history, some engineering references,  sex and sexual foreplay.  But the blurb of the book should have prepared us for the sexual angle right?
On the plus side though, there is a good amount humor, affection, family interactions and interesting main characters.   Both Wren and Mauricio had close, loving family members in common.  I did enjoy seeing them being there for each other even if it differed a bit in each family. 
Mauricio is used to women falling at his feet and he finds Wren intriguing.   Oh, he knows she's attracted to him. But she is shy, blunt and funny, all the things he wasn't expecting.  She's a breath of fresh air that isn't all that impressed with some of his ways.  
Wren had so many weights on her shoulders.  A job she doesn't love, her family to help and a father she doesn't know how to help.  One of the reasons she just wanted to do something wild for herself.  I thought Wild One was about Mauricio but as the story went on Wren could also grab part of that title.
Dominic Corisi part of the story I found kind of irritating.  Why?  Because I had read a bit about him in a previous book.  And in this one he had a chapter at the beginning and a chapter at the end that was more like a teaser.  Although from the information in that last chapter it now looks like Dominic is now on a tear.  And he's looking to unleash some pain.


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

BOOK REVIEW- White Hot (A Hidden Legacy Novel) by Ilona Andrews

The Hidden Legacy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews continues as Nevada and Rogan navigate a world where magic is the norm . . . and their relationship burns hot
Nevada Baylor has a unique and secret skill—she knows when people are lying—and she's used that magic (along with plain, hard work) to keep her colorful and close-knit family's detective agency afloat. But her new case pits her against the shadowy forces that almost destroyed the city of Houston once before, bringing Nevada back into contact with Connor "Mad" Rogan.
Rogan is a billionaire Prime—the highest rank of magic user—and as unreadable as ever, despite Nevada's "talent." But there's no hiding the sparks between them. Now that the stakes are even higher, both professionally and personally, and their foes are unimaginably powerful, Rogan and Nevada will find that nothing burns like ice . . .AMAZON LINK   

                               5 STARS

 

Another really great story in the Hidden Legacy Series.  I've only read one other book in this series before.  Sapphire Flames was really great and got me super interested in Nevada and her family.  

 I didn't realize until I got to the end of the book that this is a husband and wife writing team.  And what a great job they do together.  

 

What can I say?  I loved Nevada and  Rogan.  They weren't anywhere the normal people living normal lives.  Oh Nevada thinks she's normal and striving hard to hold everything together.  But she's just fooling herself and will eventually have to face it.

 The main characters and others are written in depth and complexity.  The world building, the magic world, the different magic powers and Houses were also written in depth and with great imagination.  It was very descriptive without being boring.  It was one heck of a wild ride.  It was intense with surprise after surprise being dished out. 

A lot of things get answered and dealt with but there is also a known danger still lurking out there as well.  It comes from a relative that was nothing but more danger aimed her and her family's way.  But that will hopefully be dealt with in another book.  

BOOK REVIEW- Breathless in Love (Maverick Billionaires Book 1) by Bella Andre and Jennifer Skully *

 Will Franconi has a dark past that he's kept a closely guarded secret―very few people have ever heard his real story and he plans to keep it that way. After surviving a hellish childhood, he's now living the dream life where everything he touches turns to gold. But something’s missing. He doesn't quite know what until a simple letter from a teenage boy brings Harper Newman into his life. A woman who just might fill up the empty places inside him...if only he could ever be worthy of her love.

When a man has more money than he could possibly spend in five lifetimes, Harper has to ask herself what Will Franconi could possibly want from a woman like her? She's learned the hard way that rich men always get what they want no matter the cost. If it was just herself she had to worry about, Harper would manage, but she's guardian to her younger brother who depends on her for everything. After nearly losing his life in a car crash, she's vowed never to let anyone hurt him ever again.

Still, sometimes Harper can't help but long to change her story from one of an always-cautious woman to an adventurous tale of a heroine who's wild and free...especially when Will's kisses and caresses make her utterly breathless. And as he begins to reveal his story to her, she discovers that he's so much more than just another wealthy, privileged man. He's kind and giving, and he fills up all the spaces inside of her heart that have been empty for so long. Together, can they rewrite their stories into a happily-ever-after that neither of them had previously thought was possible?
AMAZON LINK
                                     4 STARS

 A good story with good main characters.  Both Will and Harper had their burdens that they carried.  Regrets and responsibilities as well. Will has pulled himself up from some really bad things in his early life.  He's made a lot of really good things since then.  Yes, he is successful and rich but he has also become a much better person than who he was before. He life gets even better when he responds to a young boy's letter.  Jeremy touched Will in places he hadn't expected and that continues throughout the story.  I really liked that and the friendship and caring that develops between them
Harper's brother Jeremy was part of her heavy responsibility and she often struggles with that weight.  She loves him so much and is so protective of him that it adds an element of charm and challenges  to the story.  Jeremy himself is so well written and added a smile to my face more than once. 
 It felt like there was a bit too much repetition when it came to Will mulling over how unworthy he was of a woman's love.  That he was no good for Harper or even being in Jeremy's life.  Same for Harper and her fears  of not making right, safe choices for her brother.  She had even put her life in lock down because of fear.  It seemed to slow the story after a while. 
The Maverick Group was a unique of men who went through rough times together from a really young age.  Susan and Bob were people who took them in and loved them unconditionally.  I liked that as well.  So although, I wouldn't say that this was a favorite of mine, it did have enough good points that caused me to say yes to 4 Stars on Amazon. 



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

Maddie Waiting for the Beat to Drop

BOOK REVIEW- Almost Just Friends (Wildstone #4) by Jill Shalvis

Description

Sometimes the life you want is closer than you think.
Piper Manning's about as tough as they come, she's had to be. She raised her siblings and thankfully they've flown the nest. All she has to do now is finish fixing up the lake house her grandparents left her, sell it, and then she's free.
When a huge storm hits, she runs into a tall, dark and brooding stranger, Camden Reid. The spark between them shocks her. Surprising her further, is the return of her sister and brother, each keeping their own secrets. It would be smart for Piper to ignore them all but Cam unleashes emotions deep inside her that she can't deny. And her siblings...well, they need each other.
Only when the secrets come out, it changes everything Piper thinks she knows about her family, herself...and Cam. With the chance of the new life she craves within her grasp, can she find a way to let go and embrace it?  AMAZON LINK
                              4 STARS

Piper is a somewhat flaky but totally likeable thirty year old woman.   She is totally responsible when it comes to helping take care of other people but her own life?  She is the Lists Queen.  Lists that she never seems to get around to very much.  And of course like any red blooded woman she has her secret, secret naughty list too. All listed in her carry everywhere Journal. Because of all the early responsibility placed on her shoulders she's used to having to be in charge all the time.  Her siblings call her The Fixer.  But she's had to be and isn't sure how to be anything else or even have time for herself and what she wants.  When is her life ever really going to start?  Her dreams, her hopes, her plans have been on hold for so long. But like Cam observes she loves fiercely. 
It's funny in the beginning how Cam was only referred to as "Hot Guy" for quite a while. That made me smile.  And it wasn't the only times that this story did that..made me smile.
Piper finally lets Cam in as her temporary fling, she "thinks" that just might be safe.  Even though it take her a while to even let him in that far. 
Both of the main characters were written with really good depth.  And not just them but also the supporting people as well.  That would be Winnie, Gavin, (Piper's sister and brother) and Emmett (Cam's dad). 
This story is definitely filled with emotions, loyalty, love, romances and surprises that pop up at unexpected times.  One of the romances I wasn't as comfortable with.  But it was written with solid emotions and it was done tastefully. 

There was also the unexpected short Reading Group Guide questions at the end of the book. 

Overall a well written book with a good Epilogue too.  Which means I remain a fan of the books by Jill Shalvis.


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

BOOK REVIEW- Hero's Haven (Dark Protectors Book 11) by Rebecca Zanetti

Description

He’s her darkest fantasy. . .

After years of struggling, Haven Daly has finally accepted that she’s nuttier than a fruitcake. Why else would she see visions of a beautiful but tormented male every night . . . and actually believe she can talk to him, even feel his touch?  But thanks to those dream journeys, she can paint images nobody else on earth can duplicate. In each brush stroke, she captures the blatant masculinity and raw desire in his eyes that promise he’s coming for her…and soon.

She’s the light that keeps him going. . .

Quade Kayrs has already suffered a lifetime of pain and torture. Completely isolated, he kept his sanity  thanks to one beautiful female, a vision with kind emerald eyes. In the end, her soft voice led him out of hell. Now, naked and alone, he’s in a strange world that bears little resemblance to the one he left behind. All he knows is Haven.  All he wants is Haven.  His final mission? To protect her from the evil hunting them both—whether she likes it or not . . .AMAZON LINK
                                              5 STARS

Bang!  Dramatic start right from the beginning.  Pulled me in like right now.   And it kept right on going on the Intensity Scale.  The emotions of the people in the story went high on that scale as well.
I always keep an eye out for this particular author and the books in her series.  And once again I was NOT disappointed.
Haven was quite the complex character, having quite the unusual childhood and background.  That unusual childhood also helped get the skills that she needed now.  Not supernatural ones but things like knowing how to pick a lock and how to survive on the run. Not only was that unusual but also her heritage was as well.  Something that she knew almost nothing about.  There is an unexpected twist waiting for the reader later on in the book about that.  But there were plenty of other people that were on her scent.  About the time she thought she just might have some breathing room, another threat appeared.  
Quade, what a guy.  He's suddenly flung into a world that he never could have imagined.  A modern world with contraptions and weapons that kind of boggle his mind.  And the language in this world requires some brushing up on as well.  Quade also has no idea on how to contact his family, if any of them are around to contact.  That makes for some interesting times. 
Haven's drawings are prophetic genius and you can almost feel their impact as they are described in the story. Speaking of impact, the world building was pretty well done I thought. 

 Having read some of the other books I knew some of the other people in the story.  I was also pretty sure that the Ultimate Enemy wasn't going to be overcome yet.  Many things were taken care of but the Ultimate Enemy (Ulric) has only been held at bay for now.  That is a fight for another day.  
I think that if this is only as far as you want to go in this series you could still enjoy this book and stop right there and be satisfied.  However, if like me you could continue on and see if Ulric gets his comeuppance in the next book.  



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

BOOK REVIEW- Beachcomber Investigations -Complete Series: 12 Books

 The Complete 12 Book Romantic Thriller Series Plus Bonus Novellas!
Sparks fly as special ops agent Dane Blaise and Scotland Yard detective Shana George team up to solve crimes on Martha’s Vineyard! A must-read boxed set of riveting romantic suspense.

Ex-special ops legend Dane Blaise is a very paranoid beachcomber. He takes his violence with a cup of zen and a shot of tequila. Until ex-Scotland Yard detective Shana George intrudes on his island.
Now there's a slip in his swagger and a sliver of hope wedged in his cynicism.
The kind of vulnerability that could get a man--or woman--killed.

Is their partnership in Martha's Vineyard's only PI agency a mistake?
Maybe.
Maybe not...  AMAZON LINK
                                                               5 STARS

If you love intense action and sizzling sensual tension mixed with witty banter, this is your series.

I've read most of the books in the series and liked every one of them. There are a couple that really stand out to me as more in the category of "Favorites." Beachcomber Enemy and Beachcomber Danger definitely fall into that category. Two other close contenders for that category were, Beachcomber Trouble and Beachcomber Bride.
I enjoyed the whole series, and the author did a really good job of making me wonder what surprises she had in store each time. Not only for the main characters but also the reader. 

BOOK REVIEW- The Billionaire's Temporary Marriage (The Limitless Clean Billionaire Romance Series Book 3) by Tamie Dearen *

When a stranger with a lime-green mechanical hand drenches her in coffee, the last thing Brooke expects is a marriage proposal from a famous hot billionaire.

A marriage of convenience… so tempting. Brooke Ponzio can’t argue against Cole’s flawless logic. The divorce settlement will solve all the money-troubles for Brooke and her unborn child. If only Cole wasn’t so mouth-wateringly delicious. Should she risk having her heart broken again?

Cole Miller refuses to fall in love. Not ever! That’s why he chose Brooke to get him out of his ill-advised contract. All she wants is sole custody of her baby, so when the time comes, she'll give him a stress-free divorce. Sure, they'll have to make the marriage look real to their parents and the rest of the world. And they'll need to forget all about that sizzling kiss they shared. Should be simple. What could possibly go wrong?

Soon, their magnetic draw has them both battling to maintain their willpower. But Brooke slowly falls in love with the man who treats her better than any man ever has, while Cole’s attraction is purely physical. Or at least that’s what he tells himself.

How will Brooke handle her sleazy ex-husband when he tries to cash in on her fame? What happens when Cole can’t protect Brooke from his crazed fans? Will he admit his feelings before it’s too late?
AMAZON LINK
                                        3 STARS


Let me say that the eBook cover caught my eye right off the bat!  It caused me to stop and take a look at the book information.  I liked how the  lime-green mechanical hand was part of the story.  It was an unusual idea that also caught my interest. 
The story started out fine but then it slowed down quite a bit for quite a while. Part of that had to do with the story going over and over the same issues that each one of them had.  That's not to say that the issues weren't important ones. They were but it got kind of repetitive. Then add in the silly rules that Brooke came up with and it wasn't long before I was rolling my eyes.  
Both of the main characters have their insecurity issues regardless of their income levels.   I got tired of Brooke's obstinate and almost self-righteousness.   As time went on I started really not liking her all that much. She had me shaking my head from all the stupid stuff she was doing.  Cole is a good guy although he does have a temper but so does Brooke.  She goes off half-cocked a lot of times. She doesn't take the wisdom of other people when it comes to her safety.  
The story does have a H.E.A. with an extended Epilogue which was good to see. 
So overall, although it had some good points, it's not a favorite for me. 

BOOK REVIEW- Forget Me Not by Fern Michaels

Letting Go Of The Past

With a popular comic strip, card line, and children's cartoon to her name, Lucy Brighton should be in a happy place. But the ache of a cold, lonely childhood lingers on. Even though she still lives in the New Jersey house where she grew up, Lucy has had little contact with her parents since they moved to Florida five years ago.

Finding Joy In The Present

Then Lucy receives a call that her parents have been killed in a car crash. While settling their affairs in Florida, Lucy begins to realize how little she really knew about their lives. She has no way to explain the mysterious safe in their bedroom, with its cache of fake passports, cash, and weapons. What secrets were the Brightons keeping? Were they even who they claimed to be? The answers will shatter everything she once believed about her parents--and about herself. AMAZON EBOOK 
                                                                                                               5 STARS

This book was a total surprise to me. I enjoyed it way more than I even expected to.   It starts out with dramatic surprises and with the feeling of who can you trust.  Are the people who appear in Lucy's life really people that she can trust?   Are they really who they say they are and do they have good motives?  
Lucy was an interesting main character who had succeeded with almost no parental emotional support.  Yes, she had the best of the best.  Best education and the best living quarters, everything financially that she could need.  It's a wonder that she turned out as caring and stable that she has.  Her BFF Angie was a good solid person who has been in her life for years.  I have to admit at one point the author had me so suspicious of people around Lucy that I even wondered about Angie.   
There is plenty of action and mysteries that need to be solved.  It is intense, emotional and at times scary for the main characters, with some romance thrown in.   A clean romance which I found refreshing.
There are interesting secondary people in the story as well.  Adele and Buddy, are they as good as they seem?  Luke's father shows up in the story too.  
I liked that the Epilogue fills in a lot of the details of Lucy's past, but not all.  I also enjoyed seeing where they were in the present.  I did have a bit of trouble with the animal's and their parade idea.    I also found Lucy's "parents" information at the end,  a bit confusing but even with all of that I pretty much enjoyed all the rest. 
 

BOOK REVIEW- The Steel Rogue, (Valor of Vinehill ) by K.J. Jackson

A scarred lady, living in the outskirts of society. A hardened rogue brought up from the worst of humanity. One seeks revenge. One seeks redemption. Neither is prepared for a love that will defy all odds.

A scarred lady, living in the fringes.
Lady Alton knows she doesn’t fit into polite society. Her scars determined that long ago and marrying a viscount never helped the matter. Now a widow, Torrie is adrift, knowing peace and a family will never be hers. Luckily, she has one hobby, obsessing on the man that helped to kill her family nine years ago—Mr. Robert Lipinstein—who is back on English soil. When she discovers he is about to board a ship—still not accountable for his crimes—she follows him to the docks.

A hardened rogue brought up from the worst of humanity.
Roe Lipinstein has one thing on his mind—to get on his ship and catch the Minerva—the smuggling ship that holds the crew that killed half his mates. The ship—and the men aboard—need to sink to a watery grave and he’s now within striking distance. He has no time to save a fool woman from a hoard of sailors at the docks. Of course, what he should do, and what he actually does, have always been very different things.

A reckoning no one was prepared for.
When Roe yanks Torrie from the frothing band of ruffians, he’s faced with a reckoning he wasn’t prepared to have. He served seven years in Newgate Prison for killing Torrie’s family. A crime he didn’t commit. Not that she’ll believe him. Ever.

But the attraction between them cannot be denied. And if she manages to crack her heart open to this hardened rouge, a love that will defy all odds could be theirs.  AMAZON LINK
                                5 STARS

There is a dramatic start to this book.  And it doesn't take too long to see why the title of this book is what it is.  In fact, several reasons come to mind fairly early. 
This book had intense emotions in it from both of  the main characters.  As time goes on, the reader gets to see more and more of their past.  It kept me involved all the way through and I enjoyed the depth and complexity of their personalities.  They'd be the first ones to tell you that they have some pretty big flaws.  I liked how it was explained about how each in their own ways had been existing in the "in-between."
The secondary people in the story added even more depth to the story.  Roe had more people backing him that he ever realized.  And when they were needed they weren't shy about showing up.
There is all the action that you could want in the story too.  Surprises,  Danger, strong desires for vengeance, friendships, romance, long held secrets being exposed.   
The story races to a dramatic ending with a good Epilogue to finish things off. 


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

BOOK REVIEW- CRAZY FOR YOU: (A Mystique Books Novel - Fun, Action-Adventure Romance) by Jane Fenton*

Kate would feel silly for having a crush on a fictional pirate—if he wasn’t standing right in front of her.
After discovering that her long-term boyfriend has been cheating on her, psychologist Dr. Kate Barnes decides she’s still going on their romantic Bahamas getaway—alone. Her vacation takes a turn for the weird when an eccentric bookstore owner insists Kate purchase Pirate’s Treasure, claiming it’s the perfect book for her. The more she reads, the harder it is to separate fiction from reality, especially when the devastatingly handsome Captain Blackjack swoops into her life to save her from ruffians at a bar.
As they grow closer, the similarities between the book and Kate’s real life become more pronounced. When the arrival of a puzzle-box from one of Kate’s patients launches her into a mystery that seems like it was pulled straight from the pages of Pirate’s Treasure, Kate starts to wonder if her sanity is leaving her, too.
But when bullets start flying, the book may be Kate’s only clue to solving the puzzle box—and saving her life.  AMAZON LINK
      4 STARS


The unusual book blurb caught my attention.  However.  Although both Kate and Garrett had a lot of potential the slow pace of the book was also slowly killing it for me.  
I was up into 50%+ of the book and it was more re-hashing of Kate's failed relationship with her ex, Dan.  She has quite the nickname that she develops for him after his betrayal.  And also there was a lot of of tourist like travel and descriptive food sections with both Kate and Garrett as they spend time together, that also slowed the story.  But I was chomping on the bit for more action.   There is more when the threats started to put our M.C.'s in more and more danger.
The trip to the bookstore was just as weird as you would want it to be though.   And the similarities between what was happening in the book and what was happening in their lives was too.  They tried to shake it off as coincidences but after a while that just didn't work anymore.
There is a P.O.V. from both of the main characters which I did like.  Also the book does pick up some speed later on and leads up to a whopping big surprise!  One I never saw coming, which is something else that I like.
So, I guess you can see I am kind of confused on how to rate this book.  The best way to explain it is that I liked the story with some reservations.  

BOOK REVIEW- The Highlander's Angel: (The Highland Angels Book 1) by Caroline Lee *

Three beautiful agents for the Crown. Three prime suspects. One sinister plot to destroy a fledgling kingdom... Meet the Queen's Angels!
 
When Robert the Bruce's queen formed the Angels, an elite group of spies masquerading as her ladies-in-waiting, she probably didn't imagine they'd be called on to save her life. But that's what happens when Queen Elizabeth is entertaining the Fraser delegation.

Luckily, her lady Courtney is deadly with a bow, and recognizes the assassin. Court's history with the band of thieves and murderers who raised her means she has a very different skill set than most women in the queen's retinue, and she's not afraid to employ it. But she is used to working alone, and the idea of being saddled with an unwanted partner--particularly when that man is gorgeous, dangerous, and a prime suspect--is galling.

Ross Fraser, the queen's longtime bodyguard, can't believe one of his kinsmen could be involved in this treacherous plot. He'll do everything in his power to prove his clan is innocent of treason, even if it means partnering with a testy and deadly thief-turned-spy... One who holds his heart after that single night they spent together years ago.

Ross must choose between his loyalty to his laird and his loyalty to his heart, as Court's reuniting with her "family" makes her question everything she thought she understood. When metal hits meat, can this unlikely duo learn to trust each other, or will the plot to bring down the Scottish monarchy succeed?
  AMAZON LINK

4 STARS
Warning: Contains a bad@ss heroine, an adorable sheepdog with more hair than sense, and some super-steamy scenes.

Good main characters and that includes Ross Fraser's "wee" hound Honor.  And yes, that  was a tongue in cheek mention because he was a huge hound.  
The story kept me interested all the way through.  But I will say at one time it did slow down somewhat.  But during that time, there was more "relationship" being developed between Ross and Court.  Well, at least during the times that she was talking to him.  
There is good world building when it came to The Angels team, Charlotte who helps guide them and Queen Elizabeth.  
There is action as well as the promised romance.  Humor is part of the story because Ross is not only skilled but knows how to draw some smiles out of the most unwilling.  Court would be right on the top of that list.  At least for a while.
I liked how the story ended and there was also a look into another one of the Angels, Mellie. It's a story between Mellie and Lachlan Fraser.  Book #2 is called, "The Laird's Angel" and it looks promising.

BOOK REVIEW- The Mail Order Bride's Secret (Outlaw Mail Order Brides #3) by Linda Broday

Description

Third in a riveting series from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Linda Broday, featuring tough Texas outlaws and the women who steal their hearts.
When the West was wild and man’s law favored the few… These extraordinary women could be found…in the heart of an outlaw.
When three young children show up on outlaw Tait Trinity’s doorstep, he knows he can’t help them—a wanted man has no business raising kids. And yet he can’t bring himself to turn them away. At a loss, he sends for the mail order bride he’d been writing to, hoping the demure dressmaker will be the answer to his prayers.
Melanie Dunbar is nothing like the bride Tait was expecting. She’s rough and tumble…and hiding an ulterior motive. Dangerous men have taken her sister hostage, and if Melanie wants to see her alive, she’ll have to betray her new husband. There’s only one problem—the more time she spends with Tait, the more she comes to care for him. Yet as the noose begins to tighten, Melanie will have to make a terrible choice: save her sister…or the man she loves.   AMAZON LINK
                               4  STARS


The unusual story line caught my attention right away.  I thought, " Oh the troubles that this could cause should make things really interesting."  So I crossed my fingers and plunged ahead. And boy, did it deliver!
 Both Tait and Melanie bring a lot to the table as main characters.  They also bring a lot to the table when it comes to trouble.  I liked how Tait had a whole lot more tenderness and caring in him than you would have thought an outlaw would have.  And Melanie has more grit than she ever knew she had too.  When push came to shove, she might be scared but she pushed back!
There is a good balance in this story.  A good mix of action, danger, friends and allies showing up,  periods of time spent just like a family would.  There is also this sense of waiting for the next threat to show up.  Which of course it does and more than once. 
The kids (Jesse, Joe and Becky) add to the story. The twin boys add some attitude and mischief and of course, the little girl adds some sweetness.  
Hope's Crossing is one unusual town with some out of the ordinary residents.  All, I'm going to say about that is it houses many "criminals".  Many of them who are wanting to turn their lives around or already have.  Because of that common goal and friendships that develop they truly do have each other's backs. It made for some interesting secondary people in the story.  Mac is Melanie and Ava's father and he is one piece of work.  You never knew if and when he would show up.  Would trouble follow him?  It usually did.   From one con to another, he was always on the hunt for making the most money.
The action really takes off and keeps pretty steady until the end.  That other shoe had finally dropped and it will get to be a fight to stay alive to the end.
Speaking of the end, I liked how it all finished up for everyone.

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

2020 Prophetic Outlook with Hank Kunneman, Tracy Cooke & Jeremiah Johnson

BOOK REVIEW- Waiting for a Miracle by Jennifer Wilck *

Description

Benjamin Cohen, widowed father of six-year-old Jessie, is doing his best to hold it together through order and routine. The last thing he needs is his matchmaker mother to set him up with her next door neighbor, no matter how attractive she is.

Rachel Schaecter's dream of becoming a foster mother is right within her grasp, until her meddlesome neighbor tries to set her up with her handsome son. What's worse? He's the father of her favorite kindergarten student! She can't afford to let anything come between her and her dream, no matter how gorgeous he may be.

Can these two determined people trust in the miracle of Hanukkah to let love and light into their lives?   AMAZON LINK
                                          3 STARS

I found this book to be short, charming.  It had pretty good main characters but they weren't super deep.  It was a good Holiday story that didn't take too long to read.  
I agree with another reviewer that it would have been nice if there had been more to Benjamin and Rachel's story.  Where did they go from there ?  But at least they have a good start.   It was different to read a story that revolves around Hanukkah.  I'm not Jewish but that was a sweet start of a romance during that time.  Come to think of it, that's exactly how it felt, like a starter story.


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

BOOK REVIEW- Space Age: Houston, Prepare for Launch By Sara L. Hudson

NASA Flight Surgeon Dr. Rebecca Sato has earned her dream job. Now she’s ready to explore the next frontier…having a family. While responsible for the health of astronauts who fly through space in the International Space Station, her feet are firmly planted on the ground.
But at thirty-six, the men on her radar are either intimidated by her intellect or not interested in having kids. So she devotes her spare time and energy to the local animal shelter.
At twenty-eight, Houston Lieutenant Firefighter Ryan Cassidy knows he’s an old soul.
Tired of girls his age who only crave a quick hook-up with a good-looking fireman, he’s ready to settle down with a wife, kids, maybe a dog.
When a fire at Johnson Space Center threatens NASA’s medical building, Ryan rushes in, ready to take charge. But he’s blindsided by a calm, compelling doctor who’s already in command of the evacuation. While the fire is easily contained, Ryan can’t say the same for his heart.
Attraction fans the flames, but dating a younger man is not in Rebecca’s comfort zone. Determined to synchronize their orbits, Ryan volunteers to pose for her animal shelter’s charity firefighter calendar. Between Ryan’s abs and his love for animals, the wall around Rebecca’s heart starts to fall. Will their age difference be too much to overcome? Or will they achieve a five-alarm lift-off?
AMAZON LINK
  4 STARS

This book has good main characters with a few good sidekicks too!  Age is a HUGE issue for Rebecca but she also has some valid reasons for it.  Being older that Ryan is something that she is NOT comfortable with. Ryan has his work cut out for him. Ryan is all in when he meets Rebecca, it happens for him pretty quickly. He admires her confidence, discipline, and smarts when he meets her on the job.  That first meeting in itself is unusual.  Oh I almost forgot to mention he admired how good looking she was too.  And they find that they share the love of animals too.
I liked how Ryan was a good guy who got ribbed by people he knew because he wasn't the norm when it came to dating.  His goals were different.  He didn't want to play the field, he wanted to settle down with The One.  He was also described as an Old Soul.   And the scenes of Ryan with his nephew?  Oh yeah, sweet!
Rebecca's unofficial sidekick is hysterically funny.  Hysterically funny and totally without a filter too.  Jules is a Astronaut under Rebecca's supervision.  But nothing can put a stopper in her amusing but TOTALLY inappropriate ( and sexual) comments.  Rebecca may be the supervising doctor but Jules is not one smidgen afraid to get in Rebecca's business. In fact she is the one who gives Rebecca a push towards Ryan.    For her own good of course.  It does lead to some pretty funny adult humor.  Even as she shocks you it's still hard not to like her. And I it looks like Jules does get her own story in another book (there was a peek at it).  That should be good too.  
There is also a H.E.A. conclusion happening for Rebecca and Ryan.  

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

I got a copy of this book free from the author for signing up for her newsletter.  I found out she has a page on Facebook  and you can also go to her site as well:  www.saralhudson.com 

Also just found a Bookfunnel link to get the book :  Bookfunnel Link
 

BOOK REVIEW- A Bravo Christmas Wedding (The Bravo Royales Book 9) by Christine Rimmer

LOVE ON THE RANGE? Princess Aurora Bravo-Calabretti is wishing for a mountain man this Christmas! But her most unroyal crush rancher Walker McKellan insists that they remain "just friends." Now he's her round-the-clock bodyguard while she is the maid of honor at her cousin's holiday wedding. Rory can't resist this Colorado cowboy but she wishes she was walking down the aisle to meet Walker at the altar! Both the best man to the groom and Rory's bodyguard, Walker can't shake his charge. As he begins to see Rory in a different light, a surprise snowstorm strands him with his princess and sparks ignite into a holiday love affair! Can their Christmas passion blossom into a very Bravo happily-ever-after?   AMAZON LINK
                                              3 STARS

This book had potential but for me it just didn't get there.   It was SO slow that I just kept waiting for something to really happen.  Sure, there were good background set ups of the ranch and the town and the family feel.  Even with some of her female cousins "battling" it out. Even the questionable upcoming wedding of her favorite cousin Clara and Walker's brother,  But the story just didn't draw me in all that much. I had hoped it would.
Yes, there is a sweet H.E.A. for those that want to know.  Still for me there were no real surprises.  

 

BOOK REVIEW- Secrets of a Pregnant Princess (Romancing the Crown Book 9) by Carla Cassidy*

 A KINGDOM'S HONOR depends on the actions of the man assigned to protect its princess…When Princess Samira Kamal found herself pregnant and abandoned, she faced shaming her family and threatening the peace between Tamir and neighboring Montebello. Then her mysterious bodyguard made a shocking proposal: "Marry me." She'd thought Farid Nasir more machine than man-now Samira yearned to uncover the hidden depths of the man she would call husband…For Farid, marrying the princess to save his country's honor was all in a day's work-until nighttime came. Suddenly Farid realized his wife was a warm, desirable woman-and a threat to the icy barricades of his heart!  AMAZON LINK
                                 3.5   STARS

 Good main characters in an unusual setting.  The princess Samira is the one of the three princesses that was the most gentle, and easy going.  She generally didn't rock the boat and she found confrontation painful and upsetting.  Too bad that at least one of her naive decisions leaves her in a dangerous position.  Her reputation, her kingdom's reputation and the peace of two nations is at risk.  
Farid was an honorable man  who places his protection of the royal family over and above his own interests.  And he would do it every time.   He proves it time and again and also with his idea to marry Samira to protect everyone.  Samira wants to marry for love but he doesn't believe in that.  He's never had that for a woman before but he does know duty.
The story slows down for a while as Samira and Farid works through things.  But they sure speed up when they return to Tamir.  There's a couple of surprises awaiting them and a couple of secrets are exposed.  

BOOK REVIEW- The Reluctant Princess (Viking Brides #1) by Christine Rimmer

Part 1 of the Viking Brides series

THERE'S A... VIKING IN MY LIVING ROOM! Elli Thorson, displaced Nordic princess, was used to an occasional reminder of where she came from. But even she was surprised at the sight of the handsome if hulking man in her apartment. He said he'd come by order of her father, the king--to bring Elli home by any means possible. And though she didn't want to go, the idea of a journey with this "warrior" was strangely appealing.... Hauk FitzWyborn, the king's right-hand man, knew what His Royal Highness really wanted from his daughter--to marry the man who would be king. And that man was most assuredly not Hauk, he knew, even as he struggled to resist the beautiful princess. Still, as her loveliness reminded him, they were in California now--where even the wildest of dreams could come true....AMAZON LINK   4 STARS

This was a book that I enjoyed as a pretty quick read.  It was emotional because let's face it who wants to be kidnapped, royal order or not? 
Elli was thought to be the docile, don't rock the boat one of the triplets.  Too bad they didn't get the memo about how stubborn and resistant she could be when she set her mind to it.  Kind, with a good heart definitely.  Someone to be pushed around against her will?  Definitely not.  It led to some interesting times. 
No matter how loyal and tough Hauk was, in some ways he was no match against Elli's logic. I smiled when at least one point when Hauk wished he'd kept the gag in Elli's mouth.  Because that woman could and did debate her way around just about everything.  
The culture of her land of birth and its stories was well fleshed out I thought.  So was the bigotry that will be revealed as time goes on.  A bigotry that Elli will NOT stand for. She might have born there but she was raised American and proud of it.   
Of course there is an attraction that develops between the M.C.'s and they do face a battle about it. I liked how that was resolved.  
There is still the mystery of why Elli's mother fled with her triplets and why she vowed to never set foot in that land ever again.  But hey, Elli still has two other sisters who probably will have a story to tell too.  

BOOK REVIEW- Not by Sight (Stone River Book 2) by Kay Lyons Stockham

 CAN YOU LOVE SOMEONE AND STILL BE FREE?

Emma Wyatt agrees to tutor a recently blinded, embittered soldier because of the $50,000 paycheck his brother offers. The job is an answer to many prayers. Blind herself, Emma dreams of independence and freedom away from her overprotective family. Tutoring Ian in all things “blind” isn’t easy, especially when the biggest challenge is not falling in love with a student who could hinder her dreams.

PROTECT SOMEONE YOU CANNOT SEE?

Good soldiers show no weakness. Ian MacGregor holds his battle with claustrophobia close to his chest, unsuccessfully trying to cope on his own. Ian knows duty, honor, serving his country. So why is he being punished with this very personalized hell?

As Ian struggles to strong-arm his phobia, his growing feelings for Emma are overshadowed by the danger lurking around them. Emma would be better off with someone else. Someone sighted.

Someone able to protect her from the person determined to keep them apart...AMAZON LINK 
                                      5 STARS

This book surprised me.  It was even better than I expected.  The emotions I expected and yes they were definitely there.  The challenges for being blind is so well portrayed and even presented some coping skills that haven't been mentioned before. 
Both Ian and Emma have depth as the main characters facing some hard challenges.  I liked that Emma has worked through so many challenges after being blind for so long.  And she has multiple things that she is actively doing.  Can you imagine how tough being a waitress is as a blind person?  I also enjoyed her work with and caring for the dogs.
Ian is ANGRY, scared, confused and having no hope for his future.   He went from a topnotch, highly skilled warrior who was a protector and a rescuer to  feeling totally helpless.  And he acts that way (helpless) for quite a while.  Until Emma arrives on scene and puts an end to others waiting on him. 
The secondary people were excellent.  That included family and friends on both sides of the main characters.  Emma's best friends were a tight group of women affectionately called The Besties. 
This book has surprises especially as it comes to the later chapters.  Surprises, I like surprises.  Well, in books anyway.  
And that threat that was mentioned in the book blurb?  I kept yelling, " Check out_____.  That person is dangerous"  "Why can't you see it?"  No one heard me though being book characters and all.  But Ta Da, I was right and it all comes out in a dramatic way.  Perfect.
The ending was good with a H.E.A. for the M.C.'s that is unique to them.   
I wouldn't mind one bit reading more stories about Emma's Besties and their romances.