BOOK REVIEW- Trapped (Decorah Security Series, Book #22) by Rebecca York *

 

  

Description

 Cash Baker wakes up in a secret military bunker, drugged, with vague images of a mission gone horribly wrong. Which of his memories are true and which are fake? There’s no one he can trust in his nightmare world until the woman he never forgot risks everything to save him.

Psychologist Sophia Rhodes never got over the bad boy who stole her good-girl heart a decade ago. Now she knows Cash is in terrible danger. But without military training, how can she possibly spring Cash from a high-security facility? Sophia discovers that breaking in and rescuing Cash is easier than dealing with his damaged memories, as desperate men try to make sure he never tells her what he knows.  AMAZON LINK

    5 STARS

What a great story; an edge of your seat story for sure.  It was emotional, edgy with plenty of questions for all involved. Well, except for the "bad guys" who were busy muddying the water. 

The main characters were also well written.  Cash's experiences was so well written that you could almost feel his confusion.  What was real and what wasn't?  Which memories were real and who could he trust?  

 Sophia had guts and a strong desire to save Cash.  It put her in some dangerous situations but even without covert skills she still helps a lot. 

There are surprises a plenty in the story and it kept me involved every step of the way.  So did the developing romance between Cash and Sophia.  They both knew that it couldn't have happened at a worst time but the sexual attraction keeps heating up between them.  

I liked how the story ended, with the future looking bright for Cash and Sophia.  Finally.  

 

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

BOOK REVIEW- Immortal Angel (An Argeneau Novel) by Lynsay Sands *

 

Description

In a sizzling new Argeneau novel from New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands, a gorgeous mortal encounters his greatest temptation…
For almost two centuries, Ildaria Garcia has been on the run, a trouble magnet with a knack for taking down bad guys. Lately, her vigilante tendencies have drawn unwelcome attention to her fellow Immortals. Forced to relocate, Ildaria is supposed to lay low in a new town. Instead, she quickly entangles herself with six and a half feet of muscular, tattooed trouble.
Joshua James Simpson Guiscard, aka G.G., knows a lot about Immortals—enough to make him wary. Yet from the moment Ildaria walks into his club, he feels desire stronger than anything he’s known. Accepting the fact that they might be life mates is disconcerting. But when her past catches up to them, G.G. faces a choice—confront his demons at last, or lose a passion that’s hot as hell.
AMAZON LINK
    3 STARS


I was quick to grab this book when I saw who the author was and the series that it was a part of. 
The eBook cover was something that caught my eye as well.  I liked the cover a lot and hoped for the best for the story.  Because even with this series I either really liked the story or it fell short of that.  This story left me with mixed feelings about it. 
The Prologue confused me at first, making me wonder where this fit in with the story. It does get cleared up later but it had me scratching my head for a while.  I will say though that it was a pretty dramatic beginning to the book. 
Both Ildaria and G.G. were good main characters who each had their own issues. Ildaria's reach back MANY years because of her immortal status.  She'd  suffered a lot throughout the years and is still on the run and trusting no one. 
I did like the different angle that this story had with G.G. being mortal but having extensive knowledge and acceptance of Immortals.  Acceptance yes but wanting to be one would be a strong No.  You can see why that's going to be a problem, right? 

G.G. was such a kind, compassionate man who was always available to people when they needed to talk.  I liked him a lot and enjoyed his love for and gentleness with his fur-ball, quirky small dog.  I know it was mentioned that G.G. was a handsome guy but I had a hard time imagining it.  He had a tall, green Mohawk , so maybe it was just me.  That didn't appeal to me but his personality, kindness and his way of helping others did.

 Ildaria had other people who stepped up to help her.  That was a bit difficult for her because she's been going it alone for so long. 

Those other people added depth to the story.

I will say that although the way Ildaria was turned was really different, I also wasn't that much a fan of that. 

There is a good end to the story that included a surprise twist and an Epilogue.

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

BOOK REVIEW- A Highlander is Coming to Town A Highland, Georgia Novel by Laura Trentham *

 The third book in the Highland, Georgia romantic comedy series from Laura Trentham, A Highlander is Coming to Town, full of love, laughs...and highlanders!

You better watch out. . .

Holt Pierson is dreading Christmas. His parents absconded to Florida for the season and left him to handle the family farm which will be his one day—whether he wants it or not. Driven by duty, Holt has always followed the path expected of him. But lately, he’s been questioning what he wants and where he belongs. Will assuming the responsibility of the Pierson farm make him happy or is there something—or someone—else out in the wider world calling to him?


To Claire Smythe, the Scottish lead singer of a touring band, Highland, Georgia, is the perfect place to hide . . .until a very handsome and deeply curious Holt begins to ask all the questions Claire doesn’t want to answer. As Holt draws Claire out from under and into the fabric of small-town life, can Claire put the past behind her and embrace the unexpected gifts of the season—including the new and lasting love?  AMAZON LINK
     3.5 STARS


I have read a few other books by this author and I liked them.  This book however had  such a slow pace which I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped.  The background for both of the M.C.'s was set up pretty well as they were feeling their way around each other.  However, I was beginning to despair of the story moving on more quickly any time soon.   I also felt that several problems that Claire especially was facing was re-hashed so much that it also slowed the story.
Having said that I will also say that there were tender moments in the story, along with a small town charm and it's people.  Descriptions of the town and people was well done too.

Ms. Meadows was the lady that Claire was working for and staying with.  She was one crusty character. She'd lived by herself for many years and she was really good at not letting people into her space or home.  But after a fall, she needed help and couldn't put it off any longer.  But she had her fiercely guarded boundaries. But that suits Claire right down to the ground because she's got some secrets of her own. And she's not ready to face up to them quite yet.
Laid of the Game, Holt Pierson was truly the hero in this story.  A yummy man with a tender heart who began to realize how lonely he really was.  His ability to let Claire's snark roll off of him was excellent.  He did a good job of dealing with it.  She was complicated and she fascinated him. He also saw what few did.  That she was strong and yet fragile too. 
I kept wondering how everything thing would be concluded and it does well.  Including the H.E.A. that we had hoped for.




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

BOOK REVIEW- Tru Blue (The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor Book 1) by Melissa Foster

   

He wore the skin of a killer, and bore the heart of a lover...

There's nothing Truman Gritt won't do to protect his family—Including spending years in jail for a crime he didn't commit. When he's finally released, the life he knew is turned upside down by his mother's overdose, and Truman steps in to raise the children she's left behind. Truman's hard, he's secretive, and he's trying to save a brother who's even more broken than he is. He's never needed help in his life, and when beautiful Gemma Wright tries to step in, he's less than accepting. But Gemma has a way of slithering into people's lives and eventually she pierces through his ironclad heart. When Truman's dark past collides with his future, his loyalties will be tested, and he'll be faced with his toughest decision yet.   AMAZON LINK

        5 STARS

I fell totally in love with this story.  It was emotional, dealing with tough subjects but still drew me in just the same.  Truman has been done so wrong for so long but still manages to have a loving heart.  A lot of that also has to do with a man in a biker group unofficially adopting him.  He became family with Bear, Bullet, Doc and Dixie and they were there for him.  Even though Tru was a man who didn't ask for help all that often.  I enjoyed the dynamics between all of them.  You could feel the caring but also see that love in action.

Truman had his walls up high when Gemma "pushed" her way into his life to help.  But as time goes on he realizes he's never met anyone like her and he has no antidote either.  Tru feels like they have nothing in common but over time he sees that's not true. They also both adore the kids and aren't shy about pouring out that love. Tru was so tender and protective when it came to his siblings and that was SO sweet.  And those same feelings transfer to Gemma.  There is also some tender and hot sex between Tru and Gemma.

Gemma's life looks like it was a walk in the park but she had parents that threw money at her but had no time for her.  The most time she spent with them during her childhood was when she was brought out for display.  She had turned her imagination into a business that brought happiness to children.  A lot of it was what she had missed out in her own childhood.  

Gemma's best friend Crystal was a hoot and added a lot of fun and humor to the story.

I stayed involved in the story all the way through.  I consider this book a keeper and want to read more of the books in the series.  Especially the one with Crystal and Bear. 

 

BOOK REVIEW- Her Bodyguard Swap (Lockwood Industries #1) by Laura Ann *

 

  

's falling for her bodyguard.
But is her heart racing for the right man?

Everly Madison loves life as an online music sensation. But it turns ugly when an internet troll posts threatening comments on her videos. When she hires a bodyguard to keep her safe, her hunky new protector makes her soul sing.

Ridge Lockwood gave up the military to help his two identical triplet brothers establish a security firm. But when one of their first clients is the online singer-songwriter he’s admired for months, Ridge is devastated when one of his brothers is assigned the case instead of himself. Determined to spend time with her, he takes matters into his own hands and pulls out the old, 'switcheroo'.

As Everly becomes confused about exactly who she’s falling for, the predator's actions begin to escalate. Can Ridge defend her while still hiding his secret? Or will he come clean, risking not only his company's reputation, but the woman he's fallen desperately in love with?

Her Bodyguard Swap is the standalone first book in the Lockwood Industries sweet contemporary romance series. If you like dreamy men, spirited women, and clean happily-ever-afters, then you’ll adore Laura Ann’s tale of amorous harmony.   AMAZON LINK

     4 STARS

 I enjoyed this story that had interesting team members of family and close military "brothers and sister" working together.  The idea of identical triplets caught my attention from the first time I read the book blurb.

It was fun with Ridge providing some comic relief even amidst the danger that Everly was facing.  Not everyone understood or appreciated his mischievous ways especially Everly's brother.

But Everly had no problem with his often funny but also tender ways.  Unfortunately because of his personality he is often underestimated by others.  Too bad because he was an interesting guy, who was not the player that her brother thought.  A way TOO overprotective brother at that.

The story did slow at one point, but there is that secret friendship being developed between the two main character. 

The story comes to a good conclusion and I liked that the author had a sweet dedication in the front of the book.

 

BOOK REVIEW- GHOST: Lords of Carnage MC, Book 1 by Daphne Loveling

 

  

I spent one wild night with him years ago. Now I’m back in town with my son - but my old flame has joined the MC that tore my family apart. 

 CAS

They call me Ghost for a reason. Silent and in the shadows, I don't make my move until I am absolutely sure of everything.

Four years ago, I was sure about Jenna. My best friend's kid sister had grown up into a sexy spitfire I couldn't resist.

One night we stopped resisting...

We promised we'd keep it a secret. It was a one-time mistake, but we put it behind us.
Jenna left town, but I kept my word.

Now she's back, with a young son in tow. She needs help. She needs protection.
This time, I'm not gonna let her go. This time, I’m making my best friend’s sister mine.
Consequences be damned.

JENNA

He was my first kiss. My first love. My first broken heart.
And now if I’m not careful, he will break me all over again.

I left town without telling him I was pregnant. I never told him he was the father.
I swore I’d never return.
Now I’m back, to find out that Cas has joined the same MC that tore my family apart.

The secrets and lies of the past are about to be laid bare.
I can’t let myself fall in love with him.
I promised myself I would never make the same mistakes again.
But making mistakes with Casper Watkins is too hard to resist...


GHOST is a full-length, standalone second chance secret baby romance. You'll love this scorching-hot first book in the Lords of Carnage MC series. Ghost has NO cheating, no cliffhanger, and a guaranteed HEA.   AMAZON LINK   

3 STARS

The story started out pretty good but then it just seemed to slow down.  I ended up being disappointed with the story although it had potential and started with good main characters.

Once sex was introduced into the story it began to feel like it was more about that than anything else. It just didn't feel like the story was all that special to me.

 On the upside I did like Jenna and Cas's son and the H.E.A. was a plus.  

BOOK REVIEW- Mountain Man's Accidental Surprise: A Secret Baby Romance (Mountain Men of Liberty Book 8) by K.C. Crowne *

"I'm ready for my private striptease."
My bestie's bachelorette had to be amazing.
Luckily, my hired stripper blew everyone away.
Later that night, he gave me a private show I'll never forget.
But now...no can know our secret. Because the life of my baby literally depends on it.

After returning home my father gave me life shattering news.
How the h*ll could he sell me off to the mob??
With no other choice but to run...
The mountains would be my new home.
Safe. And zero souls who could recognize me.

Except, that last part is a lie...
Because the stripper who knocked me up...
Turns out to be anything but a stripper.

And now that he knows my whereabouts...
He's ready to show everyone just what the h*ll he's really made of. AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

Although I normally don't care for stories with the instant sex on first meeting, I knew going in that this was a part of it.  And I was intrigued with what the blurb had to say. 

I liked both of the main characters and it was an amusing touch that Graham wasn't a stripper at all.  Good guy though?  Yes, he was even better than Emilia (Emmy) dared believe.  And she does have trouble believing it at times.  Because look how her father operates.  He's kept her basically under lock and key with no access to her own money.   The reader and Emmy both hope that her father loves her when time after time she is disappointed.  Money and power seem to be his main focus but you'll have to read it to see what wins out. 

Graham's family was so warm and giving.  Everything that Emmy wished that she had growing up.  And even though she finds it hard to believe, the family has some serious skills when it comes to protecting her.  

It came to a good dramatic ending which I enjoyed.   


 

BOOK REVIEW- Edge of Darkness: A Hunter Legacy Novel (Midnight Breed Hunter Legacy Book 3) by Lara Adrian

 

 

Hunters. The most lethal Breed vampires in existence--and Knox's cold heart thaws for no one . . . until a strong-willed beauty enlists his help in protecting an innocent child from a powerful, small-town family and a chilling evil that knows no bounds.

As a survivor of the horrific Hunter program, Breed vampire and former assassin Knox is a solitary man, closed off to the pain of love--and loss. A loner by choice, Knox deals in death and dark justice, expecting nothing in return. Until one snowy night he drifts into a remote town in northern Maine, where a determined beauty enlists his lethal assistance, tempting not only his hunger, but his wounded heart as well.

Lenora Calhoun has lived in tiny Parrish Falls all her life. Owner of the local diner that’s been in her family for generations, Leni’s as stalwart and stubborn as the tall pines that surround her. That unshakable resolve doesn’t sit well with everyone, least of all the most powerful family in the logging town. Leni’s been the target of their animosity for years, but with their escalating threats now putting an innocent child’s safety at risk, she takes a desperate chance on a dangerous stranger--a man who is something more than human. Knox’s deadly skills and turbulent gaze should be warning enough for Leni to guard her heart, yet she cannot deny the yearning he stirs in her blood. For the merciless Breed male is the only man she can trust in a town full of secrets, and where taking a stand could rip away everything she holds dear.

Book 3 in a brand-new Midnight Breed spin-off series of standalone vampire romance books that can be enjoyed in any order. Complete HEA and NO cliffhangers!  AMAZON LINK

     5 STARS

I enjoyed this story even though it had some really evil people in it.  And they had been getting away with some really slimy stuff...for years. 

But back to the main characters.  Knox was almost machine like in his responses to people.  But his life had depended on that from his earliest years as a child.  It's all he knew.  Showing any human emotions at all could have meant his death.  The background of being in that Hunter program was well fleshed out.  It was pretty easy to "feel" what Knox had gone through and was now going through as he starts interacting with people.  Leni really throws him for a loop and he couldn't seem to stay away from her no matter how hard he tried.  

Leni is one tough cookie with a fierce love for her nephew.  She'll do whatever it takes to protect him.  Even putting herself in the line of danger to do it.  But Leni also has quite a secret that she is keeping and it's a good one.  I really liked reading about Knox and Leni as they interact with each other.  That was written pretty well and had depth as well as sex later on.

The ending was a good one with plenty of action and a surprise still waiting at the end.  H.E.A.'s are always welcome and this one had one, as promised.   

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

 

BOOK REVIEW- A Pregnancy and a Proposal (A True Love Classic: Brides & Babies) Mindy Neff *

 

Book Details

A not so secret baby?
Since their impulsive night of passion, widower Flynn O’Grady has visualized countless scenarios of seeing Darcie Moretti again. Never in his wildest dreams did the single dad imagine he would look up during a Daddy Club meeting to see her waddling—er, walking back into his life, pregnant with his child.

Darcie knows family is priority number one for Flynn. He’s an honorable man who will insist on marriage.

But Darcie wants more than just a “pregnancy proposal.” And she’ll give Flynn four short months to figure out the three little words he need to say.  AMAZON LINK
   3 STARS

This book started out good with good main and supporting characters.  There is plenty of emotions, tenderness and challenges that were pretty realistic.  However for me, it started to fall apart because of it feeling like it got bogged down.  It was because several of their "issues" that kept being re-played over and over.  It slowed the story down so much that I almost groaned.
One thing that I really enjoyed though was how the freckles that Darcie had were celebrated.  I haven't seen that very often in a story.  More often it's shown a distaste for freckles. Just to be clear I don't have freckles but I liked this approach of making her freckles something special. 
There is humor in the story which I did enjoy and Darcie had one unique family group too.   They did add to the story and I was pleased that there is a well fought for H.E.A. 


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

BOOK REVIEW- White Knight: (The Callaghan Green Series Book 2) by Annie Dyer *

 Sexy. Brave. The biggest pain in my workaholic ass. Killian O’Hara can never be mine.


I try not to notice how he’s broader, ripped or the way he still smiles. I try not to care when he has a date. I try not to remember when we were together and how I broke his heart.


And there are too many reasons why I can’t be his.


I’m married to my job as a lawyer.
He’s still my brother’s best friend.
And I have a secret. One I need to protect him from.


Ex-military, Killian’s now responsible for keeping me safe when a case I’m working on gets deadly.


But can I keep my heart safe from him?


WHITE KNIGHT is an achingly steamy second chance/brother's best friend romance with no cheating and a happily ever after. It's part of the CALLAGHAN GREEN SERIES but can be enjoyed as a standalone.   AMAZON LINK
            3  STARS



This book started out pretty good with what I thought was some pretty good potential.  But I ended up being somewhat disappointed as time went on. The story started falling apart for me before the 50% mark on my kindle.  It was the constant rehashing over and over of the main character's past and the Big Secret.   Added to that was the fact that it felt like there were way TOO many people in the story to keep track of.  Even though Marie and a few other people had their moments. 
I do give the author credit for both Killian and Claire having depth as main characters. There is plenty of emotions shown as well.
There is plenty of descriptions of different locale's and there is also quite a bit of details when it came to that.
One thing that kind of irritated me was Claire constantly dragging her feet when it comes to "telling" Killian why she cut him out of her life.  And her thinking she just didn't know how to tell him?  Come on girl, you've had 13 years to figure that out.  
The case that Claire is working on definitely comes with some clear dangers.  
There is a H.E.A. but I think this book is my "one and done" when it comes to this series.

BOOK REVIEW- Wild Card: a mafia romance (Advantage Play Book 1) by Kelsie Rae

 Rule #1: Keep your head down and your eyes up. It makes you invisible. But not stupid.

I should've known I'd get caught counting cards, especially in a mob-owned casino. But I'm desperate. And desperate times call for desperate measures. Now I find myself in the basement beneath the casino with a bruise the size of Texas on my cheek and the promise that the head of the family, Kingston Romano, will be visiting me soon.

I've heard the rumors.

This is just the beginning.

I'm screwed.

Then I meet Kingston face to face. Sensing my desperation, he approaches me with a proposition to pay for my transgression. And I have no choice but to accept it.

What I'm not ready for, however, are the consequences that follow, putting me in the crosshairs of a war between the Romanos and a rival family, the Allegrettis.

As the cards are played and lives are threatened, I'm left with no choice. I need to pick a side and decide if I'm all in, or if I'll be taken for all I'm worth.  AMAZON LINK
     5 STARS

I really liked this book and it kept me involved all the way through..until it didn't end yet.  I guess I didn't catch that it wasn't a standalone novel but the beginning of a series.  As it turns out it's a series that captivated me.  The story was so well written with an edge of the seat intensity.  So well written I just have to give it 5 Stars on Amazon. 
I like the depth of both of the main characters.  Ace was such a strong, interesting main character that had me pulling for her from the start.
Kingston was definitely a dark guy with some interesting sides to him as well.  Especially when it comes to Ace.  It took me a while to keep track of some of the many players but even then it left me wondering if everyone could be trusted.  Where there more turncoats in the group, especially in Kingston's group?  And who is Jack and how does he figure in this story exactly?  I have some ideas but still left wondering.
About 3/4's of the way through, I got a glimmer of who I suspected Ace's friend Gigi was.  And that truth does come out towards the end of the book. 
There is plenty of action in this book with the promise of more danger and action to come.
 

BOOK REVIEW- SUDDENLY A DADDY by Mindy Neff *

 You’re going to be a daddy!
Wealthy entrepreneur Dylan Montgomery is the kind of man who can take anything on the chin and give as good as he gets in business and in life. But when he finds a note in his tux pocket that says he’s going to be a father, he’s stunned, remembering one impulsive night with the only woman who made him want to give up his bachelor status—his best friend, Whitney Emerson.

Fashion designer Whitney knew immediately she’d made a huge mistake sleeping with Dylan, the one man she will not allow herself to have. His friendship is too important to her to jeopardize. After she insists on putting that fateful night behind them, Whitney learns she is carrying his baby. But the timing couldn’t be worse—she can’t bring herself to tell him now that he’s obligated to an upcoming, prearranged marriage that will cement a business merger he’s dreamed about for years.

How long can she keep her secret from showing?   AMAZON LINK
                                 3.5 STARS

I liked both of the main characters and the long history of their friendship.  There was humor that added to the story.  And I also enjoyed the way they knew each other so well and challenged each other as well as brought comfort like coming home too.  
I did also like Whitney's uncle too. He brought a loving flavor all of his own.  I did wonder at the sacrifice he made when it came to a woman that he loved years ago.   Although I had some ideas on who that was and would have liked to have seen more in that area.  
Dylan's fiance seemed like a nice woman that no one wanted to hurt but her part in the story felt kind of thin.  Some of her "reasons" for agreeing to the marriage to Dylan also felt the same.  
Good ending to the story although some of the "angst" in the story felt like it went a little bit long.  
 "I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Murphy's Law by Mchelle St. James

*** MURPHY'S LAW is book one in a three book series. It is not a cliffhanger in that Ronan and Julia are together at the end of this book. The suspense plot, however, continues into books two and three. ***

 Ronan Murphy’s law is vengeance.

Personal tragedy taught Ronan that he couldn’t count on the law. Now he and his brothers issue justice from behind the guise of a high-end security firm that steps in when the law has failed. A former Navy SEAL, Ronan lives by a set of ironclad rules: take care of business, look after his family and his dog, don’t get close enough to hurt — until he runs into Julia Berenger in a back alley.

Julia Berenger will do anything to find her sister.

Two weeks after her sister Elise’s disappearance, Julia has only one lead — the wealthy, powerful man Elise was seeing before she went missing. But when Julia takes matters into her own hands, she comes face to face with a man casing the same subject, a man who informs her that he’s been hired to find and punish the people who took her sister.

As the pair find themselves inextricably tied to the same mystery, their bond deepens. Soon they’re breaking all the rules, tracing clues that lead from the wealthiest members of Boston society to the glitzy underbelly of Dubai as they search for Julia’s sister. But when a chance to save Elise endangers Julia’s life, Ronan is forced to accept that when it comes to love, pain is sometimes part of the bargain.   AMAZON LINK
  3 STARS

Although this book had potential, it just didn't do it for me.  It really didn't even have to do with the dark hero that Ronan was either.  I pretty much knew that going in.  But what also helped ruin it for me was the boat load of "F" words that seemed to be way overdone.  For me it became distracting and then irritating.  Yes, I know it's an adult story but so much of it seemed so unnecessary. 
Yes, I know that not everything was answered in this book and the author even  makes sure we know that.  However, I have no desire to follow through to any more of the stories.  Sorry, author.

BOOK REVIEW- Flynn's Folly by JoAnna Marie *

 (Flynn and Lara were first introduced in “The Virgin Widow”, and this is their story six years later. “Flynn’s Folly” can be read as a stand-alone book or as a sequel to “The Virgin Widow”.)
It’s 1869. The bitter war between North and South is long since over. Survivors from both sides strive to rebuild shattered lives.
Flynn Sinclair, the younger son of a marquess, has known his share of heartache. The death of his beloved Melody has left him devastated. To assuage the pain, he spends his days and nights with his friends in raucous debauchery, scarcely acknowledging the toddler girl he’s left to raise alone.
His brother’s ward, Lara Beth Newton, has morphed into a winsome blue-eyed beauty. Only the Sinclairs know her past, that she was born into slavery. With the help of her dear auntie, Lara escaped from that living hell. In London now, Flynn’s father has agreed to sponsor her for a Season, with the hope that she will make a good match.
Flynn is smitten with the young beauty and has but one objective: to make her his wife.
Lara rejects his proposal. There is no time for marriage in her life. She, too, has but one objective: to find her beloved auntie.
Lulubelle risked her own life to give her niece the precious gift of freedom and has been missing for seven years now, sold off by her master as soon as he learned of her role in Lara’s escape.
When Flynn convinces Lara that her only hope of finding her auntie is to join forces . . . and marriage . . . with him, she at last agrees. The two embark on an adventure that takes them from the drawing rooms of Carolina, to Georgia’s farms, to the plantations and swamps of Mississippi, and on to the vibrant city of Havana.
Will Flynn and Lara find Lulubelle and bring her home? Or, is Lulubelle one of the many formerly enslaved who did not survive the war?
The search for Lulubelle begins!   AMAZON LINK
  4 STARS

This was an emotional story with good main characters.  Flynn Sinclair's family was also a good addition to the story as well.  So are several other people and that includes Tom, the man who was assigned as their driver on Flynn and Lara Beth's journey.
There was quite an adventure that went on when it came to trying to find Lulubelle.  And also a huge surprise twist or two towards the end.
The book also contained some painful looks at what it was like for many of the slaves during that time.   They weren't looked at as people but more like product or cattle; "things" to make money on.  Even after the war that set them free, things didn't look all that much better for many.  
 There is a H.E.A. for the main characters though.

BOOK REIVEW- Highlander’s Buried Identity (Highlanders of Clan Craig Book 1) by Shona Thompson*

A man living in the shadows, an adventurous lass and a revelation from the past that will change their lives…

All Finlay ever wanted was to live a quiet and isolated life. Since he was a child there was a mystery about his true identity, but he was not willing to talk about it, not even to the woman who found him and raised him.

When a beautiful lass needs his help, he will find himself into trouble…

Sine refuses to live as her father wants. She may be the only child of the Laird of the Duncan Clan, but she is too rebellious to listen to his commands. When her life is in danger, one mysterious man with different colored eyes will become her protector.

No matter how reactive she is to the decision of having a guard, she will soon realize that her feelings for Finlay are much more complicated. But her father has different plans for her life and a rich suitor soon arrives to claim her…

When Finlay sees her future husband, he knows she must be protected at all costs. But that means he should reveal who he really is… Can he take that risk?

He always preferred his solitude, until he met her…  AMAZON LINK

                                      3 STAR

The story started out fairly strong with interesting main characters.  There was also some good world building.  Just over half way through though, I started to lose a bit of interest in the story. 

It was pretty easy to guess how who Finlay  was and how it figured in the story.   At one point there was a decision that the two main characters made that had me wanting to slap them both though.  

There does come a point towards the end where evil is confronted and overcome.  It also has a H.E.A. which I did like to see.  

BOOK REVIEW- Once Upon a Prince by Holy Jacobs *

 Part 6 of the Perry Square series
 We didn't think future princesses rode around on motorcycles, but Shey Carlson-local coffee shop diva-just might prove us wrong! Seems Prince Eduardo Matthew Tanner Ericson is back in town, and this highly eligible bachelor has set his sights on Shey. Of course, stubborn Shey denies all rumors of a royal courtship. But we've seen Tanner steal a kiss from his red-haired beauty, and wow do they kiss! Those who've seen them canoodling couldn't be happier. After all, everyone's rooting for this local girl with a big heart to make good…with a real noble man!  AMAZON LINK
                             4 STARS

This was a quick, fun story with plenty of humor as well.  
I liked Shey and her quirky, direct personality.  Also her loyalty to her two friends who she has also established a business with. 
Even Tanner had more to him than just an arrogant prince, which is what I kind of expected.
It's complete with a H.E.A. which is always welcome.  

BOOK REVIEW- Always on His Mind (Man from Yesterday Book 2) by Barbara Lohr *

 Mercedes comes home to Gull Harbor bankrupt and broken. She’s the homecoming queen a guy nicknamed Goofy in high school could never have. Times have changed and so has Finn. Now he owns half the town and he’s still into his uptown girl with her uppity ways. That New York boyfriend Mercedes moons over? History.

Her life may have fallen in the cracks, but Mercedes can’t deny this crazy attraction to Finn. No summer fling for him. Finn wants forever. While Mercedes mucks out summer cottages and plans a triumphant return to Manhattan, he wangles his way into her heart. Is it too late for an uptown girl to learn the lasting power of homespun love?  AMAZON LINK
4 STARS

This was a charming story set in a great community. 
It didn't take long to be pull for Finn to win his long time crush Mercedes.  He was one great guy who was not only a steady man but he was tender and caring to others as well.  Not a wimp, but a true gentleman who knew what he wanted.  
Mercedes had a lot of growing up still to do and she's used to being a mover and a shaker.  New York was where her heart truly was for a very long time even after coming back to Gull Harbor. 
There is a good supporting cast of people in the story as well.  It looks like several of them get their own stories too.  
I liked how the main characters get their H.E.A. especially after they work their way through a lot of emotions. 

BOOK REVIEW- Hot Billionaire for Hire: (A Hot for Hire Romantic Comedy )by Cat Johnson*

 Don't miss SEAL THE DEAL (Hot SEALs) by Cat Johnson where readers first meet Brent and where he racks up that favor he owes Hot SEALs' Zane!

 "I owe you one."
I didn't realize when I said that to my Navy SEAL buddy Zane Alexander he'd actually collect on the debt. Or that it could cost me my life. I'm Brent Hearst, for God's sake. A member of the one percent. As in old family money. Yet somehow I'm standing here, smiling while there's a gun strapped to my leg ruining the line of my Italian suit.
But my real issue isn't with that gun. Oh, no. It's my other weapon I can't control when I'm around the sexy-as-sin brunette who might or might not be a spy. It seems I don't care which while I've got her against the wall with my hand fisted in her hair.
Oh, and while I figure out if I've been sleeping with the enemy, I've also got to keep us both from being killed by a couple of gun-toting Russians. No problem.   AMAZON LINK
                        3 STARS
This book  had potential but sad to say it just didn't do it for me. 
 Brent was a good guy but he was so clueless at times that I had a hard time with that.  There was red flag after red flag about a woman that he was hot for.  And he was placed in a situation that his "friend" Zane had to know he was unlikely to be able to handle.
I didn't like Zane very much either.  I tried but he was just so superior acting and gave almost no information to Brent when he needed it.
Alex was a whole bundle of contradictions which  really kept things somewhat muddy.  Made me wonder at times if she had a twin that was switching back in and out with Zane.
Things do get a bit more interesting and there is more spy like action towards the end but for me it was just too late to change my mind about this book. 

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

BOOK REVIEW- Satisfaction Delivered (Book 3 in Triggerman Inc. Series) by Marie Harte *

 The conclusion to TRIGGERMAN INC, a romantic suspense series about sexy assassins and a baby from New York Times bestseller Marie Harte.

Three assassins and a baby...are up against a cold-blooded murderer.

Hammer won't rest until he finds the woman who betrayed the team, who betrayed him. From the first, he hadn't welcomed his feelings for the supposed nurse. After what she did to the team, he feels both foolish and angry, falling for a pretty face. The need for revenge is all consuming-he's not known as the Destroyer for nothing. But with so much danger on the horizon, his sexy prey will have to wait.

The conspiracy behind a baby found on his friend's doorstep is narrowing, and answers are coming fast and furious. Assassins have targeted Hammer and the organization he works for, and no one is safe.

To Hammer's shock, at the center of it all is the woman he can't stop thinking about. But can he trust her when it's more than just his love and life on the line?   AMAZON LINK
   4 STARS

I liked this story but with some reservations. The main one being that there was even more sex in this book than the others.  At least it seemed that way and it went there right out of the gate.  
What I did like was both of the main characters.  And Violet was one kick-butt woman with plenty of sass.  She had Hammer guessing all the time and he enjoyed the fact that she was tough and kept him on his toes.
 The story not only had plenty of action, and humor but also plenty of twist and turns.
If you've read the rest of the books in this series you will be relieved to know that you will get your answers.  I wasn't surprised to learn who the baby daddy was because the author did leave a good trail of breadcrumbs on that.  However, there was surprise after surprise about some of the other actions.  We even get a peek into Hammer's tightly kept family secrets even some he didn't know until later in the book.   
I liked how the story ended.  And how we got to see who Big Joe was but even then there was still another big surprise about him that is revealed in the closing pages.  I didn't see that one coming.

BOOK REVIEW- SECRETS UNSEALED (Book 2 of The Triggerman Inc.Series) by Marie Harte *

 An assassin with a baby? Inconceivable...

The second stand-alone romantic suspense in the Triggerman Inc. series featuring sexy assassins, a baby, and a devious bad guy from New York Times bestseller Marie Harte.

Deacon's life could be better. Deacon-the Shadow-kills people for a living. He's a choosy assassin, and he makes no bones about his life choices. But a baby… That's something he knows he'd never conceive of-pun intended.

While he's looking into this baby situation, snarky ex-supermodel Solene Hansen is in trouble. Deacon's sticking to her 24/7. Before long, he's learning that there's a lot more to Solene than sharp words and a gorgeous face. But his enemies are close, and they've taken note of his interest...

It'll take all his talent to keep Solene safe, learn who wants him dead and what the baby has to do with any of it, and figure out how to get Solene to realize that while he might not be a safe bet, he'll be a sure one.  AMAZON LINK
4 STARS
 I liked this second story in the series that I have been following.  Deacon and Solene are so unique as main characters and I enjoyed the sparks that they set off between them.
Deacon is used to women throwing themselves at him and he likes women.  He usually doesn't have to put in much effort to attract or seduce a woman.  Solene is NOT impressed with his moves and is suspicious of everything about him.  He's not used to that and it intrigues him. He also likes setting her off with his flirting humor.  
Solene is also used to men throwing themselves at her and she knows how to cut them off at the pass.  But no matter how hard she tries Deacon still manages to get to her.
The danger is definitely there in the story.  So is the developing friendship with the other assassins. The baby still doesn't have a name, or the name of the father.  He also doesn't figure as much in the book but the questions about him do.
There will be explicit sex in the story, which I think the reader probably kind of knows will be a part of the book.  While I would have liked to have a bit less of that I get that it's an adult story.
Some questions are answered, and some villains removed but I'm now reading Book #3 to get the rest of the answers.