BOOK REVIEW- Mountain Man's Price (Mountain Men Book 3) by Ava Grace

    

After finally kicking her lying, cheating husband to the curb, the last thing Violet Miller wants is another man who can’t keep it in his pants. Enter Luke Chase.

Motorcycle man, Luke, might be hot and sexy, but he’s also her best friend’s older brother and is known around town for his womanizing ways. When Luke offers to scratch Violet’s itch, she reluctantly agrees.

What harm could come from a night of fun with the sexy biker?

However, it soon becomes clear that Luke wants nothing less than Violet on the back of his bike with his ring on her finger. Should she give in to her attraction and risk having her heart broken a second time, or should she go running for the Colorado hills?

When Luke proposes a compromise, can Violet agree to his terms or is the mountain man’s price too high?  AMAZON LINK

3 STARS

 This was a quick story with some humor, danger and also some heated sex between Violet and Luke.  Like Violet keeps saying she's not interested in getting into a relationship.  I liked the clever way that Luke got around that.

The motorcycle club was different than I expected but that wasn't a bad thing.  

The story was a bit predictable but does end up with almost all the problems solved.  There is still a danger out there to Luke, Violet and their friends and family.  But there is a H.E.A. for now until that danger is removed; probably in a following story.   At least things get solved between our two main characters.

BOOK REVIEW- Looking for a Cowboy (Heart of Texas Book 5) by Donna Grant *

 

 

Description

A cowboy finds love in the most unlikely place in New York Times bestseller Donna Grant's newest Heart of Texas novel, Looking for a Cowboy.

A beautiful stranger has come to Clearview, asking questions that are nobody’s business. Cooper Owens also wasn’t born yesterday. He knows that this out-of-towner is hiding a dark secret of her own. Much as he knows he should head in the other direction, he can’t make himself turn away. . .

P.I. Marlee Frampton always wanted to lead a nice quiet life, working as a cop in her local police department. But that dream came to an end when her sister was murdered—and her baby kidnapped. Now Marlee’s come to Texas to investigate the Harpers, who may be linked to shady adoption agencies. Cooper can’t believe that his friends could be involved in anything so sinister...and soon he makes it his mission to help Marlee discover the truth—and keep her safe in his arms.  AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

This was an intense, emotional story . It addressed a pretty serious danger that keeps being done over and over again.  Kidnapping women, murdering them so that they can steal there babies?  It's a gruesome, cruel crime so no wonder Marlee is relentless in perusing them.  Her twin sister's murder and the theft of her niece started her on this path but she began to release she has a gift when it comes sorting through the clues.  

Some of the emotion also comes from when Marlee and Owen find themselves strongly drawn to each other pretty quickly.  They both have been on their own for some time.  Marlee of course has had no time to date, putting all her passion into her investigations.  Owen hadn't found anyone that grabbed his attention until he met Marlee.  Then he just knew even though he wasn't sure how a relationship could work out.  It made for a good romance as they begin to learn about each other. 

There is plenty of other people in the community of family and friends that surround Owen.   At first, I was getting lost from time to time when it came to sorting them out. However, Cooper's lifelong friend Jace didn't fall into that category.   They were so close that they were more like brothers than best buds.  By the time the story was finished I ended up hoping Jace gets his story next and hopefully a love of his own.  Either a  recovered love from his past  ( which was mentioned that there had been one) or a brand new one. 

The whole story was intense, with surprise after surprise.  And one of the best ones comes at the close of the book.  Quite the dramatic ending.  A H.E.A ending was also welcome as well.

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

BOOK REVIEW- Backlash (Capital Intrigue Book #2) by Rachel Dylan *

 

  

 For those who are content sensitive: this book contains non-graphic scenes and descriptions of physical and sexual assault.

Description

CIA analyst Layla Karam is thrust into a dangerous DEA field operation against a cartel that puts a target on her back. Though Layla never wanted to be a field agent, Langley had other ideas. After one of her team members is murdered because of fallout from the op, Layla is left scrambling to find safety.

At the same time, the CIA opens up an internal investigation against her. Out of options, Layla turns to ex-boyfriend and private investigator Hunter McCoy for help finding out who might want to ruin her career.

Layla and Hunter soon discover a mole inside the DEA has sold out the team's identity to the cartel. She must clear her name with the Agency and protect herself and her teammates from cartel retaliation. With threats on all sides, Layla must put her trust in Hunter--the man who broke her heart--and hope they both come out of it alive.   AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

 

This story had two main characters, Layla Karam and Hunter McCoy.  And that is the main story.  But this story is also about the women who were close friends with her.  I didn't get that at first but realized that as the book went on.  I spent a fair amount of time trying to figure out how Izzy figured in until I realized this.  Izzy and Jay had their own story going on just outside of Layla's struggles.  

I did struggle at first because of all the people in the beginning of the book.  I kept having to sort them out.  

Layla was a straight arrow kind of woman who did things by the book.  She was a woman of faith and honor.  The investigation into her activities confused her because she really had done nothing wrong.  

Hunter was a guy that was walking on egg shells when he's around Layla because of his past actions.  He is also struggling with his faith in God. He also holds a secret that he's been unable to share with her.  But the truth is coming out!

There is plenty of twists and surprises in the story and about the time you think you've got them all another pops up.  The ultimate twist comes at the end with another dangerous betrayal. 

It does come to a dramatic conclusion with an Epilogue that dots some "I's" and crosses some "T's". 

 

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

BOOK REVIEW- A Lord Apart (The Way to a Lord's Heart Book 2) by Jane Ashford

   

Family secrets, an unlikely alliance-and a love neither expected...
After his parents' sudden death, Daniel Frith, Viscount Whitfield, is struggling to unravel a web of chaotic family records. He is astonished to learn his father's will contains a mysterious legacy: a house left to a complete stranger. He knows nothing about the beautiful Penelope Pendleton and he's not sure he wants to...until she turns out to be a whiz at all those nasty tasks involved in estate administration...
Penelope has no idea why Rose Cottage was left to her. But it's a godsend after her brother's reckless actions disgraced her family. She had planned to stay out of Viscount Whitfield's way, not grow ever closer to him. But when they discover how entwined their families really are, Daniel and Penelope must collaborate to avoid a scandal that reaches much higher than they could have guessed...

AMAZON LINK 

3 STARS

I found this book to be a bit of a mixed bag. It had its good moments but I also had times where I struggled to keep involved. 

Neither of the main characters were a problem to read about though.  They had plenty of baggage and emotional issues that they had to wade through. Don't get the wrong idea though because it wasn't done in a heavy handed way.   There were also some interesting secondary people, like Kitty who was the 16 year old maid. 

There is also humor in the story,  and the incident with the goats was both surprising and funny.  

I found Lord Macklin to be a wild card in the story.  I wasn't sure what to quite make of him at first.  And Penelope has pretty much the same feelings.    Of course, she's not sure anymore who she can trust.  She's been badly burned by the Home Office government men.  She's  been treated horribly through no fault of her own.  

With all of that said, there were parts that just didn't pull me in that much.  The story does have an unusual twist in the end that leads to a H.E.A.  and some justice too! 

Added is a quick look into  another book, "How to Cross a Marquess." 

BOOK REVIEW- Impossible Odds (A Five Families Novel) by Jill Ramsower **

  

******

General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers | Romance 

**************************************

 

Description

He was a vision of power and privilege.

Ruthless arrogance personified.

A total stranger and an irresistible challenge.

 

I approached him in a busy casino and felt the sting of his brutal rejection.

Then I did something incredibly brazen. Impulsive. Reckless.

 

I stole from him.

 

The object was inconsequential, only worth a handful of dollars.

I didn’t do it for the money; it was about making a statement.

 

I went back home thousands of miles away without giving him a second thought until I spotted those quicksilver eyes glaring at me across a busy nightclub.

 

It was too impossible to be a coincidence.

Yet, there he was, seething with a violent promise of retribution.

 

He thought he’d intimidate me.

Hunt me down and make me pay.

What he didn’t realize was I don’t scare easily.

 

My name is Giada Genovese, and I’m a goddamn mafia princess.  AMAZON LINK

5 STARS

 What a great story this was.  This was the first book that I've read in this series.  I'm glad I didn't miss this one.

 I will say that at first I wasn't sure that I was going to even like Giada.   But as time went on I fell totally in love with this unique, brash young woman.   She definitely lived life full throttle, with no apologies and was incredibly interesting.  She comes across as selfish for quite a while.  That is until you dig a bit deeper into her as the story goes on. 

I have to say that there is NOT one boring person in this whole story.  They all had a of of depth to them as well as many being pretty dangerous too.  

 There was really good world building with  good , interesting descriptions of surroundings which felt like it was just right. 

Primo was one huge, gorgeous "box" of surprises.  Don't forget also how dangerous he was too!  But like all the other characters, he is also a man with many layers .   I was delighted with how Giada described him later on.  It was all in her head of course, but it was pretty darn good and felt accurate. She saw him as "refined, with a razor-sharp jagged edge and infinitely complicated. " I loved the fact that we got both of the main characters points of views.   Giada might have had to follow her instincts and reason and guess some things about Primo but we got the inside scoop.  And that caused me to like him more and more too.  It also put the light on just how dangerous his pursuing Giada is.  Still, they do find time to engage in some pretty steamy sex when Primo isn't trying to stay away from her.  For both their good, of course. 

The tension is kept tight throughout the story.   A lot of that tension also comes from Primo's boss Nazario Vargas (Naz).   Naz was one over the top dangerous man who was easy to see was one crazy dude.  That made him even more dangerous, because he was already suspicious of everyone and  everything, and he's also extremely manipulative.   His brother Juan might not be as nuts as his brother but that doesn't make him less dangerous.  

In later chapters,  Giada and Primo did something that I thought was kind of careless when you consider how paranoid Naz is.  So I wasn't surprised to see that come back to bite them in the butt.   But there were plenty of surprises that showed up in the story and it kept me totally involved until the end.  The Epilogue was a good touch as well, to a an intense, enjoyable story.   

 

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

BOOK REVIEW- It's Vegas, Baby (Vegas, Baby #1) by Fiona Davenport *

 

  

All bets are off when this billionaire casino owner falls for a beautiful doctor.

When Andrew Lennox spotted Autumn standing at the registration desk of his Las Vegas hotel, she was instantly his obsession. With Autumn leaving to spend a year abroad, their time was limited. But Drew was determined to use every second convincing Autumn of what he already knew. She was his. And no matter how long she was gone or how far away, that would never change.  AMAZON LINK

3 STARS

I've got to admit that the eBook cover made me slow down and read the book information.   Very attractive indeed.  And it even fit pretty well with the description of  Andrew Lennox's physical appearance.  Another bonus point for that too, for me.  

However, I was somewhat disappointed with the actual story.  It was just okay for me.  Yes, it's a short story, a novella just like it clearly states.  It has SOME good moments and a good description of the luscious of their surroundings.    Even a bit of information shared about some actual gambling.   But there were a few moments when I felt almost uncomfortable with some of Drew's possessiveness.  It helps  though that we get to read both Drew and Autumn's points of view.  It helped with some of my uncomfortable in that area especially.  

I liked that at least another thing that Drew and Autumn had in common was that they had been so laser focused on their careers that they had been left with no time for dating.  

Prepare yourself for a lot of sex, because they were trying to get together knowing there was a very short time limit for them in the right now. 

The story does have a H.E.A. which I of course liked .  But also the feeling of one and done. 

BOOK REVIEW- Blacklisted (Loveless, Texas Book 3) by Jay Crownover

  

Description

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men series comes an irresistible and suspenseful romance between a doctor who plays by the rules and the outlaw who breaks them in order to protect her.

Dr. Presley Baskin has always lived a quiet, calm life. Unfortunately, nothing about her life in Loveless, Texas -- especially not the wild, rowdy, and impossibly close-knit Lawton family who've claimed her -- is quiet or calm. Which is how loner Presley finds herself roped into patching up local bad boy Shot Caldwell against her better judgment. Presley wants nothing to do with the dangerous, brooding leader of the local outlaw motorcycle club. But when someone starts stalking her, Shot is the only person she trusts to help. Plus he owes her one . . .

Palmer 'Shot' Caldwell has always known his life isn't made for relationships. At least until shy, secretive, Presley reluctantly pulled a bullet out of him. He's oddly protective of the pretty doctor, so when she comes to him  for help, hard-hearted Shot suddenly realizes there's nothing he wouldn't do to keep her safe.   AMAZON LINK

    5  STARS

It all starts out with a really great dedication that I loved!  It was a great encouragement that its better to stand out  than to fit in. But most important, be yourself. There was more but that was the gist of it.  When I read that my first thoughts were, ''This sounds promising.  I sure hope the story is as good as this dedication!"  And I can truthfully say, it was.  I really enjoyed the story and think I've found a new- to -me author to follow.  I will be looking to read more of her stuff.

Both Presley and Shot were compelling main characters who couldn't be more different from each other. Makes you wonder how they could ever be a good fit. Sure, the attraction was there.  That was not even a question.  But as the story goes on, some interesting similarities crop up that you wouldn't think would.  One thing that they do have in common is that they have both been outsiders in society.  The reasons are different but it came as a surprise to me when it became clear that they BOTH had been blacklisted in some way.  I really liked that and the unpredictability of not only the story but also in both of the M.C.'s.  

Looking at Presley you see a woman who had no family left and she was used to being a loner.  She is someone who has carried a pretty heavy load all on her own for years.  That made her independent but also not used to having anyone to lean on.  She even owns up to the fact that she doesn't know how.  She doesn't know how to do the family thing either.  But she's getting a crash course in it when her quiet life explodes with her newly found Lawton family.  I think the author did a great job of showing just how jarring that was to Presley.  Her half sister Kody played a big part in the story.  After awhile she keeps refusing to allow Presley to shut her new family out.  Kody had a heart as big as Texas and her personality was just as big too. 

Shot lived his life by his own rules.   It often makes him butt heads with the law.  But he does live by his own code of honor.  So, I guess that made him a dark hero in the story.  Still, he had quite the way with Presley that was surprisingly charming.  It made me smile when it came to Shot and Presley doing the "you owe me a favor" (a favor for a favor) game.  The two of them do end up heating things in the bedroom but it's not right away, which I also liked.

Ashby was quite the villain that you don't have to wonder about.  Is she evil or not? Oh, yeah,  you know it early on and her manipulations and hateful actions just keep being revealed.  Her hatred for Presley runs long and hard and without any limits.  It made me wonder when and how she would get caught. 

The twists and turns in the story kept me involved and often on the edge of my seat.  Not only was Presley in danger but Shot had some enemies too.  They also have a part to play in some of the danger. 

I also really enjoyed the Epilogue that was included.

One thing I will say was the eBook cover felt a bit  like it didn't quite fit my image of Shot.  At least on the cover at this time, he looks more cowboy than a leader of a biker club.  Not a tattoo to be found anywhere.  But I probably shouldn't make a big deal about that because the picture did cause me to stop and take a closer look at the book. 

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

Author- Stephanie Queen has a newsletter

 

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BOOK REVIEW- The Beast of Aros Castle (Highland Isles Book 1) by [Heather McCollum] *

   

Ava Sutton is on the run from a dangerous man and makes her way safely to Scotland. Masquerading as a titled, English lady, she must convince the darkly handsome chief of the Macleans of Aros to wed her before she is tracked down.

Tor Maclean, the new chief of Aros Castle, has sworn off marriage. Despite his efforts to scare away the Englishwoman his father arranged for him to wed, Tor is nonetheless drawn to her passion and beauty. But he doesn't know if he can forgive the untruths that have come to light for a chance at a once in a lifetime love...  AMAZON LINK

   5 STARS 

You can almost taste the danger that Ava and Grace face in the very opening chapter of this book.  It made for quite the dramatic start. It was not only dramatic but kind of scary too. Vincent was revealed right in that first chapter as a pure evil villain that they were trying to escape. Add to that to the fact he had some power on his side and he was a clever evil guy.  Ava and Grace were really good main characters and had me rooting for them both really quickly.

Ava was quite the clever woman and some of her improvised plans started out good.  It saved both herself and Grace many times. And Ava will do just about anything to protect Grace, they are SO close. It's almost like they are sisters regardless of their difference in status. It also landed them in some unexpected things that go sideways too.   This was going to be another of those things that will go sideways.  But Grace and Ava really had no other choice.  And Ava was really good at thinking on her feet.  I really liked her a lot.  

Grace was quite the gentle lady, she also was fairly quick to follow after Ava and her adventures.  She just about faints when she meets The Beast.  There is no way she can marry HIM.  But it was also good to see Grace begin to toughen up a bit as the story goes on.  She also starts to come into her own.

Tor being titled with the name"The Beast of Argos Castle" was really misguided.  Yes, he is a tough and fierce warrior but he is also so much more.  And Ava finds ways to tap that so much more.  And he fights her all the way until suddenly he just can't.  Their battle of wills was interesting and often funny.  They made me smile more than once.

This story kept me involved every step of the way.   It was at times unpredictable, mixed with some twists and turns.  It also had some interesting secondary people in it and that includes Tor's mother Joan.  Is there a H.E.A?  Yes, and I liked how the story ended.  It also made me want to read more of this series.  Bring on the stories for Grace and also Tor's sister,
Mairi Maclean.

 

BOOK REVIEW- Claimed by the Wealthy Magnate by Nina Milne

 

 One evening that changes everything! After Lady Kaitlin Derwent was kidnapped as a child, she shut down her emotions and focused on becoming the perfect daughter her aristocratic family wanted. But one evening in Barcelona she meets a handsome stranger who makes her crave freedom... Wealthy lawyer Daniel Harrington has never believed in love, but spending the evening with Kaitlin opens up new possibilities. Daniel is determined to show her that only by being true to herself can she be truly happy... If only she'll let him show her the way!  AMAZON LINK

3 STARS

This story had potential but just ended up being "just okay" for me.

It started out with some good main characters; people who have gone through some pretty painful things.  Both with parents who had disappointed them but at least Daniel's mother had loved him.  The same thing really can't be said of Kaitlin's parents.  They were all into long distance parenting and everything was about image and status to them. Totally unlikable people, who were of zero help to Kaitlin.  

For me the story got bogged down with the same issues over and over again.  Mainly when it came to Kaitlin's traumas.  

After a while I found it harder and harder to keep interested in the story.  I didn't hate the story but I also can't say I loved it either. 

BOOK REVIEW- Finders, Keepers A Stand-Alone Intro to The Helios Series (The Helios Greek Romance Series Book 1) by Chloe Holiday *

   

 Finders, Keepers is a fast, fun novella: a sexy modern Cinderella story with a dash of humor, plenty of spice, and NO CLIFFHANGERS!

Description

Convinced her boyfriend is cheating when she catches him getting hands-on with a model at a swanky holiday party, Farrah bolts. Caught after dark in the bad part of town, she dodges into a bar where straitlaced Caleb is a breath of fresh chivalry—perfect. Ready to burn her bridges, Farrah goes home with Caleb for a round of incendiary revenge sex. By the time she hears from her boyfriend it was all a misunderstanding, it’s too late: she’s the cheater now. Horrified, Farrah sneaks out. She resolves to do better, yet she daydreams of the hot stranger, not the loyal boyfriend she wronged.

Caleb's all-in when a gorgeous, funny woman materializes in the bar. He throws out his rule book, unable to resist taking her home. When he wakes up alone, he has to find her again. All he has is a single mitten ... AMAZON LINK

      4 stars

This was a fun, enjoyable story with really good main characters.  

I didn't like Farrah's boyfriend Justin though.  For someone who loves her he sure was busy trying to change her.  He didn't really like her fun, funky appearance and ways.   I on the other hand did enjoy them.  He appeared to be subtle about it but he really wasn't.  Someone described him as a douche and it really seemed to fit.  Also pretentious was mentioned and that seemed to be right on.  I wasn't rooting for him at all.  Farrah definitely deserved better.  And the more I read about Caleb, he sure seemed to be the better man.

Caleb sure was a hardworking, honorable man who is gobsmacked when he met Farrah.  I liked that he was holding two part time jobs as he continued his studies.  He sure was more appreciative of Farrah than Justin was.  In both his words and his actions. 

There is miss after miss when it comes to the times that Caleb and Farrah try to catch up with each other. The one missing mitten made me smile and think it was reminiscent of Cinderella and her left behind shoe.  It didn't overtake the story though which I felt was good. 

I liked how the story ended with a well deserved H.E.A. 

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

BOOK REVIEW- Guardian's Grace (Dark Protectors Book 12) by Rebecca Zanetti

Description

Duty—or desire?

Vampire soldier Adare O’Cearbhaill’s default setting is cranky.  Or irritated.  Or down-right hostile.  Still, as a Highlander of honor and duty, he stepped up to save an enhanced and special human female by mating her—with merely a bite and a brand. The last person he wants in his life is a fragile human, yet he can’t get her out of his mind as she regains her strength before taking off for parts unknown. And when he discovers she is in danger, nothing can stop him from hunting her down—whether she likes it or not.

There’s only one way to find out . . .

Photographer Grace Cooper has had it with vampires, demons, and the rest of an immortal world she was happier not knowing about. She also doesn’t believe she’s destined for some great battle because of an old birthmark. Forget the fact that her mate is the sexiest thing on two stubborn feet, or that her brand is fading along with her health. She’ll handle things on her own—until an old enemy reappears and she learns the only way to stay alive is to actually mate, wild sex and all, with that ripped and dangerous Adare—a powerful, captivating Highlander who demands nothing less than everything . . .

AMAZON LINK
    4 STARS

This was another rip roaring story in the series.  I have always experienced some unusual things in the previous stories in this series.  This book definitely kicks that element up to another level.
A certain amount of time is spent with both of the M.C.'s fighting against how they didn't need each other.  Yes, the attraction was there but Grace was a "no go" when it comes to being with Adare because of his sense of duty.  It's going to take a whole lot more than that to bring her around.
Grace got tossed into the supernatural world with no preparation. She still hasn't learned a lot.  Although after the coma she roamed on her own for 5 years.  Her takes her a long time to even begin to see how big the danger is for her.
Adare was all male warrior who has tamped down his emotions since forever.  He doesn't believe in love which is going to be a BIG problem for him.  He does has close friends and family.  Because of the SEVEN, he also has another group of brothers bound together. 
One of those brothers is Benny.  Along with skill he brings charm and humor to the story.  I liked him a lot.  Please tell me his story will be told.
Plenty of action and danger and some angst fill the story.  Finally later in the story Grace and Adare do get hot and heavy with each other.

Some surprised definitely awaited me as I got closer to the end.  There was several twists and one which I never saw coming.  I really liked that.

It all ends with a H.E.A. for now.  Mainly because they all still have enemies out there.  And one really bad enemy who is still fighting to get free.


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

BOOK REVIEW- The Secret One Corisi Billionaires, Book 3 by Ruth Cardello

Description

In this steamy third book in New York Times bestselling author Ruth Cardello’s Corisi Billionaires series, a trip to Italy could jump-start a lasting relationship—but only if all that’s hidden comes to light.
When Christof meets a beautiful mechanic on the side of the road, he knows they’re meant to be. His family, however, needs him and his mediation skills in Italy, where decades of secrets and betrayal could cost them everything. His mother is convinced a fiancée would help smooth things over. But he’d be nuts to ask a woman he just met to participate in such a farce.
Men always find something about McKenna they want to change—her independence, her success, the grease that clings to her after a satisfying day in the garage. So when she starts falling for a handsome billionaire, she doesn’t believe it will last. Their engagement is fake, but the sparks that fly when they’re together are too real to resist.
If Christof and McKenna trust themselves and each other, Italy will jump-start a love as intimate as it is intense. If not…their relationship isn’t the only one on the line...  AMAZON LINK

                 5 STARS

 I enjoyed every minute of this story. I was concerned at first though.  I had read two previous books in the series but it was a while back.   I wondered if I'd be able to jump right back in.  I didn't need to worry about that. I think even first time readers of this book would be able to keep up.

Both main characters were marvelous.  As was McKenna's pit crew family and Cristof's family.   None claimed to be perfect but family was uber important to them all.  McKenna/Mac's family wasn't by blood but that didn't make any difference with the love they had for each other. 

Chistof's family were tight but they also knew they had flaws too. 

The humor between the main character's was so much fun.  And Christof's family had plenty of fun shenanigans, especially between the brothers.

Even having mentioned all of the humor there is also plenty of painful emotions as well.  And yes, plenty of secrets for sure. I liked how there was such depth in the story, both in the past and in the present.

 All does get revealed except there is one thread about Sebastian that the author kind of left us hanging on. All in all, though I liked how things got resolved and how Chrisof and Mac get their H.E.A.

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

BOOK REVIEW- The Virgin Who Ruined Lord Gray (The Swooning Virgins Society Book 1) by Anna Bradley *

   

Description

Behind the doors of the Clifford Charity School for Wayward Girls there lies a secret society of brilliant, fearless women who are bringing justice to London’s most corrupt aristocrats, one nobleman at a time…
 
Other young ladies might occupy their spare time with drawing or needlework, but Sophia Monmouth spends hers scaling rooftops and shadowing suspicious characters. Her objective: to gain information that will free a friend wrongly accused of murder. She hasn’t bargained on being spotted and followed back to the Clifford School by a mysterious earl who holds almost as many secrets as she does.
 
Tristan Stratford, Lord Gray, earned the nickname the Ghost of Bow Street because no man has ever escaped him. Sophia—all soft curves beneath her disguise—is a unique challenge. Determined to learn the truth about the Clifford School, he joins Sophia in a scheme that leads from Newgate’s cells to the pinnacle of power. But when desire is at odds with justice, succumbing to temptation may lead them both into the heart of danger. . . .  AMAZON LINK

   5+ STARS 

I loved every bit of this story.  It was emotional, quirky, with plenty of danger but it was also funny at times .  It was clever with really good main characters.  And it had some good supporting people as well.  Lady Clifford  the founder of her own unorthodox school  definitely fit the bill of a interesting secondary person.

"No Unnecessary risks " is almost a mantra for Sophia. It's something that Lady Clifford says often to Sophia. But no matter how hard she tries, it's something that she unwittingly violates, time and again.  But she is a really clever, inventive woman. So it's hard for her not to push the envelope.

Stuffy, rigid by the book , the law is the law definitely defined Tristan.  Well, until Sophia burst into his world and upended it. It doesn't look like it at first but as the story unfolds we see that both Tristan and Sophia work for justice. Sophia sees it differently than Tristan though.  She sees it through the eyes of it not always working fairly for everyone.  Especially if you're not a part of the entitled aristocratic group of people. I really enjoyed the interactions between the two of them. 

 The ending of the story was good even though some villains didn't get the exact punishment that they deserved.  But our "heroes" definitely got what they deserved.  A very nicely done H.E.A. that was uniquely done in their own style.

After reading this book and enjoying it so much, I will be on the lookout for more books in this series.  Absolutely, because it does say this is Book #1.

 

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

BOOK REVIEW- Bared & Wicked Sexy: An Anthology by Jill Shalvis and Anne Marsh *

 

    

Bared by Jill Shalvis


Emma Willis never saw herself as a model—until she has to do a photo shoot in her twin sister's place. When Emma puts on barely-there lingerie in front of the photographer, Rafe Delacantro, she feels sexy…and more uninhibited than she's ever been.


Rafe knows Emma’s not the model he's expecting. But the more time he spends in her seductive presence, the more he wants. He now has to convince her that their affair can last after the camera is put away….


Wicked Sexy by Anne Marsh


Danielle Andrews was supposed to be on her honeymoon. Instead, she's back on Discovery Island licking her wounds and running for shelter when she sees Daeg Ross coming her way. Years ago, on this very beach, Dani started something with the special ops aviation rescue swimmer. But she refuses to be tempted by the wickedly hot military hunk again…AMAZON LINK

 

 

BARED by Jill Shalvis- While I liked this story and how different it was, it was also a story that I can't say is a favorite. I like so many of this author's stories, this one for me is just okay.

On that note I will say that both of the main characters were good ones and even Emma's sister though selfish was an important part of the story too.  

There is plenty of sexual teasing which made the book a lot hotter.  And I liked the grumpy cat.  Just can't put my finger on what I felt was missing.    

WICKED SEXY by Anne Marsh-

I enjoyed this story.  It had good main characters and was filled with plenty of emotion and some dangers.  Dani would say that the most dangers came from her emotions about Daeg.  He was a big risk as far as she could see.  He was a jump all in, feet first kind of man.  She was an admitted over thinker, who constantly weighed the risks and wanted to go with a sure thing.  A lot of that came from the unstable childhood she had.  Her father was always looking for the next best thing and was jerking her family from place to place.  Usually the best thing he chased didn't pan out either.  

 Daeg definitely kept things interesting.  I enjoyed the fact that he found Dani's secret fantasy with Daeg list.  I liked how he thought about that list.  That he had found a roadmap to Dani's own seduction.  He smiled when he noted that it also listed her likes and dislikes.  

The one thing I found kind of odd and a bit unlikely was when he re-injured his leg.  He was already still recovery from a very serious injury and then that same leg got injured again.  So much so that he was unable to shift the gears in his Jeep in an emergency.  But then not too much longer, he squatted down during part of the story; without pain?  And then he also went to sit on the floor in another scene.  I found that a bit hard to swallow.  Still...I did enjoy the story on a whole. 

It comes to a good ending with a H.E.A.

 

 

BOOK REVIEW- Sexy Wicked by Anne Marsh *

 

 Too sexy to resist? 

Danielle Andrews was supposed to be on her honeymoon. Instead, she's back on Discovery Island licking her wounds and running for shelter when she sees Daeg Ross coming her way. Years ago, on this very beach, Dani started something with the special ops aviation rescue swimmer. But she refuses to be tempted by the wickedly hot military hunk again. 

Daeg Ross is used to jumping into treacherous waters. But his feelings for relationship-shy Dani are a whole new type of risk. They are volatile—and irresistible. When their lives are threatened by the invading winds and endless rain of a tropical storm, Daeg and Dani are forced to take shelter and ride out a wild night. Together, will they sink…or swim? 

Uniformly Hot! The few, the proud, the sexy as hell!  AMAZON LINK

   4 STARS

 

I enjoyed this story.  It had good main characters and was filled with plenty of emotion and some dangers.  Dani would say that the most dangers came from her emotions about Daeg.  He was a big risk as far as she could see.  He was a jump all in, feet first kind of man.  She was an admitted over thinker, who constantly weighed the risks and wanted to go with a sure thing.  A lot of that came from the unstable childhood she had.  Her father was always looking for the next best thing and was jerking her family from place to place.  Usually the best thing he chased didn't pan out either.  

 Daeg definitely kept things interesting.  I enjoyed the fact that he found Dani's secret fantasy with Daeg list.  I liked how he thought about that list.  That he had found a roadmap to Dani's own seduction.  He smiled when he noted that it also listed her likes and dislikes.  

The one thing I found kind of odd and a bit unlikely was when he re-injured his leg.  He was already still recovery from a very serious injury and then that same leg got injured again.  So much so that he was unable to shift the gears in his Jeep in an emergency.  But then not too much longer, he squatted down during part of the story; without pain?  And then he also went to sit on the floor in another scene.  I found that a bit hard to swallow.  Still...I did enjoy the story on a whole. 

It comes to a good ending with a H.E.A.  

BOOK REVIEW- BARED by Jill Shalvis

 

Emma Willis never saw herself as a model--especially for a sensual fantasy calendar--until she has to do a photo shoot in her twin sister's place. When Emma puts on barely-there lingerie in front of the photographer, hottie Rafe Delacantro, she feels sexy...and more uninhibited than she's ever been. Before she knows it, she's enticing him to let off a little steam with her!

The minute Emma shows up, Rafe knows she's not the model he's expecting. She's too fascinating, too tempting for him to resist. Fine. They'll share a steamy fling that will end when the shoot is finished. But the more time he spends in Emma's seductive presence, the more involved he gets...and the more he wants of her. He now has to convince her that their affair can last after the camera is put away....

AMAZON LINK 

3.5 STARS

While I liked this story and how different it was, it was also a story that I can't say is a favorite. I like so many of this author's stories, this one for me is just okay.

On that note I will say that both of the main characters were good ones and even Emma's sister though selfish was an important part of the story too.  

There is plenty of sexual teasing which made the book a lot hotter.  And I liked the grumpy cat.  Just can't put my finger on what I felt was missing.    

BOOK REVIEW- Her Secret Song (Brides of Hope Mountain Book #3) by Mary Connealy

Description

After a rough winter spent alone, Ursula Nordegren realizes she must overcome her fears of the outside world and begins a trek down Hope Mountain. Along the way she finds a badly wounded stranger and realizes God may have used her decision to leave as a way of saving the man.

Wax Mosby was climbing Hope Mountain in part to atone for his terrible choices. He was hired to drive out the Warden family and now knows he was duped. But when he's wounded during the climb, the last person he expects to rescue him is a beautiful blond woman with the voice of an angel.

As both Ursula and Wax weigh the costs of living new lives, the two find an unlikely bond. And they're joined by Ursula's sisters and the Warden family as the final showdown over the family ranch looms with the coming of spring. AMAZON LINK
  4 STARS

I liked this story and found Ursula quite the interesting main character.  Of course having read each of her sister's stories it made me want to hear hers.  Fear has so stunted her life over the years.  But even though she has some misunderstandings about there being two bibles, she still has strong faith.  
Adding to the story was another person, Wax Mosby who I had also wanted to know more about too.   What a life he has led and he's not as evil and ruthless as his reputation has suggested.  He has a code of honor and he finds the man who hired him has lied to him big time. 
 I really enjoyed reading about the two main characters and how they saw goodness that others might have missed.  Emotions run high in the story. I also enjoyed the rest of the Warden family being revisited and seeing how the Nordegren sisters are faring. 
There is plenty of villains plotting against the Warden family which leads to a lot of action.  There is at least one point where I felt like the story did slow down some but things do rev back up again.  Overall, it's a fairly full, long story. 
I liked how the story ended with H.E.A.'s and a peek into their lives in the future through the Epilogue.  

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

BOOK REVIEW- Storm (Special Forces: Operation Alpha): A Linear Tactical Series Novel by Janie Crouch

 

  

Breathe in. Breathe out. Survive.  

Marilyn Ellis is finally putting her life back together. The domestic abuse she suffered may be labeled textbook by therapists, but it’s the parts she’s never told anyone that haunt her.   She refuses to get trapped in that hell ever again.  

Former Special Forces soldier turned rancher Noah Dempsey is more than capable of training the delicate single mom in moves and tactics that will help her feel safe. But his own tortured past makes him decidedly less qualified for anything more.  

No matter how much her big eyes—and even bigger heart—draw him in.  

However, when unexpected danger arrives in their small town, Noah knows this is a woman worth fighting for. Worth fighting beside. And he’s going to be the one to do it.  

She needs a hero.
He’ll have to remember how to be one.  AMAZON LINK

  5 STARS

 

This was a really good story with quite the dramatic start. It had great main characters alongside an equally good supporting cast of people.  Noah's brother Tanner played a part in this story as well. So did some of the other team members of Special Forces  and the Linear Tactical group. The danger level is high and well played throughout the story.  There is plenty of emotions flowing throughout the story and it's well done.  So is some of the humor, just so you know it's not all dark and dangerous.  Some of the humor comes from Eva but there is also humor between the M.C.'s as they got to know each other.

Marilyn's soon to be ex  Jared is one slimy piece of work.  But not only is he violent, he is also devilishly clever too.  I really liked both Marilyn and Noah and it wasn't too hard to want to see them get their H.E.A.  I liked how sensitive Noah was to the P.T.S.D. that Marilyn didn't even recognize that she had.  It made for some really tender moments.  I also liked how Noah interacted with her young children; Sam and Eva. Those two kids were young but they were charming and fun especially the younger Eva.  Sam was more reserved both by nature but also because of what he had seen and heard dished out by his abusive father.  He was slow to trust any other man but Noah gives him room to grow in that area. 

At about 76% on my kindle I was more than ready for  Jared to get his!  He was like one slippery snake though.  He's not done yet with messing with Marilyn.   He just doesn't realize at first that she has grown and isn't alone anymore.  He also doesn't know that she has acquired "skills" to protect herself.  I liked how his reign of terror comes to an end.

There is a good ending with a few unexpected twists but it's all good because there is a H.E.A. for more than just Marilyn and Eva.

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