BOOK REVIEW- A Family of her Own by Rose Pearson *

   

What do you do when everyone around you has what you want but can’t have? Love and a family. You are the outsider.

For Sophie Lefebvre, the answer was simple - accept the position as governess to the pompous Earl of Wycliff’s sister, Gertrude. Rude, arrogant and absorbed with his wealth, his presence is a hard task to endure, but far better than the pain of watching others have what she cannot.
Claveston St. John, Earl of Wycliff, was smitten the moment he laid eyes on Lady Tate’s companion at the wedding of his good friend, William Pierce. When in jest he offered her a job as his sister’s governess, he never imagined she would accept. However, now that she has, he is determined to win her. However, that is easier said the done. How can he win a woman who cares nothing for his trappings? What else does he have to entice her to consider him a match?
When Sophie’s employment and freedom are threatened, Claveston knows that he is the only one who can help her. Is there any hope for these opposites attracting or are their differences too great?

AMAZON LINK 

3 STARS 

 When I read the opening pages of this book (The Prologue) I almost groaned out load because of all the people mentioned.  But then it calmed down as far as the number of people to try to sort out.  

Turns out this story is a charming, clean story with pretty good main characters. It also felt like it needed a bit more drama though. 

As much as his sister Gertrude, Claveston also needed to grow up in a couple of areas. Of course, both had practically raised themselves with the help of at least one servant.  They grew up with things but the most important that they wanted was lacking.  So they often acted entitled.  It was a good thing that they also had good hearts that just needed to be demonstrated more often.  And as time goes on you get to see how they grow and end up getting the love that they were looking for.

It has a good ending but I just wish I had liked it more.

 

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

BOOK REVIEW- The Kings of Kearny by Navessa Allen *

    

Mystery & Thrillers | Romance

Jakob Larson is going to be the death of me.

That’s what I think every time he strides into my bar.

The Kings of Kearny Motorcycle Club run this small Texas town, and Jakob is their chief enforcer.

The Viking, they call him. He’s a criminal. As dangerous as he is sexy. The kind of man who makes my inner cavewoman sit up and take notice.

Him big. Make strong babies. Bring home mammoth for dinner.

I’m ready to indulge her desires, but just for one night. Unfortunately, Jakob has other plans.

Someone in town is breaking one of the cardinal rules set by the leader of The Kings. And Jakob thinks they’re using my grandmother’s nursing home as a front for their illicit activities.

Now I’m neck-deep in trouble with him, and every time I think I’ve figured out what’s really going on, Jakob reveals another piece of the puzzle.

I need to figure out how far I’m willing to go to protect this town. How far I’m willing to go with Jakob.

Because if I fall for him, there’s no going back. No hope for a peaceful ending.

But Jakob is the kind of man who makes me think that peaceful is overrated, and descending into darkness with him could lead to something even better than a Happily Ever After.    

AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

This story was hard for me to rate.  I have to admit that I had mixed feelings on this one.  It had parts I liked better than some of the others.  But I will admit it was an unusual story making it different from some of the other motorcycle club/gang stories. 

The story gets big points because I did like the main characters.  Neither one of them has much of a filter when it comes saying what they think.  It leads to some pretty funny and also some hurtful words at times between the two of them.  Krista is one sassy, practically fearless woman.   Jakob is also direct but he uses a whole lot less words. Krista is still dealing with a physical issue which was well done in a believable way woven into the story. Krista's attraction to him was also based on some of the wildness in herself.  Like she thought, most people would run far away from him because of that almost feral part of him but instead she was drawn even more to him.  He had a scary face at times but then again so did she.

Once you get past a lot of well written sexual encounters, you get to a pretty good story.  A story with well described people and threats. Krista's grandmother might have a health issue herself but she was a delightful hoot too.

You know that there will be violence but there is also plenty of other action and secrets too.  A surprising ending finishes off the story. 

 

 I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy

 of this book.  

All thoughts and opinions are my own.

BOOK REVIEW- Legacy A Novel by Nora Roberts *

    

Description

The #1 New York Times bestselling author presents a new novel of a mother and a daughter, of ambition and romance, and of a traumatic past reawakened by a terrifying threat…

Adrian Rizzo was seven when she met her father for the first time. That was the day he nearly killed her—before her mother, Lina, stepped in.

Soon after, Adrian was dropped off at her grandparents’ house in Maryland, where she spent a long summer drinking lemonade, playing with dogs, making a new best friend—and developing the stirrings of a crush on her friend’s ten-year-old brother. Lina, meanwhile, traveled the country promoting her fitness brand and turning it into a billion-dollar business. There was no point in dwelling on the past.

A decade later, Adrian has created her own line of yoga and workout videos, following in Lina’s footsteps but intent on maintaining creative control. And she’s just as cool-headed and ambitious as her mother. They aren’t close, but they’re cordial—as long as neither crosses the other.

But while Lina dismisses the death threats that Adrian starts getting as a routine part of her daughter’s growing celebrity, Adrian can’t help but find the vicious rhymes unsettling. Year after year, they keep arriving—the postmarks changing, but the menacing tone the same. They continue after she returns to Maryland and becomes reacquainted with Raylan, her childhood crush, all grown up and as gorgeously green-eyed as ever. Sometimes it even seems like the terrifying messages are indeed routine, like nothing will come of them. Until the murders start, and the escalation begins…AMAZON LINK

 4 STARS

Really good main characters are in this story.  And the story spans many years beginning like the book info says when Adrian is seven.  It's quite the brutal time when she meets her father for the first time. 

As Adrian grows up and starts to strike out on her own a bit, it's easy to see some of the similarities between mother and daughter.   Both are career passionate; gifted and driven.  Both become successful but Adrian is different than her mother in one specific area.  Over time she has learned to make time for people that she loves.  She also wants to grow her business more and she's quite creative.  She's also good at spotting and helping develop new talent.  And she always makes sure it benefits them both.  She also wants to put down roots instead of constantly traveling around.  

Raylan plays an important part just not like you would originally think.  But it was good.  He definitely was a good guy.  

Mimi is Lina's best friend and support.  Someone who was more an affectionate mother type, who was an important part of Adrian's childhood.  Adrian's grandmother and grandfather were also important in her life and helped her develop those roots that she needed.   Each one of Adrian's life-long friends were important to the story in their own right.  

Half way through the story, the reason for the title of this book became clearer and I liked that.  I also enjoyed the humor that was as much a part of the story as was the danger.

One down side for me was that the stalker/killer while well done in depth, it also wasn't as smooth or clear when it came to that input.  I always felt like I needed to re-check that it WAS that person speaking.  I found that distracting. 

The end was dramatic with plenty of action that kept me on the edge of my seat.  VERY satisfying ending.

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

BOOK REVIEW- Her Scottish Scoundrel (Diamonds In The Rough, Book 7 ) by Sophie Barnes *

   

Description

Destined for the hangman's noose, love is a dream he cannot afford...

When Blayne MacNeil agrees to be Miss Charlotte Russell's bodyguard, he doesn't expect her to expand the job description to fake fiancé. After twenty years in hiding, announcing his engagement to a viscount's daughter could prove fatal. For if anyone were to recognize him, he'd be charged with murder.

Determined to keep her independence in order to safeguard her writing career, Charlotte must avoid marriage. After all, no respectable gentleman would ever permit his wife to pen outrageous adventure novels. But when her most recent manuscript disappears, the roguish Scotsman posing as her fiancé becomes her closest ally - and the greatest threat to her freedom.  AMAZON LINK

3.5 STARS

 This was a charming story with interesting, bold main characters.

Charlotte was easy to root for and hope that she gets her hearts desires.  Her parents really had no  idea of who she really is but they sure do manage to put roadblock after roadblock in her way.  Her father for want of a better word was a bully.  He's a former military man accustomed to  using strategy and sometimes manipulation to get what he wants.  He says he knows best basically but it often is what benefits him first.   I think her mother  really can't understand why Charlotte isn't all in for marrying for wealth and prestige.   Charlotte is also one clever woman who is also quite brilliant when it comes to strategy.  And she's bold enough in a determined way to get where she needs to go.  One person in her corner is her maid and friend, Daisy. 

Blayne has led quite the life and it's been painful in many ways.  But he also has people in his corner too.  Especially a person who has been with him through thick and thin for years.  Guthrie was someone who has know Blayne and his secrets for years. Just more recently Guthrie has become somewhat more "respectable" But their friendship still remains solid.  

There is humor as well as dangers in this story.  Although it was well written and I liked the ending I just wish I had liked it more.

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

**We The Kingdom - Dancing On The Waves (Acoustic)

** Carrollton - Made For This (Lyric Video)

BOOK REVIEW- He Said Always The ( Lost Corisis #1) by Ruth Cardello *

    

 General Fiction (Adult) | Romance

Description

From New York Times bestselling author Ruth Cardello comes another hot Corisi romance about a bet, a love story, and the secrets that ruin relationships.

When billionaire and tech start-up capitalist Gian Romano strikes a bet with his niece Judy—the daughter of Dominic Corisi—to find even more of the Corisi family, his search leads him to the Boston area. But when he pops into a store, the woman who runs it becomes an instant distraction from his mission. Teagan is beautiful, strong, and too smart not to see through him.

What started as a friendly family bet quickly becomes complicated when sparks fly between Gian and Teagan. Nothing is as simple as it appears, and together they discover the past still has the power to hurt the ones they both love. Teagan won’t settle for less than the truth from Gian, but when it comes to her own secret aspirations, she holds back. If they learn to trust each other, they just might discover that some secrets are better when shared.

They’ll have to trust each other completely, or else their love, along with Gian’s lead on Judy, will be doomed.  AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

 

 

Interesting start to the story about how Judy and Gian began the search for more Corisis siblings.  Aside from one selfish reason, Judy also wanted to bless her father Dominic by finding more family for him.  Gian joined in to partially keep Judy out of trouble but also to help his half-brother Dominic too.  
Teagan is smart, hard-working and has quite the secret or two going on.  She is also fiercely protective of her "adopted" family, the Ragsdale's.  Riley and Kal are the youngest members of the family and she is friends with them.  Well, it's probably more accurate to say that Riley is more like a sister to Teagan and they help balance each other out.  They are so close that Riley is really the only person who knows about Teagan's secret project.
Gian had quite the interesting family dynamics as well and when you think about it he also had an "adopted" family, the Romanos.  Something that Teagan and Gian have in common.  Gian also knows almost instantly that Teagan is "The One".  His Romano father had experienced something similar when he met his wife.  I liked the romance between Teagan and Gian and although he had a rocky start with her, he begins to know how best to interact with her as time went on.  Of course his father's advice had been helpful too.   One thing that the couple had no trouble agreeing on was the good sex that they were having.  In that area there was NO problem.
Judy was a surprise to see as an adult, I wasn't expecting that.  I had read other books in this series and in them she was still a child.  She was smart and kind of sneaky in those books and it looks like she hasn't quite outgrown that yet.  But yeah she will have a confrontation coming that will set her on her much needed ear. 

On a side note I would say that the larger cast of people took me a few minutes to sort out, which I wasn't expecting.   But I did like how the story ended.

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

BOOK REVIEW- Wildfire:Hidden Legacy #3 by Ilona Andrews

   

From Ilona Andrews, #1 New York Times bestselling author, the thrilling conclusion to her Hidden Legacy series, as Nevada and Rogan grapple with a power beyond even their imagination...Nevada Baylor can't decide which is more frustrating-harnessing her truth seeker abilities or dealing with Connor "Mad" Rogan and their evolving relationship. Yes, the billionaire Prime is helping her navigate the complex magical world in which she's become a crucial player-and sometimes a pawn-but she also has to deal with his ex-fiancée, whose husband has disappeared, and whose damsel-in-distress act is wearing very, very thin.

Rogan faces his own challenges, too, as Nevada's magical rank has made her a desirable match for other Primes. Controlling his immense powers is child's play next to controlling his conflicting emotions. And now he and Nevada are confronted by a new threat within her own family. Can they face this together? Or is their world about to go up in smoke?  AMAZON LINK

5+ STARS

 Love this series and the Baylor family.  And this story was another good addition.  It was so good I hardly know where to start. I don't know where the authors get their ideas from but wow.  Wow, to the world building, the depth of the characters, the depth of the plots and evil doers and also the created creatures and magic.  

There are several issues going on in this story which kept me involved without overwhelming me.   I really enjoyed the relationship between Rogan and Nevada.   Also the fact that Rogan is trying to help Nevada make her own free choices without trying to pressure her into doing everything his way.  He's protecting her freedom of choice even if it's almost killing him.  His real desire to protect her all wrapped up, safe and sound far from anything that could hurt her.  To say that their romance was a strong one is putting it mildly.  Sure, they also butted heads but at the end of the day, it was them having each other's backs.  And any other part of each other's body. 

Victoria Tremaine is one of the Baylor's grandmother's and she is a Truthseeker just like Nevada.  She's also causing a major, dangerous threat to the family. By trying to force her and her family to be part of House Tremaine she's pushed Nevada into a different path.  Even though Nevada hasn't wanted to register  to establish a House Baylor, and be it's Head of House but  there really isn't any other choice.  There are risks if they register and go through the Trials but there are plenty of risks if they don't.  

The Baylor family has a moral code for their family business.  Something that their father had run things by and it continues to this day.  A moral code of sorts that they applied in their business.   Victoria was ruthless without seeming to have any moral code at all. The three rules were:#1 When someone became a client, they stayed loyal to that client.  #2 They try not to be anything illegal.  And #3 At the end of the day they have to be able to look their reflection in the eye.  

If you're looking for a story with a lot of action and surprises, this book has it.  Looking for a story with strong, interesting characters?  This book has it.  Along with strong female people as well?  Yes, well except for Rogan's ex-fiancee.  Time for her to develop a backbone and Nevada is all in when it comes to helping her with that.  Looking for a story that has a strong family connections? Yes, again. 

By the time some of the Baylor family finally make it to the Trials, they had been through so much that it was ALMOST a cakewalk.  It was a surprise though that even there, a twist or two is waiting. 

 I liked how the story ended although it left one more plot that hasn't finished and a villain or two that  needs to be exposed and overcome.  Yay, that's okay with me because it's an opening for another story.   I can hardly wait.

 

BOOK REVIEW- The Search by Nora Roberts **

   

A canine Search and Rescue volunteer fights danger and finds love in the Pacific Northwest wilderness in this riveting #1 New York Times bestseller from Nora Roberts.

To most people, Fiona Bristow seems to have an idyllic life—a quaint house on an island off Seattle’s coast, a thriving dog-training school and a challenging volunteer job performing Canine Search and Rescue. But Fiona got to this point by surviving a nightmare: an encounter with the Red Scarf Killer, who shot and killed Fiona’s cop fiancé and his K-9 partner.

On Orcas Island, Fiona has found the peace and solitude necessary to rebuild her life with her three loyal Labs. But all that changes on the day intensely private wood artist Simon Doyle barrels up her drive with an out-of-control puppy, desperate for her help.

As Fiona embarks on training Jaws, and Simon begins to appreciate both dog and trainer, the past tears back into Fiona’s life. A copycat killer has emerged out of the shadows, a man whose bloodlust has been channeled by a master with one motive: to reclaim the woman who slipped out of his hands...

AMAZON LINK 

5 STARS

This was quite the unusual story with a whole lot more depth than I was expecting.  Starting with the main characters and their unusual personalities and multiple skills.  They also provide some pretty funny, and blunt conversations.   It was a bit of a shock when Simon said Fiona was not his type and basically he wasn't attracted to her.   But over time I saw that was part of his grumpy, keep people away routine.  Well, at first it was the truth too but it also puzzled him over, time why then did she get under his skin?   They do get to know each other very intimately but not right away. But even then it's well written, but also their conversations remain funny and blunt.  They develop a trade system (a barter of sorts) that kept things interesting to say the least.

Fiona and Simon are the beginning of main characters but I also have to say that Fiona's dogs also come up in my mind as good main characters.  Or would it be more accurate to say supporting characters?  They definitely were a major part of Fiona's life and also supplied her a lot of emotional support when she needed it.  The visit to Fiona's veterinary  friend Mai Funaki with Peck was hilarious and so well described.  And when it comes to Mai she was one colorful character who was 100% Team Fiona.  Another person who is 100% Team Fiona is Sylvia or Syl as she's often called.  She's Fiona's step-mother with the both of them being incredibly tight as a family. I enjoyed their relationship and the fact that she was no often seen wicked step-mother figure.

There is a fair amount of dog training tips and information on search and rescue training and experiences.  All of it I found interesting.  Plus the training of the "wild child" puppy Jaws (Simon's puppy) added some pretty funny stuff. 

But it's not all fun and games because of the copycat killer.  But even in that there is a lot of depth without a huge amount of gory details of the kills.  Enough to know it's serious. 

Put your seat belt on for some MAJOR twists as we near the end.  That part became edge of the seat reading winding up to a good ending.   

BOOK REVIEW- The Marriage by K.L. Slater **

   

 Mystery & Thrillers 

Description

Ten years ago he killed my son. Today I married him.

Ten years ago my darling son Jesse was murdered and our perfect family was destroyed. My strong, handsome boy, so full of life, became a memory, a photo I carried with me everywhere.

But today I’m finally close to finding happiness again. My ash-blonde hair has been curled into ringlets. Carefully placed white flowers frame my delicate features. The small, drab chapel has been prettied up with white satin, and there are tiny red hearts scattered on the small table where I will soon sign the register with my new husband.

The man who killed my son.

My friends and family can’t understand it. My neighbours whisper in the street whenever I walk past. How can I love a man like Tom?

They don’t really know me at all… AMAZON LINK

4 .5 STARS

This is a book that will keep you guessing.  It's filled with people who are written with good depth to them.  There's plenty of emotions and as I read further I came up with the thought that they all are D & D.  For the most part they are all Dysfunctional and in Denial (so D&D). 

The world building was really good.  The only part that I was a bit uncomfortable with was the switching back and forth between the two time periods (before Jesse's death and after Tom's prison release. ) That's because I'm not a big fan of that.  I will say though that the author made sure you knew at the beginning of the chapter what year you  were in.  

There is several P.O.V's which I found different but good. Bridget, Tom and Tom's mom, Jill had their say  early on.  Then I was surprised when Audrey's P.O.V. was opened up.  Then Ellis, Bridget's grandson, had a shorter amount of time later on when it came to what he was thinking and feeling.

So part way in the story, you think you know what's going on and you think you've figured out a motive?   Well, think again honey.   You only think you know.  After awhile ALMOST everyone looks guilty.  There is a delicious surprise waiting for the reader.  And the author has stacked a couple of surprises at the end.  I enjoyed the ending and found it satisfying.

 

 

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

BOOK REVIEW- Never Miss by Melissa Koslin

   

Description

Former CIA sniper Kadance Tolle possesses a special set of skills and a rare pedigree. She comes from a family of assassins, and by saving Lyndon Vaile's life she risks being found by them. Despite the danger, Kadance feels compelled to help Lyndon discover who is after him--and his research that seems to prove that the Ebola virus was manmade and is about to be weaponized.

With shadowy figures pursuing them and a Mastermind watching their every move, Kadance and Lyndon must scramble to stop an impending bioattack at the State of the Union address. But their warnings fall on deaf ears, and it becomes increasingly clear that there's no one they can trust--except perhaps each other.

Strap in for a breakneck story that will have you up all night, hurtling toward the last page as the clock ticks and time runs out. AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

 

 I enjoyed this story and I think the main reason was because of the unusual and ultra interesting main characters.  And that includes Kadance's Maine Coon cat she named Mac.  Mac was a good addition and sure did add a lot.  Speaking of characters, lets get to the human ones.  Lyndon ...wow he was a genius , in several different ways making him an unusual one at that.  Now emotions was kind of outside his wheelhouse and Kadance later pointed out, he's a horrible liar.  That fact is something that she gets to really like about him, the fact that he couldn't lie.  She has had her fill of those (lies) in her life.   She was also someone who didn't do emotions really well either.  She's had to stuff a lot of feelings back to survive.  She'd also been so isolated that what normal people had experienced, she never had a chance to.  I found myself liking both of them as their lives/their pasts were slowly revealed. If you're looking for a hot and heavy story of romantic sex, this story doesn't have it.  What it does have is 2 people slowly coming to a measure of trust.  Then to a careful friendship of sorts.  And even a more cautious reaching towards love for them.  I found I enjoyed that.  Maybe because they both had gone through so much tragedy.

Mysteries, dangers, secrets, emotions,  lies, betrayals and plenty of action keeps this story moving.  I also enjoyed the gentle weaving of faith that appeared in the story a few times.   No hard push but it's there.

I liked how the story ended although I would have liked to see more closure with Kadance's family.  Hmm,  maybe it left the door open for another story?

 By the way, the beautiful cover for this eBook caused me to stop and take another look for the book information. 

 

 

 

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

 

 

BOOK REVIEW- The Bachelor Bargain (Secrets, Scandals, and Spies #1) by Maddison Michaels **

    

Description

Bachelors, beware. For those who keep secrets and prey on the innocent, you will be exposed, with all your dirty little secrets laid bare to one and all. You have been warned…

Lady Olivia Haliford has had enough. Tired of seeing women lose their reputations, futures, and sometimes even their lives to scandal while the men walk free, she is ready to take back power and stand up for women everywhere. Along with her two closest friends, she plans to start an anonymous publication dedicated to dishing the dirt and exposing the secrets of society’s most eligible bachelors. But in order to do so, she will have to make a deal with the devil…

Sebastian Colver, known as the Bastard of Baker Street, is feared throughout London as the city’s most notorious gambling den owner and undisputed king of the underground. His life is nothing but darkness and danger, so he is shocked when the petite lady gracing his doorstep seems anything but frightened of him. He agrees to be a silent partner in the publishing of the Gazette if she will use her connections to sponsor his sister and launch her into Society and away from his dark world.

But exposing the secrets of the rich and powerful can be dangerous. Almost as dangerous as a lady falling in love with the king of the underground.     AMAZON LINK

5 STARS

 

 What a great story that pulled me in from the startlingly beginning and equally startlingly ending.  I enjoyed every minute of the book.

Fresh, unusual main characters just added to my interest.  They were unique in so many different ways.   As was the reasons that Lady Olivia (Livie) Haliford confronts Sebastian.  She is determined that he WILL help her financially back the Gazette as a silent partner.  He is unprepared for her boldness when she shows up for the first time.   He is also almost fascinated against his will.  Not that he's going to show her that weakness.   She has a physical weakness she can't hide.  But that hardly slows her down either.  

Someone who added quite a bit was Olivia's godmother the scary Dragon Duchess.  But just like about everyone in the story, she has hidden depths too. Both M.C.'s have interesting friends as well. 

The story has some dark things happen in it.  Even Sebastian said, "Hey Olivia I'm not a good man. "  But he has also done some good things though.  

There is plenty of action and mysteries in the book. With plenty of villains to go around.  And someone has a real hate on for Sebastian.  That really involves some twists and turns and so does the danger to Olivia.  The ultimate twists come at the end.  Followed up with a good Epilogue. 

I can't finish this review without mentioning how much I loved the eBook cover.

 

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

BOOK REVIEW- Tempting Fate (A Goode Girls Romance Book 4) by Kerrigan Byrne **

   

Description

A brand-new deliciously wicked romance series from USA Today Bestselling Author Kerrigan Byrne. The Goode Girls aren't simply good, they're stunning.

Disfigured in fighting pits as a lad, Gabriel Sauvageau has lived his entire life without the touch of a woman. As the brains and brawn behind London’s most ferocious smuggling syndicate, he knows he doesn’t deserve shy, bespectacled Felicity Goode. But that doesn’t stop him from watching her. Guarding her. 

Wondering if her gentle touch would soothe his savage soul.

Though she wiles away hours immersed in the pages of romance novels, shy and anxious Felicity Goode has vowed never to become a bride. How can she share a life—not to mention a bed—with a man if she can’t bring herself to share a simple conversation without trembling and stuttering? Once news of her obscene inheritance circulates through the ton, she is barraged not only by a slew of suitors, but also several distressing threats against her life. 

What she needs is a bodyguard. 

The large, scarred ruffian she finds on her stoop is exactly what she has been looking for.

 So why does his presence make her tremble in ways that have nothing to do with fear? 

AMAZON LINK 

5+ STARS

BOOKBUB LINK 

 What a great story.  And it had good start to this book.  It kept me so involved that it seemed like I just blew through this book.

 I absolutely adored Felicity.  So did just about everyone else.  Well, except the person or persons who wanted her dead.  She really didn't see how good she really is.  She is so tenderhearted and caring towards others and their feelings. She saw all her flaws and fears but didn't see how precious she was to her remaining family.  Of course her cold, heartless father really was someone who wasn't much help to her.  Her sisters were also people that he saw only as something to be bartered for more money, more prestige. 

Now about Gabriel Sauvageau, where do I start?  What a life he has lived.  The suffering he has gone through and is some ways is still going through.   He also adores Felicity, but knows he can't touch something so pure.  But protect her, now that is something he can do.  Even if it means protecting her from himself.  It didn't take long for me to be rooting for him. In his own words, the only gentleness in his life is her. And their interactions were often funny, sometimes awkward or sad but at times tender too.  I kept wondering how on earth would those two would ever get together forever?
Just to let you there is some steamy scenes shown between Gabriel and Felicity.

I enjoyed every last minute of this story, including the addition people in the story. 

Brace yourself for an outstanding twist towards the end of the book.  I got blindsided because I never saw that coming.  And I like that in a book. 

There's a really good ending with a very welcome Epilogue. 

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

BOOK REVIEW- Born To Be Wilde (Wilde Hearts ) by Patricia Rosemoor *

   

Description

When Isabel Falcon’s eleven-year-old daughter disappears, she’s filled with terror and panic. Isabel must now rely on the one man she wanted to avoid: Lucy’s father…
Twelve years ago, Micah Wilde fell in love with Isabel Falcon, but the generations-old feud between their families would never allow such a marriage. Micah and Isabel were pulled apart before their daughter was born. Now they are reunited to find Lucy before the unthinkable happens. Torn between hurt and betrayal and the desire that once burned hot in their blood, Isabel and Micah must find the daughter that could bring their family together… or be lost to each other forever.  AMAZON LINK

 4 STARS

This was a good book in terms of emotions, regrets, mysteries and twists and turns. 

Isabel and Micah are good main characters who are still in pain and that's even before their daughter, Lucy goes missing.   And the Wilde-Falcon feud is continuing and just making everything worse.  The M.C.'s think the feud is stupid but haven't been able to stop it to this point.  Will anyone ever be able to?

There are other people who are interesting in the story. Their number is not overwhelming and the story is easy to follow.  Well, that part is but the mystery of what happened to Lucy won't be quite as easy for the reader.  Mainly because the that part was written really well. 

And I found the ending to be a good one.

 

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

BOOK REVIEW- Unraveled (Whiskey Sharp #1) by Lauren Dane

 

 he sharpest ache comes from wanting what you think you can't have...Maybe Dolan has lived independent, free-spirited and unattached since leaving home at sixteen. Whiskey Sharp, Seattle's sexy vintage-styled barbershop and whiskey bar, gave her a job-and a reason to put down roots. Cutting hair by day, losing herself drumming in a punk rock band by night, she's got it good. But a longtime crush that turns into a hot, edgy night with brooding and bearded Alexsei Petrov makes it a hell of a lot better. Maybe's blunt attitude and carnal smile hooked Alexsei from the start. Protecting people is part of his nature and Maybe is meant to be his...even if she doesn't know it. Yet. He can't help himself from wanting to protect and care for her. But Maybe's fiery independent spirit means pushing back when Alexsei goes too far. Still, he's not afraid to do a little pushing of his own to get what he wants-her in his life, and his bed, for good. Maybe's more intoxicating than all the liquor on his shelf...and he's not afraid to ride the blade's edge to bind her to him.  AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

This first book is about the sisters Maybe and Rachel Dolan. The main focus being on Maybe.   I really enjoyed it although I do agree with another reviewer on one thing.  Her nickname of Maybe sometimes made it hard when I was reading.  I also had to re-read a sentence when it said Maybe.  I  had to check whether it was talking about her or something else.  That was a bit distracting. 

The interaction between Maybe and her boss,
Alexsei Petrov was something else.  When he first met her, he found her chattiness a bit off putting but that didn't last long. After awhile he found her intriguing with her all out love of life.  He saw her vitality and felt she bright light everywhere she went. The only one who seemed to dim that light was her parents, especially her father.   What a piece of work he was.  He was a B-U-L-L-Y ! The stuff that Maybe had put up with just to help her sister.  I was so glad that Alexsei was so in her corner.  He was bossy, and in charge but not like her father.  He gave her tenderness, understanding and a lot of sex.  Yeah, that will be plentiful when it happens.  He also gives her his great Russian family who had already pulled her and her sister in.  They were a family I really liked. 

Things get really tense with all Richie Dolan's (the father) threat but Maybe does find her happiness.  This story also shows several times why Unraveled was a really good title for this book.  

Book #2  Whiskey Sharp: Jagged carries on the story with the older sister Rachel taking an active part.  I read this out of order and started with Book 2 and I have to say it was great.  It also made me want to read more about Maybe and what she went through.  Romance and all.

BOOK REVIEW- BLAZE (Linear Tactical #12) by Janie Crouch

   

Ivy League graduate and computer genius Kendrick Foster, aka Blaze, never expected to find himself putting down permanent roots in a tiny Wyoming town.  

But family isn’t always blood, and the Linear Tactical team is very definitely his family. He’s not going anywhere.  

Neo LeBarre has always been a loner. Her computer hacking days brought her into contact with Linear Tactical, but she’s never felt like she could fit in here. These people are good, decent, honest.  

She’s not.  

When her past catches up with her, demanding more than she can possibly pay, Neo will have to turn the heroes surrounding her, especially Kendrick, to help.  If they'll even give her the time of day after what she's done.  

There's a danger closing in—one that will threaten to rip them all apart.    

The Linear Tactical family has deep roots.
They're going to need them to survive what’s coming.   AMAZON LINK

5 STARS

 

 The opening chapter had me blinking my eyes in surprise. And the surprises just kept coming. 

 There is plenty of action and emotions in this story.  Some of that comes from Dorian and Ray's story with Theo and Savannah.  I really liked that part but that's all I'm going to say about that.  You'll have to read it to know what I'm taking about. 

Kendrick and Neo lead most of the story and are really intriguing people.  They have been raised so differently and their support system was so different too.  But the attraction is real and the way their minds work is real too when it comes to computers.  They work well together when it comes to computers but Neo's trust issues still get in the way for quite a while.  Then Neo does something so stupid I just want to shake her.   But it also weaves the story into even more danger.  The  criminal organization, called Mosaic has some truly brutal people working for them and provide plenty of that danger I was mentioning.

There is also a fair amount of "crew" or in other words, people.  But it's not overwhelming.  It should be easy to follow even for first time reader of this series. 

I liked the way the story ended. I also liked the way the Epilogue leads us into the first book in a new series "Code Name: Aries.  And let me say that info about Ian DeRose and Wavy sounds really good.

 

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy 

of this book.  

 All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

BOOK REVIEW- Whiskey on the Rocks (Rebel Vipers MC Book 1) by Jessa Aarons *

   

Kiana

I'm not certain, but I'm pretty sure my sister's missing. So, I go to the last place I know she was - the Rebel Vipers MC clubhouse.

I've been on my own the last few years and having to ask for help isn't something I like to do. Right now I don't have any other choice. I can't find my sister and these brutes might be able to help me, so I'll take any assistance I can get.

His offer of help was great until he starts to order me around like I'm one of his people. But for some reason, his dominance doesn't turn me off . . . it turns me on.


Whiskey

The second she appeared at the clubhouse gate, I was thrown for a loop. I'm the Prez of my club and I don't take shit from anybody, not even a fiery, pissed off woman who's got one hell of an ass.

Then she tells me why she's here, prompting me to figure out what the f**k's going on in my town. It's bad enough her sister's missing, but there's other shit in play here. I try to stay optimistic at first, but I soon realize we're up against something we've never faced before.

If that wasn't bad enough, what the hell am I supposed to do when the duchess I've come to care for won't accept my claim?   AMAZON LINK

3 STARS

It had promise I will give it that.  However it just didn't do it for me.  I didn't hate it but did have some issues with it.  Those I will mention now and then say what I did like.  Because there were some moments that were good. And I'd like to end on that note.  

It felt like there was more sex than story most of the time.  Oh, don't get me wrong, they were well written.  And yes, I knew because of the book information that there would be those scenes.   Just not that much.  And yes, I know Whiskey is the Prez of the club.  But his "me Tarzan, you Jane" attitude got a bit much at times. 

When the story behind  Kiana's missing sister gets going things do get interesting and dangerous.  It also puts a target on other women in the club.  Some things get solved but the major people behind things isn't fully solved in this book.

Now onto the fact that I did like the main characters most of the time.  Kiana and her pink converse tennis shoes and her fiery temper gets a thumbs up.     And Whiskey when he's not being outrageous with Kiana had some tender moments.  That won him some points. How he got his Vipers club name was also different and made me smile.

Some other people that added to the story were Mountain(Whiskey's dad) Blue, Mountain's Old Lady and Hammer, Whiskey's best buddy both inside and outside the club.  

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

BOOK REVIEW- Secrets and Lies (The Oklahoma Brands #3) by Maggie Shayne **

     

When former Secret Service agent Alex Stone is asked to impersonate a foreign dignitary who wears a full beard and is rarely seen without his sunglasses, it's not a problem. But getting someone to impersonate the man's new bride, a beauty the world adores, is a little bit harder. Melusine Brand looks astoundingly like the pampered princess. She's also a rough and tumble Oklahoma Tom boy with colorful language. Besides, she'll never agree.Only, she does. Alex has to tutor her to survive the glitzy world he's used to. But when things take a turn and they're on the run in the wilderness with killers on their heels, it's Mel's turn to school him. Depending on each other to stay alive, these two opposites find a love that's stronger than either of them could have imagined...and hope they can live long enough to claim it.  AMAZON LINK    

5 STARS

I love this Brand family. And I forgot how much until I started reading this book. 
One really good thing about this book is that it's a good stand alone story.  Even if it's your first book in the series it's easy to read.

Having read several books in the series, I remember outrageous Melusine (Mel) and her equally outrageous mother, Vidalia.  Not only are their names unique but so are they.  You DON'T want to get on the wrong side of these women.  But love and loyalty to their family is off the charts.  Like Melusine says in the story her role in the family has been as a protector.  So she's not a sit back, sit on your hands type of woman. 

The friction between Mel and Alex was well written and often funny.  Alex, (Mr. Buttoned Down Polished City guy) vs. Mel, (In Your Face Tell It Like It Is Country Girl) offers plenty of "good times" for the reader.  Alex trying to help transform Mel into the soft, gentle princess adds even more.  Alex and Mel interact like they hate each other but will they continue to do so?

But it's not all fun and games because there is some real danger out there and the action starts to really take off. I'm not going to say much more about that because why spoil it for other readers? 

We get a closer look at Mel's sister, Selene and their cousin Wes.  Both turn out to be a big help when help is needed. 

Great end to the story after a big twist or two.

There is a quick look into another Brand story.  This one features Cara and is called "A Mommy for Christmas."  And yes, I will be looking into that one and more Brand stories.  

 

BOOK REVIEW- Sky High (Zaftig Dating Agency #54) by Jane Fox

   

Anna-Louise: When my fiancé dumps me, I decide to go on our paid-for honeymoon. Things start looking up a little when I meet our gorgeous pilot. But my former fiancé has decided to tag along as well. Do I have a chance with the pilot, or will my ex interfere just because he can?

Marc: It’s hard to focus on flying a plane when all I can think about is the beautiful passenger in seat 16B. It’s even harder when I realize how much the man sitting her to her is upsetting her. I’ll do whatever it takes to put a smile on her face—even if it involved sticking him in the cargo hold.

Sometimes fate needs a little help. Welcome to the files of the Zaftig Dating Agency, where alpha men find the curvy women of their dreams!

Each book in the series is a complete, standalone story.

This is a sweet but sexy short story romance, complete with insta-love and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. If you’re looking for an escape from everyday life with an alpha older man and the curvy BBW younger woman that he loves, this is the book for you!   AMAZON LINK

3 STARS

 I knew that going into this story it was going to be a short one with an insta-love slant.  Once again I enjoyed the note both at the beginning and end of this book.  At the end of this one  the owner of the dating agency actually signs her note.
Although this was a cute story, with a despicable ex, it didn't pull me in quite as much as the first book  I read in the series did.   That would be Heart-Shaped Tattoo (Zaftig Dating Agency Book 53) .  I think this book needed to be just a bit deeper and a tad longer.

It did have the promised happily-ever-after. 

 

  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout 

and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

BOOK REVIEW- IRISHED (The Invincibles, #7) by Heather Slade

   

He’s an undercover double agent.
She’s his partner’s younger sister.
Together, they’re INVINCIBLE.

IRISH
Undercover for years, I learned one thing: be careful who you trust. Now, I need to know who’s killing our best operatives. Back on the ranch, I can uncover the secrets, while proving myself to everyone who doubts the truth. But Flynn Wheaton knows more, feels more, than meets the eye. She’s the first truth I’m going to conquer..

FLYNN
Pain hidden by kindness. He’s the perfect mystery, the rugged and inked man with secrets to unfold. He may be my brother’s partner, but I plan to know more, uncover it all. When my life is threatened, there’s only one thing I want to know, Will I finally get IRISHED?   AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

 

This was an intense, well written story with plenty of action, thrills, suspense and romance. There is depth in the story and in the main characters. You can almost feel the emotions of both Irish and Flynn, in both what they have gone through in the past and also currently.   I liked that we got a chapter featuring first Irish and then a chapter personalized with Flynn.  One right after the other but without them repeating all of what the other covered in theirs.   That is something that I really dislike in a book and was glad to see that it didn't happen here.  I also was drawn into the hurts that they both have suffered.

The mission that Irish has been on for years called for some pretty harsh sacrifices for him.  That was really well "felt" because of the writing.  So was the investigations that were going on and as was all the players too.  I will say that although well written, I also got a bit overwhelmed by all the people and some that are couples.  I had to spend time sorting that out.  And that's just the teams of people working on the investigations.  There was also quite a few people when it came to those working their own selfish agenda's.  

It all comes out in the end and includes a good Epilogue that I enjoyed.   

 

 I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

BOOK REVIEW- Diamond Fire -A Hidden Legacy Novella- by Ilona Andrews

 

 Nevada Frida Baylor and Connor Ander Rogan cordially invite you to join their wedding celebration. Summoning, weather manipulation, and other magical activities strictly forbidden.

Catalina Baylor is looking forward to wearing her maid of honor dress and watching her older sister walk down the aisle. Then the wedding planner gets escorted off the premises, the bride's priceless tiara disappears, and Rogan's extensive family overruns his mother's home. Someone is cheating, someone is lying, and someone is plotting murder.

To make this wedding happen, Catalina will have to do the thing she fears most: use her magic. But she's a Baylor and there's nothing she wouldn't do for her sister's happiness. Nevada will have her fairy tale wedding, even if Catalina has to tear the mansion apart brick by brick to get it done.

AMAZON LINK 

4.5 STARS

Let me say two things before I give my review.  First off, I have read quite a few of the stories in this series and and enjoyed every one. Whenever I see another story come up, I'm quick to grab it. 

Second of all, I adore the beautiful eBook covers that  are chosen and this one is no exception. 

Okay that said I also enjoyed the story a lot.  Of course having followed Mad Rogan and Nevada's on and off romance, it was a welcome story about their wedding.  Sure, I would have liked to see more of the two together but this is where her sister Catalina has to step up.  Also her sister Arabella is in the story but she's not as front and center.  But she does intrigue me.

There is plenty of action, mysteries and double dealings.  What a family the Rogan's have, and that's not a compliment.  There's a whole lot of secrets that they are hiding.  There is also quite a few of them and at first it took me a bit to keep them sorted out.  But it was worth it.

I found Mad Rogan's mother quite an interesting character.  But I don't want to give anything away about her.  

 Catalina has quite the struggle when it comes to the use of her powers because for years she has had to keep them hidden.   But when it comes to family (and especially Nevada) like the book blurb says, she will do what she has to do.

The story comes has a good ending.  Well, not so good for any "bad guys".  

BOOK REVIEW- The Insiders by Tijan

   

Description

The Insiders is the first in a brand new, page-turning romance trilogy from New York Times bestseller, Tijan!

Bailey is as normal as could be, with a genius IQ and a photographic memory. But still, normal for her. Then, things happen—a guy breaks into her house in the middle of the night to take her hostage. She finds out her father is actually billionaire tech genius Peter Francis, the same guy she’s idolized all her life. She learns all this when she meets dark, mysterious, and electrifying Kashton Colello. He’s an associate of her father’s, and he gives Bailey two choices—go with him and meet her father or survive on her own because those kidnappers are going to try again. It’s a no-brainer.

After this, three things become clear for Bailey:

1. She’s living at her father’s sprawling estate, complete with bodyguards and the best security that money can buy.

2. She’s no longer an only child. She has three siblings and has no idea what to do with them and vice versa.

3. She is being guarded by Kash himself. Personally guarded. And there is a lot of guarding going on there and some of it is going to drive her crazy.

A complete outsider in a world of wealth and decadence, Bailey has to find her way within a family that has more secrets than she could have imagined. One of these secrets could be deadly…

AMAZON LINK 

5+

I fell in love with the picture on the front of this eBook.  And then before I was very far into the story, I fell in love with story and the people. And it just kept getting better.  So much so that I hardly know where to start.  But I do feel like it's a keeper (for my personal library).

 I guess Bailey is a good place to start.  She is a very well developed character who is a "brain." She has a whole lot of feelings as well, she's no cold robot.  She is stunned when she discovers her mother has kept a WHOLE lot of things from her.  Now, there is another interesting person, Bailey's mother.  She adds a whole lot of loving but sometimes crazy to the story. 

Kashton Colello (Kash) is a deep person who is kind of slippery when it comes to trying to understand him at first.  He's holding a whole lot of secrets but one thing is clear to all.  He is powerful in his own right. He enters a room and everything comes to a stop, everyone feeling the change in the atmosphere.

Bailey's siblings were something else, the youngest ones made me smile.  The older brother, Matthew was a mess, who swings hot and cold towards Bailey.  It's so fast that it's hard to determine just how much she can trust him.

Peter (Bailey's father) is also powerful, smart and extremely complex.  His current wife, Quinn was one beautiful but cold fish.  And you can feel the hate rolling off of her when it comes to Bailey. 

This is a fast moving story when it comes to dangers that Bailey and others face.  Kash is on top of things and cleaning up messes and removing Bailey from danger.  They have some funny conversations at times.  There will be some sex scenes but I was glad to see that it wasn't happening right away and it didn't take over the story.

Things ended with the door open to more "adventures" because things with an evil grandfather have not been resolved.  I'm torn because I want to read more and then I'm almost afraid too.  Things felt a bit uneasy to Bailey at the end of this story.

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

BOOK REVIEW- Knight of My Dreams by Lynsay Sands *

   

Originally appeared in the print anthology A Mother's Way, under the title "Mother May I? "From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lynsay Sands comes a classic short story of a knight in need of a bride …Lady Alice knows she is not the type to entice a man. She's too voluptuous, too intelligent, too strong minded. Why, she even reads! But then Jonathan, Earl of Fairley, arrives at court. Tall, dark and handsome, the knight is any woman's dream. And he has just been ordered by the king to find a bride … and Alice is to help him! Jonathan has been evading his mother's matchmaking schemes for years, so why does she insist that Lady Alice isn't for him? Alice is only to aid in his search for a bride, yet Jonathan can't help but be distracted by her glorious hair-the color of a sunset-and a figure that is like a lush berry about to burst to full ripeness … Has Jonathan fallen prey to love?

AMAZON LINK 

3 STARS

 This was a short, kind of cute story that was also somewhat predictable at least to me.  Jonathan's mother was quite the manipulator but all in the name of love for her son.  I was a bit surprised that he didn't see through some of her shenanigans because he knew of her concern and her nature. 

Alice was sweet and likeable but she was also intelligent and had some spirit too.