Book Review- The Marquess's Adventurous Miss. Book 1 (An Oxford Set Novel. A Regency Romance Series.) by [Ava Bond]

   

An embittered noble bent on revenge.

Richard, Marquess of Heatherbroke, has been thrown out of his Oxford Set for one mistaken night. He is a broken and bitter man, who only cares for one thing: finding and protecting his illegitimate child.

A vicar's daughter with a heart of gold.

Prudence Pendleton leads a sedate country life as the daughter of a vicar. Although she longs for adventure, the only hint of mystery in her life is Harriet, the little girl who was left on their doorstep in the middle of the night years ago.

A romance neither expected but cannot resist.

When Richard kidnaps the pair of them, Prudence knows what she must do. She must protect Harriet even though it means leaving behind everything she has ever known. Prudence and Richard are united by their love for the child and a growing attraction for each other, but will Richard’s infamous past, and a host of other obstacles keep them apart?

AMAZON LINK 

3.5 STARS

This story had had it's moments with good main characters.  Unfortunately,  it also had a 3 year old girl who was inconsistent in her ability to talk. She went from just saying a few childlike words to speaking many long sentences, for most of the story.  That part just felt off.

The rest of the story was pretty good though so I only knocked part of the rating down a half point.

***Book Review- Always Watching ((Elite Guardians #1)) by Lynette Eason

   

The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have more than just skill and prowess in common--they're also all women. When it becomes clear that popular psychiatrist and radio personality Wade Savage has a stalker, his father secretly hires Elite Guardians in order to protect his son. But when Wade's bodyguard is attacked and nearly killed, agency owner Olivia Edwards must step in and fill the gap. Olivia's skills are about to be tested to the limit as Wade's stalker moves from leaving innocent gifts at his door to threatening those closest to him. Olivia has the feeling that she's next on the list. And to complicate things even further, she realizes that her heart may be in as much danger as her client. Bestselling author and fan favorite Lynette Eason drops readers right into the action in this fast-paced new series with a unique twist. Readers will love these strong female characters who put it all on the line to save lives.

AMAZON LINK 

5+STARS

Outstanding that is what this book was.  Kept me on my toes all the way through.   To start with both Wade and Olivia were really great main character . Even though Wade was so independent that he often got in the way of those trying to protect him.    His father also was good  in the story and so was Wade's twelve year old daughter, Amy.  Amy was facing her own struggles with anxiety which crop up in the story in a believable way.

I know some people didn't care for this story but I did.  It had me bouncing all over the place, first suspecting one person and then another.  It kept the tension high and the suspects many, at least for awhile.  I liked the team of people that were included in the story who worked to get to the bottom of everything. 

The romance was on the lighter side because the main focus for Olivia was keeping her client and his daughter safe.  Besides, she had her walls up pretty high when it came to be self protective.

The twists at the end were really good and the reveal comes with some added surprises.  

Now I want to check for more books in this series. 

 

 

 

** Book Review- That Cowboy of Mine by Donna Grant

   

Romance

Is he an enemy?

Dillon Young is proud that she inherited her aunt’s ranch. The problem: someone is trying to run her off and is willing to do whatever it takes. Strange, dangerous things keep happening. Dillion suspects her no-good neighbor and fellow wealthy rancher Hank Stephens. Never a man to get his hands dirty, he sends others to get the job done. So, when the irresistible Cal Bennett is found passed out drunk on her property, Dillion is on high alert. Until someone takes a shot at her and Cal springs to her rescue. When the hard-bodied, no-nonsense-talking cowboy points out that she may need some help, Dillion is inclined to reluctantly agree.

Or a lover?

Waking up on a stranger’s property with a shotgun in his face is not Cal Bennett’s idea of a good time. Never mind that the person on the other end of the barrel is one of the most fiercely beautiful women he has ever seen. Things get more interesting when he finds himself shielding her from flying bullets. It’s clear that this smart, savvy woman could use a hand and Cal is all too happy to lend any part of his body she requires. His proposal: pose as lovers until they find out who is after her ranch. As the danger rises and secrets are revealed, the passion explodes between them and there is no turning back.

AMAZON LINK 

4.5 STARS

What a surprise this story turned out to be.  Starting from the very first when Dillon found that stranger on her property.   She definitely wasn't going to be welcoming him, not with all the trouble she's been having on her ranch. 

Cal was deep in trouble when he woke up not knowing how in the world he ended up trespassing on Dillon's property.  And this lady was demanding answers, answers that he didn't have.

Dillon and Cal cautiously develop a working relationship.  But Dillon isn't so sure that she should trust him.  A romance does start until all the dangers escalate from so many different areas.   Someone wants Dillon dead and some really scaring things have been happening.  

The surprises just kept coming which kept me interested.  It was just so unpredictable what was going to happen next.  About the time things started to settle down a bit, that's when another surprise was exposed.  That was so well done.  It kept me jumping wondering who was the good guys and who wasn't. 

I enjoyed how the story ended and that it included a good Epilogue.  

" I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book through Netgalley. And these are my honest opinions about it.”

**BOOK REVIEW- THE RANCHER'S SECOND CHANCE by Brenda Minto

Pregnant and running scared, Grace Thomas turns to the one man she knows she can count on: rancher Brody Martin. The charismatic Texan promises to protect her, but she knows he'll never forgive her for breaking his heart and taking up with his former best friend. Given Brody's own unsettled past, Grace understands that the guarded cowboy needs time to trust her again. Yet as he helps her prepare for the baby's arrival, Grace knows she's found the perfect father for her child. But can she dare to dream of a second chance with the man she's never stopped loving?  AMAZON

4 STARS 

This was a sweet AND emotional story with the challenges of a woman (Grace) that Brody was in love with.  He wanted a future with her but his intensity scared her and so she let herself be charmed by Lincoln (Brody's best friend at the time.) Turns out Lincoln is not the good guy that he portrayed.   He let Grace down big time but even with their painful past Grace knew that Brody would help her. She was trying her best not to hurt him again but she did need his help.

Brody has his own plateful of challenges.  The pain from his rodeo days added with the pain from his rheumatoid arthritis was just the first one.  Add in his pain of his failed romance with Grace and then  of the old family pain of his mother abandoning the family years ago. 

Both Brody and Grace have a lot of things to work out and they do with the help of God and family.  The plot is good, with no preaching which will help for those not interested in that.  Faith in God is beautifully and subtly added to the story though.  

I liked how the story ended with a H.E.A. and hope for the future.

***Book Review- In the Lawman's Protection (Omega Sector: Under Siege # 6) by Janie Crouch

  

Omega Sector: Under Siege

An agent will do anything to take down a terrorist.

Even if that means using a woman as his weapon.

To locate a terrorist, Ren McClement must find the criminal’s “dead” wife Natalie. His plan: use the innocent beauty as bait. But when his duplicity leads them into grave danger, Ren reveals his secret to Natalie...and his passion for her. Will furious Natalie be able to forgive his lie? And will they get to the mastermind before he unleashes mass destruction?

AMAZON LINK 

5 STARS

An awesome story from the first pages to the very last.   It helped that Ren and Natalie were both such great characters.  With very developed personalities and personal stories. The emotions were also well done especially the fear that Natalie was dealing with while she is on the run.  She has plenty of life evidence of why she didn't want anyone knowing that she was alive. That was so well shown.

The tension is kept at a high level as Natalie hides from her evil husband who keeps plotting disasters.  Not only a brilliant manipulator but he always seems to be a step or two ahead of the law and the Omega Sector.  

Everything comes to a spectacular conclusion and a good ending for Natalie and Ren.  Because what a romance they have lived through.

 

**Book Review- Montana Desire (Resting Warrior Ranch #3) by Josie Jade, Janie Crouch

 

 No one is guaranteed tomorrow.

Grant Carter knows that fact intimately. The shrapnel sitting on his spine from an IED is a daily reminder.

But the constant pain won’t stop him from working at the Resting Warrior Ranch, training service and emotional support animals to help people with PTSD—something else he’s intimately familiar with.

He’ll fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.

When his neighbor, shy veterinarian Cori Jackson, is humiliated by her ex-boyfriend for things she’d like to experiment with in bed, Grant is more than happy to show her real men aren’t threatened by an adventurous spirit.

The more time he spends with her, the more he realizes the literal girl-next-door is the one for him. And when Cori finds herself in the middle of a dangerous conspiracy surrounding the animals she treats, Grant will make sure she makes it out alive.

He's a fighter. Was one in the Navy SEALs and still is one today. And he’ll fight for Cori.

Even if it costs him everything.

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

Cori was great and so was Grant.   The pressure that they 

were both individually under was very well shown.  It takes

a while for Cori to really "see" Grant but when she does, 

"oh yeah".  Grant was into her early on but knew she 

already had a boyfriend.  So, he kept his hands off.  He 

was also dealing with massive pain in his shrapnel back

 injury. Once again so well described.  

 

Wow, Joel (Cori's boyfriend/ex boyfriend) was one selfish 

jerk.  No, I can do better than that.  He was a snake and I 

kept waiting for him to strike again.  And again.  And he 

does live up to that by slithering his way around.

The romance between Grant and Cori was often so sweet 

and tender  One phrase that I really liked was when Grant

 would ask Corri, "Are you with me?"   But I was also 

surprised that it also included hot times that had some 

BDSM scenes.  But I will say that,  even though this is not 

something that I look for, the bondage scene in this book 

was gently and carefully done.

Things really kickoff as the dangers start increasing.  They

 kickoff so hard and fast that it became edge of the seat 

reading. The end of the story comes to a really good end

 with an equally good Epilogue. 

   " I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this 

book,  and this is my honest opinion about it.

** Book Review- Rules for Engaging the Earl (The Widow Rules)by Janna MacGregor

   

Romance

Description

Get ready for lost wills, broody dukes, and scorching hot kissing all over London in Rules for Engaging the Earl by Janna MacGregor.

Constance Lysander needs a husband. Or, so society says. She’s about to give birth to her late husband’s child—a man who left her with zero money, and two other wives she didn’t know about. Thankfully, she has her Aunt by her side, and the two other wives have become close friends. But still—with a baby on the way, her shipping business to run, and an enemy skulking about, she has no time to find the perfect match.

Enter Jonathan, Earl of Sykeston. Returned war hero and Constance’s childhood best friend, his reentry into society has been harsh. Maligned for an injury he received in the line of duty, Jonathan prefers to stay out of sight. It’s the only way to keep his heart from completely crumbling. But when a missive from Constance requests his presence—to their marriage ceremony—Jonathan is on board. His feelings for Constance run deep, and he’ll do anything to make her happy, though it means risking his already bruised heart.

With Constance, Jonathan, and the new baby all together, it’s clear the wounds—both on the surface and in their relationship—run deep. But when the nights come, their wounds begin to heal, and both come to realize that their marriage of convenience is so much more than just a bargain.

AMAZON LINK

3.5 STARS

This story had it's moments and I wanted to like it more.  Which is a shame that I didn't. Mainly because I did like the  main characters and there was plenty of emotions in the story too.  It started out strong (and sweet) but then it just kind of weakened for me.  Maybe because Jonathan spent so much time in bitter isolation. I understood it and it was well written but...

North was Jonathan's butler and he did add interest and some smiles to the story.  He had been in Jonathan's life for years and years. What a caring, cunning caretaker he was. 

I did like how everything came to a good end and with a fought for H.E.A.

On  a side note the part of the story that dealt with the nautical knots was a sweet touch.  Especially when it came to the bowline knot that was one of the most durable knots for sailors.  Constance used it to make a point with her husband about how essential and strong that tie was that binds. A very strong hint to Jonathan.  Constance was one strong woman who met life  head on and that I did like.

" I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book through Netgalley. And these are my honest opinions about it.”

Book Review- Lock 'N' Load (Federal K-9 # 1) by Tee O'Fallon

  

Crack CIA analyst Trista Gold is a whiz with the computer, but not so much with people. She hides behind her job, analyzing Top Secret code and making recommendations on national security. She doesn’t need a man in her life. But she will, very soon...

CIA K-9 officer Sgt. Matt Connors suspects that beneath Trista’s uptight appearance, there’s a sexy woman itching to cut loose. But he doesn’t dare act on his attraction. He’s a loner and always will be. Keeping away from Trista is a must-do directive. Until he doesn’t have a choice...

During a routine assignment, Trista stumbles across a cryptic exchange. She doesn’t think much of it...until someone tries to murder her—twice. Both times, Matt had been there to save her. But now she has to hide. And her new bodyguard, Matt, and his K-9 are the only hope she has against the powerful forces that want her dead.

AMAZON LINK 

 

Trista is one interesting person.  Not only is she  brilliant but she is also charmingly socially awkward.  And that stammer that she gets around that Hot Guy Matt made me smile.  She just totally drew me in from the start.  She is also terrified with a Capital "T" when it comes to dogs.  Which causes a huge hurdle when it comes to Sheba, Matt's K-9.  Trista is a cat person all the way.  Her cat, Poofy plays a more minor but good role.

Matt is a great guy, skilled at his job and carrying a boatload of guilt.  Survivor's guilt also figures in too. Matt does have a really good team of "brothers"  he's gained over time through the various K-9 handlers.  They were people I enjoyed being included. 

The secrets, action, danger and romance challenges ramp up as the story comes to an exciting conclusion.  It kept my interest all the way though.  And I did like how it ended. 

 

Book Review- "Devil's Territory" by Natalie Tryst

   

  Devil's Territory is a standalone steamy Mafia Romance novella. (StoryOrigin)

Caroline: I’m back in my hometown but not for a friendly visit. The Mafia has set their sights on my uncle’s bakery, and now he’s gone missing. I will do whatever it takes to find my uncle and ensure the bakery never ends up under their control. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it… if I stay focused. That proves difficult with someone like Raf around… Raf: The time to make a move on Irish territory is now, but there are two distinct barriers in my way: a bakery and the beautiful woman who won’t let it go. When she’s attacked, I can’t just stand by and watch. I must protect her, even if doing so puts me at odds with the Irish and leads to more trouble. Falling in love with Caroline isn’t part of the plan, but I’m sure it will be worth it

I COULDN'T FIND ANY AMAZON LINK OR GOODREADS LINK EITHER.

If I could rate it on Amazon I would probably give it 3 STARS.  It was a nice story but I felt it wasn't anything special. 

 

**Book Review- One Last Breath by [Lisa Jackson, Nancy Bush]

  

 

A society wedding interrupted by deadly violence sends the bride into hiding in this romantic thriller by two New York Times bestselling authors.
 
Rory Abernathy’s wedding to Liam Bastian was supposed to be the event of the season. Instead, it was a bloodbath. Rory fled after stabbing a masked intruder, just before a gunman opened fire on the wedding party. Five years on, Rory still has no idea who was behind the attacks. Fearful she and her daughter remain targets, she’s made a new life far from Liam and the wealthy, powerful Bastians.
 
But even in remote Point Roberts, Washington, Rory can’t hide from the past. Liam tracks her down, stunned to learn they have a child. Did someone in Rory’s family try to kill him for his portion of the Bastian estate? As they gradually overcome distrust in search of the truth, Rory knows one thing for certain: someone is watching her…
 
Time has passed, but the killer’s need for vengeance hasn’t. And as a nightmare stirs to life again, Rory will find that this time, there’s nowhere left to run . . .

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

This was a really full story with plenty of suspects, but you will be really surprised when you find out, "who dun it" ! 

Rory and her daughter Charlotte are really interesting characters and Rory's mother was kind of a wackadoodle.  Fairly harmless but also a bit of out of touch and a with few boundaries issues.

There were times I just wished Liam would grow more of a backbone.  He was pushed and pulled by his family and the wannabe fiance, who all had their own agenda. 

It felt like the story at times slowed down more than I liked but then things really took off leading to a dangerous confrontation.  

There is a good Epilogue which I appreciated.

I read this story through the Libby, Library App. 

 

Book Review- The Wicked Wallflower (The Duchess Society Series,#Three) by Tracy Sumner

   

Historical Fiction | Romance | Women's Fiction  

Description

In this sizzling Regency romance by award-winning author Tracy Sumner, an unconventional lady of the ton and an untitled businessman need to risk something in order to gain everything.

An Incorrigible Hellion

Independent, impulsive Lady Philippa Darlington guarantees her freedom by playing the role of wallflower for two miserable seasons in the ton. With the guidance of the most feared feminist enterprise in London—the Duchess Society—Pippa vows never to marry. But a madcap misadventure throws her plan off course and puts her face-to-face with the only man she’s ever wanted. A man who doesn’t want her.

A Rule-Breaking, Rookery Titan

Prince of the streets, Xander Macauley crawled from the slums to rule an empire. He has secrets—and fierce desires. One being that he’s smitten with his best friend’s little sister. Although reckless Little Darlington is the last woman in England he’d risk his heart over. When he has to rescue her from a masquerade ball gone awry, Xander finds he will go to lengths greater than he’d imagined to possess her.

The risks are undeniable.  But so is true, devastating love

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

The main characters were off the charts good.   Pippa definitely doesn't fit into the highbrow society that she finds herself flung into.  Their stupid rules weren't for her.   When she wants something she is one determined woman.  And clever to boot. One of my favorite phrases comes from Pippa where she observed that "her dance card was full but her heart was empty." 

 Xander has never fit in society and makes no moves to even try.  He is incredibly intelligent and has found some ways to make them come to him.  All ways that are making a ton of money.  He also has a kinder heart than most people know.  Which Pippa begins to see and she also manages to pry other secrets from him. 

He has managed to gather good people around him in his ventures.  Almost to his frustration,  he finds himself also surrounded by good titled men.   He is also frustrated by his desire for Pippa.  The best description of that was, he didn't want to want her (but he did).

While building the foundation of this story, although good, it also felt a bit slow at times.   The descriptions of people and places was very well done.  And I enjoyed some of the humor in the story.  No one warned me about the "heat" described between Pippa and Xander.  *Fanning myself here*.

I liked how the story ended and included the required (at least for me) Epilogue. 

 

" I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of 

this book through Netgalley. And these are my 

honest opinions about it.”

** Book Review- Her Marine Next Door by Aliyah Burke

   

Romance

 

Description

My next door neighbor Parker Jax is not my type. He’s covered in tats, rides a motorcycle, and his parties keep me up all night. The fact he’s sexy as sin doesn’t change the fact we are oil and water.

I’m a quiet artist. He’s a rowdy marine. I’ve got a broken heart. I’m convinced he doesn’t have a heart at all.

Thankfully, my bad-boy neighbor is on leave from the Marines for only thirty days. But then the jerk has to go and show me that he has a soft side beneath all those hard muscles. He actually leaves his own party to help me, and he didn’t even have to.

Fantastic. Now I owe him.

I’m not worried, though. What are the chances he’ll need me to do anything before the month is up?

But when a woman shows up with a kid at her side, knocking on Parker’s door, it turns out those chances are pretty good...

 AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

 Interesting opening to this story.  Skylar is highly irritated with Parker but she also knows it's not all about his partying way.  Because almost against her wishes she finds him really hot.  Parker likes teasing her because yes, he knows she's watching him.   And he knows he likes what he sees too.  

Cullen is that little boy who shows up at Parker's door.  And what a great kid he was shown to be.  Especially with all the hurts he has been hiding. And in the beginning he is one starved, frightened kid.   Starving for more than just food but love too.

This story was full of emotions and heat too. It also has a man (Parker) who may be a tough, effective special Marines guy but he also can be so stupid relationship wise.  And goes about proving it as he messes things up, repeatedly.  And his parents are really not very helpful.  In fact his mother is so rude, I wanted to slap her into next week.  More than once, and I felt like saying, "Get a clue woman and back off." 

I liked how the story ended with everyone getting their "stuff' together.  And hey, it had a good Epilogue which I always like to see.  

 

 " I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book through Netgalley. And these are my honest opinions about it.”

 

Book Review- Valiant by Katie Knight

   

Never get between a SEAL and his family...

Navy SEAL Cole Williams thought he was fine with staying out of his son’s life. After all, that seemed to be what his ex wanted. But when it becomes clear that Kelsey and their baby are in danger, Cole doesn’t hesitate to charge back into their lives—at least for a little while. But as they spend time together, the gruff, battle-hardened SEAL begins to wonder if he should finally make the situation permanent....

Kelsey may have mixed emotions about Cole given their past, but there’s no denying she feels better now that he’s here to protect them. Her father has gone missing, and someone wants to use her and her son as bait to force his return. She knows Cole won’t allow them to be hurt...but the longer he stays with them, the more she fears for her heart.

With time slipping away and danger closing in, Kelsey realizes everything she holds dear is in peril—will they live long enough to listen to their hearts?

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

 

This story caught my eye because of the different angle in the information described about the book .  

The awkwardness between Cole and Kelsey in the beginning was so well done.  And the reason for Cole walking away originally was a bit of a surprise to me.  But then it made total sense when it was revealed to the reader.  Yes, the reader because Kelsey doesn't know,at least not yet. 

The mystery, action really starts to take off.     And so does the relationship between Cole, Kelsey and Eddy (their baby).  Plenty of emotions as Cole and Kelsey try to figure out who is putting everyone at risk.  The story comes to a good conclusion.

 

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

 

**Book Review- Enchanting Sarah Greenberg (A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel) by Jennifer Inglis

   

General Fiction (Adult), Romance , Sci Fi & Fantasy 

Part rom-com, part The Dresden Files with a dash of Jewish mythology, ENCHANTING SARAH GREENBERG is a funny, fantastical look into a woman’s struggle to find herself, believe in herself, and prove to everyone that she is extraordinary in her own way. 

Description

Food critic Sarah Greenberg is a normal thirty-nine-year-old content with her ordinary life. In fact, the only real excitement she has is the occasional hand she lends at her family’s Chicago magic shop.

Until one day when the ordinary becomes extraordinary and a simple introduction to her boyfriend’s teenage daughter unearths a family trait long dormant in Sarah.

Without even trying, she can do magic.

Her newfound, though late-blooming abilities make her part of a world she never imagined, and her family’s long lineage of Magycians unravels Sarah’s world.

But when she discovers her family’s store is in danger of being taken away by an old acquaintance, Zondra Bex, Sarah is forced to face an enemy more skilled and decades older than her.

Sarah must learn to develop her skills to protect her family from a foe that wants to wield the power embedded in the store’s location and rule the Magyckal world. But will embracing her newly discovered abilities eradicate everything she believed herself to be?

AMAZON LINK

4.5 STARS

 

 I have to admit that it took me a bit to get into this story.  But then it began to draw me in.   Maybe because Sarah was so freaked when she began to "see" things and then her abilities showed up.  I have to admit some of those things she began to see were really freak worthy.  What a quirky story it turned out to be.  And it all put together some really good world building. 

 Sarah's relationship with Colin was so interesting and I kept waiting for there to be a surprise about him.  Is their relationship going to survive?  I hoped so because I liked him and his daughter Madison. To be honest, is Sarah even going to survive grasping evil Zondra Bex and her plans? Because of this, the story becomes action packed.  With touches of humor too. 

Raya is Sarah's lifelong best friend.   I liked her and her part in the adventure. The few times she went  into the more scientific, that part I didn't enjoy as much. 

The end of the story is filled with surprises and twists that there's no way anyone could see coming.  Startling but good.  What a wild ride that was.

 

 

 
" I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book through Netgalley. And these are my honest opinions about it.”

 

***Book Review- Watching Over You (The McKenzies of Ridge Trail Book 3) by [Lori Foster]

   

While investigating a criminal network, Detective Crosby Albertson keeps crossing paths with members of the highly trained, suspiciously well-informed McKenzie family. They’re always one step ahead of him—especially their alarmingly attractive intel specialist, Madison. And Crosby needs to find out why.

Madison McKenzie is the tech and surveillance whiz of her family’s operation. A recent case introduced her to Detective Albertson. She finds herself irresistibly drawn to the sexy and mysterious cop. There’s just one problem. He’s a detective and her family’s work is secret. When Crosby starts digging for information about the McKenzies, Madison’s got to get him off the scent…while keeping him at a safe distance.

AMAZON LINK

5+ STARS

This was a story that I just savored.  Everything about it was just so good.  The people, the families, the tension.  I really enjoyed the flow of the story, and the author's writing style.  

Silver and Hallie were a surprise but were So special too.  

As I was reading I wanted to speed up to see what was going to happen next.  And then I wanted to slow down because I just didn't want the story to end.  

** Book Review - Iron & Ink (Brooklyn Brothers, #5) by Melanie Munton

 

General Fiction (Adult) | Romance  

Description

We are the Rossetti's.
The exiled "sixth family" of the New York mafia. We're the good guys.
People don't fear us...much. They respect us.
The five of us? We're the Brooklyn Brothers.
And we protect what's ours.

After a gunshot wound to the chest, I died on an operating table. Then I came back to life. Yet the thing that’s going to take me down is a redheaded Irish bartender who has a pension for trouble and drinking me under the table. Ash Donahue is brave, beautiful, and scarily street wise. In fact, she’s the only woman I’ve ever met who seems remotely capable of handling the kind of baggage a man like me comes with.

Not to mention, she has secrets that could very well rival my own.

I’m a soldier, a warrior. That’s all I’ll ever be. No woman wants to be strapped with that for the rest of her life. But every time we remind ourselves why we’re completely wrong for each other, we end up tangled together in the stock room. Or on top of the bar. Or against a wall.

That all changes when I find out what brought her to my city. How could she not tell me her uncle is the Irish mob boss? And how am I supposed to protect her from him and my family from our countless enemies, all at the same time?

AMAZON LINK 

When this story opened up I went, "uh-oh"  Things were not looking good for Ash..at all.  And she isn't looking very innocent.  Even Rome is shocked by what is happening but that is only the "opening shot".  That really drew me in because what the heck is going on? I thought she was the heroine of the piece, sort of. But to get the answers I just had to keep reading as the beginning started to unfold.  Oh, the secrets that Ash is holding!!

Rome was a tortured soul that so few really understood.  He loved his twin and his family but they didn't really get it either.  Ash saw inside of him and he didn't understand it but welcomed it. 

You'll just have to prepare yourself for rough language, and plenty of hot sex.  Once you get past that there is actually  a pretty good story with lots of action. With quite the surprise twist or two at the end.

I liked how the story ended.

 

 " I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book through Netgalley. And these are my honest opinions about it.”

 

 

** Book Review- Silver Creek Bodyguard (Book #4 of Silver Creek) by Lindsay McKenna

   

Romance

New York Times bestselling author Lindsay McKenna returns to Silver Creek, Wyoming, where a veteran SEAL who is now one of a security team’s finest, is assigned to guard a beautiful woman haunted by her family’s dangerous past…
 
With a fresh start in the heart of big sky country, Sara Romano is thrilled to bring her herbal remedies to the lovely people of Silver Creek, Wyoming. But when her dark past follows her, and Sara is nearly killed, she knows she is in imminent danger. Reluctantly accepting the bodyguard her mother hires, Sara opens her home to Wes Paxton. Trained to protect, the ruggedly handsome stranger soothes her fears, making Sara feel cared for in a way she has not felt in a long time.  If only she had the courage to tell him her family’s secrets…
 
A former orphan who found family in the military, Wes can’t ignore the feeling that Sara is holding back.  The more time he spends with her, the more he understands how afraid she is—which only sends his well-honed protective instincts into overdrive.  So when danger finally closes in, Wes is an army of one, ready to do anything to protect the woman he’s falling hard for…
  AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

 Both of the main characters were people that I really liked.  Wes drew me right in and how could he not?  The way that he was written made it so easy to have compassion for him .  And I loved the "star family" explanation by Wes.   Sara was such a talented woman who was also filled with compassion, healing skills and empathy.  Wes had no  natural family that he knew of.  Sara on the other hand had some good family that included her mother and grandmother.  But she also had two dangerous family members; her father and her half-brother Manny.  Manny has had murderous feelings against Sara since his youth.  

The story includes some Native American customs, herbal information and natural foods information too.  And then..the physical dangers exploded. 

At the end even Dan, the county sheriff said "Well that was a helluva twist".  And I totally agree.  I liked how it ended with everything wrapped up.  And even though there wasn't a part marked specifically as an Epilogue, it felt like that's exactly what we got when it came to Sara and Wes.

 " I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book through Netgalley. And these are my honest opinions about it.”

***Book Review- Without Warning(#2 of the Elite Guardian) by Lynette Eason

       

Intensity. Skill. Tenacity.
The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have it all.

Katie Singleton, a partner with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency, stumbles upon her next assignment quite by accident. Spotting blue lights at a familiar restaurant, she stops to investigate, only to discover that owner Daniel Matthews has become the target of someone who will go to any lengths to put him out of business. Daniel might be concerned, but he's not convinced that a bodyguard--and a female one at that--is necessary. A new attack and his niece's urgings are enough to make him reconsider. He and Katie must figure out who's behind the intimidation and threats--before a would-be killer strikes again. Witty dialogue and a simmering attraction will have readers flying through this tension-laced thriller. Eason exercises complete control of her readers' emotions as they race through the pages to discover the truth.

AMAZON LINK

Boy oh boy, what an opening for this book !  And things just kept getting wilder and kept me on the edge of my seat. I just didn't know what was going to happen next.
The Elite Guardians had such  great group of women. Hailey, Maddie and Olivia join Katie in that group and this story.  
Daniel's niece Riley was such a smart and wise young woman. She was often wise beyond her years and VERY observant.  She was often funny too.  One comment that made me smile was that her uncle needed a keeper.   Yes, she knew her uncle had all of the soldiering skills but still she was a mother hen just like he teased her.
There is a romance in this story and a clean one at that. I also liked that it started more as a friendship first.  I will say that though there is a romance it doesn't take center stage, the dangers and action does.  I also liked that the unseen villain has their P.O.V. continued in the story until the dangerous reveal.

Good ending to a very intense story.  Overall, I enjoyed the whole story. 

I read this book through the Hoopla Library App. 

Book Review- Mother to the Mafia by Jess Thick

   

Motherhood made her brave, but to protect her daughter, can she give the mafia boss a son? 

Abigail

My daughter needs a hero, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep us away from the man who used and abused me — even if it means throwing myself into the lion’s den. 

Carrying a baby for money seems wrong. Doing it for a mob boss seems even worse, but what choice do I have? I need money. I need protection. I need a way to give my daughter the life she deserves, so if it means becoming a mother to the mafia, I’ll do it.

But how can I give up my own son? Or the man who looks at me as if I am a goddess when he feels the fluttering kicks beneath my rounding belly? The same man who protects my daughter better than her birth father ever could? 

Romeo 

I need an heir. A son of my own to ensure no one can touch my empire. She’s desperate — a damsel in distress. Easy to control.

So why can’t I stop thinking about her? Why does her daughter feel like my own? 

Once I have my son, she’ll walk away with my protection and enough money to start over, but now that I’ve had her, I just might not be able to give her up. 

 

 

3 STARS

 

Even though I knew this was a novella I was hoping for more a bit more depth. At least the violence wasn't really detailed which was good. I did like both of the main characters and there was some sweetness there. As well as sex of course. That was much later in the book as well, which I took as another good thing. 

There was a bit of excitement towards the end of the book as well as a follow up on Romeo and Abigail's life which was a plus. 

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

*** Book Review- Healer's Touch (Fae Touched #2) by Jennifer Sanders

   

A Fae-touched healer who can’t access his magic—and whose death has been foretold.

A child of the Fae with no magic of her own, kidnapped by mistake.

Disillusioned by his life as a doctor in Victorian-era London, Ross McInerny plans a new start in the wilds of Colorado—but on the very eve of his departure, his future is predicted: death--by means of murder most foul.

Elsie Brentwood longs for adventure and a life that’s truly her own, but when she is mistaken for her sister-in-law, she finds herself taken captive by an old family enemy who threatens everything she holds dear.

Lost, injured, and chased by both a vengeful murderer and inexorable fate, Elsie and Ross must rely on their wits and each other to find their way home—alive.

 

5 STARS

 

This story had depth, good emotional moments and kept me totally involved.

Elsie was such a great main character and I enjoyed how helpful, reliable and creative she turned out to be.   That was totally unexpected but I liked it. That was one smart woman.  I agreed with Ross's observation that she was a take charge woman when needed.  And Ross what a great guy he was.  Honorable, caring, protective and just and all around good man.   Even as he was in some ways trying to find himself.  And his group of friends were the absolute best.

 So my final thoughts are for me, the main characters sold it.  I absolutely adored them !Then came this wild adventure and some really great, interesting magic !  This series just keeps getting better and better

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

** BOOK REVIEW- Saving La Familia by Donna Del Oro

   

Can smart, scrappy Dina Salazar find the heart and strength to overcome her hatred of an ex-fiancé so that she can fulfill her immigrant grandmother’s wish and rescue a long-lost cousin in Mexico?

A smart, scrappy teacher is called upon by her traditional Mexican-American grandmother to help a relative in Mexico escape the clutches of a dangerous cartel. Reluctantly, she agrees, but in coming to her grandmother’s aid, she needs the help of The Hated One, an ex-fiancé who broke her heart years before. Together, they must devise a plan to rescue her desperate, long-lost cousin and her cousin’s child. To do so, Dina Salazar must enter the dreaded turf of the Zetas, a ruthless Mexican drug cartel. Such a mission is not for the faint of heart!

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

 

 A very full story. Good world building and filled with Dina's emotions.  And she sure had a pile of them along with a lot of resentful  filled one for her ex, The Hated One.  The One Who's Name Shall Not Be Mentioned. I really liked feisty, fierce Dina a whole lot.   Sure she was messed up some but still, she had quite a few good qualities as well.  We also get to see that she's not the only one with flaws.

Rick was also something else and it was hard to really find out if he was a villain in the story or not.  He was a hot, gorgeous guy but was he also a player too?  That question really keeps Dina off balance for quite a while.  To trust him or not?

 As the story goes on there is other emotions that have to do with other people in the stories.  Like Flora who is Dina's aunt to name one.  She was quite the character all on her own. Dina's grandmother was another fierce but really kind of scary person.  Someone Dina often felt like tip toeing around or avoiding completely.  We find out later she also has some hidden depths too. 

But then..for me at times it seemed to drag. For, me probably too much about so many foods.  And although I liked the input of culture, that seemed to be a bit too much at times.

However, this story is filled with plenty of surprises and they speed up towards the end.  Danger, secrets, some humor and romance took me to a really good ending.  

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

Book Review- Just One More Chance (Cottonwood Falls Book 1) by Oona Ryda (& Candace Ayers)

 

 A bad boy, a good girl, a hot night…
A false identity, an unexpected pregnancy, a fake engagement…

The night Chance hit on me in a Wichita bar, he rocked my world.
Of course he didn’t know it was me at the time—
Little Andrea Farrow all grown up.
Hey, no shade, please.
I’ve crushed on Chance Moore since I was five years old.
Like I’d really say no.

I’ll tell him about those two pink lines on the pregnancy test.
Eventually.

But just when I think things can’t get any worse,
Chance, my white-knight-wannabe,
opens his big mouth to my jerk of an ex.
And now we’re fake engaged!

 AMAZON LINK

What a fun story this turned out to be.  I absolutely adored Andrea (Andy.) and the authors knocked it out of the park for me with some of the ways that they wrote her .  More than once I was amused with some of the funny conversations and thoughts that she had.  Let's face it, I smiled through a lot of it. I might have even giggled a few times.  She was unique and so precious although only a few people saw her that way.

Oh yes to the way that Chance and Andy re-connect.  And boy, did they.  Reconnect that is.  There is plenty of steamy scenes between the two.  But Chance never saw her coming and it doesn't take long for her to get under his skin.  And that was before he even knew her real name. He is still a good guy though and I liked how they shared their past history when Andy was his best friend's little sis. 

And that jerk ex, Edward was beyond a colossal pain.  He just never lets up.  But it also means you just don't know what he's going to do when he unexpectedly shows up.  Time and time again.

Although this story had plenty of humor it also had plenty of other emotions too.  It also had a good group of family on Andy's side.  

I liked how the story ended.  An ending that included a good Epilogue that left a smile on my face.

  "I voluntarily read a copy  of this book and these are my honest thoughts about it. "