** BOOK REVIEW- Every Rogue Has His Charm (Love and Let Spy# 4) by Susanna Craig

   

Romance

Description

Love, intrigue, and a fresh spin on historical romance make a sexy and suspenseful mix in the latest novel in Susanna Craig's Regency-set series—as the wife one man left behind becomes the woman he can't live without . . .

Caroline, Marchioness of Chesleigh, has been married for six years—at least in name. In fact, Caro has hardly seen her husband since the early days of their union. Scarred and reclusive, Maxim wasn't ready to trust his wife with his secrets—or his heart. Instead, he quickly resumed his life of espionage in France, believing Caro was better off alone.

When the spy who left her returns upon inheriting the Dukedom, he finds his wife is not the girl she once was. Her heart is a little harder. She's learned to stand on her own. Yet the desire that once ignited between them burns as hotly as ever . . .

Now, the more Caro learns about the past Maxim tried to hide from her, the deeper their bond grows. But danger haunts her husband's every move, jeopardizing their passionate reunion . . . 

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

When I first read the information on this book, I took a chance.   The fact that they married quickly, and then he abandoned Caroline for years sounded like something I might have read before.  However, I was glad to find out that it really wasn't anything like that.  In fact, it was a good plot with Caro and Maxim being tortured emotionally in different ways.  And the separation wasn't something that helped them at all personally.   No matter their hurts they never really forgot about each other and once back in each other's presence,  they couldn't stay away.  

What can I say about Caro's family?  Her father, yikes, what a user he tried to be.  He used all manner of manipulations when it comes to trying to sponge off of Caro.  

There are other people that I think deserve a nod for their part in the story.  Starting with the brilliant strategist AND at times a secret  matchmaker General Scott.  He isn't anything like you would expect but maybe that's why I liked him.  His wife Helen is only occasionally in the story but it made me smile at how perspective she was when it came to her husband's doings. 

Two other people who added to the story was the widow Mrs. Drummond and Lieutenant Hopkins. He was skilled what he was sent to do but he was also charmingly irreverent at times too, which made me smile. 

The danger haunting Maxim and Caro really wasn't a surprise to me.  I had my suspicions on who was behind it and it was revealed that it was the one I thought.  BUT, I really liked HOW it was revealed.  And the way the story ended was also good with a tender Epilogue to go with it.

 

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

through NetGalley

**BOOK REVIEW- The Guest List by Fern Michaels

  

Women's Fiction 

 Against all odds, Abby Mitchell has turned her life around. But in her crowning moment of celebration, dark clouds from the past threaten to undo everything she’s worked so hard for…
 
For the first time ever, Abby Mitchell feels that the world is her oyster. Her first book has found a publisher, a daring new surgery is on the horizon, and there’s a new man in her life, a man who sees beyond any flaws…into her heart.
 
Best of all, though, is that Abby has been reunited with her sister Mallory. Separated as girls after their parents died in a double tragedy, Abby always dreamed that, one day, they would be together again.
 
But while the two loving sisters make up for lost time, danger hides in the shadows. Now, Abby and Mallory have planned a sumptuous party—unaware that their gathering will include an uninvited guest who will do anything to keep the past hidden… 

 AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

This was a slow starter for me.   It took me quite a while to get into the story. And to be honest, I wasn't sure that I was going to like it much.  The story did have depth, plenty of emotions and dysfunctional families with a capital D.  It probably took  me about half way through or so when it started to really get me going.  It really twisted me back and forth trying to guess what was going on.  Was Mallory really someone who could be trusted?  Who was the person behind the deadly past?  I began to suspect someone much later in the book.  But could it be that person?  If so, what was the motive?  

Everything comes to a spectacular ending with so many questions answered.  The secrets revealed were stunning but also left the survivors with so much of a brighter future.  

 

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

 

(Netglley)

** Book Review- Ex Marks The Perfect Spot (Wilde Ways #16) by Cynthia Eden

   

Romance 

 

Description

He can’t be the hero.

One moment, Chelsea Ember is sitting on a gorgeous, tropical island and sipping a cute drink, but in the next instant, she’s being tossed in the back of a van and spirited away. She’s terrified, desperate, and sure that she will never see her family again…then he rushes to her rescue. Her ex. Her gorgeous, hyper-controlled, heartbreaker of a former lover, Colt Easton.

He isn’t the lover she remembers…

Suddenly he’s knocking out bad guys and showing a dangerously brutal edge that she never expected. He’s fierce, vicious with the enemy, and there is no sign of the polished and cool businessman she knew before. But the attraction she felt for him since the very beginning—that scorching, consuming desire—is still there. Even if Colt does seem to be a complete stranger.

Trapped in paradise, all their secrets will be exposed.

Colt met Chelsea while he was working undercover. She never had an opportunity to get to know the real man beneath his mask, and he’s tracked her down because he wants a second chance with the woman he can’t get out of his head. When Chelsea is taken, he knows a boring, good guy won’t be able to help her. But the real Colt can. Time for Chelsea to see just how wild he can be.

A lot can happen on a hot island night.

Danger stalks Chelsea from every turn. And her best bet of getting off the island alive? Her ex, the most unlikely hero ever. A man who is proving to be a complete badass as they trek through the heart of the island and dodge the foes on their trial. He’s savage, rough, and definitely not a civilized gentleman, but Colt is exactly what she needs in order to stay alive. As they fight to survive, Chelsea realizes that she might just be in danger of falling for him all over again… 

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

Intense, unpredictable with  plenty of dangerous action.  That's just a few words to describe this story.  Chelsea and Colt both drive the story in good ways too.  I liked that there wasn't any instant lust right away although the attraction was firmly in place.

Nothing and nobody is what they appear to be on the surface and that just keeps things edgy. So who can you really trust?

Some extra surprises towards the end continue to keep things unpredictable, mostly in a good way.  I also liked how things ended with a H.E.A. and a surprising gift that Colt gives Chelsea.  It was perfect and that one made me smile big time. 

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

 

(NETGALLEY) 

BOOK REVIEW- Highland Honor (Murray Family, #2) by Hannah Howell

 

Romance

 NIGEL’S STORY
 
Nigel Murray saw through her masquerade from the first: a young woman trying to pass herself off as a page. It almost worked—until she was unmasked in battle with the English, at the point of a sword. Recklessly, Nigel saved the beauty whose secrets now endangered them both. He spirited her off to Scotland, determined to erase the terror he tasted in her kiss.
 
Gisele knew the dark side of men, having barely escaped the brutality of her highborn husband, Lord Deveau. Now, with Deveau murdered and a price on her head, she was every man’s prey—hunted for a crime she did not commit. Nigel is her only refuge, a handsome stranger whose fiery sensuality burns all fear in its wake. But to truly trust him, Gisele must leave the past behind, and let her heart accept the simple truth—of his undying love.

AMAZON LINK

3.5 STARS

It had it's moments.   Good main characters that it didn't take long to like.  So it's kind of sad to me that the actual well written story just didn't pull me in as much as I wanted it to.  I think that there was so much emotional repetition about two particular themes that slowed it down a lot for me.  

There were parts that I did like, the relationship between Gisele and Nigel being one of them.    And that also includes liking how the story ended.

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

(through Netgalley)

The Fear of the Lord - Pastor James Brandt (Video)

BOOK REVIEW- To Trust (Book 2 of Evergreen Point) by Rasha Selim

   

Life was good…until a one-night stand changed everything.

Morgan Anderson, a custom bike builder, spent years forging an impassive existence and cultivating a guarded heart. He perfected an indifference no one outside his family could penetrate. Little did he know that giving in to temptation would change the trajectory of what he valued most. But putting aside his steadfast hold on his emotions might be his very undoing.

Graphic designer and marketing CEO, Ann Marie Tosto vowed never to let love tear her down again. After facing deep disappointment and betrayal, she turned her back on relationships. She found peace in her success and strength in her autonomy. Yet when history repeats itself, she has to decide if her independence or trusting another person is more important.

When love comes knocking, can Morgan and Ann Marie find the courage to answer?

AMAZON LINK

4 stars

This story was something that I liked BUT..with some reservations.  I think my main reservation has to do with the overabundance of sex.  Was it well written? Yes.  There is also A LOT of sexual humor/trash talk but most of it I will admit was funny. 

One other point that kind of distracted me was what felt like an overuse of the word, "Huffed".

Okay now that all of that has been addressed let me get to what I liked.  Both Morgan and Ann Marie for starters.  Each unique in their own way but alike when it came to building walls around their hearts.  Only family got in and what a family Morgan had.  They were tight, and a hoot to watch messing with each other.  Susan was someone who was "allowed" entry into both Morgan and Ann Marie's circle.  And when Ann Marie and Susan got together they were like really funny but foul mouthed teenagers.  Some funny stuff there.

The family shirt was hilarious.  The people fighting wear it until agreeing with each other or just keep wearing it until they stop fighting.   

 As you can guess there is plenty of emotions going on in the story as well until it comes to a really good ending. 

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

(Booksprout) 

** Book Review- Critical Alliance (Rocky Mountain Courage #3)y Elizabeth Goddard

    

 

Christian,  Mystery & Thrillers

Description

Mackenzie Hanson's special set of skills opened the door to a successful career as a professor of cybersecurity at a Michigan university, allowing her to put her criminal past behind her. But when a long-ago partner in crime delivers a cryptic message about her father's tech company being under cyberattack, she heads for Montana to secure exposed assets, close security breaches, and hopefully save lives.

Diplomatic Security Services special agent Alex Knight is back home in Montana to decompress from a mission gone wrong. But even as he's trying to relax, he's drawn into another mystery, complete with suspicious deaths, lethal threats, and whispers of espionage that all have one thing in common--a beautiful cybersecurity expert with a dark past.

When the situation turns deadly, Alex and Mackenzie will have to work together to find the answers they need--before someone silences Mackenzie for good.

 AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

This was a solid, good story with really good main and supporting characters too.

Speaking of main characters, I liked both Alex and Mackenzie.  Both were really skilled in what they did, each with their own share of pain.  In fact Mackenzie was brilliant when it came to computer cybersecurity and hacks.  Part of the reason she had gotten into such serious trouble as a young woman.

It was pretty clear fairly early on that Alex was one of the good guys.  He was also pretty much by the book kind of guy.  Makes you wonder how that's going to work out for them. 

Nora is Mackenzie's sister and she was pretty hard to figure out for a long time.  Because yes, she was sending mixed messages to Mackenzie. 

There were plenty of unpredictable things that are happening and it kept me on my toes.  The only downside for me was all of the scientific, computer stuff.  I only understood a tiny bit of it and at times felt like for me, that it slowed the story at times.  But I have to give the author credit for doing her homework.  And for keeping the mystery up as to who the cyber-criminal was. 

It comes to a good ending with some of the people having a new future.

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

 (NETGALLEY)

Book Review- Hot Tales (3 Shorts) by Patricia Rosemoor

 

 Detective Shelley Caldwell Stories

HOT NOTE Homicide detective Shelley Caldwell and her half-vampire lover Jake figure out three murders deemed suicides are connected-and supernatural.
HOT CORPSE When skeletons of bodies are found, she knows the supernatural is involved again.
HOT CHRISTMAS A hit-and-run leaves a dead body and a magical Christmas tree. There is more to the tree than either Shelley or Jake knows.

 AMAZON LINK

3.5 STARS

Not bad for short stories.  In fact they were pretty full and creative even if at least one was a bit ghoulish.   It even has Shelley's twin sister show up to help too.  It's also a clean story with mild romance included.
I'm giving it 3.5 stars on Amazon. 

" I voluntarily read a free copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion about it."

***BOOK REVIEW- Plain Jane and Mr. Wrong (#4 of Plain Jane Series) by Tmonique Stephens

   

The last thing Jentry Playne needs in her life is a man. Any man, particularly a rich, bossy, criminal mastermind who runs New York City. A sick twist of fate throws her in his path, and nothing she does lessens the impact on her psyche and the ensuing wreckage in her life. Is she interested? No…Yes! Even though the man is dangerously sexy, she can’t succumb to the temptation. She’s bitter and hostile and does a piss poor job at hiding it. Left alone to pay her bills and raise her daughter in peace, that’s all she wants. And no one will tell her what she can and cannot do. Not her family and not the man she should fear instead of desire.

Harden Gage is in the crosshairs of the Russian mob, not that he gives a damn. As the bastard head of the Syndicate, he’ll kill anything that gets in his way and keeps him from what he’s owed, which is everything. He wants it all, and that includes Jentry Playne. The cousin of his best friend’s fiancée, she’s off-limits. He promised to protect her, and that’s precisely what he’ll do, protect her from the Russian oligarch willing to kill to reclaim the territory he lost and anything else that wants to hurt her. That doesn’t mean he will protect her from himself. Because in love and war, it’s all fair game.

And Harden plays to win!

AMAZON LINK 

5 STARS

I've been following this series and this was another really good story.  Oh, I'm not saying that Harden was a good guy because for the most part he wasn't.  But when he cared about someone?  He was a 100% behind them...all the way.  He kept that circle tight, just allowing a few people in. 

Jentry was also quite the colorful person.  The stuff that she went through before was painful but she did end up with Allie a real cutie of a daughter.  She was a cutie but also with a will of steel when she was determined.  Even at her very young age.  Jentry was a person who was a survivor who was tough when she needed to be.  Maybe not as tough as some of her other family members but she did have some street smarts earned the hard way.  Didn't take long to be pulling for her.

This story was emotional, dangerous, some violence that was displayed and sexual scenes that almost but not quite took over the story.  I guess, that's my way of saying that it could have been taken down a notch even though it was well written.   There is plenty of edge of the seat times,  plenty of story and dysfunctional families, and then everything comes to an explosive end (for now). 

There is also a good Epilogue with the knowledge that there will be more stories to follow in this series.  And I will be following. It's just been too good not to.

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

 

 

**Book Review- The Deadly Shallows (Coastal Guardians #3) by Dani Pettrey

    

Mystery & Thrillers ,  Romance

Description

A mass shooting.
A stolen weapon capable of immense destruction. 
A painful secret that threatens to tear two hearts apart.

CGIS Agent Noah Rowley is rocked to the core when he learns of a mass shooting raging on his Coast Guard base. He and his team stop the attack, but not before numerous innocent lives are lost. Furious and grief-stricken, he determines to do whatever is needed to bring the mastermind behind the attack to justice.

Coast Guard flight medic Brooke Kesler evacuates the scene of the shooting in a helicopter carrying the only surviving gunman. Gravely wounded, the man whispers mysterious information to Brooke that immediately paints a target on her back.

As Brooke and Noah race to uncover answers, emotions between them ignite. Noah struggles to protect Brooke at all costs and to conceal the secret that prevents him from becoming what he longs to be--the right man for her.

Everything is at stake as a horrifying truth emerges. . . .

The mass shooting wasn't the end game. It was only the beginning.

AMAZON LINK 

4.5  STARS 

This was a riveting, clean story that was also totally unpredictable. Noah and Brooke took the lead as good main characters.  Not only trying to figure out the evil plots but also their friendship.  Is it more than just friendship or not?

Noah's other team members are excellent and even though he is their leader it's more like friends/family too.  In fact his sister Gabby sometimes helps were she can.  She is Brooke's closest friend and they are tight.  Gabby is clearly cheering for her brother and best friend to become a couple.

There is another romance sparking between a couple other people.  But Austin and Caleb take second place when it comes to second place.  They were both great at their jobs but funny too.

If you're not a Christian don't let that stop you from this Christian story.  Why?  Because it really is that good. Plenty of action to keep things interesting. 

Liked the ending and the Epilogue too.  Part of the Epilogue made me smile. A good way to end a book I think.

 

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

(through Netgalley)

*** BOOK REVIEW- TAKEN (LOST Series #5) by Cynthia Eden

   

In New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Eden's latest novel, the Last Option Search Team (LOST) returns- and for one agent, the hunt for a serial killer just got very personal . . . HE SWORE TO PROTECT HER . . . Bailey Jones somehow survived her harrowing abduction by the infamous Death Angel. But while her physical scars have healed, she can't stop wondering about a woman she helped to escape, who simply disappeared. When LOST agent Asher Young is assigned to her case, Bailey instantly feels an attraction to the intense ex-SEAL who seems to be carrying dark secrets of his own. BUT KEEPING HIS PROMISE . . . Asher can't afford to let his growing feelings for Bailey distract him from his job. Only she can soothe his horrific nightmares, but the last thing he wants is for the demons from his past to ever hurt her. Bailey has gotten past his guard, and the emotions he feels for her-they're as dark and dangerous as the past he doesn't want to face. COULD COST BOTH THEIR LIVES.
When corpses begin surfacing-all marked with the same tattoo depicting the Death Angel's calling card-Asher must race to stop a twisted killer who wants nothing more than to claim his next prize: Bailey . . .

AMAZON LINK 

5 STARS

I don't care what anyone else says,  I really enjoyed this book a lot!  It had a lot to do with Bailey and Asher .  Their being survivors, their personalities and their really strong attraction to each other.  Of course the edge of the seat danger kept things lively, too. 

It just seemed like everyone wanted Bailey, both for good reasons and some bad ones too. The press hounding her just kept up the intensity too.

Asher was super intense all on his own and they weren't kidding that he was dangerous.  Even more so when the nightmares happened.  But he didn't want to hurt an innocent so that added quite a bit of emotion to his part of the story.  

The twists and surprises just kept coming around the corner time and again.  Well written because of that and definitely kept my interest as well.  

I liked how it ended but also gave a quick look into Asher's sister, Ana and her story next.  Bring it on. 

 

I read this book through the HOOPLA Library App. 

 

 

 

**BOOK REVIEW- Montana Mystery (Book #4 Resting Warrior Ranch) by Josie Jade & Janie Crouch

  

Some nightmares you don’t wake up from.  

Noah Scott spent two months in an enemy prison camp but made it out alive—unlike most of his SEAL team. He’s one of the lucky ones but doesn’t always feel that way with his scarred body and daily fight against PTSD.  

Working with the animals at the Resting Warrior Ranch helps. So what if he trains service dogs, fosters a couple of kittens, and has an alpaca as one of his best friends?  

He’ll take whatever holds back the darkness.  

When beautiful Kate Tilbeck arrives at the Resting Warrior Ranch neck deep in danger, Noah knows he can’t stand by silently. Especially when the threat centers around a dog fighting ring—and some of the pups he trained may be involved.  

But to save the animals he loves and the woman he can’t get out of his mind, Noah will have to embrace the darkness he’s pushed down for years.    

And hope he doesn’t lose himself in the process.

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

 This story was emotional in more than one way, and it was well written.  I really liked that although I have read other books in this series, I think that it still is good for first time readers.  

Kate and Noah were both good main characters, each dealing with their own problems.  But I liked how they were pulling together fairly quickly.  So did the rest of the RWR team.  And they were a team or maybe even a better way to say it they were "a family." 

Tensions and dangers climb as the bad guys just seem to be one step ahead.  Kate did something SO incredibly stupid at one point that I got mad and just slammed my kindle closed.  All the while yelling out loud, "Dumb, Dumb, Dumb." It took me a while to cool off and start reading again.  

I liked how the story ended though. With a H.E.A. and with the door open to read about Jude's story next.   

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

Book Review- The Gunslinger’s Guide to Avoiding Matrimony (Book 2 of 2: Gunslinger ) by Michelle McLean

   

Romance

 Each book in the Gunslinger series is STANDALONE

Description

At the ripe old age of twenty-eight, desperate-to-retire gunslinger Adam Brady has exactly two rules. And one of them is never, ever get married. So he’ll be danged when his dreams of permanently avoiding the bounty hunter on his tail in Desolation, the only town where notorious men like him can find respite, comes with one helluva string attached. The town has a new rule: gunslingers welcome—if they get a job…or marry.

Without realizing it, Adam stumbles into a big town wedding and accidentally marries Nora Schumacher, a sassy-mouthed mountain of a woman with legs as long as his wanted poster. So what’s a gunslinger to do but get himself unhitched and find a job. Any job. Except Adam keeps getting fired, one odd circumstance after another. And he’s running out of options.

Desolation was supposed to be his safe haven. Except, he’s not only running from his past but from the irresistible woman he married. And worse, he’s finding that he rather likes the enticing, if damnably independent, wife of his. But some men just aren’t the marrying kind. Only, if he leaves, his own life won’t be worth living. If he stays, he puts the lives of his newfound family and the woman he loves on the line. So much for Desolation being the answer to all his problems. 

AMAZON LINK

3.5 STARS

 This was a quirky, unusual and sometimes even funny story.  Even though it had good plot ideas it also took me long time to even get into it.  Sad to say.  But I think that's on me because the writing was good but just didn't pull me in as much as I would have liked.
I did like Adam's favorite phrase. "Where's the fun in that?''   It cropped up at just the right or is that improper time?  
The people of the town did add a lot to the story.  And things do speed up towards the end as trouble comes to town.
It all comes to a good end with a H.E.A. and Epilogue at the end.  I will be giving it 3.5 stars when it opens on Amazon.


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

 

(Netgalley)

***Book Review- Reasons Why Not to Date Public Enemy CEO (Shell Grove, #1) by Melanie Munton

    

General Fiction (Adult) | Humor | Romance 

What happens when the most hated man in town goes after everyone’s favorite girl-next-door?

Reason #1: Big, bad CEO Aiden Beaumont wears his grumpy mask every day like a badge of honor. Mia Sparks wants nothing more than to honk his nose or throw a pie in his face, à la The Three Stooges, just to see if he’s capable of smiling. Unfortunately, she can’t. Because he’s technically her boss, and she’d like to keep her gig at the new five-star beach resort for longer than two weeks.

Reason #2: Everyone in her small hometown of Shell Grove, SC hates the man. He brought big business to their little beach town, and as far as her fellow citizens are concerned, that makes him the devil incarnate. But he won’t be staying forever, which works for Mia. She doesn’t go for the flashy city types anyway. She’s quite happy living her quiet life in Shell Grove. The faster the cranky—albeit stupidly hot—CEO is out of her life, the better.

Reason #3: Every time Aiden frowns at her, it hits her like a thousand-watt smile. He has a language all his own, and it’s starting to make way too much sense to her. She can’t avoid him in a town the size of a postage stamp, and it finally hits her that…she doesn’t want to escape him. This always-irritated, too-serious businessman couldn’t possibly be the stable safe haven she’s been looking for. Could he?

Aiden knows there’s a million and one reasons to stay away from the sugary sweet Mia. But who runs away from sunshine after living their entire life in a secluded cave? And when someone from her past unexpectedly emerges and tries to drive a wedge between the two of them? All bets are off. Aiden has never lost a fight in the boardroom, and he’s not about to lose the fight for the woman he wants to deserve. He just has to prove to her that he’s not the PUBLIC ENEMY CEO everyone thinks he is.

 AMAZON LINK

5 STARS 

What a surprise this story turned out to be.  Starting from the first meeting between Aiden and Mia.  Now there was a meeting to remember!

Mia is one fun main character.  Her best friend Maggie was too but on a much wilder scale.  And she was so funny too.  Put the two of them together and you just didn't know what was going to happen next.  Maggie was the prank master and she often had led quieter Mia into the more adventurous things over time.  It's easy to see why Mia was so universally loved in her hometown. 

Aiden is SO out of his comfort zone but after a while it was easy to understand why he appeared so stiff and somewhat anti-social.   He just didn't know any better.  Mia tips his world upside down in the best way.  

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole story,  the town of Shell Grove and it's unique residents.  I could have probably done with a bit less of the raunchy sex talk and scenes but the rest of the story was good.

 It ends with a H.E.A. that made me smile.  Once again. I say once again because I found myself smiling often as I read this story. 

 

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

Netgalley

 

Book Review- The Rescue ( A Team Zulu Novella) by Julie Weaver

 

 One night. One Christmas wish. One killer on the loose.

Unlucky in love, Lilly Hart regrets volunteering to cover the New York CIA intelligence desk on Christmas Eve. That is until field operative Dylan Fox—the swoonworthy spy she’s spent far too many hours daydreaming about—dials in requesting her assistance. But before Lilly can explain his life is in imminent danger, their call is cut short, and it’s up to Lilly to dash through Manhattan and find him before it’s too late.

Dylan Fox can’t believe his luck when a gorgeous brunette crashes into him on the sidewalk and drags him into a crowded, dark bar. But when he realizes it’s none other than Lilly Hart, the intelligence analyst with the sweet voice he’s fantasized about for three long years, he thinks all his Christmases have come at once. Although, with an assassin on their heels, it could be a rendezvous to remember for all the wrong reasons.

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

This book was a surprise but a nice one at that.  It might have been short but it was full and it made me smile.  Dylan Fox was so much more than what the outside of him might make him seem.  He was an agent though and was good at his job.

Lily was one spunky, fun person who had so much going for her even if things didn't usually work out for her when it came to men. She was really smart and really good at her job.  I really enjoyed the fun give and take that the main characters had between them.  And they hadn't even met yet. But sparks do fly when they finally do. 

Good ending that also made me smile. 

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

 

Book Review- The Billionaire's Impromptu Bet by Lorana Hoopes

 

 

Originally titled Lawfully Pursued Can a SWAT officer and a billionaire's daughter find love?

SWAT Officer Jesse Calhoun wasn't looking for love when he met Brie Carter. And at first, he thought they'd have nothing in common, but when a new side of her emerges, will she win his heart? Or will her secret destroy their relationship?

Daughter of a billionaire Brie Carter was bored and looking for a way to spice up her life. When her friend offered a bet with a prize Brie wanted, she agreed, but she never counted on falling in love on the way. The problem is, how does she tell Jesse about the bet without losing him?

AMAZON LINK

3.STARS

I took a chance on this one...but the information on it really got my attention.  Usually it's a guy with the money making a shady bet.  This one sounded different with the reversal being a woman and I was hoping for the best.

Things were moving right along until...her daddy makes an ultimatum.   She's spoiled so that ultimatum was okay with me.  The time frame was what I had to shake my head at though.  Seemed a bit unrealistic although it did make her hustle to get it done. 

The story turned out to be short, charming and sweet.  With strong Christian values that you don't always get to see in a romance.  I would have liked to have seen Brie's BFF confronted but otherwise the story did have a good ending.

BOOK REVIEW- The Marquess Who Kissed Me (#14, The Valiant Love Regency Romance) by Deborah Wilson

   

Forced to betray the only man she ever loved...Lady Belle Lawrence knows she'll never have the man of her heart.

The Marquess of Venmont.

So, in order to save a friend, she decides to marry a man she loathes. Venmont saved her a long time ago.

Now, Belle has the chance to save someone else.

She sees the sacrifice as only fitting.

Sadly, her rescuer doesn't agree...Lord Oliver Childs didn't become a hired assassin just to see Belle sell herself to yet another man. He'll protect her with his life, just as he's always done.

But something is different about this time. He's always been dangerous, and with Belle, he's worse.

But enemies past and present make it impossible for them to be together.

Will these two ever find their happily ever after?

And what happens when it's revealed that Oliver is not the man she always thought him to be?

GOODREADS

This was quite a different type of story with plenty of darkness and sorrow in both of the main characters lives.  Some of it they were still trying to shake off.  It really did get in the way of love. Oliver really hadn't experienced much love in his life growing up with such a cruel father..who looks like he might have turned  mad.  He often pitted brother against brother as they were growing up.  Oliver did his best to protect both Leo and Nicholas.  Oliver was full of surprises though, some good ones too even though he didn't think he was a good man.
And the things that Belle went through weren't a picnic either.  Just different kinds of torture.  I liked both of the main characters and the depth that was given them in the story.  Because of the things they both went through this was a pretty emotional story with some adult themes.  It also had some good moments in it as well although the back and forth of mistrust felt like it went on a bit more than I would have liked.  But hey, I get it Trust was a Major issue.  
I did enjoy the end while it felt like a few threads of the story felt left undone.  Maybe for another book? 

**Book Review- The Best Is Yet to Come (A Novel) by Debbie Macomber

   

Description

When a woman alone in the world bravely chooses to open her heart, two lost souls have a new chance at belonging, in this intimate novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

A new beginning in charming Oceanside, Washington, is exactly what Hope Godwin needs after the death of her twin brother. There are plenty of distractions, like her cozy cottage with the slightly nosy landlords next door, and a brewing drama among her students at the local high school.

Despite having settled quickly into the community, something is still missing for Hope. That is, until her landlord convinces her to volunteer at his animal shelter. There she meets Shadow, a rescue dog that everyone has given up on. But true to her name, Hope believes he’s worth saving.

Like Shadow, shelter volunteer Cade Lincoln Jr., is suffering with injuries most can’t see. A wounded ex-marine, Cade identifies with Shadow, assuming they are both beyond help. Hope senses that what they each need is someone to believe in them, and she has a lot of love to give. As she gains Shadow’s trust, Hope notices Cade begins to open up as well. Finding the courage to be vulnerable again, Cade and Hope take steps toward a relationship, and Hope finally begins to feel at peace in her new home.

But Hope’s new happiness is put to the test when Cade’s past conflicts resurface, and Hope becomes embroiled in the escalating situation at the high school. Love and compassion are supposed to heal all wounds. But are they enough to help Hope and Cade overcome the pain of their past and the obstacles in the way of a better future? 

AMAZON LINK 

 3.5 STARS

 

This was an emotional story with good main characters. Both Hope and Cade were dealing with things but they weren't the only ones.

 It was well written with also a few other good supporting characters.  That being, Spencer and Callie and the challenges that they were facing.  The part that they played was in the high school that Hope was teaching in.  

I really liked that part of the story had to do with the rescue shelter and Shadow, a dog who's luck was about to run out.

 The title of the book fit well.

Although I liked the story it also felt like maybe a younger than me group of people would enjoy it more.

 

 

   " I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book,  and this is my honest opinion about it.

 

** Book Review- The Hidden One (Kate Burkholder #14) by Linda Castillo

   

Mystery & Thrillers 

Description

The discovery of an Amish bishop's remains leads chief of police Kate Burkholder to unearth a chilling secret in The Hidden One, a new thriller from bestselling author Linda Castillo.

Over a decade ago, beloved Amish bishop Ananias Stoltzfus disappeared without a trace. When skeletal remains showing evidence of foul play are unearthed, his disappearance becomes even more sinister.

The town’s elders arrive in Painters Mill to ask chief of police Kate Burkholder for help, but she quickly realizes she has a personal connection to the crime. The handsome Amish man who stands accused of the murder, Jonas Bowman, was Kate’s first love. Forced to confront a painful episode from her past, Kate travels to Pennsylvania’s Kishacoquillas Valley, where the Amish culture differs dramatically from the traditions she knows. Though Bishop Stoltzfus was highly respected, she soon hears about a dark side to this complex man. What was he hiding that resulted in his own brutal death?

Someone doesn’t want Kate asking questions. But even after being accosted and threatened in the dead of night, she refuses to back down. Is she too close to the case—and to Jonas—to see clearly? There’s a killer in the Valley who will stop at nothing to keep the past buried. Will they get to Kate before she can expose the truth? Or will the bishop’s secrets remain hidden forever?

 AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

This was a well written story and Kate Burkholder made for one interesting  main character.  What a life she has led both as an Amish woman who didn't quite fit and now a very smart chief of police.  She is stubborn, thorough and never gives up.  Something that endears her to some and offends others on both sides of the fence. I liked John Tomasetti who she often calls just Tomasetti.  He's been her calm rock and I enjoyed the few times that he shows up in the story. They live together and have quite the unique homestead. He just "gets her." 

There are flashbacks to years ago when Kate was living as a young girl and Amish.  Although I'm not a huge fan of a lot of flashbacks in a story it is well done and sets more of a foundation.  

The emotions, secrets and mysteries were well done.  There is more than one surprise in the story which I enjoyed. About the time I thought the adversary was identified, another surprise popped out.  Everything was well done and comes to a good conclusion.  

 

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

***Book Review/ TORN (#4 of LOST(Eden) series) by Cynthia Eden

   

In New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Eden's latest novel featuring the Last Option Search Team (LOST), one agent's investigation entices a killer into making her his prey. PARTNERS . . . FRIENDS . . .Forensic anthropologist Victoria Palmer has always been better with the dead than the living. Shutting down her emotions, she lets few people in. But then Victoria's latest investigation takes her and agent Wade Monroe to Savannah, Georgia. Handsome, dangerous, and more than ready to play dirty on any case, Wade weakens Victoria's aloofness with just one glance. LOVERS Wade knows their recent cases have pushed Victoria beyond her limits. But her skills are crucial to finding a college student who went missing five years ago. Victoria is able to determine she was murdered, and that the killer is still on the loose. And when the vicious murderer targets Victoria, Wade must do everything in his power to protect her . . . because he refuses to let a woman he loves be torn from him . . . again.

 

AMAZON LINK

 

 5 + STARS

 

Who knew that shy, distant Victoria had such depths and deep secrets? 

Wade had his secrets too but he was intense and determined.  One look at him and you KNEW that he could be dangerous ! The main danger that Victoria felt towards him though was physical threats but potential emotional danger.  Wade could see the pain in her eyes and he knew it was more than just dealing with the aftermath of the dead.

This story had me twisting and turning all over the place.  I thought I had it figured out and then it wasn't that easy.  I love when an author can do that!  As things were learned, I liked the main characters more and more.

The whole plot was excellent, so was the emotions and the final outcome too!   There were also two new people introduced to the team, brother and sister (Ana & Asher).  With the possibility of a detective Dace if he ever leaves his job.  I hope he does. 

I know that I will be reading more stories in this series because although about twisted killers, there is romance and overcoming too !

 

I read this book through HOOPLA Library app.  

BOOKS

 

BOOK REVIEW- Love at First Bark (Love Unleashed #0.5) by Dana Mentink

 

There's Just Something About Jackson

When Marcy Deveraux's romance series catapults to the top of the New York Times bestseller list, no one is more surprised than Marcy herself. After all, she barely passed high school, flunked the driving test four times, and fell into a pool at her sister's wedding.

Marcy is keen to continue her literary success, but she cannot think of a single idea for her next book. Hounded by her agent, family, and friends, she decides to sequester herself in a rustic cabin in the mountains. There, she finds herself face-to-snout with a surprise visitor—a rascally black dog who must have escaped from his owner at a nearby campground.

Enter hunky cowboy Jackson Parker, who runs the stables for the campground and helps Marcy survive the antics of the ill-behaved, zany dog. There's something tender and gentle about this man, who could easily grace the cover of any romance novel. Soon Jackson has Marcy rethinking her own beliefs about what heroes are really made of...and what God intends for her life.

It's cowboys, canines, and capers galore in this charming novella for animal lovers.

AMAZON LINK 

 

 This was a fun,very fast story.  Marcy was quite the kooky but lovable person.  She had quirks that made her funny too.   Easily to relate to and begin to hope for the best for her.  
Jackson was a shy cowboy was enjoyable to watch interact with Marcy and that irresistible semi-wild dog that they gave the name of Charlie.  Charlie brought them together and caused some minor troubles.  He was also sometimes helpful in his strange ways.  He never met food that he didn't like either.  
I liked how the story ended with smiles and H.E.A.

**Book Review- The Executioner and the Lady by DaLeena Taylor

   

She has been sentenced to death.

He would risk everything to save her, even if it means he can never go home again.

Lady Charis Burchard has long been rumored a mad young noblewoman. When word of her uncle’s murder is spread throughout her village, there is no doubt that she is the one responsible.

When the story reaches the local butcher’s shop, Philip Galahad knows better. As Lady Charis is sentenced to death, he hatches a plan to use his greatest secret to save the woman he’s quietly loved since childhood.

He knows there’s no chance that Lady Charis could ever love a simple butcher – but when she finds out his dark secret, will it be the end of their friendship as they know it?

 

I have to admit that the beautiful eBook cover caught my attention right away. That led me to reading the book information. That made me curious.
I have to say that I liked the story and both Charis and Philip. Their story is both sweet and bittersweet at times. Even though we get to know them and the dangers that they face, it is still a light story without being too deep. It also has a good ending.

I received a free copy of this book and these are my honest thoughts about it. 

BOOK REVIEW- Bound by Family (Bound #1): A Motorcycle Club Romance (Ravage MC #6) (Ravage MC Bound Series) by Ryan Michele

 

Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author Ryan Michele brings you the next generation of the Ravage motorcycle club filled with action, passion and family.

Family loyalty above all.

Cooper Cruz knows what it means to be surrounded and bound by family.

Loyalty, brotherhood, and protection are all learned, earned, and respected by him and the Ravage Motorcycle Club family he grew up in. At the same, he's a man, having fun and living the life he has always envisioned, until a trip to Florida spins his world on his axis.

Bristyl Daniels knows what it means to be smothered and bound by family.

Bonds run deep with her father and all the members of the Sinister Sons Motorcycle Club she has grown up in. But now she's all woman and wishes they would see she isn't a little girl anymore. Then one phone call gives her a chance meeting with a biker like no other. One she can't get off her mind.

When her favorite band comes to play at a motorcycle rally in her hometown, Bristyl decides it's worth the risk to sneak off for a little fun. When a situation gets heated, Cooper and the Ravage MC step in, setting off a chain of events, both good and bad in both their lives.

As the dust settles, Bristyl will have to come to some very hard decisions. Meanwhile, Cooper knows exactly what he wants and now needs to convince his woman it's worth the risk.

** Bound by Family (Bound #1) (Ravage MC #6) is a standalone full-length novel.

 AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

 I'm not sure if I've read any other books in the series with the "older" characters. But that didn't interfere with getting into this story and didn't make it hard to follow either. 

 Cooper and Bristyl were really good main characters which I enjoyed.  Oh and yes there will be more than one hot scene where they "enjoy" each other.  But I did like that they had formed a relationship of sorts before that happened.  The sweetness and the gentleness that Cooper showed Bristyl was unexpected but welcome.  I didn't need all the sex although it was well done.  And yes, I knew going in..Motorcycle Club, so that was expected.  Was I hoping for a good story that is not overshadowed by that?  Yes.  And I got it.  

Cooper isn't a 100% good guy but he had standards and was way better than most.He was afraid that sweet Bristly was too innocent of the ways of the club.  Surprise, Surprise.   Bristyl had been keep out of most of her family's club but she wasn't a total innocent when it came to that.  I liked her and her sweet but also when she needed to be, gutsy ways.

The dangers were out there though and creep up pretty fast putting so many people in harm's way. The ending was a good one.

 

 
 

***Book Review- Fighting For Her (Wilde Ways Book 5) by Cynthia Eden

 

 Author’s Note: Are you up for a twisted and hot take on a wild fairytale? Rick might be a fierce beast, but when the man falls, he falls hard. Prepare for an alpha hero, dangerous fun, hot romance, and some bad guys that are on the scary side. FIGHTING FOR HER is a stand-alone read, no cliff-hangers.

Beauty and the Beast? Nah…this isn’t some sweet fairy tale. FIGHTING FOR HER is about danger, action, and a whole lot of hot romance.

He’s been called a beast…and he likes the title. 

Rick Williams is big, bad, and not someone you want to have as an enemy. As part of the elite Wilde protection team, his job is to kick butt and take names. Protecting and defending—that’s part of his package deal, but his cases don’t usually involve him protecting someone like her.

A crime princess with a body made for the sweetest sin. 

Kathleen O’Shaughnessy is the daughter of an infamous mob boss. Her father made sure that she was locked away from the world so Kat didn’t exactly have easy street growing up. Now that her father is dead, she’s suddenly out on her own—and she’s the target of every enemy that her father made in his very long career.

Keep the princess alive. Keep his hands off her.

The government wants to use Kat as a witness to take down what’s left of her father’s organization. To do that, though, Kat has to stay alive. She’s not big into the whole witness protection scene. Boring guys in cheap suits aren’t her thing. Kat needs protection that’s a bit…Wilder. Good thing Rick is up for the challenge. One look at Kat, and her protection—and her pleasure—are at the top of his to-do list.

It’s not the beast that needs taming. It’s the princess. 

There are seven days until the trial. Seven days in which Rick has to keep Kat at his side day and night. It should be an easy enough task…but when the bullets start flying and they have to go on the run, Rick finds out that the protected “princess” isn’t who he thought. Kat is about to wreck his world, and it’s gonna be one heck of a wild battle.

He’ll do whatever it takes…

He’ll fight hard and he’ll fight dirty to keep her alive. And he’ll also fight with every bit of his strength to win Kat’s heart. The beast is falling hard and fast…and his princess holds his battered heart in the palm of her hand.  

AMAZON LINK

5 STARS

I loved this story..probably because first of all I loved the main characters. Kat was the best when it comes to a funny, sassy unusual people and I was all in FOR her before very long at all. And it just got more that way the more I watched her sashay around. And wow..she also had some "skills" in other areas too. Not to mention that she was funny as all get out.
Rick wow, that guy never stood a chance when it came to Kat. He tried to resist her because he had a job to do and doesn't sleep with clients. Besides, he figured a woman like her NEVER would be interested in a guy like him. Wrong. It was fun watching him trying to not get more involved than he should. It takes a while but she does wear him down and they heat up the sheets. Rick was both rough and tender with Kat, what an intriguing mix. He often made me smile.
The dangers around them are many and complex trying to figure out where the real enemies are hiding. The story stayed intense, unpredictable and good. The ending came with more surprises but I liked how things worked out for Kat and Rick. Because I wondered all along how that was going to happen.
The door is left open for another person to be added with their own story. And I am definitely interested.
" I voluntarily read a free copy of this book, and this is my honest opinions about it.