Book Review- Daring and the Duke (#3 of the Bareknuckle Bastards) by Sarah MacLean

   

New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean returns with the much-anticipated final book in her Bareknuckle Bastards series, featuring a scoundrel duke and the powerful woman who brings him to his knees.

Grace Condry has spent a lifetime running from her past. Betrayed as a child by her only love and raised on the streets, she now hides in plain sight as queen of London's darkest corners. Grace has a sharp mind and a powerful right hook and has never met an enemy she could not best...until the man she once loved returns. Single-minded and ruthless, Ewan, Duke of Marwick, has spent a decade searching for the woman he never stopped loving. A long-ago gamble may have lost her forever, but Ewan will go to any lengths to win Grace back...and make her his duchess. Reconciliation is the last thing Grace desires. Unable to forgive the past, she vows to take her revenge. But revenge requires keeping Ewan close, and soon her enemy seems to be something else altogether-something she can't resist, even as he threatens the world she's built, the life she's claimed...and the heart she swore he'd never steal again.

 AMAZON LINK

3.5 STARS

It had good main characters, plenty of emotional depth and some pretty cruel childhoods.  And not just cruel to Grace and Ewan, that also included his half-brothers too.  They were all pitted against each other for YEARS as they lived under the thumb of the old Duke of Marwick.  The story presented some unusual and unique plot ideas. 

However, I just wished I liked it more.  One of the major reasons that it became somewhat of a hurdle for me?   It just felt like it went on way too long. 

 

 

(HOOPLA)

Book Review- Shadows of Scandal (Guardians of the Bones) by K.J. Jackson

   

She needs a champion willing to ruin her. He doesn’t need anyone. Scandal turns into seduction when a not-quite-perfect heiress tangles with a lost son of society.

An heiress with an imperfection.
Spawn of the devil. Willow has suffered the gossip her entire life. She has the requisite pot of gold, but not the perfection that is necessary for an admirable ton match. Which is fine—she resigned herself to spinsterhood long ago. But when a vicious threat rears against her family, she hatches a desperate plan. She needs to find a man to champion her—and then jilt her—no matter what she has to pay him. Her sister’s life depends upon it.

An unknowable rogue.
Being a guardian—a protector of innocents—is in Jack Thatcher’s blood. He’s the best in the business, even if he’s trying to leave the life behind. He’s making his fortune, has a life of his own choosing where he doesn’t need anyone, and no one really knows him. Paradise.

Jack is done with the business of being a guardian—until the day Miss Willow Constantine corners him in an alleyway, begging for his help. He decides to help her, if only to pay off an old debt. Woo and wreck her? That he can do. It isn’t as though they could possibly ever be together.

Two souls that will find perfection is what you make of it.
It isn’t long before Jack discovers Willow is hiding a barrage of secrets, some that threaten her life, and his protective instinct takes over. In order to save her, he’ll have to get close to her. Too close. Which may just turn the impossible into possible.

 

AMAZON LINK

 4 STARS

Really interesting main characters, written with good depth and a surprising first meeting ! It didn't take long for me to be pulled into the story by Willow and Jack. Each one had lived quite the life and developed their own ways of coping. It made me smile when Jack called Willow, "Sunbird".

The villain, Lord Fugal and his cousins aren't just bad they are disgustingly vile !   And the conversations that he has with Willow are some of the vilest.  Oh, the nasty plans he has for her and his arrogance of thinking he's unstoppable. 

Secrets.  The story abounds with secret after secret.  And not all of them belong to just Willow.

The tension is high and continues as you wonder if or how Willow and Jack will have a future. What would that look like?     Things head to a dangerous turn before the ending.

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

Book Review- The Scoundrel Falls Hard (The Duke Hunt # 3) by Sophie Jordan

 

 General Fiction (Adult) , Romance , Women's Fiction

Description

New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan is back with the enchanting third book in the Duke Hunt series about a marriage of convenience between a fierce female blacksmith and a handsome scoundrel.

A devil’s bargain burns the hottest….

For years, fiercely independent Gwen Cully has worked as the village blacksmith, keeping her family’s business going. But when a local rival threatens her livelihood, Gwen has nowhere to turn ... until a devastatingly handsome fugitive takes shelter in her shop and sparks fly. 

Unrepentant rogue Kellan Fox’s entire existence has been a dangerous game of deception that leads him into a fight for survival—and straight into the arms of a tall, fiery beauty. When Gwen protects him from an angry mob of villagers, Kellan sees the perfect solution to both their troubles. A marriage—in name only—that will last a single year. 

Only a marriage of convenience can’t hide their searing attraction. It glows hotter than Gwen’s forge and reaches deep below the tempting mask Kellan wears for the world. With every sizzling glance and scorching kiss, Gwen surrenders more of herself to the molten passion she finds in Kellan’s strong embrace. But can she ever truly trust her heart to a scoundrel? 

  AMAZON LINK

3 STARS

An unusual start, and the unusual-mess continues.  They were awkward with each other because let's face it they were total strangers. 

Gwen.  It didn't take long for me to be on her team and hoping for her to get the happiness that she deserved.  After her family members die, she encountered more pain and humiliation from people in the community.  Some from well-meaning but often thoughtless but also from a bully who meant to take over her smithy and marry her off to one of his dull witted sons.

I really liked how several times when Kellan looked at her, he admired her fierceness that showed up at times. He likened it to her being a Viking Queen.  That did make me smile.  I wasn't sure if I was going to like him considering the type of life he's led.  But as time went on I began to respect him.   His father was something else.  A charming, thief with no boundaries, no moral code.  He couldn't even see how he was hurting others. 

Everything comes to an interesting end.  This story had it's moments but I just wish I had liked it more.     

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

( Netgalley.)

** Book Review- Desiring Lady Caro (The Marriage Game # 4)by Ella Quinn

   

Romance

Author Ella Quinn brings adventure and spicy banter to the fourth installment in The Marriage Game, as a roguish lord accompanies charming lady pursued by a scorned suitor upon a journey from Venice to London. Who knows what adventures await them on the road?

Ella Quinn’s bachelors are clever, charismatic—and determined to remain single. Yet one by one, they find that fate—and certain irresistible women—cast doubt on even the best laid plans . . .

Haunted by her past, Lady Caroline Martindale fled England for the solace of her godmother’s palazzo in Venice. But if Caro was hoping to escape the charms of marriage-minded men, she’s come to the wrong place. And she’ll resort to extreme measures to spurn the advances of a dangerously determined Venetian marquis . . .

Though most of his friends have married off, Gervais, Earl of Huntley, remains bent on eluding the parson’s mousetrap. But his convictions begin to falter when he arrives in Venice and meets his match in the alluring Lady Caro. What began as a hastily concocted lie to save her from the marquis may become a chance for them both to relinquish their fear—and embrace what they can no longer deny . . . 

 AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

A title for this review " The Chase is on", would be a really good one. I say that considering some of the things that were going on at least for Lady Caro and Gervais, the Earl of Huntley.  Caro NEVER wants to marry because of the trauma she went through in England. And Huntley is really trying to escape any women angling for marriage.  Well, until he meet Caro that is. To him she is not only beautiful but also intelligent and so not trying to draw him in.  She is also trying to avoid a powerful titled man who is obsessed with her.  He just won't take no for an answer and she is terrified.  Turns out she has reason to be. This is only part of the chase being on.  People chasing after love was also as much a part too.  

Huntley was SUCH a good guy and so patient kind and loving towards her.

They aren't the only ones with an adventure towards romance.  Caro's godmother, Horatia and Huntley's aunt played such a good additional part of the story.   She also has an unexpected encounter that knocks her off balance.

I liked all of the main characters and the ending was really good and very satisfying. 

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

** Book Review- Surrendering to Hunt (A Wyoming Wilde Novel) by Jennifer Ryan

   

 General Fiction (Adult), Romance

They’re tough, tenacious, and sometimes tormented; they’re the Wildes of Wyoming, three brothers whose family ties are as strong as their wills.

The last thing lawman Hunt Wilde ever dreamed he’d do was fall hard for a purple-haired troublemaker like Cyn, who seems to be on the wrong side of everything. After all, Hunt Wilde believes in law and order, while Cyn is somehow mixed up with a criminal like Rad…the man who was once Hunt’s best friend and who is now his sworn enemy.

Then Hunt discovers Cyn held hostage during a raid on Rad’s hideaway, making him question where her loyalties actually lie. But Cyn knows she needs to hide her true motivations, or she’ll never be able to exact revenge on the man who took her sister’s life and turned her own existence upside down.

Still, neither can deny the overpowering attraction simmering between them, or the way fate keeps throwing them together. And when Hunt discovers the truth, revealing her secrets and putting her life in danger, Hunt becomes ever-more determined to take down the man who would take Cyn out of Hunt’s life forever.

 AMAZON LINK

 4.5 STARS

 This story started out a bit rough for me with the domestic abuse which had me wondering if I would even like this book.  But hold on..it did end up getting so much better.  It was definitely emotional but it also had humor and people who were there for purple haired, independent, sassy, unique Cyn. Hunt and his family turned out to be some of those people in her corner for sure.  As well as her best friend,  Shelby.  Cyn's mother wasn't one that was much help though.  She's in major denial about just about everything.  
A driving force in the story is the  search for Cyn's sister,  Angela and her daughter Lana.  Are they alive?  What happened to them?  Angela's husband, Rad has turned into a dangerously abusive man.  What has he been doing?  Is he responsible for their disappearance?  And if so, can they prove it?  A lot of questions that do get answered.  Cyn throws herself heart first into getting those answers and it puts her into several really dangerous situations.  Each time causing Hunt to almost lose it because he cares for her and has for a long time.  Prior to this Cyn gave him the excuse to keep in touch because of the speeding tickets he had to issue her.  When they start working together things do end up with some serious, detailed heat but also some sweet moments and witty conversations.  I smiled when she called Hunt, her Wilde man.
There is plenty of unpredictable actions that keeps you on the edge of your seat.   Rad has a serious hate for both Hunt and Cyn and you never knew when he was going to strike again.
It had a good ending and a new beginning for some.  
Something that also caught my attention was the hint of maybe "something" going on with Hunt's cousin, Lyric and Viper (a biker cub member).  Now, I want their story.  

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

 

(Netgalley)

Book Review- Heartbreaker (A Hell's Belles Novel#2) by Sarah MacLean

   

General Fiction (Adult) , Historical Fiction | Romance 

New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean follows her highly acclaimed Bombshell with Heartbreaker, featuring a fierce, fearless heroine on a mission to steal a duke’s secrets…and his heart. 

HEARTBREAKER Hell’s Belles, Book 2

A Princess of Thieves

Raised among London’s most notorious criminals, a twist of fate landed Adelaide Frampton in the bright ballrooms of Mayfair, where she masquerades as a quiet wallflower—so plain and unassuming that no one realizes she’s the Matchbreaker…using her superior skills as a thief to help brides avoid the altar.

A King of Reputation

Henry, Duke of Clayborn, has spent a lifetime living in perfection. He has no time for the salacious gossip that arises every time the Matchbreaker ends another groom. His own reputation is impeccable—and the last thing he needs is a frustrating, fascinating woman discovering the truth of his past, or the secrets he holds close.

A Royal Match

When the two find themselves on a breakneck journey across Britain to stop a wedding, it’s impossible for Clayborn to resist this woman who both frustrates and fascinates him. But late-night carriage rides make for delicious danger…and soon Adelaide is uncovering Clayborn’s truths, throwing his well-laid plans into chaos…and threatening to steal his heavily guarded heart.

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

This story was truly different.  What a life Adelaide has lived.  Both before as a young girl and even now in her current life.  She had learned how to be invisible early and it continues to help her now.  Nobody ever notices her until ..well...Clayborn.  Clayborn who has never been invisible a day of his life.  I'm going to alter a saying about a duck..because it fits him so well. "If it looks like a duke, if it walks like a duke, if it talks like a duke, it's a duke." That inability to hide causes Adelaide more than one problem.  Especially when they first meet outside of the normal parties and such. 

You want danger and chaos?  This would be the book for you. One of the things I liked about Adelaide was her drive for justice.  And she had quite the clever group of women surrounding her with a similar drive.  Although there were several purposes that the Hell's Belles provided.  Another one of the group caught my interest and now I want to read her story.  That would be Lady Imogene and her interactions with Tommy (a Detective Inspector).  It was touched on in this book and made me smile.

Now back to this book, which had a romance that challenged both of the main characters.  They both had big secrets but I also enjoyed the way they challenged each other. Witty exchanges would be a good way to also explain some of it.   It will take a while but there will also be sexual heat between them.  

The story has a good ending with an Epilogue that made it even better. 

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

 (Netgalley)

Book Review- Holiday Rescue :(An Albertini Family Romance #1 ) by Rebecca Zanetti

   

This is the first novella in a series of stories featuring Anna Albertini's cousins, and it was a lot of fun to write.  I hope you enjoy it!

Quint Albertini likes his life as a smokejumper and search and rescue expert. He has his dog, his friends, and his freedom. He’s had it with women who can’t commit or who want him to change, and now all he has to do is dodge the family match-makers so he can live his peaceful life when he’s not leaping head first into danger.

When Heather Davis gets trapped on a mountain during a wild winter storm, her carefully laid plans of safety and security go right out the snow filled window. Her saviors, dog and man, quickly capture her heart, even though she’s trying to remain under the radar from a disastrous past that seems to keep coming for her.

While Quint and Heather try to ignore the blazing hot attraction between them, the Albertini family has no intention of letting a possible romance fizzle out—especially during the magical holiday season.

AMAZON LINK 

3.5 STARS 

I really like this author's books but this story was just a fun, pleasant story for me with a dash of danger.  I did like both Quint and Heather and his family but I would also have liked a bit more depth to the story.  Just felt like it was missing something.  But I guess if you chalk it up to a sweet Holiday story/romance, then it does hit that mark.

I got a free copy of this story and these are my thoughts on it.

 

***Book Review- WRECKED (#6 of the Lost (Eden) series) by Cynthia Eden

   

In New York Times Bestselling Author Cynthia Eden's gripping new LOST novel, who's the cat and who's the mouse…?

SHE LEFT HIM ONCE.LOST Agent Ana Young was only fourteen when she was abducted by a madman, but unlike many kidnapping victims, she did go home. Now, her mission is to find the missing. But her new case has her on the hunt for the escaped convict who's obsessed with her. And Ana has an unlikely partner-the sexy, supposedly-by-the-book FBI agent she had one amazing night with and had to forget.

NOW HE HAS TO PROTECT HER 24/7…FBI Special Agent Cash Knox knows that Ana, the petite, tough-ass former bounty hunter, can get the job done again. But this time, someone else leads them to "Bernie-the-Butcher," someone who's been watching Ana. Waiting for her.

FROM A CRAZED KILLER.

Now, catching a deranged murderer means Ana must trust her guarded heart to the gorgeous, complicated G-man she wasn't supposed to fall for.

 AMAZON LINK

5 STARS

I was looking forward to Ana's story.  And it was good, with plenty of depth but also plenty of darkness that Ana went through.  She's a survivor for sure but as tough as she is, she also felt like parts of her died during her torture.  Her twin brother Asher shows up in the story and he is still aggressive in his trying to continue to protect Ana.  He also does a deep dive on Cash and discovers some really surprising things!

Cash keeps telling Ana he is NOT a white knight but she's looked in killers eyes before and feels that he is one of the good guys.  Good guys weren't someone she usually was interested in.  So there is part of the struggle right there, because although he is fighting it, Cash is all in where she is concerned.     He has his reasons for trying to keep  his distance but it's not really working.

Once again a really clever opponent/killer is running everyone around.  And there are PLENTY  of surprises during that time.  It was totally unpredictable and I never saw things coming.  I liked that.  

One thing that I found kind of distracting was the often repeated, replaying of Ana & Asher's being tortured. It was same session over and over and even shows up in the nightmare's that she was having.  Oh, I get why she was having that kind of nightmare but it felt a bit overplayed.  But that is the only thing that slowed me down about it.

I liked what Asher wanted for Ana.  He wanted her to be happy.  And to find a man who was worthy of her, who made her the center of his universe and would lie down his life if needed.  That whole section was so special. 

 The tension and danger just keeps getting higher. The romance between Ana and Cash keeps getting better too.  

The story comes to a stunning conclusion and with an Epilogue that presents come interesting ideas.   

I read this through the Hoopla Library App

**Book Review- Code Name: Pisces by (Zodiac Tactical #4) Janie Crouch

   

My code name is Pisces. The stars say I’m independent, wise, and intuitive.

Still waters run deep.

I’m the leader of Zodiac Tactical’s guardian unit. We’re the bodyguards—the ones who stand toe to toe with danger and refuse to give any ground. We protect people who need it most.

But what if who needs it most is a spoiled diva?

I don’t normally take on movie stars. I don’t have time for the drama nor their self-centered lifestyle. If they don’t take their safety seriously, how can I?

But there’s something different about Alyse Peterson. On the outside America’s Glamor Princess is everything I want to avoid. But behind her perfect smile and sapphire eyes is a heartbreak she’s hiding from everyone.

She has secrets. And a stalker willing to kill to get to them.

My code name is Pisces. And anybody who wants to get to her, will have to go through me.

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

Tristan was NOT eager to protect another actress after the last disaster of working with one. However despite his misgivings he reluctantly meets with Alyse and her agent. All Tristan sees when he meets her is exactly what he feared.  He hadn't seen through her professional armor,..yet..to the real Alyse.  And it won't be easy getting there. But he does take on the case out of respect of her deceased father, who had helped him so much before.
 By the way, her agent was really a good one; he was concerned with her safety for real.  And acted on her behalf the best that he could.  I agreed with Alyse, that her agent, Jared deserved a raise!
It's interesting to watch Tristan see what she needs before she actually does.  Just the simple act of eating was something that he picked up on just to name one thing.  As her history starts to come out in the open, it's quite the surprise.
The stalker is one clever, clever villain who I never saw coming.  He always seemed to be one step ahead of the team.  Something that he shouldn't have been able to pull off.   He had the teams scrambling. His exposure was very well done, with all the danger you would expect.
I liked how the romance between Tristan and Alyse was so sweet at times and I enjoyed the ending.

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

Humor about - To Be Read Books

 

*** Book Review- Ruby Fever (A Hidden Legacy #6) by Ilona Andrews

   

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

 Description

#1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews is back with the newest book in the exciting Hidden Legacy series—the thrilling conclusion to her trilogy featuring fierce and beautiful Prime magic user Catalina Baylor.

An escaped spider, the unexpected arrival of an Imperial Russian Prince, the senseless assassination of a powerful figure, a shocking attack on the supposedly invincible Warden of Texas, Catalina’s boss... And it’s only Monday. 

Within hours, the fate of Houston—not to mention the House of Baylor—now rests on Catalina, who will have to harness her powers as never before. But even with her fellow Prime and fiancé Alessandro Sagredo by her side, she may not be able to expose who’s responsible before all hell really breaks loose.

AMAZON LINK 

5 STARS

Outstanding is what this story is.  It was a wild ride with outstanding, really creative world buildings.  And Catalina and Alessandro were the best, main characters.  Their love story was unique and kept my interest throughout.  The battles that they had in their " world of supernatural business" was just another area where they had each other's backs.  

Catalina's family were a strong unit who ALWAYS had each other's back, no matter what.  They also had varying "talents", strong personalities and quirks.   Even the ones who were welcomed into the family by unofficial adoption. 

Now, Alessandro's family was a different kettle of fish.  His grandfather has been busy time after time arranging marriage agreements that Alessandro wanted no part of. It didn't stop his grandfather from trying to sell him for the money he so desperately wanted.  It was also an issue of control, something that the grandfather definitely didn't have when it came to him. Grandfather is definitely holding some secrets that I never saw coming.  But they were good for the story but not so good for a lot of people. 

To say that this story was unpredictable would be an understatement.  But it made the story SO yummy. 

 I liked how their enemies bite the dust, even though it wasn't easy.  The ending was really good but it also left a couple people on a form of family probation.  I say that because, it's not a sure thing that they are going to be forgiven right away.  

I want to read a story about Catalina's youngest sister, Arabella.  She is one firecracker and has a really interesting power. 

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

 

 From Ilona Andrews Blog

 

 

* Book Review - One Hot Holiday (Wilde Ways #5.5) by Cynthia Eden

  

She’s running for her life. He’s the safe haven she never expected to find. The holiday season is about to get HOT.

Hiding out for the holiday season in the heart of the South? Not something that Haley Quick ever expected to have on her to-do list but then…she never expected her ex to want her dead, either. Turns out, life is full of surprises. Time to deal. Haley has ditched New York for a crazy little dot on the map known as Point Hope, Alabama. It’s a town gone extra crazy for the holidays, and Haley is sticking out like a sore thumb with her very much Grinch-self.

But enter sexy sheriff Spencer Lane…Tall, muscled, and made with an extra dose of sex appeal, he is exactly the kind of man that Haley should be avoiding. He’s charming, he looks way too good in a Santa hat, and, oh, yes, he’s her new landlord. The hits just keep coming. She can’t afford to let Spencer learn all of her secrets, a tough job since she is living with the man. No sex, though. It’s purely a business relationship. Except…the holidays in the South sure do get HOT. Or maybe that’s just sexy Spencer. Usually, Haley falls for the bad guy. It’s the whole reason she’s running for her life. She can’t help but wonder…What would it be like to fall for a man like Spencer?

He just got his Christmas wish.

Sheriff Spencer Lane can’t believe his luck. The most beautiful, fascinating woman he’s ever seen has just dropped into his life like a gift from, well, the big guy in red. Only the problem is that Haley seems to think Spencer is some by-the-book, nice guy. Probably because of the badge. And if she wants him to be the hero, that’s a role that he’s happy to play for her. But the truth is, Spencer has plenty of darkness inside, too. An ex Navy SEAL, he knows how to get sh—um, stuff done. He also knows how to be very, very naughty.

When danger threatens his Haley, all bets are off. No one is going to hurt her. No one is going to threaten her. Not in his town. Not on his watch. The nice guy will show Haley just how bad he can be.

Fake snow, a parade of wild elves, and a stalker ex don’t make for the merriest of times, but in Point Hope, anything can happen—and it usually does. Ready for a steamy story that will get you in the ho-ho-ho spirit? Settle back, curl up with Spencer, and have yourself a jolly old time.

 AMAZON LINK

 3.5 STARS

 This story is takes place in a very eccentric town, even Sheriff Spencer mentioned it and I agree.  But that only added to the fun.  Of course it's not all fun and games as the book information clearly explains. And dangers do keep popping out of the woodwork with stalkers galore.   But there is also plenty of good people in the story too.  Titus is one of the good ones.  He is charming, the ladies like him but the baddies underestimate him too.

In fact all the baddies underestimate Spencer and his people.  They think it's just a hick town with hick officers.  Mistake.  Big Mistake.  They have some serious skills.  

The romance between Spencer and Haley is fast and furious. The love scenes were the same although well written I could have done with a few less.   And don't get me started with the "F" bombs.  That's ONE of my least favorite words and it seems to abound in the story.  OK, I got that off my chest.  The rest of the story had twists, turns,  betrayals, and overturning of evils leading to a good ending.  It also included a sweet Epilogue that wraps everything up.  

My final words on it is that although I liked it, it wasn't one of my favorites by this author.  I hate to say it though because most of her stuff I really like. 

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

***Book Review- SHATTERED (#3 of the LOST ) by Cynthia Eden

   

In New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Eden's latest novel featuring the Last Option Search Team (LOST), one agent is forced to face her past as she uncovers secrets about the man who may be the key to her future. Criminal psychologist Dr. Sarah Jacobs is all too familiar with the kind of bad boys who belong behind bars. But the dark, dangerous man she meets in the New Orleans underworld is a new kind of ruthless, and all too irresistible. Jax Fontaine doesn't claim to be a good guy, but he's loyal to his own code and brutally honest about what he wants. He and Sarah may be worlds apart, but when they're skin to skin, nothing matters but the heat between them. And when a deranged killer targets Sarah, Jax will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. . . .

 AMAZON LINK

5 STARS

Another really good story in this series! It's not only an intense, unpredictable story.  

But also even if you are reading the books out of order, they aren't hard to keep up with.   

The connection between Sarah and Jax kind of scares both of them.  Especially Sarah the most, no one ever really "got" her before.   And it looks like Sarah is the first person to really understand Jax like he always hoped someone would.  To see the dangerous man but to also "see" more and not be afraid.  I liked how when he asked Sarah, "what do you see when you look at me? " She said she saw strength.  

There was plenty of not only well felt emotions but also danger coming at time you just couldn't predict. And the twists and turns just kept coming.  But the biggest ones comes as the story races towards an explosive end. 

Oh and did I mention that Daddy Dearest shows up in the story? Sarah's daddy who was often referred to as a monster.The one that she put in prison. A well deserved title for her serial killer father.  

Pretty much all of the betrayals are solved but it just seems that there is a "humming" thread left to pull.  

 

Via HOOPLA

Come Out of that Grave (Resurrection Power) - Bethel Music & Brandon Lake

**Book Review- Code of Courage by Janice Cantore

    

Christian | Mystery & Thrillers | Romance  

 

Description

Detective Danni Grace has never met a police officer who wants to face a scenario where pulling the trigger on another person is the only option. When the worst does occur and there’s a police-involved shooting, it leads to riots and calls to disband the entire police force in La Rosa, Danni’s hometown.

After fifteen years on the force, Danni has had enough. Injured in the line of duty when a protester throws a chunk of concrete at her and shaken by the vitriol being shown to the police, Danni realizes for the first time that she’s lost her passion for the job.

While she’s on a leave of absence, though, a community activist in La Rosa is shot and a fellow officer is blamed for his murder. Taking on this case means stepping back into a job Danni’s not sure she can do anymore . . . and working closely with her ex-husband, Gabriel Fox, an investigator for the city prosecutor’s office. Danni will need to tap into her code of courage to uncover the truth, prevent another injustice, and uphold her oath to serve and protect. 

 

AMAZON LINK 

 

4 STARS

 

 This story make me feel uncomfortable at times.  Why? You probably already guessed because of it's closeness to the craziness of our current times.  But was it well written?  That's a strong Yes.   It was also gritty and realistic. 

The police were being victimized as a group and no one was lifting a finger to help them.  I hate that this is happening even now like police have zero value when it comes to their lives and the lives of their families.  I guess that was another reason I kind of dragged my feet reading this because I just knew it was going to fire me up ! And the violence starts right out in the first pages of the story. Not only does it continue but comes in unpredictable ways and times. And the "upper" management was to my way of thinking, clueless, guilty of fluffy thinking and some outright corruption.

 

My favorite truth that was mentioned  had to do with the only people in the community who would benefit from no police were the criminals.  

There is also a few surprises waiting, some attempts to regain romance between Danni and Gabe.  There is also scriptures and faith in God because Yes, this is a Christian story which is a clean but intense story. 

 It has a good ending with MANY secrets revealed and a H.E.A. heading Danni and Gabe's way.  

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

(Netgalley)

** Book Review- A Royal Mistake by Jennifer Bonds

   

General Fiction (Adult), Romance 

Each book in the Royally Engaged series is STANDALONE:

The perfect guy. The perfect lie...

Princess Philippa Stanley is over being the perfect royal.

The world’s got bigger problems than the color of her nail polish, yet the tabloids insist on detailing her every royal faux pas. Like her bold new hairstyle and missing pantyhose. Freaking pantyhose. Things that don’t matter to anyone—except her parents.

Their Majesties are desperate for her to settle down. So desperate they invite a dozen overzealous bachelors to compete for her hand in marriage. Now she’s living her own nightmare version of The Bachelorette: Royal Edition with suitors ambushing her at every turn.

No way is she participating in this farce of a courtship. Hard pass. But when her father makes her an offer she can’t refuse—take part in exchange for access to her trust fund—it’s the only way to get the money she needs to start her own charitable foundation.

Fine. She’ll play the game. There’s zero chance she’ll fall in love until she crashes into a sexy, down-to-earth philanthropist who can help her launch her charity and drive off the unwanted suitors. It’s like she’s met the perfect guy.

But what if he’s really the perfect lie?

AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

 

This story was a fun romp with some determined people starring in it.   Starting with  Philippa or Pippa as she liked to be called.  She was liked a "caged bird" who longed to be..herself.  And the days of her going along with her rigidly ruled life was over.  The new version of Pippa was rocking the boat.  And I really liked her style a lot. She had a determined group of titled toffs after her for all the wrong reasons. So she came up with a mission, named  "Operation Ditch the Toffs."  And that is when things really got funny.

 Her parents, The Majesties, were more Royals and how things "looked to others" than concern for her happiness.  It looked like better things would be coming with the Royals, starting with her brother, the heir.

 Henry, what a pickle he was in but also what a really good person too.  He was all about helping others and wanting the spotlight to shine on someone else, thank you very much.  Of course, you just know that his secret is going to come out in the worst way and the worst time.   Yep.  But he does manage to grovel his way to a H.E.A.  I also enjoyed the Epilogue that held even more smiles.

 

 

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

*BOOK REVIEW- Dead Ringer by Cora Kenborn and N. Isabelle Blanco

   

Nothing is what it seems.

My life has been turned upside-down since she was brought here.

Delusions are starting to take control.

She haunts me . . . 

And I fear where this madness will lead. 

 

NOT FOUND ON AMAZON OR GOODREADS 

 

 This was more of a short story and it WAS different.  BUT, for me it was also a hard, No.  It was strange going into it and then it had to do with a ghost also.  So even though it was a free copy, I didn't like it. Now that's not to say that the authors might have other books I might like.  But this one just wasn't of them, for me.

 

 

BOOK REVIEW- Wicked Deception (# 4 of The Paladin League) by Patti O'Shea

   

 Wicked Deception is the 4th book in the Paladin League series, but can be read as a standalone.

Special Forces Sgt. Kyle Winter’s vow to stay away from the nun he can’t get out of his head is blown to pieces when he’s assigned to work undercover at the convent as a mercenary turned handyman. The arms dealer his team is after is interested in the abbey and his captain wants to know why. How hard can it be to avoid Sister Sexy anyway?

Marianna Castillo is desperate. So desperate, she’s disguised herself as a nun, and hidden in a convent. She’s been running for more than two years, staying one step ahead of the arms dealer trying to kill her. He can’t allow her to live, not when she can destroy him. And now he’s watching the abbey.

Mari needs help, but the person with the skills to keep her safe can’t be trusted. A mercenary’s loyalty is always for sale to the highest bidder, and the man who wants her dead can pay him a fortune.

But as the arms dealer closes in, she has to make a choice. Keep running or trust Kyle to fight beside her and reclaim her life.

AMAZON LINK

 

 I liked this story mainly because of the main characters and the secrets that they hid.  

And I'd say that Marianna had a whole bunch MORE than even Kyle had.  No wonder she was running for her life.  She pulled off her disguise really well and that messed up Kyle quite a lot.  In fact it was kind of funny with him fighting off his attraction...to a nun. 

The story laid a good foundation and some good interactions between the additional people.  However there were times it felt like the story slowed down quite a bit.  I did like how it ended and with a H.E.A. included.

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

**Book Review- Deception (Natchez Trace Park Rangers #4) by Patricia Bradley

   

Description

After being forced to kill an FBI agent gone rogue in self-defense while working in the violent crimes unit for the Investigative Services Branch, ranger Madison Thorn is comfortable with her move to the fraud and cyber division. At least numbers don't lie. So she's less than thrilled when a white-collar crime investigation in Natchez, Mississippi, turns violent. She could also do without being forced to work with former-childhood-enemy-turned-infuriatingly-handsome park ranger Clayton Bradshaw.

When a woman who looks just like Madison is attacked on the same night Madison's grandfather is shot, it becomes clear that there is something much bigger going on here and that Madison herself is in danger. Madison and Clayton will have to work together--and suppress their growing feelings for one another--if they are to discover the truth before it's too late.

 AMAZON LINK

5 STARS

What a really good story this was. And the opening chapter of Madison's life was pretty darn dramatic.  The story was like a three ring circus.  But I mean that in the best possible way.  Surprise after surprise pops up like a Jack-in-a box.  But it was woven together so well that it doesn't feel choppy, or distracting at all. 

I really enjoyed stoic Madison who was so good at her job.  She has made enemies along the way, even though that wasn't her intention.  There is so much more to Madison than just that stoic exterior.  It was hurtful to see just how that hiding her feelings came from her very dysfunctional childhood.  And it was a "gift" that just kept on giving.  The emotional pull of the story was so well done and not just on Madison's behalf.  

Clayton had his own share of troubles and hurts that once again is so well played out. It wasn't afraid to point out his flaws and struggles too.  His reliance on God to get through the tough things was also a part of the story and will help others too.  I liked that this was not crammed down anyone's throat as some people might think.  A fact that I think is important to point out to non-Christians.  The story is just too good to miss. Also add in a sweet romance and we're good.

Madison's grandfather was keeping some BIG secrets but his love for his granddaughter was big too.  There are additional people in the story who really keep things moving.  Some in really good ways and others well, they have secrets to protect. 

I liked how the story ended with so many things revealed and some really bright futures for more than two people.

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

 

Netgalley