Book Review- A Royal for Christmas by Alix Nichols

   

I’m Camille — the only pauper in Mount Evor.
But that’s not why I’m on the no-fly list.
Six years ago, the principality’s royal palace went up in flames.
Several people died.
My sister Jeannette, who worked there, disappeared.
The inquiry blamed her for the arson.
Since then, I’ve been an outcast—compromised and harassed—but determined to clear my sister’s name.

Four weeks before Christmas, the hunky Louis de Valois, Duke of Arrago, raps on my window.
What if he has news about Jeannette’s case?
I invite him in.
He glances at his watch and declines my invitation.
And then he asks me to marry him.

 AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

"Trailer Witch"..that is what Camille's life has been reduced to.  Abuse, name-calling, mean, hurtful pranks and extreme hardships with poverty.  And she hasn't even  done anything wrong.  Unless you consider being related to her sister, Jeannette  that MIGHT have (done something wrong).  I stress might because no way is Camille buying it! People tend to underestimate Camille which I enjoyed watching her confuse and confound people.  What a great, quirky survivor she turned out to be.

There's no way that Louis wants to marry Camille but he's caught between a rock and a hard place. Made even worse with the NDA they are both forced to sign.  Only a couple of people know the true nature of their marriage.  And still most are not happy about it either. Near the top of that list is Angie, the snotty PA that works for Louis.  But back to Louis who a lot of the time was kind of snotty to Camille as well.  Hold on though, there really is a lot more to this man than what you first see.  And I slowly, slowly began to like him as time went on. As more of the real him begins to be peeled back.

Mysteries abound, with Camille unwinding a whole lot of them.  She is superb at puzzles and gets further along than a lot of people before her. I liked how the story ended although maybe that's not the right word.  Most of it is ended except for getting the super villain, Kurt Ozzi stopped in his tracks once and for all.  I'm looking forward to that day!

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

Book Review- The Bride of Blackfriars Lane (Blackfriars Lane #2) by Michelle Griep

    

Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance

Description

The Continuing Adventure of Jackson and Kit!
 
Detective Jackson Forge can hardly wait to marry the street-sly swindler who’s turned his life upside down. Kit Turner is equally excited to wed the handsome detective, and what better way to show her love than providing him with a gift any man of the law would love? She determines to bring to justice the men who years ago maimed his brother—despite Jackson’s warning to leave the past in the past. As she digs into the mystery of what happened, she unwittingly tumbles into her own history and endangers her future happiness with Jackson.
 

AMAZON LINK 

 3.5 STARS

To tell the truth I had a hard time getting into this book.  And I don't think it was because this was the second book in the series and I hadn't read the first one. I say that because the foundation and world building was pretty good and easy enough to know what was going on. But for some reason it just wasn't my cup of tea and didn't pull me in as much as I had hoped. Which is a shame because I did like both Kit and Jackson and they both were unusual people and that is something I do enjoy.  So the author does get points for that from me.  

There were a lot of things going on with other plots happening and I know that is something that isn't that easy to write.  However, I felt like at times that I was just pushing through all of that, because there was so much.  And I just wanted the answer to a couple of questions. Which made me keep reading until FINALLY those answers came.  I was happy with not only that but how uniquely things finished with Kit and Jackson. 

So I think it's safe to say that I had mixed feelings on this book, making it harder to rate.

 

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

(Netgalley)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review- Dead on Arrival (Defenders of Battle Mountain #3) by Nichole Severn

   

A bomb-strapped body

A rookie cop caught in the inferno

After barely escaping a deadly explosion, Officer Alma Majors has one clue to identify the victim and solve the case: a sliver of bone. But it’s going to take more than shrapnel to expose the culprit. Bomb expert Cree Gregson’s will risk everything to protect his neighbor from a killer determined to avoid exposure. Protecting his heart may prove more difficult…. 

 AMAZON LINK

5 STARS

This story has an explosive beginning, that grabs you by the throat and never lets up!

Alma has gone through so much before she ever even landed her job as an officer in this small town.  And most of it was something that wasn't what I was expecting.  Painful as some of it was, I still liked that it was able to surprise me. 

Cree was also someone who was able to surprise me as well.   Both of them had people who cared for them and had their backs even if they didn't really realize it at first.  And it was easy to like both of the main characters and to want to see them not only get out alive but end up with a H.E.A. 

You want twists, turns and surprises?  This story has it; dangers upon dangers until a very good ending.

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

*** Book Review- The Revenge (An Insiders Novel #3) by Tijan

   

Romance

 

Description

The Revenge is the taut, edgy, sexy, explosive conclusion to The Insiders trilogy by New York Times and USA Today bestseller Tijan!

Bailey and Kash were used to living in the shadows. Now they are thrust into the public eye. Together, they can do anything, but undeniable danger and seemingly insurmountable challenges threaten the love and passion that binds them.

1. Bailey is reeling from the greatest loss she has ever suffered.

2. Enemies are closing in.

3. Even bigger secrets and twists are coming to light.

Win or lose, for Bailey and Kash, everything is on the line.

AMAZON LINK 

5+ STARS

Powerful!  If I could only use one word to describe this book that is the word I would use!  Something else in it's favor I think is the fact that it wasn't too hard to read as a stand alone.  Because of the good foundation given.  However, having read other books in this series, I'm glad that I hadn't missed out on those either. 

Bailey and Kash were each in their own right, outstanding people. It was enjoyable to be able to read each of their P.O.V.'s as the story went along. And I felt like the author really nailed the depth of their emotions; especially when it came to Bailey's suffering.  Kash might hide a lot of his feelings but not only are they deep but at times painful shown too.

The supporting cast of people weren't shabby either.  That includes Matthew, Seraphina, Curtis (aka Cyclone.)  What great siblings Bailey has.  Peter Francis is also in the story but shows up a bit less in the midst of things.  These people are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to other people in the story.  But it didn't feel overwhelming at all.  

Watch out for that nasty Quinn, ex-wife of Peter Francis. Not only is she nasty but she's also clever.  Someone who is even more of a S.V. (Super Villain) that  you know about  from the get-go is Kash's grandfather.  As time goes on, it also gets revealed how evil he is, beyond anything that could have been imagined. 

Enemies and betrayals come at the M.C.'s as a surprise, time and again.  BUT.. there are also surprise allies willing to help too! 

The tension follows all the way through the story and comes to a splendid finish.  I also enjoyed the extended Epilogue.  What a great way to end the story.

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

 

( read through Netgalley)

Book Review- Twisted (LOST #2) by Cynthia Eden

   

In the second seductive LOST novel from New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Eden, an obsessed Last Option Search Team agent goes looking for trouble-and finds her in the Big Easy. Dean Bannon comes to New Orleans for one reason only: to track down a missing sixteen-year-old girl. That's before he meets the drop-dead gorgeous con artist who makes him want to lose his legendary control. With her past, Emma Castille doesn't claim to be psychic. She just notices things other people don't. Like the fear in a runaway's eyes-or the pain in an ex-FBI agent's heart. Her chemistry with Dean is blistering, but Emma follows her passion… not someone else's orders. Then a madman breaks into Emma's home and leaves a twisted message: You're next. Now Dean refuses to let her out of his sight until he pries every last secret from her full, sexy lips. And suddenly Emma's aching to give him everything he wants. 

AMAZON LINK

 4.5 STARS

I had high hopes for this book.   One of the main reasons was because of the unusual Emma.  She was totally so different than you would expect in this story.  Although you have been warned about some of her history in the book information.  Still, she was beyond good (well when it comes to noticing things.  And she  kept me totally in her corner all the way.   If only some of the government people had listened to her instead of just brushing her off.  And some of the FBI were #1 in that area.  They should have listened instead of using their brains for a place to put their hats!  

Dean was someone who also captured the attention.  Yes, he was a control freak and followed so many "rules."  Of course he had broken a few rules of protocol in the past. But that was to save a woman. It was interesting to see him interact with Emma who has a whole lot LESS rules.  The ones she does have she learned with her father and they are a whole different kind of "rules".  It caused Dean to go from highly suspicious of Emma to seeing things about her that others had missed.  That causes him to want more from her as romance between the two sparks.  

 This story is emotional, and kept me on my toes throughout.  There were plenty of dangerous twists until the vicious killer is revealed and stopped.  Great ending.

 

I read this through the HOOPLA Library App.

Book Review- After the Bite (An Argeneau Novel #35) by Lynsay Sands

 

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

 Description

The Argeneaus are back! New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands returns with another sexy, passion-filled romance about everyone’s favorite vampires.

Immortal Enforcer Valerian just wants to relax. His last assignment had been more grueling than he’d care to admit, and golf has always helped him unwind. If golf course owner Natalie thinks it’s a little odd for him to tee off at sunset every evening, she’s keeping it to herself. The single mom is sexy as hell, and her little daughter Mia only adds to his delight. He knows Natalie is wary of a relationship of any kind…what will she think when she discovers he’s an Immortal? His best course of action is to woo her the old-fashioned way.

But the course of true love never did run smooth—especially for a vampire and a mortal. And when danger stalks Natalie, Valerian realizes he’s playing a game of life and death and if he loses this round, he risks losing her forever.

 AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

I liked that this story had some interesting, different elements to it.   Golf for one thing is something you wouldn't normally think to expect in this kind of story.  But it works, and it works well.  His current job is something that he is good at and has been enjoying.  Valerian may have many well defined "jobs" in his past but golf is a passion for him.  I enjoyed that the friendship starts out before the romance really kicks in.

 The single mom angle I found enjoyable, and the emotions Natalie went through were both believable and easy to relate to.  Her daughter Mia and their big white dog add smiles too. 

There are "teams" of family and friends from Valerian show up for protection detail.  They are good at what they do  and they add some humor as well. Not only do they have the best people on site but also some high tech gadgets to help.  They also are scratching their heads at how the person after Natalie keeps getting so close. 

Good twists and surprises lead to the biggest surprise of all.  That would be the "who" and the "why" of the person who has been so determined to kill Natalie.  It all leads up to a good ending.

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

(through Netgalley.)

*** Book Review- Pain of The Marques ( #9 of the Valiant Love series) by Deborah Wilson

All of London hunts for a treasure and unfortunately, one woman stands in the middle of it all.

Upon her father's death, Lady Irene Hiller inherited more than the duke's wealth.

She inherited his power.

She inherited his corrupt businesses.

And... she inherited more than a few of his enemies. As her world begins to unravel, there is only one man she'll allow to put it back together.

The man she's always loved.

The Marquess of Fawley.

Clive has never understood Irene's obsession with him.

He's a criminal.

One of the wild Lost Lords.

While many of the women in society admire him for his title as the Marquess of Fawley, Irene who manages to not only see inside his soul, but touch it in the most intimate way.

But ... that doesn't mean he has any intention of giving into the woman's wishes for love and happiness.

Guilt grants her his protection, but it will take more to gain his trust.

Not that his trust is worth much.

Can love overcome the secrets Clive hides?

Will the last Lost Lord find love?

 

 

 

 Irene was one unique and amazing woman.  When I first started reading about her I thought she was a bit rigid but that was so far from the truth.  She had been taught by her father to accept nothing less than the best treatment, to never settle.  But..she also had such a kind heart.  And exceptional determination, especially when it came to Clive.  Nobody and nothing could swerve her from her purpose.  No, she wasn't necessarily a stalker but when it came to Clive, she took every opportunity that was opened to her.
Clive what a tortured man he was.  Both by what he had done prior to being kidnapped and the many secrets he held now.  He'd never really known love before.  But he has known guilt, shame and a sense of worthlessness, even to this day.  His mother was being controlled by his step-father even though she didn't know so much.  He also controlled Clive to a certain extend because of his mother.  The step-father was a thief, who made Clive do thefts from an early age and never even allowed him his own home which was his right.  I also think that when Irene confronted him, she accidentally hit a nerve with him.  I hope in a future book that will be revealed because I have my suspicions.
The rest of the Lost Lords and their wives have all gathered with Clive and formed their own family.  It's a tight group of very interesting people. 

The story had plenty of emotions, secrets, twists and surprises. I liked how things turned out for Clive and Irene. 

 

From HOOPLA

Book Review- Dangerous Beauty (A Novel) by Melissa Koslin

   

Description

Liliana Vela hates the term victim. She's not a victim, she's a fighter. Stubborn and strong with a quiet elegance, she's determined to take back her life after escaping the clutches of human traffickers in her poor Mexican village. But she can't stay safely over the border in America--unless the man who aided in her rescue is serious about his unconventional proposal to marry her.

Meric Toledan was just stopping at a service station for a bottle of water. Assessing the situation, he steps in to rescue Liliana from traffickers. If he can keep his secrets at bay, his wealth and position afford him many resources to help her. But the mysterious buyer who funded her capture will not sit idly by while his prize is stolen from him.

Melissa Koslin throws you right into the middle of the action in this high-stakes thriller that poses the question: What is the price of freedom? 

 

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

 

 

 I'll be honest and say that I hesitated at getting this book at first. It had to do with the human trafficking theme.   And I don't think that I have read anything by this author before.  However, the marriage of convenience idea was different than anything I've read before and that did hold my attention.

 Meric and Liliana were both interesting and each strong in their own ways and I liked them and was pulling for them before long.  They both had a lot of depth and Meric was certainly a complex person.  He protected others often to his own hurt.  

I liked that Liliana was beautiful inside and out.  She could be tough when she needed to be but also was filled with kindness towards others.  I liked how it was shown how often she felt out of her comfort zone when it came to living outside of her village. 

The story was totally unpredictable, with plenty of suspense and plenty of bad guys too!  Early on, I had my sights on one man in particular thinking this is the guy after Liliana.  Nope, I was wrong on that one.  But it kept me guessing as I read on.  I really wanted to know who it was!

The ending was a hit for me and I was satisfied as the story ended. I could finally take a breath now.

 

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

 

(Netgalley)

Book Review- Stolen by the Mob (Miami Mafia# 3) by Mallory Crowe

   

I’m on the verge of expanding my criminal empire to heights my family has only dreamed of. If watching out for the little sister of the Borya’s latest girl is what it takes, then sign me up for babysitting duty.

Except this is no baby girl. Layla Banks is full-grown in all the right places, smart as a whip when it comes to computers and absolutely livid when I take her away from her house which apparently she hasn’t left in years.

She might be a too smart for her own good, emotionally unstable knockout, but now she’s dealing with me.

I’m a thief. I’m a killer. I’m carrying a minimum of 5 deadly weapons. I stole Layla as a favor. But I’m keeping her for me.

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

A good story although dark like the book information suggested.  I liked that Layla was not your usual main character heroine.  This gal, is brilliant but also has some major issues. She is terrified by things that don't bother most people. And that does get in her way during this story.  But I also liked that she managed to overcome them and get stronger to protect those she cares about.

The other main character, Rafael while confused by his attraction to her, he also wildly underestimates her too!  He's quite dangerous on his own but he becomes quite ruthless when it comes to grabbing up Layla.  He also struggles with why he was asked to do this favor.  Nothing seemed to make sense. There was this puzzle of what's the connection between the person who asked and Layla.

 Rafael and Layla do end with burning up the sheets until danger starts up a different kind of fire.  

I liked how the story comes to a brilliant ending with no one ever underestimating Layla ever again.  I also liked that it was a complete story and it had a H.E.A.

 

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

 

Book Review- Wild Ride (Black Knights Inc. Book 9) by [Julie Ann Walker]

   

The hero we've all been waiting for...

Ethan "Ozzie" Sykes
Former Navy SEAL
Underground operator for Black Knights Inc., the covert government defense firm disguised as a custom motorcycle shop

In a black-on-black international mission that went seriously sideways, Ozzie was badly injured—now he's stuck at BKI headquarters in Chicago, champing at the bit to get out into the field again. To his disgust, he's tasked with distracting Chicago Tribune ace reporter Samantha Tate, who's been trying to dig up the dirt on BKI for years. Turns out Samantha's beauty, intelligence and sense of humor are a seriously big distraction, and Ozzie's losing his desire to keep her at bay.

Ozzie's tired of hiding, and Samantha may be the best—and worst—person to share his secrets with...

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

 

I have mixed feelings on this one.  But not about the main characters or the supporting people in the story. Ozzie...what can I say?  What a great guy, who is skilled in so many areas and women ADORE him.  He's handsome, with a great body and a charming personality, and great sense of humor.  Well at least women adore him for a few nights of hot sex.  But like he is thinking, they all like that about him but no one is someone who will stick with him for anything more.  He's looking for love, family, a sense of belonging but he's looking in all the wrong places (just like the song says).  He keeps thinking, "what is wrong with me, that everyone leaves?" Other than his dark moments of abandonment issues and his painful memories of ops and his physical recover, his Star Trek T-shirts are off the charts funny.  Plenty of humor to be had.

More humor is to be found with the sass back and forth between fellow Black Knight man,Christian. It was hilarious and pretty clever too how they ribbed each other. There is more to dapper British, Christian than just his good looks and Emily Scott wants to sniff that out. He's attracted to her but she scares him silly, something he's not used to.  They are hilarious too in their one up-manship that they have going. 

My favorite description of Samantha Tate was that "The door burst open and a Tasmanian devil otherwise known as ace reporter Samantha Tate came barreling in." She had a big personality and an even bigger giant oversize handbag hanging off of her shoulder.  So over- stuffed that it often caused her to lean to the side.  She begins to see something other than her easy-going friend when several situations caused her to see the warrior in his eyes.  

There is plenty of danger, threats, mysteries, mixed with good flow in the writing and of course hot sex and misunderstandings. 

It also comes to a worthy ending. I guess my struggle when it comes to the rating of this book, is because there is SO much sexual innuendo and detailed sex.  Also some parts felt a little long like when it came to Ozzie thinking that they couldn't be together.  I'm thinking to give it a good rating though because I so loved the main characters and the humor.

On a side note:I had to look up what a Dangling Modifier was though.

LIBBY

Book Review- Secrets (A Lost and Found Novel#2) by Fern Michaels

  

Women's Fiction 

 

Description

Even though Luna and her brother Cullen seem like complete opposites, they’re identical in two ways: they’ll never let injustice stand and they always have each other’s back. #1 New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels blends mystery, drama, and a touch of romance for the second Lost and Found novel, as the siblings set out to uncover the secrets behind a long-lost diary.

Every antique tells a story. Cullen and Luna Bodman learned that through their parents’ furniture business. Now, with their restoration shop and café, they often find themselves at the center of those stories, unraveling mysteries for their clients. The old steamer chest that Cullen receives from an anonymous source is fascinating in its own right. But inside, Cullen discovers more—a locked diary accompanied by a letter, asking for the diary to be restored to its rightful owner. Also in the trunk is a wooden box containing ticket stubs and an undated carnival flyer.

But everyone isn’t thrilled with Luna’s quest. Her budding relationship with U.S. Marshal Christopher Gaines comes under strain as he tries to talk her out of a wild goose chase. But intuition pushes her on, unveiling a surprising modern-day connection, and leading Cullen and Luna to wonder if the diary’s secrets still hold power today . . . 

AMAZON LINK 

3 STARS

 

I'll be honest and say that I had a hard time with this story.  At times it seemed to drag and I had to push myself to stay with it.

Now that said, I did like the relationship between Cullen and Luna.  They had quite the unusual brother- sister dynamics.  Cullen made me smile when he teased her by calling her "Luna-tic". 

I was a bit lost at first because this was my first book in this series and more and more people kept being added.  But I did like the people in the artsy community. There was also a sweet romance for both Cullen and Luna.

However, I wasn't quite a fan when it came to mentions of soul traveling and some of the other new age type stuff. I wasn't expecting that. 

The story does come to a good end with so many questions answered.  

 

 

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

(Netgalley.)

Book Review- Don't Play With Odin (Trouble For Hire# 2) by Cynthia Eden

   

Big, bad, and currently out of his element...

Odin Shaw thought he’d spend his life on a battlefield. But fate had other plans, and now the former Special Forces operative has just landed a new job at his best friend’s PI office. It’s one hell of a life change, and the giant “Viking” is trying to adjust, fast, but then she walks into his life.

Delicate, beautiful, and hunting a killer…

Maisey Bright has been following the news. She knows that the small PI firm just helped track a killer and get the perp locked away—so Maisey figures that the towering man sitting behind the massive desk will be perfect solution for her current predicament. The cops don’t believe her story, so Maisey has no choice. She wants to hire Odin. The job in question? Well, she needs him to help her find proof—irrefutable evidence—that her next-door neighbor is a serial killer.

The gorgeous ones are always a little bit crazy…

Odin figures the case will be a snap. He’ll prove that Maisey’s neighbor is most definitely not a serial killer. He’ll do it in record time, and he’ll score some extra cash for the PI firm. Maybe he’ll even score some points with the lovely—but obviously way too crime-enthusiast-obsessed—Maisey. Piece of cake.

It’s not a piece of cake. It’s a freaking nightmare.

When Odin steps into Maisey’s world, things seem off from the very beginning. Her neighbor is suspicious as hell, and when Maisey is nearly kidnapped after leaving her job, Odin realizes there is much more to the case than meets the eye. A whole lot more. He stays at Maisey’s place to protect her—and to keep an eye on her neighbor. But the close proximity to the maddening Maisey stirs a fierce desire inside of Odin. Maisey is smart, off-beat, sexy…and when he kisses her, Odin is a goner.

But first, the killer…

Odin and Maisey set off to uncover the truth about her neighbor, and as they dig deeper into the disappearances of three wome, Odin begins to suspect that Maisey may be dead right. He also realizes that he is falling for a woman who now seems be the target of a killer. Looks like it might be time for Odin to go to battle once more. Because there is no way—no way—that anyone will hurt Maisey.

Author’s Note: Calling all true-crime enthusiasts! Maisey is your girl. She spends her nights listening to podcasts and sleuthing, but when she suspects that a killer is living next door, Maisey knows that she needs a professional partner…so Odin Shaw enters the picture. Odin has muscles for days, and he doesn’t even blink when he faces danger. He’s just the PI that she wants. Danger, romance, twists—time for their story to begin.

AMAZON LINK 

3.5 STARS

I liked both Odin and Maisey even as awkward as things were  between them so often.  Maisey was a motormouth when she was nervous.  Odin often stuck his foot in his mouth, so he became a man of few words.  Because of his size he is also careful around people so that he doesn't hurt them.  What's not to like about that?  

I couldn't believe how careless Maisey could be when it came to her safety.  I mean she's got her own podcast, she's researched and she's a murder buff.  But she doesn't even use her own research?  Yikes.  But it does have to happen I guess, to move the story along. That's something that Odin is always talking to her about; her safety and her lack of care about it.  There were plenty of twists and turns about her safety and what was happening to others.

While I really liked the main characters, for me although I liked the book it wasn't one of my favorites by this author.  It does get points though for a good ending.