BOOK REVIEW- The Beast’s Ball (The Bluestocking War) by Eva Devon as Maire Claremont

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Can one ball change a bluestocking’s life and mend a beast’s broken heart?

Scarred and sarcastic, the Earl of Argyle has abandoned society, choosing to live alone, away from Scotland in his London townhouse. But he needs an heir. Throwing a ball to find a woman who might be able to endure being married to someone so brutalized by war. . . He never imagined he could find the perfect woman in Miss Rosalind Worthing. The surprisingly tart young lady prefers hiding in the shadows, scribbling away as the ton dances in his glittering ballroom.

But surely, a lady could never, ever love a beast like him. . .

BOUGHT @

 AMAZON LINK

 5 STARS

What a lovely, lovely story.  I fell totally in love with it.  From the totally unpredictable, unusual first meeting of the main characters to the totally unusual ending!
Both Callum, the Earl of Argyle and Rosalind had such depth to them and were SO easy to be drawn into who there were and caring what happened to them.
Rosalind might have been forced to live a quiet life but dang, what an imaginative mind she had. And her real personality came out when she met Callum.  There was boldness in her.  Loved that about her.  She also had kindness and understood things that had to do with pain. I loved her boldness when it came to her conditions to accepting his marriage proposal. It was outstanding!

Good thing that Rosalind understood pain because the Earl of Argyle had plenty of that.  It was so well written when it came to his fear, pain and angst.  It just made you want to see him get his happy ever after.  Especially since he really was such a good man who had sacrificed so much.

 I so enjoyed how Callum and Rosalind interacted as the story went on.  Everything comes to a well earned end.

On a side note, I really would like to see what happens with Olivia.  She is a cousin friend to Rosalind and does deserve her own story and happy ending.

BOOK REVIEW- Yours Truly, The Duke (Say I Do#1) by Amelia Grey

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Romance 

Description

Yours Truly, The Duke is the first novel in the historical romance Say I Do trilogy about dukes needing to wed to tap into their wealth by New York Times bestselling author Amelia Grey.

Fredericka Hale needs a husband, and fast. She’s been caring for her deceased sister’s three young children, and now a childless cousin has petitioned the court for custody. Fredericka is powerless to stop her, but having a husband might sway the ruling. The last thing Fredericka wants is a hurried-up marriage to a man she doesn’t know—much less love, but she’ll do it for the children. So when the handsome Duke of Wyatthaven shows up with a proposal, she accepts. He'll help her, and in return, they’ll lead separate lives. But distance cannot keep them from their powerful attraction.

At the top of his game in London, the Duke of Wyatthaven has no interest in marriage. However, if Wyatt doesn’t marry by week’s end, he’ll lose a sizable inheritance from his grandmother. When Wyatt’s solicitor finds Miss Fredericka Hale, Wyatt considers this little hiccup solved. Miss Hale is lovely, and intelligent. Most importantly, she prefers country life to London, so he’s free to continue his life as usual. But when circumstances force Fredericka and the children to show up at the duke’s door, Wyatt can’t deny he’s always been under her spell. Will the duke give up his bachelor lifestyle and give into the fiery passion growing between them?

AMAZON LINK 

3 STARS

Two strangers meeting with their minds on marriage would be awkward in any normal way.  But these two make things even more interesting with their first meeting being even more strange.  

 It all starts out pretty strong and has great world building. Then it began to slow down more than I would have liked.  One point in it's favor though in the midst of that is Fredericka and Wyatt are fascinated with each other.  Something that they would deny and did for quite awhile. So many misunderstandings ensure as they try to navigate their way.

Fredericka has a lifelong issue of being unwanted and in the way.  Something that does intensify when it comes to the way her marriage is going.  It often even bleeds into the way she interacts with the children that she loves so much. 

Wyatt has an intense hatred for poetry in any form and for some good reasons.  You got it right if you thought that Fredericka was the opposite of that.  Yes, she loves poetry among other things.

What a little snot Jane, the childless cousin turned out to be and quite the bully too.  No way I wanted her to win on anything!!

At one point I just wanted to shake both of the main characters or just smack them a good one in the head.  One of their biggest hurdles was communication and their own past hurts.

I ended up with mixed feelings on this book although it did have some good moments. But not enough for me.

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

 

(NETGALLEY)

Chart of Ideas for WORDS TO USE INSTEAD OF VERY

 

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BOOK REVIEW- Cyborg's Revenge: (The Cyborg's Chronicles 1: Project Enterprise: The Cyborg Chronicles) by Pauline Baird Jones

 

 

They say you can’t go home again, but what if it is the only way to truly be free? 

Rap solves problems large and small. He solved them when he was human, when he was a robot, and now that he’s mostly human again, he’s still solving problems—though eliminating the threat from his old Master is a biggie. He’ll need his pet, Snake, and his new friend, Nelson, the AI inside his head. And then there’s Ale. He thought he knew all there was to know about Ale. 

He was wrong. 

Her human form is making his head spin and his heart hurt. He’d like to get closer to her, but he was a geek who didn’t know how to talk to women before he became a robot. He can’t imagine facing the Master without her, but how can he risk her life on an impossible mission?

Now that Ale is a human again—mostly—her new beating heart is pounding for Rap. It’s a pity that he’s inscrutable, and she’s got a huge secret—one that could be the key to ending the threat from their former Q’uy Master—or doom them all to captivity once more. 

Can the shy guy and the lovesick gal defeat their greatest enemy and find a happy ending? Only the chatty Snake knows for sure. 

Cyborg’s Revenge is being rebooted for The Cyborg Chronicles, a spin-off series in the award-winning Project Enterprise series! 

AMAZON LINK

 5 STARS

I've got to admit that the different "people" were a bit confusing to me.  However, from experience I know that stories often get better so I kept reading.  And I'm so glad that I did. Ale and Rap were so cute when it came to trying to be more human once again.  Their shy romance was sweet.  Also believable as they try to make their way through something that they didn't fully understand at first. 

I really enjoyed Jett, he made me smile time after time.  As Ale's nanite AI he was all up on current human lingo.  Most of which Ale didn't understand but she was learning.  To be honest, each one of the AI's were different but interesting on their own.  The fact that they were sentient was even better.  It would be nice to get more of a story about Snake too.

This story ended up being even more of a surprise in different  but good ways  than I had expected! And yes, I would like to read more of this series. 

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

(BOOKSPROUT) 

BOOK REVIEW- JANE’S REVENGE: Women can also do the business (BOOK 1 Crime Series) by Samantha Smith

  

Jane is a young but smart, fearless, and brave woman. She was born in a wealthy, but extremely sexist family and was never included in anything related to the family business. She had always wanted to be successful and decided that she would make her own rules and wouldn’t let anyone get in her way. She never expected her dad to be the one to become an obstacle towards her success. Her father, Paul, ran one of the largest and most successful crime families on the East Coast. Her father died from an attack and her brother, Rico, saw this as the perfect chance to get control of everything. Her brother decided to kidnap her, because he saw her as an impediment to him taking the power and he didn’t want her to know what had happened to her father. After a long time of being kept hidden, she escaped. She obviously wouldn’t stay quiet and act like nothing happened, she wasn’t going to be the same. She wasn't going to let her brother step on her like that, she was going to get her revenge for everything, and she was going to become the master and everyone would have to listen to her rules and she’d be the one in control now.

BOUGHT AT:

AMAZON LINK 

5 STARS

Wow, what a story this was.  And I liked that it came with multiple points of view.   Not only Jane's but her father Paul, her brother Rico and her lover Chris.  And what an ugly piece of work Rico was. Of course, the book information made it clear that he was a power hungry low life.  There were a couple of other points of views as the story went along too.

And he HATES Jane with every cell of his body.  Rico was violent and he enjoyed violence.  And that alone keeps things jumping. You just never knew what was going to happen next. 

I really enjoyed Jane and Chris together but what a torturous road they have traveled.  Rico just kept pulling them deeper into his net.  And even though they knew he wasn't to be trusted I just couldn't see how they could beat him. Things just kept getting worse and worse for them.  It also surprised me the many times that Jane and Chris got careless. They seemed to let their guards down and because of that also got caught..again and again.

Things come with stunning events the closer the story got to the end.  And then  the end was stunning too.

 

BOOK REVIEW- TEXAS BODYGUARD: BRAX (San Antonio Security #2) by Janie Crouch

     

A baby in his care...
A target on their backs  

A skilled security expert/bodyguard, Brax Patterson is ready for anything . . . except unexpected custody of his reckless half-brother's baby boy. Someone will kill to take young Walker—and silence his resourceful new nanny Tessa Mahoney.

With her help, Brax is breaking all the rules to keep them safe. But will his and Tessa's shattering secrets prove too lethal to survive?

AMAZON LINK 

 4 STARS

This was a really good and often tense story.   Who Brax was is something that is established early on, as was what he had come from.  It was also easily shown the worthiness of his character. 

Tessa was a mystery and filled with terrifying secrets.  But that woman had been through so much and continued to be hassled from several sources.  

It was easy to see how strong the bond was with Brax and his "real" brothers through adoption were.  It was so enjoyable to see how much they had each other's backs.  And Brax was in serious need of that right now and going forward. 

The dangerous actions were unpredictable and kept the tension throughout.  Right up to the end and finishing with a good H.E.A.

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

BOOK REVIEW- In Her Sights (Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunters # 1) by Katie Ruggles

   

He may be her greatest rival—her sworn enemy—but when they face a hidden danger neither could survive alone, he'll soon become her partner…and fiercest protector.

Bounty hunter Molly Pax fought hard for everything she has, turning the struggling family business into an unqualified success. She doesn't need complications in her life—especially not John freaking Carmondy. Six feet of pure trouble, with a cocky grin to match, John's the most cheerfully, annoyingly gorgeous frenemy Molly's ever had the pleasure of facing…and he may be her only hope of making it past these dangerous grounds alive.

John's been over the moon for Molly for years, but she's always seemed untouchable. Unreachable. Now she's looking to him for help, and he'll be damned if he lets her and her sisters down. Teaming up against nearly impossible odds, they'll fight to make it through this alive…even if it means learning to trust in a connection that burns brighter than either has ever known.

Get out your trusty handcuffs: This pulse-pounding romantic suspense contains sizzling enemies-to-lovers attraction, long-time pining, explosions and explosive chemistry between two rival bounty hunters, and a family bond that'll have you coming back for more.

AMAZON LINK 

5 STARS

I wasn't expecting to love this story so much but I did!  Molly had me on her side quickly because I really liked her sassy personality.  But I also liked how she handled the amount of responsibility on her shoulders that were immense.  Jane, her mother I didn't love so much because what a user she is and has always been.  She's a user all right.  But its of people and the she just flits on her way.  Oh, the problems that she caused.  BUT it did lead to some even more interesting things happening in the story.

John.. John,what a good character he was.  Funny, skilled and just knowing how to get under Molly's skin.  Oh, she's fighting that urge to punch him in the face. But the more time she spends around him and that urge is getting weaker.  That scared her, a lot. Plus the fact that he's funny too and she often had to stifle a smile.

Molly thinks that John is just around her because he's hoping to steal her skips but even her sisters can see that it's so much more than that. It's a shame we don't get to hear his point of view in the story but it was enjoyable just the same.  He's actions actually said more than mere words until he could actually share his feelings with her. 

There's plenty of action to keep the story going high levels in that area.  And boy, did it get even more intense towards the end.  

I really liked how it ended ..for now.  There still is the issue of their missing mother, Jane though.  Now I want to read more about this group of women Bounty Hunters.  The sisters are really sounding interesting.

 

I read this story through Libby

BOOK REVIEW- How the Wallflower Was Won (Last Chance Scoundrels# 2) by Eva Leigh

   

USA TODAY bestselling author Eva Leigh continues her Last Chance Scoundrels series with a steamy romance between two opposites—a rogue with a taste for wagers and a bookish wallflower—who marry for convenience... but neither bet on falling in love.

Finn Ransome is an expert on Lady Luck, which is why he refuses to take a chance on love. Experience has taught him that he’s happier at a gaming table than around people he will, inevitably, disappoint. However, the clock is ticking on his father’s matrimonial demands. But the only woman to catch his eye is a bluestocking who would never consider a rogue like him.

After a disastrous first Season, Tabitha Seaton decided to focus on books instead of ballrooms. She hopes to join the Sterling Society, a collective of the most brilliant, influential minds in London. Except, they will never admit an unmarried lady. Now Tabitha needs a husband, and a notorious, handsome gambler may be her best bet.

Finn and Tabitha are opposites who have no intention of wagering on a love match, and a calculated marriage of convenience solves all their problems—with no risk to their hearts. Once married, however, their potent attraction boils over into a deep passion that neither expected. When a painful mistake drives the new lovers apart, Finn will risk it all to prove a scoundrel and a wallflower are a winning pair...

 AMAZON LINK

3 STARS 

I was looking forward to reading this story for a while.  So imagine my surprise when I found out that it just wasn't my cup of tea.  

I just couldn't connect with some of the story. Maybe Tabitha was just too intelligent for me and too much focus was put on those examples.  At least for me, like I said.  

Finn had his moments though when it came to being more likeable. He also had some interesting ways of addressing situations. Especially towards the end.  He really was intelligent in his own way. 

The story does have some humor.  Also grumpy Dom added something different, that at times did make me smile.  Even knowing that he was working off some pain.

I have to give the story points for the parts I liked.  I just wish I had liked it more.

 

BOOK REVIEW- Taming the Rake( Lords in Love) by Erica Ridley

   

Historical Fiction | Romance 

 

All her life, Miss Gladys Bell was a wallflower whose parents despaired of her ever attracting a suitor. Then she met the man of her dreams, who said she was the woman of his. One passionate night later, Gladys awaits a marriage proposal that never comes. Reuben Medford, the ton’s most notorious rake, doesn’t even remember her name. 

Thanks to his cold-hearted callousness, Gladys lost her reputation, her dowry, and her chance at love. But now she’s back, and bent on revenge. He’s trifled with the wrong woman: This wallflower has thorns. Once Gladys holds that damnable rake’s arrogant, fickle heart in her hands… She’ll crush it, just as he did to her. 

This time, he’ll remember her name.

 AMAZON LINK

 4 STARS

The book cover was so nice that it made me slow down and take a closer look at the book.  

This book turned out to be QUITE the surprise.  And a good one as far as I am concerned.  Just from reading the book information (which was good) I never would have guessed the twists and turns it was going to take.   

 The emotions were so well shown and that began with how both Gladys and Reuben were each raised.  I absolutely HATED how Gladys's mother treated her. No wonder her self esteem was so low in the beginning.  Being constantly put down and then expected to perform and push herself forward to gain a husband was just stupid.  As the story goes forward we begin to see Reuben was also lonely and felt unloved, so he kept things roguish.  If he spent little time with a woman but was a great lover then no woman would see his flaw. The emotions of what Gladys went through after she was ruined, was spot on and so sad.The cat and mouse game between the two main characters was fun to watch.  Reuben had no clue about this game of revenge.  Gladys did it with style!

 Everything works out in the end but not before Reuben makes a few more painful mistakes.  

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

(Netgalley)

BOOK REVIEW- Hours to Kill (Homeland Heroes #3) by Susan Sleeman

   

Just as Homeland Security Agent Addison Leigh reaches the pinnacle of her cyber investigation into a firearms smuggling ring, she's attacked and left for dead. Her estranged husband, ICE Agent Mack Jordan, is notified that she's at the hospital in a coma. He may have let his past military trauma ruin their short marriage, but she never gave up on their relationship, and he remains her next of kin.

Mack rushes to her bedside, where he promises to hunt down the man who attacked her. Mack failed her once when he bailed on their marriage, and he's not about to let her down again. But when she wakes up in the hospital, she remembers neither the attack nor ever being married to Mack. And when a second attempt to take her life is made, it's clear something very sinister is going on, and Mack and Addison are in for the ride of their lives.

AMAZON LINK 

 5 STARS

Turned out to be a good story, even better than I expected.  In fact it was quite the full story. It had depth and great people in it too.  I'm talking about the RED Team that Mack was a major part of.  Boy, does he have his challenges when it comes to the PTSD that caused him to bail on his marriage.  Even now though he is relying on a specific Bible scripture to help him in times of stress.  I liked that this was part of the story but it shouldn't hinder non-Christians from reading this story. 

"Bear" was a good addition to the team, in a round about way.  Still, I enjoyed his contributions. 

The dangers keep popping up all over the place.  Made even more dangerous for Addison.  It was really tough when it came to her trying to navigate things without her memory.  That was so well written.  In fact all of the emotions were so well done.  As was the intensity of the many enemies got going, it  was edge of the seat reading. 

Spectacular events leading up to the ending and the actual ending.  The Epilogue put a good finishing touch for the personal lives of the RED Team. 

I read this book through the HOOPLA Library App.

BOOK REVIEW- Blind Trust (The SNAP Agency #3) by Natalie Walters

   

Christian , Mystery & Thrillers, Romance 

 

Natalie Walters closes out her SNAP Agency series with a bang with this nail-biting story of a deadly government conspiracy, an unlikely couple, and an ending that will leave you breathless. 

 

Lyla Fox knows she has a reputation at the SNAP Agency for impulsivity, but when she receives a threatening letter from a man she helped put in prison, she can't stop herself from going all in to find out why he's coming after her. Unfortunately, she's going to need the help of the one person who questions her reckless choices more than anyone else.

Explosives and weapons specialist Nicolás Garcia agrees to help Lyla in order to keep her safe, but her recklessness continues to be a major concern, especially when her investigation into a conspiracy puts a target on her back. Dealing with bombs is dangerous. Working with Lyla is proving to be just as treacherous--to both the mission and his heart.

AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

Both of the main characters seemed to be total opposites.  Lyla was skilled, determined and almost unstoppable when she got an idea in her head; regardless of the danger. Nicolás was on the other side of the scale becomes SO cautious in his approach. Some think he is TOO cautious; especially Lyla.  But they both were the same when it came to their devotion to stopping evil.  There was quite a bit of angst when it came to Nicolás thinking he could change or fix Lyla.  
I did find it a bit distracting when it came to Nicolás and his constant messing with his ball cap.
I loved the team and some of their in office and off site humor.  They really did come through as a family.
I have to admit that for quite a while I was almost dizzy when it came to all the "leads" that the team got that turned out to be dead-ends.  I got lost for a while. BUT the best part really comes through towards the end with several BIG surprises.  I liked how that all came about.  I love it when something comes out that I didn't see coming.

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

(NETGALLEY)

Book Review- Burnout by Tee O'Fallon

   

There's no secret he can't uncover...

Sexy-as-sin Police Chief Mike Flannery knows the new arrival to Hopewell Springs is trouble. She has a smoking-hot body and a quick wit…and he’ll be damned if that’s not a turn-on. But this former NYPD cop and small-town heartthrob has been burned before, and there’s no way he’ll let that happen again.

New York City Detective Cassie Yates is on the run. A six-month undercover sting in a sleazy bar seemed like a textbook arrest—but now there’s a hit out on her. Armed with fake ID, her K-9 companion, and a police-issued SUV, she flees to a quiet upstate town where she trades her badge and gun for a spatula, finally finding peace in the dream she tossed aside to follow her family into law enforcement.

There’s no denying the fire and ice between them. But as the hired assassin closes in, Mike’s past comes roaring back and secrets are revealed in an explosion destined to tear them apart—if not destroy them.

AMAZON LINK 

 5 STARS 

This story was great from beginning to end.  Great plot, interesting people starting with Cassie and Mike.  The town that Cassie ended up "temporarily" had such wonderful people in it too. I also enjoyed the town itself and it's businesses and celebrations.  And I can see why Cassie wished that this was the place where she could belong.  If only! If only she wasn't running for her life and trying to stay hidden until the person trying to kill her is exposed. 

I loved the sparks that shot off of Cassie and Mike until... she found out he was a cop.  She was SO over dating cops.  And the cop world since even many of her family members inhabited that world. The title was so bang on because Cassie was burned out by all the undercover work.  Plus with Mike's cop senses that was also dangerous to her.

And Mike's cop senses were tingling when he couldn't get a straight answer from her. The attraction was still there but with a healthy heaping of suspicious caution.

The intensity stays top notch all the way through.  It made me wonder when the next shoe was going to drop. The dangers coming at her were unpredictable although a few of her decisions I thought she should have known better.   Still, it didn't take away of my enjoyment of the story.  

Dramatic, dangerous ending also comes to a good H.E.A. for Cassie and Mike.  And a smile-worthy Epilogue. 

I was given a free copy of this book without being required to leave a review.  These are my honest thoughts on this book.

BOOK REVIEW- Undercover Captor (Shadow Agents, Guts & Glory # 5) by Cynthia Eden

   

Originally published in 2014

The man standing watch over Dr. Tina Jamison was an imposing, scarred figure. Even more frightening was what would happen when her kidnappers discovered they’d taken the wrong woman. Only she didn’t realize this same guard was an undercover agent, or that Drew Lancaster left no fellow Elite Operations agent behind.

Running handcuffed together through Texas, Drew vowed to protect Tina against all dangers. For a man who’d fought so may battles, he couldn’t afford to lose this one. She’d need to follow his orders to stay alive. But it didn’t take a doctor to see that this wounded warrior she’d once feared needed some saving himself….

AMAZON LINK

5 STARS

 I loved this story and it grabbed me right from the opening chapter. The danger to Tina started right there too. Both Drew and especially Tina surprised me time after time.  In a good way that is. I enjoyed the connection between them. I was involved all the way through to the very last page. 

The ruthless enemy, Anton Devast who was chasing Tina was clever and had plenty of evil resources.  He always seemed to be a step ahead of Elite Operatives.  That's because he was.  He had at least one person inside their company; a traitor who was selling them out. Devast had a HUGE plan to get revenge against Mercer who was Tina's boss and head of the Agency.  Devast had plan after plan to get what he wanted. And I have to give the author kudos for the creativeness of them.
Really good ending with Devast taken care of and a H.E.A. for Tina and Drew.

*Everything is taken care of EXCEPT that pesky traitor who hasn't been uncovered yet. 

 

Book Review-- You're Still The One (A Calamity Falls Small Town Romance Novel Book 9) by [Erika Kelly]

   

When Stella Cavanaugh gets the chance to come home after a seven-year, self-imposed exile, she takes it. She was born to be a wedding planner, and she hopes creating her sister's wedding might just earn her the redemption she's been hoping for.

The only thing holding her back is the fear of running into Griffin James, the love of her life. Because she not only hurt her family, she destroyed their relationship. Burned it right to the ground. And she just doesn't know if she can bear to find out he's moved on. She sure hasn't.

Griffin James has a roommate. The fourteen-year-old's staying with him while his dad's on deployment. Sounds simple, but the boy's grandparents are looking for any excuse to pull him out of the clutches of the big, tattooed owner of a bike shop. If Griffin can just stay under their radar, everything should be fine.

But that's just not possible when Stella bursts into their lives. Her sparkly spirit, her big, splashy ideas, and her impulsiveness always lead to disaster. He knew that...but he couldn't resist her.

And now she's on the run again, because...

The very things they love about each other are also what tear them apart.

AMAZON LINK 

I have to admit to mixed feelings on this one.  There were parts that I liked and other parts not so much.  I do have to give the story points though because it did have depth to it.

I did like both Stella and Griffin and the history that they had.  Stella was shown to be a woman with a big personality, big ideas and big heart.  She lights up a room and will go all in for her "people."  That often gets her in trouble. Some of her bad decisions have caused her a lot of guilt, which causes her to make even more bad decisions. It just felt like some of the times Stella did some juvenile things especially the YEARS that she spent apart from her family.

Griffin was the oldest of seven children, someone who is used to being responsible for others.  That's also why it was in his genes to help out his friend Peyton by keeping his son, Austin while he was deployed.   Griffin also has known that Stella was "the one" for him until things blew up in their faces. Griffin also has guilt to deal with from a dangerous, foolish teenage thoughtlessness with his friends.  Something that had him having to face the horrible Hanging Judge of Calamity.  That man was merciless in ripping him apart as Griffin stood in front of him then.  That former judge hasn't changed much and unfortunately his also one of the grandparent to Austin.  What a bully, and his wife isn't much better.  They put up problem after problem trying to take Austin to live with them.   Austin is 100% miserable with them and it's easy to see why.

The only thing that really bothered me was how much time was spent with all the angst from both main characters.  I did like Stella's family though, they added a lot.   

The way the story ended was a plus that did put a smile on my face. 

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

Book Humor- A new book haul even though...

  

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BOOK REVIEW- Winning Maura's Heart (The Hangman's Daughters# 1) by Linda Broday

    

Romance

Description

A handsome stranger on her doorstep!

Texas, 1876. Maura Taggart is an outcast. She is the daughter of a hangman and tainted by association - no reputable man would ever want her as his wife. And now she is homeless, along with her sister and the group of children in their care. But Maura has grit. She finds a nearby mission where the nuns agree to take them in and set up an orphanage. But trouble is just around the corner . . .

The Calhoun brothers are identical twins but on opposite sides of the law. Cutter is a deputy Marshal, Jonas an outlaw. When Cutter attempts to break his brother out of a notorious gang, they are shot, and Maura finds one of them wounded, close to the mission - but which brother is it?

 As the stranger regains his strength under Maura's care an attraction between them grows, but there's a question over his identity. Can he be trusted and why has his presence brought danger to their door? With the orphanage under threat can Maura trust this handsome stranger both with their safety and with her heart?

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

 This is an emotional story that starts with both Maura and her sister Emma being ousted from a town without mercy.  Oh, they were already outcasts because of their father being a hangman.  But the town felt no remorse of using  them working tirelessly helping when the yellow fever hit.  But as soon as it was done, they were quickly kicked out of town.  Maura and Emma have had to live through a lot of hardships because of their father.  They learned to survive and move with their heads held high.  Although Emma is involved in this story, it really has more to do with Maura as the title suggests. 

I really liked how Maura and Emma stepped up to help the children orphaned by the yellow fever.  The town could care less about them and were happy to throw them out too.  What precious kids they turned out to be, which made the story even better.  It just seemed like every time they turned around there was someone else who needed rescuing and were gathered in.  The nuns made me smile and added so much to the story too. 

The dangers and secrets that were waiting was well written too.  And Calhoun had plenty, some of which their Uncle Max was pretty perceptive about.  Uncle Max, what a character he was when he showed up!

Things do start out kind of slowly but set a really good foundation and when the action starts it does move along. 

I liked how the story ended with all the concerns handled.  And a hard earned H.E.A.

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

(NETGALLEY)

BOOK REVIEW- The Body Guard by Lilia Swan

   

She’s off-limits, and I’m hired to protect her, but her strange familiarity has got a hold on me…

I’m hired to keep her safe.

As the daughter of a billionaire, she gets whatever she wants.

It’s my job to do whatever it takes.

Her gaze and mannerisms remind me of Maila.

My childhood bestie, who disappeared from my life when we were 10.

When her hand grazes mine, it sends an electric jolt to my heart that feels like I’ve known this before.

It’s all too much and is sending me spiralling out of control.

But the name of this billionaire’s daughter is Carrie—not Maila.

I’m officially totally confused.

But it has to be her. The resemblance is too uncanny.

Why would she be pretending to be someone else?

Whatever is going on, I don’t care—I want to be more than her protector.

I want to claim her forever.

And the way her warm brown eyes gaze into mine, I know she wants that too.

I won’t let her get away from me, no matter who she actually is…

I COULDN'T FIND THIS BOOK ON AMAZON OR GOODREADS.

I DID GET IT FOR FREE THROUGH BOOK FUNNEL.

 

This story was sweet and short with a few surprises.  It was okay.  And it was a clean story.   But I am thinking it might be  for a younger audience. 

BOOK REVIEW- Never Say Sorry by Faith Hart

  BKFBKFNNL/ NNL/ 

Trixie Benning– the no-nonsense Accounting Manager working her way up the corporate ladder.  She is highly intelligent, introverted, and for the most part, steadfast about keeping personal and work separated – except when it comes to him.

Drew Alexander- the President and CEO that seems to be her polar-opposite in personality. A confident extrovert with the type of ‘love- ‘em-and-leave- ‘em’ history that the tabloids salivate over. He’s used to getting what he wants – and he’s not happy with being told ‘no.’

When Trixie uncovers fraudulent activity at the company, she and Drew must work closely together to repair the damage. But the more time they spend together, the greater the emotional danger to them both.

 AMAZON LINK

 3 STARS

Well, this story had an awkward first meeting between Trixie  and Drew.  Even made me a bit uncomfortable.  But maybe it's because I don't do embarrassing well. 

 This was a sweet short story with good main characters.   I'm just sorry that I didn't like it more.  It just didn't pull me in that much.  Would I give this author another try?  Yes.  But this story just wasn't it for me.

BOOK REVIEW- Claiming Her Ground by Julie Miller & Janie Crouch

   

The fight of her life

Kansas City Cop by Julie Miller

After a gunshot rips streetwise police officer Gina Galvan from the line of duty, all she wants is to return to the front line and stop a shooter. But good guy physical therapist Mike Cutler won’t back down from a challenge, or his blazing attraction to Gina. Without a badge or a gun, Mike is ready to face anyone—including a killer—to prove he’s every inch a hero.

Armed Response by Janie Crouch

Former Special Forces soldier Jace Eakin must find the mole inside Omega who’s leaking intel to a terrorist mastermind. Despite their complicated history and the fact that she is keeping a secret, he can’t believe it’s SWAT team leader Lillian Muir. As they give in to long-denied passion, Jace vows to protect Lillian with his life. But he’s been wrong about her before…

AMAZON LINK 

5 Stars  Because of the one I liked the most

Kansas City Cop-

I had a hard time with this one.  A hard time when it came into being all in on it.  And I really shouldn't have because I did like gutsy Gina.  And even though she called Mike, "Boy Scout" so many times?  There was so  much more to him than just being nice.  She thinks Mike has had it easy all his life. She couldn't be more wrong.  She sure knows that her life hasn't been all roses and sweetness. She also feels the heavy weight of family responsibility.

I had some serious reservations about Derrick.  Does her ex-partner really have her back or does he have his own agenda. From different things that happen,  he doesn't seem like that great an officer.   It felt like the things that he was doing after the shooting was not all that encouraging.  Was he sabotaging her? 

Between police officers being targeted and Gina's recovery and family drama things do get a bit intense at times.  

 Everything does come to a good end at the end.  It also includes a short Epilogue.  My last words are that I just wished that I liked it more.

 

 

 

 Armed Response:
Strong main characters who are dealing with plenty of past issues and misinformation.   The emotions were well displayed and easy to tap into.  
There is also a well developed secondary group of people.  They added to the story without being confusing. 
Twists and surprise after surprise adds to the tension that is already in the dangers that they all are dealing with.  
The mole will be found but it won't be easy.  That mole was someone that I had begun to suspect after a while.  After all the author did leave a few bread crumbs here and there.  They weren't super obvious but they did get my attention.    That's okay though because when exposed the mole just had more surprises.  That drama was so well done. 
 Good ending but that darn other bad guy, the psycho terrorist got away.  But you just know that won't be for long.  Sounds like things just might be coming to a head about that in the next book.

 

BOOK REVIEW- Kansas City Cop (The Precinct #33) by Julie Miller

   

She cheated death once…but a killer still lurks.

When a gunshot rips streetwise police officer Gina Galvan from the line of duty, all she wants is to return to the front line and stop a shooter. But good guy physical therapist Mike Cutler won’t back down from a challenge, or his blazing attraction to Gina. Without a badge or a gun, Mike is ready to face anyone — including a killer — to prove he’s every inch a hero.

 

I had a hard time with this one.  A hard time when it came into being all in on it.  And I really shouldn't have because I did like gutsy Gina.  And even though she called Mike, "Boy Scout" so many times?  There was so  much more to him than just being nice.  She thinks Mike has had it easy all his life. She couldn't be more wrong.  She sure knows that her life hasn't been all roses and sweetness. She also feels the heavy weight of family responsibility.

I had some serious reservations about Derrick.  Does her ex-partner really have her back or does he have his own agenda. From different things that happen,  he doesn't seem like that great an officer.   It felt like the things that he was doing after the shooting was not all that encouraging.  Was he sabotaging her? 

Between police officers being targeted and Gina's recovery and family drama things do get a bit intense at times.  

 Everything does come to a good end at the end.  It also includes a short Epilogue.  My last words are that I just wished that I liked it more.

Book Review- Run, Run, Seek (A Hunting Grounds Short) - Nichole Severn

 reason why amphibians are so sensitive to environmental change?

A detective barely hanging onto her career.
A partner who refuses to walk away.
A deadly game of hide and seek neither of them see coming.

Detective Samia Lane has had it with getting involved with cops. Her ex-husband—and former captain—was a criminal and a liar who took advantage of the entire department. But when an avid hiker goes missing, she never expects her partner of three years to become anything more than a friend.

Banks Everette isn’t looking to stay in the shadows of Samia’s life. He wants more. He won’t let his feelings for her get in the way of the investigation, but just as they uncover answers, the game turns personal. One they didn’t realize they were playing.

Can Banks convince the detective he’s always loved to trust him with her broken heart when a killer is out to end their lives?

 AMAZON LINK

5 STARS

The story starts out good with Samia's point of view doing the speaking.  I was thinking, "aren't we going to hear Banks point of view as well?  I hope so. But even if we don't I am still enjoying it."   Chapter 4 is when we get to "hear" some of his side of things.  Yay!  

The emotions in this story and the partnership between Samia and Banks kept things moving. Both such good main characters. He is so into Samia both on the job and off.  And she has her shields up even while letting him in more than she has anyone else.  She is so afraid to trust another cop romantically after her ex's massive betrayal.  But I could see that Banks wasn't hiding behind a mas like her ex had.  What she saw was who he was.  Good guy. Both on the job and off.  They really did make a good team.

This book might be shorter but it is jam packed and kept my interest throughout.  A surprise twist towards the end makes it even better.   And there is also hope for the future.

 

I received a free copy of this story and this is my honest thoughts on it.  

BOOK REVIEW- Now You See Me (Detectives Kane and Alton # 18) by D.K. Hood

   

General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers 

 **Each Kane and Alton book can be read as part of the series or as a standalone**

Description

Shivering by her broken-down car at midnight, she’s relieved when a passer-by finally stops and offers her a ride. But her heart pounds as she hears the locks click shut. They’re going the wrong way. Rooted to the spot with fear, she looks into his dark eyes, as he laughs wildly…

When a car belonging to Black Rock Falls’ much-loved bartender Maisy Jones is found abandoned on an ice-covered road outside of town, Sheriff Jenna Alton and her deputy David Kane are called in. The exhaust has been tampered with, which can only mean one thing: someone wanted Maisy stranded on that isolated road…

Finding a red backpack on the same perilous stretch of highway, Jenna hopes it will contain clues to Maisy’s whereabouts. But the debit cards inside belong to local teaching assistant, Billy Stevens. He didn’t show up for work that day. Billy too has vanished into thin air.

Jenna needs to find Maisy and Billy fast, but her frantic search only throws up another missing person. Canvassing the small town festooned with Christmas lights, Jenna has the impossible task of tracking down a twisted murderer plucking victims from their everyday lives and leaving no trace.

Almost giving up hope, she makes a sickening discovery in the church at the center of town, one that sends shockwaves through the tight-knit community. Everyone is afraid to let their loved ones out of sight. But how many more innocent lives must be lost before Jenna can catch the killer among them? 

AMAZON LINK 

5 STARS  (This one will rock you)

I just HAVE to give this story 5 Stars on Amazon because it was SO well written.  Creepy when it comes to the murder but so different too.  But thankfully there were also some really GOOD people in the story.  Dave (often spoken of as  Kane) and Jenna definitely fall into that category.  One of my favorite things that made me smile? The question that Jenna asked Dave when they were making breakfast.  She asked if he needed her to burn the toast.  Their relationship was a surprise but one that I really enjoyed. They made a great team, in so many ways.

The story had really good world building.  The addition of Duke and Zorro (the dogs) was great.  Duke was trained to track people and Zorro was trained to detect explosives. Speaking of good people, that includes Carter, Jo, Wolf, Rio, Rowley, Bobby Kahlo, to mention a few.  I will say that I had to pay attention to keep the people straight.  So, that was one bit of downside but it was worth it.

 Everything comes to a stunning conclusion.  And I mean STUNNING!!!!

My last thought ended up being, "What would you do to stay alive?"

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