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

   

Romance

Description

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

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

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

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

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

through NetGalley

**BOOK REVIEW- The Guest List by Fern Michaels

  

Women's Fiction 

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

 AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

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

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

 

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

 

(Netglley)

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

   

Romance 

 

Description

He can’t be the hero.

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

He isn’t the lover she remembers…

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

Trapped in paradise, all their secrets will be exposed.

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

A lot can happen on a hot island night.

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

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

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

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

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

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

 

(NETGALLEY) 

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

 

Romance

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

AMAZON LINK

3.5 STARS

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

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

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

(through Netgalley)

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

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

   

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

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

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

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

AMAZON LINK

4 stars

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Booksprout) 

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

    

 

Christian,  Mystery & Thrillers

Description

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

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

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

 AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 (NETGALLEY)