BOOK REVIEW- Kiss of the Assassin by Joylene Nowell Butler

   

General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers | Romance 

Description

Marina Antonovna, a Soviet spy, and Mateo Arcusa, an American homicide lieutenant first meet in Cambodia during the Vietnam War as enemies. Fearful that the most powerful man in the Soviet Union, KGB Chairman Vladimir Kurenkov, has ordered her death, Marina risks everything to defect to the United States. She promises Mateo that her days as an assassin are over. Vladimir is determined to do whatever it takes to bring her back and, by threatening Mateo’s life, forces Marina to break her promise.

AMAZON LINK 

 4 STARS

I liked this book but with some reservations! I think I'll start with those reservations first. I didn't enjoy all the back and forth when it came to current time and past time.  Not a fan of it but usually okay with a little.  This book had more than I am usually comfortable with. Also more of the political countries histories than I like although you could tell the author did their homework.   For me, though it slowed the story down.  But that's my personal feelings on that.

Now moving on to the more positive things that I liked:

What a breathtaking start to this book.  And the edge of the seat action continues throughout.

 I absolutely was on board when it came to Marina and Mateo.  That's quite a feat considering Marina has been turned into a heartless assassin. Yes, the heartless assassin who is violently ill, throwing up after each kill. Something that she HAS to keep secret.     Also the way she has been raised and used for YEARS was shameful, and so well shown.  Plus the fear that she has been under makes it a lot easier to hope for her.  Hope that she can finally really be freed from under her guardian's thumb.  So you can see how Marina has been trained to show no emotions, but the story is emotional and not just with her.

Mateo was great as far as I was concerned. Mateo causes a shift in Marina even in their most dangerous meeting. He was prepared to die honorably but Marina saw something in him and took the risks of making sure he stayed alive. 

Plenty of twists, turns and dangers are in the story with adversaries and two-faced people coming out of the woodwork.  Marina and Mateo are also being twisted right and left when it comes to their attraction.  Will they ever have a life together or will they continue to just see each other years apart or never again? 

I liked how the story ended with a good Epilogue included. 

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

(NETGALLEY)  

 

Book Review- A Wicked Game (The Ruthless Rivals #3) by Kate Bateman

   

Romance

A Wicked Game marks the third book in Kate Batema

Tuesday, December 27th at 9am PT/12

n's popular regency romance series, Ruthless Rivals.

If there’s one thing impossible for a Davies to resist, it’s a challenge from a Montgomery. . .

A teasing bet.

Shipwrecked and imprisoned thanks to an incorrect map, Captain Morgan Davies has returned to London to exact sweet revenge on the cartographer responsible for his suffering. He’s also vowed to claim the winner’s prize—three kisses—in the bet he made with his long-time nemesis, the prickly, smart-mouthed Harriet Montgomery. His incarceration has clarified his feelings for her, but convincing the infuriating woman he wants to marry her is going to be his greatest challenge yet. When Harriet’s revealed to be the very mapmaker he seeks, Morgan decides to combine revenge and seduction into one delightful package. . .

A dangerous enemy.

Harriet’s always wanted witty scoundrel Morgan, and now he’s back; as handsome and as taunting as ever. She has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s failing eyesight and a rival mapmaker copying her work to play wicked games with a dastardly Davies—however tempting he might be. But when a threat from Morgan’s past puts them both in danger, Harry discovers that she and Morgan might not be enemies at all . . .

AMAZON LINK 

 4 STARS

I liked how the story started out with an amusing Prologue.  It did set the tone for the rest of the story and the rivalry between the Montgomery's and the Davies. 

The world building was literally out of this world good.  

The "aha" moment came in pretty early in the book about the title and how well it fit.  I love that in a story when the title fits the story.  It also had a double meaning because yes, there were some wicked games going on.   And quite the seduction when it kicked in. Both Harriet and Morgan were at their best when it came to exchanging bets and dares.  Led to some funny times. But like the story suggests it's not all fun and games because there was a danger out there that will be coming to collect.  

One of my favorite phrases was, "Here be Dragons"but you'll have to read it to fully understand that.

 The only things that was a slight downer for me was all the map making information although it did show the author did their homework.  But it wasn't enough to throw me off this story because well..the people and their "adventures" kept me going.

It comes to a good ending with a very interesting Epilogue.  Looks like Harriet and Morgan are headed for another adventure whether that means another book or not.

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

 

(Through Netgalley)

 

BOOK REVIEW- Vanessa's Guradian (Never Too Late For Love Romantic Suspense) by Josie Jade, Regan Black & Janie Crouch

   

Some people wait their entire life for their ship to come in, not realizing they’re standing at the airport.   

At least that’s how Vanessa Hamilton feels when it comes to romance. In her late 40s and divorced, she’s decided the traditional happily-ever-after route just isn’t for her. And she’s perfectly fine with that.   

When her doctor suggests a vacation to help her de-stress and get her blood pressure under control, she decides on the remote island of Heartbreak Key off the coast of Florida. 

Just her, the beach, and a bunch books...what could go wrong?  

Stumbling onto drug runners? Check.
Tropical storm? Check.
Hoss, the gruff former Navy SEAL who definitely does not help her blood pressure settle? Triple check.  

Trust hasn't come easy for Vanessa since her divorce, but Hoss—despite his scars and tragic past—is showing her heroes do still exist. Maybe her ship was just a little late coming in.  

But it’s never too late for love...

AMAZON LINK 

 4 STARS

The start of the book, had a surprising introduction of Vanessa to the island and Hoss.   It made me smile.   The story also had me smiling at other times too, mainly when it came to "the attraction dance" between Vanessa and Hoss.   It didn't take long to want to see them both get the best when it came to life. They both had struggled so much but deserved so much better than what they had gotten. Oh, they had areas of success and Hoss  had a great friend in Cameron who had been a brother in arms.  I was happy to see that Cameron is going to get his own story too.  
The danger to Vanessa was well shown and unearthed a few surprises early on.  It just made the dangers even deeper for her and made Hoss want to protect her even more.  
I liked that Hoss saw and treasured the maturity that Vanessa owned and didn't see the physical flaws of age that she did.  He thought she was stunning!  Good for him is what I say.
I liked how everything ended and it included a good Epilogue.

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

BOOK REVIEW- Leveled: An Accidental Marriage Romance (Lilac Harbor #2) by Evie Graham

   

Leveled is an accidental marriage turned fake relationship story with tons of laughter and love. This is the second book in the Lilac Harbor series of standalones. I've become a Vegas cliché.

Woke up next to a strange man? Check.
Wicked hangover? Check.
Small boulder of a diamond on my left ring finger? Also, check.

I've never been known for my excellence in decision making. However, this one decision may take the cake. I've somehow ended up married to Everett Brown, the world renowned woodworker notorious for being a reclusive grump. That reclusive grump is also tall, dark and handsome as hell.

After Everett's agent calls congratulating him on his nuptials, and talking about how amazing it will look for the upcoming media showcase on him, I realize we need to stay married and live together. At least for the next few weeks anyways. Now I have to continue running the family hardware store while also playing the role of blissful newlywed. I've never been married before, but I've got this. Marriage can't be that hard--right?

AMAZON LINK 

5 STARS

I TOTALLY loved this story.  And I know it's because dang what a gal Mac is!  She's funny, charming but also with a mouth that doesn't quit.  Not in a horrible way like some characters can be but just funny in her direct way! She's not out to hurt anyone but she's also not about to stifle herself either.  Humor is her weapon though and she wields it well.  She even gets her new hubby Everett to crack a smile more often and also some deep belly laughs too. And everyone says he's grumpy!  She seems to bring a different side out of him and that was fun to watch even though she could see it scared the heck out of him.  

Speaking of scared, on the inside Mac is kind of scared too because she's not too sure what to do with the feelings she has.  Oh, yeah the physical attraction they have no problem with. It made me smile when she called him Lumberjack, and she wanted to climb him like a tree.  Oh course, he called her pixie, and it was funny to read how much she could pack away when it came to eating. 

I enjoyed it all the way through and the ending didn't disappoint either.  It left me wanting more of this couple but I'm not sure it could get any better.

BOOK REVIEW- Her Delta Force Protector (K-9 Defenders #2) by Sandra Owens

 

Romance 

 

Description

Everyone thinks Harper Jansen is dead.
She is not, and she wants her life back.

When Harper—very much alive but terrified—calls Kade Church, he does what is programmed in his DNA: he protects. Delta Force operator Kade and Duke, his military K-9 school flunker, have the skills to keep Harper safe.

Kade has never allowed himself to think of Harper as more than his best friend, but as they join forces to bring the men who tried to kill her to justice, long-buried feelings surface. And Duke may be a goofball and see everything as a game, but when it counts, he proves he’s more than a boot camp dropout.

Whatever it takes, they’ll save the woman Kade is falling in love with.

 AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

This story ended up being even better than expected and it drew me in right away. 

Duke the goofy dog was lovable and funny. He loves everyone and everything.  He just loves life.  He also has some surprises hidden that come to life too and almost steals the show.  Almost but not quite. Because Harper and Kade keep things interesting on their own too.  Kade brings humor with his mischievous streak when it shows up.  The emotions that he is hiding is so well shown too.  

I felt that the world building was really well done. Very well fleshed out.

The bad guys think they have Harper right where they want her but have no idea the hornets nest that they have stirred up.  They had no idea the resources that she taps into not only with her dangerous friend Kade.   I enjoyed watching Kade's other helpers come alongside.  They are not only dangerous in their own right when needed but whip smart too!

I liked that Harper and Kade were friends for quite a while first before they began to heat up.  

The ending was good both with the dangerous twist and how Harper and Kade ended up.

 

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

 (NETGALLEY)

 

Book Review- Tick Tock (Sisterhood #34) by Fern Michaels

   

General Fiction (Adult) 

 

Description

In a thrilling new story of female empowerment, adventure, and vigilante justice from the legendary bestseller Fern Michaels, The Sisterhood reunites to avenge an attack against one of their own…

The Sisterhood: a group of women from all walks of life bound by friendship and years of adventure. Armed with vast resources, top-notch expertise, and a loyal network of allies around the globe, the Sisterhood will not rest until every wrong is made right.
 
The women of the Sisterhood have developed a motto: “Whatever it takes.” Regardless of how dangerous an adversary may be, or how overwhelming the odds against them seem, the group’s devotion to each other and to their cause has helped them achieve the seemingly impossible.
 
But there’s a price to pay for success. In the course of both their official careers and their top-secret missions, the Sisterhood—and their menfolk—have acquired enemies. Myra has been feeling uneasy of late, and her fears are justified when her adopted daughter, Nikki, is seriously injured. With Nikki in a coma, and Nikki’s partner, Jack, convinced that the organization’s online security has been breached, the women of the Sisterhood are more vulnerable than they’ve ever been. 
 
On their trail is a vicious felon with scores to settle and a network of accomplices willing to do his bidding, for a price. He’s set his sights on vengeance, and the attack on Nikki is just the beginning. Though frantic with worry about her daughter, Myra and her beloved Charles know it’s me to summon the others and figure out how to take the fight to the enemy’s door. Because no one targets one of their own and gets away with it 

 AMAZON LINK

 4 STARS

I found this book a bit hard to get into and I am quite the fan of most of the Sisterhood series.  I did find the beginning to be a bit confusing. With all of the villains and the story going back and forth between them and the victim.

Maggie did make me smile with her always hungry, endlessly empty stomach.  And I did enjoy Libby who was introduced into the story on the side of The Sisterhood.  Maybe she will be included in some future stories.   

It took a while for the story to get more interesting to me but when it took off, I enjoyed it more.  So although I liked this story, it wasn't quite a favorite for me. Although I do have to give the author points for coming at this story from a different angle than usual.

The ending was good in the justice type sense that The Sisterhood gals dishes out.  I did like that they handed out punishments after interrogating the men and clueless Leroy didn't get the worst of the punishments.  They looked at the people, case by case.  I do have to say the man that deserved the harshest punishment, got it. That last one might make you cringe a bit.

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

 

(NETGALLEY)

BOOK REVIEW- The Perfect Spy: A Clean Romantic Suspense (An Untapped Source Book 1) by Amy Martinsen

   

 

The Perfect Spy is the thrilling first book in the An Untapped Source romantic suspense series. If you like undeniable chemistry, page-turning tension, and Christian values in action, then you’ll love Amy Martinsen’s fast-paced novel.

She’s got the best undercover crew. But will a sinister secret undo them?

Kate Ross has lost way too much in the last six months. With her mother’s death from breast cancer, an agent she handled killed on the job, and her career in jeopardy, the beleaguered CIA officer’s faith in God seems like another casualty. So she’s relieved to be offered a shot at redemption by managing an innovative team of “mom spies”… until they saddle her with a more experienced man as a babysitter.

Battling self-doubt and a loss of confidence in her espionage skills, Kate directs a smoothly successful first mission for the unit. But just as she opens up to her kind and encouraging supervisor, she suspects he’s withholding key information when the subject of their next assignment is his ex-wife. And the only solution to her predicament may be prayers she has no expectation will be answered.

Can Kate find the guiding light to solve the case before her personal crisis threatens national security?

AMAZON LINK 

5 STARS

This story knocked it out of the park for me.  It didn't take me long to be in Kate's corner and with the kick-butt group of women that she works with. They really were a out of the box group of women that I really enjoyed.   And John, the man who was assigned to them was also a big surprise too!

The story kept me totally involved all the way and had some surprises when it came to some unexpected enemies.  There were some intense times.

I'm thinking that even non-Christians would enjoy this book as well.   I say that because not only is the story really good but also because God was gently weaved into the story too.  No pushy preaching shoved at you that I could see.

I wouldn't mind one bit reading more with this unusual team and their shenanigans.